SINGAPORE — In a deeply distressing case that has drawn public attention, Kyal Kyal Tun, a 39-year-old maid from Myanmar, was sentenced to one year in jail on 4 June 2024 for the abuse of a frail 90-year-old woman with dementia. The elderly victim lived with her husband, who also had dementia, in a Housing Board flat monitored by CCTV.
The Disturbing Incidents
The abuse occurred on the night of 3 January 2025, when Kyal Kyal Tun, who was employed to care for the couple, reportedly lost her temper and committed shocking acts of violence against the elderly woman. According to court documents:
- Kyal Kyal Tun was seen on CCTV choking the victim, biting her hand, and slamming her against a sofa.
- The elderly woman was recorded pleading that it was “very painful” and crying for help.
- During the assault, which lasted approximately 20 minutes, the maid ignored the victim’s pleas for mercy and continued her attack.
Discovery of Truth
The distressing reality came to light when the victim’s grandson reviewed the CCTV footage. He alerted authorities the following day, leading to Kyal Kyal Tun’s arrest on 17 February 2025.
Both the victim and her husband, who lived with mobility difficulties and required adult diapers, were under the maid’s care since late 2024. In her defence, Kyal Kyal Tun cited feeling “very stressed” during her employment, yet this does not mitigate the severity of her actions, which caused the victim multiple injuries.
Legal Consequences
For her crimes, Kyal Kyal Tun pleaded guilty to three counts of causing hurt to a vulnerable person, with further charges taken into consideration. The law stipulates that such offences against vulnerable individuals can lead to a longer imprisonment, but she faced a relatively lenient punishment of one year.
The case highlights the critical need for vigilant caregiver oversight in Singapore, where many families rely on domestic helpers, often from foreign countries, to provide care for elderly relatives.
For voluntarily causing hurt, the legal ramifications can include up to three years in prison or a fine of up to S$5,000 (approximately US$3,900). However, as this case illustrates, many factors, including the mental health of the offender, can impact the final verdict.