Singaporean Jailed for Attempted Murder in Choa Chu Kang Attack

 

On March 27, a 64-year-old married man, Ong Eng Siew, was sentenced to 13 years and eight months in jail for stabbing and slashing his former lover’s new boyfriend, Mr Ku Teck Eng, at a Choa Chu Kang void deck in June 2021. Ong also assaulted his former lover, identified as Berlin, during the attack.

Ong pleaded guilty to attempted murder and voluntarily causing hurt, with three additional charges taken into consideration. The prosecution sought up to 12 years and 10 weeks in jail, while the defense argued for seven to eight years.

The court heard that Ong was in a 1.5-year relationship with Berlin from November 2019. In September 2020, she discovered he was married and confronted him, but he falsely claimed to be separated. Their relationship deteriorated, and Berlin ended things in April 2021. She soon started dating Mr Ku, which enraged Ong.

From May 2021, Ong harassed Berlin with messages and calls, sometimes appearing in person while intoxicated. In one incident, he physically assaulted her inside his van, slamming her head against the vehicle and punching her. She reported him to the police, but he continued messaging her, even after being blocked on WhatsApp.

On June 12, 2021, after drinking beer for eight hours, Ong went to Berlin’s home at Block 407 Choa Chu Kang Avenue 3 and hid a knife near a dustbin. Around 9:25 p.m., he confronted Berlin and Mr Ku as they arrived. Retrieving the knife, he shouted in Hokkien, “I will make sure you die,” before slashing Mr Ku’s left shoulder. As Mr Ku stumbled and fell, Ong stabbed him in the chest and slashed his abdomen.

Berlin tried to intervene but was pushed into a drain and punched. Mr Ku managed to flee to a provision shop for help, while residents shouted at Ong and called the police. Ong discarded the knife in a drain and fled the scene.

Mr Ku underwent two emergency surgeries and was hospitalized for nine days. A medical report confirmed that his chest stab wound would have been fatal without immediate treatment, while his abdominal injury could have led to death from infection.

Justice Mavis Chionh cited the viciousness of the attack, Ong’s alcohol intoxication, and the public alarm caused as aggravating factors. While Ong’s adjustment disorder was considered a contributing factor, it carried limited weight in mitigation. However, the court acknowledged that he pleaded guilty and showed remorse by compensating Mr Ku with $2,000.

Ong’s wife and son attended the hearing and were allowed to speak with him after sentencing.