Papa targets to bring in 20,000 Cambodian maids next year

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Association of Foreign Maid Agencies (Papa) has targeted to bring in some 20,000 Cambodian domestic workers a year starting next year.
Its president Jeffrey Foo said the target could be achieved by implementing policies and mechanisms to protect Cambodian domestic workers' welfare with the collaboration of Cambodia's Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MOLVT).
Foo said the policies and mechanisms were expected to be put in place and finalised in March next year.
"We expect to bring in about 20,000 Cambodian domestic workers because there is a big shortage of maids in Malaysia. Although there are on-going issues, we will try to manage and improve the foreign domestic worker industry in Malaysia.
"We have discussed this matter for a long time with the Cambodian MOLVT and have come up with certain procedures and suggestions which we can work together on to train and monitor (Cambodian workers in Malaysia). We want to make sure they are given due respect and protection by all stakeholders," he told reporters, here, today.
Foo had earlier, on behalf of Papa, signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with MOLVT, represented by its director-general Seng Sakda to grant Papa permission to handle the welfare and protection of Cambodians who will be working in this country.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Cambodian Labour Minister Ith Sam Heng.
Among the initiatives to be taken by Papa are supplying each Cambodian domestic worker with a smartphone containing security applications by the private employment agencies, opening of employee bank account, monthly tracking report on salary payment by the employers and providing legal advice.
"This is to ensure that the welfare and safety of the workers are taken care of and that they are fairly treated while working in the country. The employers must adhere to Malaysian law as well as the foreign government law for the best of both countries, " said Foo. — Bernama