A recent case in the Malaysian domestic sector has highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by household workers.

**A domestic worker named Mini Bhargavan** was promised legal work in Malaysia, but upon arrival, she was placed under a **visitor visa**, as part of a scam involving 42 women from India.

While employed in a household, Bhargavan suffered a fire incident and remained in a **coma for over two months**. Worse still, her host did not inform her relatives or the embassy.

The truth came out only when her family member contacted the **Indian expatriate help group**, which led to a probe.

The Indian Embassy in Malaysia has since stepped in, ordering the employer to pay for the full cost of her repatriation. Bhargavan is set to be **airlifted for treatment**, making her the **first Malayali domestic worker to be medically repatriated by air ambulance**.

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### Systemic Concerns

This case exposes broader problems in Malaysia's domestic worker landscape:

- **Human trafficking and visa fraud**
- **Lack of proper labor protections**
- **Lack of enforcement**

While Malaysia’s national minimum wage is set at **RM1,700**, **household helpers are not protected under this regulation**, leaving many exploitable.

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### Importance of Licensed Agencies

This tragedy highlights working with trusted recruitment agencies like **Agensi Pekerjaan Havannah Sdn Bhd**.

Such agencies:

- Ensure legal recruitment
- Provide trained, vetted helpers
- Offer support to both employer and worker

Working with a professional recruitment firm helps protect both parties and avoids human trafficking and labor violations.

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### Summary

The case of Mini Bhargavan is a painful reminder of the challenges many domestic workers face. To ensure ethical hiring and safe working conditions, it is crucial for households to partner with reputable agencies like Agensi Pekerjaan Havannah Sdn Bhd.

Support fair treatment for all domestic workers through awareness, regulation, and responsible hiring.