Butterworth: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has directed the resolution of outstanding foreign worker employment applications with a focus on the restaurant sector within a month, a move commended by the Federation of Malaysian Business Associations (FMBA).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the FMBA believes this directive shows the government's responsiveness to industry concerns, highlighting its commitment to addressing issues voiced by stakeholders at the ground level. The government's decision to impose a one-month deadline while advising caution against over-relying on unskilled foreign labor is seen as a balanced approach that considers both business needs and national interests.
The FMBA expressed that its member associations, which represent thousands of restaurants and food-service operators across Malaysia, have been deeply concerned about the prolonged delays in foreign worker application approvals. These delays have threatened business continuity, service quality, and the livelihoods of local employees reliant on a fully functioning workforce ecosystem.
The federation emphasized the critical role of the restaurant and food-and-beverage industry as one of the largest employers among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia. Chronic worker shortages have placed significant pressure on operators, particularly mamak and neighborhood eateries that are integral to daily Malaysian life.
FMBA believes that the Prime Minister's intervention will restore operational stability, protect jobs, and strengthen confidence among investors and operators in the sector. However, the federation also cautioned against implementing the Universal Recruitment Advanced Platform (TURAP) at this time, as it might increase operating costs for businesses, especially SMEs already grappling with rising expenses in various areas.
During the recent launch of the Indian Muslim Transformational Framework (IMTF) 2030 in Butterworth, the Prime Minister acknowledged the urgent labor shortages faced by restaurant operators nationwide and instructed relevant ministries and departments to expedite pending applications.