Malaysia, Cambodia sign agreement to protect maids


Cambodian Labour Minister Ith Sam Heng waits for his flight to Malaysia at Phnom Penh International Airport on Monday. - The Phnom Penh Post/Asia News Network

PHNOM PENH: Cambodian maids who work in Malaysia will be given smartphones, bank accounts and counselling under a new agreement signed by the two countries on Nov 29, an employment agency representative said – measures intended to prevent the kind of widespread abuses that resulted in a ban on sending domestic workers to Malaysia six years ago.

But the news, announced in Malaysian media on Nov 29, came as a surprise to labour rights groups in both countries who said they had not been consulted on the long-awaited MoU, which still has yet to be made public.

Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 11.12/month

Billed as RM 11.12 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 9.87/month

Billed as RM 118.40 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Nation

DAK solidarity runner twists knee, determined to press on to finish 290km Taiping–Parliament mission
PAS calls on Bersatu to remain calm amid Perikatan turmoil
Malaysia deports two suspects wanted by Indian authorities over links to railway track bombing
German tourist dies after losing consciousness while snorkelling off Sabah island
Anwar discusses Asean-Russia ties, cultural, global issues in Kazan
Tyre blowout believed to be cause of crash involving SUV on Jalan Kepong
Fuel prices June 18-24: Diesel in peninsula down 30sen, RON95, RON97 unchanged
RTM special team to monitor access to World Cup broadcasts from overseas
Biker injured, hit by car that allegedly ran red light in Subang
Two foreign workers injured as lift plunges seven floors in Melaka hotel

Others Also Read