Malaysia to lift ban on Cambodian maids

KUALA LUMPAR - Malaysia and Cambodia are expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on lifting the ban on taking Cambodian maids into Malaysia, it is reported here Tuesday.

Malaysian Home Minister Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was quoted as saying that the MoU would be signed in the next few months, with training for the maids being the major item.

The MoU, which is being finalized by both governments, would see the lifting of the ban on Cambodians to be employed as maids in Malaysia.

The ban was imposed by the Cambodian government in October 2011 following reports of abuse by employers in Malaysia.

About 1,000 maids from Cambodia are expected to be available every month once the MoU between Malaysia and Cambodia on the matter is signed.

"We have in principle agreed that those to be sent as maids will undergo comprehensive training on language, cultural and working ethic. The training will be conducted in Cambodia and this is important as we want to avoid any untoward incident," he said.

Dr. Ahmad Zahid said the hiring of the Cambodian maids would be on the Government-to-Government arrangement.

He said there were about 30,000 Cambodian maids in the country before the ban was imposed.

Each maid was paid a minimum salary of RM600 ($200) per month.