I am a maid from Indonesia and I have been working in Penang for six years now. Maids and servants from other countries come to Malaysia to work and find money.

Many maids are forced to leave their family in Indonesia, their husbands, their children and their loved ones. It isn't easy to do so. We didn't think that we would be abused here. Furthermore, we work hard, even until midnight most of the time, without complaining.

There are families that consider us as their own family members - like my employer. I am treated well and we are very close and I am grateful for that. Since I have been here, I have never been the subject of disgraceful words or anything cruel.

There are also so many things that I have learnt here, like how to speak English, how to use a computer and many more.

But employers need to know that it isn't easy coming here. There are so many things a maid has to face back in her village. We have to borrow a lot of money just to come here. There are also neighbours who look down upon us.

I am not asking everyone to follow the example of my employer but I only hope that you will understand us and treat us as human beings with feelings.

I hope that heavy sentences will be imposed on the person who abused Nirmala Bonat as an example to other employers.

To Nirmala, I and my employers are very concerned about you. We hope and pray that you will be strong and recover.