Debated in Parliament on 13 Nov 2024.
Mr Leong Mun Wai asked the Minister for Social and Family Development whether the Ministry has made efforts to identify and reach out to elderly men who have allegedly been eating leftovers in the hawker centre at People's Park Centre and, if so, what assistance has been rendered to these elderly men.
The interventions provided could include financial assistance by our SSOs. This was the support provided when our SSO reached out to such an individual recently at People’s Park Centre. This individual was previously given (a) ComCare assistance which had also been renewed twice; and (b) two rounds of assistance from the community. Therefore, he is not unfamiliar with how to seek support from ComCare. However, for reasons best known to himself, he did not apply for further renewal of ComCare. When we reached out to him, he told us he did not do so because he was relying on his savings for his basic living expenses. He had also over the period received Silver Support Scheme payouts, Government payouts, such as GST Vouchers and Assurance Package totalling $5,950. The man explained that he ate leftovers at the hawker centre out of a desire to be frugal. In reality, there was no need for him to do so.
After proactively reviewing his sources of income, we provided ComCare assistance to him again and advised him to seek renewal when needed. We also advised him to use the ComCare to purchase his own food and not to eat leftovers. We will continue to monitor his well-being, give him financial assistance as long as he needs it, and ensure he is taking adequate steps to care for himself.
As the Government cannot know of every individual in need, we need the community to bring to our attention those who seem to need help. If you see anyone in the community whom you feel requires assistance, do help us by bringing the case to our attention. Reports can be made to the ComCare hotline at 1800-222-0000, or at the nearest SSO or Family Service Centre.
PAPERCUTS