The death of Indonesian domestic worker Adelina Lisao on Sunday, due to alleged abuse by
her employers, has sparked outrage.
According to media reports, she had been forced to sleep at the porch with her employer’s dog. She also had bruise marks on her body.
We have read such stories before, such as the abuse of Mey Sichan, Marni Anyim and Nirmala Bonat.
Such acts are unthinkable. Action needs to be taken to stop the abuse of foreign workers.
We can enact a law to protect the rights and welfare of foreign workers, especially domestic workers.
Such a law would ensure that employers treat maids with dignity.
There is also a need to review labour laws, such as the Employment Act 1955, Indus trial Relations Act 1967 and Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994, to ensure that they are robust enough to deal with issues.
There may be a need for an agency or department to manage issues relating to foreign domestic workers.
It must have the ability co conduct surprise checks on employers.
DR MUZAFFAR SYAH MALLOW
Senior lecturer, Faculty of Syariah & Law, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia