600 foreign workers hired to overcome labour shortage: FGV

KUALA LUMPUR: Felda Global Ventures Holdings Berhad (FGV) had hired almost 600 foreign workers to date in order to overcome labour shortage at its plantations.
According to FGV officer-in-charge Datuk Khairil Anuar Aziz, the intensive hiring programme carried out by FGV to overcome the shortage of labour issue was progressing smoothly, and that workers from Bangladesh and Indonesia have begun to arrive in stages this month to cover the current shortage of approximately 8,000 workers.
"Thank God this labour shortage problem is being addressed immediately. This is a top priority for FGV to ensure optimum production from the plantations," he said in a statement here today.
Khairil Anuar said FGV deeply appreciated the commitment and support rendered by the government, as well as the staff of related ministries such as the Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities.
"Also, our utmost gratitude to the High Commission of Bangladesh, the Indonesian Embassy, the Malaysian High Commission in Bangladesh and the Malaysian Embassy in Indonesia for their strong commitment towards this effort.
"FGV would always ensure every entry process of its foreign workers is in compliance with both countries' laws and policies. As a responsible company, we are also committed to the standards set by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) on the employment hiring process," he said.
Khairil Anuar said the effort to strengthen the plantation workforce would positively impact the company and maximise returns to its shareholders, which includes Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) settlers.
"FGV is actively conducting Research and Development (R&D) for the plantation sector especially in the areas of mechanisation to ease the workload and efficiency of day-to-day operations.
"Work undertaken by plantation workers is now assisted by mechanical equipment, as well as high tech machineries compared to the past. Thus, FGV is also actively promoting this career opportunity amongst locals," he said.
Khairil Anuar also said the company had recently launched a nationwide recruitment drive to hire plantation workers and applications can be sent directly to FGV offices nearby or by email to career@feldaglobal.com.
For more information on career opportunities and open interviews, those interested may visit FGV's website at www.feldaglobal.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/feldaglobalofficial/.
FGV operates over 450,000ha of plantations across the country including Sabah and Sarawak. The plantation sector contributes 70% towards the main source of FGV's income, placing it amongst the world's major crude palm oil producers. — Bernama