Singapore's MSF investigates after video of abused elderly woman goes viral
A viral video, of a woman allegedly abusing her mother outside a HDB flat, has prompted Singapore's Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) to take swift action.
In its Facebook page, it said at close to midnight on Monday, "Some of you have shared a video showing an elderly woman being hit by a younger lady. We are looking into it. Please be assured that the elderly woman's safety is our priority. Thank you."
In the video, which was posted on Facebook by user ApohTecky Numero on Monday evening, two women are seen watching a frail-looking elderly woman sweeping the floor outside a HDB flat.
(Click the video above to watch.)
Towards the end of the one minute, 17-second video, which was apparently filmed secretly by a neighbour, one of the women slaps the left side of the older woman's face. She is apparently the daughter of the old woman, who receives another slap on the face as she tries to steady herself.
The video has now been shared over 23,000 times, and in an update on his Facebook page some four hours after the original post, ApohTecky Numero said he saw police bringing the elderly woman away from the unit and a woman helping in investigations.
Minister for Social and Family Development Tan Chuan-Jin spoke about the incident on his Facebook page early Tuesday morning.
He said, "Just got back from MPS (Meet The People Session). My colleagues contacted me about this video which I believe many of you have seen. Whatever the context and reasons, I can't see how this is justifiable. Hitting an old lady like this?! We will follow up and make sure that the elderly lady is protected."
