The cost of hiring Indonesian domestic workers is set at RM7,800 based on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Malaysia and the country.
Deputy Minister of Human Resources, Datuk Awang Hashim, said that through the amount, it is not a cost to be borne by one party only, instead, it involves both countries.
He said, if there are parties who charge more than that amount, they need to make a report to the Department of Manpower Peninsular Malaysia (JTKSM).
“Based on the previous MoU, the cost of hiring Indonesian domestic workers is RM7,800, which is RM6,000 on the part of Malaysia and RM1,800 is the cost on the part of Indonesia.
“The memorandum has set the cost, if there are charges or fees in excess as stipulated, you can make a report to JTKSM for us to take action,” he said during an oral answer session at the Dewan Rakyat, today.
He said this in response to a question from Kasthuriraani Patto (PH-Batu Kawan) who asked the ministry to state the detailed costs to be paid by the applicant to the Indonesian domestic recruitment agent before COVID-19.
Kasthuriraani also claimed that the cost of hiring Indonesian domestic workers ranged from RM15,000 to RM30,000.
On the exploitation of migrant workers, Awang said there were measures taken by the government to prevent such actions, including corruption and controlling the workers into the country.
He said it was done through an MoU on the employment of foreign workers with the source country.
“This MoU can regulate the process of recruitment, placement, and employment of foreign workers to be more orderly and comply with existing laws, regulations, and policies of the country.
“Besides that, this MoU also aims to provide appropriate protection in terms of the rights and welfare of workers as well as safeguard the interests of employers. It is also to combat syndicates that monopolize, exploit, and control the entry of foreign workers into Malaysia.
“Only private employment agencies registered under the Private Employment Agencies Act 1981 (Act 246) are allowed to assist employers in managing all matters of placement of foreign workers in the country,” he said.
