FACTORY OWNERS RISK LOSING MANUFACTURING PERMIT

SEREMBAN (Malaysia), Jan 19 (Bernama) -- Factories in southern state of Negeri
Sembilan found to have laid off locals and replaced and added more foreign
workers to tide over with the economic slowdown risk having their manufacturing
licence withdrawn.

If such things happened in the state, Menteri Besar (Chief Minister) Mohamad
Hasan warned that he would suggest to the Malaysian Industrial Development
Authority (MIDA) to revoke the permit.

"Where these manufacturers want to go, it's up to them. We don't need people
with a prejudiced attitude," he told reporters.

Mohamad said factory managements in the state have been taking various
measures, including closing down their operations, downsizing or retrenching
workers, in managing the global economic uncertainties.

He said the government was monitoring the situation closely to ensure the
impact of the economic slowdown was managed well without causing a major damage
to the domestic economy.

"I want factories to give priority to local workers. This understanding was
reached between the state government and the Negeri Sembilan Industrial
Relations Council," he said.

On the fate of laid-off local workers, Mohamad said the state government was
providing assistance and facilities for them.

"This include providing retraining at the Mantin Industrial Training Centre
and registering them at the Labour Department.

"This is because there are some factories that have been newly set up and
are about to start operations in the state need semi-skilled and experienced
workers," he added.
-- BERNAMA