The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) has threatened to hold demonstrations if the government does not drop its plan to bring in 1.5 million Bangladeshi workers.
MTUC secretary-general N. Gopal Kishnam said the sudden decision to bring in 1.5 million workers from Bangladesh contradicts the 11th Malaysia Plan's (11MP) objective to reduce dependency on low-skilled foreign labour.
Pointing out that there are still a large number of illegal foreign workers in the country, he said the government should resolve this issue before deciding to import another 1.5 million workers,Nanyang Siang Pau reported today.
"Has the Home Ministry, which approves the plan, consulted the Human Resources Ministry, which handles foreign workers, on whether there is the need for such a big number of foreign workers?
"If the answer is 'yes', why? If not, why has the Home Ministry not consulted the Human Resources Ministry?" Gopal Kishnam asked at a press conference in Subang Jaya on Wednesday
He was commenting on the recent announcement by Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi that 1.5 million workers from Bangladesh will be brought to Malaysia in stages over three years to meet the demands of employers from various sectors, especially those that involve "dirty, dangerous and difficult" work.
Citing the lack of a comprehensive policy to manage foreign workers, Gopal Kishnam said the government should stop importing more labour.
He wondered how more low-skilled foreign workers can add value to Malaysia's economy.
He urged officials from the Home and Human Resources Ministries to meet MTUC representatives to explain matters, and stop bringing in more foreign workers.
"If the government insists on bringing more foreign labour, we will not hesitate to stage demonstrations until the government gives in."
source:::http://www.thesundaily.my
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