LETTERS: I have often voiced my concern about our dependence on foreign labour.
Instead of looking towards innovation to increase productivity, we continue to go for so-called cheap foreign labour.
The reason, I believe, is to keep the minimum wage as low as possible and peddle the myth that Malaysians are not interested in 3D (dirty, dangerous and demanding) jobs.
Perhaps we can add another "D" for demeaning.
Yet, many Malaysians work such jobs outside the country. The reason is obvious.
It's about the pay. And the fact that they can earn in stronger foreign currencies.
Generally, far too many jobs are taken by foreign workers. Why? Again, it's very simple.
For one, employers are able to hire foreign workers for far longer than locals as foreigners have little choice on where they can go. Malaysians tend to job-hop to secure better pay.
Secondly, Malaysians will take leave to celebrate festivals or for family reasons.
And thirdly, foreign workers are often expected to work long shifts.
This is why foreign workers are preferred most of the time.
However, recent developments seem to indicate that the gravy train is coming to an end.
Malaysia is no longer attractive to foreign workers as source countries have become economic powerhouses and there is domestic demand for workers.
So, what is the solution? Companies need to start looking at research and development (R&D) to innovate.
Malaysia's R&D sector is quite embarrassing.
If some countries can innovate and improve the production of maple syrup so that it does not need a large labour force, we should be able to do the same for palm oil and rubber.
Lamb and cattle farmers in Australia, for example, do not employ a very large workforce.
Instead, they have part-timers who go from one farm to the next, especially during shearing or slaughtering season.
If it can be done for maple syrup production and ruminant rearing, I am certain we can find a way to innovate in rubber and palm oil production so that those sectors are less labour intensive.
Maybe the way the trees are planted can be mechanised.
I believe companies should not just demand for solutions from the government. They need to move towards innovation instead of just hoping for change.
As a concerned citizen, I would like to see more innovation in agriculture, especially the agrofood and commodities industries.
Look for solutions that benefit the people, and don't just pass more and more cost to the people.
We need responsible companies that prioritise the wellbeing of the nation and the people and not focus on profit alone.
MEGAT SHAH RIZAL NOOR IKHSAN
Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times