Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi wanted Indonesia to know that Malaysia and Indonesia are two countries that need each other.

This came after it was reported that Jakarta was considering ceasing its nationals from being sent to undertake jobs as domestic workers in Malaysia following the death of Indonesian Adelina Lisao, who was allegedly abused at her employer's house in Penang.

Zahid, last week, had expressed hope that Indonesia will not do so and said that he will be meeting Indonesian Manpower and Transmigration Minister Muhammad Hanif Dhakiri (photo) to negotiate on the matter.

Asked whether he has met Hanif to discuss the matter, Zahid in a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today said he has contacted Malaysia's ambassador to Indonesia Zahrain Mohamed Hashim and confirmed that the latter will be meeting the minister today.

Zahid said he had asked Zahrain to tell Hanif that abuse cases in Malaysia were isolated and that both the government and the authorities will never protect nor will they cover up abuse cases involving migrant workers.

"We have also asked that the memorandum of understanding which lapsed in 2016 be updated and further negotiations must be made between ministers of the two countries.

"I have asked Zahrain to inform the Malaysian government's commitment to continue forging relations between the two countries and this must be accepted with an open heart because we need each other."

Indonesia, he added, needs to send its workforce while Malaysia needs workers including domestic workers.

"In this matter, our approach is a win-win situation and we hope that the four issues which were mentioned will be discussed with the minister," said Zahid.

Adelina (photo) died while being treated at the Bukit Mertajam Hospital on Feb 11. She had severe injuries on her head and face and her hands and legs were also injured.

Her death had triggered outrage from non-governmental organisations and netizens.

The remand order against a 60-year-old suspect in connection with Adelina's death was yesterday extended for another week by the Magistrate's Court in Bukit Mertajam. The remand order against the suspect's two children was extended until tomorrow.