The recent order by the Malaysian government to freeze intake of foreign workers is expected to have devastating effects on the business in many sectors including textiles. In response to the government’s decision, Indian business operators in Malaysia have expressed concern that if the freeze stays, then their business will be severely affected.
According to Malaysian Indian Textiles and General Stores Association Secretary Datin Maheswary Moorthy, it would be cheaper to employ local Malaysian workers, but most companies are forced to rely on Indian workers due to lack of option. If they were to lean on the local workers, their business would be literally “choked to death”.
“Textile shops have local employees, but the numbers are small. Only local women are interested in working in textile and saree shops, but not the men, because of the long working hours.”
Voicing a similar opinion, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Indian Chamber of Commerce’s Klang Chairman N P Raman said, “We will face serious problems if the freeze stays.”
Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced his government’s decision on Friday (February 19). According to Hamidi, “The government has taken the decision to freeze intake of all foreign workers, including those from Bangladesh. And we appeal to all employers to hire only domestic workers.”
