Besides a minimum wage of RM1,500 and eight days’ annual leave, the document demands that employers allow the maids to use their mobile phones to reach out to their family members, the Indonesian missions and Malaysian authorities without restriction.
Many employers have been known to restrict their maids on the usage of their mobile phones in the past.
In addition, these workers will need to obtain a certificate of competence before they are allowed to work as maids here.
“These certificates will be issued by the Institute of Profession Certification under the National Agency for Profession Certification. These will be given out after the candidates finish the training and pass the examination,” Indonesian ambassador Hermono told FMT.
These are among the scores of requirements that have been specified in the 60-page document which was leaked to the media by international workers’ rights groups today, a week after the MoU was signed in Indonesia.
Appearing to be a “demand’ by the Indonesian government to treat their nationals better because of the numerous cases of abuse in the past, it has specified that employers and their family members shall treat the helper with respect and dignity.
“The employer shall guarantee the workers’ access to communication to their family members, relevant authorities in Malaysia, and Indonesian missions through any means of communication, among others the mobile phone,” it specified.
As for the annual leave, employers are required to pay half a month’s salary in lieu if the maids agree to work instead of exhausting their leave.
“If they complete their two-year contracts without taking the 16 days leave, employers should pay a month’s salary before they return or renew their terms,” the MoU said.
The cost of air fare (both ways), documentation, training, medical fees and agents’ fees among others incurred in both countries will be fully borne by the Malaysian employer, making it “zero cost” for the maids travelling to Malaysia. This will be capped at RM15,000.
The International Labour Organization had made this mandatory to prevent them from getting into debt bondage, which has also been classified as forced labour.
The MoU specifies job designations namely housekeeper and cook, child caretaker and elderly caretaker with details of their duties.
Contrary to the previous MoU, employers who delay paying salaries will have to pay a penalty of 5% on the sum owed if it goes beyond two months.
It said they are entitled to one rest day every week and in the event both parties agree to the maid working instead, they must be paid one-and-a-half times for the day’s work according to the prorated daily wage and specified in the contract.
“All contracts between the employers and workers must be endorsed by the Indonesian embassy. All Malaysian agents must be registered with the embassy while the Indonesian agents need to register with the Malaysian mission in Jakarta,” it said.