Malay-Indian business body chief seeks reduction in window period for foreign labour

KUALA LUMPUR - The Malaysian Associated Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MAICCI) has appealed to the government to decrease the current three-month window period for the return of foreign workers wanting to work in Malaysia.

MAICCI president KK Eswaran said such a long gap is undesirable, as it would adversely affect certain businesses where skilled labour is essential.

“This period is too long and would have a dampening effect on certain businesses like textile shops and restaurants,” The Star quoted him as having told reporters after meeting 14 Indian trade associations late on Monday.

He said the asscociations are pushing for the current window to be reduced to one week, and added that they are willing to foot the cost of sending the workers to Singapore before recalling them.

These efforts are inhibited by the reluctance of Indian workers to give their personal details fearing detention by the Immigration Department, he said. (ANI)