It is timely that maids are now protected by law. Employers who breach the new conditions, such as recovering payment made for repatriation or health insurance, or deducting pay from maids, are now punishable by law.

This is a right step in our national quest for equal human rights for employers and employees.

However, it is inaccurate for MOM to suggest that employers who flout the law in this way profiteer from employment of maids.

First, there is no profit to be made when actual cost is deducted or recovered from the maid.

Second, there is no profit to be made when maids are employed because their primary purpose is to enable a Singaporean mother to return to the workforce, leaving her vulnerable children in the maid's care.

Third, when household items are stolen or damaged by maids, employers bear the full cost of replacement.

Lastly, when employers put their children or elderly folk at risk in the hands of maids in order to return to the workforce to earn a living to support their family, what protection do they have?

In fact, as a working mother of two toddlers, I have lost a great deal in terms of bonding time with my children, and risking my children and property as the maid is left at home alone with them.

My maid is paid her wages promptly, and she gets a monthly bonus to maintain work standards.

The truth of the matter is, it is the maids who profit from employers: They are paid handsomely in addition to enjoying good food and lodging. Now, the new rules may help them to profiteer as well.

Ng Shien (Mrs)