Worst maid abuse case in Singapore

Domestic workers and servants often migrate from poor backgrounds in search of better opportunities in more prosperous nations. They leave their homes to earn a living in foreign lands with stronger currencies. While many people treat them kindly, some mistreat them. Maids worldwide frequently endure inhumane treatment from employers, including verbal abuse, demanding schedules, and even physical violence. Most cases go unreported, but some become so extreme they cannot remain hidden. Today we examine one particularly disturbing case of maid abuse that shocked the public and judges alike.

Pang na Don hailed from a humble village in Myanmar. Tragedy struck when her parents died when she was four or five, leaving behind ten children. The siblings survived by growing and selling vegetables. At 15, Pang left school to help care for her younger siblings. At 21, she became pregnant and had a son named Mong Lamang, motivating her to work even harder in construction. But the pay was insufficient, so she decided to become a maid in Singapore to better provide for her family. Though below the legal working age of 23, she bribed an agent to falsify her documents.

In Singapore, Pang was hired by a family consisting of a wife, husband, grandmother, and two children. Initially overjoyed, Pang soon realized this opportunity was a nightmare. She was virtually imprisoned, seldom allowed to leave the house. Neighbors rarely saw her. Inside, Pang endured unimaginable abuse. The wife, Gaiyathiri Murugayan, considered Pang so filthy that she forced her to wear masks and banned her from having a phone. The grandmother, Prema S. Naraynasamy, also mistreated her. Pang had to eat quickly, clean perfectly, and endure name-calling. The abuse escalated to daily physical violence starting in October 2015. Pang's small stature prevented her from fighting back. The family's CCTV cameras captured the abuse, including beatings with a bat. Pang only received medical checks ten months into her employment, when bruises were explained away as clumsiness. Despite Pang's complaints, the agency found nothing wrong. The employer declined offers to reassign Pang, as if enjoying the abuse. Deprived of food, Pang survived on minimal rations leading to malnutrition. She slept little.

In July 2016, Pang called her family about returning home, claiming illness. Her employers reacted furiously to prevent her escape. They tied her up, forced her to sleep on the floor, and continued beatings. On July 25th, Gaiyathiri and Prema assaulted Pang for allegedly stealing food. The next day, Gaiyathiri severely beat Pang starting at 5am, stomping her neck, yanking her hair, and choking her unconscious. Realizing Pang was unresponsive, they called a clinic for a house visit, claiming she had fainted. Before the doctor arrived, they changed Pang and untied her, likely to hide evidence. The doctor found Pang dead with bruises and skeletal.

Police secured the scene and discovered Pang's body. The autopsy revealed severe brain damage from oxygen deprivation and 31 recent scars and 47 injuries from abuse and starvation. Gaiyathiri's choking led to the brain damage contributing to Pang's death. On July 27th, police arrested Gaiyathiri and Prema and charged them with murder. In 2020, psychiatric assessments diagnosed Gaiyathiri with OCD and postpartum depression. The murder charges were reduced to culpable homicide. Investigators also discovered the family had concealed CCTV footage capturing graphic abuse. Gaiyathiri's husband Kevin Chelvam had lied about removing the system earlier.

The CCTV footage was recovered and revealed the women assaulting Pang, including burning and choking her. Gaiyathiri's trial occurred in February 2021, where she pleaded guilty to culpable homicide and 27 charges. Prosecutors pushed for life imprisonment while the defense sought a 14-year sentence. Gaiyathiri threatened to retract her plea if given life, but ultimately received 30 years. Prema's November 2022 trial had her plead guilty to 48 of 50 charges. She received 17 years. Kevin Chelvam's trial is pending.

Pang's death shocked Singapore. While the government compensated her family, her tragic story remains a lesson in compassion. Pang sacrificed for her family but had her life stolen by remorseless abusers. We must remember her and treat others as we wish to be treated.