Warning against a rushed approach that may bypass essential safeguards

Critics caution that the one-month deadline could undermine the integrity of the foreign worker approval system. Speeding up processing may lead to insufficient background checks, raising concerns about undocumented workers or security risks. Labour activists also point out that quick fixes do not address the root cause: Malaysia’s over-reliance on cheap migrant labor, which depresses wages for locals. By prioritising restaurants, the government may be creating a precedent for other sectors to demand similar exemptions, complicating national labour policy. Moreover, the deadline puts immense pressure on immigration and labour officers, who could face burnout or be tempted to cut corners. Without proper monitoring, the fast track could be exploited by unethical agents. The opposition has called for a parliamentary debate to ensure transparency. Some employers themselves admit that a sustainable solution requires better wages and automation, not just faster permits. The rush, they argue, risks repeating past mistakes of amnesty-style programmes that led to overstaying and enforcement gaps.