Malaysia’s HR Minister denies figures of undocumented foreign workers

Malaysia’s Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Richard Riot has denied making statements that “40% of foreign workers in Malaysia are undocumented” – in response to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi asking for his explanation on the figures.

According to The Malay Mail Online, Datuk Richard reiterated, “you can quote me on this. For every 10 legal workers, there are seven illegal workers... that’s all... I had never mentioned any other figures except that figure”.

With regard to whether he would be meeting Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid to clarify the issue, Richard replied, “well he is my boss, I will definitely meet him... soon? We will see.”

Richard has mentioned in his speech earlier that the “dialogue would be a good platform to address issues of re-skilling leaders on various leadership roles in times of changing economy”.

“Malaysia is an upcoming emerging economy in Asia and it is timely such dialogues of this scale is held in this country.

“As you will be on a learning expedition to various states in Malaysia, I urge you to undertake a study on how different states in Malaysia are adapting economically to the changing time,” he said.

From the report by Bernama, Richard had also highlighted that leadership development contributed directly to his ministry’s objective in maintaining national economic development via the adoption of Malaysia’s National Blue Ocean Strategy.

“This is where creative and systematic ways are looked at to form strategic alliance between public and private sectors to increase income and economic growth,” he concluded.

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