A programme manager at the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) in Singapore was charged on Friday (13 September) with leaking sensitive project information to another individual, including details of a S$3 million (US$2.3 million) budget for a renovation project.

Hsu Yee Chern, a 52-year-old Singaporean, faces four counts under the Official Secrets Act (OSA) for allegedly communicating confidential information obtained through his role at DSTA to Tan Kian Meng, a 46-year-old project manager.

Tan, who worked for a company involved in business with DSTA, was similarly charged with four counts for receiving this classified information between December 2018 and May 2019.

DSTA, the central procurement agency for the Ministry of Defence and the Singapore Armed Forces, oversees various high-value projects. According to charge sheets, Hsu shared confidential details on multiple projects, including tender results and financial evaluations.

According to media reports, Hsu allegedly informed Tan on 3 December 2018 that three companies had failed in their bids for a project to renovate toilets in four blocks along Clementi Loop.

On 12 March 2019, Hsu disclosed to Tan that DSTA’s budget for a power upgrading and renovation project at Stagmont Road was S$3 million. The following month, on 5 April 2019, Hsu provided Tan with confidential findings on a company’s tender price and cable size for the Stagmont Road project.

Additionally, on 3 May 2019, Hsu allegedly shared with Tan information about a construction company’s poor financial health in relation to its bid for addition and alteration works on four blocks at Sungei Gedong Road.

The Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) confirmed the details of these charges in a statement. Both men are currently out on S$10,000 bail, with Tan’s next court appearance scheduled for 20 September, while Hsu is due to return on 11 October.

If convicted under the OSA, they could face imprisonment of up to two years, a fine of up to S$2,000, or both.

Malaysian authorities have rescued more than 400 children from charity homes suspected of sexual and physical abuse, run by a prominent business group, Global Ikhwan Services and Business (GISB).

In coordinated raids across two states, 402 children were saved, and 171 adults, including religious teachers and caretakers, were arrested, according to Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain.

The raids were carried out on Wednesday (11 Sept) on 20 premises following reports of severe neglect, abuse, sexual harassment, and molestation.

The children rescued included 201 boys and 201 girls, all aged between one and 17.

GISB, which operates in multiple countries, denied responsibility for managing the homes.

However, police believe the business group exploited the children and used religious sentiments to collect donations.

Razarudin revealed that the children, mainly sons and daughters of Malaysian GISB employees, had been sent to these homes shortly after birth.

Disturbingly, the children were subjected to multiple forms of abuse, including sexual exploitation by adult guardians, who then instructed the children to abuse others.

Some children were denied medical attention until their conditions became critical, and caretakers inflicted further harm, burning children with hot spoons and inappropriately touching them under the guise of medical examinations.

The authorities are investigating the case under laws covering sexual offences against children and human trafficking.

Two of the raided premises were registered as Islamic schools, which had previously been monitored by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS).

Though no violations had been identified during a July inspection, JAIS is expanding its investigation into GISB’s operations.

GISB has been linked to the now-banned Al-Arqam religious sect, which the Malaysian government outlawed in 1994.

The company has since stated that it is cooperating with authorities and emphasised that its policies align with both Islamic principles and national laws.

As reported by media outlet Free Malaysia Today, GISB issued a statement following the police raid, refuting police accusation as “serious and malicious.”

“We deny these allegations and stress that the company will not compromise with any activity that goes against the law, particularly regarding the exploitation of children as workers.”

In response to the situation, Robert Gass, a representative of UNICEF Malaysia, expressed shock and outrage, calling for urgent medical and psychological support for the rescued children.

“Children in institutional care need the support of qualified social workers who can monitor welfare homes effectively. UNICEF stands ready to support the Government in protecting children deprived of parental care and preventing unnecessary family-child separation. ”

“It is time to adopt a zero-tolerance stance towards violence against children in all its forms. Every child has the right to grow up in a supportive family environment,” Mr Gass added.

The rescued children are currently being housed at a police training center in Kuala Lumpur, where they will receive medical checks and temporary shelter.

The investigation continues as authorities work to uncover the full extent of the abuse and ensure justice for the victims.