MALAYSIANS unwilling to work dirty, dangerous and difficult (3D) jobs because of the low wages can choose between such wages and getting nothing at all, said the prime minister today.

“The pay is low, but if you don’t work, you don’t get anything. You choose,” Dr Mahathir Mohamad told reporters today after the Labour Day celebrations in Putrajaya.

He was commenting on a point made in his address earlier today that the increasing immigration of foreign workers into the country was due to the reluctance of many Malaysians to do such jobs.

“The government clearly prioritises Malaysian citizens for jobs. However, I must say that the presence of foreign workers in the country stems from our refusal to take on certain jobs, even though we are capable of doing so.

“They seize the opportunities afforded them, leaving us where we are, or poorer.”

The government is aware of growing concerns about foreign workers and is acting to ensure they are only employed in sectors that needed them, he said.

In an apparent jab at the previous Najib Razak administration and its BR1M (1Malaysia People’s Aid) handouts, he said that the government could not “hand out money for free, like last time”.

“Last time, they stole our money and gave it back to us. We cannot do that.”

Dr Mahathir said Malaysians must remember that they are working to advance the country.

“If you don’t work, our money goes elsewhere.” – May 1, 2019.