KUALA LUMPUR: Though the influx of Bangladeshi workers may increase crime rates, the major perpetrators of crime are still locals, said Datuk Seri Noor Rashid Ibrahim (pic).

Speaking to reporters at KL Sentral after an awards ceremony on Friday, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police said Malaysians were still the main offenders.

"The highest contributors for crime are locals. However, there are also migrant workers who are involved in crimes such as robberies, house break-ins, prostitution and the like.

When asked if the influx of foreign workers would increase the crime index, Noor Rashid said yes. 

"However, locals are still the largest contributor of crime," he explained.

On Thursday, Malaysia and Bangladesh signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to receive 1.5 million workers in stages over the next three years under the government-to-government (G2G) G2G Plus System.

When asked if police will be setting up a special task force to manage social concerns pertaining to the influx, Noor Rashid said that employers also have the responsibility of monitoring their foreign workforce.

"As I recall, this issue has already been discussed. This is not just the responsibility of the police. Employers are also responsible for accommodation or appointing officers to ensure things are under control.