Calls to prepare workers over 60 for fourth IR in Malaysia

Executive director of the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) Shamsuddin Bardan said there was a need to re-train workers who are 60 years and above, especially in the face of emerging technological breakthroughs as reported in Free Malaysia Today. Additionally, he commented how re-training these workers should not deter them to stay on in employment.

He said: “They may take a bit longer to command new technology, but there are always people who can be trained. As far as skills and work attitude are concerned, I don’t think we have any problem with this category of people as most of them are dedicated to their work."

Shamsuddin said the government should reward employers who keep workers over 60, saying the move would also help reduce the dependency on foreign workers.

He added, “When people work, they will be more empowered and actually make the local economy more vibrant because they are not going to send the money overseas, they’re going to spend it here.”

ALSO READ: Govt. rep: Malaysia prepares for fourth IR, plans to move into high tech industries

Meanwhile, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has urged the Pakatan Harapan government to allow refugees to stay and work in Malaysia legally, The Star Online reported.

On 25 June (Monday) on the sidelines of a forum that was held in conjunction with World Refugee Day, UNHCR representative Richard Towle said: “If you know who the refugees are, then you can manage law and order and security issues better. Employers definitely need the kind of labour that refugees can provide.”

He added that the Home Ministry had indicated its interest in meeting UNHCR and that they would be meeting a minister on 2 July (Monday).

Refugees are considered undocumented migrants under the Malaysian Immigration Act, many of them work informally in Malaysia.

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