The government plans to extend the service of foreign workers who have already worked for five years in the country for another five years for all sectors.

Home Ministry secretary-general Mahmood Adam said the service of the foreign workers had to be retained because of their experience and skill which were closely link with the increase in the country's productivity and competitiveness.

"Based on a study, as well as the interests of the country's industrial and economic sectors, the government has decided that the 5+5 years' permit be considered for other sectors which are allowed to employ foreign workers," he said in a statement today.

At present, the 5+5 years' permit is only given to workers in the oil palm sector to overcome labour shortage and prevent the experienced workers from returning to their countries of origin.

Report on Sabah’s illegal immigrants ready

In another development, Mahmood said a report on the Special Laboratory on Sabah Foreign Citizens was ready and would be tabled to the Sabah cabinet.

He said the laboratory, held in Sabah from May 4 to 27 last year, had made several suggestions, in addition to those submitted by the national-level Laboratory on Management of Foreign Citizens.

"The Sabah government has given the green light on the suggestions and the report will be tabled at the Cabinet Committee Meeting on Foreign Workers and Illegal Immigrants which will be chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin on March 17," he added.

- Bernama