| James Kon |
THE Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) is considering the introduction of a levy on companies as an additional fee, for employing foreign workers.
The initiative, which is intended to further boost employment for locals, was mentioned yesterday morning by YB Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Home Affairs, on the fourth day of the 13th Legislative Council (LegCo) session.
The minister was responding to a query by YB Awang Haji Abdul Wahab bin Apong, the Penghulu of Mukim Tanjong Maya in the Tutong District, on the reduction of quotas for foreign workers and employment opportunities for locals.
YB Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Abu Bakar explained, “We are in the process of considering the introduction of a levy, which is an additional cost of payment borne by companies that employ foreign workers.
“We have already identified the employment fields in which the levy can be introduced.”
The minister said that the move will entail more employment opportunities for locals, as long as they are not too selective.
YB Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Home Affairs. – AZROL AZMI
Another issue raised by YB Haji Abdul Wahab was the allocation of stalls in all mukims, so that villages could conduct business operations to contribute towards the national economy.
In his response, the minister said, “The government has built a number of stalls costing $5 each in rental fees, which is barely enough to cover the overall maintenance of those premises.”
He added, “I hope that mukim and village consultative councils are able to follow the good example of the Kampong Belimbing Village Consultative Council, which has built its own stalls with rental fees that cover business activities. The surplus money is used for the village’s welfare, without depending on the government.”
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