‘More may seek greener pastures across border’

Indian Muslim restaurants in Johor are facing a shortage of roti canai makers who can earn up to RM264 daily in Singapore. — Filepic

MORE Johoreans and locals from other states are expected to seek employment in Singapore in the coming months.

Johor Indian Muslim Entrepreneurs Association (Perusim) secretary Hussien Ibrahim said the strong Singapore currency was the main factor.

“Roti canai makers with at least five years of working experience are paid about SG$80 (RM264) daily while those with less experience can easily command SG$50 (RM165) daily for a 12-hour shift,’’ he said.

“Feedback from our members showed 80% of their roti canai makers are now working at Indian restaurants in Singapore,” said Hussein.

He added that most of them were recommended by their Malaysian friends already working there.

Hussein hoped that the new Federal Government would allow Indian Muslim eateries in Johor Baru to hire workers from India and Indonesia.

“Without these workers, many restaurants might cease operations,’’ he said.

Teh: Skilled Malaysian workers are sought after by manufacturing companies in Singapore.

Johor South SME advisor Teh Kee Sin said many Singaporeans, shun 3D (dirty, dangerous and difficult) jobs.

Teh said the Singapore government would continue to rely on foreign workers for certain industries to keep its economy going.

He said skilled workers, especially Malaysians, were sought after by manufacturing companies in Singapore.

Teh said most of them would work in Johor Baru for a few years to gain the required skills before going to Singapore.

“Johor’s severe labour shortage has been going on for many years,’’ he said.

Johor Trucking Association president Novan Hing said the shortage of lorry drivers was also a long-term issue.

Hing: Experienced drivers in Singapore can earn RM9,900 a month.

“During the pandemic, lorry drivers who were out of jobs switched to driving buses and also delivering parcels and food and many have not returned.

“Experienced drivers in Singapore can earn from SG$3,000 monthly (RM9,900),” he added.

They were commenting on a report by Singapore’s Manpower Ministry last month, which stated that 93.7% of third-quarter employment growth involved non-residents.

The report stated that out of the 75,900 new jobs created in Q3 2022, 71,100 were attributed to non-residents and 4,800 to residents – Singaporeans and permanent residents.

Employment for residents was in financial and professional services as well as information and communications technology.

The majority of non-residents were employed in manufacturing and construction, food and beverage services as well as arts, entertainment and recreation.