In a heartfelt exchange during the National Day open house at the Istana, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and his wife Jane Ittogi met with seven heroic migrant workers who played a crucial role in rescuing a woman after her car plunged into a sinkhole along Tanjong Katong Road South on 26 July 2024. Their bravery during the incident did not go unnoticed as they received warm recognition from the President himself.
Bravery Acknowledged
At the event on 3 August 2024, President Tharman expressed his gratitude, saying, “You saved her life, thank you,” while warmly shaking hands with each of the workers. The workers received a memento, a presidential crest pen, as a token of appreciation for their courageous act.
The Heroes of the Incident
- Pitchai Udaiyappan Subbiah, 46 — Construction site foreman
- Sathapillai Rajendran, 56 — Excavator operator
- Anbazhagan Velmurugan, 26
- Poomalai Saravanan, 28
- Ganesan Veerasekar, 32
- Bose Ajithkumar, 26
- Arumugam Chandirasekaran, 47
Foreman Subbiah highlighted the importance of their action, stating, “Because of us, a family is safe and happy… the recognition we have received is more than enough.” The workers shared that they immediately utilised a rope on-site to pull the trapped woman to safety, showcasing not only their quick thinking but also the readiness of their equipment.
Migrant Workers’ Motivation
The seven men expressed hopes that their recognition might inspire fellow workers to lend a helping hand in emergencies. Subbiah remarked, “This kind of appreciation ceremony is already a lot. This is more than enough,” reflecting their humility and dedication.
Broader Recognition
In addition to these seven heroes, President Tharman also met eleven other brave individuals who executed a daring rescue during a fire at a River Valley shophouse earlier this year. Together, these acts of bravery highlight the spirit of community and resilience in Singapore.
As Singapore continues to face challenges, the actions of these workers remind us of the power of quick thinking and courage in the face of danger.