M'sian firms turn down orders as migrant labour shortage hits

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 in 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, say industry groups, companies and diplomats.

The export-reliant Southeast Asian nation, a key link in the global supply chain...