Malaysian ambassador to Indonesia says alleged maid abuse issue in Bukit Mertajam is isolated case as there are 124,664 foreign maids in country.
Reuters pic
JAKARTA: Malaysia will discuss in detail with Indonesia the standard operating procedures (SOP) relating to recruitment, salary and protection of workers from Indonesia, said Malaysia’s ambassador to Indonesia Zahrain Mohamed Hashim.
He said the Malaysian human resources ministry and the Indonesian manpower and transmigration ministry (TKI) would hold a discussion in April over new mechanisms regarding the recruitment of Indonesian workers.
“The memorandum of understanding on the recruitment of Indonesian workers expired in 2016.
“I will also meet TKI minister Muhammad Hanif Dhakiri in the near future,” he told reporters here.
Zahrain said he would also convey the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to Hanif to discuss issues pertaining to Indonesian workers in Malaysia.
“In order to prevent this issue from recurring, the two governments should discuss and look for more effective measures,” he said.
The issue of Indonesian workers in Malaysia turned into hot polemics again following the death of an Indonesian maid Adelina Lisao, 21, who was allegedly abused by her employers on Feb 11.
Zahrain said Malaysia expressed regret over the incident and would not compromise with those found guilty of the offence.
“According to statistics, there are 124,664 foreign maids in Malaysia.
“This is an isolated case … a human issue that should be addressed together,” he said.
According to him, taking a unilateral action by imposing a moratorium on sending Indonesian maids was not the best solution to the issue.
“I’m concerned that the moratorium will lead to illegal entry of foreign workers by irresponsible parties.”
Zahrain said RM63,900 in compensation and salary arrears had been paid to the maid’s family.
This included the salary arrears from January 2015 till February 2018, amounting to RM35,900.
The payment was made on Feb 13 to the Indonesian consulate-general in Penang.
Adelina’s remains were buried in Nusa Tenggara Timur Regency on Feb 19.
A 60-year-old woman was today charged with her death and her daughter for illegally employing her.
Zahid hopes Indonesia will not stop sending maids to Malaysia
Woman, 60, charged with Indonesian maid’s murder
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Sumber Malaysia to discuss SOP with Indonesia on workers in April