It is safe to hire foreign maids directly, says Zahid

KAJANG: Those looking to hire foreign domestic helpers directly should not worry about security, said Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Home Minister said that security systems in place like the Biometric systems, BioMedical and security scanning systems would adequately filter any unwanted individuals.

“They should not worry as there will be a thorough scanning process,” he said to a question of possible security concerns in recruiting directly, such as the helper having a criminal record.

The move to allow employers to hire foreign domestic helpers directly from nine source countries including Indonesia, Bangladesh, India, the Philippines, Myanmar and Vietnam is expected to halve the current cost.

Dr Ahmad Zahid was speaking to the press after officiating the Home Ministry’ Family Day event at Kajang Prison on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Dr Ahmad Zahid refuted claims that some of the programmes in 2018 Budget were copied from the Selangor government.

The Deputy Prime Minister was responding to Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali’s statement on Friday.

He said that such claims can be brought up in Parliament for debate so that the public can judge the mat- ter for themselves.

“The budget is a comprehensive budget that oversees all segments of the people.

“If anything, the Opposition has backtracked on the Government’s initiatives, like their stand on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the 1Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M),” he said.