A construction workers' union has questioned the government's decision to issue half a million work permits for foreign workers in the construction sector, as it is likely to result in an over-supply of workers for the industry.

The Union of Employees in Construction Industry (UECI) said that, based on current activities being carried out, it is unlikely that such a large number of workers would be required.

Last Tuesday, Deputy Human Resources Minister Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad was quoted in a Bernama report as saying that the government has approved 500,000 work permits for the construction sector, and that 300,000 new workers had already entered the country.

However, Abdul Latiff's announcement did not tie in with industry estimates given out by other parties involved.

Varying statistics

During a conference organised by the Construction Industry Development Board on Sept 14, Immigration department foreign workers division director Jamel Ariffin said the Home Ministry had approved just over 150,000 permits for workers in all sectors.

Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) an association representing the construction sector had revealed that although some 60,000 permits had been approved for construction companies to bring in their workers, only about 3,000 workers had returned.

The rest are expected to arrive in about a month because employers have yet to make visa and travel arrangements.

Abdul Latiff refused to comment on the discrepancy when contacted today, while MBAM spokespersons were unavailable for comment.

Duplication of labour needs

UECI executive secretary S Santhanasamy expressed doubt that the country would need up to 500,000 workers, although he said it would be difficult to verify the actual number required.

"The government should explain how it came up with this figure and from where it drew its conclusions," he said.

He also said the construction industry would face an over-supply of foreign workers because the tasks required of them would usually take only several months to complete.

"No single worker can do all the tasks. They are not a jack of all trades. Therefore, once the worker has completed his portion of work, which could take only three months, he will become idle," he explained.

However, because each worker can only be legally employed by one company, he will be unable to move jobs to other employers who may need his services, said Santhanasamy.

"Also because of this, other contractors would be applying for permits to bring in workers for the same work."

The union leader said this may become a problem later as workers are issued a two-year work permit to enter Malaysia.

Based on new guidelines set by the Home Ministry, each foreign worker will be allowed to work only with the employer who applied for his permit.

In addition, workers will be restricted to work at only one job site. Employers wishing to transfer workers to another project under the same company are required to obtain prior approval from the ministry.