PUTRAJAYA: Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli today said that more than 10,000 local workers have expressed an interest in the 3D (dirty, dangerous, and difficult) job sector in Malaysia, according to data obtained through the People’s Income Initiative (IPR) programme.
He acknowledged, however, the challenges in convincing employers and industries to transition from foreign workers to local employees.
“We have found many individuals willing to take up 3D jobs. The perception that local workers are not interested is untrue.
“However, convincing industries to change their reliance on foreign workers remains a challenge,” he told reporters after attending the 2022 household income and expenditure survey presentation here, Friday.
While the programme has received a positive response from both industry representatives and participants, Rafizi acknowledged the need to address employer concerns to create more opportunities for local workers in the 3D job sector.
In the meantime, he said that the Ministry of Economy is exploring the expansion of the IPR programme into the service sector, including childcare centres, to encourage greater participation among the B40 and hardcore poor.
Rafizi noted that the response from the industry and participants to this programme has been promising.
