Image sources: TheEdgeMalaysia
34,000 Plantation Worker Quotas Approved to Safeguard Production Output
The Malaysian government has approved over 34,000 foreign worker quotas for plantation companies to address persistent labour shortages, particularly in palm oil and rubber estates. The sector has long struggled with vacancies due to the physically demanding nature of the work and limited local interest.
The additional quotas aim to stabilise harvesting cycles, reduce crop losses, and maintain export productivity — critical for a sector that contributes significantly to national revenue.
While the move helps in the short term, the government continues to emphasise mechanisation and long-term workforce restructuring to reduce reliance on foreign labour.
Helpmate Solutions monitors industry shifts and labour-related policy developments to keep stakeholders informed of changes that may affect manpower planning and sector demands.