KUALA LUMPUR: An elderly woman made the choice to run away after she suffered constant beatings from her employer.
Siti Hajar Mohd Yatim, 62, was beaten until she lost her hearing and was unable to walk.
The incident took place at a house in Setapak last month.
The senior citizen said she was mistreated from day one by her employer.
She claimed that her employer also cursed and spat on her whenever the man was displeased.
On April 4, Siti Hajar chose to escape by climbing over the home’s two-metre high wall before seeking help from the public.
She was then taken to the Setapak police station.
In narrating her misfortune, Siti Hajar said her relative had managed to secure her a job as a maid with a salary of RM900 a month.
"When I first met my employer, a man in his 50s, he did not give me the impression that he is short-tempered.
"But on the first day of work, he punched me in my face just because he was unhappy over some things.
"He also accused me of stealing food," she said.
Siti Hajar, who is not married, said her time while working at the residence was harrowing.
She has been beaten with wood and even caned. She left the house with bruises and wounds.
"The employer, who is also the owner of a workshop, will go berserk if his son complained that I did wrong or accused me of stealing money.
"Without checking, I would be beaten without mercy.
"In addition, my employer kept my mobile phone, identity card and bank cards to prevent me from leaving or contacting my family," she said.
Siti Hajar then said the she could no longer endure the abuse.
On April 4, when she was beaten and threatened with a sharp weapon, she chose to flee.
She said her employer's child had accused her again of stealing money.
She was then taken to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital and was warded for a week.
She then received help from a charity organisation which took her in.
Wangsa Maju police Superintendent Mohamad Roy Suhaimi Sarif confirmed the case when contacted.
He added that investigation is ongoing.