KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 7 ― An estimated 30,000 local employers have been facing difficulties in obtaining the services of foreign domestic maids since last year, following the closure of the country’s borders due to Covid-19, says Malaysian Association of Employment Agencies (PAPA) president Datuk.
On the job training: A domestic helper doing chores at her agency’s office before being assigned to work in a home. RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star
PETALING JAYA: The number of Covid-19 cases is declining, movement restrictions are being eased and more business activities are resuming.
But the hiring of foreign domestic helpers is still on the backburner from last year when the contagion first became widespread.
With no clear indication of when borders will reopen, agencies involved in bringing in maids are seeking the green light to resume recruitment since many households need help.
It is timely for the government to immediately reopen the domestic worker sector as many families are struggling to cope, especially those with members who work full time and who have elderly parents to care for, said Association of Employment Agencies (Papa) president Datuk Foo Yong Hooi.