Help stop workers coming in via ‘rat lanes’, Saravanan tells Indonesia

 

M Saravanan said if the workers enter through illegal routes or as tourists before seeking employment, it will be difficult for Malaysia to monitor. (Bernama pic)

PETALING: Malaysia can only effectively monitor Indonesian workers who enter the country legally under the newly signed memorandum of understanding (MoU), human resources minister M Saravanan said today.

Although various initiatives, including the implementation of the one-channel system, have been agreed upon by both countries under the pact, Malaysia can only monitor workers who enter the country through the proper channels.

“If they enter through rat lanes (illegal routes) or as tourists before seeking employment, it will be difficult for us to monitor,” Bernama reported him as saying in Jakarta today.

Thus, Jakarta’s support is much needed in ensuring that workers do not enter the country illegally, Saravanan said, adding that he also understands the matter cannot be controlled 100% by source countries.

“But more decisive and effective action must be taken to prevent this. We have proven our sincerity, but this cannot just depend on us. Labour source countries must also play a role,” he said.

Therefore, he said the implementation of the MoU for the recruitment and protection of Indonesian domestic helpers in Malaysia, which was signed by both countries yesterday, required continued cooperation between the two countries.

Other details in the MoU include the cost of bringing in domestic helpers being capped at RM15,000 (to be reviewed every three months) and an e-wage system to ensure salary payments are made before the seventh day of each month.

Each domestic helper will serve a household of not more than six people. Contributions must also be made to the Social Security Organisation (Socso).

Workers will also have a special application, “Working for Workers”, which will give them an avenue to voice complaints regarding shelter, food and their rights, without having to be physically present at the labour office.

Saravanan explained that Malaysia is committed to addressing such issues, including forced labour, by ratifying Protocol 29 of the International Labour Organization.

“This shows that Malaysia is committed to all sectors and to all countries,” he said.

Saravanan said this when asked to comment on a statement by Indonesian President Joko Widodo that he wanted the MoU to be implemented well and hoped it would cover other sectors between the two countries.

Following the signing of the MoU, Saravanan expected Indonesia to send 10,000 workers within a month to Malaysia, probably after Ramadan. - FMT