On June 17, 2025, Maslina Mohd Yusof, a former employee of the People’s Association (PA), was sentenced to two months' jail after pleading guilty to one count of criminal breach of trust. The 30-year-old woman had misappropriated a total of $8,375 in funds that were meant for the Residents’ Network while serving as a residents’ committee (RC) manager. Her offences took place over an 11-month period from March 2023 to February 2024.
Maslina joined PA in August 2021 and was appointed RC manager at the Residents’ Network in November 2022. Her duties included managing cash payments for community courses, events, and interest groups, ensuring these payments were deposited into the Residents’ Network’s bank account within seven days, and preparing financial reports for the various programmes.
According to Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Benjamin Low, Maslina began misappropriating funds from March 2023. Her method involved siphoning off a portion of the cash received and depositing only the balance into the bank account, often beyond the mandatory seven-day deadline. This delay was part of her plan to buy time in order to repay the amounts she had taken.
However, on several occasions, she failed to return the money and could not replenish the cash. Investigations later revealed that she had used the misappropriated funds for personal expenses, citing financial difficulties at the time. Her offences came to light when internal audits uncovered discrepancies and missing payments that were supposed to have been deposited into the Residents’ Network’s account.
In total, Maslina had misappropriated $8,375, but she has since made full restitution to the Residents’ Network. DPP Low argued that although restitution was made, the seriousness of the offence warranted a custodial sentence. He emphasised that Maslina was a public servant at the time of the offences, entrusted with handling funds from the public. He stated that her actions undermined public trust in the PA and its employees.
DPP Low sought a sentence of at least two to three months’ jail, citing the breach of trust and the potential impact on public confidence. He also highlighted how Maslina had tried to cover up her actions by delaying deposits and manipulating records.
Maslina was represented by defence lawyer Mr Jared Lee, who requested a sentence of two months’ jail. Mr Lee noted that this was Maslina’s first offence and explained that she had been under considerable stress at the time due to personal financial challenges. He further added that she had taken responsibility for her actions and made restitution, demonstrating remorse and a willingness to rectify her wrongdoing.
Responding to media queries, a spokesperson for the People’s Association confirmed that Maslina is no longer employed by the organisation. The spokesperson stated that PA views such offences seriously and acted swiftly upon discovering the issue. A police report was filed immediately, and Maslina was removed from all responsibilities involving the handling of funds.
Criminal breach of trust is an offence under Singapore law, carrying a maximum penalty of up to seven years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both. This case underscores the importance of maintaining transparency and accountability in positions involving the management of public funds.
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