Rita, 37; Mataram, Indonesia

WHENEVER someone asks me why I do this for a living, I always tell them that I do it for my daughter. She is the only reason why I am here.

Nani is pursuing a degree in obstetrics in Jakarta.

We lead a very difficult life in Indonesia. I come from a poor family. My parents are farmers. They care for Nani while I'm here.

I got married at the age of 13. When I was one month pregnant, Nani's father abandoned us and I could not find him anywhere.

I have not seen Nani since she was 40 days old.

I had to leave her to work as maid in Jeddah for 21/2 years.

I didn't earn much there. I was paid 400 riyal, which is equivalent to RM365 here.

In 2003, I came to Malaysia to work as a maid. At the end of my five-year contract, I returned to Indonesia and stayed in Jakarta for one year. It was difficult to get a job, so I came back to Malaysia last year to work at a hotel after being persuaded by friends.

Although I get paid well, bad things always happen to me.

I can still remember the time when I chased after one of my customers. I went to the bathroom right after the session. I told him to wait for me but he was gone when I got out.

He took the money I earned that night, RM500 in total.

I was so angry. I ran out from the hotel and bumped into him a few blocks away. I grabbed him by the collar and punched him in the nose really hard.

I screamed at him and demanded that he return my money and pay my fee.

He did not want to, so I kicked him hard and he fell to the ground. Only then did he pay up. Since that incident, I am more careful with my money. I will bring my purse with me every time I go to the toilet.

My fee differs depending on where my customers are from. For example, I charge Africans RM200 and locals RM120. The rate includes the hotel room.

My shift starts at 10pm and ends at 6am. I will wait for customers in front of the hotel. I don't sleep with men who refuse to wear condoms. I would aim for those who are well dressed and those I think are nice. My regulars would call to make appointments.

I miss my family and my daughter very much. I send home RM1,000 every month and call them from time to time.

Nani writes to me and sends me photographs of herself. Mother and father do not know that I do this for a living. They think I'm a maid.

I prefer to leave it that way. I don't want to disappoint my family. I love them too much.