Reuters reveals Malaysia firms turn down orders as migrant labour shortage hits

Reuters reported that Malaysian companies from palm oil plantations to semiconductor makers are refusing orders and forgoing billions in sales, hampered by a shortage of more than a million workers that threatens the country’s economic recovery. Despite lifting a COVID-19 freeze on recruiting foreign workers earlier this February, Malaysia has not seen a significant return of migrant workers due to slow government approvals and protracted negotiations with Indonesia and Bangladesh over worker protections.