KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) is of the opinion that aligning minimum wages for foreign workers as wished by the Indonesian government poses no issue.
Its director-general Dr Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Kadir said foreign workers in the country have consistently been getting similar minimum wages as locals.
"It is worth noting that ensuring a similar minimum wage for foreign workers is not a concern, as they have consistently received the minimum wage mandated by the government since its implementation.
"In some cases, foreign harvesters may even receive wages higher than the minimum wage," he told the New Straits Times.
Ahmad Parveez was earlier asked to comment on a news report saying that the Indonesia is asking the government to review the memorandum of understanding (MoU) concerning formal sector workers from their country to Malaysia, especially those in agriculture and construction, after 20 years.
Indonesian Ambassador to Malaysia Datuk Hermono had said that among the issues requiring attention is the embassy's necessity to oversee the process of hiring workers in Malaysia and the matter of salaries needing adjustment in accordance with the minimum wage policy in Malaysia.
MPOB said they remain steadfast in their commitment to fortifying the industry through initiatives like breeding technologies and mechanisation.
"We aim to bolster productivity and minimise disruptions, despite our reliance on foreign labour," he added.