The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) Perak held a press conference at Syuen Hotel, Ipoh recently to announce programmes for its upcoming annual dinner. The event is slated for Friday, September 12 at Syuen Hotel, Ipoh.
Award presentation will be the major fixture during the dinner. Besides the usual safety and service appreciation awards, a new category will be introduced. The talent-building award is specifically meant for new talents from within the members’ organisations.
Chairman of MEF Perak, Soong Kok Hong, took the opportunity to reveal problems faced by employers present. High on his list was the issue of manpower which has affected the manufacturing and agriculture sectors to a certain degree. Procedures in processing foreign workers, from the source countries to disembarkation points in Malaysia, are too tedious.
The existing one-stop-centre is of no consequence, as employers are still required to go from one ministry to another. Although the matter has been brought to the attention of the authorities, a permanent solution is still to be arrived at.
The introduction of the Goods and Services Tax in 2015, said Soong, will create more problems for employers. The federation hopes the government will consider giving incentives and reliefs in Budget 2015 which will benefit both business entities and individuals.
“In the interim, we’ll continue with our efforts to bring in more business opportunities to Perak. We’ll develop and nurture youths by providing them a likeable platform to perform without them having to leave the state for greener pastures elsewhere,” said Soong.
Yvette
