KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 — The government is facing a backlash from employers and business groups over plans to give the nation’s 370,000 foreign maids one day off every week.
Some fear the helpers will run away or catch diseases. Even the National Human Rights Commission, a government-funded body, said it was concerned about the decision, although it generally supported the move.
“Maids would get naughty and there would be adverse outcomes,” one of the commissioners, Khoo Kay Kim, told Utusan Malaysia. He suggested that employers take their maids to designated places during their day off so that they could be monitored.
Accountant Audrey Tan, who employs two Indonesian maids, said: “They might run away with boyfriends, contract sexual diseases or get pregnant.
“I am responsible for their welfare and if this happens I have to fork out the money for treatment,” she said.
The changes to labour laws will be implemented by the end of the year. Employers who fail to follow the rules could be fined up to RM10,000, said Human Resources minister Subramaniam Sinniah.
“The changes are for humanitarian reasons, to prevent domestic abuse and are in keeping with international standards,” he told parliament. “We are serious about the changes and will be explaining the rationale to maid agencies and employers.”
Labour experts say the changes are an attempt to change Malaysia’s image as an exploiter of migrant workers. In the most recent case of abuse, police yesterday charged Hau Yuan Tyng, 42, with causing injury to her Indonesian maid, Siti Hajar Sadli, using hot water, a hammer and scissors.
Siti, bleeding from her injuries, fled Hau’s upscale flat on June 6, and took a taxi to the Indonesian embassy. The case has been widely reported in Indonesia, sparking outrage.
This week, the United States put Malaysia on a people-trafficking blacklist of 17 countries — with its treatment of foreign maids listed among the reasons.
Employers groups say a day off for maids is not practical because domestic work takes place seven days a week.
“Offices and factories can be shut down for a day off but we can’t do that in a home,” said Norizan Sharif, president of the Macom community group. “A home is formal place and maids work or rest in an informal environment. If they take leave, the home comes to a standstill.”
A spokesman for Papa, an association of maid recruitment agencies, said they feared many helpers would run away on their day off.
“[This] is already a big problem but would get worse if they are free and unsupervised with a day off,” she said. “They will move off with their boyfriends leaving their employer desperate for a new maid. The cost will jump as every few months a replacement maid is needed.”
But not all employers are opposed to the idea, and many already give their maids Sundays off.
“I have no problems with my maid on her day off,” said opposition lawmaker A. Sivanesan. “I can’t understand why there is a hue and cry.” — South China Morning Post
Comments (59)
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written by Judge, June 19, 2009
written by Judge, June 19, 2009
I have good experience before on Indonesian maid.
If you give them time off, they will go and meet their bf outside and even start talking to those indo men and try to run away with your whole house properties.
If they want free day and their bosses do not allow, just ask them do not come to Malaysia to work.
The better way is to get the bosses to be more linient and the way to treat the maid, just treat them like own family members. The maid of course can have time off, but not to move outside the house.
Frankly speaking, Indonesia maid is a time bomb.
If you give them time off, they will go and meet their bf outside and even start talking to those indo men and try to run away with your whole house properties.
If they want free day and their bosses do not allow, just ask them do not come to Malaysia to work.
The better way is to get the bosses to be more linient and the way to treat the maid, just treat them like own family members. The maid of course can have time off, but not to move outside the house.
Frankly speaking, Indonesia maid is a time bomb.
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written by Hang Tuah 1, June 19, 2009
written by Hang Tuah 1, June 19, 2009
How come in Singapore,
Maids can have a day off??
Maids are human afterall.
They need to rest one day a week.
If there is any abuse,
They can report police or their friends to help.
What if they go out and get pregnant?
If they want to get pregnant - you cannot control them.
Inside the house or outside, they can still do the job.
What about maids getting pregnant and sexually abused by their bosses?
As in any employment act,
a worker is entitled to one day rest.
If employers cannot trust maids, then don't get one.
Maids can have a day off??
Maids are human afterall.
They need to rest one day a week.
If there is any abuse,
They can report police or their friends to help.
What if they go out and get pregnant?
If they want to get pregnant - you cannot control them.
Inside the house or outside, they can still do the job.
What about maids getting pregnant and sexually abused by their bosses?
As in any employment act,
a worker is entitled to one day rest.
If employers cannot trust maids, then don't get one.
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written by Nick, June 19, 2009
written by Nick, June 19, 2009
Malaysians bosses better wake up to the modern world. Gone are the days when maids have no rights. Who do you think you are? I have got maids working for me for so many years. I have always been fair to them, sometimes strict, most times I adopt a mentoring and supervisory approach. The maids can learn and their attitudes can change. Treat them like one of your children, take them for the occasional holidays. Let them out whenever the free days come by but tell them not to mix with bad hats. You need to take your chance, same for your kids when they go out. Just because, some may turn bad, you chose to deprive them their basic human rights. Think bosses!!!
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written by ignorance, June 19, 2009
written by ignorance, June 19, 2009
wat's the big deal with a day off? they r maids but not slave!
Gosh!! contract disease!?! run away wif bf!?! come on, they r nt barbarians and stop treating them as one.
Gosh!! contract disease!?! run away wif bf!?! come on, they r nt barbarians and stop treating them as one.
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written by terminator, June 19, 2009
written by terminator, June 19, 2009
First they are humans too...!!!!
I couldn't find even one employers giving credible answer to to their objections. Its shows their greed in it. Why are you employing a maid in first place? So that you are rest assured everything back at home are in orders and you can work freely without worries. You get off on weekends and enjoy your weekends at home while the poor maids still maintains your house. Don't you think they deserve the same break as what you enjoys on weekends? Think! They are humans first, Your maid last!
