KUALA LUMPUR: The Home Ministry is prepared to reconsider its policy on the eligibility of foreign spouses of Malaysians to work in the country.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said this is being done after taking into account Malaysia's economic needs and the need to reduce dependency on foreign labour.
He said foreign spouses residing in the country for a certain period may be granted the Long-Term Social Visit Pass by the Immigration Department and are permitted to apply for permission to secure employment or conduct business legally.
"This permission is granted without requiring a conversion to an employment visa. However, this permission is conditional and not automatically granted.
"The ministry is prepared to reconsider the existing policy to fulfil economic needs and reduce dependency on foreign labour," he said in a written parliamentary reply.
He was responding to a question from Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari (PH-Sungai Petani), who asked on the government's initiatives to review the policy on non-citizen spouses.
Allowing them to work, said Taufiq, would allow them to contribute to the economy, following concerns about brain drain and the need to maximise talent within the country.
On another matter, Saifuddin said the police are empowered under the Police Act 1967 to access CCTVs nationwide to aid criminal investigations or protect the public.
He said that in general, all CCTVs nationwide can be accessed based on this justification.
"These CCTVs are owned by various entities, including government bodies, private sectors, individuals, and local authorities, and the total number is not precisely specified.
"If owners do not cooperate in sharing the footage, police can take action under Section 186 of the Penal Code for obstructing a public servant from performing their duties," he said in response to a question from Lee Chean Chung (PH-Petaling Jaya).
He was asked to state the number of CCTVs nationwide accessible to the police for criminal investigations and public protection and the additional budget required for optimal federal CCTV coverage.
He said concerning the additional budget for optimal CCTV coverage, the ministry, through its agencies, is prepared to collaborate with the Housing and Local Government Ministry to identify crime-prone areas and recommend suitable CCTV installation locations, subject to the financial capabilities of local authorities or the federal government.