Better to have 3D job than no job - PM to jobless Malaysians

Unemployed Malaysians should take up 3D jobs (Dirty, Dangerous and Difficult) rather than staying jobless, said Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

At a press conference after a Workers' Day event today, the prime minister stressed that earning a low income was a much better option compared to getting nothing at all.

"(Although) the pay is low, but if they do not work, there won't be any pay at all. So (they) have to choose. At least if they work, they will earn something," he told the media at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre this morning.

Mahathir was responding to a question on the low pay for 3D jobs making it unattractive to Malaysians.

Earlier, in his speech at the event, Mahathir said that foreigners were taking up 3D jobs because Malaysians won't do them.

He told the audience that the government was aware of concerns by locals over migrant labour saying that Putrajaya had taken steps to ensure that only jobs that received less interest from Malaysians were given to foreign workers.

"If they (jobless Malaysians) do not do this (3D) work, then other people (foreigners) will do them. Then our money will flow out," he pointed out.

"We cannot compel (employers to give higher pay). But we must remember that we work for our country, to develop our country.

"If we do not want to do these jobs, then our money will flow out to other people (foreigners). Then we will lose," explained Mahathir.

Currently, 3D jobs in various industries are often undertaken foreign workers whom in Malaysia comprise of those from poorer Asian countries. - Mkini