Victim in Bukit Batok Murder Had Reportedly Wanted to Move Out But Couldn’t Sell her Flat Due to MOP

Although the year has barely started, 2024 has already witnessed a couple of violent incidents in Singapore.

The Bukit Batok murder is one such tragedy.

On 7 January, 65-year-old Quek Eng Hock was charged with the murder of a 43-year-old woman.

The woman remains unnamed due to a gag order.

On 11 January, Shin Min Daily News published an interview with the mother of the victim. 

Wanted to Move Out

According to the victim’s mother, 64, she had a strained relationship with her neighbour.

She said that her daughter would confide in her about her troubles with him.

For example, Quek would allegedly shut off the victim’s water and electricity supply regularly.

At the time, the victim’s mother didn’t see it as a significant cause of concern.

She would usually advise her daughter to simply turn on the water and electricity supply again.

According to 8world, residents have reported that the pair would argue with each other over noise issues.

The victim had previously expressed her intention to move out of the flat.

However, she could not sell it as she had not fulfilled the Minimum Occupation Period (MOP).

The MOP for HDB flat owners is usually five years.

Moreover, she had exhausted her Central Provident Fund (CPF) after buying the flat.

Victim Did Not Have an Easy Life

Speaking to Shin Min Daily News, the victim’s mother shared that her daughter was the second oldest child in the family.

She had three siblings: an older brother, a younger brother and a younger sister.

The victim did not have an easy life.

While pursuing her studies at Nanyang Polytechnic, she had to work part-time as her family could not afford the school fees.

Later, she worked as a croupier at the Marina Bay Sands Casino.

Although 8world previously reported that the victim was working as a waitress when she was murdered, her mother said that she had just lost her job.

Before her murder, she was looking for a new one.

More About the Victim’s Family

The victim met her now ex-husband, a Chinese national, when she was working at the Marina Bay Sands Casino.

The victim had completed divorce proceedings a few months ago.

Although she received $700 a month from her ex-husband, it was not enough money to take care of their two young children.

Of course, this took a toll on her, causing her to be stressed and depressed.

Thus, she placed her three-year-old daughter and five-year-old son in foster care.

Victim’s Children Living in Foster Home

The victim’s son was at home with her at the time of the murder.

He suffered a head injury but appears to have been discharged from the hospital.

Shin Min Daily News reported that the boy was at his mother’s home under a programme that reunites foster children with their birth parents.

He is currently living in the same foster home as his sister.

On 9 January, the victim’s children were at the funeral hall to send their mother off.

When the victim’s son saw his mother lying in the coffin, he said that he wanted to hug her.

The victim’s mother noted that the boy drew a picture of a crying child during his counselling session.

She added that the boy probably remembers the incident.

However, due to his young age, he can’t quite comprehend that his mother has passed away.

The victim’s mother explained that her grandchildren are not living with her as both she and her husband are unemployed.

Thus, they could not provide their grandchildren with proper care.

She hopes to visit her two grandchildren regularly. 

Recap of the Incident

On 7 January, Quek was charged in court for the alleged murder of the victim inside a Bukit Batok flat.

The incident occurred at Block 460B Bukit Batok West Avenue 9 at around 8:20 am on 6 January.

According to neighbours interviewed by 8world, Quek and the victim often fought over noise levels.

Both parties had accused each other of excessive noise.

The victim is said to have filed multiple police reports about this issue.

According to a police statement, the police received an emergency call at the time of the incident.

Paramedics from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) discovered the woman’s dead body at the site.

Quek was arrested and was seen being escorted into a police vehicle at around 11:25 am. 

The Straits Times reported that he wore a white personal protective suit and a face mask, reminiscent of the attire worn when preserving forensic evidence.

As for the victim’s son, he was transported, conscious, to the National University Hospital for his injuries.

Individuals convicted of murder in Singapore may face the death penalty.

Family Hosted Funeral for Victim

On 9 January, a memorial service was held for the victim.

Speaking to a Lianhe Zaobao reporter who visited the funeral, the victim’s older brother said that their younger brother was the first to receive news of their sister’s death.

He then conveyed the news to the rest of the family.

The older brother noted that while the siblings did not talk often, they would have gatherings during festive periods.

He added that the victim would sometimes share about her marriage and her strained relationship with her neighbour.

However, she would not go into details.

According to Lianhe Zaobao, the victim was originally from Malaysia.

It was reported that the police would contact her ex-husband to inform him of the incident.

When asked about the victim’s ex-husband, her family did not share much.

Notably, the victim’s children were in stable condition when paying their respects at the funeral.

Her older brother added that the family did not intend to take over the raising of the victim’s children for the time being.

He said that although the victim did not have many friends, friends and family still came down to pay their respects.