We hear your complaints, says Zahid New foreign worker levy needs a relook

BEIJING: We hear you. The Government is willing to look into the dissatisfaction of the employers on the new levy rate for foreign workers, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Commenting on the strong response from the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers and other associations on the sudden hike of levy, the Deputy Prime Minister said the Government would listen to their feedback.

“We will not hesitate to look into the issue even though the new rates are enforced effective Feb 1.”

However, Dr Ahmad Zahid, who is on an official visit to the Chinese capital, stressed that Malaysia could not rely on foreign workers forever.

While moving towards automation of production, he said the country must be ready to keep its reliance on foreign workers to the minimum.

Malaysia, he added, must utilise the local human capital when celebrating 100th year of Independence in 2057.

He added it was the duty of employers as well as the ministries of Human Resources and Education to provide training schemes to produce semi-skilled and skilled local employees.

“Although certain jobs are considered three Ds – difficult, dirty and dangerous – employers must take long-term measures to give priorities to local employees in the long run,” he said.