No plans to bring in more foreign workers for now, says Ramanan

KUALA LUMPUR: Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan stated that the government has no plans to increase the number of foreign workers at this time. Ramanan dismissed reports that Malaysia would bring in 200,000 Bangladeshi workers over a six-month period, arguing that such a rapid influx was illogical. He was reacting to a claim made by Bangladesh's junior minister for local government, rural development, and cooperatives, Mir Shahe Alam, who asserted that Malaysia would take in about 200,000 Bangladeshi workers in stages over six months.

Ramanan explained that the decision to bring in foreign workers is based on the specific needs of individual industries and sectors, and is subject to a ceiling set by the Economy Ministry under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). Any discussions regarding the intake of foreign workers would only be considered by the cabinet if there was a genuine need.

Earlier, government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil also denied the claim, stating that it did not reflect Bangladesh's official position.