Be on guard for social issues, Abg Jo advises S’wakians as foreign workers from more countries are recruited

0

Abang Johari speaks to reporters when met after officiating at the Sumbangsih Raya 2023 presentation ceremony here today. – Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi

KUCHING (April 14): Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has advised Sarawakians, particularly community leaders, to be aware and on guard on social issues that might arise from the state’s decision to allow the recruitment of foreign workers from more countries

The Premier today indicated that the State Cabinet’s decision to approve the hiring of workers from countries other than Indonesia due to labour shortages domestically, did not come easy.

“Previously we only opened for Indonesian labour. Now, we also allow workers from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal. These people are good looking, you know what I am concerned about is social problems,” he said at the Sumbangsih Raya 2023 presentation ceremony here.

Abang Johari said that while they are hired as labourers, they might also get involved in other trades like the selling of carpets and they would go village to village, even selling their carpets on monthly installments.

“So when you have Shah Rukh Khan look alikes going door to door every month, problems could arise. I am merely reminding the people (of what could happen) because our economy is strong, we have many jobs,” he said, referring to the global Indian movie star.

He pointed out that the state government would prefer Sarawakians to take up the jobs but most of them would prefer to work as labourers elsewhere, thus compelling the state to open up its borders to foreign workers.

“When we open up (to foreign workers), it means there will be more foreign workers residing here and therefore, there could be social problems. So community leaders be on the lookout on this matter. ‘Buka salah, tak buka pun salah (To open up is wrong, not doing so is also wrong),” said Abang Johari.

Last month, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala said the State Cabinet had on March 23 given the green light for workers from Bangladesh, Nepal, India and the Philippines.

“With these additional source countries, employers will now have the option to recruit foreign workers from these countries to meet their requirements,” he said in a statement after the Sarawak Timber Association (STA) urged the state government to expedite the entry process of foreign workers from source countries other than Indonesia.