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By Nancy Nais
KUCHING, June 28: Police in Sibu raided a house in Jalan Salim on June 19 and rescued a 44-year-old Indonesian maid who had been allegedly abused.
They also detained her employer, a 51-year-old woman, to facilitate their investigation.
Consul-General of the Republic of Indonesia, Raden Sigit Witjaksono said the incident was made known to the police following a call made by the woman’s neighbour who’ve been hearing loud screaming and wailing for help.
“We received a call from the police after they rescued Enam, who hails from Sebabas in Central Kalimantan. After she was rescued and taken for medical treatment, Enam was found with old and new bruises on her head and body.
“Initial investigation revealed that although Enam had cried for help many times especially during the beating sessions, neighbours next door did not interfere or check on the situation.
“After working for seven years with this employer, Enam’s plea was finally heard by the authorities when the immediate neighbour located 30 feet away decided he could not keep quiet anymore and informed the police,” Raden said at a media gathering last night.
Apart from not being allowed to communicate with her family in Indonesia, Enam informed the authorities that she was not paid a single sen of her salary of RM200 per month nor allowed any medical treatment and had to sleep in a cramped storeroom.
She also alleged that her female employer would always hit her with belts or broom sticks when the latter’s husband was not at home.
On June 23, Raden went to Sibu for a meeting with ASP Jarraw Madong from Sibu Police District headquarter and Enam.
The case is currently being investigated under Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (ATIPSOM) Amendment Act 2022.
“The employer was remanded for two days. This case will be brought to court as it has fulfilled the elements of ATIPSOM. Our Consulate in Kuching will continue to monitor the judicial process until this case is complete.
“We have also arranged for Enam’s transfer to our shelter in Kota Kinabalu where she will stay temporarily,” he said.
Meanwhile, Raden added that domestic maid abuse cases in Sarawak are minimal compared to West Malaysia.
So far they have recorded only two cases in the State this year. — DayakDaily
