SINGAPORE: Seven migrant workers who rescued the driver of a car that fell into a sinkhole at Tanjong Katong Road South on 26 July 2025 were presented with a token of appreciation the following evening.
The workers — Pitchai Udaiyappan Subbiah, Velmurugan, Saravanan, Veerasekar, Ajithkumar, Chandrisekaran, and Rajendran — each received an ‘MOM Ace coin’ from Singapore Minister of State for Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash.
In a Facebook video, Dinesh shared that he met the workers at their dormitory after their work ended.
He noted that some had just completed overtime but made time to meet him for the presentation of the appreciation coin.
Dinesh said, “This is a very good example of how our migrant workers help society in general.”
He added that migrant workers not only build Singapore through construction but also “step forward and make themselves counted when it’s important”.
Presenting the appreciation coin “goes a long way” in recognising migrant workers who contribute meaningfully to Singapore despite being far from home, Dinesh said.
He added that each of the men “leaned forward to support the lady who was in need, and that made a big difference to a situation that would have otherwise been very, very different”.
Dinesh wrote that he is “grateful” for their contributions to Singapore’s progress and their selfless acts which help make Singapore “a gracious society”.
Calls for practical rewards and stronger recognition
However, online reactions showed mixed sentiments.
Some netizens praised the men’s courage but felt the gesture was inadequate.
Comments on social media suggested that the workers deserved a more practical reward.
One commenter wrote that while the foreign workers acted bravely without expectation, it would be “great if the authorities can consider some form of monetary award”.
Another said, “Can award all these heroes with S$ cash that’s practical to use in daily life. Good faith to celebrate SG60 together with them or not? Their actions speak louder than words.”
Proposals for citizenship and practical support
Others noted that Singapore should integrate such selfless individuals into society more fully.
One comment read, “Individuals who demonstrate exceptional selflessness and a willingness to risk their lives to protect others should be considered for citizenship.”
The netizen argued that Singapore could benefit from a merit-based framework that recognises civic responsibility and public service.
Quick-thinking workers rescue driver from sinkhole
The sinkhole incident occurred at about 5pm on 26 July when a stretch of Tanjong Katong Road South collapsed, sending a vehicle into the hole.
The site was next to a worksite managed by national water agency PUB, near the junction with Mountbatten Road.
Pitchai Udaiyappan Subbiah, a 46-year-old foreman, said he heard a loud sound while working nearby.
He saw a person climbing out of the car and called other workers over.
Initially, some workers planned to enter the sinkhole but Subbiah advised them to throw a rope down instead.
Three workers lowered a nylon rope and pulled the driver, a woman, to safety.
Subbiah lent her a phone to call her daughter.
Road repairs and safety checks ongoing
The woman was taken to hospital by the Singapore Civil Defence Force.
PUB said on 27 July that she was able to walk and was undergoing further check-ups.
The affected stretch of road remains closed for repairs.
The Land Transport Authority stated that preliminary checks by the Building and Construction Authority showed surrounding buildings were not affected.
Marine Parade-Braddell Heights MP Goh Pei Ming shared that backfilling of the cavity was completed and ground compaction is ongoing.
LTA will ensure no air pockets remain before repaving the road.
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