“No interest shown by locals” – PRESMA Says Rohingyas Might Be Hired to Work at Mamak Restaurants

With the lack of enthusiasm shown by Malaysians to work behind the scenes, we MIGHT see Rohingyas working at Mamak restaurants.

The Association of Muslim Restaurant Operators of Malaysia (PRESMA) recently said the organisation has taken many initiatives to hire local manpower but to no avail, so PRESMA has applied for permits to hire foreign workers.

According to the  President of PRESMA, the organisation had put up hiring announcements through the Malaysian Labor Department and other relevant bodies, but the efforts to hire local workers have not been proven fruitful.

“We conducted interviews in the past too. But the reception was not what we expected.”

With the unfavourable reception, PRESMA saw no choice but to resort to seeking foreign labourers, including Rohingyas, if allowed, reported Berita Harian.

“We don’t have issue with hiring Rohingyas, as long as the government allows and if they had valid documents.”

Jawahir Ali said that his team is grateful to the government for being willing to discuss the request to allow the importation of foreign workers in the restaurant sector with relevant agencies. This follows the challenges faced in hiring local workers despite various initiatives implemented by its members.

He added that PRESMA members have no issues with the implementation of the new Minimum Wage Order, which sees the minimum wage increased to RM1,700 per month from RM1,500, effective yesterday (February 1).

What do you think of the hiring of foreign labors?

Also read: Mamak Worker in Penang is Going Back to India After 20 Years & He’s Missing M’sia Already