SINGAPORE – Four men and a woman were hauled to a district court on Oct 15 for their alleged involvement in five separate cases of molestation from January to August.
They were each handed one charge of outrage of modesty. The police prosecutor asked for a gag order on the identities of all the victims.
Filipino Lamar Jennie Bantayan, 31, is accused of molesting a 25-year-old woman at a hotel in Duxton Hill on July 11. The police established her identity through follow-up investigations and the aid of images from CCTVs. She was later arrested.
Chong Choon Keng, 72, is said to have molested a 47-year-old woman in Temple Street on Jan 28. He was arrested at the scene.
On May 17, Indian national Anbarasan Thiyagarajan, 30, allegedly molested a 24-year-old woman in Veerasamy Road and was arrested by police officers who attended to the incident.
Bangladeshi Rahman Mohidur, 41, was accused of touching a 29-year-old woman at Marina Bay Sands Casino on July 7. He was also arrested at the scene.
Tng Chze Khiang, Terry, 47, was said to have molested a 33-year-old woman at Sim Lim Square on Aug 4. He was arrested at the scene.
In a statement on Oct 14, the police said they have “
z
ero tolerance towards sexual offenders
who prey on unsuspecting victims and who threaten the personal safety of those in the community”.
The statement urged the public to remain vigilant, especially in crowded areas, and report to the police if they witness or are aware of a case of molestation.
Victims were advised to move away from the perpetrator and call the police as soon as it was safe to do so.
“While ensuring their personal safety, victims should try to note key details such as the perpetrator’s physical appearance, clothing and the time and location of the incident,” the police added.
Those convicted of outrage of modesty can face a jail term of up to three years, a fine, caning or any combination of such punishments. Female offenders cannot be caned.
