Mohamed Rashid Ahmad, a 70-year-old customer service officer
deployed at Woodlands Checkpoint, was sentenced to five months’ jail on March
28 for molesting an 18-year-old Chinese tourist while assisting her with her SG
Arrival Card.
Rashid, an employee of Forte Employment Services, was
stationed at an area designated for passengers filling out arrival cards at the
checkpoint. On July 26, 2024, the victim, her mother, and aunt arrived in
Singapore for a day trip before heading to Malaysia. While her relatives
cleared immigration via automated lanes, the victim faced issues with her
arrival card and sought help from Rashid.
As she entered her details on a tablet, Rashid repeatedly
tapped her groin with the back of his hand. Initially dismissing it as
accidental, the victim grew uncomfortable when he persisted. When she stepped
back, Rashid pushed her forward by placing his hand behind her back,
bringing her closer before continuing to touch her inappropriately.
After 15 minutes, the distressed victim reported the
incident to her mother, who alerted checkpoint officers. Rashid was identified
and arrested the same day.
In court, Deputy Public Prosecutor Daniel Ong argued
for a four-to-five-month sentence, citing Rashid’s abuse of authority as
an officer assisting travellers. He exploited the victim’s reliance on him, and
his actions escalated when she tried to distance herself.
Rashid pleaded guilty to one count of using criminal
force to outrage modesty, which carries a maximum penalty of three years’
jail, a fine, or caning. The judge imposed a five-month jail term, considering
the breach of trust and the victim’s vulnerability as a foreigner seeking
assistance.
The case highlights concerns over predatory behaviour in positions of trust, particularly at high-security zones like immigration checkpoints. Authorities have not disclosed whether Rashid’s employment was terminated following the incident.
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