Hussein welcomes seniors who are healthy to work at restaurants.
EMPLOYERS in Johor Baru are keen on taking senior citizens to fill up vacancies in their respective businesses, especially as many are struggling to get young workers who prefer working in Singapore.
Restaurant owner Phua Kai Hoo, who runs five restaurants in Johor Baru and Kulai, said the majority of his part-time workers were senior citizens.
“We have part-time workers to help during peak seasons such as Chinese New Year or school holidays,” he said.
“We have noticed more senior citizens going out to work these days, which is a good thing for us as it reduces our worker shortage problem.”
He said worker shortage was a big problem faced by many employers, especially those working in the food and service industry.
Lennox Cheok, who runs two restaurants in Johor Baru, is also keen to employ seniors, especially those with experience working in restaurants.
“It is not easy to get locals to work here.
“However, if there are seniors wanting to return to the workforce, I am happy to hire them.
“In fact, I would prefer it as most of them have experience and are more mature,” he said, adding that he had yet to receive job applications from senior citizens.
Phua says a majority of his part-time workers are senior citizens.
Johor Indian Muslim Entrepreneurs Association (Perusim) secretary-general Hussein Ibrahim also welcomed seniors who were healthy to work at restaurants.
“For Indian Muslim restaurants, we need people who are able to work quickly as our customers expect food to be served fast.
“So, it may not be the best choice for senior folk as it can be quite stressful and tiring.
“However, if they can handle the demands of the job, then they are more than welcome to join,” he said, adding that some seniors could be more active than young people.
He said it was best for restaurant owners to give seniors a trial period before signing them up full-time.
“Perhaps they can try working for a day or two to see if it suits them.
“This is to ensure that the job does not affect them physically or bring on stress,” he said.
Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Johor Chapter chairman Ivan Teo also welcomes seniors to work at hotels due to the limited jobs available to them.
“We do need more workers, especially housekeepers and cleaners, but I do not think these are suitable tasks for the elderly.
“They may need to deal with strong cleaning chemicals and climb to clean high spaces, which could affect their safety and health.
“However, they are welcome to work as receptionists, security guards or other duties where physical strength is not required,” he said. — By VENESA DEVI
