Taxi-Ferrari crash: late cabby's family receives overwhelming support

SINGAPORE: Minister for Law and Foreign Affairs, Mr K Shanmugam, said there have been overwhelming response and offers of support for the family of the taxi driver who died in a horrific accident on 12 May.

Mr Shanmugam said this on his Facebook page on Friday, after he had posted a short message on 16 May on what he and his grassroots leaders hope to do for the family.

On Tuesday, Mr Shanmugam, who's also a Member of Parliament for Nee Soon GRC, visited the wake of the late Cheng Teck Hock, and promised help, for the cabbie's family.

He said he can really sense the compassion for the family of the late Mr Cheng Teck Hock.

The 52-year-old taxi driver was killed in the accident involving a Ferrari.

Mr Cheng's passenger, Ms Shigemi Ito, and the driver of the Ferrari, Mr Ma Chi, also died.

Mr Shanmugam said he has received emails from some people, offering to help.

"It really is heartwarming to be reminded that we live amongst caring individuals that make up our society," he said on Friday.

He said he has spoken with several government agencies, a foundation and his grassroots leaders.

They're now looking into the best way to coordinate the assistance.

Mr Shanmugam said they'll need to assess the needs of the family.

They'll speak with the family members when they're ready to do so.

Mr Shanmuagam said based on what they know, the family members appear to need help with their HDB flat, as well as living and educational expenses.

The National Taxi Association said on Friday that donations have also been made by fellow taxi drivers and the public.

Among them are Mr Toh Soon Huat and Mr Jackson Teo, who each donated S$5,000.

A group of merchants and employees from Sim Lim Square donated S$10,000.

The NTA said it has been working closely with taxi company, Comfort Transportation, to provide assistance to the family of the victim.