Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called for construction companies to prioritise hiring local skilled labour to reduce the nation’s reliance on foreign workers. Speaking at the 2024 Graduation Ceremony of the Malaysian Construction Academy (ABM) recently, Zahid stressed that while employing foreign workers may seem cost-effective in the short term, the long-term economic costs could be detrimental to Malaysia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Zahid noted that the construction sector is critical in Malaysia’s economic growth, but overdependence on foreign labour has hindered the industry’s progress. He emphasised that housing developers, contractors, and subcontractors should shift focus towards local skilled workers, who not only help strengthen the industry but also contribute to a sustainable economy in the long run. The government’s focus on improving the quality of local workers, particularly through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), is seen as a crucial step in addressing the skills gap.
In this context, Zahid highlighted the importance of CIDB Technologies and ABM in driving initiatives to boost local participation in the construction workforce. He commended the Construction Skills Qualification Framework (CSQF) developed by CIDB to enhance skills development in the industry. Furthermore, he called for all local TVET institutions offering construction programmes to ensure their certifications align with CIDB’s standards for greater workforce credibility.
In his closing remarks, Zahid emphasised the role of CSQF in positioning Malaysia as a global hub for skilled construction professionals. He noted that, with continued support from the government and relevant agencies, the country is well on its way to achieving its vision of a fully localised workforce in the construction sector.
Stay tuned for Part 2, where we delve into CIDB’s pivotal role in shaping Malaysia’s construction workforce.
