Three men missing their left legs have formed what witnesses call a “one-legged gang” outside Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple on Waterloo Street.
The group allegedly controls prime selling spots and verbally abuses other tissue vendors.
Gang Leader Returns to Old Ways
Shin Min Daily News first reported about a one-legged tissue seller at the Bugis temple in 2024.
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The man frequently bullied other elderly tissue vendors, causing distress among the community. One incident saw him chase away a fellow vendor, leading to a confrontation that resulted in an overturned stall.
Nine months later, readers called in again. They complained that the man continued his aggressive behavior, shouting at anyone who displeased him.
Shin Min Daily News reporters visited the area over several days. Multiple flower and tissue vendors showed fear when discussing the man. Some refused interviews, saying they didn’t want trouble.
An unnamed vendor said the man acts like he owns Waterloo Street. He constantly verbally abuses others. Everyone avoids conflict by staying far from where the three men operate.
The vendor also revealed that besides the main aggressor, two other one-legged men sell tissues at the temple entrance. When someone gives money to one member, the other two immediately approach for donations.
Temple Exit Becomes Personal Territory
Another vendor described how the man treats the temple’s exit as his personal territory. Only he can sell tissues there. Anyone else who tries to get close faces verbal abuse. He acts like a gang boss.
On Sunday (1 Jun 2025) morning, reporters found the alleged gang leader sitting on a Personal Mobility Aid (PMA) at the temple exit, selling tissues. That spot attracts the heaviest foot traffic.
The other two men sat on PMAs near the temple entrance. Other tissue sellers stood far away from the trio. All three men had lost their left legs.
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The “gang leader” patrolled back and forth, talking with his two associates.
Lin (name transliterated from Mandarin), 65, who faces accusations of bullying behavior, denied all accusations. He claimed he only focuses on selling tissues and doesn’t interact with others.
When asked why he monopolizes the exit area, Lin argued that everyone has fixed positions. He comes to the same spot daily out of habit and doesn’t chase anyone away.
Singapore Food Agency May Take Action
Singapore Food Agency (SFA) responded to Shin Min Daily News inquiries. The agency received feedback about unlicensed tissue vendors outside the temple. If illegal vendors continue operating, authorities may take action.
A spokesperson said SFA works with the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) to support these tissue vendors. When authorities receive street vendor license applications, they refer applicants to Social Service Offices (SSO).
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The offices assess whether applicants can receive better support through existing financial assistance or job-matching programs.
All street vendor licenses are personal and non-transferable. Vendors must operate within designated areas specified in their licenses.
This reduces inconvenience to the public and unfair competition with other businesses.
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