The party’s response came after home minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had challenged youths to do so while fending off criticism of the government’s plan to import 1.5 million Bangladeshis over three years to take on such work.

“Does Zahid actually understand why youths are reluctant to work in plantations or take on other 3D jobs,” said PKR Youth vice chief Fahmi Fadzil in a statement. He described Zahid’s call as “interesting, but immature”.

The government should ensure that the rights of workers were fortified by strengthening unions as well as ensuring better vocational training and networking for youth in such industries.

Fahmi said there was a need to provide more incentives for financiers and companies along with grants to increase the use of technology in such sectors.

“Without implementing such initiatives, Ahmad Zahid’s call is just pure rhetoric and is void of any sincerity to help youth take over jobs currently occupied by foreigners,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid said not many youths were willing to take on dirty, difficult and dangerous jobs, despite the government wanting Malaysians to be employed at all levels.

In recent days Ahmad Zahid has come under fire over the programme, approved by the home ministry, for 1.5 million Bangladeshis to be brought to Malaysia over the next three years for employment in the construction, agricultural and manufacturing sectors as well in plantations.