More M’sians expected to cross over to Singapore

There are vacancies in Singapore for jobs deemed ‘dangerous, dirty and difficult’. — Filepic

MORE Malaysian jobseekers, especially Johoreans, are expected to seek employment in Singapore with the reopening of borders.

Johor Indian Business Association president P.Sivakumar said there would be a significant increase in the entry of Malaysian workers into Singapore’s labour force.

“Experienced Malaysian workers are in demand in the republic, especially in high-tech industries that offer better career opportunities.”

He said this was the reality that employers in Johor must face.

“Many skilled Malaysians will enter Singapore daily.

“Financial gain is the main attraction.”

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He advised employers in Johor to offer better salaries and perks.

“Employers in Malaysia need to offer more upskilling and reskilling opportunities to existing employees, especially on new technologies, digitalisation and 5G,” added Sivakumar.

Johor South SME Association advisor Teh Kee Sin said the reopening of borders was good news for Malaysian jobseekers.

“Singapore needs foreign workers, including Malaysians as the majority of Singaporeans do not want to do dangerous, difficult and dirty jobs.”

He said Malaysians working in Singapore would no longer have to stay in the republic as they could now commute daily from Johor to Singapore.

“These employees will help boost the local economy.

“Money earned in Singapore and spent in Johor contributes to the growth of businesses here,” added Teh.

Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, some 300,000 Malaysians were believed to commute daily from Johor to Singapore for work.

Another 400,000 were said to work and live across the Causeway.