KUALA LUMPUR,: Human Resources Minister Richard Riot today denied making any statement in the Dewan Rakyat that “40 per cent of foreign workers in Malaysia are undocumented”.

“You can quote me on this. For every 10 legal workers, there are seven illegal workers…that’s all…I had never mentioned any other figures except that figure.

“I stick to that..this should be in the hansard (in Dewan Rakyat) and you can check it.. some reporters love to spin,” he told Bernama after the opening session on “Emerging Leaders Dialogues Asia 2016” at the British International School here today.

He was responding to reports that Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will ask for his explanation on the said matter claimed to have been uttered by him in the Dewan Rakyat two days ago.

Richard was quoted as saying, an estimated 40 per cent of the foreign labour workforce in Malaysia was undocumented, hampering the government’s efforts to reduce dependence on foreign workers by 2020.

When asked whether he would meet Zahid to clear the air, Riot said, “Well, he is my boss, I will definitely meet him…soon? We will see.”

Earlier, in his speech, Riot said this dialogue would be a good platform to address issues of reskilling leaders on various leadership roles in times of changing economy.

“Malaysia is an upcoming emerging economy in Asia and it is timely such dialogues of this scale are held in this country.

“As you will be on a learning expedition to various states in Malaysia, I urge you to undertake a study on how different states in Malaysia are adapting economically to the changing time,” he said.