In a statement today, he said the shortage of labour was particularly severe in oil palm plantations.
As palm oil was a major source of income for Sabah, there is an urgent need to address this problem, he added.
Leiking regretted that despite the government’s well-intentioned efforts, there was a smear campaign aimed at sowing hatred in the minds of people.
He accused those behind the smear campaign of paying cybertroopers to put up postings on social media to provoke hatred towards the state government, led by Warisan president Shafie Apdal.
“Over the last few days, these cybertroopers have been spreading claims that no action would be taken against any ships or boats flying Warisan flags.
“They are also trying to twist announcements by the government on urgent solutions to labour problems in the state.”
Leiking said Warisan was well aware of the need for a more comprehensive human resources solution to enable the local labour force to play a greater role in the industry.
“We have seen how state government after state government has tried to reduce dependence on foreign labour but to no avail.”
The Penampang MP lamented how Sabahans shunned menial work and admitted that foreign workers provided a cheaper source of labour.
He suggested that employers offer better pay and perks for local workers to reduce dependence on foreign labour.
“I can assure that the state government under Warisan will come out with a comprehensive plan for local human resource development.
“This is to ensure more locals get jobs and fit in well in the plantation, construction and other labour-intensive industries.
“But it is also time for the employers themselves to do their own soul-searching and think of how much effort they have made to assist the government in hiring locals.
“What perks have they offered to the locals?”
Leiking said many Indonesian labourers had returned to their home country to work in plantations, some of them owned by Malaysian companies, because they were given a better deal, including proper housing and other benefits.
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