Presma president Jawahar Ali Taib Khan said the industry needs at least 15,000 foreign workers to ensure business continuity.

“This method is transparent and will not increase the ratio of foreign workers in the food and beverage sector.

“For Indian Muslim restaurants in particular, the use of foreign workers accounts for less than 10% of the total workforce in the country.

“We hope the relevant ministries will review and approve the recruitment of the workers as soon as possible,” he told a press conference held in conjunction with Presma’s 21st AGM today.

Jawahar also called for uniform enforcement of the Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446) to ease accommodation arrangements for foreign workers.

“Some local authorities allow foreign workers to stay in restaurant premises, while others do not,” he said.

Deputy domestic trade and cost of living minister Fuziah Salleh, who attended the event, said her ministry would facilitate discussions if engagement sessions on the issue are held.

“The enforcement of foreign worker matters also involves other ministries, such as the human resources ministry and the home ministry,” she said.

Presma made a similar appeal in January.

Home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail previously said the freeze on foreign worker quota applications would remain in place until further notice.