COCHIN (India): The Malaysian Association of Foreign Maid Agencies (Papa) has been asked to submit a breakdown of its expenditure in the recruitment of Indonesian maids for approval by the government.

Human Resource Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said after the proposal was received by the ministry, Malaysia would request both Papa and their Indonesian counterparts to forward their proposals to their respective governments.

"After this, a joint task force could be set up to discuss the matter," he told Malaysian journalists on the sidelines of the 11th "Pravasi Bharatiya Divas" conference of people of Indian origin Tuesday.

He said that any official decision on the matter would only be made following the discussions, which should be held as soon as possible.

Dr Subramaniam also welcomed Papa's recent proposal to increase the cost for a Malaysian to hire an Indonesian domestic worker from RM6,700 instead of RM4,511.

“It is a fair proposal as Papa had earlier suggested a cost rate of nearly RM12,000. Now it has brought it down by nearly half of the amount.”

The government, he said, would work with its Indonesian counterpart to find an amicable solution to ensure that the proposed costs can be reduced further.

Dr Subramaniam suggested that the removal of third parties or middlemen from the recruitment process would be crucial in lowering costs.

"Currently, there is a proposal from the Indonesian government on the matter but it requires further discussion as well as certain procedures that have to be initiated in both countries for its implementation to take place on a long term basis," he said.

The ministry would review Papa's proposal, and if it gets the Indonesian government's approval, it would approve it, he said. - Bernama

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