New maid abuse case in M'sia
KUALA LUMPUR - PROSECUTORS charged a Malaysian woman with beating her Indonesian maid with a cane, officials said on Thursday, the latest in a series of abuse allegations that have prompted Indonesia to stop sending domestic workers to its neighbour.
The case comes just days after Indonesia's labour minister visited Kuala Lumpur and discussed plans to resume the supply of maids once Malaysia improves their working conditions and legal protection.
Malaysian and Indonesian officials will talk again starting July 15.
More than 300,000 Indonesian women make up the majority of maids in more prosperous Malaysia. Hundreds file complaints every year alleging ill treatment, overwork and unpaid salaries. The Indonesian government announced last month it would stop sending the workers.
Choo Pei Ling pleaded innocent on Wednesday to a charge of causing hurt to her maid, Modesta Rengga Kaka, with a dangerous weapon at her home on June 25, said prosecuting officer A. Vasu.
A trial was scheduled for Aug 25. Choo, 37, faces up to three years in jail if convicted.
Police took Ms Kaka away from her employer last month after a neighbour alerted authorities, said Soneta Asmara, an Indonesian Embassy official.
Ms Kaka's ears were injured and her thighs were bruised, allegedly from repeated beatings because her employer was dissatisfied with her work, the official said. -- AP