STANDARD CONTRACT FOR MAIDS ONCE EMPLOYMENT ACT AMENDED

PENANG (Malaysia), June 29 (Bernama) -- The Human Resources Ministry will
propose to amend the Employment Act 1955 to provide a standard contract of
service between employers and agents of maids.

Human Resources minister Dr S. Subramaniam said through a standard
contract, the government will set a number of criteria, including the duration
of the contract and leave.

"Previously, a contract was only between the employer and the agent without
the involvement of the ministry but after the amendment, things will be
different," he told reporters after launching a meet-the-client session here
Sunday.

He added that once the Act was amended, the ministry would introduce terms
and conditions to avoid any misunderstandings between employers and agents.

"We will look at all aspects so that the contract will benefit everyone," he
said.

Dr Subramaniam said the day off per week announced by the ministry earlier
would also be studied further after taking into account the views of all the
relevant parties.

"It is still being studied and once implemented, everyone must abide by it.
The ministry may also introduce a category for maids with high efficiency and
with a higher salary," he said.

-- BERNAMA