One of two Cambodian maids sheltered by an NGO in Kuala Lumpur decided that she missed home more than she wanted to wait for her day in court and the possibility of court-ordered compensation for alleged mistreatment on the job.

So 18-year-old Tieng Sasa came home last week to Kampong Cham.

Another woman the same age, Men Chan Veasna, decided to wait for her June 26 court date.

Both claim they were severely abused by their employers in Malaysia, finding shelter with NGO Tenaganita.

Two years ago, Tieng Sasa faked her age to be sent abroad by T&P Co Ltd, which has since been closed down for recruiting under-aged girls.

She says mistreatment began the moment she arrived in her employer’s household.

Her employer beat her to the point of breaking bones, she said, and also rubbed chili in her eyes.

Men Chan Veasna yearns to come home, too, but the need for compensation is a priority.

She claims that her employer filled out bogus pay slips without paying her.

“If I win in court on June 26, I get my salary (about US$2,600) … so I must appear in court,” she said from Kuala Lumpur.

San Arun, secretary of state of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, said that she interviewed the women in Malaysia last month.

“It is the case that Cambodian women are still abused abroad,” she said. “It is an example for other women who want to work abroad without considering it and lacking information.”

To contact the reporter on this story: Sen David at [email protected]