We were keen to hire an Indonesian maid because of her first-rate care of my late, bedridden grandmother for 10 years in Malaysia.

The maid ran the house as well, as the only other occupant was an elderly uncle. She was trustworthy and reliable. But, she does not understand English.

Instead of hiring her, we must now pick a maid based on the biodata sheet provided by the maid agency and a phone interview.

Proficiency in English should not be the determining factor. Competence and attitude are more important.

In time, most maids will learn to communicate with their employers.

I appeal to the Ministry of Manpower to provide the option for the entry test to be conducted in the language the maid is proficient in.

Tai Yin Yee (Ms)