Shortage of Workers Persists in Barbers and Goldsmiths Sectors: Government Seeks Solutions

Deputy Minister R. Ramanan of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives revealed today that the country is still grappling with a shortage of workers in specific sectors, including barbers and goldsmiths. Despite the ongoing challenges, the Ministry of Human Resources has yet to make any official announcements on the matter. Instead, Deputy Minister Ramanan stated that they would seek an explanation from Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong.

Ramanan acknowledged the issue during a press briefing following the Ponggal celebrations and the launch of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Programme (WES), hosted by the Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (MAICCI). The shortage concern was raised by MAICCI after concerns were expressed by barbers, textile workers, and goldsmiths.

In a significant move in September, the Cabinet approved the opening of a recruitment quota for 7,500 workers in the service subsector, encompassing barbers, textile workers, and goldsmiths. This decision followed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's announcement to revive the recruitment of foreign workers in these subsectors, which had been frozen since 2009.

Addressing the current situation, Deputy Minister Ramanan stated, “I have contacted Ministry of Human Resources officers through our officials, and they have informed me that there are still 5,000 places out of the quota announced that still have not been filled.”

Moreover, Ramanan emphasized the importance of women entrepreneurs participating in various programs and initiatives implemented by the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP). He highlighted programs such as Program Pemerkasaan Usahawan Wanita (PUAN), Skim Pembiayaan Ikhtiar (SPI), UDA Bizznita, TEKUNNita, and Successful Women Entrepreneurship Engagement Talent (SWEET) as crucial opportunities that should not be missed.

As the government works to address the labour shortage issue, it remains to be seen how the Ministry of Human Resources will respond to the concerns raised by Deputy Minister Ramanan and the affected sectors. The collaboration between various ministries and industry representatives is essential in finding comprehensive solutions to ensure the stability and growth of these sectors in the country.

In response to the persistent shortage of workers in sectors such as barbers and goldsmiths, the government is actively working to address the issue and find effective solutions. Deputy Minister R. Ramanan recently disclosed that, despite ongoing challenges, the Ministry of Human Resources is yet to make official announcements. Instead, they plan to seek an explanation from Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong regarding the unfulfilled quota.

The shortage concern, initially raised by the Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (MAICCI), gained attention during a press briefing after the Ponggal celebrations and the launch of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Programme (WES).

The Cabinet's decision in September to open a recruitment quota for 7,500 workers in the service subsector, including barbers, textile workers, and goldsmiths, was a significant step. This move followed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's announcement to revive the recruitment of foreign workers in these subsectors after a freeze that had been in place since 2009.

Deputy Minister Ramanan, addressing the current situation, expressed, “I have contacted Ministry of Human Resources officers through our officials, and they have informed me that there are still 5,000 places out of the quota announced that still have not been filled.” This indicates an urgency for coordinated efforts to bridge the gap and meet the employment needs of these sectors.

As the government grapples with the labour shortage, it is essential to ensure that the affected industries remain resilient and continue to contribute to the country's economic growth. Collaborative measures between various ministries, industry stakeholders, and relevant associations are crucial in formulating comprehensive solutions.

Moreover, Deputy Minister Ramanan emphasized the importance of women entrepreneurs participating in programs and initiatives implemented by the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP). He highlighted programs such as Program Pemerkasaan Usahawan Wanita (PUAN), Skim Pembiayaan Ikhtiar (SPI), UDA Bizznita, TEKUNNita, and Successful Women Entrepreneurship Engagement Talent (SWEET) as pivotal opportunities.

This commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs is part of a broader strategy to foster economic inclusivity and diversity. With WES representing women entrepreneurs from various business backgrounds, the government aims to create an environment where women can actively participate in and benefit from entrepreneurial programs and initiatives.

In conclusion, the collaboration between government bodies, industry representatives, and entrepreneurs is crucial to addressing the current worker shortage and ensuring the sustained growth of sectors such as barbers and goldsmiths. As the government continues its efforts to fill the remaining quota and implement supportive programs, it is imperative for all stakeholders to work together in overcoming challenges and building a robust and dynamic workforce.

Zulaikha Farhana 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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