I couldn't find even one employers giving credible answer to to their objections. Its shows their greed in it. Why are you employing a maid in first place? So that you are rest assured everything back at home are in orders and you can work freely without worries. You get off on weekends and enjoy your weekends at home while the poor maids still maintains your house. Don't you think they deserve the same break as what you enjoys on weekends? Think! They are humans first, Your maid last!
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written by Jenson, June 19, 2009
written by Jenson, June 19, 2009
All (well, most) policies are drafted in hasty manner (to accommodate pressing issues) but without deep thoughts nor stakeholders' feedbacks and no follow through execution...merely for the sake of satisfying some niche issues or parties...
Joke!
Joke!
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written by Ed, June 19, 2009
written by Ed, June 19, 2009
In a related piece of news, MNCs in Malaysia have decided also that their employees should not have days off. According to them, they are responsible for the welfare of their employees, the fact that they pay hefty sums to insurance firms to provide health-care coverage to their employees shows how much they care for their workers.
With this in mind, they are worried that many of their 3rd world employees would not know how to take care of themselves during weekends when they usually have days off. When interviewed, the head of Human Resources from Slave Driver Corp. Mr Not Hu Man said "Our employees would get naughty and there would be adverse outcomes". He suggested that employees could come back to the offices over the weekend and they will arrange fun work related activities for them instead.
Ms. Racist Pig a senior managing consultant with LQNH concurred, she said "They might run away with boyfriends, contract sexual diseases or get pregnant". "If this happens to many of our associates, our health-care coverage costs will soar, not to mention the maternity leave we have to hand out.".
Finally, an industry group official also says that in the modern world, business happens 24/7 and this is especially true with MNCs. According to Mr. I've Run Out Of Names To Give These People, "In your 3rd world environment, business can close during weekend because you are just not that productive. But us MNCs compete with the best companies in the world, we just can't afford to shut down for even 10 seconds." - East Timbuktu Midnight Mail
With this in mind, they are worried that many of their 3rd world employees would not know how to take care of themselves during weekends when they usually have days off. When interviewed, the head of Human Resources from Slave Driver Corp. Mr Not Hu Man said "Our employees would get naughty and there would be adverse outcomes". He suggested that employees could come back to the offices over the weekend and they will arrange fun work related activities for them instead.
Ms. Racist Pig a senior managing consultant with LQNH concurred, she said "They might run away with boyfriends, contract sexual diseases or get pregnant". "If this happens to many of our associates, our health-care coverage costs will soar, not to mention the maternity leave we have to hand out.".
Finally, an industry group official also says that in the modern world, business happens 24/7 and this is especially true with MNCs. According to Mr. I've Run Out Of Names To Give These People, "In your 3rd world environment, business can close during weekend because you are just not that productive. But us MNCs compete with the best companies in the world, we just can't afford to shut down for even 10 seconds." - East Timbuktu Midnight Mail
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written by slaveowner, June 19, 2009
written by slaveowner, June 19, 2009
The slaves that run away.!! i though only american have slave history.
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written by indran19, June 19, 2009
written by indran19, June 19, 2009
We tend to forget that maids are also humans. Maids need to work for 7 days for a mere salary of below rm1000. This is another form of slavery. Jus being urself working for 7 days and on top of that need to work for more than 12 hours without any OT pay. This is very cruel. lets treat them as human...
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written by hot, June 19, 2009
written by hot, June 19, 2009
Maids are people not slaves! Shame on all those who think a day off for maids are not practical, they cannot be trusted, they will run away....blah, blah, blah... Deal with it! Maids are employees and they have rights.
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written by Pemerhati PAS, June 19, 2009
written by Pemerhati PAS, June 19, 2009
Why a big hassle? You think maids are your slaves...work every days frm 5am to 11pm? Hey, pls look around our neighbourhood , maids start washing cars as early as 5am in the morning, then cooking, then washing dogs(even Muslims), then babysit, then doing housechores and many others. So, you think maids cannot rest...they are human beings not robots. You think your RM500 is so big? Come on....la.
They need a rest but of course we can supervise them. If scared, they can just take 1 day off in our house , let them rest .
They need a rest but of course we can supervise them. If scared, they can just take 1 day off in our house , let them rest .
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written by aak, June 19, 2009
written by aak, June 19, 2009
it's all a matter of trust. yes, there are maids who go off and do crazy things. has happened. even to my family. but let's try this experiment and see whether in treating them like other human beings, they will reciprocate with loyalty and a willingness to do good work.
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written by joric, June 19, 2009
written by joric, June 19, 2009
I find that employers who can't even allow their maid a day off a week is a sadist and an employer who can even care for themselves for a day is even worst. As an employee of an org you have 2 days off in a week and annual leave on top of that so why should it be different for a maid. Does it means that she has sold her soul, body & mind to you once she accepted the job as a maid? What is so difficult about making meals & washing up for a day in a week. If it is so difficult then go out for an outing and eat outside. A maid is also a person and shouldn't be treated like a slave. If you treat yr maid well and gets to know her as a person, you shouldn't have to worry about social problems.
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written by Min, June 19, 2009
written by Min, June 19, 2009
Looking at the comments from the opponents to this proposal...I came to understand how Malaysian employers think...
Problem : Our maids are naughty
Solution : Lock them up
Problem : Our maids will run away
Solution : Lock them up
Problem : Our maids will have boyfriends
Solution : Lock them up
Problem : Our maids will bring back diseases
Solution : Lock them up
Problem : Our maids are naughty
Solution : Lock them up
Problem : Our maids will run away
Solution : Lock them up
Problem : Our maids will have boyfriends
Solution : Lock them up
Problem : Our maids will bring back diseases
Solution : Lock them up
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written by Pan, June 19, 2009
written by Pan, June 19, 2009
Maybe some of these employers should be asking themselves why their maids keep running away? Are they being mistreated?
