A man who stabbed a stranger at Kallang Wave Mall was sentenced to five years and six months’ jail on 2 November 2026.
Chua Jing Yuan, a 27-year-old Singaporean, pleaded guilty to attempted culpable homicide causing hurt. Two other charges involving possession of offensive weapons in public were taken into consideration during sentencing.
The woman survived the attack, which happened in the early hours of 14 July 2025.
Attacked Woman Near Restroom
Chua bought a kitchen knife, a claw hammer and black clothing at Jurong Point the day before the attack. He packed the items into a backpack and changed his clothes before heading to Kallang Wave Mall.
He arrived at about 12:30am and spent close to an hour looking for someone to attack.
That night, the woman and her boyfriend had been at a bar with an acquaintance. At about 1:20am, Chua spotted her heading to the restroom and told her in Mandarin to wait a moment.
When she stopped, he took out the knife, slashed her neck and stabbed her in the chest.
The woman returned to her companions, who spotted Chua and pursued him. He tripped after leaving the mall, and they restrained him. Passers-by also helped to subdue him.
Police said they received a call for assistance at about 1:25am. Members of the public had disarmed and detained Chua before officers arrested him.
Victim Underwent Surgery
The victim underwent surgery for wounds to her chest and neck and was discharged the following day.
At a review in August 2025, she was found to have no significant disability.
Psychiatric Condition Severely Compromised His Judgement
The court heard that Chua had stopped attending treatment after an appointment in March 2023. His mental state subsequently deteriorated.
An Institute of Mental Health assessment found that he had major depressive disorder with psychotic features, including hearing voices.
In the view of Dr Kenneth Koh, a senior consultant physician, the disorder played a significant part in the attack, as it had badly impaired Chua’s judgement.
His condition did not amount to unsoundness of mind at the time of the attack, and he was found fit to plead in court.
