Hard time finding helpers? Blame fussy employers: association

JOHOR BARU – Employers facing difficulty in hiring helpers have only themselves to blame, the Malaysian Maid Employers Association (Mama) said.

Acknowledging that many Malaysian families are finding difficulties in hiring domestic workers, Mama president Engku Ahmad Fauzi Engku Muhsein said this is mostly due to the employers being “too picky”.

“The priority (for employers) is to get a good helper, which is the challenging part. 

“They want to make sure these domestic helpers are qualified, appropriately trained, trustworthy, and comfortable with the family they are working with. 

“Of course, people want the best and the lowest price, but we can’t be choosy when we are desperate and should take what is given,” he told The Vibes when contacted.

Further, Engku pointed out that an outdated head-hunting process and red tape bureaucracy, coupled with potential helpers looking outside Malaysia, are also among the factors driving the shortage. 

He explained that it is possible for employers to hire helpers themselves, but the process is cumbersome and leaves those without experience prone to making mistakes. 

The alternative, according to Engku, would be to go through agencies that ramp up the cost. 

“If you’ve found the right candidate, you need to bring her to the city to get her passport and permits done, which would incur costs, including the amount spent for their transportation and lodging. 

“Once you are in the city, you need to find a place to have their medical check-ups done before flying them over to Malaysia. 

“Given that many employers can’t go through this process, the other option is to get agencies that would charge high prices to make a profit. 

“Plus, nowadays, there are other countries these helpers can go to for higher salaries, (even) better than what they can make here in Malaysia,” he added. 

Pointing towards Singapore, Engku suggested that Malaysia could make the process of hiring helpers easier for employers, whereby most of the work that comes with employing domestic helpers can be performed online. 

Further, he said Malaysia should not only look at countries such as Indonesia and the Philippines for helpers – instead, other source nations should also be looked into.

“In the short-term, Malaysia can look to other countries for manpower, but this will take political will. 

“Alternatively, Malaysia can also look within for manpower by hiring locals, which would curb a lot of the problems that come with employing a helper.

“When hiring locals, you don’t need to worry about them running away, and they don’t necessarily have to stay with their employers either. 

“The experience by local helpers can also empower them to start their own agencies, creating a thriving industry in Malaysia,” Engku said. – The Vibes, January 14, 2023