A Malaysian shop owner's account of a job seeker allegedly requesting RM90 a day without a valid work permit has triggered widespread ...
A Malaysian shop owner's account of a job seeker allegedly requesting RM90 a day without a valid work permit has triggered widespread online discussion about employment, immigration laws, and labour practices.
Kuala Lumpur:
A viral social media post by a Malaysian shop owner has reignited public debate over foreign workers' wages, employment opportunities, and immigration regulations after claiming that a foreign job seeker without a valid work permit requested RM90 per day in wages along with additional employment benefits.
The discussion began after the shop owner shared details of the encounter on the social media platform Threads. According to the post, a foreign national visited the shop seeking employment and presented a passport but did not possess a valid work permit that would legally allow him to work in Malaysia.
The shop owner claimed that the applicant requested RM90 per day, equivalent to approximately RM2,700 per month, and also asked for additional allowances. Despite language barriers, the owner said he continued the conversation with the applicant before ultimately deciding not to offer him a job.
According to the post, the applicant became upset after being informed that he would not be hired. The shop owner later wrote that a daily wage of RM90 amounted to a monthly salary of around RM2,700 and expressed surprise at the request, adding that Malaysia needed to pay attention to the issue.
The post quickly gained traction online, attracting hundreds of comments and generating widespread discussion among social media users.
Many users shared similar personal experiences. Some claimed they had encountered foreign job applicants requesting as much as RM150 per day, while others alleged that certain applicants had also requested free accommodation and meals as part of their employment package.
Several commenters argued that Malaysian citizens should continue to receive priority for local job opportunities. Others expressed concern that accepting such wage demands could encourage similar expectations among future job applicants.
Some users also suggested that cases involving individuals seeking employment without valid work permits should be reported to immigration authorities. They noted that employing foreign nationals without proper work authorisation is a violation of Malaysian immigration and labour laws and could result in legal action against both employers and workers.
However, other social media users urged a broader perspective on the issue. They argued that problems within Malaysia's labour market are not solely the responsibility of foreign workers but can also arise when employers hire undocumented workers or fail to follow legal recruitment procedures. According to these commenters, such practices may contribute to disputes over wages, employment conditions, and labour standards.
Malaysia has been reviewing its foreign worker management policies in recent years, with the government introducing reforms aimed at strengthening work permit enforcement, improving recruitment procedures, and increasing employment opportunities for local workers. Authorities have also emphasised greater transparency and compliance within the country's foreign labour management system.
Although the incident has generated significant public interest, it is important to note that the claims originate from a social media post and have not been independently verified by government authorities. No official investigation or policy announcement has been linked to the case.
Nevertheless, the online discussion has once again highlighted broader issues surrounding foreign worker recruitment, wage expectations, legal employment, immigration compliance, and the balance between meeting industry labour demands and protecting local employment opportunities.
Sources: Social media post on Threads
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