[UPDATE at 1:20pm on Aug. 2, 2024: The article has been updated with a statement from MSF.]

An elderly man was spotted sitting at a traffic island in the middle of a pedestrian crossing in Bugis, to sell tissues on Jul. 17.

A picture of the scene subsequently sparked concerns about safety after it was circulated online.

In response to Mothership's queries, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) said on Jul. 22 that it was looking for the man so as to assist him.

Sat in middle of traffic crossing to sell tissue packets

The tissue seller was first photographed by Facebook user "Song Richard" on Jul. 17.

Song wrote that he saw the seller sitting in the middle of the crossing at Bugis Junction to sell tissues at around 7:15am.

Song initially mistook the seller for a woman, and found someone to warn "her" in Chinese that it was not safe to sit there.

In the comments, many online users expressed concerns for the seller's safety, and some called for the police or social welfare agencies to intervene.

Song then came across the seller again on Jul. 20, this time selling tissue at the bus stop next to Bugis Street.

In the follow-up post, Song admitted his mistake and wrote that the seller was actually a 75-year-old man.

Song added that he was sad to see more than 30 elderly tissue sellers in the Bugis area, including the Chinese temple there, and said that he had donated some money to them.

"Please give them some pocket money," he encouraged in his post.

Turns up occasionally to sell tissue in Bugis

A Bugis jewellery store employee surnamed Yang (transliteration) said in an interview with Shin Min Daily News that she first saw the man in the area about two weeks ago.

He would occasionally turn up in the mornings or at night, and would stay for one to two hours before leaving, Yang added.

"But he doesn't come every day. Some weeks he only shows up for one or two days," Yang said.

Song shared with Shin Min that he had also seen the uncle selling tissue at the nearby Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple.

Another tissue seller in the area told Shin Min that the man should not be selling tissue at the traffic island as they could only operate within a certain vicinity.

Man, 58, works as karang guni & wishes to be self-reliant: MSF

MSF's Social Service Office (SSO) @ Jalan Besar and an Active Ageing Centre (AAC) have since reached out to the man as of Aug. 2.

"The man, who is 58 years old and works as a rag-and-bone man, declined our offer of financial and medical assistance as he wishes to be self-reliant," an MSF spokesperson said.

Nevertheless, the AAC will continue to engage him and extend support, including linking him up with the SSO or other community partners for specific assistance as needed, the spokesperson added.

Members of the public who come across individuals or families who require support are advised to call the ComCare hotline at 1800-222-0000, use the Help Neighbour function on the OneService app, or approach the nearest SSO (www.msf.gov.sg/ssolocator) or Family Service Centre (www.msf.gov.sg/fsclocator).

Top images from Song Richard/ Facebook