Wean ourselves from depending too much on maids

The latest news that the new batch of Indonesian maids will only be doing one task for their employers seems so ludicrous if not for the seriousness of the situation. Many have urged Malaysians to change their lifestyle and habit of depending too much on the foreign maids. Either that or look to other countries for these maids. Unfortunately , as another writer mentioned, changing our lifestyle is not feasible if we do not have a good and reliable support system for families such as childcare centres or services and nursing homes for the elderly.

The Indonesians statement mentioned that the maids will be trained as cooks, babysitters, caretakers of elderly people and housekeepers. A live-in maid is a necessity when there are others, children and or the elderly living in the same house. These two groups of people need another person's care and having more centres catering to their needs will definitely help. A comprehensive plan to increase the number of childcare centres and places for the elderly is needed as soon as possible. Incentives must be given to organisations that provide these facilities for their employees. An employee who is secure in the knowledge that their loved ones are in good hands will be able to perform a job better.

Many are hesitant at present to drop off their children at daycare centres or the old folks at the homes for the aged as many horror stories are heard about the less than ideal conditions at these places. One solution to gain the confidence of the public is regular monitoring by the authorities which will ensure these centres adhere to the guidelines that has been put in place. The public that uses these centres will also be monitoring their performance and a grading system similar to those given to eateries will be one way to maintain the minimum standards. We can and must wean ourselves from depending too much on the maids.