Migrant workers: Rafizi says reducing their number will empower Bumi businesses

Malaysia must be committed to reducing its unskilled migrant worker numbers as part of its approach towards empowering local and Bumiputera businesses, says Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli who adds efforts to reduce migrant worker numbers have met with opposition in the past. Rafizi says the continued presence of almost 3.5 million migrant workers, whether documented or not, will create a group doing business offering lower-cost structures that local traders cannot compete with.

Migrant workers

“The National Economic Action Council meeting next month will discuss a special mechanism to reduce migrant worker numbers in stages. The 13th Malaysia Plan to be tabled next year will also set a significantly reduced target. I mention this now in Parliament so that our industries can be prepared for changes,” he says.