As for diseases, regular check-ups and treatments can be done. If you treat your maid as less than human, can you blame them for acting out by looking for sex or boyfriends? That's a normal human coping mechanism to stress! Being less educated, they would not know about safe sex, protection and so on.
With techonologies and services available like washing machines, dryers, robotic vacuum cleaners, casual paid cleaners, dobi shops, food delivery and child care centres - ask ourselves, can't we do without maids?
As for diseases, regular check-ups and treatments can be done. If you treat your maid as less than human, can you blame them for acting out by looking for sex or boyfriends? That's a normal human coping mechanism to stress! Being less educated, they would not know about safe sex, protection and so on.
With techonologies and services available like washing machines, dryers, robotic vacuum cleaners, casual paid cleaners, dobi shops, food delivery and child care centres - ask ourselves, can't we do without maids?
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written by epic fail, June 19, 2009
written by epic fail, June 19, 2009
absolutely pathetic. this is modern day slavery. what if you had to work seven days a week? is one day off too much to ask for? what a bunch of idiots. these are human beings we are talking about, not animals who will automatically "get diseases/impregnated and run away".
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written by yc, June 19, 2009
written by yc, June 19, 2009
The reason - because bosses treat their maid as sub human, with no dignity, respect, as slave, exploit them, abuse them. How can they expect to trust their bosses. Trust is a two way street.
Of course they will run away, if they are not treated as human. A good employer will look after theo employee and they will stay with them. Only the nasty will lose their employee
All these racist and patronising talk is unbelievable, "get naughty, catch diseases get pregnant" As if. No wonder we are black listed by US.
These are racist talk
Of course they will run away, if they are not treated as human. A good employer will look after theo employee and they will stay with them. Only the nasty will lose their employee
All these racist and patronising talk is unbelievable, "get naughty, catch diseases get pregnant" As if. No wonder we are black listed by US.
These are racist talk
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written by fxdan, June 19, 2009
written by fxdan, June 19, 2009
actually, the different is who you are will play a big role compare if you dun know yourself. and handle with human capital is just as important how you manage your own self before others... first deal with yourself first before you can deal with others otherwise what comes around goes around ...
cheerssssss
cheerssssss
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written by ckeong, June 19, 2009
written by ckeong, June 19, 2009
whatever the excuse, the maid are human too, their basic human rights should be respected. They are maid, not your slave, a day off a week is very reasonable.
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written by blitz, June 19, 2009
written by blitz, June 19, 2009
First of all, these maids are lowly paid and working 7 days a week. To say that "a home will come to a standstill" when they take off day is pathetic. Just because some of them are of low education or desperately in need of a job doesn't give the employers to abuse them or make use of them this way. The funny thing about all this is that the ones who are against this decision are probably working less than 6 days a week and most probably support physical and mental abuse of maids. Talk about hipocritical bull crap. To say that if given an off day, they would involve themselves in immoral activities is like saying that every single obese person on this planet will get a heart attack. Stop stereotyping these foreign maids and start to think about ways on how to benefit both employers and employees.
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written by Steven Ong, June 19, 2009
written by Steven Ong, June 19, 2009
A better way would be to enforce a work schedule for the maids, that is fair to a human and the boss. Like the numbers of hours a day and rest period like tea breaks and meal breaks. Of cause after 8:00 pm the maids are oblige to serve and help in short errands, if there is none, they should be allow to rest, watch TV or listen to radio. Yes, to let them off the house would be a bit troublesome. But still in some countries it is the norm. Maybe in an advance modern country but not yet in Malaysia because Malaysia is still backward and lawless?
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written by Mandrake, June 19, 2009
written by Mandrake, June 19, 2009
Everybody needs a day of rest and time away from an employer. They are domestic workers, not slaves. If somebody told me that I couldn't have at least one day a week for my own life, I would laugh at them and quit.
If an employer monitored me on my day off, I would quit as well. Life is too short to have it owned by another.
If an employer monitored me on my day off, I would quit as well. Life is too short to have it owned by another.
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written by Birds' Eye View, June 19, 2009
written by Birds' Eye View, June 19, 2009
The more professional maid agencies actually do a good job of matching employer to employee. However, the training aspect leaves a lot to be desired. Maids should have basic training in the use and safety of gas stoves, for example. Also, although culturally, sharing is a very good practice in their home village, it is not acceptable here where we have to pay cash for everything. So, on top of paying for food for the maid, the employer at times also pays to feed the construction workers next door! It would be nice if the embassy and agencies can explain these differences to the potential maids under their charge, to lay the ground rules. At the same time, employers who can't manage their own anger, should kindly consider themselves disqualified on humanitarian grounds.
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written by Kev, June 19, 2009
written by Kev, June 19, 2009
I've Indonesian cleaners who come to my house bi-weekly and they said that their boss doesn't get off days at all. The only time they get a rest is on Hari Raya. They work on week days and week ends!! So the one day off per week is a welcome move. However, there must be a way to monitor their whereabouts so that employers do not end up spending more when the maids misbehave since employers are responsible for their maids' welfare.
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written by steven cheng, June 19, 2009
written by steven cheng, June 19, 2009
please clean your own house, cars etc. Save you all the troubles with all the fees, and worries.
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written by passerby, June 19, 2009
written by passerby, June 19, 2009
expecting our country's population to boost in few years span or maybe overnight.
