LEVY INCREASE WILL CREATE 15,000 JOBS

KUALA LUMPUR, March 11 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian government hopes to create
15,000 jobs for the Malaysian work force after doubling the levy on foreign
workers, said Human Resource Minister Dr S. Subramaniam.

"The levy will be paid by employers and not workers like previously. We
expect to see the impact after one month implementation of levy on foreign
workers in various sectors except for construction, plantation and house maid."

He said other than the levy, the cost of importing foreign workers would
also be increased.

"With the increased levy on foreign workers, the employers will have to turn
to local workers," he told reporters after the Additional Supply Bill 2009 was
tabled by Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak in Lower House of Parliament here
Tuesday.

Dr Subramaniam said the government has also decided to give double tax break
for employers who recruited retrenched workers.

Najib who is also Finance Minister said the measures announced by the
government were aimed at reducing the Malaysia's dependence on foreign workers.

-- BERNAMA