Top reason why M’sians choose to work across Causeway

PETALING JAYA: Workers, whether skilled or unskilled, are keen to work across the Causeway for better financial prospects, say industry players.

With the amount of salary having little disparity in figures, they said the strong Singapore currency had been the top reason why Malaysians would instead work away from home.

Citing the example of a cook who prepares dishes at an economy rice shop, Malaysia-Singapore Coffee-shop Proprietors Association president Wong Teu Hoon said many left for Singapore soon after Malaysian borders were reopened last year.

“This is more apparent and serious in the southern peninsula like in Johor and Melaka due to their proximity to Singapore.

“At some smaller eateries, there have been fewer takers for the post of a cook with a RM3,000 monthly salary.

“They would rather work harder and go to Singapore, which pays them S$3,000 (RM9,900),” he added.

Wong, who is also Pan Malaysia Koo Soo Restaurants and Chefs Association president, said these workers were often provided accommodation in a worker’s hostel.

“Food in Singapore is relatively cheaper and staff meals are often provided.

“So, they will mostly spend on their transport and living expenses and can save more money for their family back home in the long term.

“It is hard for us to compete and be up to par with what Singapore is offering,” he said.

Besides cooks, Wong said other general workers like kitchen helpers, floor staff, dishwashers and cleaners have been hard to hire.

“They are paid between RM1,500 and RM3,000 depending on their experience, similar to the rates in Singapore.

“Some larger hawker centres or kopitiams can afford to offer higher pay.

“But even if we get to hire them, they often don’t stay long,” he said yesterday.

To cope with a shortage of workers, some have resorted to roping in their spouses and children to help.

“You can often see a family of parents and children helping out during the week.

“Some business owners also hired retirees and old folk to help during busy days,” he added.

Wong said it was difficult to estimate how many workers are needed in the market as different establishments in different states have different patronage patterns and needs.

“The problem has been too familiar for many businesses across various sectors.

“In general, coffee shops find it harder to hire because their margins are already low,” he said.

SME Association of Malaysia president Ding Hong Sing said many skilled workers and professionals also chose Singapore over Malaysia for better prospects.

“For example, many fresh graduate engineers chose to go, as Malaysia and Singapore offer around RM3,500 and S$3,500 (RM11,550), respectively.”

Ding said businesses in Johor, especially Johor Baru, lose the most skilled and unskilled workers to Singapore compared with other states, and this phenomenon cuts across all races.

“For example, the pay is about RM1,500 to RM3,000 in the food and beverage service industry, while Singapore employees get between S$2,000 (RM6,600) and S$3,000 (RM9,900).

“Those with more experience may get S$300 (RM990) to S$500 (RM1,650) more, which is a good amount after conversion,” he added.Ding said it had been a concern when the cost was still high and the process still cumbersome for businesses to hire foreign workers, locals left for better offers elsewhere.

“It is high time the government extend more attention to the SMEs, which account for 97.4% of total business firms in the country.

“Help the SMEs go digital so they can increase their efficiency and output to cater to the export market.”

Ding noted that the previous governments have been talking for too long without pragmatic plans and actions to resolve this issue.

“Ministers in the new government should go down on the ground and do more surprise visits to see for themselves what’s happening.

“They must also engage with various business groups to hear our concerns,” Ding said.