Its president, Azman Shah Haron, said while employers preferred to employ Malaysians, the reality was that many of them preferred to remain unemployed rather than taking on “dirty, dangerous and difficult” jobs.

“They (Malaysian youth) complain to the government about how they have graduated but still face difficulty in securing a job.

“But there are a lot of jobs available in the 3D sectors,” said Azman at a press conference at MEF headquarters here today.

“Why don’t you (the government) ask them to just gain some experience working in these sectors?

“With the experience, at least when they become executives they will know and understand what is happening at the bottom rung.”

Azman Shah said most Malaysian youth were spoilt, especially as all their needs were taken care of by their parents. Hence, they had no incentive to work in areas that were not to their particular liking.

This had left employers in the 3D sectors with no other option but to employ migrant workers. However, this too had proven to be a challenge, especially with the government’s proposed levy hike.

“The current economic situation is really bad. We are asking the government to be sympathetic to our problems, which are serious.

“If companies go under due to high costs, it will also be bad for the government as they wouldn’t get their revenue, which is mostly generated through the Goods and Services Tax (GST).”

Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had last month announced a new levy rate for foreign workers. The levy for the manufacturing, construction and service sectors was set at RM2,500 while those in the plantation and agriculture sectors will have to pay RM1,500.

However, following an outcry from certain industries, such as construction and plantations, Zahid announced that the levy hike had been put on hold pending consultation with affected employers. A final decision is to be announced after Chinese New Year.