KUCHING, April 18 2026: Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) expresses its deep concern regarding recent discussions on expanding the intake of foreign labour, particularly from Bangladesh, into Sarawak.
Its president Voon Lee Shan (picture) said he acknowledges the need to support economic growth and development in the state.
“However, the Sarawak government should carefully evaluate the broader social, economic, and demographic implications of allowing large number of foreign workers to work in the state,” he said in a statement.
Voon said the proposal to significantly increase the number of foreign workers raises important questions about long-term impacts on Sarawak’s population composition.
“A large and sustained influx of foreign labour, if not properly managed, may gradually alter the demographic balance of the state,” he said.
“This could have far-reaching consequences on social cohesion, cultural identity, and the overall stability of local communities,” he added.
Voon said PBK is also concerned about potential social challenges associated with a high dependency on foreign labour.
“These may include increased pressure on public services, housing, and infrastructure, as well as risks of undocumented employment if workers abscond from their assigned jobs.
“Past experiences have shown that some foreign workers, once recruited, may leave their designated sectors, creating enforcement challenges and contributing to informal economic activities,” Voon feared.
Voon also highlighted a critical domestic issue, stating that many Sarawakians have left the state in search of better employment opportunities elsewhere.
“Instead of relying heavily on foreign labour, the government should prioritise policies that encourage the return of local talent,” he said, this includes offering competitive wages, improving working conditions, and providing targeted incentives to attract Sarawakians back to contribute to the state’s development.
He said PBK believes that a balanced workforce strategy is essential, saying while foreign workers may play a role in addressing immediate labour shortages, this should not come at the expense of local employment opportunities or long-term socio-economic stability.
He said PBK calls on the Sarawak government to conduct a comprehensive impact assessment before expanding foreign labour intake and strengthen monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to prevent labour misuse.
He said PBK also urges the state government to introduce incentive programmes to attract and retain Sarawakian workers and to prioritize skills development and job matching for local communities.
Voon said PBK remains committed to advocating for policies that safeguard the interests of Sarawakians while supporting sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
