KOTA KINABALU: The Federation of Sabah Industries (FSI) will not submit any request to defer or withdraw the minimum wage policy for foreign workers as the government has its stance clear on not accepting appeals on the policy.
FSI president Datuk Seri Panglima Wong Khen Thau said he had not received any comment or appeal from members regarding the implementation of the foreign workers minimum wage policy which began in January.
He pointed out that employers had yet to pay wages to their employees this month, hence there had not been complaints yet.
“After this, there should be complaints or grievances,” he said when contacted yesterday.
Wong said the government had made it clear that it would not defer or withdraw the minimum wage policy, so FSI did not submit any request for the minimum wage policy.
He said this when commenting on the Malaysian Textile Manufacturers Association’s (MTMA) appeal to the government to withdraw the foreign workers minimum wage policy to ensure the survival of its members.
“We understand that the textile industry employs a lot of foreign workers and the competition is fierce, especially in Penang.”
Wong said the foreign workers minimum wage would particularly impact on the plantation and furniture manufacturing industries.
In fact, Wong said many furniture manufacturing factories were reducing their number of foreign workers.
He said furniture manufacturers were more inclined towards keeping few skilled foreign workers and employ locals as much as possible.