(AFP) The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) today called for an immediate freeze on the intake of foreign workers in the private sector because of an economic slowdown.

The MTUC, which represents some 550,000 local workers, said local workers should be given priority over migrant workers.

"There are more than sufficient local workers to take up all available jobs in the country and employers should be effectively barred from resorting to cheaper foreign labour at the expense of local workers," said MTUC president Zainal Rampak.

For instance, Zainal said a recent recruitment exercise by the health department in Penang attracted hundreds of job seekers.

"We can expect more Malaysians attending job interviews in similar exercises countrywide as several private companies are currently retrenching their workers," he said in a statement.

"This actually proves that locals are not choosy over jobs -- contrary to what is often claimed by employers."

Hoodwinking tactics

Zainal said many companies hoodwinked the authorities by placing banners outside their premises to advertise vacancies but eligible locals who applied were turned away and told that all places have been filled.

The management then sought permission from the government to recruit foreign workers, claiming locals were not interested in such jobs.

"Employers use migrant labour as a disposable means to trim their operating costs and increase profits. They have no concern whatsoever for the socio-economic impact of their actions," he added.

Malaysia is home to some 700,000 legal foreign workers mainly from neighbouring Indonesia as well as tens of thousands of illegal immigrants.

Officials have said up to 6,000 workers in Malaysia's electronics sector were expected to be retrenched this year, while some 10,000 employees would be affected by a series of banking mergers.

The government has forecast that growth will slow to between five and six percent this year, from 8.5 percent last year.