PETALING JAYA: Indonesian domestic helpers will receive the RM1,500 a month wage as per the terms agreed in the bilateral memorandum of understanding between the two countries, says Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M Saravanan (pic).

       “Yes, it is RM1,500, as per our MOU,” he told The Star.

       When asked about the wages for other nationalities, Saravanan said the amount varies, and depends on the agreement between Malaysia and the source countries.

       “The salaries of foreign workers are based on the MOU between both countries. Different countries have different terms,” he said, adding that Malaysia will also be signing MOUs with India and Cambodia soon.

       In an earlier statement, Saravanan said the RM1,500 minimum wage will not be applicable to domestic workers as per the past.

       “However, domestic workers from Indonesia will be paid no less than the minimum wage that is being used in this country as per the MOU on the employment and protection of Indonesian domestic servants (PDI) inked on April 1,” he said in a statement yesterday.

       According to the Minimum Wage Order contained in the Federal Gazette on April 27, the new minimum wage of RM1,500, which comes into effect today, will not apply to those defined as domestic servants, as per subsection 2(1) of the Employment Act, the Sabah Labour Ordinance and the Sarawak Labour Ordinance.

       Saravanan was reported as saying on April 13 that the salary of Indonesian maids will start at RM1,200, in line with the minimum wage enforced at the time.

       On another note, employers with five or more staff members are required to implement the minimum wage under the rules of the Malaysia Standard Classification of Occupations published by the Human Resources Ministry.

       Employers with less than five employees can maintain the previous minimum wage of RM1,200 until year end, and start with the new minimum wage next year.

       “This is to ensure that employers are able to benefit from the increase in the minimum wage,” he said, adding that enforcement will be carried out by the Labour Department.

       “On that note, all employers are urged to comply with the implementation of the new rate,” he said.

       Saravanan said the new amount is reasonable, and ensures that the welfare of low-income groups is taken care of, and added that employers too would benefit from the increase in purchasing power.