Family in Chin Swee Road alleged murder had 'interactions' with community agencies: MSF
SINGAPORE — The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) said it has had “various interactions” over the years with the family involved in the alleged murder at Chin Swee Road.
A ministry spokesperson said on Thursday (26 September) that the interactions between the family and various agencies and community organisations over the years “is relevant to ongoing criminal investigations”.
“In the meantime, we are reviewing how the network of agencies and community organisations can be further strengthened,” the spokesman added.
The discovery of a toddler’s remains at a Chin Swee Road flat on 10 September led to the toddler’s parents being charged for murder. They cannot be named due to a court order to protect the identities of their other children.
The 31-year-old man and 30-year-old woman, both Singaporeans, are suspected to have killed their daughter in March 2014. They face the death penalty if convicted.
Ensuring stable alternative care arrangements
The MSF spokesperson added that if the authorities come across children “without alternative caregivers” or find that there are safety concerns during their operations, they will be referred to the ministry.
“MSF works closely with community partners to ensure stable alternative care arrangements for these children,” the spokesperson said.
The couple have been held in remand since June last year for other offences, including unlawful assembly and drug consumption.
On Tuesday, the prosecution applied to have the man remanded in Complex Medical Centre in Changi Prison for psychiatric assessment. His case will be heard again on 15 October.
The woman is currently serving her sentence of five years and two months’ jail on drug charges and theft, which was imposed on 9 September. She will return to court on 1 October.
Related stories:
Chin Swee Road death: Man remanded for 3 weeks for psychiatric observation
Body found at Chin Swee Road: Couple charged with murdering their toddler in March 2014
Parents to be charged with murdering toddler, following discovery of charred body in pot
