Intake of 45,000 workers a relief to Indian traders

KUALA LUMPUR: The Indian business community welcomes the approval of 45,000 foreign workers although it fulfils only half of the present requirement, said Malaysian Associated Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry president (Maicci) Datuk K.K. Eswaran.

He said they were grateful as the current approval will ensure the daily operations and viability of their respective businesses.

Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam said last week that the Government had approved the intake of 45,000 foreigners for the Indian business community.

Eswaran noted that Maicci had presented a memorandum to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak last March 25.

“We met with various Indian trade associations on Feb 17 and March 12 last year.

“They were consistent that the policies on foreign labour had to be changed gradually,” he said, adding that meetings with representatives from the Human Resources and Home Ministries have been held since then.

Eswaran said Maicci would ensure that a proper roundtable discussion be held with the relevant ministries to iron out implementation process.