Move to retain experienced foreign workers

PUTRAJAYA, 10 March 2011 -  The government is considering extending the service of foreign workers who have worked in Malaysia in all industries for five years by another five years. Currently the policy, also known as the 5+5 permit, only applies to the oil palm sector to overcome manpower shortages there as well as to prevent experienced foreign workers from returning home.

Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Mahmood Adam said some foreign workers had to be retained because of their experience and skill.

"Based on a study, as well as the interests of the country's industrial and economic sectors, the government is mulling that the 5+5 permit be applied to (all) sectors that employ foreign workers," he said in a statement yesterday.

On a separate issue, Mahmood said a report on the Special Laboratory on Sabah Foreign Citizens would be tabled soon to the Sabah cabinet.

He said the laboratory, held in Sabah from May 4 to 27 last year, had several suggestions, in addition to those submitted by the national-level Laboratory on Management of Foreign Citizens.

Last year, it was reported that the lab was aimed at finding ways to manage the data of foreigners in the state. It will also study the costs and advantages of hiring foreign workers in the construction, manufacturing, plantation, fisheries and tourism sectors.

"The Sabah government has given the green light on the suggestions and the report will be tabled at the cabinet committee meeting on foreign workers and illegal immigrants, which will be chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on March 17," Mahmood added. Source: New Straits Times