As investigations into the death of Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) full-time national serviceman Kok Yuen Chin on Sunday, May 13 have started, the tradition of ragging is once again tossed into the spotlight.

Ragging tradition

According to The New Paper, it understands the NSF was made to participate in ragging, which is also known as "hazing".

This is part of an informal celebration to commemorate his final duty.

Kok was due to complete his full-time national service stint on Wednesday, May 16.

Different types of ragging activities

Citing an unknown source, TNP said it is understood that ragging can take many forms in the SCDF.

These acts can range from relatively harmless ones such as pinning somebody down and applying boot polish to their skin, to more extreme acts such as throwing someone into a pool.

It is not known how Kok entered the kolam, or pump well.

A member of the public had contacted TNP on Monday to claim that this is typically done to mark an NSF’s end of service in the SCDF.

TNP said it understands that this practice continues to be carried out occasionally even though the SCDF has banned such practices.

First death

When asked by The Straits Times if this was a ragging incident, Shanmugam said he did not want to "give a descriptor to the incident".

You can view the relevant portion from the 4min 55sec mark. Here is a transcription of what was said:

ST: Is this the first such death from a ragging incident?

Shanmugam: Well, I don’t want to give a descriptor to the incident, but I’m sure there have been...

(Gestures to SCDF deputy commissioner Chong Hoi Hung)

(Deputy Commissioner Chong shakes his head)

Shanmugam: No deaths. This is the first death.

ST: So is this considered ragging?

Shanmugam: I don’t want to put a descriptor. I think we let the facts come out, yea?

ST: Sure.

Shanmugam: The facts will come out. We will investigate and they will come out.

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Recent tragedy

This latest death comes just two weeks after an NSF, Corporal First Class (CFC) Dave Lee, died on April 30 after suffering from heatstroke.

CFC Lee had been warded in Changi General Hospital on April 18 and was a guardsman in the 1st Battalion Singapore Guards.

The 19-year-old enlisted on Jan. 5 and completed his Basic Military Training on March 11.

An inquiry will be convened into his death.