COVID-19 Migrant Worker Who Died in KTPH Was Family Sole Breadwinner


Advertisements
 

On 23 Apr, a migrant worker, Mr Alagu Periyakarrupan, was found lying motionless at a staircase landing in Khoo Teck Puat Hospital.

The Ministry of Health confirmed that he was tested positive for Covid-19 on 19 Apr and has been warded at KTPH ever since.

It was later confirmed that Mr Periyakarrupan had died to his fall injuries and not Covid-19.

A coroner’s hearing is arranged for 8 May 2020. Investigations are currently underway but the police do not suspect foul play.

He Leaves Behind A Family Of Seven

A social group, ItsRainingRaincoats, said a volunteer is in close contact with the family.

The group added that Mr Periyakarrupan was the sole breadwinner of his family, which includes three daughters, his wife and her aged parents.

Image: ItsRainingRaincoats

His eldest daughter does well in school and “comes first in her class”.

The social group hopes that “with everyone’s support”, she can complete her school and university.

This will take her about 5 more years to achieve.

ItsRainingRaincoats has also arranged for friends in the local area to visit his family to check on them and deliver rations.

Has Been Working In S’pore Since 2009

According to MOM, the man is a construction worker and has been working for the same employer since September 2009.

He lives in a factory-converted dormitory operated by his employer.

Follow us on Telegram for more informative & easy-to-read articles, or download the Goody Feed app for articles you can’t find on Facebook!

A factory-converted dormitory (FCD) is like a small dormitory that’s converted from a factory and is not manned by a dormitory operator but usually by their own employer. Think of dormitories as hotels housing many people, and FCDs as Airbnb units that house just a few people.

MOM said that the FCD had been inspected before. They added, “It was last inspected on Apr 12, 2020. At the time, it housed nine workers (including the deceased), less than the approved capacity for factory-converted dormitories.

“The dormitory was found to be in an acceptable condition, including cleanliness and ventilation.”


Advertisements
 

MOM is working with the Hindu Endowments Board to give Mr Periyakarrupan the necessary funeral arrangements.

They are also working with the Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC) to provide support to the family.