Harris Salleh said the move would be necessary as Sabah could expect an outflow of workers following the establishment of Indonesia’s new capital, Nusantara, in Kalimantan.
According to the Daily Express, Harris said he had written to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for consideration of the matter.
“The opportunities and evolving landscape in Nusantara signify an increasing demand for an experienced Indonesian workforce which is indispensable for the continued advancement and prosperity of Kalimantan,” he was quoted as saying.
He added that the population of Nusantara was expected to reach 50 million by 2030.
Noting Nusantara’s plans for another five million hectares of oil palm, making up a total of 10 million hectares, Harris said Nusantara would be looking to hire experienced Indonesian workers presently working in Sabah.
“This is why it is important to keep these workers in Sabah by having their work permits extended to 15 years,” he said.
Harris said other reasons to extend the permit duration included the fact that foreign workers who arrive in Sabah are often within the 20- to 30-year age group. He said the 15-year duration would provide stability for employers and employees alike.
He also proposed that a provident fund be established for foreign workers to safeguard their financial future. This, along with the funds from their EPF savings, would facilitate their return to their home countries after the expiration of their work permits, he added.
“It is important to note that granting a 15-year work permit does not automatically confer citizenship but offers assurance for employers and employees (of continued manpower),” he said.
He also said it was important to address locals’ reluctance to work in oil palm plantations, noting that Sabah was already facing a shortage of oil palm harvesters.
Last week, plantation and commodities minister Johari Ghani proposed that harvesting oil palm fruits be turned into a profession through training courses and better salaries.
He said oil palm estates, which are reliant on foreign workers, were facing a chronic labour shortage and that 50% of workers in plantations comprised harvesters.