Malaysia, Indonesia ink agreement on domestic helpers

Malaysia and Indonesia today signed a memorandum of understanding on the recruitment and protection of Indonesian domestic helpers (MoU on PDI) in Malaysia.

The signing of the MoU was witnessed by Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Indonesian President Joko Widodo at Istana Merdeka in Jakarta.

Human Resources Minister M Saravanan signed on behalf of Malaysia while Indonesia was represented by Manpower Minister Ida Fauziyah.

Ismail, in a joint press conference with Widodo after the signing ceremony, said the MoU would ensure that all recruitment processes and protection mechanisms for Indonesian domestic helpers (PDI) are implemented in a comprehensive manner by the relevant parties, in accordance with the policies and laws of both countries.

“The single entry channel for PDI into Malaysia was agreed on by using only the single channel system spelt out in the MoU for screening employers to ensure that only those qualified can hire PDI,” he said.

The prime minister added that Malaysia had ratified Protocol 29 of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) as a sign of its commitment at the international level to combat the issue of forced labour, including giving protection to migrant workers from Indonesia.

In protecting the welfare of domestic workers, various initiatives have been taken including contributions through the Social Security Organisation (Socso) and guarantees on salary payments via e-Wages to ensure that salaries are paid not later than the seventh day of every month.

A weekly rest day and an e-complaint application for workers to make complaints online have also been introduced, in addition to other welfare benefits stated in the service contract.

The MoU also paves the way for the re-entry of Indonesian workers in other sectors allowed by Malaysia.

Ismail said the MoU would bring major and lasting benefits to the people of Malaysia and Indonesia.

He also described it as a significant milestone reflecting the continued commitment of the Malaysian and Indonesian governments in managing the affairs of their peoples.

“As a neighbour, Malaysia always appreciates and welcomes the contributions of Indonesian migrant workers to the economic development and life of Malaysians,” he said.