Malaysia should adopt Singapore's foreign worker model, says MP

The Ayer Hitam Member of Parliament has urged the Malaysian government to implement a foreign worker policy modeled on Singapore's system, citing the need to safeguard positions for local workers.

The MP argued that Singapore's framework for managing foreign labour intake through wage requirements and employment quotas has proven effective in protecting domestic workers from excessive competition. He suggested that similar mechanisms could help Malaysia control the flow of migrant workers entering the country.

The call reflects growing concerns among lawmakers about the impact of foreign workers on local employment prospects, particularly in sectors where migrant labour has become increasingly prevalent. Singapore's approach typically involves stricter salary thresholds and sectoral quotas designed to ensure foreign workers complement rather than displace the local workforce.

The proposal comes as Malaysia continues to grapple with balancing its need for foreign labour in key industries against domestic pressure to prioritize job opportunities for Malaysian citizens. Policy makers have previously explored various regulatory mechanisms to manage foreign worker numbers, though implementation of a comprehensive quota and wage-based system similar to Singapore's would represent a significant shift in approach.