JTF TO ASSIST POLICE IN PROBE ON MAID'S DEATH, SAYS MINISTER

KUALA LUMPUR, June 8 (Bernama) -- Human Resources Minister Dr S.
Subramaniam has directed the Department of Manpower (JTK) to have an immediate
meeting with the joint task force (JTF) to assist the police in their
investigation into the death of an Indonesian maid, Isti Komariyah, last Sunday.

He said the recent memorandum of understanding (MoU) had agreed to set up
JTF, both in Malaysia and Indonesia, to quickly resolve such cases.

"We have signed a MoU and have agreed to assist in the speedy resolution of
such cases in the name of justice and in the long term interest of domestic
workers," he said in a statement, here Wednesday.

Isti, 26, was taken by her employer to the University Malaya Medical Centre
(UMMC) at 7.50 am on Sunday, but confirmed dead upon arrival.

According to police investigation, the results of an autopsy found that
there were old and new bruises and scratches on the back, the victim's forehead
and arms.

The MoU signed between Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta last month had ended a
two-year freeze on Indonesian maids working in Malaysia, thus paving the way for
the arrival of maids in two weeks.

Under the revised MOU, the roles of the Indonesian maid, employer and agent
would be clearly spelled out together with guidelines and responsibilities of
those concerned.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian Embassy Information, Social and Cultural Affairs
Minister Counsellor Suryana Sastradiredja said the Indonesian government was
waiting for the action and decision of the case before considering to review the
MoU, including the possible need to impose another moratorium.

She said the government would demand that the maximum punishment be meted
out on those responsible for Isti's death.

She wanted the process and decision to be fast and transparent.