PETALING JAYA: Employers who abuse domestic workers and neglect their basic rights will be swiftly charged and penalised by authorities, says the Human Resources Ministry.
The ministry said it has met with the coalition of domestic workers and domestic worker support organisations, Ke Arah 189, to discuss issues relating to domestic workers in the country, including their pay and basic welfare.
"The government is committed to ensuring all workers in Malaysia including domestic workers such as maids and others are treated fairly and given the appropriate wages that they deserve," it said in a statement on Monday (July 10).
The ministry said it would not hesitate to take action against anyone who violates the rights of domestic workers.
"Any worker who suffers abuse, neglect or fails to get an adequate pay can lodge a report with the Department of Labour of Peninsular Malaysia," it added.
On May 4, Indonesian ambassador Hermono said the embassy would monitor the recruitment process of maids closely after reports surfaced about a couple who allegedly abused their 39-year-old maid at their home in Jalan Hujan Emas 3, Kuala Lumpur.
On March 23, the ministry said up to Jan 20, a total of 800 Indonesian domestic workers entered Malaysia via the One Channel System (OCS).
OCS is the digital platform employers currently use to hire Indonesians.
This came after Malaysia and Indonesia signed a memorandum of understanding on the recruitment and protection of Indonesian domestic workers in Malaysia on April 1, 2022.
