Three Indonesian Domestic Workers in Malaysia Allegedly Abused, Abandoned by Employer; Only Dared to Report After a Year

Three Indonesian domestic workers in Johor, Malaysia, have finally reported alleged abuse they suffered after choosing to endure it for a year. The three women, identified by the initials YY, SH, and YA, were allegedly subjected to mistreatment while working as domestic helpers. They were recruited and employed through non-procedural channels, leaving them in a vulnerable position and struggling to seek legal protection.

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in Johor Bahru, is now handling the case. In addition to their irregular employment status, the victims reportedly did not hold their travel documents as their passports were withheld by their employer. This situation made them reluctant to seek help despite repeatedly experiencing harsh treatment.

According to gathered information, one severe incident of violence allegedly occurred between late 2025 and January 2026. Following this incident, the three domestic workers were abandoned by their employer in Kampung Melayu Majidee, Johor. The group then separated, with YA moving to Kuala Lumpur while YY and SH remained in the Johor area.

Persistent fear and a sense of insecurity eventually prompted YY to seek assistance. On Saturday, 13 June 2026, a report was lodged through the KSATRIA service operated by the KJRI Johor Bahru. In response, the Indonesian representative office immediately coordinated with local authorities.

“The KJRI Johor Bahru immediately coordinated with the local police to follow up on the report,” said Heni Hamidah, Director of Protection of Indonesian Citizens at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as quoted on Tuesday, 16 June 2026. A day after the report was received, consular officers evacuated YY and SH. The two were then placed in a temporary shelter to receive protection as well as physical and psychological recovery support.

Meanwhile, the KJRI Johor Bahru is also working with the Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur to locate YA so she can receive the same protection and assistance. On the legal front, Johor police have taken action by arresting four individuals identified as the employer in this case. Johor Police Chief Datuk AB Rahaman Arsad stated that the case began to attract widespread attention after it was widely discussed on social media in mid-June 2026.