The Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MAICCI) welcomes the decision of the government in lifting the freeze of foreign workers hiring in four (4) sectors namely manufacturing, construction, plantation and furniture-making industries.

We are glad that the government is listening to the industry players in foreign workers issues. This is a positive move by the government in allowing foreign worker hiring which will be big relief for targeted businesses in their daily business operations.

However, MAICCI representing fourteen (14) state chambers and thirteen (13) trade associations as affiliates consisting of more than 30,000 Indian businesses collectively, urge the government to relook at the hiring of the foreign workers in the service sectors other related business sectors.

We must understand that the demand for the foreign workers is due to the reluctance of the locals in working in service sectors especially in restaurants, barbershop, scrap metals and various other Indian traditional service orientated businesses which mostly involved Indian businesses. Due to the current decision to freeze the foreign workers, plenty of MAICCI members are adversely affected by this freeze and many have already closed their business.

MAICCI hereby urges the government to reconsider the lifting the freeze of foreign workers hiring for other sectors particularly services that are badly affected presently.

KENNETH ESWARAN is president, Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MAICCI).