This call came from Yayasan Peneraju Pendidikan Bumiputera’s (Peneraju), a body under the Economic Planning Unit.

Peneraju Chief Executive Raja Azura Raja Mahayuddin said there were 400,000 locals who were still jobless (with a three per cent unemployment rate) and employers should give preference to them.

Recently, the government announced its intention to bring in 1.5 million Bangladeshi workers in stages over the next three years to fulfil requests from various sectors to fill jobs.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had urged jobless youths to take up the opportunity to fill these jobs.

Raja Azura said foreign workers could be employed but without denying Malaysians jobs.

“We cannot say we do not need foreign workers completely, but we suggest to local employers to provide more opportunities to hire local people.”

Meanwhile, Raja Azura also said she did not rule out the possibility that unemployed locals, especially Bumiputeras, would venture into doing business in the current economic situation.

“People have the option whether to work for others or go into business for themselves.”

She said Peneraju would do its best to educate and promote its activities.

The foundation, which comes under the Prime Minister’s Department, offers education and skills training to qualified Bumiputeras thorugh Peneraju Tunas, Peneraju Skil and Peneraju Profesional.