Can Higher Wage Attract Locals to Work in 3D Jobs?

Malaysia's largest workers group has proposed a living wage of RM2,700 per month for workers in big cities to lure the locals to accept dirty, dangerous and difficult (3D) jobs usually filled by foreign workers.

Malaysian Trades Union Congress secretary-general J Solomon said higher wage is one of the steps that the government and employers can take to make sure there is no labour shortage from a government freeze on the intake of foreign workers.

The freeze is aimed at ensuring that Malaysians can fill the vacancies. The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers has asserted that a blanket ban could slow down the expansion of some industries.

However, Solomon said: “If workers are paid better, and if working conditions improved, there will be no problem in getting locals to do the jobs foreigners usually work in.

“Thousands of Malaysians work 3D jobs every day overseas, from Singapore to Australia to South Korea.”

Malaysians did not take up such jobs back home because of low wages, poor working conditions and labour policies.

“We should work towards a living wage based on the costs of living in an area. For example, for those working in KL, Johor Baru and Penang, the basic take-home pay should not be less than RM2,000. Which means their gross pay should be at least RM2,700.”

Workers in the “3D” jobs should be hired full time rather than on contract and be given benefits such as EPF contributions, Socso protection, medical coverage, accommodation and other perks.

Most Malaysians are not interested in local 3D jobs because of low wages, poor working conditions and labour policies.

“The labour department should also be effective in their inspections and enforcing labour laws that protect the workers,” he said. The government could come up with incentives for employers to replace foreign labour with local workers.

But, the government should cease pampering employers, Solomon said.

“They have reaped their just rewards from years of government help and benefits. and it is time to do their national service by helping the government to keep the unemployment rate low.”

“Covid-19 had shown the employers that without the workers, there is no factory or firm. Let a sense of humanity return. Top management salaries should come down and a ceiling set.”

Solomon also requested employers to stop union-busting, guarantee a safe workplace, and ensure that their employees are adequately insured.

Source: Free Malaysia Today

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