Bar president Ezri Abdul Wahab said many domestic workers remained exposed to “systemic vulnerabilities” as they were still excluded from fundamental safeguards provided under Malaysian labour laws.

“Despite the essential nature of their work in supporting households, communities, and the broader economy, many remain unprotected, underpaid, and vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.

“The Malaysian Bar calls for the full legal recognition and protection of domestic workers under Malaysian labour laws, ensuring that they enjoy equal rights and protections as all other categories of workers,” he said.

His remarks came in the wake of renewed calls by migrant rights group Tenaganita for standalone legislation to protect domestic workers, following the recent rescue of an abused Indonesian domestic worker.

Domestic workers are excluded from key provisions of the Employment Act 1955, leaving them outside the scope of standard labour protections enjoyed by workers in other sectors.

Ezri also urged the government to ratify the ILO Domestic Workers Convention 2011 and enact a dedicated law for domestic workers in light of the unique nature of their work in comparison to the formal employment sector.

“The government should standardise employment contracts and issue specific regulations for domestic work,” he said.

“These measures fall within the powers of the human resources minister and do not require parliamentary approval; therefore, they can be implemented without delay,” he added.

He also reiterated the Bar’s long-standing position that domestic workers must be respected, protected, and empowered through legal recognition and comprehensive reform.