Malaysia's move to hire refugees is a good move towards reducing the over-dependency on migrant labour, a union leader said.

But the implementation must be done carefully so that locals are not denied job opportunities.

Stating this today, Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) president Syed Shahir Syed Mohamad lauded the Cabinet decision to absorb 40,000 recognised refugees into the local workforce.

"But we must remember that the laws must prevail and citizens must be given priority. Only when an offer is turned down by locals should it be extended to refugees or migrant workers," he said when contacted.

"At the same time, we must ensure that these people are protected under our laws."

Following a cabinet committee on foreign workers meeting in Putrajaya yesterday, Home Affairs Minister Azmi Khalid was quoted in the Star today as saying that the move will alleviate the labour shortage.

He said the Rohingyas and Chins from Burma as well as the Acehnese and Filipinos accorded refugee status by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) would qualify.

A request to this effect was reportedly made by UNCHR representative to Malaysia Dr Volker Turk asking for refugees to be hired locally.

Syed Shahir said everyone including the government and employers had a duty to ensure that the rights of working refugees are protected.

"Refugees need to earn a living and besides using their labour, it is our duty to protect them and their families."

Make clear distinction

However, he said there was public misconception on the distinction between documented, undocumented workers and refugees.

"Many people think that they're one and the same but it is important to make the distinction clear.

Syed Shahir was confident that the decision will boost the country's image.

"It's a humanitarian move which I'm sure will be appreciated by the international community," he said.

Relating his experience, he said the inconsistency in policy implementation was a cause for major embarrassment at international conferences.

"I've been asked about the policy in recognising those recognised by the UNHCR as refugees and the subsequent arrests of these people. This is something the government has to remedy immediately."

According to the UNHCR, there are 20,000 refugees from Aceh, 10,000 Rohingyas and 10,000 ethnic minorities from Burma and other countries in Malaysia.