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written by thom, June 19, 2009
written by thom, June 19, 2009
the way the 'bosses' describe the Indonesian maids is as if they're some kind of wild animals that have to be tamed & monitored at all times. such a disgusting attitude!
why do they wanna run away with their bf in the 1st place, if they've been treated with dignity & respect? it's stupid to assume that 'adverse outcomes' can occur if we allow them having a day off, when it's the other way round - it's bcuz they have to work like slaves that leads to them trying to escape!
why do they wanna run away with their bf in the 1st place, if they've been treated with dignity & respect? it's stupid to assume that 'adverse outcomes' can occur if we allow them having a day off, when it's the other way round - it's bcuz they have to work like slaves that leads to them trying to escape!
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written by dracula, June 19, 2009
written by dracula, June 19, 2009
such a lame excuse given by the slave master / employer not allowing even a day off to domestic helper .... why cant they be humane ?. I feel appalled. The maid has no reason to run away if they are treated like human being because they have made big sacrifices to come here to look for money. I bet some of the employers treat their dogs better than their maid. disgusted.
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written by LukeBiru, June 19, 2009
written by LukeBiru, June 19, 2009
Employers, a good and loyal maid is not difficult to get. Clean your own cars if you want to drive gleaming spotless cars everyday. Clean you own toilets if you cannot stand dirty toilets. Sweep and mop your own floors once a week. Maids help us in housework when we are working, but they are not to do ALL our dirty work. No wonder our children are so soft and useless - rendered so by parents who perceive housework is beneath them. There are lots of merits in cleaning after ourselves. Cultivate mutual respect and mutual caring relationship with them and they will be loyal to you. There is no magic in this.
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written by jamesloh18, June 19, 2009
written by jamesloh18, June 19, 2009
a day off..they cannot be trusted but u can drin k the water ,they boiled..eat yr meals ...sleep....? why not emply another malaysian maid to over see them ?
the maids are human like u and me....they came to make a living..few hundred years ago..our fore fathers did the same.....? cant we not understand this ?
the maids are human like u and me....they came to make a living..few hundred years ago..our fore fathers did the same.....? cant we not understand this ?
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written by y k loh, June 19, 2009
written by y k loh, June 19, 2009
There are a lot of men outside (particularly bachelor foriegn workers) who are just waiting to exploit and use the maids for their own purpose. We had a maid who was enticed to sneak out of the house in the middle of the night and returned only in the early hours of the morning. She was given a handphone (a luxury she never had back home before she came here) to communicate with these outsiders, including vulgar materials. If we had not discovered this and stopped her contacting these outsiders, all kinds of things can happen, where I and members of my family's well being might be the issue, since most of these maid are naive and ignorant about what can happen to them through their association with outsiders. Therefore, maid cannot be given a day off on their own.
Some years back, I also had a maid who ran away, taken to KLang by some foriegn construction.
workers.
If the lawyer maker did not have problem with giving his maid a day off on her own, it does not mean that other maids behalf equally well.
Some years back, I also had a maid who ran away, taken to KLang by some foriegn construction.
workers.
If the lawyer maker did not have problem with giving his maid a day off on her own, it does not mean that other maids behalf equally well.
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written by samuel sing, June 19, 2009
written by samuel sing, June 19, 2009
We can't trust them. Maids are human beings as such no one can deprive them of their human rights. They have the right to go out and have day off like any of us without being collared. They have the rights to socialise with friends. They are not anyone's property.
Malaysian behaviour is reflecting of the government trying to control the society. This move is long overdue. Time that our society change our own behaviours.
Malaysian behaviour is reflecting of the government trying to control the society. This move is long overdue. Time that our society change our own behaviours.
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written by katirvoli, June 19, 2009
written by katirvoli, June 19, 2009
Looks like employers think that maids are slaves, they cannot mix with people, once they are bonded to the bosses. Slavery has been abolished eons ago but the new malaysian masters want to control the life of the maids. So what if the maids mix around, they too have a life. Try controling your children, your wives, husbands - there will be uproar- like u cannot tell us what to wear, what to eat and who to mix. But for maids - a different standard is used. Because they are poor, they come looking for a job, not a life sentence of incaceration. I personally know of maids who are not even allowed to talk to neighbours. So are they borned to be ordered around 24 hoursw of the day> Hope the government imposes this one day off - at least once a fortnight, to allow the maids to mix with their own people - gives then an avenue to share their joys and miseries including harsh treatments.
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written by jenny, June 19, 2009
written by jenny, June 19, 2009
Pls treat maid as human. Their working hours are too long. Some even started working at 5am in the morning and stop at 12am. They are human too, do you work that long in a day? Sometimes it puzzles me why employers are asking their maid to mop the house everyday? It is because they are maids and they deserve all these? Is it their house really that dirty that they need moping every day? Be fair to them and it is heart breaking to see the boss abuse their maids. Sometimes these boss do forget that maids are human like them.
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written by vik, June 19, 2009
written by vik, June 19, 2009
better hire 2 maids in each house so the maids can resh and can take turn,
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written by Lula, June 20, 2009
written by Lula, June 20, 2009
You cannot trust your maid? And you leave her with your kids and everything in your house for more then 8 hours to "take away" everything you own?
Stupid! Treat them as humans and pay them a good salarie and no one will run away, only misstreated maids run away! Slavery is forbitten, even in Malaysia! Treat them as family mambers and us you would like to be treated and your maid is the best friend and guardian for your children and you possesions.
If you do not like that, stay home and do your work yourself, look after YOUR kids, thats an easy solution for YOUR problem with maids!
Stupid! Treat them as humans and pay them a good salarie and no one will run away, only misstreated maids run away! Slavery is forbitten, even in Malaysia! Treat them as family mambers and us you would like to be treated and your maid is the best friend and guardian for your children and you possesions.
If you do not like that, stay home and do your work yourself, look after YOUR kids, thats an easy solution for YOUR problem with maids!
