PUTRAJAYA, Feb 11 — The intake of Bangladeshi workers into Malaysia will not be in lump sum but dependent upon demand within the period of three years, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said today.

Zahid, who is also the home minister said the decision to bring in the workers was made based on market demand, and not to profit from the levy as suggested by detractors.

“They have to remember that the intake of the workers are based on market demand. It is not us that want to bring in the workers,” he told reporters here.

“We are not going to bring in the entire 1.5 million workers. The intake will be phased out within three years,” he added.

Zahid said the government is already in the process of preparing the necessary documents needed to implement the intake but said the Cabinet has yet to decide on the matter.

“Datuk Seri Richard Riot will be the one signing (the papers) at Dakka but only when the Cabinet has approved,” he said.

Workers groups have opposed the bilateral agreement to bring in the Bangladeshi workers, citing potential loss of jobs for locals.

They also argued that the influx of foreign workers into Malaysia distorts and keeps salaries low.

The intake of the Bangladeshi workers come amid protests from industries over Putrajaya’s proposed hike of the foreign workers levy from RM1,250 to RM2,500.

Zahid said today the government has delayed imposing the new levy rate until consultation with stakeholders are done.

The Home Ministry is expected to hold a dialogue with business and traders groups by Feb 20, he added.