HOME Minister Hamzah Zainudin has defended raids against undocumented foreigners during the movement-control order period, telling Al-Jazeera that “Malaysians come first”.

He refuted the international news outlet’s report that Malaysia discriminated against illegal immigrants during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Even if the foreign media says we are being harsh and strict, that is what the people want. The people need a government that is strict against those who commit crimes.

“We don’t take to heart what the foreign media says, as they always like to spin nonsensical stories,” he said at a press conference in Port Klang today.

The Bersatu secretary-general said Putrajaya will always prioritise citizens over foreigners.

“What’s important to me are the people of Malaysia. This government always sides with the people of Malaysia.”

He acknowledged that the country still needs foreign workers.

“We want to develop the country, we need workers, especially for heavy work. We surely need foreign workers, but what’s important to us is that they follow the rules.”

Al Jazeera’s 20-minute documentary, Locked Up in Malaysia’s Lockdown, claimed that the government discriminated against illegals amid the virus crisis.

Yesterday, Health Minister Dr Adham Baba slammed the accusations made in the documentary, saying actions taken under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 are meant to protect both locals and foreigners from Covid-19. – July 6, 2020.