Malaysia recalls its workers

Malaysia recalls its workers

Filipinos have been part of the foreign labor force in Kuala Lumpur, next to Indonesia and Thailand in number.

About 200,000 workers are needed in the manufacturing sector, 150,000 in construction and 20,000 in the services sector. According to government figures, 1.5 million foreigners work in Malaysia, one million of them Indonesians.

Malaysia's development is a model for Manila. The economy, with a strong export sector, has grown handsomely. Tourism is big business. The country produces rubber goods, lumber, electronics and oil.

Close relations between Manila and Kuala Lumpur have involved Malaysia in helping settle the secessionist war in Mindanao. It is hosting the Philippine-MNLF peace talks sometime this month. Cooperation has widened to labor, and were hopeful Filipino skilled workers would soon find their way again to Malaysias plantations and factories. -- The Manila Times