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written by Lula, June 20, 2009
written by Lula, June 20, 2009
No one in your family did ever do something wrong? We are all humans!!!!!
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written by zainal, June 20, 2009
written by zainal, June 20, 2009
“A home is formal place and maids work or rest in an informal environment. If they take leave, the home comes to a standstill.”
home come to a standstill ??? u got to be kiddin, right? Norizan ?
home come to a standstill ??? u got to be kiddin, right? Norizan ?
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written by Liu Chan, June 20, 2009
written by Liu Chan, June 20, 2009
I believe domestic workers (I dislike the term "maid") will be willing to have a day off if the employer imposes sensible regulations - such as a curfew ("yes, you have a day off, but please be back before so-and-so") and not bringing people back to the house.
If employers really cannot trust their domestic workers talking to friends, then there is a bigger problem involving foreigners. We should be able to trust our neighbouring countries, right? Domestic countries from other countries trust us to find them work!
That said, the sheer number of domestic workers in this country makes me suspect there are bigger issues behind the scenes. In developed countries, domestic workers are not massively prevalent nor is there any real problem due to the lack of them!
If employers really cannot trust their domestic workers talking to friends, then there is a bigger problem involving foreigners. We should be able to trust our neighbouring countries, right? Domestic countries from other countries trust us to find them work!
That said, the sheer number of domestic workers in this country makes me suspect there are bigger issues behind the scenes. In developed countries, domestic workers are not massively prevalent nor is there any real problem due to the lack of them!
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written by hopeless, June 20, 2009
written by hopeless, June 20, 2009
Treat all staffs , treat all maids nicely is a MUST .
But , if Indonesian Maids get one day off and can go out freely .. there are few things going to happen immediately :- (a) 80% or more never report back to their employers (b) rocket up rape cases (c) more illegal activities cases happen (d) divorce rate increase 100% , 200% or more terrible. (e) Police stations are going to be crowded , "business" too good until not enough police .
Whoever approve to let Indonesian Maids to be go free for one day are going to be sacked soon .
Whatever is , to let the Maid take rest one day in the employer premise is encouraged but not allow them freely go out .
But , if Indonesian Maids get one day off and can go out freely .. there are few things going to happen immediately :- (a) 80% or more never report back to their employers (b) rocket up rape cases (c) more illegal activities cases happen (d) divorce rate increase 100% , 200% or more terrible. (e) Police stations are going to be crowded , "business" too good until not enough police .
Whoever approve to let Indonesian Maids to be go free for one day are going to be sacked soon .
Whatever is , to let the Maid take rest one day in the employer premise is encouraged but not allow them freely go out .
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written by Mano, June 20, 2009
written by Mano, June 20, 2009
Maids run away for many reasons that are out of the control of the employer; for example:-
1. Low pay? But compare to what job? Their pay is the agreed wages set by government and freely agreed by all parties. Can Malaysians afford more? Pay them RM1,000.00? You can hire a local grad for that.
2. Boyfriends? Many of them ran away with boyfriends even when they are married with children back in Indonesia. Is this the employers' fault as well? Should the employers also arrange cupid parties and provide love hotels?
3. Difficult job? If house works are that easy then nobody needs a maid.
4. No rests? How many work their maids continuously? Most of them are just doing what our mothers did for no pay. When the jobs are done then they all rest.
Why employers are so concerned because the laws say that if they run away you will be found guilty and fined and blacklisted and you will have to fork out new money for new maid. When they are out and finish spending all their money on boyfriends, handphones, clothes, food and taxi; what will happen? steal from employers? do moonlighting?
If they want a day off like other labourers than they should be treated as such and live in their hostel and work under close supervision only.
1. Low pay? But compare to what job? Their pay is the agreed wages set by government and freely agreed by all parties. Can Malaysians afford more? Pay them RM1,000.00? You can hire a local grad for that.
2. Boyfriends? Many of them ran away with boyfriends even when they are married with children back in Indonesia. Is this the employers' fault as well? Should the employers also arrange cupid parties and provide love hotels?
3. Difficult job? If house works are that easy then nobody needs a maid.
4. No rests? How many work their maids continuously? Most of them are just doing what our mothers did for no pay. When the jobs are done then they all rest.
Why employers are so concerned because the laws say that if they run away you will be found guilty and fined and blacklisted and you will have to fork out new money for new maid. When they are out and finish spending all their money on boyfriends, handphones, clothes, food and taxi; what will happen? steal from employers? do moonlighting?
If they want a day off like other labourers than they should be treated as such and live in their hostel and work under close supervision only.
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written by katherine, June 20, 2009
written by katherine, June 20, 2009
From day 1, my Indonesian maid is treated with respect and like a family kakak everybody. As long as she has finished her household chores, she can rest all she wants. As cooking, laundry, cleaning is done everyday while my baby sleeps, there's not much to do she knows how to plan her routine. When we go out for movies, shopping and travelling, she's with us anyway. My maid would give up her share for my kids, if they wanted 2nd helping and there isn't enough, but we discouraged it. Eventually, our children learnt to check if our maid has eaten before they asked for more. It's all in the training of mutual respect.
Maids are our helpers, we should be thankful for them, not treat them like slaves. Don't complain about their work, unless we can do better, most often, we cannot, and that is the reason we employ maids for good housework. Besides housework, we get hairstylist, tailor, baker, driver, gardener if we're lucky, I believe all maids have hidden talents, which they will show if they live in a comfortable and secure environment.
So I do fail to see why we need to give our maid a break. I asked my maid of her opinion, she prefers to be safe than sorry for she has also seen and dislike the way maids act in public. After all, she came to work in Malaysia in order to send money to her family in Indonesia. My maid is 29, married with 2 children
and a religious person. She is my choice, as I believed that by choosing a religious person, she is more sensible and conscientious in her actions.
