Girl, 15, who slept in Circuit Road wet market stall now in special education school learning to speak
Nadine Chua
The Straits Times
Oct 23, 2024
A 15-year-old girl who slept and bathed in a wet market stall for almost a year has been attending a special education school and is learning to communicate.
On Oct 23, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) provided this update about the girl who had been living in a Circuit Road Market and Food Centre stall.
Stall owners previously said the girl barely spoke and merely gestured. But now, she is using simple words to express herself and articulate her basic needs, said MSF in response to queries from The Straits Times.
For 11 months, she had lived at the market and relieved herself in pails in a stall her father rented. Both are Singapore permanent residents.
In April, the National Environment Agency (NEA) conducted routine checks and uncovered the case. NEA reported the case to MSF's Child Protective Service, and the girl was taken under its care and admitted to a hospital for medical assessment.
MSF said she has been under the care of foster parents since end-May, and is adjusting well.
"The girl's father is concerned about his daughter and spends time with her regularly, monitored by a social service professional to ensure the child's safety and well-being during the visit," MSF said.
It added that it will continue to work with the family in determining her long-term care plans.
ST previously reported that her father, 63, was assisting with investigations into ill-treatment of a child or young person by neglect.
Those convicted can be jailed for up to eight years, fined up to $8,000, or both. Police investigations are ongoing.
The girl's father, who runs a vegetable stall at the market, declined to comment when ST approached him on Oct 18.
A seamstress, who runs a stall nearby, said he reopened his vegetable stall more than a month ago. It had been shut since April when the case was uncovered.
Stall owners said the vegetable stall is one of three units the girl's father rented there.
The stall the girl used to live in remains shuttered.
Stall owners described the girl as skinny and small, and said they rarely saw her walk on her own. Instead, she would walk on her father's feet like a toddler as he held onto her shoulders.
Several of them urged the father to get help from the authorities, but they said he ignored their advice.
In its statement on Oct 23, MSF said: "For children with disabilities or special needs, it is important to address their developmental, social or emotional needs, beyond providing only basic necessities such as food and clothing. This approach supports the child's overall well-being and ensures they are treated with dignity."
MSF encouraged families who need support to seek help early from any family service centre in their neighbourhood, which can provide vital assistance.
It added: "Everyone, including neighbours and the wider community, can play a role in reaching out to these families and guiding them to available resources as a form of support. A proactive approach can make a significant difference in ensuring that families receive the help they need."
Those who see signs of potential abuse or neglect should call the National Anti-Violence and Sexual Harassment Helpline on 1800-777-0000, or the police if there is imminent danger.
