Tenaganita has described the basic conditions in the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between Malaysia and Indonesia on the employment of domestic workers as "weak" and urged that they be made more specific.

Tenaganita director Irene Fernandez told malaysiakini that the two governments should define the conditions specifically and clearly in the coming meeting on the MoU on July 20.

Under the MoU, signed in Bali on May 13 this year, Malaysian employers will be required to sign personal contracts with their Indonesian maids in relation to the stipulation of wages.

However, Fernandez said, the stipulations in the contract were not specific, adding that there was no mention of a minimum wage to be paid for the Indonesian maids.

"It is not fair to them (Indonesian maids) that even a minimum wage was not stipulated, this is wrong.

"What they are paid now is one of the lowest wages. It is only RM350 and this is kind of dehumanising towards the maids, " said Fernandez.

She hope that the July meeting on the MoU would rectify the matter.

Definition of 'worker'

Another point stressed by the Tenaganita director was the matter of protection for the Indonesian maids and the definition of 'domestic worker'.

"For instance, the definition of domestic worker is different from the definition of 'worker' outlined in our Employment Act. The Indonesian maids are not 'protected' because they are known as domestic workers and not recognised as 'workers'.

Fernandez also called for the definition of domestic workers to be specifically stated as in the Employment Act in order for them to be entitled to the protection outlined in the act.

"Also, it appears that the existing conditions regarding basic human rights and dignity outlined in the memorandum are very vague, for instance, the reduction of violence against maids and adequate services dealing with the problems they faced were not included in the list of conditions of the MoU," added Fernandez.