PETALING JAYA: Employers are eager and fully prepared to receive Indonesian domestic helpers (PDI), says the National Association of Human Resources Malaysia (Pusma).

       Its president Zarina Ismail said many employers have contacted agencies to ask about the process of hiring domestic helpers as most will be returning to work at their offices.

       “Employers have waited over two years to hire PDI and they are very eager as they will be returning to the workplace, so would need assistance at home,” she said.

       Zarina added that these employers have submitted all the required documents to the Labour Department, as per the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Indonesia.

       “The current MOU is a little bit rigid with employers having to pay RM1,500 (in monthly wages) and (the requirement that their) household income be above RM7,000, but so far, I haven’t heard much complaining from employers and they are willing to follow (these rules),” she said.

       She also said that Pusma is currently awaiting information from the Human Resources Ministry and is looking forward to receiving the first batch of PDI.

       On Wednesday, Indonesian Ambassador to Malaysia Hermono said the first batch of PDI is expected to arrive on May 31.

       However, he was not able to confirm the exact number of workers who will arrive on that day as the employer-employee matching process was still being carried out.