Policies must safeguard Malaysian jobs and businesses, says MCA chief
KUALA LUMPUR: Putrajaya must strike a balance between attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and ensuring that economic activities generated by foreign companies benefit local businesses and workers, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
While welcoming modernisation and FDIs into the country, Dr Wee said clear policies are needed to safeguard opportunities for local businesses and workers.
“Policy-wise, we welcome all FDI, but we also have to develop the local industry here.
“There must be a policy for locals to share the pie,” he said when opening IPMEX Malaysia and SIGN Malaysia 2026 here yesterday.
The MCA president said this is necessary to protect Malaysian business interests as the economy becomes increasingly open and competitive.
He said certain jobs should continue to be filled by Malaysians, citing concerns over foreign service providers entering sectors traditionally served by local businesses.
Among the examples are photography and renovation, where he said foreign operators could offer significantly cheaper services or bring in their own workers, potentially leaving Malaysian businesses unable to compete.
Dr Wee said this is particularly concerning for long-established local industries such as printing, which has been part of Malaysia’s commercial landscape for generations.
“I hope the government can understand the predicament of our local businesses, especially those that have been in existence for so many years,” he said.
Dr Wee, who is also Ayer Hitam MP, suggested that the government encourage local industry players to collaborate with larger companies to scale up their operations.
“This would allow them to upgrade their capabilities and eventually become big players.
“I think this is what we mean by creating a level playing field,” he added.
Dr Wee also called for greater financing support to help printing and signage businesses modernise, saying automation should not be viewed as relevant only to large industries.
“To ensure that we keep pace with development, I urge the government to give more emphasis to this industry as well,” he said.
He also identified automation, environmental, social and governance (ESG) requirements, and talent development as three areas where local operators require support.
On Malaysian small and medium enterprises (SMEs), Dr Wee said they need access to technology ranging from high-speed digital presses to artificial intelligence-powered quality inspection systems.
He added that greener equipment and materials should also be made affordable to SMEs so that sustainability requirements would not erode their competitiveness.
“Modernisation is not about replacing people.
“It is about giving smaller teams the technology they need to increase productivity, improve quality and work more efficiently,” he said.
He added that workers must also be equipped with skills in areas such as advanced prepress, colour management and digital printing technologies as the industry moves away from traditional processes.
While printing, signage and garment manufacturing might not attract the same attention as other industries, Dr Wee noted that they remain integral to Malaysia’s wider economy and supply chains.
“Every time a local SME exports food, pharmaceuticals or consumer electronics, they rely on high-precision and compliant packaging and commercial printing for their products.
“If print shops stop running, our supply chains will stop moving too,” he said.
The four-day IPMEX Malaysia and SIGN Malaysia 2026, held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, brings together more than 300 global exhibitors.
