The Straits Times (ST) quoted Wan Roslan Wan Othman, the man who started the programme, as saying: “We have had several potential employers seeking to hire a helper through MLM but out of the four inquiries, none has been successful just yet.”

Among the problems the locals face are an inability to speak English and low pay.

The programme has set between RM1,000 and RM1,500 as monthly wage for these maids in Malaysia. However, if the job scope and responsibilities are more, the fee is higher. Employers are to provide accommodation and food.

However, this amount will not be enough if they were to work in foreign lands.

According to Wan Roslan these local women, from states such as Terengganu, might not want to work overseas as they were scared of becoming victims of human trafficking.

Wan Roslan said Singapore might be the best destination for Malaysian maids, due to its proximity.

The Malay Mail had earlier quoted Wan Roslan as saying he wanted to set up a training centre for applicants.

Right now, he relies on posters in low cost housing areas and bus stations to recruit potential local maids, mostly from Kelantan and Terengganu.

He started the programme, which scouts for healthy but jobless women nationwide, including widows and the homeless, in May.