KUCHING, MALAYSIA: Only 10 cases of alleged abuse of foreign maids were reported in Sarawak in the past three years.

Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam said the figure was negligible as 12,250 foreign maids were annually registered to work in the state.

"Even though the number is negligible, the Government does not condone inhuman acts and non-payment of salary irrespective of whether the person is a local or foreign employee," he told Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (BN - Asajaya) at the State Assembly yesterday.

"All the 10 reported cases are still under investigation.

"Any employer found guilty (of not paying wages) will be blacklisted to prevent them from applying for new maids," he added.

State Assistant Minister for Infrastructure Development and Communications Lee Kim Shin told Vincent Goh Chung Siong (BN - Pelawan) that Danawa Resources Sdn Bhd was working with the Sibu Municipal Council and police to roll out CCTV services at all commercial areas in Sibu. He said the move was timely in view of the rise in crime.