I AM glad that the government is firm with its decision to give Indonesian maids a day off a week and also progressing towards a standard contract for maids (”Standard contract for maids” — NST, June 26).

A day off is a legal and basic human right.

Bringing in Filipino Muslim maids (”Filipino Muslim maids to fill void” — NST, June 26) and from other countries is also a good idea. However, the government should review the system of agency fees.

The high cost of going through agencies is unbelievable. The government should analyse the breakdown of the costs. If employers are agreeable, then the principle of direct hire should be open to all.

Issues of maids running away or not performing may be resolved as maids may get salaries from the first month onwards. At present, maids work for as long as six months without pay to reimburse the fees collected by foreign placement agencies.

The replacement of maids is another dilemma. Maid agencies do not replace more than once and even then, the replacement has to be requested within three months.

There should be clear guidelines on replacements. If employers are dissatisfied with the maid, they should inform the agency and the agency has to keep a proper record.

If the employer still feels that the helper has not adjusted, then the agency should provide a replacement within a six-month period.

Whatever problems may come out of it, we cannot justify not giving our helpers a day off as they too deserve time to be with their friends.

M.S., Kuala Lumpur

Source: NST – July 6, 2009