KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 7 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government is prepared to consider easing foreign worker approval requirements for sectors facing genuine manpower shortages, particularly the plantation sector.
Speaking at the 14th Forum Ilmuwan Malaysia Madani in Kuala Lumpur last night, Anwar said the proposal followed requests from industry players struggling to recruit workers for specific tasks, such as harvesting oil palm fruit.
He said approvals could be considered for such tasks, provided employers committed to reducing their reliance on foreign labour through mechanisation.
Anwar also said he had instructed the relevant authorities to simplify approval procedures for certain urgent labour needs.
