Man jailed six weeks for maid abuse

SINGAPORE: A manager was sentenced to six weeks’ jail for slapping and kicking his Indonesian domestic helper.

Clement Gee Cheow Kwong, 50, was also ordered by the court to pay 26—year—old Eny Riyanti $1,500 as compensation.

Gee, who has a five—year—old son, was charged with two counts of maid abuse.

Another count of maid abuse and one count of committing a rash act were taken into consideration.

He committed the offences at home — in Admiralty Drive — early this year.

Riyanti had been working for Gee for about six months before the abuse started.

Gee was not satisfied with Riyanti’s work and was further aggravated when she kept quiet when he questioned her.

The court heard that she could not speak English well and had difficult understanding Gee.

Gee then slapped her on both cheeks, causing swelling under her eyes.

On another occasion, Gee scolded her for being slow and ignoring him.

He then made her face the wall for an hour — with her left leg and hands raised.

Riyanti alerted a passer—by in April this year, which led to a police report being made.

A medical report found that she had abrasions and bruises.

For voluntarily causing hurt, Gee could have been jailed up to two years and fined up to $5,000.

— CNA/de