KUALA LUMPUR – The Human Resources Ministry will tap into the pool of unemployed Malaysians to address labour shortages in sectors such as restaurants, hairstyling and goldsmithing, instead of continuing to rely heavily on foreign workers, said its newly appointed Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan.
Speaking at a press conference after a clocking in ceremony to mark his first day as the new Human Resources Minister today, Ramanan said agencies like HRD Corp already have the funding and expertise to train locals, and to position skills development as a pathway to employment and economic upliftment. He stressed that the ministry is in the “right place” to extend a helping hand in the issue.
“When a community is left back (sic), what is needed to bring up this community? Firstly, job opportunities, skills training and an opportunity to get into the labour force.
“I received many text messages about the shortage of Indian workers at restaurants, barbershops, and goldsmiths. Now the HRDF Corp has training funds. It has the training expertise. Now instead of us taking foreign labour, why not we explore, we train the unemployed (local) Indians and fit them into these industries? Why are we giving these opportunities to foreign labour when we have the labour here and we can provide them?” he asked.
Ramanan was responding to a question on how he plans to balance the Indian community’s expectations following his appointment as a full fledged minister, with the Madani government’s policy for a “needs based”, rather than “race based” approach, to eradicate poverty and address unemployment, among others.
During the press conference, the former Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (Kuskop) also reiterated his gratitude to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for entrusting him with the ministerial duty.
He said that under the Madani administration, everyone, regardless of their race, religion, or creed, is given equal importance.
“The Madani government is colour blind. (As long as) you are a Malaysian, the Madani government gives you a chance. But of course, being an Indian, I will do a little bit extra to help the Indian community, who have been left behind,” added Ramanan.
Earlier Ramanan met his predecessor Steven Sim who has taken over the helm of Ramanan’s former ministry Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives.
Ramanan previously dubbed his appointment as an honour to the Indian community. – December 18, 2025