Malaysian employers wary of Indian workers, says Minister

Malaysian Home Minister Mohammad Radzi Sheikh Ahmad has said that while there is no ban on recruitment of Indian workers, Malaysian employers are now feeling uncomfortable about hiring them in the wake of recent agitations by Indian Malaysians.

Kuala Lumpur, Jan.10 : Malaysian Home Minister Mohammad Radzi Sheikh Ahmad has said that while there is no ban on recruitment of Indian workers, Malaysian employers are now feeling uncomfortable about hiring them in the wake of recent agitations by Indian Malaysians.

Making an obvious reference to the demonstrations spearheaded by the Hindu Rights Action Force (HINDRAF), Radzi said the confusion might have stemmed from the Government's decision in October to once again freeze the intake of workers from Bangladesh due to several problems. e said he had briefed the Cabinet on the issue and was confident the matter would not strain relations between Malaysia and India.

On claims that his ministry had stopped issuing permits for new applications for Hindu priests, temple musicians and sculptors, Radzi clarified that applications would be considered on case-by-case basis as the number of foreigners working in temples in the country has reached 5,468.

The Star quoted Radzi as further saying that since November, those wanting to employ foreign workers had to go through the Human Resources Ministry.

ANI