THE CRUEL AUNT AT JU HOO

  [13/07, 11:58 pm] Report on Flora’s Working Conditions and Unfair Treatment at Ju Hoo

Dear ...

I am writing to express deep concern about the unfair treatment and poor working conditions that Flora has been facing at Ju Hoo.

1. Unfair and Discriminatory Treatment

Flora has not been treated equally compared to other staff. She is often given leftover or inferior food while others receive proper meals.

On at least three occasions, she was not provided with a proper lunch — once she was only given bread and ham, another time just one popiah, and the third time a plate of tasteless kway teow which she could not eat.

Tonight, her takeaway dinner consisted only of a few pieces of fish cake and rice, while others could freely choose their food. This repeated behavior makes Flora feel humiliated and discriminated against, as if she is less worthy than the rest.

Auntie (the supervisor) seems to show a clear double standard — always giving Flora the smallest portions, checking her bag at night without reason, and treating her as if she were a maid or even a slave rather than a staff member.

2. Overwork and Health Concerns

Flora has been working as the only waitress during busy hours, handling everything alone — taking orders, serving customers, washing dishes, and even preparing vegetables.

This workload is far too heavy for one person. On several occasions she felt dizzy and exhausted because she had no chance to rest. She is not even allowed to check her phone or take short breaks.

It is deeply unfair to expect one person to manage all the front-line work while others stay inside the kitchen avoiding additional tasks. The imbalance in workload is extreme, and it is clearly taking a toll on Flora’s physical and mental health.

3. Harassment and Verbal Abuse

Flora has been repeatedly scolded and belittled for minor or imagined mistakes.

Auntie even ordered a student waitress to watch Flora and report every small thing she did “wrong,” leading to further humiliation.

On some days, Auntie forced Flora to massage her shoulders for about ten minutes during quiet hours — an inappropriate and exploitative request.

Flora was also threatened that her salary would be cut if any customers left without paying, even though monitoring payments should be the cashier’s responsibility, not hers. Such threats are unreasonable and unethical.

4. Personal Invasion and Disrespect

Auntie often inspects Flora’s bag and removes items such as cakes or fruits given to her by other staff, redistributing them to others. This shows a complete lack of respect for personal boundaries and privacy.

It gives the impression that Auntie sees herself as “entitled” to control every aspect of Flora’s life simply because she is the boss.

5. Living and Immigration Situation

Recently, immigration officers came to my house (on July 11) to verify that Flora resides at the registered address.

She has been given a second chance to prove her stay, so she must remain in Peringgit until the next inspection.

If immigration fails to confirm her residence, she could be blacklisted or even deported. Therefore, for now, she cannot continue working at Ju Hoo until this matter is resolved.

6. General Observations

Flora walks 0.8 km uphill every day to work under the hot sun and often returns home exhausted around 10 p.m. She frequently needs to rest along the way because her legs and feet ache badly.

Despite this, she continues to do her best and never complains unless the treatment becomes unbearable.

Flora’s experience at Ju Hoo is disheartening. It is cruel to expect one waitress to manage such a heavy workload, face constant verbal mistreatment, and endure humiliating behavior from a supervisor.

No employee deserves to be treated this way — especially not someone who works sincerely and tries her best every day.

I sincerely hope management will look into this matter seriously.

Auntie’s behavior reflects not only on her as an individual but also on Ju Hoo’s reputation as a workplace.

If this continues, more employees will leave, just as many have before.

Thank you for your attention and understanding.