CISCO officer charged with taking S$10 ‘coffee money’

SINGAPORE — He probably never fathomed that taking S$10 in “coffee money” would ultimately cost him S$100,000, but that is what could happen to a Certis CISCO officer.

Kalaiarasan Muniandy, 22, is facing the maximum fine after he was charged in court yesterday with corruptly obtaining a gratification of S$10 from a domestic helper in return for a favour.

On Jan 19, Kalaiarasan was carrying out his duties at Paya Lebar MRT Station when he spotted Ms Hasna, a domestic helper, drinking water at the station’s premises.

The accused allegedly told her that she would be issued with a summons of S$300 for doing so and took down her particulars.

When the helper told him she would not be able to pay the fine as she only had S$10 with her, Kalaiarasan allegedly asked her to place the money on his desk before allowing her to leave.

When the helper’s employer found out about the incident, she lodged a police report and the case was referred to the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau.

The Malaysian said he intends to plead guilty to the charge.

Kalaiarasan had been with Certis CISCO for only six months prior to the incident. The company said his employment has since been terminated.

If convicted, he could be fined and jailed for up to five years. His case will be heard again in court on May 16. CHANNEL NEWSASIA