Deliveryman fired after punching Yishun resident who wanted to check package

A deliveryman allegedly hurled abusive language and assaulted a Yishun resident after they got into an increasingly heated dispute.

The incident occurred at Block 821 Yishun Street 81 on Thursday (Aug 3), at around 2pm.

Mr Hong, 44, told Shin Min Daily News that he had been asleep when he was awakened by the deliveryman in his 40s: "He said he was delivering goods to my mother and needed her signature."

However, Mr Hong's mother was not home at that time and did not answer his calls.

"I asked if I could check the package and the deliveryman said no, so I told him to come back later," said Mr Hong.

The deliveryman appeared irritated by this and cursed a few times.

Unhappy to have his sleep interrupted only to be chided, Mr Hong opened his door and went up to the deliveryman, saying: "I'm talking to you nicely, not to let you scold me."

According to Mr Hong, the deliveryman leaned forward and retorted aggressively: "Come any closer and you'll bump into me."

On reflex, Mr Hong pushed the deliveryman, who immediately retaliated by punching him in the face three times.

The two men got into a scuffle, with Mr Hong pushing the deliveryman to the ground to subdue him.

Mr Hong recounted: "I asked him if he wanted to continue fighting and he said to stop.

"He was very strong and taller than me. After being beaten, I had a headache the whole day."

When Mr Hong took out his phone to call the police, the deliveryman fled. However, Mr Hong managed to take a picture of the delivery van.

The police confirmed that they were alerted to the case of assault and said a 34-year-old man suffered minor injuries but declined conveyance to hospital.

When contacted by Shin Min, the delivery company said it has apologised to Mr Hong. It also said the deliveryman was a part-time worker whose employment has been terminated.

Mr Hong said he was told by a manager that the company is aware of the deliveryman's bad temper.

He added: "No matter what, he can't come and anyhow beat people up."