On the pretext of discussing breast cancer, an Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officer molested his female colleague while she was manning a counter at Woodlands Checkpoint during heavy traffic.

Sa'dollah Shukor touched the then 22-year-old victim's breast three times on March 7 last year.

The 59-year-old, who had been suspended from work since October last year, was jailed for 14 months yesterday. He had claimed trial to three charges and was convicted in October after a four-day trial.

The senior checkpoint inspector, who was deployed as an assistant duty officer, had sat beside the victim, now 24, and started chatting with her about breast cancer. He asked if she had gone for breast cancer screening. She found it an uncomfortable topic and said she had, even though this was not true, in the hope he would let it end there.

He then spoke about the causes of breast cancer and how the underwire in the brassiere causes cancer and told her that she should remove her bra when she was at home.

He then touched her breast, cupping and lifting it for three to five seconds. She was shocked, scared and helpless and did not say anything. About two minutes later, he touched her again, this time squeezing her breast a bit. He did it a third time.

Responding to media queries, an ICA spokesman said the authority takes a serious view of errant officers and will not hesitate to ensure they face the full brunt of the law.

"Following the officer's conviction in court, we will commence civil service disciplinary proceedings against him with a view to dismiss him from service," she said.

Sa'dollah, who joined ICA in 2003, could have been jailed for up to two years and fined on each charge of molestation.

Elena Chong