The Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, emphasized the pressing need for approximately 80,000 workers within the rubber plantation sector. Addressing the issue at a press conference following the ministry's assembly, he highlighted the necessity to fill the labor gap in catering to the needs of rubber smallholders, whose approximately 420,000 hectares of holdings remain unutilized due to insufficient manpower.
Johari pointed out the critical situation, stating that each 1.5 hectares of rubber smallholdings necessitates one worker. With this ratio in mind, the sector requires a workforce between 70,000 to 80,000 individuals to optimize its untapped resources.
Highlighting the economic impact, Johari previously reported Malaysia's loss of RM2.3 billion in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) attributed to the untapped 420,000 hectares of rubber smallholdings. He outlined the decline in rubber production over the last decade, attributing it to various factors such as labor scarcity, high production expenses, and the existence of economically unfeasible smallholdings.
Expressing concerns over the potential repercussions on the country's economic growth, Johari urged the implementation of mitigation measures by the government to address these challenges effectively.
Moreover, the minister emphasized the significance of worker welfare, urging employers within the plantation sector to enhance accommodations and facilities for both local and foreign workers. Johari stressed the importance of meeting international standards in these aspects, emphasizing their influence on the country's export ratings and certifications. He underlined the correlation between compliance with international standards and the likelihood of consumers choosing Malaysian products.
Ultimately, Johari's call to action stressed the urgency not only in rectifying the labor shortage issue but also in prioritizing worker welfare to ensure a thriving and competitive rubber plantation sector in Malaysia. This comprehensive approach, encompassing workforce augmentation and enhanced worker conditions, remains crucial to sustaining and advancing the country's rubber industry on a global scale.
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