Two Indonesian maids working for a Malaysian cabinet minister have admitted stealing almost RM300,000 worth of cash and jewellery from his home, local media said today.

Suermi Riyato, 31, and Handayani Untung Praid Nor, 33, admitted stealing RM300,000 worth of jewellery and cash last week from the country's de facto law minister, Nazri Abdul Aziz, the Star daily said.

"When questioned, the two maids admitted to stealing cash and jewellery belonging to Nazri," district police chief Hasnan Hassan was quoted as saying in the newspaper.

The pair were picked up by police in an apartment in a Kuala Lumpur suburb yesterday following a tip-off.

"Without any resistance, they gave themselves up to the police and handed over the money and the jewellery," Hasnan was quoted as saying.

Third party involved?

Among the items recovered were four gem-encrusted bangles, five gold chains, five watches, and nearly 2,000 ringgit in cash.

One of the maids had worked for Nazri for six years while the other had started work three months ago.

Police said they were investigating the possible involvement of a third party in the robbery.