Myanmar maid sentenced to one year for biting, choking, and slamming vulnerable woman under her care
A 39-year-old maid in Singapore was sentenced to a year in jail after she violently assaulted a 90-year-old woman with dementia under her care. Caught on CCTV, the abuse lasted over 20 minutes and left the elderly victim bruised and traumatized.
Abuse Captured on Camera
On January 3, 2025, Kyal Kyal Tun, a domestic helper from Myanmar, physically assaulted a 90-year-old woman suffering from dementia in a Housing Board flat. The maid was hired in late 2024 by the woman’s grandson to care for the elderly couple, both of whom had mobility issues and wore adult diapers.
That night, the victim’s grandson reviewed CCTV footage after the maid reported the elderly man had fallen. What he saw shocked him: Kyal Kyal Tun manhandled his grandmother repeatedly, including choking, slapping, biting, and slamming her into a sofa. The abuse spanned 10:22pm to 10:45pm and was marked by the victim’s desperate pleas for help.
Detailed Assault Timeline
The footage revealed the maid first dropped the woman onto the sofa, then covered her mouth forcefully while gripping her hands. She pressed the woman’s head down, shook her, and even forced the victim to strike herself using her own hands.
At one point, Kyal Kyal Tun dragged the woman onto the floor, continued hitting her, and bit her right hand. She choked the elderly woman and shoved her head and body against the sofa repeatedly—ignoring repeated cries of “I could die.”
Delayed Arrest and Medical Report
Though the attack was recorded and reported to police on January 4, Kyal Kyal Tun was not arrested until February 17, 2025. The elderly woman was taken to Singapore General Hospital, where doctors noted bruises and multiple rib fractures—though they could not confirm with certainty whether the maid’s actions caused the injuries.
During investigations, the maid claimed she was under stress and had taken it out on the victim. She pleaded guilty in April 2025 to three counts of assault, with four more charges considered during sentencing.
Legal Outcome and Broader Ramifications
Under Singapore law, causing hurt carries a maximum penalty of three years in jail or a S$5,000 fine (approx. USD 3,900). When the victim is a vulnerable person, penalties may double. In this case, Kyal Kyal Tun received a one-year sentence on June 4, 2025.
The incident has reignited discussions around elderly care, particularly the need for stricter screening of caregivers, mental health support for domestic workers, and greater use of surveillance in households caring for vulnerable persons.
This deeply disturbing case serves as a painful reminder of the fragility of vulnerable individuals and the urgent need for stronger safeguards in caregiving environments. For families in Singapore and Indonesia alike, it reinforces the importance of vigilance, accountability, and compassion when entrusting others with the care of loved ones.
Sources: Straits Times (2025) , CNA (2025)
Keywords: Singapore Elderly Abuse, Maid Jailed Singapore, Kyal Kyal Tun Case, Dementia Victim Assault, Vulnerable Person Protection, Domestic Helper Crime
