LABUAN: The Labuan Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry commended the Unity Government for approving a quota of 7,500 foreign workers in three sub-sectors traditionally operated by the Indian business community, namely barber shops, goldsmiths and textile stores.
Chamber Chairman Datuk Dahlif Singh said they are delighted with the governments’ quick response to their plight. “The traders had been troubled by worker shortage as appeals to the Immigration Department did not draw response.
If it was left unattended, hundreds of shops nationwide would be affected and some even risked closures,” said Dahlif, who is also a Council Member of Malaysian Association Indian Chambers of Commerce.
He added that Indian workers were needed for these sectors because they were known to be diligent and willing to work longer hours when needed, adding the Indian workers were also well-experienced.
On barber shops, Dahlif said despite the increase in prices for all forms of services, most Indian barber shops still maintained the old prices, making it affordable to everyone.
He said they needed about 250 workers for the sub-sectors as locals were not interested.Dahlif thanked Labuan Corporation Chairman Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Anifah Aman to whom the workers’ issues was highlighted to during a recent dialogue between him and the Chamber.
“We believe Anifah likely pursued the problem with the authorities,” said Dahlif.
Human Resources Minister V Sivakumar said recently that the Cabinet had decided to reopen the intake of foreign workers for three sub-sectors which were previously frozen.
Source : Daily Express
