The percentage of foreign workers in Malaysia has been rising rapidly, Under its 12th Malaysia Plan, the government has set a maximum proportion for foreign workers, 2.2 million workers with valid work permits representing 15% of Malaysia workforce.
The actual number of foreign workers in Malaysia, including those without documentation, may be far larger than what official statistics indicate.
Malaysians also avoid tasks that are viewed as "3D" : dirty, dangerous, and difficult. The demand for labour in industries including production, construction, and agriculture has contributed to the increasing number of foreign workers.
The issue is that these foreign workers, do they receive fair treatment? Unfair treatment is a common situation for foreign workers, who are paid RM1,500 less than the standard pay and are not entitled to basic benefits like paid leave or holidays and even medication support.
It shows that there are issues with the way the job market functions in Malaysia. Instead of getting fair treatment and respect at work, foreign workers are usually seen as cheap and quick replacements.
The huge number of foreign workers in Malaysia may lead to negative opinions. Giving the appearance that Malaysia relies on foreign workers while Malaysians are unwilling to take on certain types of jobs. Furthermore, the presence of a huge foreign workforce may weaken social unity, particularly when locals and foreigners compete for job opportunities and resources.
Furthermore, the scenario may have a negative impact on Malaysia's reputation as a tourist destination. For example, on Xiaohongshu, a citizen discussed their experiences, a visitor to Malaysia mentioned being uncomfortable during their visit to Pasar Seni. They expressed discomfort as a result of the large number of foreign workers staring at them, which may create the impression that Malaysia is unsafe or unwelcoming to tourists.
To improve the situation, Malaysia should take a few steps. First and foremost, ensure that all workers, no matter their nationality are treated fairly. This could include ensuring that they are paid fairly and given proper breaks as needed. Furthermore, concentrating on improving the abilities of local workers to fill positions currently held by foreign workers could be helpful This could help the country minimise our relying on foreign labour in the future.
Finally, open conversations with various stakeholders, including businesses, workers, and representatives from other countries, may be advantageous. By seeking feedback from all parties involved, Malaysia may be able to discover solutions that address the needs of everyone affected. Finally, working to create a fair and balanced environment for all workers may contribute
Daphne Wong is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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