SG couple on trial for starving Pinay DH —report
A couple in Singapore is on trial for allegedly starving their Filipina domestic helper Thelma Oyasan Gawidan, feeding her just instant noodles twice a day for over a year.
Channel News Asia is reporting that Lim Choon Hong and wife Chong Sui Foon are facing up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to S$10,000 under Singapore's Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, which provides guidelines in the treatment of domestic helpers, including making sure they have enough food.
The 40-year-old Gawidan worked for the couple for nearly a year and a half before escaping and seeking refuge at a non-profit that helps migrant workers.
Gawidan reportedly lost 20 kg while in the employ of the couple. She also complained about not getting enough rest as she was forced to sleep odd hours in a store room.
According to the investigating officer of the case, the Filipino maid was only allowed to shower once or twice a week, with her employers only allowing her to use the condominium's public toilet.
A senior resident at Tan Tock Seng Hospital's department of gastroenterology and hepatology said that Gawidan suffered "significant weight loss due to insufficient intake of food."
The doctor added that Gawidan was so malnourished that she was unable to have her period for more than a year. —JST, GMA News
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