Show more compassion to maids
Published on Mar 21, 2014
Published on Mar 21, 2014
THE commentary ("What are you teaching child by the way you treat maid?") hit the nail on the head.
I have come across Singaporeans who treat their domestic helpers badly.
Once, I saw a young couple with a toddler and their helper waiting at a bus stop. The helper was carrying a heavy backpack as well as the child, who looked old enough to stand on his own, while the couple were not carrying anything.
Sensing that I was staring at them, the man took the child from their helper.
There were seats at the bus stop but the helper continued to stand.
When the bus arrived, we all got on. The couple sat down with the child but the helper continued to stand even though there were empty seats available.
I told her to sit down and she did so after looking at the couple.
In another instance, I was at a community centre when I saw a pitiful-looking maid.
I asked her if she was okay and she told me she had very little to eat and that she was locked up at home when her employers were out.
I could not do much for her except give her $10 and the phone number of a helpline for foreign workers, as well as ask her to seek help from another helper.
I hope Singaporeans will show more compassion to their helpers.
Shamim Moledina (Ms)
