Mandatory Use of Licensed Agencies and Embassy Systems
As of Q4 2023, Malaysia’s Human Resources Ministry has announced a rule that all employers are required to hire Indonesian maids through registered private employment agencies and coordinate through the Indonesian Embassy. This process uses Malaysia’s maid agency malaysia Online System and the Sipermit system managed by Indonesia, with a capped hiring fee of RM15,000. The goal is to ensure transparency and protect workers’ rights.
Malaysia, Indonesia to Merge Hiring Platforms
Both countries have agreed to establish a bilateral task force to streamline their worker placement systems. This is aimed at reducing delays and ensuring more secure oversight of the maid recruitment process.
Report Warns of Domestic Worker Abuse
A study by the International Labour Organization (ILO) revealed that almost one-third of foreign domestic workers in Malaysia experience exploitation. This finding has pushed both governments to reinforce regulations and take stronger actions to protect vulnerable workers.
Envoy Warns Against Violations
The Indonesian ambassador to Malaysia stated that maid agencies who ignore complaints or have unresolved complaints from employers will be removed from the approved list. This measure is intended to weed out unethical agencies and improve accountability in the maid hiring industry.
These combined efforts aim to clean up the recruitment and placement of Indonesian maids in Malaysia, guaranteeing safety and preventing exploitation.