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A 24-year-old Malaysian man has been sentenced to eight years in prison and six strokes of the cane after pleading guilty to raping a domestic helper in Singapore
Harvin Velanggany, an odd-job labourer, committed the assault on 26 May 2024 in a dimly lit field, just minutes after another individual had allegedly raped the victim.
The victim, a 32-year-old Filipina, was on her day off and had consumed several cans of beer when Anbazhagan Sivamurugan, a 34-year-old tourist from India, first approached her.
Following the initial alleged assault, the victim encountered Harvin and informed him of the attack
Rather than helping, Harvin overpowered the woman in a secluded area adjacent to a Rochor MRT station structure that houses air-conditioning units.
Court proceedings revealed that Harvin noticed the victim was "very drunk" and ignored her pleas for help. Despite her struggles to stop him, he pinned her down and assaulted her.
Following the assault, Harvin rummaged through the victim's belongings and stole SGD124 (RM369), hiding the cash in his underwear. He later returned the money after being confronted by the victim before fleeing the scene.
The victim eventually sought help from a staff member at Hotel Mi Rochor, who promptly contacted the police
She was subsequently transported to KK Women's and Children's Hospital for medical examination and treatment.
While she tested negative for sexually transmitted diseases, she required antibiotics, emergency contraception, and HIV preventative medication.
The medical expenses, exceeding RM3,275 (SGD1,000), were fully covered by her employer.
During sentencing on 13 April, the High Court judge took into consideration an additional charge of theft
Deputy public prosecutors Ben Tan and Janessa Phua highlighted the predatory nature of the crime, noting that the area — though located near prominent landmarks like Lasalle College of the Arts and Sim Lim Square — is known to be quiet and poorly lit at night, particularly on Sundays.
Harvin was arrested two days after the incident, on 28 May 2024. Meanwhile, the case against the initial alleged attacker, Anbazhagan Sivamurugan, remains ongoing. The victim's identity remains protected under a gag order.
If you or someone you know may be at risk or has experienced sexual abuse or assault, please reach out to these Malaysian organisations:
1. WOMEN'S AID ORGANISATION (WAO)
Operating hours: 24-hour
Contact: +603-30008858
SMS/WhatsApp: +6018-9888058
Website | Facebook | Twitter
2. ALL WOMEN'S ACTION SOCIETY (AWAM)
Operating hours: Weekdays (9.30am – 4.30pm)
Contact: +603-78770224
WhatsApp: +6016-2284221 | +6016-2374221
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
3. WOMEN'S CENTRE FOR CHANGE PENANG (WCC PENANG)
Operating hours: Weekdays (9am – 5pm)
Contact: +604-2280342 | +604-3988340
WhatsApp: +6011-31084001 | +6016-4390698
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
4. SARAWAK WOMEN FOR WOMEN SOCIETY (SWWS)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9am to 5.30pm)
Contact: +6082-422660
SMS/WhatsApp: +6013-8044285
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
5. SABAH WOMEN'S ACTION-RESOURCE GROUP (SAWO)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9am to 2pm)
Contact: +6088-280200
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
6. PROTECT AND SAVE THE CHILDREN (PS THE CHILDREN)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (8.30am to 5.30pm)
Contact: +6016-2273065 | +6016-7213065
WhatsApp: +6016-7213065
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
7. INTERNET WATCH FOUNDATION (IWF)
Anonymously and confidentially report child sexual abuse content and non-photographic child sexual abuse images with IWF's Reporting Portal.
8. HEAL
Contact: 15555
