SINGAPORE — Anti-vaccine advocate Iris Koh and her husband Raymond Ng are in hot water after a court ordered the seizure of their possessions following their failure to pay legal costs related to a defamation suit initiated by former Nominated Member of Parliament Calvin Cheng. This unfolding situation escalated on 10 February 2024, when a court sheriff, accompanied by Cheng’s lawyer, attempted to enforce the order at the couple’s Farrer Park flat, but the couple refused entry.
Legal Troubles Mount
The couple owes approximately S$4,898.75 (US$3,600) to Cheng, which includes S$4,498 for the defamation costs and S$400 in sheriff fees. They had been ordered to pay these amounts following a case in December 2023, when a district court dismissed their application against Cheng regarding a Facebook post about COVID-19 vaccinations.
While other claimants in the suit have settled their debts, Koh and Ng missed their payment deadline, prompting Cheng to take action. According to the court, if initial attempts at enforcement are unsuccessful, subsequent attempts can involve forced entry.
Feisty Exchanges
During the enforcement attempt, Koh expressed her surprise at the sudden visit, claiming she had sought a variation of the court order. “I suggest you go check it with your colleague, find out what the hell is going on,” she reportedly told Cheng’s lawyer. Ng reportedly left the flat amidst the confrontation, while Koh made her displeasure clear, shouting, “Have a good life, all of you. Cowards!” as they departed.
Background Context
This situation is not an isolated incident for the couple. Koha has faced 14 charges, including conspiracy and harassment, while Ng has been charged with cheating related to a vending machine business. The couple’s previous legal battles also include a failed judicial review against the Health Sciences Authority (HSA), where they sought to investigate advertisements for COVID-19 vaccinations, which was rejected by the court as an abuse of process.
What’s Next?
Cheng intends to pursue a second attempt to enforce the seizure order, stating, “Costs of living are high. Every cent matters.” As the court proceeding continues, all eyes will be on how Koh and Ng tackle these mounting legal challenges.