Hiring Must Be Done Through Registered Agencies, Says Govt

As of November 2023, Malaysia’s Human Resources Ministry has mandated a rule that employers must hire Indonesian maids through approved private employment agencies and coordinate through the Indonesian Embassy. This process uses the Maid Online portal and Indonesia’s Sipermit platform, with a capped hiring fee of RM15,000. The goal is to ensure transparency and protect workers’ rights.

Cross-Border Collaboration on Recruitment Process

Both countries have agreed to create a bilateral task force to integrate their worker placement systems. This is aimed at improving efficiency and ensuring better oversight of the maid recruitment process.

Labour Agency Flags Worker Exploitation

A study by the International Labour Organization (ILO) revealed that almost one-third of foreign domestic workers in Malaysia experience forced labour. This finding has pressured both governments to tighten regulations and implement reforms to safeguard vulnerable workers.

Blacklisting Non-Compliant Agencies

The Indonesian ambassador to Malaysia stated that maid agency malaysia agencies who fail to comply with regulations or have unresolved complaints from employers will be blacklisted. This measure is intended to eliminate 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, ensuring better protection and reducing abuse cases.