This past week, two Singaporeans tragically lost their lives in separate incidents while abroad, stirring conversations about safety while travelling.
Motorcycle Crash in Malaysia
A 21-year-old Singaporean woman died in a motorcycle accident along the North-South Expressway in Malaysia on 10 December 2024. The incident occurred near Sedenak, Johor, at approximately 9.15am.
According to reports from the New Straits Times, the woman was a pillion passenger on a Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10, driven by her 23-year-old boyfriend. The couple was returning to Singapore from Kuala Lumpur when the motorcyclist lost control, skidded, and collided with a steel road divider. Sadly, the woman suffered severe head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene, while her boyfriend sustained injuries to his leg.
Incident in Phuket, Thailand
Meanwhile, in Phuket, Thailand, a 52-year-old man named Lee Mun Tuck died on 7 December 2024, after experiencing breathing difficulties during a massage at a local parlour in Patong Beach. Witnesses noted that Lee had fallen asleep during a 45-minute oil massage.
According to Patong Police Chief Pol Col Chalermchai Hernsawad, staff attempted to revive Lee after he showed distress signals, but their efforts were unsuccessful. Despite showing no visible injuries, it was reported that Lee had consumed beer prior to his massage session. His wife, present at the parlour, stated she didn’t suspect foul play and declined an autopsy. Lee’s body is to be returned to Singapore for religious rites.
Rising Concerns
- Both fatalities occurred within days of each other, leading to increased awareness about travel safety.
- The massage parlour involved in Lee’s case expressed shock at the incident, emphasizing it was unexpected given his frequent visits.
- This incident follows another recent death in Thailand, where a young Thai singer died after receiving a neck-twisting massage.
These incidents have raised questions about health safety standards, particularly in massage parlours and on road safety for motorcyclists.