Permits for illegal workers need more study: PBRS

Kuala Lumpur: The Federal Government’s proposal to issue temporary work permits to illegals in the country to overcome the shortage of foreign workers in the oil palm and rubber plantations needs a thorough study.

Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) Deputy President Arthur Joseph Kurup (pic) said the Government should give priority to locals to work in the sectors.

“This is because many locals, especially the young, have lost their jobs due to the Covid-19 pandemic. They have to return to their villages to cultivate idle land. There are also those who work as food deliverers or run small businesses and so on just to find a source of income to continue living to support themselves and their families,” he said, Sunday.

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He said that according to the Malaysian Labour Statistics released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (Dosm) in August 2020, the unemployment rate in Malaysia is 741,600 people or 4.7 per cent.

“This shows a relatively high unemployment rate and means many locals are looking for job opportunities.

“Therefore, the Government should look at these figures by giving priority to them to work in the sectors.

“We should not assume that they do not want to work if we do not offer them the opportunity.

“If the job opportunities are given to locals, it will indirectly help to restore our country’s economy. When there are jobs, the people will have income. When there is income, the people will spend.

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“Job opportunities in the plantation and industrial sectors also need to be upgraded so that these sectors can attract the youths to participate and, at the same time, will be able to reduce dependence on foreign workers,” he said.

Arthur said when the job opportunities are filled by locals the Government can reduce the flow of money abroad and thus help stimulate the economy.

According to him, offers of job opportunities to foreigners should be the last resort.

He said the offers must follow strict measures and procedures to prevent misuse by irresponsible parties.

Commenting further on the matter, Arthur, who is also the Member of Parliament for Pensiangan, said PBRS, which is part of the Federal Government, will always ensure that priority employment opportunities are given to locals, especially in Sabah.

“We remain consistent and will ensure that the Federal Government does not implement the issuance of temporary work permits to illegals in Sabah. 

“All efforts in developing the economy should be given priority to locals, especially in Sabah, to reduce the migration of Sabah youths abroad to earn a living,” he said.