A generous Singaporean man is offering to let Malaysians stranded here the next two weeks stay in his new and unfurnished Build To Order HDB flat in Bukit Batok for free.

The selfless offer was put up on Facebook on March 20:

The man, whose Facebook name is Siam Kia, wrote:

To Malaysian in Singapore that still can’t get a place to stay for this 2 weeks as Malaysia Lockdown due to COVID-19 Virus. I offering help but If you don’t mind to stay at my New BTO unit @ Bukit Batok for free. FYI: have electricity and water But No flooring and No rooms doors. PM me if you don’t mind to stay with that condition. At Least you have a shelter from rain and a place to shower. I can provide: portable light and fan.

He also uploaded two accompanying photos of the unfurnished flat that is still lacking doors but has water and electricity running:

The man's offer to put up Malaysians come in the wake of news that not all who crossed the border into Singapore could find proper accommodation here, following Malaysia's hasty lockdown that came into effect from March 18 to 31 to stem the spread of Covid-19 infections.

Those who were hard pressed to find a place almost overnight to stay in Singapore resorted to sleeping in public areas.

These stranded Malaysians have seen received help from regular Singaporeans, as well as the Ministry of Social and Family Development and Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth.

Malaysians found sleeping rough are being put up in temporary living quarters set up overnight by the authorities.

Those who are more fortunate have been put up in proper hotels with access to the full suite of services.