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New Straits Times
21 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
No foreign workers without local TVET training, says Johari
KUALA KANGSAR: Companies in the plantation sector seeking to hire foreign workers will now be required to first provide local youths with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani today announced the new prerequisite for all companies involved in the sector's upstream and downstream processes in a move aimed at strengthening local talent development and reducing dependency on foreign labour. "This isn't just about picking fruits. For example, the palm oil industry includes milling, refineries and chemicals, areas where trained TVET graduates can find jobs," he said. "Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) school leavers with good results can enrol in higher-learning institutions, matriculation programmes and so on, but there are also those who cannot pursue further studies. "So, I took the initiative to ensure that these students are not left behind. That's why we have plantation TVET," he told reporters after attending a dialogue with the ministry here today. Johari said the plantation industry involved a wide range of economic activities, and as such, he called on industry players in palm oil, rubber, timber and furniture to assist school leavers who had no other prospects. "We want to enrol them in plantation TVET programmes. After eight or nine months of Level 2 TVET training, they can be placed directly into jobs," he said. However, he added that many industries were still reluctant to hire these youths after training, preferring to employ ready-made workers rather than invest in upskilling. "So I want to emphasise this, any plantation company that wants to apply for foreign workers must first show that they've taken steps to train and employ local SPM graduates who lacked other options. "If they haven't, I will not approve their applications for foreign workers. Even if the government approves foreign labour for the plantation sector, I will not allow it if they have made no contribution to local youths," he said. He added that the ultimate goal was to train these youths so that one day, when the foreign workers leave, they could become supervisors in palm oil, rubber and other related industries. "If the industry cooperates, then I'll consider approving foreign worker applications. Otherwise, there's no need for foreign workers because it shows they're not serious," he said. Johari also praised Sime Darby Bhd and FGV Holdings Bhd for showing strong commitment by providing accommodation and attractive salaries to train local youths. "Even if they don't attend university, they can earn up to RM2,500. Later, if they advance to Level 3 TVET after another eight months, they could earn between RM3,000 and RM3,500. "At the very least, we must help them develop a career. Otherwise, we're abandoning these students. It's sad that they have nowhere to go. "That's why I want to make this a requirement. Right now, we're using around 260,000 foreign workers in plantations, mostly doing 3D (dirty, dangerous and difficult) jobs," he said. He wanted local youths to eventually become part of the industry, moving up to earn between RM3,500 and RM5,500 as supervisors, and possibly becoming managers in the future. "This industry is very important. It's the third-largest export sector globally. The commodity sector exports RM186 billion worth of goods. "So we want this sector to take responsibility for helping SPM school leavers who are unsure of their future. We're starting with 250 TVET trainees. "When we approve foreign worker applications, there must already be local TVET trainees in your system. Foreign workers will eventually leave, but Malaysians stay in their community. That's our plan," he said. He also noted that Malaysia had many large plantations across various states and the ministry would gradually enforce this new requirement. "Right now, only Sime Darby and FGV are truly committed. That's why, if they face any issues regarding foreign workers, we will help them," he said.
The Star
05-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Malaysia to safeguard commodities in US tariff talks
Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia is making thorough preparations for official tariff negotiations with the United States, with the Plantation and Commodities Ministry emphasising the need to protect the interests of the country's commodities sector, particularly palm oil. Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani stated that although the United States is not the largest buyer of Malaysian palm oil products, exports to the country remain significant and strategically valuable. 'We have provided all relevant facts and information to the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry to be used in the upcoming negotiations. 'For example, with regard to palm oil, even though the United States is not a major buyer, we still export nearly RM4.9bil annually to that market,' he told reporters at the Malaysian Palm Oil Board's Silver Jubilee Gala Night. Johari said Malaysia's largest export markets for palm oil currently are Europe, India, and China, which collectively contribute over 40% of total exports. 'But we cannot disregard the United States, because in addition to palm oil, we also export rubber gloves – more than RM8bil annually, wood products – nearly RM6.5bil, and cocoa – at around RM1.6bil. 'Total commodity exports to the United States alone amount to about RM20bil to RM21bil,' he noted, adding that the national commodities sector records total annual exports of around RM186bil worldwide. Johari stressed the need to continue engagement and diplomacy efforts with major buyers worldwide, given the large demand and market capacity beyond the United States. — Bernama
Express Tribune
15-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Govt cracks down on hoarding, price gouging
KARACHI: The Sindh government has launched a crackdown on hoarding and illegal profiteering in the metropolitan city, issuing notices to 45 warehouse owners allegedly involved in the stockpiling of sugar, rice, and other essential commodities. The crackdown was led by Special Assistant to the CM Ghani Hanguro for price and supply. The team visited Kachhi Galli Market and several warehouses storing essential goods. During the inspection, notices were issued to the 45 warehouse owners caught hoarding food items. These warehouses were primarily used for storing sugar, rice, and other basic items. Hanguro warned that legal action would be taken against hoarders, including the sealing of their premises and the arrest of the owners. Next week, a meeting has been scheduled with the Association of Spices, Sugar, Rice, and Commodities to discuss the registration of over 500 godowns and warehouses. Apart from addressing the hoarding issue, Hanguro's team ensured that the prices of fruits, vegetables, and chicken in the market adhered to official rates. During the visit, a case was also filed against a shopkeeper found making illegal profits, under the Price Control Act.
