SINGAPORE: On 13 January 2025, a road accident near Toa Payoh Lorong 2 and Lorong 6 left Abdullah Basiron, a former operations manager at Tanjong Katong Girls’ School (TKGS), critically injured.
The incident occurred at around 6:30 am, and the 72-year-old, affectionately known as Uncle Dollah, is currently receiving treatment at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH).
Uncle Dollah’s family is appealing for witnesses to come forward to aid in investigations into the accident.
Cherished figure at TKGS
Having dedicated 45 years of service to TKGS, Uncle Dollah is a beloved figure among former students, who remember him fondly as the school’s “unofficial icon.”
He retired in June 2017 at the age of 64, after decades of service that included ensuring the safety and upkeep of the school premises.
His daily duties ranged from locking and unlocking doors to overseeing school amenities.
Students recall his kind gestures, such as holding umbrellas to shelter them from rain and remaining on-site until the last person had left to secure the school.
Fundraising campaign for Uncle Dollah exceeds expectations, raising over S$18,000 in just one day
Meanwhile, former students have launched a fundraising campaign to help ease the financial burden of medical and post-hospitalisation expenses.
The campaign, initiated by Zuzanita (from the class of 1988) and Khalijah Masud (from the class of 1986) via LaunchGood, initially set a target of S$5,000.
However, within just one day, by 5 pm on 16 January, over S$19,000 has already been raised, far surpassing the original goal.
The fundraiser will close on 19 January, and donors are encouraged to contribute directly to Uncle Dollah’s family.
For those wishing to help, the fundraising link is available on the campaign page.
Hana Saemon-Beck, also a TKGS alumna, provided an update on Uncle Dollah’s condition via her Instagram Story. She shared that he remains unconscious and is currently relying on a ventilator and medication to stabilise his blood pressure.
According to Hana’s post, during surgery on 15 January, doctors discovered ischemia in his large intestine, which necessitated its removal.
On 16 January, doctors began administering nutrition through Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) and have continued dialysis to lower his potassium levels. A CT brain scan is scheduled for 17 January to assess potential brain damage and compare it with the scan from 13 January.
Hana urged everyone to continue praying for Uncle Dollah’s recovery and to offer strength to his family during this challenging time.
