A few days ago we reported an incident wherein a Singapore FDW (Foreign Domestic Worker) was caught on camera spitting into the bowl of cereal of her elderly employer.
When caught red-handed, she initially called it an ‘allegation,’ but later informed the authorities that she did in fact, spit in the cereal bowl. She also alleged that she was overworked.
However, the employer Ms Tay has refuted this claim, saying she was hired as a companion for her elderly grandparents and had ‘minimal chores.’ She has now come forward to share her side of the story with theAsianparent.
In a telephonic interview, the young employer shared the issues she and many employers face at the hands of FDWs in Singapore, noting that “the laws are made to protect the maids.”
Maid Crimes In Singapore Go Unpunished: Helper Spat In Food For 7 Days Straight, Says Ms Tay
Screengrab courtesy: CCTV/ Ms Tay
According to Ms Tay, her grandparents are still quite independent; even though her grandfather’s memory is not as strong and her grandmother had a stroke sometime back.
She says her decision to hire an FDW was based upon the fact that they needed a companion who could also assist with basic household chores.
On that fateful day, Ms Tay, who was working from home decided to check on her grandfather. When she accidentally looked over at the CCTV footage, she noticed the maid spitting into his food.
Infuriated, she headed straight into the kitchen to confront her. However, the FDW denied it, calling it an ‘accusation.’
This led to Ms Tay reaching out to her agent to intervene, again (he had done so just a day before the maid was caught red-handed). This further escalated the situation and the Police and MOM were also later involved.
It was in front of the authorities that the maid finally relented and stated the truth.
“She admitted to the authorities that she spat in my grandfather’s cereal bowl for almost 6-7 days, which I wasn’t aware of. On the day I caught her, I caught her live,” says Ms Tay.
Why The Maid Spat In The Bowl Of Cereal: The Real Motive
As for the motive, it seems that the helper has accused Ms Tay of overburdening her with work and not allowing her to eat on time.
But according to Ms Tay, the maid’s accusations are ‘false.’
Ms Tay says she has evidence that the FDW always had her food on time, lunch specifically was had (sometimes together with the elderly) daily at 12 pm and that she was also “definitely not overworked.”
Image courtesy: Ms Tay
Ms Tay even shared a screengrab of her CCTV footage with theAsianparent (image above) to clarify about the meal timings.
“The maid told MOM that she has to do household chores and wash clothes, which is part of her job. My helper couldn’t have been overburdened by work because I even pack lunch and dinner for them. She had minimal cooking chores,” noted Ms Tay.
She also added that the family treated the maid just like one of them and gave her ample time to rest as well.
“We ensured that the maid had eight hours or more of rest straight, everyday. There was no disturbance after 10pm until she woke up at 7am the next morning,” Ms Tay explained.
“Unable to bear the high expense of hiring a maid,” Says Employer
Ms Tay says that as an employer, hiring an FDW in Singapore is quite an arduous task and the financial burden for needing help is almost back-breaking.
“I’m from a low income family and support two elderlies. I don’t draw a high salary. In fact, I’m taking home less than S$3,000 per month. But I need help to care for my elderlies,” she notes, adding that she was paying around S$1,000/month to this said maid.
But that’s not where the buck stops.
“You see, agents fee to hire an FDW is around $2,000. Every time we go for exchange of maid or hire a new maid the agent fee kicks in. MOM fee of $70 kicks in. Insurance of over $300 kicks in. Plus, medical checkups every six months as well as pre-employment check-ups. This happens every time we change one maid. Plus, their loans. Employers have to bear the brunt,” she said.
FDW Hiring Laws Unfavourable To Employers, Only Protect The Maids
Image source: iStock
She further spoke out about the laws being favourable to the maids.
“For instance, if the maid decides to leave, the employer has to bear all the fees for them to go back. This includes the flight and all the pre-departure work of the maid,” she explained, urging MOM to review their policy.
“There are no policies that help the employers. We sign a two-year contract, if the maid breaks the contract there is no penalty on them. But we have to send them back at our own cost,” she added.
While maid crimes in Singapore are not new and many horrific incidents of tortured employers have been recorded; it may be tough to deduce that laws are one-sided.
There are employer protective laws in place as well.
Are FDW Hiring Laws Really Skewed?
MOM states on their site that if an FDW “behaves irresponsibly,” employers can write to them and “MOM will take appropriate action based on the facts and circumstances of the case.”
For cases where an FDW is convicted of offences under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act or criminal offences, they will be barred permanently from working in Singapore.
“This prevents the transfer of FDWs with bad track records within the industry,” MOM states on their site.
In addition, employers who are unsatisfied with the quality of work can also lodge a complaint with CaseTrust or Association of Employment Agencies (Singapore).
While these regulations are in place and employers can approach MOM, many remain hassled by their FDWs. Especially during the pandemic.
It remains to be seen how this particular case will be dealt with. It also remains to be seen what new employer reforms will be implemented going forward.
If you like to share your views on the matter, please write to us here.
Note: This matter is still under investigation and a quote from authorities is awaited.
Disclaimer: All views expressed are personal.
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