Maid falsely accused of theft receives unpaid salary

 

The Indonesian consulate-general in Penang says it was able to facilitate negotiations between the maid and her former employer for her backpay.

GEORGE TOWN: An Indonesian domestic worker falsely accused of absconding with her employer’s jewellery worth RM69,000 last year has received an undisclosed sum in backpay, the Indonesian consulate-general here said.

It said Eka Lestari, 28, was only paid RM300 twice after working for three-and-a-half months, despite a promised salary of RM1,200. She was also forced to work in two separate households.

The consulate said Eka sought refuge after fleeing her employer, who had filed a police report claiming she had absconded with RM69,000 worth of jewellery.

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Eka maintained her innocence, stating that she had run away because she had not been paid.

“On Dec 1, 2022, Seberang Perai Tengah police announced that the case was dropped, since there was no evidence against Eka,” the consulate said in a statement last night.

“As for the unpaid salary, the labour office, at the request of the consulate, facilitated negotiations among Eka, the consulate and her former employer.

“After a few meetings, she received the balance of the salary owed on April 19. She left Penang for Indonesia yesterday (Tuesday).

“The news articles about her case have affected Eka psychologically.”

The case gained widespread attention after police held a press conference on the alleged theft from her employer’s residence in Taman Bukit.

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“The consulate hopes that similar cases can be avoided in the future,” it said.

“We are ready to render assistance to parties to overcome issues involving Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia, based on existing laws and bilateral cooperation between the two countries.” - FMT