More officers being investigated over SCDF NSF's death, four promotions withheld: MHA

Four more officers are being investigated over the death of a Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) full-time serviceman (NSF) Corporal Kok Yuen Chin who died after he was found unconscious inside a pump well at Tuas View Fire Station on Sunday (May 13).

Cpl Kok had been celebrating his impending operationally ready date (ORD) with his squad mates and one of the activities involved getting him into the 12-m deep pump well as part of ragging activities.

According to family members, Cpl Kok could not swim and was afraid of water.

In a previous Stomp report, two SCDF regular personnel were arrested on Monday (May 14) based on preliminary investigations by the police.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said in a statement on Wednesday (May 16) that the two will also be suspended from service on half-pay pending the outcome of police investigations.

The four other officers, who had earlier been approved for a promotion on Jun 1, will have their promotions withheld pending the conclusion of the investigations.

The MHA added that a Board of Inquiry (BOI) has been convened to look into Cpl Kok's death and to make recommendations to prevent similar incidents.

It will be chaired by a senior director from the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

The BOI will include members who are not from the MHA or the SCDF, and will submit its report to the Minister of Home Affairs.

Separately, the State Coroner may call for an inquiry into the death. The Attorney-General’s Chambers is also reviewing the case with a view to criminal proceedings.

When Cpl Kok did not resurface in the well later, several SCDF personnel jumped into the well to look for him but could not find him.

He was rushed by ambulance to Ng Teng Fong General Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

CPL Kok’s body will be cremated on Thursday morning (May 17).