KUCHING: The Sarawak and Indonesian governments will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) this coming July to streamline the application process for Indonesian migrant workers entering Sarawak.
Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said that the upcoming agreement, to be included in the MoU, will involve upgrading the application process known as the calling visa.
“Previously, the process had to be carried out about twice — once with the Immigration Department and again with the Sarawak Labour Department.
“And that is why the discussion with Indonesia’s Minister for the Protection of Migrant Workers, Abdul Kadir Karding, focused on efforts to coordinate a smoother and more legal process for hiring foreign workers.
“We understand that the recruitment process must be smoother in terms of welfare and protection. We also welcome workers not only in the plantation sector but also in professional sectors such as veterinarians and engineers,” he said when speaking to reporters after receiving a courtesy call from Abdul Kadir at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) building today.
Meanwhile, Abdul Kadir said Indonesia is ready to send its migrant workers to Sarawak, in line with the needs of various sectors in the state.
“Indonesia has a population of 152.2 million, and among them are many who have been trained and are equipped with the skills and qualifications required for the international labour market.
“In addition, our focus is on protecting non-procedural Indonesian workers,” he said.
Abdul Kadir also said Indonesia is currently improving its internal systems to reduce the number of illegal worker deployments.
“We hope that Malaysia (including Sarawak) will also have policies that support efforts to reduce undocumented workers,” he said.
He added that the issue of undocumented workers is seen as a burden for both countries, as these individuals cannot be properly protected and may pose social and legal problems.
