Factors That Influence the Influx of Foreign Workers in the Malaysian Construction Industry

Abstract

Labour is one of the primary resources in the construction industry, and the nature of this industry is still intensive. Approximately 1 million construction labours are needed annually, most foreign workers. This situation indicates that the construction sector is one of the most important industries which attach many foreign workers in Malaysia. The influx of foreign workers has undeniably caused numerous negative impacts on human health, political and social problems. These deficiencies have influenced our country's development. Considering this situation, the research aims to identify the factors influencing the influx of foreign workers in the Malaysian construction industry. The questionnaire survey was selected as the research methodology to achieve the research objective. The respondents for this research were G7 contractors within Petaling, Selangor Darul Ehsan. The data was analysed by using SPSS software and displayed in the tabulation form. The result of the study presents that education level is the main factor influencing the influx of foreign workers in the Malaysian construction industry. The information acquired from this research is to enhance the direction for Malaysia to reduce the influx of foreign workers in the construction industry in line with the 12th Malaysia Plan and further support to increase and attract the interest of local people to work in this industry.