Federation of Automobile Workshop Owners Association of Malaysia (FAWOAM) wants the government to aid local technicians by subsidising their advanced technical skills training abroad.
Association president Teo Nging Poh emphasised that such a programme would uplift the standard of professionalism of technicians as well as make the automotive industry more competitive.
He said this support would better equip technicians to meet current automotive repair and servicing needs.
“With constant advancements in automotive technology, the growth of new energy vehicles and the widespread adoption of smart driving systems, technical personnel need to continuously upgrade their skills to keep up with these innovations,” he said.
Teo was speaking at the FAWOAM gala dinner and installation ceremony for the executive committee of the 13th term (2024-2026) and the Sibu Automobile Repairer Association (SARA) executive committee for the 23rd term (2024-2025).
The events, held in conjunction with the SARA 45th anniversary celebration and National Electric Vehicle Forum and Workshop, were held in Sibu, Sarawak.
It was launched by Bawang Assan assemblyman Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh who represented Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
Teo said the industry was facing significant shortage of skilled talent, especially for technical roles.
“Many repair workshops aiming for business growth and to keep pace with technology urgently need qualified technical staff,” he said.
“Due to current restrictions on work permits for foreign workers, this shortage has worsened.
“We hope the government will take into account the industry’s needs and consider easing the recruitment policies, allowing workshops to obtain foreign worker permits more easily,” he added.
Teo stressed that these measures would enable the efficient operation of workshops and ongoing growth of the automotive service sector.
