PETALING JAYA: Indonesian ambassador to Malaysia Hermono was called in to clarify over his remarks related to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the recruitment and protection of Indonesian domestic workers, says Wisma Putra.

In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said the first meeting was held at the ministry on Feb 16.

“An understanding has been reached so that both parties will continue to take positive and constructive approaches in handling the issues related to the recruitment and protection of Indonesian domestic workers,” it said on Monday (Feb 21).

Wisma Putra added that any issues that were raised will be chanelled to the respective ministries or agencies.

“Such an act is important to avoid any misunderstanding and confusion among the public,” it added.

The discussion also touched on the status of the MOU between Malaysia and Indonesia on the recruitment and protection of Indonesian domestic workers.

It includes approaches and the direction that should be taken by both parties towards finalising and concluding negotiations of the MOU in the near future, said the Foreign Ministry.

This is to ensure the process of recruitment of Indonesian domestic workers can be managed systematically and the issue of their protection will be given main priority based on the policies and laws enforced by both countries.

“The positive and constructive approaches involving the recruitment and protection of Indonesian domestic workers will benefit both sides and at the same time contribute towards strengthening close ties between Malaysia and Indonesia,” said Wisma Putra.

Recently, Hermono had made public statements regarding the MOU between Malaysia and Indonesia.

Indonesia had stopped the supply of maids to Malaysia until an MOU on the recruitment and placement of Indonesian domestic workers was signed.

Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan had earlier said that the Cabinet decided on Feb 11 that the MOU should be signed as soon as possible.