Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Malaysia welcomes the decision by the Myanmar government to stop sending its citizens to work in Malaysia.

"The decision will not have any impact whatsoever to Malaysia," he told reporters after opening the Indian Progressive Front's 24th general assembly here today.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Home Minister, was asked comment on reports that Myanmar had banned its citizens from working in Malaysia effective Dec 6.

In a statement, Myanmar's Immigration Department had announced that it had stopped issuing the licence needed by its citizens to work in Malaysia.

Prior to this, Human Resource Minister Datuk Seri Richard Riot was reported as saying his ministry had yet to receive official notification from Myanmar on the matter. - BERNAMA