Mandatory Use of Licensed Agencies and Embassy Systems

As of late 2023, Malaysia’s Human Resources Ministry has announced a rule that all employers are required to hire Indonesian maids through licensed private employment agencies and register through the Indonesian Embassy. This process uses the Maid Online portal and Indonesia’s Sipermit platform, with a capped hiring fee of RM15,000. The goal is to maintain transparency and protect workers’ rights.

Malaysia, Indonesia Maid Agency to Merge Hiring Platforms

Both countries have agreed to establish a bilateral task force to integrate their worker placement systems. This is aimed at enhancing transparency and ensuring more secure oversight of the maid recruitment process.

Labour Agency Flags Worker Exploitation

A study by the International Labour Organization (ILO) revealed that nearly one-third of migrant maids in Malaysia experience exploitation. This finding has encouraged both governments to tighten regulations and take stronger actions to protect vulnerable workers.

Agencies That Break Rules Face Blacklist

The Indonesian ambassador to Malaysia stated that maid agencies who ignore complaints or have unresolved complaints from employers will be blacklisted. This measure is intended to eliminate unethical agencies and raise standards in the maid hiring industry.

These collaborative efforts aim to clean up the recruitment and placement of Indonesian maids in Malaysia, guaranteeing safety and reducing abuse cases.