LSN News › Malaysia

World · Malaysia Bureau

Malaysia denies plans to recruit 200,000 Bangladesh workers

Putrajaya has rejected claims that it is planning to bring in a large contingent of Bangladeshi workers, saying a statement by a Bangladeshi deputy minister does not reflect Dhaka's official position.

LSN Malaysia · 2 September 2026

Malaysia denies plans to recruit 200,000 Bangladesh workers

Malaysia's government has moved to clarify its labour recruitment stance after a Bangladeshi official's remarks sparked speculation about a major influx of foreign workers. Government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil said the comments made by the Bangladeshi deputy minister do not represent the official position of the government in Dhaka. The statement came after reports suggesting Malaysia was planning to recruit up to 200,000 Bangladeshi workers. Fahmi did not elaborate on what recruitment plans, if any, Malaysia currently has with Bangladesh or other labour-source countries. The denial underscores ongoing sensitivities in Malaysia regarding foreign worker intake and the need for clarity from both governments on labour agreements and policies.