In a shocking incident that has sparked outrage online, a Singaporean employer took to Reddit to share her distress after her long-time domestic helper was verbally abused by a staff member at a nearby grocery store. The employer, who has had her helper as part of her family for over a decade, revealed that the staff member had repeatedly called her helper "fat" and even made inappropriate comments about her possibly being pregnant.

"My domestic helper goes to that grocery store daily, and she has become somewhat of a familiar face among the staff. I was appalled to learn that one employee started making personal remarks about her weight," the employer expressed on the r/askSingapore forum. "Not only did he call her fat multiple times, but he even had the audacity to touch her stomach."

The employer described the staff's behavior as "incredibly rude and unprofessional," emphasizing that such personal attacks are unacceptable, regardless of whether the helper is a regular customer. The psychological toll of the staff member's comments has been significant; the employer noted that her helper has begun dieting and has skipped meals for three consecutive days.

Although the employer wanted to report the incident to the grocery store's management, her helper was reluctant to escalate the situation, fearing potential negative repercussions. "It's infuriating to think that this staff member can continue to work there without facing any consequences for such despicable behavior," the employer further lamented.

In the comments of the Reddit post, users offered various suggestions. Some suggested that the employer discreetly accompany her helper on the next visit to identify the offending employee. "You should definitely follow her during her next trip to confront the issue directly with the management," one user advised. However, others pointed out that while the comments were hurtful, there might not be a clear legal recourse for the employer.

Meanwhile, this troubling incident is reminiscent of broader issues of mistreatment faced by domestic helpers in Singapore. Just recently, another woman shared a harrowing account on r/singapore about her former helper, who is reportedly being exploited by her new employer. The post highlighted severe working conditions, including a lack of meals, restrictions from using the kitchen, and the obligation to pay for her medical expenses, all while being subjected to constant reprimands from her new employer.

As conversations regarding the treatment of domestic helpers gain traction, it remains critical for society to acknowledge these injustices and create a more supportive environment for workers from all backgrounds. The plight of these individuals deserves attention, and such incidents should spur necessary changes to protect their rights and dignity.