S'pore employer gives Myanmar maid S$800 & plane ticket after her mum went missing in earthquake

The 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on Mar. 28 has killed more than 3,000 people with many more still missing.

The Burmese diaspora in Singapore, too, has been deeply affected by the disaster.

However, amidst the darkness, an act of kindness has shone through.

Chen Huiqin (transliteration), 52, returned home on Friday night to find her foreign domestic worker in tears.

She then learned that her domestic worker's mother had gone missing following the earthquake, leaving her worried and distraught.

When the domestic worker asked if she could fly home, Chen immediately agreed.

"We all felt that she should be with her family during this difficult time," Chen told Shin Min Daily News.

Bought plane tickets and gave money

Chen went above and beyond by purchasing a plane ticket worth about S$335 and preparing a red envelope with S$800 for her domestic worker.

She explained that the domestic worker, who had only been working in Singapore for six months, still had debts to settle with her maid agency and did not have much money.

"I hope this money can provide her with some support," Chen added.

On Apr. 2, both the employer and the employee were visibly moved as they said their goodbyes at the airport, Shin Min reported.

The domestic worker shared with Shin Min that her mother had been missing for five days, and she was feeling desperate.

However, she was deeply grateful for the kindness shown to her.

She wrote a heartfelt letter to Chen’s family, saying that although she had hoped to work longer for them, she was thankful that they understood her need to go home.

"I am lucky to have met such a good employer. I will pray for the health and happiness of your family," she wrote.

Agency offers support

Her agency, Best Home Employment, also supported her by writing off her loan and giving her S$150 to help with her immediate needs.

They expressed their condolences to their Burmese domestic workers and encouraged employers to show greater understanding during this challenging time.

The agency also suggested that donations could be made through formal channels, such as the Red Cross, to further assist those affected by the disaster.

Top photos from Shin Min Daily News