May, 24 2007
KUALA LUMPUR,(Bernama) -- Employers will soon be required to take insurance coverage for their foreign housemaids.
Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Radzi Sheikh Ahmad said the employers might have to pay between RM75 and RM80 a year as premium for the insurance coverage.
"The proposal will be submitted to the Cabinet two weeks from today."
He was speaking to reporters after attending a 45-minute meeting with Indonesia's Minister of Energy and Transmigration Erman Suparno on several issues including a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on housemaids.
The two men held the meeting at Parliament House here today.
Radzi said the insurance premium must be paid when the employers pay the levy for their maids.
"The insurance will cover death, accidents and hospitalisation.
"Currently, the government spends vast sums of money on medicines and hospitalisation for foreign workers," he added.
Another issue discussed at the meeting was the claim by Indonesian maid recruiting agents that the payments to them were insufficient.
Radzi said the Indonesian Minister also raised the alleged high-handed action of Rela members against foreign immigrants.
He said Erman requested that Indonesians who were under suspicion by Malaysian authorities be treated humanely.
