LABOUR AND LEVY ISSUES – SHORTAGE AND CONSTRAINTS ON RENEWAL OF WORK PERMIT FOR FOREIGN WORKERS

LABOUR AND LEVY ISSUES – SHORTAGE AND CONSTRAINTS ON RENEWAL OF WORK PERMIT FOR FOREIGN WORKERS

The recent hike in foreign worker levy would certainly be of great concern to the livestock industry. As it is now there is a pronounced shortage of 20 to 30% of workers in this sector. The livestock sector, like many other agricultural sectors, has to rely heavily on foreign workers to do the so-called dirty, difficult and dangerous jobs perceived by the average Malaysian. Moreover, the labour shortage in these fields is also partly due the exodus of rural youths to the urban centers. Some employers fear that their business will come to a standstill if foreign labour is not available.

In the use of foreign workers in the livestock industry, like in other industries, also experience the problem of extension or renewal of their work permits. Extension of the foreign permits seems no less difficult then sourcing new ones. On expiration of their work contracts, approval of application for extension does not come easily.

The biggest fear faced by the industry now is that if the labour shortage situation persists, there will invariably be marked reductions in farm production and hence will inevitably lead to increases in the cost of production and retail prices due to its impact on the balance of supply and demand.

The FLFAM is thus expressing the industry’s concerns to the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry and later issue a press statement to be released for the information of the consumers.