Unemployed Malaysians should take up 3D jobs (Dirty, Dangerous and Difficult) rather than staying jobless, said Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

At a press conference after a Workers' Day event today, the prime minister stressed that earning a low income was a much better option compared to getting nothing at all.

"(Although) the pay is low, but if they do not work, there won't be any pay at all. So (they) have to choose. At least if they work, they will earn something," he told the media at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre this morning.

Mahathir was responding to a question on the low pay for 3D jobs making it unattractive to Malaysians.

Earlier, in his speech at the event, Mahathir said that foreigners were taking up 3D jobs because Malaysians won't do them.