Cambodia lifts freeze on maids to Malaysia

PUTRAJAYA: Cambodia has lifted a six-year freeze on its citizens working in Malaysia as maids, with the first group of workers expected to arrive here after Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem (pic) said the Malaysian and Cambodian governments had agreed to the matter when he visited his counterpart recently.

“During my meeting with my Cambodian counterpart, we reached an agreement to have Cambodia send domestic workers here as soon as possible.

“We can expect them to arrive after Hari Raya,” said Riot, after launching a ministry guidebook for employers of foreign domestic workers.

In 2011, Cambodia banned its citizens from working as domestic workers in Malaysia following reports of abuses.

Riot, however, said the number of workers that will be sent has not been decided, and it would depend on the demand.

The minister added that Cambodian domestic workers are required to train for at least a month before they can be employed.

“They will be trained on how to perform daily chores as well as how to communicate in local languages.

“They will also be taught about the local culture and the religious needs of their prospective employers,” said Riot.