No to RM800 minimum wage for Indonesian maids

(Bernama) – The Indonesian government’s demand for RM800 minimum wage for housemaids cannot be implemented as Malaysia does not have a minimum wage structure.

Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr S.Subramaniam said this was one of the main reasons why the memorandum of understanding between Malaysia and Indonesia could not be implemented.

“It is difficult to implement as Malaysia does not have a minimun wage structure. We feel that wages should be based on market forces.

“This has been our policy then and now,” he told reporters after opening a motivation and career training programme for Indian youths Saturday.

Subramaniam however agreed that trained Indonesia housemaids should be paid higher wages based on the skills possessed.

Malaysia and Indonesia are still discussing the wage issue at joint committee level led by the Home Ministry secretary-general.