PETALING JAYA: The new minimum wage of RM1,500 will not be included in the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Malaysia and Indonesia for the recruitment and placement of Indonesian domestic workers.

       Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan didn’t elaborate on the matter, as he answered with a simple “no” when asked if the minimum pay would be part of the MOU.

       However, he confirmed that the signing of the much-anticipated MOU would be carried out on April 1.

       The signing of the MOU will be witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo in Jakarta, ahead of the fasting month.

       “Yes, it (MOU) is on. The Prime Minister and Pak Jokowi will be present to witness the ceremony.

       “It will be signed by Indonesia’s Manpower Minister Ida Fauziyah and I on behalf of the Human Resource Ministry,” he said when contacted by The Star yesterday.

       Following the signing ceremony, the domestic workers from Indonesia are expected to come into Malaysia within a week, Saravanan added.

       Indonesian ambassador Hermono said in a report last week that the cost of hiring an Indonesian domestic worker will be capped at RM15,000 under the MOU.

       However, the exact amount that employers have to pay would depend on market forces but will not exceed RM15,000, he clarified.

       According to a source, the Indonesian Embassy is busy making preparations for the arrival of the Malaysian delegates in Jakarta.

       “Yes, the signing is going on as scheduled at the presidential palace, Istana Bogor. It will be attended by our president and Malaysia’s Prime Minister.

       “A joint statement will be issued by both countries after the signing ceremony, and the details of the MOU will be made known as soon as the signing is completed.

       “It has definitely been a long road for both countries but it is finally going to take place,” the source from the Indonesian Embassy said.

       It was previously announced that one domestic worker can only be employed to work in a household of no more than six people. Also, if care for a baby or elderly person is required, the family has to appoint a designated worker to handle them.

       The MOU was initially postponed to allow leaders from both countries to attend and witness the ceremony. It was originally set to be signed on Feb 8 but was postponed to March 18 and then April 1.

       It was reported that the MOU would include the basic salary, weekly and annual leave entitlements, the right to communicate and a ban on withholding passports.

       The One Channel System (OCS) will also be introduced to coordinate the domestic workers’ placement process, which covers the recruitment, preparation, departure, placement and return.

       It will be managed by the Indonesian Embassy and the consular officers in Malaysia.

       When asked when the maids would start to arrive in Malaysia, the source said that time is still needed to implement and link the OCS between the two countries.

       The person also claimed that Indonesia’s system is ready but everyone needs to first be on the same page before the recruitment and placement process can be carried out.