$400 per month for Filipino maids fixed everywhere, says PH envoy

KUALA LUMPUR—The minimum wage of US$400 for Filipino maids must be adhered to, regardless of the exchange rate.

Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia J. Eduardo Malaya said employers of Filipino maids were required to pay the equivalent amount in the local currency of the country they worked in.

“It will be unfair for our mothers and daughters to earn less here (in Malaysia). The minimum wage for Philippine domestic workers is fixed at US$400 per month everywhere,” he said after witnessing a partnership agreement between Philippine-based PLTD Malaysia and iFlix Sdn Bhd in launching their online TV service.

Malaya said employers here would have to pay more as the ringgit had depreciated more than 20% against the dollar over the past year.

“Previously, Malaysian employers paid RM1,200. Now they have to fork over RM1,700,” he added.

Malaya said the embassy had informed labor agencies in Malaysia to comply with the minimum wage set.

Meanwhile, on the partnership agreement, he said the iFlix service was accompanied by a mobile app which allowed users to access their favorite TV shows via smartphone.

“It is most welcomed by Filipinas and Filipinos working here. By watching iFlix, they get to catch up on their favorite TV programs back home directly via their smartphones,” he said in his speech.

Malaya lauded the new service, saying it was another milestone in the Malaysian-Philippine business partnership.