Malaysia takes foreign worker abuse seriously, no compromises, says Saifuddin

KUANTAN: Malaysia is serious about – and will not compromise on – those who commit wrongdoing, especially abuse or mistreatment of foreign workers, including Indonesian domestic workers, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah.

The Foreign Minister said the ministry had conveyed the Malaysian government’s position to Indonesian ambassador to Malaysia Hermono, and to Saifuddin’s counterpart, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi.

“Currently, the Foreign Affairs Ministry is in close contact with the Malaysian authorities and the Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur to provide appropriate consular assistance to the victim, as well as to obtain the latest status of the investigation,” he said at a press conference here Sunday (Sept 4).

Saifuddin was commenting on the case of an Indonesian maid who was allegedly abused by her employer in Batu Caves, Selangor, recently, and added that Malaysia was also saddened and sympathised with the victim of the case.

Saifuddin said he had been in contact with the Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani and was informed that the police would give priority to the case.

On Friday (Sept 2), the media reported that an Indonesian maid had been abused by her employer, including allegedly not being paid her salary, since she started working in 2019. It is understood that the victim is now at the Selayang Hospital for treatment. – Bernama