M'SIAN DEPUTY PM WANTS STERN ACTION ON FOREIGNERS FOUND TRADING

PUTRAJAYA, Feb 22 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has
instructed local authorities to take stern action against foreigners found
trading in the country.

Muhyiddin also reminded local traders against colluding with foreigners as
this would affect the source of income of other local traders.

He said that there have been complaints that foreigners were taking over
lots which are supposed to be operated by local traders in night markets.

"They are supposed to work in the country and not engage in trading," he
told reporters after chairing a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Foreign
Workers and Illegal Immigrants here Monday.

He said local authorities should work together with other enforcement
agencies such as police in tackling the problem.

The deputy prime minister said local authorities should also find out if
there were traders abusing their licences such as by hiring them away or selling
them to foreigners.

On the intake of Indonesian maids, Muhyiddin said negotiations were still
ongoing.

There were certain aspects which both countries had yet to agree, he said.

Indonesia froze the supply of maids to Malaysia last year following numerous
complaints of abused by employers.

Indonesia also demanded a minimum monthly salary of RM800 (uS$235) for the
maids.
-- BERNAMA