MOM disputes domestic helper’s claim that her employer provided uncomfortable sleeping area

The Ministry of Manpower has disputed a foreign domestic helper’s claim that her employer provided her with an uncomfortable sleeping area, after photos of the sleeping area the helper shared on social media went viral.

Earlier this week, a helper from the Philippines claimed that she was instructed to sleep in a cramped area. Photos she supplied were shared on the Facebook group ‘FDW in Singapore’ by Facebook user Amex Chew. Although Mr Chew has since deleted the photos from the group at the helper’s request, the photos are still available elsewhere on social media:

The MOM has since said that the photos are only of a section of the helper’s room and that the photos failed to show “the other section in the room where there was ample space for her to reposition the mattress.”

In a post published yesterday (29 May), MOM revealed that it inspected the helper’s personal room earlier that same day and found that “her room provided ample space for her to sleep comfortably.”

MOM officers also reported that the helper told them that she is happy working for her employer’s family and that she does not face any employment or well-being issues.

The Government ministry further advised foreign domestic helpers that she should speak with their employers should they have questions about their employment conditions “instead of inviting discussions on social media, and sharing photos which do not depict the full picture.”

Helpers may also report well-being concerns to MOM directly through their hotline at 1800 339 5505 or by filling out an online form.

-/TISG