PROPOSAL TO REDUCE FOREIGN WORKERS TO 1.5 MILLION

PUTRAJAYA, April 13 (Bernama) – The foreign workers laboratory has proposed
that 1.8 million foreign workers in the country be reduced to 1.5 million in
three years.

Home Minister Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said this was one of 55
proposals to be presented to the Cabinet committee on foreign workers meeting at
month end.

"I am satisfied with the discussions. They were realistic and came up with
cost analysis and benefit to the economy.

"Security, terrorism and employers treatment of workers were also
discussed," he told reporters after visiting the laboratory which began on March
23 here Tuesday.

Hishammuddin said the laboratory also discussed the impact of foreign
workers on government policies including the New Economic Model.

It comprised representatives of 14 ministries, 11 departments and agencies,
30 organisations, employers and interested organisations.

Malaysia has about 1.8 million foreign workers in manufacturing (39%),
construction (19%), plantation (14%), housemaid (12%), services (10%) with the
rest in agriculture.

The contributing countries are Indonesia (50.9%), Bangladesh (17.4%), Nepal
(9.7%), Myanmar (7.8%), India (6.3%), and the rest from Vietnam.

Human Resource Minister Dr S Subramaniam said foreign workers were
still needed but they had to be reduced to a manageable level.

He added the 1.5 million cap could be placed to meet the need of certain
sectors.

The number of foreign workers here dropped to 1.5 million during the
economic crisis last year.

-- BERNAMA