Indonesia will reduce the disputable 2.99 million rupiah (RM1,290) document processing fee to allow its workers to return to work in Malaysia as soon as possible.

Deputy chief of mission of the Indonesian embassy in Kuala Lumpur, A M Fachir, said Jakarta is reviewing the cost.

"We know the cost of the processing fee will be reduced. But I can't tell you how much it will be reduced and when it'll be implemented," he told a press conference at the embassy today.

Up to March 5, only 500 Indonesian workers who went back during the amnesty period which expired on March 1 have returned legally to Malaysia.

The processing fee imposed by the Indonesian government was blamed as delaying the process for the workers return.

Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak was quoted in news reports yesterday as saying that Indonesia will be given a month to resolve the delay. Otherwise, he said Malaysia will be turning to other countries for workers.

Malaysia has relied heavily on migrant workers especially Indonesians to work in construction sites, plantations and as domestic helpers.

Best solution

Responding to this, Fachir said imposing a time frame for the workers to return to Malaysia "will not benefit both sides".

"We'll monitor the progress of the matter closely and see what's the best solution which will benefit Malaysia and Indonesia," he said, adding that the return of Indonesian workers to Malaysia will benefit the latter's economy.

On the delay of the workers returning to Malaysia, he claimed that it was because the workers have yet to return from their respective hometowns.

Asked if there is a possibility that the workers are waiting for a chance to return to Malaysia illegally which is cheaper and without much red tapes, Fachir waned that such actions would bring about dire consequences.

"They must understand the consequences if they return illegally. They can't work in peace especially when they get involved in wages disputes later," he said.