I have seen bad effects on my colleagues' Phillipino and Indonesian maids who were given a Sunday off. They meet friends, loiter in shopping malls, becoming vain needing new clothes, shoes, handbags, haircare, cosmetics, handphones. Time spent on calls and sms would affect their mood at work, not to mention more money going down the drain for them. Soon behaviour and work ethics change causing unhappiness on both sides due to gossips and selfish friends. If they keep spending their 'not too much hard earned money' on their day off, they will feel discouraged and disatisfied with their wages. It may lead to thievery to maintain their lifestyle
Maids may become exposed to vice, risks and danger. Good maids are rare, which employers like to keep at home. Think about it!
Maids are our helpers, we should be thankful for them, not treat them like slaves. Don't complain about their work, unless we can do better, most often, we cannot, and that is the reason we employ maids for good housework. Besides housework, we get hairstylist, tailor, baker, driver, gardener if we're lucky, I believe all maids have hidden talents, which they will show if they live in a comfortable and secure environment.
So I do fail to see why we need to give our maid a break. I asked my maid of her opinion, she prefers to be safe than sorry for she has also seen and dislike the way maids act in public. After all, she came to work in Malaysia in order to send money to her family in Indonesia. My maid is 29, married with 2 children
and a religious person. She is my choice, as I believed that by choosing a religious person, she is more sensible and conscientious in her actions.
I have seen bad effects on my colleagues' Phillipino and Indonesian maids who were given a Sunday off. They meet friends, loiter in shopping malls, becoming vain needing new clothes, shoes, handbags, haircare, cosmetics, handphones. Time spent on calls and sms would affect their mood at work, not to mention more money going down the drain for them. Soon behaviour and work ethics change causing unhappiness on both sides due to gossips and selfish friends. If they keep spending their 'not too much hard earned money' on their day off, they will feel discouraged and disatisfied with their wages. It may lead to thievery to maintain their lifestyle
Maids may become exposed to vice, risks and danger. Good maids are rare, which employers like to keep at home. Think about it!
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written by Diana Molino, June 20, 2009
written by Diana Molino, June 20, 2009
Maids are obviously women and they are being treated unfairly. No days off! What are they thinking? The BIble says that Sunday is a day of rest, for yourself, for your man servant and for your woman servant. The Indonesians think we are fools. That we will fall for that old stuff about the women getting pregnant or running off. Well, I, for one, don't fall for it for one minute, these are adults, I hope. They deserve a day or two off. And if they are children you should be ashamed. Indondesia needs some labor laws. Without criticism and cry baby tactics. Love, Peace and Wisdom.
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written by dissapointed malaysian chinese, June 20, 2009
written by dissapointed malaysian chinese, June 20, 2009
some malaysians are just hopeless. no maid, house affairs come to a standstill. most chinese employers preach about fair treatment from the government etc but they dont even have the heart to give their maids a day off. they should rightly be second class citizens...
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written by mha1952, June 20, 2009
written by mha1952, June 20, 2009
What's the difference between someone who works in an office and someone who works as a maid? Both work. Both are human and human beings sometimes do breakdown and 'commit' every kind of crime both criminal and moral. People pray, eat, sleep, cheat, lie, steal, have affairs, covert their neighbours wives etc. The big difference is that since we hire so we call the shots. 'If you don't like it don't come here to work'. Rubbish statements by people who probably abuse their maids and are road bullies to boot. So much low self esteem that they need to crush someone to feel good. Simple truth is that many Malaysian have outsourced parenting (tadikas, daycares, grandparents) and truely expect SAINTS to live with them. If your boss made you do some of the things you ask of your maid, you would be running howling to the Labour office or to your Union. Would the better solution be 'day maids'. They will live on their own and will work for 5 or 6 days a week from 8-5 plus overtime and then you will see how committed you are to you family.
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written by soulsberry, June 20, 2009
written by soulsberry, June 20, 2009
in hong kong, taiwan and singapore, the foreign maids are allowed to have one day off every week. Does it bring chaos to their society?
and, one should go to these countries and see how the locals cash in from the maids spending on their off day! it actually brings economy benefit to us, especially for the small business owner.
also, not to forget that maids in malaysia are lowest paid compare to other country, and these bosses are the loudest to object a day off for maid? selfish selfish selfish!
and, one should go to these countries and see how the locals cash in from the maids spending on their off day! it actually brings economy benefit to us, especially for the small business owner.
also, not to forget that maids in malaysia are lowest paid compare to other country, and these bosses are the loudest to object a day off for maid? selfish selfish selfish!
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written by layman, June 20, 2009
written by layman, June 20, 2009
Its depend your luck.
We hire an Indonesian maid for 10 years without "day off", at last she married to my neighbour's son...now have two children.
After that we hire few maids, come and go. "Cuti balik kampung" but never return; we hire a widow maid after a few months want to balik kamping because she miss her children; maid ran away during midnight but I was slapped with RM400 (Government Bond)-not fair.
So, if our maid make problem who untung most? The agent then Government lorr!!!! Is there any law to protect employer??? We pay few thousand to agent, our maid visa, levi & employment permit.
One day off day as ordinary working people huh, no big deal to me. Working people bear their own cost of living. So maid also have to pay room rent, food, water, electiricty ect..how's that???
We hire an Indonesian maid for 10 years without "day off", at last she married to my neighbour's son...now have two children.
After that we hire few maids, come and go. "Cuti balik kampung" but never return; we hire a widow maid after a few months want to balik kamping because she miss her children; maid ran away during midnight but I was slapped with RM400 (Government Bond)-not fair.
