Navigating Dependency: Analyzing Recruitment Practices and Challenges in Malaysia’s Construction Industry
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14422/mig.22215.020Keywords:
Construction industry, exploitative industry practices, labour dependency, recruitment practices, irregular foreign workersAbstract
Since the 1980s, Malaysia’s construction industry has faced a critical labor shortage, leading to a heavy reliance on foreign workers and irregular employment practices. This study examines the complex relationship between recruitment policies, industry practices, and regulatory frameworks perpetuating this dependency. Using a mixed-methods approach that includes an extensive literature review and a case study of two construction firms in Peninsular Malaysia (accredited as Grade 3 (G3) and Grade 7 (G7)), the paper identifies key factors contributing to the reliance on low-skilled foreign labor which include high recruitment costs, complicated bureaucratic processes, and exploitative hiring practices. The findings indicate that while current legal frameworks and bilateral agreements aim to uphold fair hiring practices, specific challenges persist within the recruitment landscape, leading to inefficiencies and informal outsourcing practices. This research underscores the urgent need for comprehensive policy reforms and collaborative initiatives to improve labor rights and eliminate exploitative practices.Downloads
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