Everything About the 70YO Yakult Auntie Who Was Allegedly Punched & Killed by a 30YO at Sengkang

A 70-year-old Yakult seller passed away on 6 November 2024, a week after being assaulted during her rounds at Block 272B Sengkang Central.

The alleged attack, which occurred on 29 October at around 9 PM, left her hospitalised with severe injuries before her health deteriorated.

Here’s what happened.

Everything About the 70YO Yakult Auntie Who Was Allegedly Punched & Killed by a 30YO at Sengkang

The victim was allegedly attacked by 30-year-old Lim Chuan Xun, who faces charges of voluntarily causing grievous hurt and using vulgar language.

Lim had allegedly punched her in the right side of her face, causing visible injuries, including swelling on her forehead and bloodstains on her body.

It’s unknown what sparked the attack.

Passers-by alerted the authorities, and the victim was rushed to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Sengkang General Hospital.

Doctors conducted brain scans that revealed serious injuries, warning the family of potential paralysis or permanent incapacitation. Her condition worsened, with complications such as fever and breathing difficulties.

Her family made the painful decision to remove life support after doctors confirmed she could not recover.

Her son revealed that she had previously expressed her wishes against artificial life support, influenced by her late husband’s prolonged battle with cancer.

Just two months before the tragedy, the family celebrated her 70th birthday. She leaves behind three children and four grandchildren, who are now seeking witnesses to shed light on the circumstances of the assault.

Police investigations, including an autopsy, are ongoing.

Court proceedings against the accused are underway, with Lim ordered to undergo psychiatric assessment at the Institute of Mental Health.

His next court mention is scheduled for 22 November.

Yakult Auntie Had Held Multiple Jobs

Widowed at 33 after her husband’s death from cancer in 1987, the victim single-handedly raised three children.

To support her family, she juggled multiple jobs: working as a seamstress in the mornings, cleaning houses in the afternoons, and delivering Yakult in the evenings.

Her son shared that their mother even arranged tuition for them at one of the homes she cleaned, and over the years, she became a beloved figure in the community, known for her cheerful demeanor and strong relationships with her Yakult customers.

Associate Professor Elmie Nekmat, grassroots adviser for Sengkang GRC, also remembered her as a positive presence in the community.

Even after turning 70, she maintained a four-day work week, selling Yakult from 7 PM to 9:30 PM.

In case you’re not familiar, in certain HDB blocks, there would be people going door-to-door to sell Yakult, usually after dinner.

Her children often encouraged her to retire, but she insisted on working, enjoying the connections she built through her job. Customers were so fond of her that they would place advance orders before her short vacations.