KUALA LUMPUR: The government's aim to implement significant and structural economic reform in 2024 is expected to touch on the labour market sector in the country.
Aside from the new white paper on the progressive wage policy tabled in Dewan Rakyat recently, Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli said the government would also focus more on the dependency towards foreign workers in the country beginning next year.
He added that most of the structural decisions have been decided by the ministry this year.
"Following this, the biggest focus in 2024 will be on the reform of the labour sector (in the country).
The reform (is imperative) to develop a timeline and strategically place all systems (developed) to enable the government to reduce dependency on foreign workers," he said during the 'Sembang Santai' with the Economy Ministry at the Madani Government's First Anniversary programme held at Bukit Jalil National Stadium, today.
Rafizi, however, said the implementation of the reform would not be as easy and would take some time for it to take effect.
This, he said, was as his ministry must identify the need to develop a comprehensive support system involving all stakeholders, especially employers, to realise the reform.
"I am not sure if this (the reform) can take place with just one instruction. (I believe) what is needed is to develop a support system so that through it, we can start it (the reform).
"At the same time, all these reforms are based on assessment results through fair studies. Hence, we take into consideration reducing the implementation risks and minimising challenges that may arise.
"(And) I hope that the entire ecosystem will participate in the reform process if we want to continue moving forward."
On the progressive wage policy, Rafizi, meanwhile said the ministry would look into issues faced by the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) owners.
"We know that more than 80 per cent of employers are in the MSMEs categories and if we force (the increase of wages for employees).
"Hence, these employees may be laid off and there is a possibility that these small companies will shut down.
"Hence, once the policy is implemented, the ministry will solve all these issues first."
