I READ with concern Miss Tyla Teng Ning's letter about her experience at the hands of a foreign worker ('Trouble in the neighbourhood', Aug 22). I extend my sympathies to her and hope the culprit is caught. At the same time, this was a molestation that was waiting to happen.

First, no one is held accountable for the errant behaviour of foreign workers. Much is made of the unavoidable responsibility of employers of the maids they hire. Maids must be given a day off, but if a maid runs riot or runs away of her own volition, the innocent employer is punished. When employers complain, the official answer is invariably the same: Who else can be held accountable but the employer? If that is the logic, the solution to the problem of foreign workers who threaten the safety of ordinary Singaporeans lies with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). If employers are accountable for the wanton acts of their maids, shouldn't MOM impose the same measure on employers or contractors of errant foreign workers?

As it stands, the responsibility for the attack on Ms Teng will fall through the cracks. It is a police case now, but will the right outcome solve the problem? Even if the culprit is caught, will it deter similar attacks on Singaporeans by foreign workers on a drinking binge, or just out to wreak havoc?

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