A 76-year-old man was found dead in his three-room HDB flat in Bukit Batok on the morning of Oct. 23, 2023.

Neighbour alerted police after noticing foul smell

According to Shin Min Daily News, the man lived alone in Block 179 Bukit Batok West Avenue 8.

After receiving a reader's tip-off, a Shin Min reporter headed to the HDB block.

The reporter noticed a foul stench emanating from the elderly man's unit when she arrived.

Three police officers were conducting investigations while wearing masks and gloves.

The deceased's neighbour, Lisa (transliteration from Mandarin), told Shin Min she alerted the police after her husband told her he noticed a strong foul smell while passing the elderly man's flat.

"I remember seeing him at the kopitiam downstairs last Oct. 21, 2023, during dinner time. I also greeted him at the time. I couldn't believe that would be my last time seeing him," she recounted.

Lisa also revealed that the elderly man used to work as a security officer before he retired around two years ago.

She added that the man had moved to the HDB block for at least five years, but she had never seen his friends or relatives coming over for a visit.

Deceased suffered from diabetes

Other residents of the HDB block also told Shin Min that the elderly man suffered from diabetes, which caused him to have swollen feet or even festering wounds.

Because of his condition, he would pat his feet using a hot towel every night, making tapping sounds.

However, the neighbours hadn't heard the sounds since Oct. 21.

Statement from police

In response to Shin Min's enquiry, the Singapore Police Force confirmed they received a report about a 76-year-old man who was found lying unconscious at home.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Based on preliminary investigations, the police do not suspect foul play.

Police investigations are ongoing.

Top image via Shin Min Daily News