Locals shun '3D' jobs over fear being looked down upon — MEF

KUALA LUMPUR: The concern about being looked down upon by society is believed to be the main reason why many locals shy away from 'dangerous, dirty and difficult', dubbed '3D' jobs.

Unattractive salary has been floated as another factor discouraging locals from joining the labour-intensive industry monopolised by foreign workers.

However, Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) executive director Datuk Shamsuddin Bardan begged to differ on the second point with regard to the construction, plantation, agricultural and manufacturing sector.

He said the main reason why locals, particularly the youth were not interested in working in the 3D sector was because of society's mentality and perception that such jobs "are lowly and without status".

"The salary for plantation and farm workers are actually quite lucrative; for instance, an oil palm fruit harvester earns RM2,500 a month and a skilled bricklayer earns RM100 per day," he told Bernama when contacted.

In contrast, Shamsuddin noted, the public service is looked at as a preferable employment option for job seekers.

"This is because of the presumption that, as a 'government officer', they would more likely be acknowledged and respected by society despite earning less than a 'menial' job employee," he opined.