Malaysian TCM Therapist Sentenced to Jail and Caning for Molestation

A massage therapist from a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinic in Tanjong Pagar was sentenced to one year in jail and three strokes of the cane on March 21, 2025, after being convicted of molesting a female customer. The offender, Tan Lok Kiang, a 31-year-old Malaysian, had earlier pleaded guilty to one count of molestation, while two additional charges involving the same victim were taken into consideration during sentencing.

Due to a gag order, the identity of the victim, including her name and age, cannot be disclosed.

Incident at Sin Kang TCM Clinic

Tan was employed as a massage therapist at Sin Kang TCM’s outlet at 100AM shopping mall when the incident occurred. On December 22, 2022, a female customer visited the clinic around midday for an hour-long body massage. She was initially scheduled to be treated by another therapist, but when that therapist was unavailable, she was assigned to Tan instead.

Inside the massage room, the victim removed her clothes and undergarments, putting on a pair of white shorts before lying face down on the massage bed. She covered herself with a towel before Tan entered the room to begin the massage.

Inappropriate Actions During Massage

About 30 minutes into the session, Tan instructed the victim to remove her shorts and then briefly left the room. Although she was confused by the request, she complied, lying back down with the towel covering her body.

As the massage continued, Tan later asked the woman to turn over onto her back. While massaging her inner thighs, he touched her private parts at least once, leaving the victim in shock and distress. The details of how she reported the incident were not included in court documents.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

The case was brought to court, where Tan admitted to the molestation charge. He was sentenced to one year in jail and three strokes of the cane. The remaining charges of inappropriate touching were taken into account during sentencing but did not lead to additional penalties.

Under Singapore’s laws, molestation carries a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment, a fine, and caning.

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