So, if our maid make problem who untung most? The agent then Government lorr!!!! Is there any law to protect employer??? We pay few thousand to agent, our maid visa, levi & employment permit.
One day off day as ordinary working people huh, no big deal to me. Working people bear their own cost of living. So maid also have to pay room rent, food, water, electiricty ect..how's that???
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written by Najib Milatu, June 20, 2009
written by Najib Milatu, June 20, 2009
Ironic...
Employers cannot trust the maid with a one day off but trust the maid with safety and wellbeing of children and home?
Employers cannot trust the maid with a one day off but trust the maid with safety and wellbeing of children and home?
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written by funnyguy, June 20, 2009
written by funnyguy, June 20, 2009
WHAT DOES THE HUMAN RESOURCES MINISTER KNOW? Probably he is also like our Education minister who doesnt know that you can just fail english, and its okay!! both should go find out more facts before doing or saying anything.
now on this maid's day off. it is very true that they (the indonesian maids) are capable of running away from their employers. And why is that?? its becos they come into malaysia without paying any single rupiah. The employer supposedly pay in advance for their indonesian side agents, passports, tickets everything for them. So many of them come over here is not to really work as maids, but just to get a free ticket to 'freedom'. Just go check with the immigration dept. statistics, how many employers must pay the RM500 fines if their maids run away? Is the minister going to quash this ruling? at the end of day, who will benefit from this? Its the foreign maids agencies (as more maids be running away), the govt (through levys, non refundable) and the runaway maids.
So if we want to implement this day off, there must be other changes first..... namely
1) ask the indonesian ladies to pay for their own agency fees, paspot, tickets etc first... just like the Bangladeshi workers who need to sell off their whatever in order to come to malaysia to work. thats why you'll find the banglas are more hardworking.
2) no more RM 500 fines by the immigration dept if any maid reported ran away. and please refund the unused portion of the levy paid.
now on this maid's day off. it is very true that they (the indonesian maids) are capable of running away from their employers. And why is that?? its becos they come into malaysia without paying any single rupiah. The employer supposedly pay in advance for their indonesian side agents, passports, tickets everything for them. So many of them come over here is not to really work as maids, but just to get a free ticket to 'freedom'. Just go check with the immigration dept. statistics, how many employers must pay the RM500 fines if their maids run away? Is the minister going to quash this ruling? at the end of day, who will benefit from this? Its the foreign maids agencies (as more maids be running away), the govt (through levys, non refundable) and the runaway maids.
So if we want to implement this day off, there must be other changes first..... namely
1) ask the indonesian ladies to pay for their own agency fees, paspot, tickets etc first... just like the Bangladeshi workers who need to sell off their whatever in order to come to malaysia to work. thats why you'll find the banglas are more hardworking.
2) no more RM 500 fines by the immigration dept if any maid reported ran away. and please refund the unused portion of the levy paid.
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written by voyer, June 20, 2009
Only, those who knows.( those have maids before) knows....
these maids are different from your offfice or factory workers..
Maid, generally ans mostly, are either too young, innocent, naive or less educated, and can be easily abused - BOTH in the house or OUTSIDE.
OUTSIDE..is WORST!
LETS just give maid minimum 3 hours rest a day..plus the free food and accomodation, bed and blankets. and toileteries..
Hence, suggest, AGENCY pay more visits to check on their maids..
Let us pay AGENCY 's high fees which were currently paid upfront,. on several installments over the 2 4 onths contract..., so these AGENCY do their role... to visit and thus ensure the maids are alright..
NOt fair ??? ..i am a worker, who have maid so i can go to work to earn income which is taxable by GOM but the maid fees and salry is not tax deductable..
written by voyer, June 20, 2009
Only, those who knows.( those have maids before) knows....
these maids are different from your offfice or factory workers..
Maid, generally ans mostly, are either too young, innocent, naive or less educated, and can be easily abused - BOTH in the house or OUTSIDE.
OUTSIDE..is WORST!
LETS just give maid minimum 3 hours rest a day..plus the free food and accomodation, bed and blankets. and toileteries..
Hence, suggest, AGENCY pay more visits to check on their maids..
Let us pay AGENCY 's high fees which were currently paid upfront,. on several installments over the 2 4 onths contract..., so these AGENCY do their role... to visit and thus ensure the maids are alright..
NOt fair ??? ..i am a worker, who have maid so i can go to work to earn income which is taxable by GOM but the maid fees and salry is not tax deductable..
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written by Lula, June 20, 2009
written by Lula, June 20, 2009
Just to read this commnds I feel sorry for those maids! Why? Comments are like: Not trustworthy, will run away, will engage in unhealthy activities and so an.
Hey out there! First this are humans! So treat them as such! They are ADULTS and do have a brain, or would you employ a brainless under aged girl to do the jobs you are not willing to do yourself and maybe not able to do a better job as those maids do?
You let them do the education of your kids, because it is so much easier to blame the maids and not one self! Treat those maids as family members, teach your family members to treat them as familiy and not as slaves and no maid will run away because they know that a nice boss is hard to come by so they will do what ever is needed to keep this job.
No one sees a benefit from an unhealthy lifestyle outside your house, but sometimes the unhealthy activity is IN the house because they are treated as "property" from the male and his friends in your house! Think about what would you do? I would run away fast! Watch the treatment of your maid and adjust also the kids behaviour if they do not treat her with respect, otherwise you grow the next generation of slave masters.
Hey out there! First this are humans! So treat them as such! They are ADULTS and do have a brain, or would you employ a brainless under aged girl to do the jobs you are not willing to do yourself and maybe not able to do a better job as those maids do?
