Referring to a media report today, Feb 2, 2016, that employers are objecting to the levy hike on foreign workers, the Malaysian Trades Unions Congress (MTUC) is of the view that this is not the first time such a stand had been taken by companies and organisations.

The issue is not about levy hike, but use of foreign workers and over-dependence on foreign workers.

MTUC believes and has always emphasised that we should not be dependent on foreign workers, and if such a policy has been implemented effectively, the increase of levy is no longer an issue.

As such, the MTUC once again recommends that employers shouldn’t hire foreign workers, instead they should consider other ways including giving priority to the locals.

At the same time, MTUC also urges the government to ensure that the levy is paid by employers of foreign workers rather than the workers themselves.

Once again MTUC wants to urge the employers to stop hiring foreign workers. This will bring benefit for the country at large.

N GOPAL KISHNAM is secretary-general of the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC).