Human Resources Minister V Sivakumar has confirmed that the freeze on hiring foreign workers remains in place, with no new decision made by the Cabinet. This decision is in line with the 12th Malaysia Plan, which states that the number of foreign workers should not exceed 2.4 million until 2025. However, the current number has already reached that threshold.
Sivakumar explained that this figure includes the existing number of foreign workers, as well as the increase from the Workforce Recalibration (RTK) programme and the foreign worker employment relaxation programme.
He also stated, “As of the last Cabinet meeting, we will not open the granting of new quotas for a while…but if there’s any new decision, we will inform accordingly.” Additionally, he mentioned that the need to hire foreigners in the future will be reviewed, and any new decision will be communicated accordingly.
Speaking at a press conference after attending the HR Leaders Networking Luncheon, Sivakumar also commented on the quota for hiring foreign workers next year, saying, “For next year we don’t know yet (quota for hiring foreign workers) we have to look at it in various contexts…we have stopped the intake (of foreign workers) and we will review the need to hire foreigners in the future.”
Prior to this, the media had reported that the 2.7 million foreign workers in the country had already exceeded the Malaysian population of Indian descent, which was about two million people. – Bernama
