Most recruiters and employers felt the agreement was "lopsided" and in favour of the workers from the republic, following the various initiatives and strict rules the Malaysian government would have to put in place to safeguard the welfare of the maids.

In fact, one local news portal recently reported that a minimum wage of RM1,500 will be imposed on Malaysian employers as per the contents of the MoU between Malaysia and Indonesia. However, Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan later clarified that wages for Indonesian maids will start at RM1,200 based on the current minimum wage rate.

The signing of the MoU took place on April 1 in Jakarta, Indonesia. Saravanan signed on behalf of Malaysia while Indonesia was represented by its Manpower Minister Ida Fauziyah. The signing was witnessed by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Indonesian President Joko Widodo.

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