More Indians can now work in Malaysia

Currently, foreign workers are recruited in Malaysia mainly for plantations, construction companies, restaurants and as domestic maids.

Under the new proposal, the agricultural sector, small and medium industries are expected to benefit. Malaysia, with a population of 24 million, depends heavily on foreign labour.

Majority of its foreign workers are from Indonesia, India and Bangladesh. Malaysian Premier Ahmed Badawi said last week that the country would now consider Pakistan as a source for labour too.

Home Minister Azmi Khalid said the agriculture sector, plantation industries and SMIs would also be allowed to hire foreign workers temporarily during peak periods like harvesting seasons and festive periods through a special scheme. He said there were many agents who supplied workers on temporary or contract basis but they were operating outside the Malaysian law.

A new sector whose main function would be to supply foreign workers on contract basis to the industries that outsource their need for temporary labour will be soon set up, he said.