Body of missing Malaysian private-hire driver found in Singapore waters

SINGAPORE: The body of a 51-year-old man was discovered in the waters off Senoko Way, near Woodlands, on Monday (11 March).

The deceased, Bong Boon Yee, was a private-hire car driver in Johor Bahru.

He was last seen on the evening of Sunday at 5 p.m., with his car found parked on a bridge in Permas Jaya.

Concerned for his whereabouts, his family took to social media to appeal for information.

As per a report by Singapore Chinese media outlet 8World News, the body was spotted drifting in the waters off the northern coast of Singapore at 2 p.m. on Monday.

Responding to the alert, Singaporean authorities swiftly retrieved the body and pronounced the 51-year-old deceased.

While preliminary investigations have not indicated foul play, investigations are ongoing.

According to a Straits Times report, authorities were initially alerted to a suspected drowning case near 27 Senoko Way at 3:24 p.m.

Bong Boon Xiang, the deceased’s brother, revealed to 8world News that Bong typically returned home from work around 11 p.m.

However, on Sunday, he failed to make contact after 5 p.m. and did not return home. The exact time of his disappearance remains unclear.

“The following day (the 11th) at 4 a.m., Malaysian police informed us that they had found my brother’s car on the bridge in Permas Jaya,” recounted Bong Boon Xiang.

“It was reported by concerned citizens who noticed the vehicle parked unattended for an extended period. Inside, the police discovered his identification and personal belongings.”

The family, shocked and deeply worried by the news, sought assistance via Facebook to gather any relevant information from drivers passing through the area.

Allegedly, the car’s dashboard camera recorded Bong’s final moments.

Subsequently, Malaysian authorities delivered grim news to the family, confirming that Bong had been located, but regrettably, it was his lifeless body found in the waters off Singapore.

Bong Boon Xiang disclosed that the family hastily travelled from Malaysia to Singapore on 12 March. Due to ongoing investigations, they were only able to claim Bong’s body on Thursday.

“As for the circumstances surrounding my brother’s demise, we are at a loss. We earnestly hope for closure. The family prefers not to divulge further details,” he expressed.

Where to get help:

If you or someone you know is grappling with suicidal thoughts, assistance and support are accessible.

Samaritans of Singapore Hotline: 1767

Institute of Mental Health’s Helpline: 6389 2222

Singapore Association for Mental Health Helpline: 1800 283 7019

You can discover a directory of global helplines on this page.

If someone you are aware of is facing an imminent threat, please dial 24-hour emergency services.