SHAH ALAM: The Government’s decision to bring in 1.5 million Bangladeshi workers in stages over three years should not be viewed narrowly, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic).
The Deputy Prime Minister said that factors such as employers’ demands and economic development should be considered before people blamed the Government for the decision.
“People should look at how those demands come about, from aspects such as employers’ demands and market force,” he said after launching the M.A.D Velocifero scooter in Seksyen 13 here on Saturday.
Dr Ahmad Zahid said the Government had been criticised following the announcement, however the request to bring in the workers was made by employers and the Government was merely fulfilling the market demand for more foreign workers.“This should be made clear and the Government should not be blamed,” he said.
Dr Ahmad Zahid, who is also Home Minister, said that request for more foreign workers was made by industry players, who had complained of labour shortages.
“The decision was not made to disrupt work opportunities of fellow Malaysians, who are clearly not interested to work in certain sectors, especially those that are dirty, dangerous and difficult,” he said.
He also noted that demands for foreign workers had also come from members of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM), which had in a statement told the Government to deport illegal foreign workers before bringing in workers from Bangladesh.
“It is true that they had never issue any (official) letter.
“But their members had applied to the Human Resources Ministry, Immigration Department and Home Ministry for more foreign workers.
“I think they should check with their members first before making any statement on the issue,” he said.
