ID :
161995
Fri, 02/18/2011 - 04:35
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/161995
The shortlink copeid
More cambodian maids to overcome shortage
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 18 (Bernama) -- Cambodian maids will be brought in to cater for an increasing demand from employers for foreign maids, following a prolonged freeze on maids, by the Indonesian government.
As an initial plan, the Association of Foreign Maid Agencies (PAPA) signed a letter of intent with the Association of Cambodian Recruitment Agencies (ACRA)here Wednesday, to study the recruitment and overall management of Cambodian domestic helpers in Malaysia.
PAPA Deputy President Jeffrey Foo told reporters here today that a special committee comprising representatives from both associations would be set up within 30-days to discuss issues pertaining to maids.
Among the issues would be their welfare when working in Malaysia and to lower the age group of Cambodian domestic helpers from 21 to 18 years old.
Foo said PAPA, on behalf of ACRA, has submitted a request to the Malaysian government, and the rationale behind it was that most of the available housemaids in Cambodia are within the age group.
"However, we will ensure that recruitment of maids from the age group will be given extra protection against exploitation. We will discuss and negotiating the best protection mechanism, so that they will be able to work peacefully and securely," he said.
He said other issues include salary, recruitment fees, training and to ensure that only good quality maids are sent to Malaysia, adding that they would discuss terms and conditions with their Cambodian counterparts.
ACRA chairman A.N Bunhak said if the request to lower the age limit was approved by the Malaysian government, it can increase the number of Cambodian maids brought into Malaysia to 5,000 per month compared with 500 per month currently.
He said Cambodia already had its own regulations to be followed by ACRA members regarding recruitment and deployment of Cambodian housemaid to Malaysia, adding that the process can be handled smoothly by both countries with the upcoming agreement.
An acute shortage of foreign maids came about when Indonesia stopped sending maids to Malaysia from mid-2009, and both countries are still discussing several issues, including salary and off days for maids.
As an initial plan, the Association of Foreign Maid Agencies (PAPA) signed a letter of intent with the Association of Cambodian Recruitment Agencies (ACRA)here Wednesday, to study the recruitment and overall management of Cambodian domestic helpers in Malaysia.
PAPA Deputy President Jeffrey Foo told reporters here today that a special committee comprising representatives from both associations would be set up within 30-days to discuss issues pertaining to maids.
Among the issues would be their welfare when working in Malaysia and to lower the age group of Cambodian domestic helpers from 21 to 18 years old.
Foo said PAPA, on behalf of ACRA, has submitted a request to the Malaysian government, and the rationale behind it was that most of the available housemaids in Cambodia are within the age group.
"However, we will ensure that recruitment of maids from the age group will be given extra protection against exploitation. We will discuss and negotiating the best protection mechanism, so that they will be able to work peacefully and securely," he said.
He said other issues include salary, recruitment fees, training and to ensure that only good quality maids are sent to Malaysia, adding that they would discuss terms and conditions with their Cambodian counterparts.
ACRA chairman A.N Bunhak said if the request to lower the age limit was approved by the Malaysian government, it can increase the number of Cambodian maids brought into Malaysia to 5,000 per month compared with 500 per month currently.
He said Cambodia already had its own regulations to be followed by ACRA members regarding recruitment and deployment of Cambodian housemaid to Malaysia, adding that the process can be handled smoothly by both countries with the upcoming agreement.
An acute shortage of foreign maids came about when Indonesia stopped sending maids to Malaysia from mid-2009, and both countries are still discussing several issues, including salary and off days for maids.
