Committee on foreign workers to be set up

PUTRAJAYA: Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin will chair a special committee on foreign workers and illegal immigrants.

He announced the setting up of the committee after visiting the Immigration Department yesterday.

He said the committee would comprise representatives of government agencies, including the Human Resources Ministry.

He said the committee, which was expected to hold its first meeting soon, would look into issues such as the need for foreign workers in different sectors.

“The issue of illegal immigrants is one of the main problems in the country. It must be handled effectively as it impacts us socially, economically and in terms of national security.”

On when the laws would be changed based on Pakatan Harapan’s election manifesto, Muhyiddin said it would take time as apart from the Home Ministry, other government agencies and stakeholders were also involved.

“I do not want to set a timeline. But, I am a man in a hurry. If we can do it sooner, we will do it sooner.

“What is important is that there must be proper consultation and engagement before we finalise amendments.”

On whether the government would reduce the number of foreign workers, Muhyiddin said this would be based on the needs of individual sectors, but stressed that priority would be given to local workers.

Meanwhile, on plans to fine those who lose their passports, Immigration Department director-general Datuk Seri Mustafar Ali said the matter must be tabled in Parliament as it involved the Fees Act 1951.