SINGAPORE - Two former clerks with the Central Sikh Gurdwara Board, which administers two temples here, were hauled to court on Friday to face charges for some $35,000 in losses they allegedly caused to the board in 2010.

Malaysians Jasvinder Kaur Dhillon, 29, and Sanjeet Jasbirsingh Kaur, 34, are said to have committed 16 and 11 offences respectively, mostly involving the forging and cashing of cheques in the name of then president Karpal Singh. Engaging in a conspiracy together, they allegedly also prepared a voucher for an internal audit that falsely stated that payment had been made to a stationary supplier.

Except for the five forgery charges that Dhillon faces alone, involving almost $11,000, she and Jasbirsingh Kaur are believed to have acted together on 10 other occasions.

Twice, they allegedly submitted a false payment voucher and supporting documents so Mr Singh and then treasurer Manjeet Singh would authorise the issuing of some $3,700 in cheques.

In 2010, between Aug 25 and Dec 23, Dhillon is also accused of forging and signing cheques amounting to $18,610.40 under Mr Singh's name, which Kaur allegedly went on to cash at the bank.

Dhillon told the court that she intended to claim trial to the charges against her, while Kaur indicated she would plead guilty. Both women said they would be engaging counsel.

They will next appear in court in Dec 5.

For each of the forgery charges against her, Dhillon faces up to 15 years in jail and a fine if convicted. Kaur faces the same punishment for each count of using a forged cheque.