You let them do the education of your kids, because it is so much easier to blame the maids and not one self! Treat those maids as family members, teach your family members to treat them as familiy and not as slaves and no maid will run away because they know that a nice boss is hard to come by so they will do what ever is needed to keep this job.
No one sees a benefit from an unhealthy lifestyle outside your house, but sometimes the unhealthy activity is IN the house because they are treated as "property" from the male and his friends in your house! Think about what would you do? I would run away fast! Watch the treatment of your maid and adjust also the kids behaviour if they do not treat her with respect, otherwise you grow the next generation of slave masters.
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written by Jeff Loon, June 21, 2009
written by Jeff Loon, June 21, 2009
Those who says that maid be given a day off does not understand the problem they will create during the day off. 80% of those employ domestic help (DH) are those without a choice. Mostly are working couples with young children. Now a days working long hours are a norm, the wife and husband coming home tired all week will look forward to a day's relaxation during weekends playing with the kids. This take some workload off the DH. So during the weekend actually the DH will have lighter work and that will partly make up for the off day. In a situation like this its a win win arrangement.
A DH's working conditions and environment is unique and they are different from those other foriegn workers in that they may acquire intimate knowledge of the family making them sort after target for unscrupulous people of all kinds especially their own country people. One thing many people may not have observed or realies is that there exist various sub culture groups of different foreign workers. A big boss control their own country man of a locality.
I have DHs over the years and I treat them like a good friend (not like a family member) and I have one who do not want a day off and will not even want to venture out to the shops alone. Her reason was there are many lelaki gatal around. She is a married woman with a husband and kids back home and she wants to take all the money she can save home to help her husband's business.
Anyone who says that we emplyers pay only RM500 to our DH a month ( their saving), you doesn't know a thing, add up the room rental, food, clothing and utilities. Advance payment to the Agent and government charges. They don't come cheap. Ater 2 years they take home a tidy sum. Can anyone out there who earn this amount say they can save that kind of money in two years.
In every venture there ia always a need for some sacrefices. Two years of continous working is the little sacrefice each DH have to put up with.
Look around us if you think DH not given their off days is an exploitation? Letting the DH on off days will create even a bigger social problem.
A DH's working conditions and environment is unique and they are different from those other foriegn workers in that they may acquire intimate knowledge of the family making them sort after target for unscrupulous people of all kinds especially their own country people. One thing many people may not have observed or realies is that there exist various sub culture groups of different foreign workers. A big boss control their own country man of a locality.
I have DHs over the years and I treat them like a good friend (not like a family member) and I have one who do not want a day off and will not even want to venture out to the shops alone. Her reason was there are many lelaki gatal around. She is a married woman with a husband and kids back home and she wants to take all the money she can save home to help her husband's business.
Anyone who says that we emplyers pay only RM500 to our DH a month ( their saving), you doesn't know a thing, add up the room rental, food, clothing and utilities. Advance payment to the Agent and government charges. They don't come cheap. Ater 2 years they take home a tidy sum. Can anyone out there who earn this amount say they can save that kind of money in two years.
In every venture there ia always a need for some sacrefices. Two years of continous working is the little sacrefice each DH have to put up with.
Look around us if you think DH not given their off days is an exploitation? Letting the DH on off days will create even a bigger social problem.
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written by monk, June 21, 2009
written by monk, June 21, 2009
Who are the people who made tons of ringgit out of this slavery trade?
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written by Wong Ah Fatt, June 21, 2009
written by Wong Ah Fatt, June 21, 2009
The maids should have days off like any employee.
Legislate, bring in the law and make it compulsory.
They deserve better and NOW.
Legislate, bring in the law and make it compulsory.
They deserve better and NOW.
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written by Cha-Ly Koh, June 22, 2009
written by Cha-Ly Koh, June 22, 2009
I'm delighted to find that malaysia is moving forward in terms of maid's welfare. That said, the dynamics of employers and employees of domestic work in Singapore and Hong Kong is different from Malaysia and therefore, we cannot fully employ strategies taken in Hong Kong or Singapore. However, there are many ways to get around the issue, ie, having supervised and `protected' communal recreational spaces for Indonesian domestic workers, who are generally younger and less urbanized than their Filipino counterparts.
I have recently done a thesis study on recreational spaces for maids in Hong Kong, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur for my masters. The thesis has more information about the policies and spaces used by maids in these cities. If you are interested, you can download it from the following link
http://www.mit.edu/~chalykoh/UseofPublicSpace.pdf
I have recently done a thesis study on recreational spaces for maids in Hong Kong, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur for my masters. The thesis has more information about the policies and spaces used by maids in these cities. If you are interested, you can download it from the following link
http://www.mit.edu/~chalykoh/UseofPublicSpace.pdf
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written by humble human., June 23, 2009
written by humble human., June 23, 2009
man.you malaysian sound like barbaric group of human being.its barbaric,selfcenter and pathetic.is there any reason why you fell more superior compare to another human ?may be as long you can stay with you commenwealt master.remember mugabe of zimbabwe.? he try to bite the hand that feed him.and look what happen to that country.my advise is stay with your british master and sell your soul and be nice boy you all be gonna be all right...nothing is last forever...Indonesian will rise up..!!!
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IF these employers are working for others and if their bosses tell them to work 7/7 how would they feel and respond. You know the answer and is that any different btwn you and your maid in this aspect.
Trust has to be gained just like any working relationship btwn employer and employee.
If a maid doesnt want a day off it is only fair she gets compensated for it but if she wants a day off she should get to enjoy her holiday just like everyone else. Ofcos I have hear enough horror stories regarding maids. Like everything in life, maid is not a perfect solution to our domestic chores; it is just one more solution available to us.