ALOR STAR: The shortage of local workers has compelled padi farmers in the country to engage foreign labourers for padi planting and cultivation works.
Malay Rice Millers' Association (PPBMM)'s committee member Mohd Zaini Ahmad said that the foreign labourers, mostly permitted to work as construction workers, tend to the fields on a part-time basis, which is beyond their contractual commitments.
"There are padi farmers resorting to 'shortcuts' by hiring foreign labourers for as low as RM350 up to RM550 to plant and cultivate one 'relong' (0.711 acres) of padi fields.
"The challenge lies in the scarcity of local human resources to manage their padi fields. Some farmers prefer foreign workers due to their constant availability compared to local hires," he said after the PPBMM annual grand meeting at Sri Malaysia Hotel here today.
However, Zaini clarified that there have been no instances of undocumented foreigners managing padi fields in the country.
"Typically, local citizens compete for opportunities to manage and own padi fields, and there are no foreign nationals taking the lead," he added.
Commenting further, Zaini urged the government to concentrate efforts to address the country's dependency on foreign labour.
"Perhaps by implementing appropriate initiatives, we can encourage locals to participate in padi planting and cultivation. Even within this industry, there are seasonal job opportunities for locals to earn daily incomes exceeding RM80," he added.
On Sunday, a Malay daily reported foreigners cultivating vegetable crops on local-owned land in Kerian, Perak, suspected to be colluding with locals in the venture.
It was reported that it is uncertain whether the foreigners have land ownership, but the groups have cultivated large-scale vegetable farms and sold produce to local wholesalers.
Some local padi farmers are reported to fully hire the foreign laborers to manage their padi fields due to low wage costs as well.