DON’T BE HASTY, INDONESIAN GOVT URGED
Case should not be used to gauge Malaysia, says Mama
THE Indonesian government should not react hastily in considering a freeze on sending domestic workers to Malaysia. Malaysian Maid Employers Association said the death of an Indonesian maid, who was allegedly abused by her employers in Penang, was a remote case and should not be used to gauge Malaysia as a whole.
Its president, Engku Ahmad Fauzi Engku Muhsein, said the authorities had pledged a thorough and transparent investigation into the matter.
“This case is not something that happens every day. We (Malaysians) condemn the act. As such, the Indonesian government should not be hasty in considering a freeze on domestic workers.
“Let the authorities conduct their investigation. I am certain that justice will be served.”
On Feb 10, Adelina Lisao, 21, was found with bruises and multiple injuries due to suspected abuse at her employers’ house in Bukit Mertajam. She died a day later at Bukit Mertajam Hospital.
Police have arrested two siblings, aged 36 and 39, and their 60-year-old mother to facilitate investigations.
Engku Ahmad Fauzi also commented on a Jakarta Post report, which said Adelina’s family was seeking her three years worth of unpaid wages.
He said such claims needed to be scrutinised and go through proper legal channels.
He said if the claims were directed at Adelina’s employers, then it was logical.
“However, the claim (that she was not paid wages since 2015) must be established first.”
Malaysian Association of Foreign Maid Agencies president Jeffrey Foo said all domestic workers deserved to be paid for their services.
“While we do not condone the hiring of illegal workers, it is the right of every worker to be paid for their services. Failure to do so can lead to an employer being prosecuted under human-trafficking laws.”
He said employers should not be quick to blame domestic workers if they did not perform up to standards. He proposed a law be enacted to protect the welfare of domestic workers.