Singapore Court Hammers Out One of the Roughest Home‑Help Records
Who’s behind this drama? Singaporean Chia Yun Ling, a sales manager whose temper seemed as hot as a mint chocolate bar, and her husband, former regional IT head Tay Wee Kiat. Together they’ve turned their Yishun flat into a brutal arena for the domestic worker, 32‑year‑old Myanmar national Moe Moe Than.
The ‘Food‑Funnel’ Fantastical Act
- Chia first got Moe Moe to eat “a mix of rice and sugar” that’s so bland it could have been a spoonful of plain yogurt.
- When the maid complained, Chia didn’t give a hoot. She forced the food down Moe’s throat, and the assistant even had to drink her own vomit when she puked.
- In a “caning”‐only dream sequence, the wife then threatened the maid with a black‑mailing assassin, threatening her family back in Myanmar.
Second‑Round Punches
The court found Chia guilty on eight assault charges and one for “using abusive words.” She also got a slap on the wrist for six other offences under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act – including forcing Moe to work in “only bra and short pants” and withholding a proper lunch.
Tay’s Poisonous Playbook
- Tay was convicted earlier in 2017 for abusing another maid, Fitriyah, and got a two‑year‑four‑month sentence.
- In the March 2024 trial, he was found guilty of six assault charges against Moe & Fitriyah.
- Both men were eventually reduced to 3 years 7 months and 2 months on appeal and were released on bail of $15,000 each.
Disgusting Detail Highlights
- In 2012, Moe’s original meals were “rice and cabbage” – a decent start, but later it became “plain rice and water.” She even ate banana skin from a dustbin because she was “hungry enough to eat it.”
- In a “push‑up” sit‑down position, the men slapped and kicked the maid while she tried to donate a piece of cloth used on a shrine.
- Despite the maid’s Christian faith, they made her worship a Muslim‑owned altar, all while her wrists carried scars that could be read on a selfie – if she hadn’t been scared to touch their camera.
Saving Moe’s Life
After returning to Yangon in November 2012, Moe notified her agent about the abuse. Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower stepped in, arranged for her to come back a month later, and she was examined at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital. She left with scars on the left forearm and right wrist – a reminder that the “funnel” was really a scare filter.
What’s Next?
Both Chia and Tay face sentencing on March 18, 2024. They’re ready to punch their court cards and face a verdict that could well be a three‑year jail term for Tay and a two‑month punishment for Chia.
