MEF calls for stricter enforcement of foreign worker approvals, prioritising Malaysian workers

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) has called on the government to strengthen enforcement of foreign worker policies, ensuring recruitment is restricted to approved sectors facing genuine labour shortages, particularly dirty, dangerous and difficult (3D) jobs.

MEF Senior Advisor for Government, Media and International Engagement Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman said reports of foreign workers in mainstream, customer-facing roles, including cashiers, retail assistants and food service personnel, raise concerns about the enforcement of existing policies.

He said recruitment must be guided by genuine labour market needs, with strict monitoring and action against employers and agents who misuse approvals or breach sectoral restrictions.

"Foreign workers are an important part of Malaysia's workforce in sectors where employers face genuine and persistent labour shortages. However, foreign worker recruitment must not become a substitute for developing the local workforce or an alternative to providing Malaysians with fair opportunities.

"The government must act against employers and agents who misuse foreign worker approvals or breach sectoral restrictions, with clear obligations and consequences for non-compliance," he said in a statement yesterday.

He said the government must strengthen enforcement to ensure foreign worker approvals are used appropriately.

"Measures should include stricter compliance checks, meaningful penalties for breaches, proof of genuine efforts to recruit Malaysians, better inter-agency coordination and data sharing, and regular reviews to ensure foreign worker approvals reflect actual labour market needs."

Syed Hussain said Malaysians should be given priority for available jobs, while employers should offer competitive wages, better working conditions, career progression and skills development to attract local workers.

However, he acknowledged that foreign workers remain necessary for certain 3D jobs that are difficult to fill despite reasonable efforts to recruit Malaysians.

He stressed that Malaysia must develop local talent, increase workforce participation and build a more productive and skilled workforce.

"A country that relies excessively on imported labour without sufficiently investing in its own people risks becoming vulnerable to labour supply disruptions, rising recruitment costs and structural weaknesses in productivity. Foreign workers should complement the local workforce where necessary, not displace Malaysians from jobs they can and are willing to undertake," he said.

Syed Hussain said MEF stood ready to work with the government to strengthen enforcement, address genuine labour shortages and develop sustainable workforce policies that protect Malaysian employment opportunities while enabling responsible employers to remain competitive.

"MEF remains committed to constructive engagement with the government, employers and other stakeholders to promote a balanced, transparent and sustainable labour market that advances Malaysian workforce development, responsible employment practices and national economic competitiveness."