BOGOR: Malaysia and Indonesia have both agreed to further strengthen the protection of migrant workers, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said that there were some issues that have hurt the feelings of the Indonesian people as well as their government.
"The solution must be more comprehensive so that workers will be protected. That is why a digital unit is important to reduce any forms of bureaucracy," he said.
Anwar added that both sides would ensure that employment agencies would not make a high profit by exploiting migrant workers.
He said this in a joint statement at a special press conference with Indonesian President Joko Widodo – better known as Jokowi - at the National Palace here on Monday (Jan 9)
Anwar is currently in Indonesia on a two-day state visit at the invitation of his Indonesian counterpart.
On border issues, Anwar said that the Malaysian Government would continue talks and review each issue carefully before bringing the matter to Cabinet.
“I will try to avoid issues that could strain our relationship, I want the ties between Malaysia and Indonesia to remain in a special category,” said Anwar.
Meanwhile, Jokowi said that he welcomed Anwar's commitment to protecting Indonesian migrant workers.
"I truly hope that the One Channel system (OCS) for the recruitment and placement of Indonesian migrant workers can really be implemented together,” he said.
Jokowi added that he had reiterated the importance of developing a community learning centre in Malaysia to fulfil the educational rights of the children of Indonesian migrant workers
On the issue of Myanmar, the Indonesian president said that both countries share the same view on the implementation of the Asean Five Point Consensus.
"We both agree for the Myanmar military government to implement the Five Point Consensus," he said.
