90% of Indonesian Embassy complaints involved domestic workers

About 90% of the complaints the Indonesian Embassy received, according to Datuk Hermono, the ambassador to Malaysia, concerned domestic workers. This is a concerning trend that calls for strict enforcement by the authorities and a peaceful resolution by Malaysian employers.

Prompt and immediate response is necessary to address the critical issue of abuse. Which the Indonesian domestic workers in Malaysia are suffering.

“Among the serious complaints lodged was the issue of unpaid monthly wages. With some workers not receiving payment for up to 19 years standing out as alarming instances of exploitation.

“Reports also indicate cases of torture and mistreatment like not given food. Further emphasizing the urgent need for intervention.

He said in an interview with Bernama after chairing Indonesia’s Consulate General Meeting here today.

Hermono stated that the lack of a service contract may be the leading cause of the abuse. Which impacts both registered and unregistered domestic workers.

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According to Hermono, a significant portion of undocumented domestic workers in Indonesia are Indonesians. As some employers choose to keep their employees unregistered to avoid paying taxes and other mandatory expenses.

“It is the employer’s obligation to register their domestic helpers with the relevant authorities. We hope the authorities act promptly on this humanitarian issue,” he said.

In order to protect the welfare of domestic workers, he also emphasized the significance of tough enforcement by local authorities. Thus, saying that harsh measures and deterrent sentences for non-compliant employers are essential.

“With at least 70,000 registered Indonesian domestic workers in Malaysia. The number of unregistered workers is believed to be even higher,” he said.

According to him, there were only 480,000 registered Indonesian labourers in Malaysia after the COVID-19 outbreak, down from 1.2 million.

“The unregistered workforce, however, nearly doubled during the same period. The decline is attributed to many workers who, having secured jobs in their home country, chose not to return to Malaysia,” Hermono said.

He stated a significant share of Indonesian laborers in Malaysia were working in the plantation sector. Particularly in Sabah and Sarawak.

He claimed that the rising building industry in Indonesia had caused a downturn in the construction sector. Which also had historically employed many Indonesians.

Hermono stated that the improvement of bilateral relations between the two nations. The welfare of Indonesian laborers depend on these issues being resolved.

“Immediate action is needed to address the abuses faced by domestic workers. Ensuring a fair and just working environment for all,” he said.