Resilient and loving mother: He Ting Ru pays tribute to Yakult delivery woman

SINGAPORE: He Ting Ru, Workers’ Party Member of Parliament for Sengkang GRC, expressed heartfelt condolences and paid tribute to Mdm Jasmine Au Sock Hua, a 70-year-old Yakult delivery woman who passed away on 6 November following an alleged assault.

On Friday (22 November), Ms He shared a deeply personal Facebook post reflecting on her interactions with Mdm Au, describing her as a remarkable Sengkang resident whose story had left a profound impact on her.

Ms He characterised Mdm Au as a resilient and loving mother who faced life’s challenges with unwavering determination.

During a Meet-the-People Session and subsequent house visits, Mdm Au shared her journey of raising three young children after losing her husband when their youngest was just a few months old.

“But she was determined to bring them up as best she could, working as a neighbourhood Yakult lady first in Yishun, then in the estate in Sengkang after her family moved here.”

The MP recounted how Mdm Au delighted in watching her customers’ children grow up and start families of their own, seeing this as a reflection of her own children’s journeys as they built their own lives and families.

“Despite her challenges, she remained optimistic, gentle, and smiling,” Ms He recalled.

“I was deeply moved by the gentle, quiet, yet strong power of a mother’s love and determination to do what she could for her children. ”

“I sensed her unstated pride and joy over her children and grandchildren, and the love that she had for her job.”

The MP also recalled visiting Mdm Au in the intensive care unit (ICU) after the assault.

She was struck by the devotion of Mdm Au’s children, who lovingly cared for her and spoke about how she had been both their mother and father.

“This, to me, meant that she lived her life well,” Ms He said.

While Ms He refrained from commenting on the ongoing court case, she assured that her Constituency and Town Council teams remain in close contact with Mdm Au’s family to provide continued support.

With family consent, She shared photos of Mdm Au enjoying a cruise with her family, honouring her memory as a dedicated mother and a beloved member of the Sengkang community.

Man accused in Yakult lady case denied bail

On the morning of 22 November, Lim Chuan Xun, 30, who allegedly assaulted Mdm Jasmine Au Sock Hua, was denied bail by District Judge Eugene Teo, who stated the need for Lim to “stabilise in custody.”

Lim is accused of punching Mdm Au in the face at a public housing block in Sengkang Central on 29 October at around 9 pm.

Mdm Au was admitted to the intensive care unit at Sengkang General Hospital and passed away on 6 Nov.

During the bail hearing, the prosecutor highlighted the potential for Lim’s mental illness to relapse and cited his high risk of reoffending as grounds for keeping him in custody.

Although investigations no longer required his remand, the prosecutor requested no bail be offered, emphasising public safety.

Lim, who was not represented by a lawyer, pleaded with the judge, claiming he was “a good guy.”

Lim said: “I hope the court won’t think that I was the murderer just because I was seen in the lift with the Yakult auntie.”

He claimed there was “no reason for him to punch anyone” and offered to cooperate with investigations if released.

Multiple Charges Against Lim

Lim faces six charges, including voluntarily causing grievous hurt, using profanity against the victim, and refusing to sign a police statement.

Additionally, he is accused of fighting with a man and committing a rash act by throwing the man’s phone into a basement.

Another charge pertains to insulting a police civilian officer during an emergency hotline call.

The court heard that investigations were ongoing, with prosecutors awaiting medical reports related to Mdm Au’s death.

Lim is expected to return to court on 6 December.