KUALA LUMPUR - Filipino domestic helpers are defending their high wages, saying they are "worth it" due to their strong work ethics, reliability, proficiency in English and fewer communications barriers.

A survey among Filipino maids outside the St John's cathedral yesterday revealed that there were those who were paid up to RM1,500 ($621).

'Foreigners and expatriates usually pay us more. A Malaysian Chinese employer would pay RM1,200, while a foreigner would pay us RM1,400,' said Susana Bacalla, 46, from Luzon.

Bacalla said her RM1,400 salary was justified as she did all the housework, plus she had also served her employer faithfully for 14 years.

'I need to finance my children in the Philippines where the cost of living is high,' she said.

And there are those who are paid lower than the set US$400 ($574) monthly wage, like Marilou Cardenas, 48, from Luzon who earns only RM800.

'I don't expect my boss will give me a raise. It is malu (embarassing) to ask for it. Employers should understand and see how hard we work. I'll be happy with an extra RM200,' she said.

Lina Martinez, 40, said: 'My boss says we are far different from the others, as we understand each other. It justifies the high salary we get.'

Marivic Delacruz, 31, from Ilocor Sur, made this observation -- 'not all Filipino maids should be paid the minimum US$400 as some worked harder than the others.'

'But it's fair to pay more if the house is bigger. But some employers provide everything -- shelter, food, and clothing. So, it depends on the employers,' said Delacruz, who considers herself fortunate to be paid RM1,400.

Fiona Kok, who works with an employment agency hiring Filipino domestic workers, said her business was not affected despite the US$400 minimum wage imposed. -- The Star