THE Indonesian media has widely quoted Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s statement on Indonesian maids yesterday, saying that Malaysia would be at the losing end if Indonesia goes ahead with its plan to cease sending workers to Malaysia.

The Antara news agency came out with a report titled “Malaysia Dirugikan Rencana Penghentian Pekerja Indonesia” (Malaysia Loses If Indonesia Ceases Sending Workers).

Other online media portals in Indonesia also published reports along the same vein.

Yesterday, Zahid expressed his hope that the move would not happen, following the recent case of the abuse and consequent death of an Indonesian maid in Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

“We (Malaysia) express deep regret if the report about Indonesia intending to stop sending its domestic workers to Malaysian due to the isolated maid abuse case is true,” he said.

Online media in Indonesia previously reported that Jakarta was considering ceasing sending its nationals for jobs as domestic workers in Malaysia following the recent death of Indonesian Adelina Lisao, 26, who was allegedly abused at her employer’s house in Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Zahid was also quoted as saying that he would hold a meeting with Indonesian Manpower and Transmigration Minister Muhammad Hanif Dhakiri in the near future to negotiate the matter and find the best possible solution to the issue.

The Malaysian ambassador to Indonesia, Zahrain Mohamed Hashim, said the Malaysian government would not compromise on any abuse cases, especially those involving the deaths of migrant workers in Malaysia.

He said a thorough investigation and legal action would be taken against those involved.

“I express my sympathy and regret over the incident involving Adelina.

“The Malaysian government is investigating the case through the Royal Malaysia Police. The perpetrators will, if proven guilty, face the death sentence because the case has been classified as murder,” he said. – Bernama, February 18, 2018.