PUTRAJAYA has no plans to allow foreign cooks and maids into the country anytime soon despite numerous requests, said Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

The senior minister stressed that Malaysia’s safety amid the Covid-19 pandemic is paramount.

“I am aware that many Thais employed here as cooks are now stuck in southern Thailand, but they still have to pay rent,” he told a press conference in the Parliament building today.

“The same goes for Indonesian and Filipino maids. They flew back home before the outbreak, and now, they can’t return here for work.

“We are of the view that the country’s safety is more important. Many countries that previously saw a drop in coronavirus cases are now seeing an increase in imported infections after allowing foreigners to enter.”

He added that it is not a must for business premises to record customers’ details, but highlighted the importance of having their phone numbers “in case of an emergency”.

“It is not compulsory. If their body temperature is normal, they can enter the premises.

“But if we have their numbers, we can trace them in case of an emergency.” – August 27, 2020.