He said this matter had been discussed with the home ministry and human resources ministry during the Cabinet meeting yesterday.

“We made this request so that foreign workers can start coming in as we are currently facing a labour shortage.

“Both the home and human resources ministers will go to Indonesia to settle outstanding issues,” he told reporters after a project launch today.

Fadillah said the biggest challenge when it came to bringing in foreign workers were complying with SOPs and the Employees’ Minimum Standards of Housing, Accommodations and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446) where construction companies are required to provide housing and accommodation.

“To provide permanent workers housing is a challenge for the industry especially for small companies in the construction sector.

“The government has therefore proposed for the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) to assist through the construction labour programme, where its subsidiary will provide the housing site,” he said.

Fadillah said the MoU signing with Indonesia had been scheduled for February and that an MoU for the same purpose with Myanmar had also been finalised.