THE implementation of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the recruitment and protection of Indonesian domestic helpers in Malaysia, which was signed by both countries yesterday, requires continued cooperation between Malaysia and Indonesia. 

The results of discussions led by Human Resources Minister M. Saravanan and his Indonesian counterpart, Manpower Minister Ida Fauziyah, were successfully finalised within six months. 

Although various initiatives, including the implementation of the One Channel System, have been agreed upon by both countries in the MOU, Malaysia can only monitor workers who come into the country legally, said Saravanan.

“If they enter (the country) through rat lanes (illegal routes) or as tourists before seeking employment, it will be difficult for us to monitor,” he said. 

Thus, Jakarta’s support is much needed in ensuring that workers do not enter illegally, Saravanan said, adding that he also understands that the matter cannot be controlled 100% but that more decisive and effective action must be taken. 

“We have proven our sincerity but this cannot just depend on us, but (labour) source countries also must play a role,” he told Malaysian media in Jakarta today. 

Other details in the MOU include the cost of bringing in domestic helpers being fixed at below RM15,000 (to be reviewed every three months) and an e-wages system will be implemented to monitor salary payments where each employer needs to pay wages before the seventh day of each month. 

Each domestic helper will serve a household of not more than six people. Contributions are to be made through the Social Security Organisation (Socso) and, most recently, induction courses have been implemented to educate workers in understanding their rights and avoiding exploitation. 

Workers will also have a special application, “Working for Workers”, which will give them an avenue to voice complaints regarding shelter, food and their rights, without having to be physically present at the Labour Office. 

Saravanan explained that Malaysia is committed to addressing issues including forced labour by ratifying Protocol 29 of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) on March 21.

As an ILO member, he said, Malaysia always takes effective measures to prevent and eliminate forced labour, provide protection to victims including by giving them access to appropriate and effective remedies such as compensation, and curb perpetrators of forced labour.

“This shows that Malaysia is committed enough to all sectors and to all countries,” he said. 

Saravanan said this when asked to comment on a statement by Indonesian President Joko Widodo, better known as Jokowi, that he wants the MOU to be implemented well and hopes it would cover other sectors between the two countries. 

“During initial discussions with Indonesia, it was not too comfortable. But today, Malaysia is trusted as a country that protects workers,” he said. 

Following the signing of the MOU, Saravanan expects Indonesia will send 10,000 workers within a month to Malaysia, probably after Ramadan. 

A special committee headed by the secretaries-general of both countries’ ministries will meet once every three months to monitor the implementation of the MOU. 

The MOU signing was witnessed by Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob and his counterpart Jokowi, at Istana Merdeka in Jakarta. 

Meanwhile, Ismail is expected to return to Malaysia today, ending his working visit to Jakarta. – Bernama, April 2, 2022.