Should maids earn RM1,200 only with extensive experience?

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Experienced Maids Should Receive Higher Wages, While Inexperienced Ones Should Be Paid Minimum Wage

The proposed RM1,200 monthly salary for Indonesian maids should be exclusively for those with at least four years of experience and substantial training, according to the National Association of Employment Agencies (NAEA). Maids without such qualifications should be compensated at Malaysia's minimum wage of RM900, reflecting their need for additional training and support from employers. This distinction is crucial for fairness to employers and to maintain the integrity of the domestic helper market.
Differentiated Salary Based on Experience and Training

Datuk Raja Zulkepley Dahalan, CEO of NAEA, articulated that the higher salary of RM1,200 is justifiable only for domestic helpers who have accumulated at least four years of experience and completed the stipulated 200 hours of training as outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding. He argued that experienced maids are immediately proficient in household management, thus not requiring further investment from employers. Conversely, new maids without this background necessitate additional training, making the RM1,200 figure unreasonable for their initial employment.
Concerns Over Illegal Employment and Market Competitiveness

A significant concern raised is that if Malaysia does not align with the proposed wage demands, Indonesia might resort to diplomatic protests and cease the supply of domestic workers. This could inadvertently push employers towards hiring maids through illegal channels due to affordability issues. Such a scenario would make these undocumented workers more susceptible to mistreatment and abuse, a situation that NAEA actively seeks to prevent.
Malaysia's Declining Appeal as a Destination for Domestic Workers

There is an observable trend indicating that Malaysia is becoming a less attractive destination for domestic workers. Observations from training centres in Surabaya and Jakarta reveal that thousands of maids are preparing to be deployed to countries like Hong Kong and Taiwan, suggesting a preference for these alternative markets. This shift underscores the need for Malaysia to address wage expectations and working conditions to remain competitive in attracting skilled domestic help.

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Should maids earn RM1,200 only with extensive experience?

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