Housewife jailed for burning Myanmar maid with iron

Singapore- A Singaporean housewife who twice burned her maid from Myanmar (Burma) with an iron was sentenced to 10 months in jail, news reports said Thursday. Angry over Maw Maw Lwin's slow completion of chores, employer Poh Chin Tee did not even check the maid's injuries.

District Judge Toh Yung Cheong scolded Poh Wednesday for her "callous attitude" toward the 25-year-old maid, The Straits Times said. The abuse took place just four days after Lwin started working at Poh's condominium.

Lwin was ironing when Poh threw a bundle of clothing on the floor on June 17 and scolded her, the court heard. She then pressed the heated iron on the maid's forearm twice.

Despite the serious injuries, Toh was particularly galled by Poh's inaction.

"Instead of obtaining medical treatment or calling for an ambulance, you called the agent to say that you wanted to return the maid," he said during sentencing.

Poh, 54, could have been jailed for more than five years. Her lawyer said she will appeal against the decision.

Lwin made a police report on June 20.