Business

Tuesday September 22, 2009

Tough time hiring locals; they are choosy

By DAVID TAN


MNCs say many not willing to work as operators and technicians

GEORGE TOWN: Multinational corporations (MNCs) in the country are facing a tough time hiring locals, according to Malaysian American Electronics Industry (MAEI) chairman Datuk Wong Siew Hai.

He said MAEI’s 17 members were complaining that locals were not willing to take up jobs as operators and technicians, and that they were also concerned about the quality of graduates as some had poor communication and technical skills.

“Because of this, the MNCs are trying to engage foreign workers. But due to government restrictions, they are also having difficulty in employing foreigners. In MAEI’s budget 2010 wishlist, our members would like the Government to relax the conditions on hiring foreigners,” Wong told StarBiz in an interview.

He said MNCs hoped the Government would tackle the shortage of local skilled workers, the quality of human capital and high electricity cost in the upcoming budget.

Wong said another area of concern was the country’s security.

“Our members have invested a large amount to safeguard their operations and assets, which include engaging armed guards and installing tracking systems in their vehicles and facilities. They would like to see the Government do the same,” he said.

On the electronics sector outlook for 2010, Wong said: “The first quarter is traditionally a slow quarter, but if the fourth quarter of 2009 sees a pick up, then the effects will also be carried over to the first quarter of 2010. If the fourth quarter slows down, then the first quarter of 2010 will also be affected.”

The export value of MAEI’s 17 members increased by about 20% in the second quarter over the first quarter, while the third quarter saw an increase of about 10% over the second quarter.

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