Will foreign workers fill maintenance roles at petrol station cafes?

Question

Accepted Answer

Government Agrees in Principle to Allow Foreign Workers for Certain Petrol Station Roles

The Malaysian government has reached an in-principle agreement to permit petrol station operators to hire foreign workers specifically for cleaning and maintenance duties within the cafés and convenience shops located at these stations. This revised policy acknowledges the evolving nature of petrol stations, which have expanded beyond basic fuelling to incorporate diverse retail and food service operations since the 1995 Cabinet decision that initially prohibited foreign labour in the sector. The decision, however, explicitly states that it does not entail an increase in the overall foreign worker quota allocated to the industry.
Revised Policy Acknowledges Sectoral Evolution

The original prohibition on foreign workers at petrol stations, established by a Cabinet decision in 1995, is being reassessed due to the significant transformation of these establishments. Petrol stations now commonly feature extensive amenities such as cafés, convenience stores, and other services, necessitating a review of existing labour regulations. This policy shift reflects the current operational realities and the diversified business models adopted by petrol station operators.
Direct Employment and Employer Transfers Facilitated

In conjunction with the in-principle approval for hiring foreign workers, mechanisms for their employment have been agreed upon. These mechanisms allow for direct hiring by petrol station management companies and facilitate employer transfers within the Petrol Dealers Association of Malaysia (PDAM). This approach aims to streamline the process, moving away from potential intermediaries who previously determined worker salaries, and ensuring that employment is managed directly by the businesses operating the stations.
Continued Freeze on Additional Quotas Maintained

Despite the agreement to allow foreign workers for specific roles, the government will maintain its freeze on applications for additional foreign worker quotas. This freeze is set to continue until the first quarter of 2025. This measure indicates a controlled approach to foreign worker employment, focusing on reallocating existing capacities rather than expanding the overall number of foreign workers permitted in the country.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

Will foreign workers fill maintenance roles at petrol station cafes?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends