61-year-old PHV driver: 'I'm carrying two time bombs -- my car and myself'
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Years of financial hardship and health problems have left a private-hire driver on the brink of breakdown.
"I'm in a desperate situation and feeling helpless," Stomper Jason shared with Stomp.
"I don't know where to seek help anymore."
The 61-year-old said he has been struggling "financially and mentally, alone in silence for many years."
Three years ago, he became a private-hire driver to make ends meet, taking out a high loan to buy a small car.
Unfortunately, soon after, he suffered a transient ischaemic attack (TIA), a minor stroke, which left him weak and unable to walk straight.
He was later diagnosed with several other health issues, including acid reflux, cervical pain, high eye pressure, dry eyes, cataracts and eye floaters.
"I tried very hard to overcome all these by myself, slowly recovering bit by bit," he said. "My small savings helped me pull through that period."
But just as he began driving again, his car started breaking down.
"It needed major repairs, not once but several times. I used up all my medical savings and even took loans just to fix it," said Jason.
He said he now lives "paycheque to paycheque" and cannot afford a day off.
"The worst came last month," he said. "I caught the flu virus for a month. No income, but still had to pay car instalments and loans.
"I had no choice but to borrow more money.
"I'm totally lost and helpless. I'm carrying two time bombs -- my car and myself.
"Either I break down mentally, or the car does."
To regain stability, Jason said he considered selling his three-room Housing Board (HDB) flat to clear his debts and fund his medical needs.
He then discovered he might qualify for a two-room flexi flat with a short lease, which he hoped could allow him to downsize while repaying his loans and topping up his Central Provident Fund (CPF).
"Finally, I thought I saw a glimpse of light," he said.
However, after corresponding with HDB, Jason said he was told to apply for an HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter and bid for a flat during the next launch or look for something on the resale market.
"My heart fell to rock bottom again," he said. "I do understand HDB might not see the urgency of what I'm going through and they are not obligated to help. But in my situation, this is my last and only hope."
Jason added that he does not have family support and fears for both his physical and mental health.
"I just want a simple life and have my mental health under control," he said.
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