Maybe that was why she always scolded me for every little mistake I made. Its executive secretary, Ivy Josiah, says the authorities' response to problem cases is improving. They are looked after in shelters when possible, rather than held in detention camps. The Immigration Department has set up a hotline and is considering withholding the passports of mistreated maids, preventing employers from sending them home before their cases can be heard. Employers found to have mistreated a helper are banned for life from hiring another one.
Police normally use female officers to investigate cases of abuse.
High on her list of priorities now, says Josiah, is the introduction of comprehensive protection for helpers, along the lines of guidelines for employers used in Singapore, and incorporating elements of a standard contract drawn up by the Philippines Department of Labor and Employment. At the moment, there is no legislation in Malaysia specifically covering maids' employment. Some people lack insight into their own actions and don't have a clue how to deal with others. Their rights are not recognized. These employers believe they are free to discipline them.