THE Malaysian Indian Metal Traders and Recyclers Association has called for immediate action to address the severe worker shortage faced by its members, Malaysia Nanban reported.
Its chief secretary S. Muthappan said members had been dealing with the problem for 10 years.
“Our members contribute to the economy and pay taxes too. We only ask for about 10,000. This is not a lot compared to the one million foreign workers reportedly given to various industries,” he added.
He said members would prefer to source labour from India’s Tamil Nadu to avoid language barriers.
Muthappan said some 70% of the foreign workers hired earlier had returned home.
“They went back for holiday or for other seasons, but have been unable to come back to Malaysia for work.
“The remaining 30% are also returning home progressively,” he said at the association’s seventh annual general meeting in Ipoh.
