Straits Times | May 18, 2012
Another maid fell to her death yesterday, apparently while cleaning the windows of a high-rise flat. This after eight similar cases involving maids from Indonesia were reported since the beginning of this year.
Most were believed to have fallen while cleaning windows or hanging out laundry in Housing Board flats or condominium units.
The police said they received a call at 5 a.m. yesterday requesting assistance. When officers arrived, the 34-year-old Indonesian maid, who went by the name of Karini, was found at the foot of the Serangoon North block. She was taken to Tan Tock Seng Hospital and died later.
The police have classified the case as unnatural death and are investigating. It is believed a wet rag was found near the window.
The maid’s employers — a middle-aged man and woman — declined comment when The Straits Times visited the flat last night.
Neighbors said the couple live in the unit with an elderly woman who is bedridden.
Sukmo Yuwono, a counsellor with the Indonesian Embassy, said he was deeply saddened by the news. “We will ask the Ministry of Manpower to look into the matter,” he said.
Local migrant workers’ interest group Humanitarian Organization for Migration Economics (Home) said the incident again highlights the issue of workplace safety for domestic workers.
“This makes the calls to protect domestic workers ever more urgent,” said Home executive director Jolovan Wham.
Reprinted courtesy of Straits Times
vr 18 mei 2012 - 22:14