The Plantation and Commodities Ministry has recommended 434 companies for approval to recruit foreign workers in the plantation sector, involving more than 34,000 quotas as of July 9, in a move aimed at addressing critical labour shortages and sustaining productivity.
Deputy Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin informed the Dewan Rakyat that special quota approvals are granted on a case-by-case basis to support industries, particularly oil palm and rubber, which have been struggling to meet their manpower needs.
“As of June 30, there were 258,153 active Temporary Employment Visit Pass holders in the plantation sector. However, this is still insufficient, with the industry reporting an additional need of 30,000 to 40,000 workers,” he said, noting that the shortfall is partly due to workers returning home after their permits expired.
Chan emphasised that the approvals are aimed at boosting both national productivity and output, with the government working closely with stakeholders to ensure the labour supply gap is narrowed.
