1.5 MLN FOREIGN WORKERS IN MALAYSIA

TEMERLOH (Malaysia), Dec 2 (Bernama) -- There are about 1.5 million foreign workers in the various sectors in Malaysia compared with two million last year.

Human Resource Minister Dr S. Subramaniam said the reduced number was due to
economic factors and also the work permits of some of the foreigners had
expired.

"Still, there are companies applying for foreign workers to be brought in,
especially for the plantation sector. The government, however, does not
encourage their mass recruitment except in special areas," he said at a function
in Kuala Krau, near this east coast town, Tuesday.

Dr Subramaniam said so far, the government was still allowing workers from
Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, China, India and Nepal to be recruited,
but only for specific sectors like construction and domestic help.

He said although foreigners were allowed to work in this country for a
stretch of three to five years, the government could extend the period in
certain sectors and if they were really required by the employers.

"However, the freeze on recruiting Bangladeshis stays to prevent
irresponsible agents from exploiting them."

He said the government encouraged companies to recruit locals and to attract
them, they should be offered good salaries.
-- BERNAMA