Malaysia, Indonesia sign MoU on protection of domestic helpers.

(From BBC Monitoring International Reports)

Text of report in English by Malaysian newspaper The Star website on 18 May

Putrajaya: Malaysia signed the memorandum of understanding with Indonesia to correct any negative perceptions over the employment of maids, Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn said.

He said although cases of maid abuse were rare in Malaysia, some non-governmental organizations had been playing up the issue.

"The treatment of maids by Malaysians has been raised at forums such as the International Labour Organization by some NGOs. Even the British Broadcasting Corporation has reported on such issues," he …