While the country is caught up with Indonesia's demand to fix a minimum salary for its maids at RM 800, the Malaysian Indian Business Association (MIBA) wishes to draw attention to a deplorable situation.

Recent findings revealed that there are many locals drawing a meagre daily rated wage of RM 11 or 12 as cleaners. To MIBA, this is exploitation of the highest order.

It has even been debated in parliament to re-fix the poverty rate at RM1,500 and below. Why are the lower strata pushed to such low wage levels?