KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 — The government will continue implementing measures to gradually reduce the country’s reliance on foreign workers, in line with the direction set out in the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

In a Facebook post today, Ahmad Zahid, who is also rural and regional development minister, said the efforts would take into account the actual needs of industries while prioritising employment opportunities for Malaysians.

“I have also reviewed feedback from all ministries and agencies involved in the employment of foreign workers.

“We have agreed on the need for collective decision-making to address issues and challenges in managing the quota mechanism and ceiling for the employment of foreign workers, while ensuring that job opportunities for Malaysians remain our top priority,” he said in the post.

Ahmad Zahid said he had highlighted the matter while chairing the third Cabinet Committee Meeting on Foreign Workers at Parliament today.

He added that the government would continue to ensure that every policy implemented could strengthen employment opportunities for Malaysians while supporting industry needs and benefiting the people as a whole. — Bernama