No Indonesian maids just yet, says envoy

PETALING JAYA: The placement of the first batch of Indonesian domestic workers (PDI) expected to arrive today has been postponed.

A source from the Indonesian embassy in Malaysia, when contacted yesterday, said the arrival of the PDI has been postponed until further notice.

Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan and Indonesian Ambassador to Malaysia Hermono are expected to attend a ceremony at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) today to welcome the arrival of “Indonesian Manpower” (TKI).

The TKI are slated to be deployed to Malaysia’s plantation sector.

Earlier, the embassy source said that it has received 3,000 requests for domestic workers from Malaysian employment agencies and data collection was still ongoing.

“The employee-employer matching process is not yet done. Malaysian agencies are still collecting the data of prospective employers from their Indonesian counterparts.

“The job orders or demand letters conveyed to the embassy by the Malaysian agencies have already requested 3,000 domestic workers,” he added.

Employers who would like to recruit PDI should contact Malaysian recruitment agencies already registered with the embassy, he said.

The source added that the list of registered recruitment agencies can be checked online at www.sipermit.id.

On April 1, Malaysia and Indonesia signed a memorandum of understanding on the recruitment and protection of Indonesian domestic helpers (MOU on PDI) in Jakarta.

Saravanan signed on behalf of Malaysia while Indonesia was represented by its Manpower Minister Ida Fauziyah.

The incoming PDI would ease the demand for maids in the country.

Senior Customs officer Norhani Hashim, 34, from Cyberjaya, said she has been waiting for Indonesian domestic workers as their salaries are more affordable.

“Previously, I employed a Filipina domestic worker, but this only lasted for around six months because I could not afford the salary.

“I understand that the high pay was due to Filipino maids possessing certain certified skills; however, I cannot afford them anymore,” she added.

On the minimum pay of RM1,500 for PDI, Norhani said the amount is worth it if the maid has received proper training.

“Personally, the minimum pay is good enough already as the worker would be able to assist us in our daily chores while employers can focus on their careers,” she added.