KUALA LUMPUR: Employer groups have expressed disagreement with the government's decision to cancel foreign worker quotes that are not used by March 31.
Small and Medium Enterprises Association chairman Datuk William Ng said this decision did not take into consideration the dynamic nature of the business landscape.
"We must remember that some SMEs only received approval for their quotas at the end of last year. Sourcing workers takes time.
"This is not like buying cattle. The candidate must be willing to work, and able to do the work available," said Ng.
This comes after the Home Ministry said it will not budge from the May 31 deadline for the hiring of foreign workers through the Labour Recalibration Programme 2.0.
According to an updated Immigration Department circular on the matter, employers with active quotas must bring their workers into the country must do so by May 31 while unused quotas are to be cancelled by March 31.
Malaysian Employers Federation president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman also urged Putrajaya to grant employers a reasonable timeframe to utilise their foreign worker quotas and review the decision to nullify unused quotas.
He said the deadline makes it very difficult for employers to bring in the required foreign workers and disrupts the ability to fulfill commitments.
"A lot of procedures need to be complied with before a foreign worker can be brought in," said Hussain.
Meanwhile, Mydin managing director Datuk Ameer Ali Mydin also said the cancellation of the quotas and the short notice given to employers could disrupt various industries and affect investments.
Extending the deadline for at least three months would be fairer and minimise disruptions.
Previously, The National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCIM) urged the government to review the decision to cancel the unused foreign worker quotas by March 31, saying it could have far-reaching repercussions on businesses and the economy.