Runaway maids: A pre-planned scam job or overwork after-effect; opinions divided

MANY Malaysians, especially those in the M40 and T20 demographics, are entirely dependent on live-in maids to keep their households in order. These hired helpers are often foreigners who may or may not have the requisite experience.

There were many examples highlighted on the MALAYSIA Runaway Maids & Irresponsible Maid Agents Facebook platform. Given the name of the group itself, it was obviously a forum for maid employers to share their grouses.

This was most definitely the case with employer Lily Oh who complained of her maid doing a runner.

Identified as Indra Sari, the helper was said to have disappeared without prior notice on March 23, taking with her the condo access card and keys while leaving the grill door unlocked.

The poster was obviously non-plussed by this runaway maid’s actions as she claimed that the workload was very light, considering that she herself took charge of most of the baby care duties. Henceforth, the helper’s role was limited mainly to cooking and ironing.

Good treatment

It was also highlighted that despite the maid’s claim of having prior experience in such a role abroad, the helper still required guidance on a number of basic tasks such as tirning on and off taps, closing windows and folding clothes.

The maid was also said to have frequent health complaints such as back pains and headaches which the employer was supportive and understanding by being flexible with both workload and working hours.

Despite the many benefits such as festive angpow and phone access, the maid obviously was not happy and decided to make herself scarce.

The employer went on to share photos and other details of the runaway maid and warned other potential employers to be wary of this character.

The post has generated plenty of comments sharing similar horror stories. One commenter recounted how his brother-in-law’s Indonesian maid did a runner and left a baby unattended in the house.

A disgusted commenter also shared a similar experience where a maid left silently in the middle of the night, thus leaving her grandchildren unattended overnight.

She blamed the government for being too lenient on these fraudsters who are just looking to escape their own countries.

Two sides of the coin

Given the nature of the FB Group, it was no surprise that the sentiment was less than positive towards these foreign maids. One commenter remarked that they were akin to “Disney princess” who had “no heart to work”.

Another caustic observer claimed these foreign maids were not here to work but for a vacation.

Outlining his ex-maid’s chores and duties, he was perplexed as to why she complained of a heavy workload when his condo “is less than 700 sq ft in size, no kids, just wash clothes and cleaning with hardly any cooking to do”.

However, there were those willing to give these foreign helpers the benefit of the doubt. Why would they flee if indeed the employers were as kind and generous as claimed?

This particular employer’s action in depriving the maid access to her phone for an entire week was also criticised as “excessive and unjustifiable”. No wonder the maid rebelled and left.

As can be seen from the comments, there is a fine balancing act.

On the one hand, there are employers who try to make the maid’s life as seamless as possible. However, it appears that such efforts are unappreciated and these maids pack up and leave without notice anyway.

On the other, as was highlighted, many employers are said to pay mere lip service to treating the hired help with any sort of compassion or human empathy.

Perhaps it is time for Malaysians to wean themselves off this dependency on foreign maids. Hire locals even if it means higher expenses but at least – there would in theory – be less headaches associated with runaway maids. –  Focus Malaysia