Approximately 10,000 domestic helpers from Indonesia are expected to arrive in Malaysia after Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Yet, agencies in the country are still waiting to be briefed by the government regarding the recruitment process based on the new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Malaysia and Indonesia regarding the maids from the republic.
In fact, the pricing of maids remains a concern. Human Resources Minister, Datuk Seri M. Saravanan, during a press conference earlier today, refuted claims that it costs RM15,000 to hire a maid.
Malaysian National Association of Employment Agencies (Pikap) president, Fiona Low, confirmed that it had not been informed of the details in the MoU.
“There are a lot of terms that we are still not clear about,” said Low.
“There are details in the MoU that we need clarification on… what little we know is based on what we’ve read in the public domain.”
Low added that the process of securing the services of a domestic helper was not simple.
“The agency has to go through the embassy, get the documentation done, get the approvals, conduct verifications, clear immigration, and ensure the visas are all in order. If everything goes smoothly, it will take 29 days.
“In reality, it’s never that simple. It takes an average of between two and three months … from the recruitment of the maid from the provinces, the interview process, the medical check-ups, approvals, and so on.”
Low pointed out that the government expected “zero risks, or problems” when it comes to maids working in Malaysia.
“This is impossible. We are talking about human beings. Regardless of their background, or social status, it is impossible for us to provide a ‘zero problem’ guarantee.
“Character, changes in attitude, emotions, the thinking … these are all beyond our control.”
Low was sceptical about the 10,000 Indonesian maids that would supposedly arrive in Malaysia, as announced by Saravanan.
“That (the 10,000 maids) is the expected figure (but) I’m not sure, really.”
“Malaysia is not the first choice. Look at what is happening in other countries. A person leaves his or her homeland to find better opportunities elsewhere. An Indonesian maid can get between RM2,800 and RM3,000 in Hong Kong, Taiwan, or Singapore, instead of the RM1,500 in Malaysia. And the average home in those countries is smaller, about 700sq ft to 1,000sq ft, compared to Malaysia.
“So, in Malaysia, they are working in a bigger home, for half the salary. Many often forget that maids have choices, too. They know where to go, and that’s just basic thinking for anyone wanting to work abroad.”
Low added that agents also preferred to send domestic helpers to other nations where the profit margin is higher than in Malaysia.
“In Malaysia, you make between RM2,000 and RM3,000 when you send a maid. In other countries, you make RM5,000 to RM6,000, per maid. It all depends on the market.”
Low said this can be addressed if the government allowed domestic helpers from other nations to enter Malaysia.
The government is “talking” to other countries, such as Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh, for domestic helpers, but Low said Cambodia and Vietnam should be struck off the list.
“Pikap has been negotiating with associations in Nepal, Bangladesh, and even Liberia. It is cost-effective to bring in domestic helpers from Nepal and Bangladesh. We hope our government will be open-minded and open up negotiations with maids from these countries soon.
“When you have choices, obviously, the prices become stable.
“Cambodia and Vietnam’s economies are booming. In fact, they are growing faster than us. Vietnam is already ahead of us, while Cambodia is also having a shortage of manpower and are importing (helpers) from Myanmar,” she added.
As for the price, Low said it should be dictated by the open market.
The issue of pricing to secure the services of a domestic helper was even brought up in Parliament last month.
Batu Kawan Member of Parliament, P. Kasthuriraani, in the Dewan Rakyat on March 23, said that agencies charged between RM15,000 and RM30,000 to bring in maids from Indonesia.
“If you can’t afford it, then it’s best you wash your own toilets and get yourself your own cup of tea. If the demand is there, then the price will go up,” said Low.
“People should ask themselves if they really require the services of a maid, or not.”
As for another requirement in the MoU that allowed maids to use mobile phones, Low said: “Employers have to change with the times. Phones are today, a part of our lives. Even children these days are on their phones, so why can’t the domestic helper use one?”
“Employers need to change the way they view domestic helpers. They are here to assist you. In return, you pay their wages. Don’t forget, they are someone’s daughter, someone’s wife. They have a family too, back home.”
