Thousands of Malaysians flocked a hotel in Melaka after an electronics factory announced that it had hundreds of job vacancies looking to be filled.
The result was a long line of hopefuls who braved the hot sun while waiting for their turn to attend an open interview session at Batu Berendam in Bandar Hilir.
Photos which went viral on social media showed that the queue was so long that it even spilled onto the main road with cars passing by.
Starting pay of RM3,500
According to Sinar Harian, the main drawing factor was the factory offering a starting salary of RM3,500 to successful candidates.
Furthermore, it also announced that it had between 300 to 500 production operators and technician positions waiting to be filled.
Unsurprisingly, this led to more than 1,000 individuals turning up for the interview session.
Lowest unemployment rate in M’sia
When contacted, Melaka executive councillor Ngwe Hee Sem rejected claims that the long queue meant that the state was facing a high unemployment rate.
Melaka’s unemployment rate is currently only around 2%, making it among the lowest in the country.
“This is because the state government has worked with related agencies such as the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) in organising various career fairs to help people secure employment.”
He added that it was natural for long queue to appear whenever a company offers good job opportunities with competitive salaries.
Melaka chief minister Ab Rauf Yusoh later went to the hotel and had his office distribute food and drinks to those waiting patiently in line.
Meanwhile, Melaka mayor Shadan Othman said he headed over to the hotel after receiving complaints about traffic congestion and safety.
He added that he has sought an explanation from the factory’s management and called upon it to take steps in ensuring the applicants’ comfort and safety.
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