Filipino domestic helper in Malaysia finds good employer

by Ruby Ann
(Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia)

I'm an Overseas Filipino (OFW) here in Malaysia. I have worked here as a domestic helper since 2012. From 2012 to 2014, I worked for a Chinese family. Cleaning two houses, washing eight cars, and doing paper work in my employer's business were my duties and tasks in my whole contract. Food was sufficient but there was no rest for there were a lot of work. Sometimes, they would bring me to their warehouse to do inventory without pay. I was not allowed to use phone and had once a month day-off only.

In August 2014, my contract ended but they asked me to extend for two months to wait for the new maid. But two months passed and they were not telling me when I could go back home. I called my agent but the agent advised me to just wait for the new maid. I kept on complaining and told the agent that I would call the Philippine Embassy for they were not taking any action. After that, the agent and my employers sent me home.

Despite this experience, I decided to go back here when a friend of mine recommended me to his friend. Now, I'm working for this employer and thank God, they don't treat me as a maid. They treat me as part of their family and I have my day-off on any Sunday I want. I'm six months here already.