The government must diversify the sources of foreign workers so that no single foreign national group will pose a threat to security and public order, said a Gerakan leader today.

The party's deputy secretary-general Chang Ko Youn said a diversified foreign labour will also provide local employers with a wider choice of human resources that will benefit the country.

"We should not be too dependent on Indonesian workers. There have been many instances of social and political problems caused by this group," said Chang in a statement.

He added the government should review its foreign labour policy and look into the option of bringing workers from other countries who are interested in earning salaries for savings and wish to return home, unlike the Indonesians who are more keen on staying.

"We are amazed that the workers from Indonesia can obtain permanent residency status so easily when foreign spouses of Malaysians face great difficulty in getting a PR status" he said.

Chang also urged the government to seek assistance from the Indonesian government in tackling the existing problems caused by Indonesian workers.

Indonesian workers landed in the spotlight following a riot involving some 400 employees of a textile company in Negeri Sembilan on Jan 17. The riot occurred when police tried to detain 16 workers during an anti-narcotics operation.

This was followed by another incident three days later, where some 70 Indonesians, armed with machetes destroyed food stalls operated by other foreign workers in Cyberjaya.

The government swiftly suspended the hiring of Indonesian workers and proposed that priority be given to workers from other countries.

Orientation programmes

Meanwhile, non-governmental organisation Tenaganita today welcomed the government's initiative to educate foreign workers on Malaysian culture and lifestyle as a preventive measure to thwart more unwanted incidents.

The movement's director Irene Fernandez said Tenaganita had proposed such a programme two years ago. At present the movement runs its own orientation programmes in several factories and construction sites.

"These orientation sessions have brought change, better management within workers and better relations with the employer. It has increased productivity and reduced tension among the workers," said Fernandez in a statement.

Fernandez, a supreme council member of Keadilan, also said such programmes were essential so that these workers will know their rights and responsibilities.

She added that Tenaganita was willing to share its experience and work with the government in developing these orientation programmes.

Human Resources Minister Dr Fong Chan Onn was reported by The Sun today that his ministry will initiate an education programme for foreign workers so that they are adept to the local culture and lifestyle.

Fong said officials from the ministry will be sent to these workplaces to give talks every two or three months, adding that the officials will also investigate the living and working conditions of the workers.