Demand for maids drops

Wise words: Industry players believe it is important for employers to treat their domestic helpers with empathy.

PETALING JAYA: The supply of maids to Malaysia has been a slow trickle since the start of the year, say employment agencies.

“A possible reason for the fewer Indonesian domestic workers coming here may be due to hiccups in the maid application process, resulting in the delay of approvals,” said Julian Tan, a consulting director of an employment agency.

“This may have caused the maids to change their minds during the waiting process,” he added.

Julian said there was also less demand now, presumably because many families have become used to doing without maids.“They are probably accustomed to the work or perhaps use part-time maid services,” he said, adding that some might also have acquired maids illegally.

He said it was important that domestic workers be treated as part of the family.

“For most maids, it would be their first time in Malaysia or even abroad. Being in a foreign land means they will be experiencing different cultures and languages, which can make understanding one another more challenging.

“Employers should keep this in mind and show more empathy,” he said.

Julian said that employers ought to ensure the rights of their domestic helpers, such as paying their salary on time, allowing days off, and letting them use handphones.

“Paying their salaries on time is (especially) important, as the money they earn will be sent back home to support their families,” he said.

Julian also suggested taking the maid out occasionally instead of keeping her cooped up at home all the time.

Association of Employment Agencies Malaysia (Papa) vice-president Suresh Tan said the demand for maids had gradually slowed down since the start of the year.

“There was a surge when the market for foreign workers first reopened, but things have slowed down since,” he said.

Suresh, however, said that there seemed to be more Filipinos entering the country to work as maids.

And in remarks to mark Labour Day today, Suresh said that domestic workers should be treated with empathy.

“Generally, Malaysians are good employers, but there is a minority who mistreat maids.

“Treat them equally and with respect, as they are human beings too,” he added.

Suresh said employers should not be too rigid with their workers and instead practise a give-and-take approach.

“Professionalism is needed on both sides. It’s important to treat the workers as you would others at the workplace.

“This builds respect between one another, creating a better environment at home,” he said.

Malaysian Maid Employers Association (Mama) president Engku Ahmad Fauzi Engku Muhsein said domestic workers deserved the same rights and privileges as any other worker.

“When you employ them, remember that you become a boss just like in any organisation or company.

“As a boss, you must know how to give instructions and monitor your workers,” he said.

He added that domestic workers were merely seeking a livelihood.

“Mutual respect and understanding between the employer and worker are needed,” he said.

Engku Ahmad said such workers should be treated as part of the family since they were living with their employers.

“Remember to understand and acknowledge the difference in culture, language and beliefs as well,” he said, adding that one should always have legal agreements with domestic workers just as practised in other industries.