1. I was taken aback by the announcement by Human Resources Minister, Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam that domestic maids will soon be given one rest day a week.
2. Just because there are a few maids abuse cases lately and some pressure from the Indonesian government, our minister had the courage to make a decision that will put Malaysian employer on the losing end.
3. Just to state my stand, whatever abuse on a maid is totally unacceptable and should be punished regardless. But just because of a few cases, the minister should not bow to these kind of demands which could jeopardize the safety of the employer's family. Of course there are some improvements that could be done to better the system. But that should not be at the stake of the employer's family.
4. In case our minister don't know, the number ONE fear of a Malaysian employer is when their maids start to mixed around and have their own 'network' which is normally made up of their own countrymen. While having love affair is the maid's personal issue, safety of the employer's family should be a priority.
5. I'm sure you have heard of break-ins that does not even have forced entry marks. How did this happen? Some regard this with "pukau". But I do believe some if not most are the product of 'networking'.
6. Maids are outsiders. It's not easy to entrust an outsider to handle your everyday chores including taking care of the kids and looking after the house. Because of change in priorities and lifestyle, more Malaysians need to hire maids to assist in their daily lives. Since this is an unavoidable trend nowadays, safety precaution on the employers side should be in place. Safety of the whole family is at stake here.
7. I simply can't understand why Indonesian Manpower Minister, Erman Suparno demanded that maids have the right to hold onto their passports. First of all, the reason why employers keep their maids passport is to avoid cases where the maids suddenly disappear without a trace. What can protect the employer if this happen? Money is paid to get the maid but when they disappear, nobody seems to hear the employers cry for a new maid which should be without additional charges. Yet the employer will have to fork out another RM3,000 for a new maid. After all, passport is only used for travelling out of Malaysia, so why they need to keep it? Unless of course they plan to run away.
8. What good will it do for the maids to have a rest day each week? They are already staying with a family. The employer provides food and shelter. Whatever the family do, normally the maid will follow. Why need the day off? Just stay with them and try to enjoy whatever they are doing. They are 'part' of the family already.
9. If having a day off is the issue here where maids should be treated as a normal labour, why not impose 1 or 2 weeks off every 6 months instead? While they are off, they should be sent back to their country of origin for a break. Most of them are here to find money to feed their family back home, I don't see why they don't want to go back when given the chance. Instead of letting them loose every week to loiter with their own countrymen, I think this is a more acceptable option. This way they will work for 11 months for 12 month's pay, what better deal can you ask for? Employer can be assured of their family's safety and the maid can enjoy their working here.
10. By all means if Jakarta wants to stop exporting their domestic maids, let them do it. We can still get maids from other countries. They are certain issues that could be discussed among the ministers to better the system but please do not jeopordize the interest of employers. They are the one doing all of the payments. Their interest should be of most important. Regardless, maids should not be treated as modern day slaves. This is the real issue that both ministers should look at.
Friday, June 26, 2009
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