PETALING JAYA: With the country’s border likely to reopen in March, employment agencies wants the government to expedite the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on domestic workers with Indonesia so they can start bringing in workers.

       National Association of Human Resources Malaysia president Zarina Ismail said that while the group welcomed the government’s plan to re-open borders, there were concerns over delays in the signing of the MOU which has been pending since 2016.

       “The government should also prioritise solving internal issues between different ministries,” she said.

       It is understood that a delegation from the Human Resources Ministry was sent to Jakarta on Tuesday.

       Sunday Star reported that Malaysia’s pilot project to recruit 10,000 domestic helpers from Indonesia hit a snag with the postponement of the MOU that was originally scheduled to have been signed in Bali on Feb 7-8.

       Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan said most of the major issues had been ironed out and he was confident the MOU could be signed by the end of the month.

       Zarina said any more delays would cause additional problems to families who had been waiting for a long time to hire domestic helpers.

       “If the government decides to re-open the borders, but the MOU cannot be finalised, it will be a major disappointment for all,” she said.

       Association of Employment Agencies Malaysia vice-president Suresh Tan agreed that the matter should be sorted out immediately.

       He urged the government to at least allow licensed agencies from both countries to facilitate the recruitment process according to the existing laws, policies and procedures.

       “This issue has dragged on for too long. Many families are struggling to take care of their own kids and elderly at home,” said Malaysia National Association of Employment Agencies president Fiona Low, warning that delays would only allow illegal agents to exploit the situation.

       She added that Indonesia was concerned that Malaysia allows Indonesians to enter using a tourist visa before applying for working permit.