Sunday's report highlighted the concerns of maids ("Do 'maid cameras' cross the line?").

But what about employers' concerns?

For most employers who have maids at home looking after the elderly or young children, it is constantly a worry whether their loved ones are being well looked after by the maids.

There have been cases where the elderly and young children were abused by maids. Some maids also bring male friends in when their employers are not at home.

Without cameras, such cases would have gone undetected and the abuse would continue.

Cameras can also prevent maids from accusing employers of abusing them.

Maids talk about the lack of trust. But trust is a two-way affair, which is sometimes abused by maids, forcing employers to install cameras.

Some maids also use the cameras as an excuse to get out of their contracts when they are not happy with their employers.

Employers should inform the maids that there are cameras at home before they are hired.

The maids could ask to view the locations of the cameras prior to signing the agreement, and if they agree to take on the job, they should bear that part of the bargain.

Cameras are necessary tools to monitor the lives and safety of employers' loved ones in their absence.

The Manpower Ministry, Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics and Transient Workers Count Too must treat maids' complaints fairly.

There is protection for maids but little is done to protect employers.

Teng Soo Ling (Ms)