SINGAPORE: An employer has come under fire online after questioning how her domestic helper could afford expensive items on a monthly salary of just S$800.
In a post on the ‘Singapore Helpers’ Facebook group, the employer shared that her helper has every Sunday off and is also supporting her family back home, yet she recently noticed that the helper appeared to have acquired several new items, from a branded watch and handbag to a new iPhone and dresses bought online.
“Wonder where she can afford the money to buy all these stuff with her salary?” she asked, adding that she had not confronted the helper about her concerns.
“I did not question her but worrying where she got her money from. What would you do?” she added.
‘She's free to buy things she wants’
Screenshots of the post have since gone viral across several pages, with many netizens criticising the employer for being judgemental.
One commenter questioned why domestic workers should be expected to avoid branded goods simply because of their occupation or income.
“Helper also has other life lah. Why cannot helper wear a branded or a little expensive item? As long as she can afford it, ok lah. Why Kepo?”
Another wrote, “Your helper is working and having her monthly salary leh. She can earn some while sending some portion of her money back home. She's free to buy things she wants to have also.”
A third shared, “I saw domestic helpers shopped at Chanel in Orchard Road during Christmas. My first thought was they saved throughout the year and reward themselves end of the year. Nothing wrong.”
A fourth remarked, “Don't be a busybody... Mind your own business. Always complaining here and there.”
Several domestic helpers also joined the conversation to defend themselves. One of them pointed out that branded goods do not always have to be expensive.
“I'm also a helper, and most of my things are branded. Those are preloved; sometimes it only costs S$1.”
Another agreed, saying, “Nowadays, you can buy from thrifty shops with branded items for an affordable price. She's not the only one using branded items bought at a cheaper price, but so many of us.”
Meanwhile, a third shared, “Haha, ma'am, we helpers also have bungalow houses in the Philippines even if our salary is only S$800.”
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