Malaysia to gradually reduce foreign workers, prioritise local employment

KUALA LUMPUR — The government will continue implementing a phased approach to lower the number of foreign workers in Malaysia, according to Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi, who outlined the initiative as a key priority for the administration.

The gradual reduction strategy aims to free up employment positions across various sectors of the economy for Malaysian workers, addressing concerns about job availability for the local workforce.

The initiative reflects the government's focus on balancing Malaysia's labour needs with provisions that favour citizen employment. Officials have indicated that the transition will be managed systematically to ensure economic stability while creating pathways for Malaysians to fill vacancies.

The reduction of foreign workers aligns with the administration's broader economic agenda, which emphasises prioritising local talent and skills development. The government has indicated it will continue monitoring labour market conditions to refine policies as needed.

Details regarding the timeline and sectoral implementation of the foreign worker reduction programme are expected to be released in coming weeks as relevant ministries coordinate implementation strategies.