The first discussion was held on Feb 16.

The ministry said an agreement was reached and both parties would continue to take a positive and constructive approach in handling issues related to the recruitment of domestic workers.

“Any issues that arise will be channelled through the relevant ministries and government agencies. Such measures are important to avoid any confusion and misunderstanding,” it said in a statement today.

Hermono had been quoted in media reports lately speaking about the poor treatment of Indonesian domestic workers in Malaysia. He had questioned why there were so many such cases in Malaysia and little to none in neighbouring Singapore.

Hermono said there have been numerous cases of maids being made to work for their employers for years without being paid, some even working for more than a decade under such conditions.

He said domestic workers from Indonesia have also faced confiscation of their identification papers by employers, long working hours without off days, and even physical abuse.

Hermono had said that a proposed memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Malaysia and Indonesian domestic workers was crucial due to the vulnerability of those who worked in this sector, as well as in manufacturing and plantations.

The ministry said the discussion had touched on the status of the MoU on the recruitment and protection of Indonesian domestic workers.

It said both governments had discussed the approach and direction to be taken by both parties towards finalising the negotiations and signing of the MoU in the near future.

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