Man who died in crash on way back to Malaysia was new father, Latest news from Singapore

A young family struggles with the sudden loss of a loved one following a fatal car accident in Woodlands.

The 29-year-old victim, identified as Mr Tan Kok Seng, leaves behind a wife and young daughter.

The accident occurred in the early hours of September 20 at the intersection of Woodlands Avenue 7 and 10.

Mr Tan, a Malaysian national, was on his way back to Malaysia after work with a colleague when the accident occurred.

The car they were travelling in collided with a BMW, causing Mr Tan to be thrown from the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The colleague who was behind the wheel was arrested for reckless driving.

Mr Tan worked as a window installer in a factory in Sembawang, where his wife also works.

Speaking to Shin Min Daily News at the morgue, Tan's distraught older brother, who wished to remain anonymous, described him as an easy-going and generous person who enjoyed joking with his friends.

“He got married just over a year ago and they have a daughter who is not even a year old,” he said, visibly shaken.

In order to be able to fulfil their professional obligations across the border, the couple had to rely on Tan's parents to care for their daughter. The family is from Ipoh, Malaysia, where Tan's body will be taken for burial.

After the funeral ceremonies and cremation in Ipoh, Mr Tan's ashes will be transported to Johor, Malaysia, where his wife is from.

“His wife wants him to be close to her,” his brother explained. “It also makes it easier for her to visit her daughter.”

Both families have pledged to support the young widow and her child.

“Financially, she will be fine,” Tan's brother assured. However, the emotional toll of this tragic loss weighs heavily on everyone.

When Mr Tan's body arrived at the funeral home on September 21, a funeral ceremony was held amid palpable grief.

A family friend, Ms Cheng, the wife of Mr Tan's colleague, spoke to Shin Min Daily News by phone in an emotional voice.

“Everyone is heartbroken,” she revealed, adding that Mr Tan's wife was inconsolable.

The victim's body was returned to Malaysia later that evening for burial preparations.