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RM6,700 fee for maid unreasonable, burdensome, says Mama
Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang told to brace for another wave of floods
BRIM 2.0 registration extended to Jan 15, says Awang Adek

RM6,700 fee for maid unreasonable, burdensome, says Mama

Posted: 05 Jan 2013 05:27 AM PST

KUALA LUMPUR: The move to fix the cost hiring of maids from Indonesia at RM6,700, is not only unreasonable but also burdensome, according to the Malaysian Maid Employers Association (Mama).

Its president Engku Fauzi Engku Muhsein said Mama was against the move and regarded it as a serious mistake if implemented.

"I disagree if they really want to stick to the decision because it is obvious the amount is unreasonable and still high and will only burden the employers," he told Bernama, when contacted.

He was commenting on the announcement on Friday by the The Malaysian Association of Foreign Maid Agencies (Papa) that the cost of hiring Indonesian maids was fixed at RM6,700 effective immediately.

The new cost structure does not include RM1,800 in loan to the maid to defray the cost on the Indonesian side. Engku Fauzi said Papa and the Human Resources Ministry should take into account the views of all quarters involved in the issue of maids before making any decision.

"We believe there are alternatives for reducing costs and we can prove that the amount can be reduced if our views are taken into account," he said.

He also demanded the details in the cost be released to ensure transparency and to assure the amount would be retained and not increased in future.

Prior to this, under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by the Indonesian and Malaysian governments, the fee to bring in maid from Indonesia was was fixed at RM4,511, namely RM2,711 to be paid by the employer and RM1,800 by the maid.

Meanwhile, Malaysia National Association of Employment Agencies (Pikap) president Datuk Raja Zulkepley Dahalan, when contacted, declined to comment further but said a press conference would be held as soon as possible to explain the costs. - Bernama

Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang told to brace for another wave of floods

Posted: 05 Jan 2013 05:08 AM PST

KUALA LUMPUR: Flood-weary people in Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang have been told to be prepared for another wave of floods as heavy rain is forecast for three days from Monday.

National Security Council secretary Datuk Mohamed Thajudden Abdul Wahab said the Meteorological Department forecasted heavy rain due to strong winds and the rough South China Sea.

He said heavy rain in the three states would cause flooding in low-lying areas and pose danger to those out at sea and along coastal areas.

"Therefore the public, especially fishermen are advised not to go out at sea and in the coastal areas," he said in a statement here on Saturday.

Residents in flood prone areas were also reminded to be mindful of heavy rain warning and advised to make early preparation in the face of possible flooding.

Mohamed Thajudden urged the public to always cooperate with the authorities if ordered to evacuate to avoid any untoward incidents.

"The people are also advised to bring along important documents and basic personal needs while at flood relief centres," he said.

The public can get the latest information on the weather conditions by visiting the website http://portalbanjir.mkn.gov.my/.

BRIM 2.0 registration extended to Jan 15, says Awang Adek

Posted: 05 Jan 2013 04:59 AM PST

Published: Saturday January 5, 2013 MYT 9:00:00 PM

BACHOK: The closing date for the registration of the 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M 2.0), which should have ended on Dec 31, has been extended to Jan 15 and payment is set to commence on Feb 2.

Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin said the extension was to provide opportunities for eligible unmarried people aged 21 years to apply.

He told this to reporters after attending a Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) community function here Saturday.

In the 2013 Budget presentation last September, the government announced BR1M 2.0 would be extended to unmarried persons aged 21 years earning RM2,000 or less a month. They are eligible to receive RM250.

Awang Adek, who is also Kelantan Umno Liaison Committee deputy chairman, also said 30 poor residents in Bachok also had electric wiring installed in their houses under the TNB programme Saturday.

He said the programme was a pioneer project before being extended to other districts in the state. - Bernama

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

Sabtu, 5 Januari 2013