Time to hire local workers in hospitality industry

LETTER: I refer to a local newspaper report, “Labour hitch hindering recovery of hotel sector”, which read that the hospitality industry is facing a labour shortage which is affecting the delivery of efficient services.

We should discard our over-dependence on foreign labour. Serious efforts are required to attract the local workforce including in the mentioned industry.

It is inaccurate to state that the locals are shunning or unwilling to work in this sector. In fact, foreign workers are the preferred choice of many local industries. They are ever willing to adapt to the employer’s urgent needs, including working longer hours and on holidays.

This is aside from the fact that it is not compulsory for the employer to make statutory contributions towards the Employees Provident Fund and the Employment Insurance System under the Employees Provident Fund Act 1991 and Employment Insurance System Act 2017, respectively.

There are also certain restrictions imposed on foreign workers’ involvement in the trade union activities.

While foreign workers have helped the country overcome labour shortages especially in the blue colour sectors, the preference should be to engage local workers.

With the economic impact caused by Covid-19, the unemployment rate among the locals is high with many being involved in the gig economy to earn a living.

More efforts are required from the local industries to tap the local workforce including school-leavers and graduates, by offering flexible work arrangements, competitive perks and training or learning opportunities.

The government should assist local industries in hiring the local workers by providing financial or tax rebate incentives, including job training grants.

It is high time Malaysia discarded its heavy dependence on foreign labour and instead encourage the recruitment of local manpower.

PROFESSOR DATUK SERI DR ASHGAR ALI ALI MOHAMED

International Islamic University Malaysia

Source : https://www.nst.com.my/opinion/letters/2022/06/807162/time-hire-local-workers-hospitality-industry