Study on mechanism to attract locals as housemaids

The Human Resource Ministry is studying to find a suitable mechanism that would attract locals to work as housemaids in the effort to reduce dependency on foreigners.

Its Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Abd Muttalib said the 'challenge' was given by the government to the ministry, taking into account the complaints of employers who had to pay high costs amounting to thousands of ringgit for foreign maids.

"I am also perplexed why our people do not want to be maids. Perhaps we should change the name 'housemaid' to 'house manager'; the job does generate income. Foreign maids can even send money back home.

"When we add up that money, it amounts to a lot; better to 'give' it to our own country," he said.

Ismail is also Maran member of parliament said this to the media after a post-flood aid mission organised by the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) at Sekolah Kebangsaan Ulu Luit here Tuesday.

Also present was PTPTN Chairman Datuk Shamsul Anuar Nasarah.