Maiden Voyage

I've always thought to myself that maids are akin to modern-day slaves. I've spoken about this to some people before, and it's true. Maids are made to work more than 12 hours a day, basically from when they wake up to when they sleep. If I were to ask the maid at 10.30p.m. to make me some food, she can't say that it's after working hours and she's off duty.

On the one hand, I've seen families treat their maids like one of their own, buying them their clothes and paying for any expenses they need with no question. During a recent trip to Subang Parade, I saw an employer buying his (very intimidated) maid some very decently priced, and very pretty baju kurungs. I've also heard of employers paying for their maids (who've been with them for a while) to go to umrah, or go on their holidays with them, sending them for computer or cooking classes at the request of the maids, and teaching them to read and write.

On the other hand, I've also seen highly reputable families who are proponents of charity and fight for the rights of underprivileged Malaysians treat their maids like they're nothing. While it isn't physically abusive, it definitely borders on it. Maids aren't allowed to go out on their own and don't meet other people. They're hit when they don't understand things quickly, and frequently disregarded.

Reports that maids are abused that appear in the newspapers always worry me. Maids getting beaten up, maids being forcefully held, maids as victims. There's been a worrying upward trend in such reports. Maids may be cheap labour, but they're worth so much more. They're the nannies that care for your children as they grow up. They're the safeguards that ensure the comfort of your home, and they make sure there's food for you when you want it and when you need it. They know exactly how to make your tea or coffee, and exactly how you like your noodles fried up.

That being said, there are maids who turn tricks at night, who let strange men into their boss' homes when they're away and their children are home, who turn robbers onto their boss, who steal money and food (and I speak from personal experience) and other such things. When you hire a maid, you're essentially trusting a total stranger with your life and the lives of your families. Where's the line that gives you comfort and safety and ensures their happiness?

I'll tell you one thing. If Malaysians were maids, we wouldn't stand for such treatment.