Riau wants to help returning workers

PEKANBARU, Riau: Authorities here have expressed their readiness to assist Indonesian workers following their repatriation by the Malaysian government.

Bachrum Effendi of the local manpower office said yesterday that considering the proximity of Riau to Malaysia, it was logical to make the province the transit point for returning Indonesian workers.

Malaysian Deputy Home Affairs Minister Moh. Tajol Rosli Ghazali said his government planned to repatriate foreign workers in order to provide more jobs to local workers.

The decision is part of the government's efforts to ensure that there are job opportunities for locals in Malaysia amid the economic crisis.

Effendi also said Riau authorities had prepared for the big number of workers who will pass through there for Idul Fitri.

"We expect about 5,000 workers will pass through Dumai for Idul Fitri," he said. (mds)