Temple Admin Assistant Jailed for Taking S$38,799 in Donations and Fees

Tham Lai Ying was sentenced to 10 months and two weeks' jail on Aug 13, 2024, after pleading guilty to criminal breach of trust as an employee.

The 44-year-old was an administrative assistant at Toa Payoh Seu Teck Sean Tong. She misappropriated S$38,799 between March and May 2022, according to court documents reported by Channel NewsAsia.

The total comprised S$37,799 in public donations and S$1,000 in membership fees. Tham used the money for personal and household expenses, including groceries and meals at restaurants.

The temple discovered missing receipt books during an internal check. Tham admitted taking the funds when questioned, and the temple later reported the matter to the police.

Source: SG Daily Instagram post C-pr_WFyj5d.