MBAM Appeals For More Foreign Workers For Construction Industry

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 20 (Bernama) -- The Master Builders Association of Malaysia (MBAM) has appealed to the Home Ministry to lift the temporary suspension for workers' quota application, saying the construction industry is currently facing a shortage of manpower. Its president, Kwan Foh Kwai, said Friday contractors who have secured new projects over the last three months are unable to secure enough workers as no new workers' quota has been given by the ministry. He said the 6P programme workers are those currently employed by contractors whose projects are under construction. The 6P Programme introduced by the government comprises registration, legalisation, amnesty, monitoring, enforcement and deportation of illegal immigrants. "The construction industry is facing a severe shortage of manpower resources as too many construction companies in Malaysia are competing for a limited supply of talent," he said in a statement. He said the shortage of foreign workers can seriously affect construction projects of the 10th Malaysia Plan and the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP). "With the implementation of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) project, it is estimated to require numerous skilled workers, both local and foreign to ensure its successful completion, considering the complexity and fast-track nature of the project. "It is supposed to generate more than 13,000 jobs for the construction and related industries. "MBAM hopes the government will consider relaxing the policy involving the entry of new foreign construction workers to ensure projects committed are delivered in a timely manner," he said. -- BERNAMA