Employee of town council managing agent charged with corruption offences

Phua Gim Chuan, a 63-year-old former senior project manager at EM Services, was charged on Friday, August 21, with six corruption and money laundering offences. EM Services is the managing agent for Holland-Bukit Panjang, Sembawang, and Sengkang town councils. According to court documents, Phua allegedly obtained S$220,000 in bribes over a two-year period from March 2020 to January 2023.

He is accused of receiving and concealing the cash, using part of it to purchase a Mercedes-Benz. Three company directors - Yap Hwee Kang, Lim Kian Koon, and Ng Lee Peng - were also charged with corruption for allegedly giving Phua bribes. Yap and Lim each faced one charge, while Ng faced two. The three directors are accused of giving Phua bribes to advance their business interests in contract proposals involving the respective town councils.

Yap received S$30,000 in March 2020 for a Holland-Bukit Panjang Town Council proposal, while Ng allegedly gave S$40,000 in September-October 2022 for a Sembawang Town Council proposal and another S$50,000 in January 2023 for a Sengkang Town Council proposal. Lim received S$100,000 in December 2022 for a Sengkang Town Council proposal.

Despite CNA's inquiries, Sengkang Town Council stated that Phua was not its employee and that they fully cooperated with the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau. They also mentioned that J&M Construction and Seah & Lim Construction, involved in the bribery allegations, did not participate in any of their public tenders during the relevant timeframe.

The town council emphasized its commitment to conflict-of-interest disclosure and rigorous tender evaluation processes. They have strengthened internal controls and will continue to work with partners to enhance their risk management framework. Phua, who worked for EM Services until October 2023, is scheduled for his next hearing on September 18.

Convicted offenders can face fines, imprisonment, or both, with increased penalties for offenses related to government or public body matters.