Singapore
Elderly couple found dead after bodies started decomposing in Jurong flat
An elderly couple was found dead in their Jurong flat on 15 December 2024, only after their bodies started decomposing. Ministries such as MOH, MND, and MHA do not track data on such deaths, raising concerns about oversight and the need for improved senior support systems.

On 15 December 2024, the decomposing bodies of Mr Lim Eng Keong, 71, and Madam Mary Ong, 67, were found in their 18th-floor flat at Block 338B Kang Ching Road, Jurong.
The couple’s deaths, believed to be from natural causes, have prompted scrutiny of gaps in data tracking and the effectiveness of community support for isolated seniors.
The discovery was initiated by neighbour Lim Chwee Guan, 78, who noticed a strong smell emanating from their flat and alerted authorities after not seeing the couple for three days.
He shared with The Straits Times, “I thought they might have been hospitalised, but the smell grew stronger, and I knew something was wrong.”
Isolation and health struggles
Both Mr Lim and Madam Ong had chronic health conditions. Mr Lim, who had diabetes and a swollen leg, was the primary caregiver for Madam Ong, who was wheelchair-bound. The couple had few visitors and were last seen by neighbours weeks before their passing.
Neighbours described the couple as self-reliant and friendly but largely isolated. Billy Ng, 84, a resident on the 19th floor, noted that Mr Lim used to visit him weekly but had not done so for some time.
Shawn Huang, Member of Parliament (MP) for Jurong Spring ward, described the couple as “jovial and loving,” highlighting their participation in activities at the nearby Active Ageing Centre (AAC). He expressed condolences and stressed the importance of strengthening community efforts to support vulnerable seniors.
Data tracking gaps
According to ST, The Ministry of Health (MOH) does not track the number of elderly who die alone at home, but the Health Sciences Authority reportedly handles fewer than 100 unclaimed bodies each year.
Similarly, the Singapore Police also do not maintain statistics on such cases, as confirmed by Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam in response to a parliamentary question on 7 August 2024.
In Parliament, Workers’ Party MP Dennis Tan Lip Fong raised concerns about whether such data is shared with agencies to better understand the circumstances surrounding these deaths and prevent future occurrences. Minister Shanmugam explained that, while the police do not track this data, they proactively refer isolated seniors they encounter during community policing to relevant agencies.
Parliamentary calls for improvement
In May 2023, MP Yip Hon Weng highlighted the need to monitor cases of seniors dying alone and suggested measures such as enhanced outreach and intervention for those resistant to community engagement. He noted that proactive tracking could help prevent such tragedies.
Assoc Prof Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Minister of State for National Development, pointed to ongoing initiatives like the Live Well, Age Well programme under the Ageing Action Plan and outreach by Silver Generation Ambassadors. However, he acknowledged the importance of greater community involvement to identify and support isolated seniors.
MP Dennis Tan suggested increasing resources for AACs and granting them better access for check-ins. “Engaging seniors before their health declines is critical to ensuring they receive the care they need,” he emphasised.
Community’s vital role
The deaths of Mr Lim and Madam Ong highlight the critical role of community vigilance in supporting seniors. While government programmes provide a safety net, neighbours, friends, and volunteers remain essential in preventing isolation.
The couple’s wake, held on 6 January 2025 at Sin Ming Drive, was attended by neighbours and friends who paid their respects. Their passing is a poignant reminder of the collective responsibility to care for vulnerable members of society, ensuring no one is left behind.
The Online Citizen (TOC), through its wiki platform politicalsg, has begun maintaining a record of media reports on solitary deaths to provide insights into these incidents.

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