Introduction

In a troubling revelation from Singapore, a domestic helper has taken to social media to voice her concerns after being directed by her employer to wash clothes by hand for a household of nine, even though a washing machine is readily accessible.

The Helper's Plea

In her plea posted on the Facebook group ‘Maid, FDW in Singapore’, the helper questioned, “How long does it take to wash for nine people? Is it a must to handwash underwear and socks? My boss told me only hand wash, even though they have a washing machine. [They] said it is not for me. I need some help on how to handle this.”

Additional Responsibilities

Her responsibilities extend beyond laundry; she is also required to deep clean five toilets every day, exclusively by hand. Despite acknowledging that her pay is substantial, she expressed frustration over the physically exhausting tasks and the stringent mandates from her employer, saying, 'I don’t want to go home because the money they pay is good. I work for my boss, and they treat me like a slave, but they pay me, [so] I accepted it. What can I do? I want this job.'

Mixed Reactions Online

The plight of this domestic helper has sparked mixed reactions online. Some in the comments empathized, with one netizen stating, 'Those families asking to wash their dirty underwear are the dirtiest, nastiest families.' Another helper shared her similar plight, revealing, 'Same here. I’m working for six people in a landed house with six bathrooms and toilets, four rooms, two living rooms, 1 hour of rest for a day, and then 7 hours of sleep.'

Criticism and Support

However, not all responses were sympathetic; one commenter criticized the helper’s work ethic, suggesting that if she has enough time to post complaints online, perhaps she isn’t working hard enough.

A Bigger Issue

This incident is not isolated. In another recent case, a different maid recounted being required to complete numerous chores before being allowed to leave at 9:30 am on her day off, only to return home to work again at 6:30 pm. Her pre-outing tasks included cleaning the car, sweeping the garden and floors, hand mopping, and washing dishes.

Conclusion

These stories highlight the often harsh realities faced by domestic helpers in Singapore, where financial necessity can trap them in difficult work environments. As the conversation continues to unfold, it raises significant questions about the treatment of domestic workers and their rights. As more narratives emerge, will there be a change in how helpers are treated? Or will the cries for fair treatment continue to go unheard? Stay tuned!