Dead maid’s family demands three years’ pay as compensation

KUALA LUMPUR: The family of the Indonesian maid whose death has renewed her country's concern about sending domestic workers to Malaysia, is demanding three years of her salary as compensation.

According to the Jakarta Globe, Adelina Lisao's family insisted that she had not been paid for the duration of her service with the Malaysian family who allegedly forced her to sleep outdoors prior to her death.

“We demand that Adelina's salary for three years be paid. Don't justify withholding her salary because she was unregistered,” Petronela Koa, an aunt, told the Indonesian outlet.

“The amount of money does not matter. But it is still her right.”

Adelina, who had allegedly been made to sleep outdoors with her employer's dog for a month, died of severe injuries to her head and face, and had infected wounds on her hands and legs.

Her death prompted an Indonesian envoy to suggest the country may reinstate a 2009 moratorium on sending its citizens here to work as domestic workers.

The two siblings accused of abusing Adelina were remanded for a week starting February 14 to assist police investigations for murder.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on Saturday urged Indonesia not to reintroduce the suspension, saying such abuse cases were isolated incidents.

His statement was widely quoted by the Indonesian media yesterday.

ANTARA news agency came out with a report titled “Malaysia Dirugikan Rencana Penghentian Pekerja Indonesia” (Malaysia Loses If Indonesia Ceases Sending Workers).

Other online media in Indonesia also reported that Malaysia would be at the losing end if Indonesia goes ahead with the plan to cease sending of workers to Malaysia.

On Saturday, the Malaysian deputy prime minister expressed hope that such a move would not take place following the recent abuse case which resulted in death of an Indonesian maid in Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

“We (Malaysia) express deep regret if the media report about Indonesia intending to stop sending its domestic workers to the country due to the isolated maid abuse case is true,” he said.

Online media in Indonesia previously reported that Jakarta was considering ceasing its nationals being sent to undertake jobs as domestic workers in Malaysia following the recent death of Adelina.

Ahmad Zahid was also quoted as saying that he would hold a meeting with Indonesian Manpower and Transmigration Minister Muhammad Hanif Dhakiri in the near future to negotiate on the matter and find the best possible solution to the issue.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Ambassador to Indonesia, Datuk Seri Zahrain Mohamed Hashim, said the Malaysian government would not compromise with any abuse cases, especially those involving death of migrant workers in Malaysia.