Malaysians may no longer have the choice of employing multitasking domestic helpers.
The Star Online reported recently that employers would have to pay more for specialised help as countries like Indonesia plan to send helpers for specific roles such as caregivers and nannies, stopping the current live-in arrangements along the way.
Malaysian Association of Foreign Maid Agencies (Papa) president Jeffrey Foo told the portal that source countries need a proper system in place to make sure that these helpers are properly trained and certified.
“Local employers will be satisfied if they get what they are paying for, which are skilled helpers who can do the task they are hired for,” he was quoted as saying.
Maids from source countries such as Indonesia, Sri Lanka, the Philippines and Vietnam are currently hired in Malaysian households, and have been known to perform various duties including caring for babies and the elderly.
Indonesia, however, has placed conditions on the hiring of their women, calling for a proper contractual agreement to be drawn out between maids and employers.
They have also announced that there will be no more live-in arrangements, which would take effect as early as next year, the Straits Times reported.
Additionally, it was reported that maid who are currently employed would continue the live-in arrangement and may extend their visas as long as they were happy with their employers.
Soes Hindharno, the Indonesian Ministry of Manpower’s Director for the protection and placement of Indonesian migrant workers to the ST, however, that the plan would be rolled out in stages, after meetings with authorities in receiving countries.
