Hasnah Hashim, 55, was sentenced on June 3, 2026, to four months in jail and ordered to pay S$5,000 in compensation for assaulting her 32-year-old Indonesian domestic helper in Marsiling [1, 2]. An additional month in jail will be imposed if she fails to pay the compensation [1, 2].
The assaults took place in August 2024. On August 20, Hasnah slapped her helper after the helper mistakenly placed a pack of tofu in the freezer [1, 2]. Three days later, on August 23, Hasnah grabbed the helper by her headscarf in a lift, pulling it down and yanking her hair. The act was humiliating as the helper wore the headscarf for religious reasons [1, 2].
Hasnah was charged in 2025 and pleaded guilty to two counts of assault [1, 2]. She appeared in court wearing a headscarf herself [1, 2].
Deputy Public Prosecutor Timotheus Koh urged a sentence of up to six months' prison. He noted the assaults caused physical and psychological harm as well as humiliating treatment, saying, “The case involved a humiliating treatment of the victim who had her religious garment pulled off over a relatively minor incident” [1].
Each assault count involving a domestic helper carries a maximum penalty of six years' jail and a fine of up to S$10,000 [1, 2]. Defense lawyer Abdul Rahman Mohd Hanipah said Hasnah was remorseful [1].
