Anwar Ibrahim Urged to Intervene Immediately: Muslim Restaurant Association (PRESMA), Indian Restaurant Association (PRIMAS), and Scrap Metal Entrepreneurs (PERKESA) Demand Special Approval to Address Worker Shortage

Kuala Lumpur, January 23 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is being urged to intervene urgently in the issue of foreign worker shortages that continue to affect the restaurant industry and recycling sector in Malaysia. Three major associations, namely the Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association (PRESMA), Malaysian Indian Restaurant Owners Association (PRIMAS), and the Malaysian Recycling Empowerment Association (PERKESA), have called on the government to grant immediate special approval for the entry of foreign workers to ensure the survival of their businesses.

PRESMA President Datuk Jawahar Ali Taib Khan highlighted that the labor shortage has become increasingly critical, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic. According to him, restaurants in Malaysia, particularly those operating 24 hours, are under immense pressure as workers are often “poached” by employers offering higher salaries, particularly in Singapore.

“We have no choice but to appeal for immediate government action. This labor shortage is paralyzing our operations. Even our efforts to hire local workers have fallen short due to competitive salaries offered abroad. For example, workers offered higher salaries in Singapore often leave their jobs without notice,” he said at a press conference yesterday.

Statistics shared by PRESMA reveal that at least 30% of restaurants in Malaysia are currently operating with insufficient manpower, which not only affects the quality of service but also impacts the local economy.

PRIMAS President Datuk J. Govindasamy echoed similar concerns. “Indian restaurants are struggling to recruit workers, especially in kitchen and service roles. Without a quick resolution, many restaurant owners may have to shut down their operations,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dato’ G Kumaar Aamaan, Editor-in-Chief of Ottrangknews and an activist in the recycling sector, urged the government to expedite the approval process for foreign workers in the recycling industry.

“Recycling entrepreneurs are the backbone of a sustainable economy. We play a crucial role in helping the country achieve its environmental sustainability goals. However, the lack of legal workers is causing significant hardship. At least 40% of recycling businesses have had to downsize operations due to insufficient manpower,” he explained.

According to Dato’ Kumaar, if this issue is not addressed immediately, more businesses will face the risk of closure. He also stressed that the recycling sector generates an annual revenue of over RM2 billion for the national economy, and the loss of this sector would significantly affect Malaysia’s sustainability objectives.

PRESMA, PRIMAS, and PERKESA have also suggested that the government revive the foreign worker replacement system, which previously helped employers replace workers whose contracts had ended or who had returned to their home countries.

“We hope Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will consider granting this special approval. The worker shortage is not just an operational issue; it has a direct impact on the national economy. This includes disruptions to the food supply chain and local employment opportunities,” added Jawahar.

Earlier, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail stated that the freeze on applications for foreign worker employment quotas would continue until further notice. However, calls from these critical sectors are expected to open avenues for the government to consider a more flexible approach.

Views from Local Workers
Some local workers have also expressed their concerns about this crisis. Ramesh Kumar, 28, a restaurant worker in Selangor, said, “The shortage of foreign workers forces us to work overtime, yet we still can’t meet customer demands. It’s stressful for us.”

Meanwhile, a restaurant owner, Norhidayah Ahmad, 45, commented, “If the government doesn’t act quickly, we might have to shut down our branches because we can’t balance operational costs and labor shortages.”

With clear economic impacts and strong demands from various parties, immediate government intervention is seen as the only way to resolve this crisis.