A 63-year-old father has been issued a 24-month conditional warning after authorities discovered that his 15-year-old daughter had been living with him in a cramped market stall for nearly a year. The decision follows an investigation into the circumstances surrounding their living conditions.
However, after careful consideration of the case’s facts and consultation with the Attorney-General’s Chambers, the police and the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) opted for a conditional warning, according to The Straits Times report.
Under the Children and Young Persons Act, the father faced potential penalties including up to eight years in prison, a fine of up to $8,000, or both for ill-treating a child under his care.
In a joint statement released on February 14, the authorities reported that the girl has been adjusting well to her new life in foster care. She is currently attending a special needs school and is receiving support from MSF and social service professionals who are facilitating supervised visits with her father to ensure her well-being.
BACKSTORY
The distressing situation came to light in April 2024 when the National Environment Agency (NEA) conducted routine checks at the Circuit Road Market and Food Centre. During this inspection, officials discovered the girl living in a 2m by 3m stall that contained only foldable mattresses, two soft toys, and a fan.
Witnesses described the girl as rarely speaking, often communicating through gestures, and reported that she had been forced to relieve herself in pails due to the stall’s inadequate facilities.
Local stall owners expressed concern for the girl’s welfare, noting that she appeared frail and rarely ventured outside the stall. They reported that she would walk on her father’s feet like a toddler, as he held her shoulders for support. Despite their pleas for the father to seek help, he reportedly ignored their advice.
Following the NEA’s report, MSF’s Child Protective Service intervened, taking the girl into care and admitting her to a hospital for a medical assessment.
By October 2024, MSF announced that the girl was thriving in foster care, learning to articulate her needs and use simple language.
WHAT MP SAID
MacPherson MP Tin Pei Ling, who represents the constituency where the wet market is located, shared with ST on April 19 2024 that MSF had informed her that the girl had been living in the stall for 11 months.
Ms. Tin expressed her shock upon learning about the case, she said: “I regularly visit this market and there was nothing unusual that I had noticed. In fact, I had just visited the market stalls during the Chinese New Year period.
“I am really concerned because the girl is so young. So, I have been checking in with MSF to get updates and to check on how she is doing.”
On May 3, she shared an update on Facebook, stating that the girl was doing well in the hospital. She also mentioned that the girl’s father was visiting her regularly.
According to stall owners, these units have been closed since NEA conducted checks approximately three weeks ago, the report added.
For those who may have observed suspected cases needing help, you can call the Govt hotline 1800-777-0000, call the Police, approach the local community club or the local MP.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation, and the father is under strict conditions during the warning period. Should he commit any further offenses, he may face prosecution for the original crime.
Screengrab via ST Documentary
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