MEF Highlights Labour Weakness

PETALING JAYA: The extension of Malaysia’s Migrant Repatriation Programme 2.0 until May 2027 has drawn mixed reactions from industry groups. Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) president Syed Hussain Syed Husman said while the move eases enforcement pressures, it highlights weaknesses in Malaysia’s labour framework and risks widening workforce gaps in manufacturing, construction and plantations.

He urged faster foreign worker approvals and greater digitalisation to reduce reliance on intermediaries. The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) supported the extension but called for streamlined processes to regularise workers efficiently.

Labour Weakness

Malaysian Indian Restaurant Owners Association (Primas) proposed legalising undocumented workers under strict conditions to retain trained manpower and reduce deportation costs.

Immigration Department data shows 254,186 undocumented migrants from 112 countries registered between May 2025 and April 2026, generating RM127 million in revenue. Stakeholders stressed that clear policies and replacement measures are vital to stabilise Malaysia’s labour market.

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