KDN discusses with labour source countries on deportation of illegal workers

Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the discussions were held with the countries' envoys in Malaysia, hence correcting whatever misunderstandings caused following the decision to bring in 1.5 million Bangladeshi workers to Malaysia.

"I hope non-governmental organisations or employment agencies can understand the government's aspiration and not to push the news as if an additional 1.5 million Bangladeshi workers are coming to work in the country.

"They will be brought in to replace the illegal foreign workers who will be deported to their countries of origin," he told reporters at the '5th Annual Grand Iftar with Palestinian community in Malaysia' here Monday.

The Home Minister said this to refute the allegation of certain quarters that the plan to bring in 1.5 million Bangladeshi workers to Malaysia in three years as inappropriate.

Ahmad Zahid said the decision to bring in the workers was aimed at meeting the demands of employers in heavy industry, construction, plantation and manufacturing sectors.

Meanwhile, Palestinian Cultural Organisation of Malaysia Board of Directors chairman, Muslim Imran expressed hope that Malaysia would continue to stand strong by the Palestinian struggles on all international platforms.

He also called on the Malaysian government to give more scholarship to Palestinian students in Malaysia.

For the record, in 2013, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) offered scholarships worth RM400,000 to 10 academic staffs of universities in Gaza, Palestine, to pursue doctorate degree at the university.

The scholarship programme was initiated in response to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's agreeing to offer 100 higher learning scholarships to Gaza residents.

On another note, Imran also requested for the Malaysian government to consider extending the visa upon arrival for Palestinians.

"We are very hopeful that Malaysia will consider granting us special visas for stay in Malaysia, probably extending the visas upon arrival for three months instead of 30 days or any other kind of visa consideration," he said in his speech.