Malaysia wants explanation from Indon embassy regarding maids

2009/09/09

nst online

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia wants an explanation from the Indonesian government on the reluctance of its embassy in Kuala Lumpur to renew passports of maids working here and imposing various conditions for the passport renewal.

Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam said the cabinet this morning directed the Foreign Ministry and the Human Resources Ministry Attache in Jakarta to seek a proper explanation on the Embassy's actions from the Indonesian government.

"We have received complaints from maids, employers as well as agents that the Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur was reluctant to renew passports of Indonesian maids.

"They are asked how much they were paid and if they are paid below RM600, their passports are not renewed. Even if it is renewed, then various conditions are imposed. This has been going on for the last one month," he told reporters.

The Minister said this before meeting Tamil school temporary teachers who would attend the 'kursus dalam cuti' (training during the vacation) programme, which would enable them to become permanent teachers. Last year about 300 temporary Tamil school teachers attended the programme and this year the figure is expected to be increased to 500 teachers.

Dr Subramaniam said the action of the Embassy was not conveyed to the Malaysian government first beforehand.

"This move by them is extraordinary. They should have told us through the proper channels. I hope they come up with a proper explanation on the matter. This should be done by mutual consent and agreement. We hope to get an explanation on the matter in two to three weeks," he added.

On another note, he said employers, especially in the manufacturing sector, must first try to employ local workers with suitable pay before applying to bring in foreign workers.

"They must offer employment to the local workers with a pay of RM600 to RM650 and if this is not taken, only then can they apply for foreign workers. These foreign workers must also be paid the same amount.

"This is to ensure that employers do not employ foreign workers at their whim and fancy and pay them low salaries. This will also result in unemployed local workers obtaining employment," said Dr Subramaniam.

He said the government was trying to increase wages of workers in several sectors and this was why the Wages Council was set-up. - BERNAMA