KUALA LUMPUR: Jessica (not her real name) came from the Philippines to Malaysia in pursuit of a better life.
The 22-year-old university graduate was promised a monthly salary of RM2,000 for a comfortable desk job as an office clerk by an agent based in the Philippines.
Jessica, who was previously working as a physical education and personal development instructor in a college based in Luzon, the Philippines, had paid an upfront fee of RM2,500 to the agent.
The deal was that the two-year work permit in Malaysia would cost RM10,000, which will be borne half by Jessica and her prospective employer.
She would have to pay the RM5,000 in instalments of RM500 a month, which will be deducted from her salary.
Little did she know that her nightmare is only about to begin.
Upon arriving at KLIA, she was brought to her employer, who had told her that she had to juggle three positions - a waitress, receptionist and clerk - in three separate locations.
“I was taken to Puncak Alam, Shah Alam, to work as a clerk. After some period of time, I was moved to Petaling Jaya and Johor Baru, where I had to work as a receptionist and a waitress.
“I felt cheated,” she told The Star in an interview at Tenaganita's headquarters Monday, during an event to commemorate the International Migrants Day.
Forced to work up to 12 hours a day, seven days a week, Jessica’s employer did not even pay her a single sen of the salary she was promised.
“I didn’t get any money. I asked my boss where is my salary, but he kept giving me empty promises that my salary will be credited.
“I also asked him about my working permit because I knew that working in Malaysia without a permit is illegal. But he kept saying ‘next month’.”
Jessica had also neglected her personal hygiene and diet due to lack of money.
“Me and my housemates usually eat once a day. We also have no money to buy shampoo.”
A similar story was told by 23-year-old Anne (not her real name), who is a degree holder in the Philippines and Jessica’s roommate.
“I was a primary school teacher in the Philippines. My colleague referred me to this job and she was also in the same situation as me (juggling three jobs). She’s in Malaysia and her salary was not paid to her.”
Anne then immediately contacted her aunt, who works as a domestic helper in Hong Kong.
“My aunt told me that this isn’t normal. So, she referred me to Tenaganita.”
Fortunately, a spokesman from Tenaganita then approached Anne and Jessica.
“Tenaganita told us that the working hours aren't normal at all and every migrant worker deserves off days.”
Jessica and Anne are now living in Tenaganita’s shelter, located in Petaling Jaya.
Tenaganita is currently acting as a middle person between them and their previous employer, in order to get the salaries owed.
“I hope to get my salary so I can return to the Philippines for Christmas. I really miss my mother and Christmas is an important reunion for my family members, as my mother’s birthday falls on Christmas eve,” said Jessica.
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