ISKANDAR PUTERI: Johor will set up a special task force to address employment issues involving locals, including the 'brain drain' to Singapore.

       State Youth, Sports, Entrepreneur Development, Cooperatives and Human Resource committee chairman Mohd Hairi Mad Shah said the task force would be led by Unit Strategik Modal Insan Johor (SMI).

       "Currently, we are experiencing a lack of local workers in Johor for several main economic sectors such as service, commodities and manufacturing.

       "When Malaysia opened its borders on April 1, many Malaysians received offers to work in Singapore," he said at the SMI Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house held at its headquarters here on Tuesday (May 24).

       He added that the high value of the Singapore dollar relative to the ringgit heavily influenced their decision to work there.

       Mohd Hairi added that this was a bigger problem for Johor compared to other states due to its close proximity with Singapore, which makes it easier for locals to have jobs across the Causeway.

       "The task force's main duty is to find ways to create employment opportunities that will meet the demand for both employers and employees in Johor," he said, adding that the task force would also carry out discussions with the Human Resource Ministry.