SIBU: Many automobile repair workshops are currently facing a severe shortage of skilled talent and are in desperate need of suitable technical personnel in light of technological advancement in the industry.
Restrictions to work permit applications for foreign workers has only made this shortage worse.
“We hope the government will understand the industry’s actual situation and slightly ease the foreign worker recruitment policies,” said Federation of Automobile Workshop Owners Association of Malaysia (FAWOAM) president Penghulu Teo Nging Poh.
He said this would enable workshops to more easily obtain work permits for foreign workers to meet market demand and alleviate the labour shortage.
He said such measures would not only ensure the smooth operation of workshops but also support the continuous development of the automotive service industry.
Teo made these remarks at the Gala Dinner of the Installation Ceremony for the Federation of Automobile Workshop Owners Association of Malaysia (FAWOAM) Executive Committee for the 13th Term (2024 – 2026), the Sibu Automobile Repairer Association (SARA) Executive Committee for the 23rd Term (2024 – 2025), the SARA 45th Anniversary Celebration, and the National Electric Vehicle Forum and Workshop here on Saturday (Nov 9).
In this context the association has also proposed that the government introduce a subsidy programme to support local technicians in obtaining advanced training overseas to enhance their technical skills.
Teo said this would not only increase the professionalism of technicians but also make the entire industry more competitive and capable of meeting modern automotive repair and service needs.
“With continuous innovations in automotive technology, the increase in new energy vehicles, and the popularity of smart driving technology, technical personnel must consistently upgrade their skills to meet the demands of these advanced technologies,” he said.
The dinner was officiated by Bawang Assan assemblyman Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh representing Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
