Malaysia has decided to stop the recruitment of new foreign workers into the country with immediate effect.
Bernama news agency quoted Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as saying on March 12 that the decision, which was made at a Cabinet meeting on March 11, does not involve the domestic help or maid sector.
Employers who wanted to hire foreign workers should recruit the existing foreign employees in the country, including those whose permits had expired, he added.
Employers or agents found guilty of protecting illegal foreign workers will be subjected to whipping.
"Whipping will be meted out by courts because the punishment with fine has no effect as employers and agents still keep bringing in illegal foreign workers," said Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Employers who wanted to hire foreign workers should recruit the existing foreign employees in the country, including those whose permits had expired, he added.
Employers or agents found guilty of protecting illegal foreign workers will be subjected to whipping.
"Whipping will be meted out by courts because the punishment with fine has no effect as employers and agents still keep bringing in illegal foreign workers," said Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
