He was responding to the strong response to the announcement over the sudden hike in the levy, saying that Putrajaya would not hesitate to look into the objections despite it being enforced from February 1.

According to a report by the Star Online, Zahid said Malaysia must aim to utilise the available local human capital rather than rely fully on foreign workers.

It is the duty of employers, as well as the Human Resources and Education Ministries, to train and produce semi-skilled and skilled local employees, said Zahid, as was quoted by the portal.

“Although certain jobs are considered three Ds – difficult, dirty and dangerous – employers must take long-term measures to give priority to local employees in the long run.”

The portal also reported Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Wee Ka Siong saying that the issue over the levy hike was discussed at the post-Cabinet meeting.

Wee added that he, along with several other Cabinet Ministers, including Paul Low and Mah Siew Keong, were concerned over the implications of the hike as it could result in inflation.

He said that after the arguments were presented at the Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Najib Razak requested for Zahid to meet with the various business chambers as soon as possible.

This, he said, showed a positive likelihood that the levy could be revised.

The portal also quoted Wee as saying that the 100-300 per cent hike could result in business operators resorting to hiring illegal workers.

“We do not want to promote the use of illegal workers. We want an amicable solution which will not over-burden the employers.

“If they cannot bear the burden, the implementation will backfire.”