Kuala lumpur: The government will focus on prioritizing employment opportunities for local workers while carefully evaluating the necessity for foreign workers, stated Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He emphasized the importance of following established channels and regulations for hiring foreign workers, ensuring that legal foreign workers already present in the country are prioritized for job vacancies before new recruitment takes place.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar acknowledged that certain sectors still require foreign workers, but stressed the need for coordination to address the longstanding issues related to foreign worker syndicates. These syndicates have been a concern for decades, contributing to wealth accumulation for some individuals. Anwar highlighted the need to address these issues, particularly in sectors dependent on foreign labor.

In response to a question in the Dewan Rakyat by Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka) concerning the shortage of foreign workers affecting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and job opportunities for the youth, Anwar agreed that there is a need to increase foreign worker numbers in specific sectors. He emphasized that this decision should involve a joint study by the Ministry of Human Resources and the Ministry of Home Affairs, considering security aspects.

Anwar also underscored the importance of strict enforcement actions against foreign workers who violate laws, regardless of their nationality or ethnicity, including the Rohingya. He assured that protection would be provided to both local and foreign workers who adhere to the rules, but stringent actions would be taken against those who do not comply.

Regarding the employment opportunities for young people, Anwar mentioned that the government is tightening entry requirements for foreign professional workers. This measure is to ensure that employers do not misuse approvals given for hiring foreign experts. He cited examples of companies applying to bring in experts in fields like artificial intelligence (AI), only to hire workers who do not perform tasks related to the approved expertise.

Anwar stressed that while it is essential to bring in expert skills in areas like digital technology or AI, it should not be used as an excuse to employ workers who lack the necessary expertise that the country aims to develop.