KUALA LUMPUR: While the concept of a four-day workweek has gained popularity among many employees, foreign domestic workers are calling for something far more basic – the right to a single day off each week.
Several foreign labour groups have urged the Malaysian government to recognise the contribution of over 100,000 domestic workers in the country by adopting key proposals, including a mandatory 24-hour weekday rest period.
In a joint statement, they described the weekly day off as a long-overdue right for these workers.
The statement was signed by the Association of Nationalist Overseas Filipino Workers (Ammpo), Indonesian Domestic Workers Association (Pertimig), International Domestic Workers Federation (IDWF) and Our Journey.
According to a survey carried out by the first three organisations, nearly all respondents – 95% of 108 migrant domestic workers – reported being denied a weekly day off.
The survey also found that 15% of workers experienced physical violence, threats or verbal abuse from employers when they asked for time off.
Bar Council migrants, refugees and immigration affairs committee co-chairman Datuk Seri M. Ramachelvam said despite recent legal reforms, many foreign domestic workers are still denied basic rights.
He noted that while the Employment Act was amended in 2023 to include reduced weekly working hours and longer maternity leave, the provisions did not extend to foreign domestic workers.
He stressed the need for dedicated legislation to safeguard their rights.
“Domestic workers’ legislation is imperative. That is something the government needs to look into seriously.
“The other area the government must examine is the working conditions, ensuring that they are humane, meet international standards and norms, and are free of exploitation,” he said during the International Domestic Workers Day celebration here yesterday.
Ramachelvam also called on the Human Resources Ministry to introduce standardised job contracts for domestic workers and to issue relevant regulations.
“The government can issue regulations on domestic workers. This is within the minister’s powers, without going to Parliament,” he added.
Our Journey director Sumitha Shaanthini Kishna also called for regulations allowing foreign domestic workers to live outside their employers’ homes.
She said this would help reduce cases of abuse and promote personal freedom for migrant workers.
Indonesian Embassy labour attache Harry Ayusman said Malaysia provides some of the best protections for Indonesian domestic workers, especially through the signing of a memorandum of understanding in 2022.
He said the MOU fulfilled the rights of Indonesian domestic workers through the strict requirements, which include mandatory leave and days off, along with insurance and social security protections – all outlined in employment contracts.
However, he acknowledged that complaints received by the Indonesian embassy involved undocumented workers.
For this reason, he advised Indonesian nationals to enter Malaysia through legal channels to avoid complications and ensure protection under the law.
