Two news items in October 2026 touch on foreign workers and local job seekers. First, the Human Resources Minister said employers must look for local workers first. Second, the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) asked for tighter enforcement after reports of foreign workers working as cashiers and in shops. This article sums up what was reported. It is not legal advice.
Information as of 30 Oct 2026, based on Bernama reports (21 Oct, 22 Apr and 29 Oct 2026). Rules can change. For your own case, ask your employer or the Immigration Department.
What was reported
29 Oct: locals first. According to Bernama (also carried by Malaysiakini), Human Resources Minister R. Ramanan said while winding up the Supply Bill 2027 debate in the Dewan Rakyat that employers must look for local workers through the MyFutureJobs portal before recruiting foreign workers. He said this is part of efforts to reduce reliance on foreign workers. The report also said foreign worker recruitment is limited to six main sectors and their permitted sub-sectors, under strict conditions. The report does not list those six sectors, so we do not name them here.
21 Oct: cashiers and shops. According to an MEF statement reported by Bernama, reports of foreign workers as cashiers, retail assistants, service attendants and in food service raised concern that recruitment policies were not being properly implemented or enforced. MEF asked the government to act firmly against employers, agents or others who misuse approvals or place workers outside their authorised occupations. MEF also said foreign workers are still needed for 3D (dirty, dangerous, difficult) jobs and hard-to-fill positions, and warned that blanket restrictions could cause shortages.
Both reports are statements and proposals. We found no report of a new rule for foreign workers who already hold a pass, and no new penalty.
What it means for foreign workers
A PLKS (Temporary Employment Visit Pass) is issued for work with a specific employer. In an operation in Shah Alam and Puchong (Bernama, 22 Apr 2026), the Immigration Department said some foreign workers held PLKS issued under other companies and worked at premises other than their registered employer. This was described as pass misuse under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and the Immigration Regulations 1963. 62 foreign nationals were detained. The report did not state penalties, so we give no figures.
Practical points:
- Work for the employer and in the job on your pass. If you are offered extra work at a shop, restaurant or elsewhere, remember the pass misuse risk.
- Do not agree to work somewhere else on the word of an agent or "boss", even if the pay looks better. Ask Immigration or your registered employer first.
- Side jobs carry risk too. Gig and freelance work is not always allowed for PLKS holders. Read the gig work guide and the part-time job scam red flags.
- Changing employer or sector is not your own decision. According to media reports, it needs authority approval through the employer. Confirm with Immigration.
- Pass about to expire? See documents for pass extension and social visit pass.
If an employer forces you to work outside your contract or does not pay wages, there are complaint channels. See wage complaints at JTK Johor Bahru.
What it means for Sabahan and Sarawakian job seekers
Sabahans and Sarawakians are Malaysian citizens and need no work permit to work in Peninsular Malaysia. For employers who must first look for locals on MyFutureJobs, you are the applicant they need to consider.
- Register and search for jobs on MyFutureJobs (PERKESO's portal). Bring your MyKad.
- Keep proof of your applications (screenshots, emails).
- Ask the factory about basic pay, OT and housing before accepting an offer.
- Read the guide to factory jobs in Senai for Sabahans and Sarawakians.
We found no official data on how many jobs in Senai will open because of this news. Do not assume vacancies will increase straight away.
What to do / who to call
| Situation | Action | |---|---| | PLKS holder asked to work elsewhere | Do not agree yet; ask your registered employer and Immigration | | Unsure whether your job matches your pass | Ask HR or your employer; ask for a copy of your contract | | Wages unpaid or wrongly deducted | See JTK Johor Bahru | | Sabahan/Sarawakian looking for work | Register on MyFutureJobs; bring your MyKad | | Asked to pay an agent to "change jobs" | Be careful; it may be a scam |
Common mistakes
- Assuming a pass works for any job. A PLKS is tied to an employer.
- Trusting an agent who says "it's fine to work at the shop next door".
- Treating this news as a new rule. These are reported statements and policy; confirm the details.
- Sabahans and Sarawakians worrying about permits. You do not need one.
Looking for a room in Senai?
If you are looking for a worker room near your factory in Senai, see our current rooms and pricing or WhatsApp +60 12-708 8789 (https://wa.me/60127088789) to check availability.
FAQ
Must employers look for local workers first? According to the Human Resources Minister as reported by Bernama on 29 Oct 2026, yes: employers must look for local workers through MyFutureJobs before recruiting foreign workers.
Can foreign workers work in shops or as cashiers? MEF raised concern about foreign workers in such roles and asked for tighter enforcement. Foreign worker recruitment is reported to be limited to six main sectors. Check your job with your employer and Immigration.
What is the risk of working somewhere other than the employer on my PLKS? Immigration has described working at premises other than the registered employer as pass misuse under the Immigration Act 1959/63. We found no penalty confirmed by two sources, so we do not state one.
Do Sabahans and Sarawakians need a work permit in Peninsular Malaysia? No. They are Malaysian citizens and can look for jobs through MyFutureJobs.
Sumber / Sources
- Malaysiakini (Bernama), Employers must prioritise locals before hiring foreign workers, says Ramanan (29 Oct 2026) (accessed 30 Oct 2026)
- Bernama, MEF statement on enforcement of foreign worker approvals (21 Oct 2026) (accessed 30 Oct 2026)
- Bernama, Immigration operation in Shah Alam and Puchong, PLKS misuse (22 Apr 2026) (accessed 30 Oct 2026)
- The Star, Locals first when hiring, foreign workers only when needed, says Ramanan (28 Jul 2026) (accessed 30 Oct 2026)
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