Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today challenged Malaysian youths to do ‘3D’ jobs (Dirty, Difficult and Dangerous) if they reject the proposal to bring in foreign workers to the country.

He said that if the 3D jobs could be done by Malaysians, there is no need for the country to rely on foreign workers including Bangladeshis.

“Do you agree if all foreign workers are sent back to their own countries? Are you willing to pluck fruits in a farm? Sweep garbage?," asked Ahmad Zahid to hundreds of students who attended the Selangor Youth Council annual general assembly at Intekma Resort here, today.

He stressed that the economy should be developed and as such many industries require labour .

"How many Malaysians want to work in 3D ? What choice do we have ? I challenge youths to take over all the 3D jobs,” he said.

Also present were Selangor Federal Action Council chairman Datuk Seri Noh Omar and Selangor Youth Council chairman Datuk Irmohizam Ibrahim.

Zahid also stressed that the country also required the expertise of skilled and semi-skilled workers in these sectors in order to develop its economy.

"I believe the employers, unions, manufacturers and other related parties can find skilled workers from among the locals, besides hiring foreign workers," he said.

Recently, it was reported that the government planned to bring in 1.5 million Bangladeshi workers over a period of three to five years.