POLICY PATHWAYS FOR TRANSFORMING 3D SECTORS IN MALAYSIA

Abstract

Foreign workers have been consistently integral to the workforce in the ‘dirty, dangerous and difficult’ (3D) sectors in Malaysia for the past 40 years. The persistent high dependency on foreign labour, which shows no signs of diminishing soon, coupled with a lack of engagement from the Malaysians workforce in these sectors, gives rise to several issues including social, security, economic, and labour rights concerns. This article aims to address the identified challenges by proposing policy pathways and improvements, focusing notably on the realms of working conditions and workers’ rights. To achieve these objectives, the authors rely on qualitative library research involving the analysis of primary and secondary sources. The article concludes that it is imperative for policymakers in Malaysia to institute changes and interventions, particularly by rebranding the 3D sectors from being perceived as dirty, dangerous and difficult to diligence, dignified and duty- oriented.  The shift towards a more ‘humane’ perception of 3D sectors holds the potential to reduce reliance on foreign workers in the future and make 3D jobs for appealing to the local workforce.