No need for more foreign workers for now, says Ramanan

Human resources minister R Ramanan has stated that the Malaysian government does not intend to bring in additional foreign workers at this time, despite claims suggesting otherwise. He expressed skepticism towards the assertion that Malaysia would take in 200,000 Bangladeshi workers over a six-month period, questioning the practicality of accommodating more than 1,000 Bangladeshis daily.

Ramanan's comments came in response to remarks made by Bangladeshi junior minister Mir Shahe Alam, who had claimed the influx of workers was planned in stages over six months, beginning at the end of the month. The Malaysian government spokesman, Fahmi Fadzil, later denied the claim, asserting that it did not reflect the official position of Dhaka.

Ramanan emphasized that the number of foreign workers is contingent upon the specific requirements of various industries and sectors, with any decisions on the matter to be discussed in the Cabinet only if there is a genuine need. The government previously maintained a foreign worker ceiling at 13% of Malaysia's total workforce, having reduced the reliance on foreign labor from 15%.

Deputy investment, trade, and industry minister Sim Tze Tzin also affirmed that Malaysia would not increase its reliance on foreign labor, despite demands from businesses.