There were 1,854,684 foreigners on temporary work permits in Malaysia as of Sept 30, 2016.

According to the Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, this figure represents the number of people who were issued the Temporary Employment Pass (PLKS) by the Immigration Department.

Topping the list of PLKS holders are Indonesians (749,266), followed by Nepalis (411,364) and Bangladeshis (237,991).

"Approval for the intake of foreigners for temporary work is based on the needs of employers and is assessed based on the ability of each employer to fulfill the rules, such as prioritising jobs for locals.

"The employment of foreigners is a temporary measure to fill vacancies. After the employment period is over, the foreigners have to return to their countries of origin," said Zahid in a written parliamentary reply.

He added that on Feb 19, Putrajaya had decided to suspend all applications to recruit new foreign workers, including Bangladeshis, pending an assessment of the industry needs.

Zahid said the levy imposed on employers for each PLKS holder varies according to industry.

For the manufacturing, construction and service sector, the levy is RM1,850 per person. For the agriculture industry the levy is RM640 per person while the levy for domestic helpers is RM410 per person.

Zahid was replying to a question from Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng who requested for Putrajaya's policy on foreign workers, their numbers according to country and the relevant fees that are imposed.

The minister's answer was specific to the PLKS and did not refer to other documentation methods for foreigners, including the Employment Pass I, II and III.