Cambodian maids pose language woes [to Malaysian employers]

Keeping an eye: Yew’s motherin- law Lee Kwee Moi, 82, supervising her Cambodian maid Nit Trak as she does the washing.

By SHAUN HO shaunh@thestar.com.my

PETALING JAYA: The sudden dependence on Cambodian maids – due to Indonesia’s freeze on its domestic workers – is not without its problems.

The biggest handicap is language, and many employers of Cambodian maids are having to use “sign language”.

Retiree P. K. Chwee, 79, and his family had problems communicating with his Cambo­­dian maid Yen Map when she started work in February.

The 22-year-old maid could not speak a word of English, so Chwee and his family had to act out what they wanted her to do.

Chwee taught his maid simple English and also the names of fruits and vegetables.

He also learnt some Cambodian words with the help of his granddaughter.

“Map came from a very poor area and did not even know how to use a tap at first.

“We have to be patient because everything is new to her but she is intelligent and a quick learner,” said Chwee.

Insurance agent Mrs Yew, 51, also said it was hard communicating with her maid Nit Trak, 25, at the beginning.

“I would show her how to do something and she would nod, but she would do it differently,” said Yew.

But after 11 months, Yew said communicating with her maid is easier as she has now learnt some English and Malay words.

Cambodian Ambassador to Malaysia Prin­cess Norodom Arunrasmy advised employers of Cambodian maids to be patient and help them overcome the language barrier.

“I believe most of the girls are recruited from villages and only know Khmer.

“If the maid knows how to read and write Khmer, an English-Khmer dictionary is quite helpful and most agents would give this to employers,” Arunrasmy said.

Malaysian Association of Foreign Maid Agencies (Papa) president Alwi Bavutty said most Cambodian maids had little or no education and their skills and language levels were low.

“But they are young – usually in their 20s – and learn quickly if given the chance.

“Employers need to be patient with them,” he said.