Ministry pays close attention to mistreatment of domestic helpers, says HR Minister

PUTRAJAYA: The Human Resources Ministry always pays close attention to reports of mistreatment of foreign domestic helpers, including employers not paying their wages, says its minister V. Sivakumar.

Sivakumar said he had instructed the Manpower Department (JTK) to take strict action against any employer who mistreated their workers in line with the ministry’s aspiration to ensure Malaysia was free from forced labour practices.

ALSO READ: Immigration Dept to take stern action against those found abusing maids

“It is true that from time to time, there are cases related to domestic helpers, and action has been taken. JTK has gone to observe and save them (workers) and appropriate action has been taken in previous cases,” he told the press at the ministry’s 2023 Deepavali celebration ceremony here Monday (Nov 13).

Sivakumar was asked to comment on a statement by Indonesian ambassador Datuk Hermono on Sunday (Nov 12), that about 90% of complaints received by the Indonesian embassy related to domestic workers showed a worrying trend, including those of not being paid wages.

“I’m not saying there are no cases, but the ministry is always wary and ready to take action against any employer who abuses their power to discriminate against any employee, especially in terms of forced labour,” he said.

ALSO READ: Indonesian envoy: Resolve domestic helper abuse

Sivakumar also asked the Indonesian embassy to immediately lodge reports on the mistreatment of Indonesian domestic workers in the country so that the Manpower Department could take appropriate action against employers who were negligent in the management of domestic workers.

“I will not tolerate this and will make sure the department drags them (employers) to court,” he said.

In another development, Sivakumar said the Progressive Wage Policy would be complementary to the Minimum Wage Policy so that skilled and highly productive workers could earn a better income compared to the current minimum wage of RM1,500.

ALSO READ: Where is our humanity at home?

He said although the minimum wage policy was important for the country in ensuring that every worker, whether local or foreign, received a minimum wage, other employee productivity-based models should also be looked into.

He said the Progressive Wage Policy had been discussed in detail and had been approved by the National Economic Action Council (MTEN).

On Nov 8, Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli was reported to have said that the White Paper on the Proposed Progressive Wage Policy would be tabled in Parliament on Nov 30 to explain its basic characteristics and implementation mechanism. – BK