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"The reason that we are requesting this is because these PMI have a large contribution to the
region through remittance and not to mention the contribution to reducing unemployment,"
Akbar stated.

Akbar’s organization has sent mails to Kemenaker over this problem since around four thousand
Indonesian migrant workers from Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, have received their visa to work
in Malaysia.

However, Akbar pointed out that they were not allowed to depart in the wake of COVID-19
restrictions.

"We are concerned that the destination country will seek manpower from other countries, and
this is not what we want. This is because once that occurs, the demand for our PMI will
automatically decrease because it has been taken by other countries that could prove
disadvantageous for the people and the region," Akbar explained.

Meanwhile, APPMI Secretary Tamam admitted that the four thousand PMI that are ready to leave
will be placed in palm oil plantations.

He asserted that this request is not for APPMI's sake but for the people keen to work abroad,
especially in Malaysia, in order to provide for their families.

"If COVID-19 is the problem, then the destination country has prepared strict COVID-19 health
protocols," Tamam stated.
He also remarked that the PMI also cleared a series of tests, including complying with the health
protocols.

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