Jailed for scalding maid

The Straits Times, Feb 4, 2009

By Elena Chong

Brenda Tan Bee Khim (left) was found guilty by District Judge Loo Ngan Chor for pouring hot water on the back of Miss Tasiyem at her flat in Tampines Street 72 on May 15, 2006. -- ST PHOTO: SHAHRIYA YAHAYA
A HOUSEWIFE who scalded her Indonesian maid with hot water was convicted and sentenced to 10 months' jail on Wednesday after a trial.

But Brenda Tan Bee Khim, 40, is appealing. Her bail was doubled to $16,000. The mother of three was found guilty by District Judge Loo Ngan Chor of pouring hot water on the back of Miss Tasiyem, now 26, at her flat in Tampines Street 72 on May 15, 2006.

Shortly before that, she had forced two cups of hot water down her mouth. Miss Tasiyem had told the court earlier that she was made to sleep with a pack of dogs in the balcony.

On May 15, 2006, Tan asked her to stop the dogs from barking for fear that neighbours would complain. When Miss Tasiyem knelt down to pick the dog food, she felt a burning sensation on the back of her neck. She turned and saw Tan holding a mug in her hand. Four days later, Tan sent her home to Central Java where she was warded for about a week.

Pressing for a significant term of imprisonment, Deputy Public Prosecutor Isaac Tan said about 20 per cent of the total surface area of Miss Tasiyem's body had been scalded causing her extreme pain and suffering. Her body was blistered and her skin peeled.

He said after hurting her, Tan sought to pervert the course of justice by having her repatriated urgently without any prior medical attention. The maid was left to endure the rigours of travel while in constant pain from the burns.

'It is fortunate that the indignant family and friends of the maid in Indonesia have had the good sense to do all that was necessary to bring the accused to justice and to expose her foul deed,' he said.

Judge Loo agreed that a substantial period of imprisonment was necessary as punishment and deterrence. Tan could have been jailed for up to 5-1/2 years for the offence of hurting the maid with a heated substance.