KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: Malaysia could start sourcing for maids from other countries if Indonesia imposes a ban on sending them, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said.

"If their maids were not allowed to work here, then in the spirit of neighbourliness, we will respect their decision.

"However, this does not mean that we will not look at other choices to help fill the country's needs," he said.

He was speaking to reporters after the General Police and Special Equipment Exhibition and Conference here yesterday.

Hishammuddin said he would like to remind "those who like to blow up the issue" that it was the Indonesians who made the decision to come to Malaysia.

He said that depending on the need, work permits for maids could be given to people from other countries.

On police equipment, Hishammuddin said those who wished to sell police equipment must know the equipment that were required by the Government.

He said any equipment the ministry buys would have to enhance the police's Key Performance Index and Key Report Areas.