PETALING JAYA: The insurance scheme for employers of domestic helpers can provide peace of mind, reduce financial risks, and help distinguish legitimate recruitment channels from unlicensed ones, say employers.
The scheme was introduced by the Association of Employment Agencies Malaysia (Papa) yesterday.
Jenny Chan, 45, who employs a helper at home, said the insurance is crucial as families spend significant time and money recruiting domestic workers.
ALSO READ: Better protection for maids, employers
“I once had a maid who absconded suddenly, and it was very stressful because I have children at home and I’m a working mother. I couldn’t manage the household chores on my own,” said the executive from Cheras.
“With my current helper, I rely on her a lot. She takes care of cleaning, cooking, and looking after my children and my elderly mother.
“I would consider joining the association to get this insurance because helpers play a very important role in assisting the family, and I don’t want to be cheated without compensation. But I would need to find out more about it,” Chan said.
A retired civil servant, who wished to be known as Ray, said the scheme could help the public differentiate between licensed and unlicensed agents.
“It gives us more confidence to know that we are employing someone legitimate instead of someone who came in through unverified channels,” said Ray, who previously had an episode where he was duped by an employment agency.
“We had already paid the full amount for the maid, yet she never showed up,” Ray said.
Bank staff Dahlia Makar, 38, believes the coverage is necessary because helpers manage most of the family’s daily needs.
She said scheme provides protection for both sides, especially in cases of accidents or health issues.
“Medical costs today are very high, so insurance can reduce the financial burden on employers and ensure the helper receives proper care without delay,” she said, adding that she never faced the misfortune of a runaway helper.
“I rely quite a lot on my helper because her main duty is to take care of my elderly mother,” said Dahlia from Ampang.
