The Malaysian government is taking steps to open up more job opportunities for ex-convicts with the aim of replacing foreign workers in the country, according to statements made in Parliament by Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar.

Minister Sivakumar emphasized that ex-prisoners, particularly those who served time for minor offenses, still have a lot to offer in the workforce and can be utilized to fill the void left by foreign labor. He revealed that collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Human Resources and the Ministry of Home Affairs, along with the involvement of the Social Security Organization (SOCSO), are being implemented to facilitate this transition.

"Many former prisoners have already been given job opportunities," Minister Sivakumar noted, highlighting the importance of providing training to prisoners while they are incarcerated so they are better equipped to join the employment market once released.

This initiative aims to make ex-convicts viable candidates for job placement and foster collaboration between employers and the prison system. Minister Sivakumar's comments came in response to a query from RSN Rayer, a Member of Parliament, who inquired about the government's plans to act as a facilitator in connecting employers with ex-convicts.

In addition to the focus on ex-convicts, the government is addressing the issue of foreign workers in the country. As of September 30, there were approximately 2,730,153 foreign workers, including 1,830,828 active Temporary Employment Pass holders, 152,158 foreign workers who had yet to enter the country, and 747,167 registered illegal immigrants under the Workforce Recalibration Programme 2.0.

The government's approach to the employment of foreign workers is to meet the labor needs of sectors that face challenges in filling positions with local workers. The Ministry of Human Resources encourages industries to adopt automation, mechanization, and digitalization to create demand for high-skilled workers, ultimately reducing dependence on low-skilled foreign workers. 

Source: The Star