My employer’s family respects me, says maid

BAHAU: Amid a furore sparked by the abuse and death of Indonesian maid Adelina Lisao in Penang, heartwarming tales of domestic workers being treated like family members have also come to the fore.

Sama Sokah, 49, an Indonesian domestic worker who has worked with the family of Jeram Padang assemblyman Datuk L. Manickam for 15 years, said she was grateful to be treated by the family as one of their own.

She said although there were cases of domestic workers being abused by employers, it did not reflect the general picture of Malaysian employers.

“I am glad to be working here. My employer’s family is nothing but kind to me. They even paid for my umrah in 2016.”

Sama, from Bandung, said she was previously duped by an unscrupulous agent when she first wanted to perform the umrah in 2014.

She said Manickam flew to Jakarta to resolve the matter, adding that thanks to his efforts, she could perform the umrah.

“The family respects me even though we are of different faiths. I am able to carry out my religious obligations, such as fasting and praying.”

Sama said it was also thanks to the family that she was able to see her mother one last time before she died.

“Six years ago, I learnt that my mother was gravely ill. My employers arranged for me to travel home as quickly as possible and, as a result, I was able to see my mother’s face one last time before she died.”

Datin Santanina Salleh, wife of Permatang Pauh Umno division chief Datuk Mohd Zaidi Mohd Said, said the relationship between her family and their Indonesian domestic worker, Sri Sulastri Supratman, has transcended beyond that of employeremployee.

She said Sri Sulastri, 32, had been with them for only two months, but was already regarded as family.

She said employers who used black market agents were likely problematic as their names might have been blacklisted.

She urged potential employers to use legitimate agencies when they hire domestic workers.

Sri Sulastri agreed that employers and potential helpers should use official employment agencies.

“Had I worked here illegally, my options would be limited if anything were to happen to me.”