No One Should Die Behind Closed Doors In Silence Servitude

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Tenaganita and fellow civil-society organisations denounce the brutal murder of a domestic worker in 2021 by her employers, who have now been sentenced to 34 years in prison.
This horrific act of cruelty, committed by a former MasterChef Malaysia finalist and her ex-husband, is not an isolated incident; it is part of a disturbing and persistent pattern of violence, abuse, and systemic neglect that has plagued the lives of domestic workers in Malaysia for decades.
We remember Adelina Lisao, Nirmala Bonat, Siami, Siti Hajar, Mariance Kabu, Mautik Hani, and so many others who suffered severe abuse, neglect, and death in Malaysian homes.
The murder in Penampang is yet another name added to this shameful roll call. It is a sobering reminder that in the absence of meaningful protection, domestic workers remain among the most vulnerable and dehumanised workers in our country.
For years, we have demanded: 
Recognition of domestic work as work, with equal rights and protections under the Employment Act.
The removal of discriminatory provisions in the First Schedule of the Act that exclude domestic workers from rest days, maternity protection, working hour limits, and redress.
Standalone legislation for domestic workers that guarantees decent work, legal remedies, and employer accountability.
Transparent and regulated recruitment processes, with strong oversight of agencies and prohibition of exploitative debt bondage practices.
Yet, despite repeated cases of death, torture, and trafficking, the Malaysian government has continued to drag its feet.
Words of concern are issued, promises are made, but little to no structural change has taken place.
Failed by the system
The brutality inflicted on this young female worker, prolonged, intentional, and inhumane, did not occur in a vacuum.
It was made possible by a legal system that fails to recognise domestic workers as workers, a culture that tolerates control and domination behind closed doors, and an enforcement regime that allows perpetrators to act with impunity.
We are further alarmed that media coverage continues to sensationalise the identity of the perpetrators while erasing the life and dignity of the victim, a woman who left her home to work and died under the weight of violence and isolation.
This must end.
We call on:
The Malaysian government to immediately commit to enacting a Domestic Workers’ Act that affirms the rights and humanity of domestic workers, both local and migrant.
The Human Resources Ministry to amend the First Schedule of the Employment Act 1955 and remove all discriminatory provisions.
The judiciary and police to treat all abuse and death of domestic workers as serious crimes and act swiftly and transparently in investigations and prosecutions.
The public and media to stop reducing domestic workers to nameless victims and instead honour their labour, struggles, and contributions to society.
Source country governments to demand enforceable protections for their nationals and halt placements until safe migration and employment conditions are guaranteed.
Employers need to have a medical background check to ensure that they won’t pose any harm to their employee.
We urge all Malaysians to reflect: what kind of society are we becoming if domestic workers can be murdered in our homes, and we do nothing and remain silent?
Justice must be visible, and systemic change must follow. We cannot afford to wait for another death. - Mkini
This state was issued by the following organisations:
Tenaganita, Kuala Lumpur
Kemban Kolektif
Sedarjat, Kuala Lumpur
North South Initiative, Kuala Lumpur
Lawyer Kamek, Sarawak
Gindol Initiative for Civil Society Borneo
Advocates for Non-Discrimination and Access to Knowledge (Anak), Sabah
Greater Equitable Measures (Gem), Sabah
Society for Equality, Respect And Trust for All (Serata), Sabah
Sabah CSO-SDG Alliance
Pertimig, Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.

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