Bomb shelter loft beds for helpers raise questions about dignity and space

A basic loft bed costs around $560, while more premium designs with stairs and built-in storage can range between $1,500 and $1,800.

“All installation procedures for our products have been properly documented,” Annie said, noting that the company had consulted the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and Housing Development Board (HDB) on the matter and found that the installation of beds does not violate any rules.

She noted that space constraints are a common issue in many flats. “The maids wouldn’t feel a sense of belonging, and the children wouldn’t have privacy, making it very inconvenient.”

Annie added that the loft beds are often used not only for helpers, but also as a space-saving solution for families with smaller homes. With over 374 reviews on Carousell, most customers also seem satisfied with their purchases.

Regulations on modifying bomb shelters

According to an SCDF advisory, any repair, alteration, or renovation work of the household shelter is not permitted, such as drilling into or painting of its walls.

Household shelters are also regulated under the Civil Defence Shelter Act, which requires every residential building to have a shelter. Any additional works must be submitted to the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) for approval.

has reached out to HDB, BCA, SCDF, and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) for comment.

Living spaces ‘lack dignity’: HOME

In response to ‘s queries, director for Casework and Legal from the Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (HOME) Jaya Anil Kumar, said the organisation regularly assists helpers who are made to sleep in storerooms or bomb shelters.

“While the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) provides guidelines on migrant domestic workers’ (MDWs’) living conditions, these terms remain broad and open to interpretation, allowing for exploitative arrangements,” Ms Jaya noted.

HOME has seen cases where domestic workers are required to sleep in cluttered storerooms or poorly ventilated conditions, posing safety risks and compromising privacy.

She described these living conditions as “lacking dignity”, noting that such cases are likely underreported due to power imbalances between employers and helpers.

Ms Jaya suggested that employers rent short-term accommodation for helpers, while exploring the establishment of dedicated living facilities for helpers and caregivers in the longer term.