I HAVE had a maid for over six years and I have always bought insurance for her at a premium of RM55 per annum.

My insurance company promptly paid up her medical bills several years ago when my maid was taken ill unexpectedly. I am happy with my current insurance company.

Thus I am utterly appalled by yet again another government venture to make it mandatory for all employers to buy from only the Takaful Insurance scheme.

How can the Home Affairs Ministry force every employer to buy from one insurance company that the Government dictates? This is totally unfair and unnecessary.

The Takaful insurance scheme at an annual premium of RM75 is certainly more expensive that my current scheme. I am grateful to the Association of Foreign Housemaids Agencies (Papa) which has voiced objections on our behalf.

Surely, every employer should have his/her choice of what insurance to buy and is capable of deciding which insurance company to choose for his/her maid.

All the Government requires is that employers must produce their maid’s insurance cover policy as proof when their maid’s work permit is renewed annually at the immigration department. This, I believe, is simple and easy to do.

VICTIMISED,
Penang.

Source: The Star – January 23, 2008