Cabinet to Convene Special Committee on Foreign Labour as Government Reviews Workforce Challenges
PUTRAJAYA: The federal government will intensify efforts to address issues surrounding Malaysia’s foreign workforce through a Cabinet Committee meeting scheduled as early as next week, with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi set to chair the discussions.
The decision was reached during Friday’s Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as part of a broader initiative to strengthen coordination on policies affecting foreign labour across multiple economic sectors.
Government spokesperson and Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the committee would examine workforce-related concerns comprehensively while coordinating responses among the relevant ministries and agencies.
Speaking during the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing, Fahmi said the government recognised that several industries continue to face manpower shortages, particularly those that rely heavily on foreign workers to sustain daily operations.
“The Cabinet has agreed that the committee on foreign workers will convene as early as next week under the chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to ensure these matters are managed and resolved comprehensively,” he said.
Among the sectors expected to receive immediate attention is the food and beverage (F&B) industry, which has recently raised concerns over labour availability and its impact on business operations.
According to Fahmi, the government understands that workforce shortages can affect productivity, business continuity and overall economic performance if not addressed through coordinated policy measures.
Rather than introducing isolated solutions, the administration intends to adopt a whole-of-government approach by involving all relevant ministries before reaching any final decision.
He stressed that the committee would provide a platform for evaluating industry concerns while balancing broader national priorities, including labour market sustainability and economic growth.
Although no specific policy measures were announced, Fahmi indicated that further details would emerge following the committee’s deliberations.
He said the government preferred to allow the committee to complete its assessment before announcing any new initiatives or regulatory adjustments.
Malaysia has in recent years faced recurring challenges involving foreign labour availability across several industries, including manufacturing, construction, agriculture, services and food businesses.
Many employers have argued that labour shortages have affected operational capacity and business expansion, prompting repeated calls for faster processing and clearer policies governing foreign worker recruitment.
At the same time, the government has consistently maintained that workforce policies must strike an appropriate balance between supporting industry needs and protecting employment opportunities for Malaysians.
The upcoming committee meeting is therefore expected to play a significant role in shaping the government’s next steps on foreign labour management.
Its discussions are anticipated to cover coordination between ministries, operational challenges faced by affected industries and possible policy improvements designed to ensure Malaysia’s labour market remains responsive to economic demands while maintaining effective governance over foreign worker management.
The outcome of the meeting could provide greater clarity for businesses awaiting further direction on labour policies as the government continues refining its approach to meeting workforce requirements across key sectors of the economy.
