The Home Ministry will be investigating allegations that more than 20,000 Bangladeshis who did not meet entry requirements, were believed to have been brought into the country using employment pass (EP) for expatriates with false details.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said if it was proven true, the ministry would take action against the workers, employers and agents involved.

"If it is true they are abusing such certificates and permits, we will investigate as we have not finalised the agreement to bring non-expatriates, non semi-skilled and non-skilled workers to Malaysia.

"Maybe some agents who brought in these workers were involved in abusing their powers or deceiving the Immigration Department by applying as if they were expatriates," he said.

He told this to reporters after attending a People's Volunteer Corps (RELA) Pinning of Rank ceremony for 123 young leaders under the Kesateria Muda Keselamatan Programme at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur today.

He said the Immigration Department only approved permits of expatriates,that is for those who are semi-skilled and skilled as well as professionals.

A Malay daily yesterday reported about the entry of these Bangladesh nationals in the past two years saying it was controlled by a syndicate with payments as high as RM6,000 for the entry of per foreigner using the name of an expatriate before starting work at restaurants, communication equipment shops, massage centres and as security guards.

- Bernama