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Transcript of remarks by SLW on case of alleged abuse of Indonesian domestic helper
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     Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, on a case of alleged abuse of an Indonesian domestic helper today (January 17):

Secretary for Labour and Welfare: We are very concerned about the case of alleged abuse of an Indonesian domestic helper which has been widely reported in Hong Kong and in international media. I am very concerned about it and the Hong Kong SAR Government is also very concerned about it. The latest position is the Police are investigating the case and, in fact, the Police will be liaising with the Interpol with a view to sending officers to Indonesia to take a statement from the helper concerned. Let me stress that we do not tolerate any abuse, exploitation of domestic helpers in Hong Kong. They are part of the local workforce and deserve our protection. In fact, they enjoy equal rights, equal access to Hong Kong's justice system. We will certainly pursue the case relentlessly.

Reporter: Would the Government consider stepping up regulation on the agencies because obviously this maid had complained to the agency but it ignored her complaint?

Secretary for Labour and Welfare: We will certainly step up regulation. We will certainly step up enforcement action and, particularly, inspection of employment agencies. In this particular case, the Labour Department has been in close touch with the agency concerned and we will certainly impress upon all agencies in Hong Kong that they should protect the interest of helpers and also, at the same time, act as a bridge between employers and employees if necessary.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

Ends/Friday, January 17, 2014
Issued at HKT 16:28

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