Issues surrounding the recruitment of migrant workers sparked a heated debate in the Dewan Rakyat today between Human Resources Minister M Saravanan and his predecessor M Kulasegaran.

Kulasegaran (Pakatan Harapan-Ipoh Barat) accused the government of being out of touch with business owners who are facing a critical shortage of workers.

“Even though the minister has said approvals (for foreign workers) were made but the reality on the ground is different.

“The MBAM (Master Builders Association Malaysia), oil palm industry, coffee shops, all have complained about the lack of workers,” Kulasegaran said.

This prompted a lengthy denial from Saravanan (BN-Tapah).