by Mavis Toh

James' job is to ensure that these fall guys show up in court and own up to the charges as they had promised.

The 66-year-old told The Straits Times that in the 1980s, business was brisk and there were up to 80 fall guys in court each month. For each case he 'supervised', he was paid $50.

In the 1990s, the 'businessmen' became more careful of police raids and he had only some 20 cases a month.

'I had to make sure they attend court, so they don't jump bail,' said James, now retired. 'If not, the bail bond will be confiscated.'

But he did not have much to worry about as these guys show up '90 per cent of the time' for fear of tarnishing their reputation. Once one jumps bail, he can forget about being hired again.

Depending on the severity of the crime, the guys could either be jailed or fined. If the fine is not too hefty, the businessman 'behind the scene' could choose to pay up. If it is a jail term, the fall guy serves it with no complaints. At times, arrangements are made to ensure the fall guy's family is taken care of while he is in prison.

James said most tua pek kongs are men in their 30s and 40s, usually drug addicts or gamblers who owe loansharks large sums. 'These are people with nothing to lose, they have nothing to live for.'

In the 1980s and 1990s, fall guys were hired mostly to deal with counterfeit goods. Some were hired to take the products to tourists in hotels.

These days, tua pek kongs are not paid so well, James said.

In the past, when few were willing to be tua pek kongs, one could earn up to $20,000 monthly. Now, most are paid between $1,000 and $2,000.

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