Govt to review MoU on taking in Bangladeshi workers
KUALA LUMPUR: The government will review a 2016 memorandum of understanding between Malaysia and Bangladesh for the former to receive 1.5 million Bangladeshi workers.
Human Resources Minister M. Kulasegaran said the government wanted to reduce the dependency on foreign workers.
“Everything is subject to review. As far as foreign workers are concerned, we want to reduce our dependency on them. We will allow foreign workers only out of necessity.
“Priority should be given to Malaysians.
“Think of Malaysians first, others come second.”
Kulasegaran, who is Ipoh Barat member of parliament, said agreements made with other countries would also be reviewed.
However, he said the government would not ask Bangladeshi workers who were legitimately working to leave without due process.
“It takes time. Those who are here will not be asked to pack up and go. They left their country to come here and we will do what we can.”
He said the ministry would assist in filling up job vacancies that were once taken up by foreign workers.
“In filling up the vacancies, we agree that there must be re-training, among other matters. Our priority should always be on our workers, (because) certain industries are filled by foreign workers.
“If you go to New Zealand or Australia, you do not find (many) foreign workers. We have to review this.”
On Feb 18, 2016, Malaysia signed a memorandum of understanding to receive 1.5 million Bangladeshi workers in stages for three years under the government-to-government plus system.