Throughout Malaysia, thousands of domestic workers are hired every year through licensed maid agency services and recruitment firms. While these agencies promise safe placements and fair treatment, the reality for many domestic workers is concerning.
According to human rights groups, foreign maids placed by maid agencies are systematically subject to abuse by the households they are assigned to. Lacking legal protection, child taker many are forced to work long hours, underpaid, and left without dignity. Some are subjected to forced labor.
Despite the involvement of maid agencies in the domestic labor supply, there is very little legal protection to punish abusive employers. Weak enforcement allows agencies to mishandle vulnerable workers.
Malaysia must domestic labor reform—starting with tougher laws and systematic controls for every employment agency operating in Malaysia. Only through strict enforcement can we ensure the rights and dignity of every domestic worker.