Domestic helper seen standing on 24th-floor ledge to clean windows at Lentor Modern

A domestic helper was filmed standing on a narrow exterior ledge on the 24th floor of Lentor Modern condominium at 1 Lentor Central, allegedly while cleaning the unit's external windows.

The incident is believed to have occurred on 14 May 2025 at around 10am. A resident living in a unit facing the scene captured the moment on video and shared it in a group chat for residents of the development.

Footage shared by Stomp showed the woman perched on the ledge with a long-handled wiper, using it to clean the exterior glass. The worker is believed to be a migrant domestic worker employed by the household.

A resident surnamed Lee told Lianhe Zaobao: "When I saw the video, I was very shocked. One moment of carelessness and the consequences could be irreversible. This kind of dangerous behaviour should be stopped immediately."

Two readers who contacted Stomp said they had initially encountered the images through the residents' group chat before sharing them with the outlet. Neither provided their names. One said: "I was shocked when I saw this and worried for the helper."

MOM confirms investigation

In response to queries from both Stomp and Lianhe Zaobao, a Ministry of Manpower (MOM) spokesperson confirmed the authority was aware of the matter.

"MOM is aware of an incident involving a migrant domestic worker who was observed to be working in unsafe conditions at Lentor Central, and is investigating the matter," the spokesperson said.

MOM reiterated that employers bear full responsibility for ensuring the safety and well-being of their domestic helpers at all times, including during the performance of household tasks.

Penalties for unsafe working conditions

Under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (EFMA), employers of migrant domestic workers are legally required to provide safe working conditions.

Employers who breach these requirements face fines of up to S$10,000, imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both. They may also be disqualified from employing migrant domestic workers in future.