PUTRAJAYA, Aug 6 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has instructed the Ministry of Human Resources (Kesuma) to fast-track the processing of the first 15,000 foreign worker applications in an effort to tackle labour shortages affecting several key industries.

Madani Government spokesperson and Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said the decision is intended to ensure businesses have the workforce they need while helping sustain Malaysia’s economic growth.

Speaking after the Cabinet meeting today, Fahmi explained that the expedited approvals would allow industries facing manpower shortages to continue operating efficiently and contribute to the nation's economy.

The directive follows a recent restructuring of the country's foreign worker management system. Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan previously announced that Kesuma has officially taken over the management of the One-Stop Centre (OSC) for Foreign Worker Management, effective immediately, following a Cabinet decision made on July 1.

According to Ramanan, placing the OSC under Kesuma is expected to improve governance, streamline the recruitment process, and ensure industries receive the foreign workforce they require in a more efficient and organised manner.

The transfer of responsibility was endorsed during the first 2026 Cabinet Committee on Foreign Workers meeting held on June 30, with the new management framework taking effect immediately.