The freeze on sending maids to Malaysia will remain until the Indonesian government lifts the ban, Human Resources Minister Dr S Subramaniam said today.

He said his ministry did not know the reason for the delay in lifting the freeze, although the memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by both countries at the end of May.

Subramaniam said this at a news conference after attending a ceremony on the appointment of the National Labour Advisory Council members (2011-2013) in Putrajaya.

Among the conditions agreed upon in the MoU are that Malaysian employers are guaranteed a replacement maid or compensation on the deposit from the employment agency involved if the maid runs away, is inefficient or fails the medical test within six months.

Agreement was also reached on the salary for maids, which should be determined according to the current market situation, with the Indonesian government ensuring that the salary offered by Malaysian employers is not less than the minimum salary in Indonesia.

On another matter, Subramaniam said the ministry would soon appoint members of the national minimum wages consultary council.

- Bernama