Call To Change Mindset To Solve Unemployment
By M K Anwar & Narissa Noor

Bandar Seri Begawan - Employers and local jobseekers must change their mindset to help reduce unemployment in the country.

The advice was given by Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri SetiaAwang HajiAdanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri SetiaAwang Haji Mohd Yusof during an interview with the media yesterday morning.

The minister made a working visit to the Labour Department, which is under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

He noted a lot of improvement in the department and the procedures in processing applications have been updated and enhanced.

He stressed that employers or anyone applying for employment licence must follow the rules and guidelines, especially on requirements that have been stipulated.

The minister revealed that from the visit to the Labour Department's Enforcement Section, he has come to know that there are some employers who have failed to pay the salary of foreign workers. There have been cases where employers have not paid the salary of their domestic helpers for more than a year.

"This can burden the workers and the Labour Department has taken stem action against the employers and some have been brought to court," he said.

On employment, the minister said that priority must be given to local jobseekers, especially those with qualifications and skills.

He believes that local jobseekers have the skills and can perform the duties required by the private sector companies. He acknowledged that about 31 per cent of the current workforce in the private sector are locals while the rest are foreigners.

"We want the employers and jobseekers to change their mindset and work in the private sector."

This is one of the ways to reduce unemployment, which has now reached nearly 7,000 who have registered with the Labour Department's Local Employment Service Section.

Of that, 40 per cent are those with Form 5 qualification.

When asked about employers preferring foreign workers than locals, the minister said that employing a foreigner means a deposit has to be paid and air ticket and accommodation have to be provided.

He believes that given time, the attitude will change, local jobseekers preferring the private sector may increase and more employers will be willing to hire them.

Commenting on the complaints received from the public about the long queues at service counters, Pehin Dato Awg Hj Adanan said it is common to see more people using the services on Saturdays, especially those in the private sector having only half day of work.

It is therefore up to the discretion of the applicants who can also come at other times such as during weekdays from Monday to Thursday to avoid the long queues. He said staggered hours have been introduced at some of the counters, which operate even during lunchtime. This, he added, can be seen at the identity card application and employment pass counters. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Related News: Bosses Urged To Give Priority For Jobs To Locals

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