No foreign workers without local TVET training, says Johari
Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani today announced the new prerequisite for all companies involved in the sector's upstream and downstream processes in a move aimed at strengthening local talent development and reducing dependency on foreign labour.
"This isn't just about picking fruits. For example, the palm oil industry includes milling, refineries and chemicals, areas where trained TVET graduates can find jobs," he said.
"Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) school leavers with good results can enrol in higher-learning institutions, matriculation programmes and so on, but there are also those who cannot pursue further studies.
"So, I took the initiative to ensure that these students are not left behind. That's why we have plantation TVET," he told reporters after attending a dialogue with the ministry here today.
Johari said the plantation industry involved a wide range of economic activities, and as such, he called on industry players in palm oil, rubber, timber and furniture to assist school leavers who had no other prospects.
"We want to enrol them in plantation TVET programmes. After eight or nine months of Level 2 TVET training, they can be placed directly into jobs," he said.
However, he added that many industries were still reluctant to hire these youths after training, preferring to employ ready-made workers rather than invest in upskilling.
"So I want to emphasise this, any plantation company that wants to apply for foreign workers must first show that they've taken steps to train and employ local SPM graduates who lacked other options.
"If they haven't, I will not approve their applications for foreign workers. Even if the government approves foreign labour for the plantation sector, I will not allow it if they have made no contribution to local youths," he said.
He added that the ultimate goal was to train these youths so that one day, when the foreign workers leave, they could become supervisors in palm oil, rubber and other related industries.
"If the industry cooperates, then I'll consider approving foreign worker applications. Otherwise, there's no need for foreign workers because it shows they're not serious," he said.
Johari also praised Sime Darby Bhd and FGV Holdings Bhd for showing strong commitment by providing accommodation and attractive salaries to train local youths.
"Even if they don't attend university, they can earn up to RM2,500. Later, if they advance to Level 3 TVET after another eight months, they could earn between RM3,000 and RM3,500.
"At the very least, we must help them develop a career. Otherwise, we're abandoning these students. It's sad that they have nowhere to go.
"That's why I want to make this a requirement. Right now, we're using around 260,000 foreign workers in plantations, mostly doing 3D (dirty, dangerous and difficult) jobs," he said.
He wanted local youths to eventually become part of the industry, moving up to earn between RM3,500 and RM5,500 as supervisors, and possibly becoming managers in the future.
"This industry is very important. It's the third-largest export sector globally. The commodity sector exports RM186 billion worth of goods.
"So we want this sector to take responsibility for helping SPM school leavers who are unsure of their future. We're starting with 250 TVET trainees.
"When we approve foreign worker applications, there must already be local TVET trainees in your system. Foreign workers will eventually leave, but Malaysians stay in their community. That's our plan," he said.
He also noted that Malaysia had many large plantations across various states and the ministry would gradually enforce this new requirement.
"Right now, only Sime Darby and FGV are truly committed. That's why, if they face any issues regarding foreign workers, we will help them," he said.
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