Founding member of JUMBO group, 88, fined over accident that killed 72-year-old passenger

On Friday ( Sep 27 ), the chairman of the Teochew association, Teo Ann Huay Kuan, the founder of the seafood restaurant chain JUMBO group, received a fine of S$ 14, 000 ( US$$ 10, 900 ), as well as an eight-year driving ban.

This was over a car accident in November 2022 that killed his 72-year-old front passenger and injured another customer, then aged 76.

Ng Siak Hai, 88, pleaded guilty to two charges of driving without due care and attention, causing fatality and severe damage.

Ng is well-known in the area’s restaurants, and he founded Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh, which remained its mouth despite his 2010 retirement.

He was great friends with his two people, 72-year-old Ng Thit Hung and 76-year-old Tan Seck Quickly, with the three old gentlemen all part of Teo Ann Huay Kuan.

WHAT TIME THAT DAY APPEARED

At about 6.30pm on Nov 1, 2022, the group left their agency’s offices in Geylang with the criminal at the vehicle.

Mr. Tan was in the rear seat and Mr. Ng in the front. &nbsp,

They were headed towards Orchard Hotel for meals tasting for their agency’s 58th celebration meal, which was to be held on Nov 12, 2022.

The two people in top fastened their cars. Mr. Tan did not get to sleep in the rear when he entered the vehicle.

While the criminal was driving his violet Mercedes-Benz along the Central Expressway, he started to feel light-headed.

He traveled along Nassim Road, heading for Tanglin Road, before turning left onto Bukit Timah Road to travel at a slower speed.

He lost command of the vehicle and veered to the left as he made a left turn along the single-laned two-way path.

On the left side of the road, the vehicle collided with a branch, and then overturned to the right. The effect slammed into the front of the car, damaged the bumpers, sank the front wheel, and caused a dent in the front left traveler door.

The three gentlemen were confined until officers and Singapore Civil Defense Force personnel arrived.

By removing the car’s ceiling, they made the people free. The late Mr Ng was found without a signal, while the other two gentlemen were informed.

They were taken to Tan Tock Seng Hospital, but Mr. Ng remained unconscious and was later declared dead that day.

His ultimate cause of death was “ischaemic heart disease with chest injuries” and injuries from a road traffic accident, according to an examination.

Along with leg scratches and an injury to the muscle cells of the heart, Mr. Tan experienced bruising and a little gash on his head. &nbsp,

His wound was categorized as grievous hurt and he was hospitalized for nine weeks.

The offender was warded for a few days because of his or her own neck bruises.

Although he was well known for having diabetes and various health conditions at the time, the prosecution said it was impossible to determine whether he had hypoglycaemia or low blood sugar at the time of the injury.

The attorney sought the maximum charges for each of Ng’s infractions- S$ 10, 000 and S$ 5, 000 both, along with the necessary driving ban.

Military doctors Choo Si Sen and Choo Yean Lin asked for charges that are” significantly lower than greatest” rather, of S$ 8, 000 and S$ 3, 000 both.

Mr Choo said Ng has really turned 88 and is” semi-retired”, working as a specialist for Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh. &nbsp,

He cited the good of S$ 8, 000 as he said Ng earns S$ 8, 000 a quarter.

In his reduction appeal, the attorney listed Ng’s health problems, which include insulin, hypertension and chronic renal disease.

He needs four days of kidney dialysis three days per week.

” As soon as he heard Ng Thit Hung had passed on… he attended the funeral… together with his home”, said Mr Choo.

He and Teo Ann Huay Kuan members paid their last respects to the dying to show his sincere and genuine regrets, Mr. Choo said. He also attended the funeral service a second period.

” It was coincidental and, in truth, a magical escape for the accused to rise unhurt from this horrible incident”, said the former prosecutor.

He claimed that the elderly had a pioneering citizenship and that he had lost control of his situation as he focused on something.

In punishment, District Judge Salina Ishak reminded Ng not to travel under court dismissal.

Mr Choo replied:” He ( has ) disqualified himself from driving”.

For driving without due care and attention, causing suicide, Ng could have been jailed for up to three years, fined up to S$ 10, 000, or both.

For driving without due care and attention, causing severe upset, he could have been jailed for up to two years, fined up to S$ 5, 000, or both.