Masagos apologises, acknowledges more should have been done in Megan Khung’s case

Following the release of the report on the review of the handling of four-year-old Megan Khung’s case, Minister of Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli apologised during a media briefing.

He also said that as the lead for the national child protection ecosystem, he "would like to say that we are sorry for the outcome" and acknowledge that more could have been done when they handled the case.

Masagos had appointed the review panel in May 2025 to undertake an “independent and objective review” into the handling of Megan’s case.

The review looked into the actions of the relevant agencies involved before the discovery of Megan’s death in July 2020, the enhanced protocols and processes that the agencies instituted afterwards and made recommendations to enhance children’s safety.

It identified five major findings of areas where agencies could have done better, and instances of “a lack of clear understanding and communication among the agencies”.

The respective agencies – Beyond Social Services, Early Childhood Development Agency, Child Protective Service, Heart @ Fei Yue and the Singapore Police Force have accepted the Review Panel’s findings in full, Masagos said.

Improvements within the ecosystem since 2020

Masagos said the review panel acknowledged that there have been concerted efforts to strengthen the child protection ecosystem and its processes since 2020, following Megan’s death.

“We have drawn on lessons from past cases, including Megan’s case, to improve coordination, capability, and vigilance across the sector,” he said.

The panel has made seven recommendations that will build upon existing measures.

The recommendations ensure greater role clarity amongst professionals within the child protection ecosystem, Masagos noted.

They will also build a “more robust ecosystem with a strong culture of learning”, he said.

The recommendations will also provide more structured support for the well-being of protection practitioners, he added.

“MSF accepts all the recommendations and will study how to implement them expeditiously, after consulting with the sector.”

Further details will be shared in the coming weeks and months, Masagos said.

The full report can be found at the Ministry of Social and Family Development’s website.

Assurance to social service professionals

Masagos also gave assurance to social service professionals who may encounter child abuse cases or who are charged with managing a child abuse case.

“I know that each time their client suffers harm, their deep sense of responsibility means that they are among the most affected of us all. This is why each time my officers inform me that a child or client has died, I always first ask if the staff – whether from MSF or from a social service agency – is doing alright,” he said.

Noting that child protection work is “not easy”, he acknowledged their perseverance in choosing this line of work despite navigating complex challenges.

“I hope that as a society, we recognise and appreciate our protection officers for their successful interventions in many cases,” he said.

“And if and when they do not succeed, as in Megan’s case, I hope that even as we want the system to do better, we all continue to support our professionals.”

The ministry will continue to engage and work in close partnership with the professionals, social service agencies and preschools to further strengthen the child protection ecosystem, he added.

Nothing can bring Megan back

“This case reminds me of all other children whose lives have ended far too early and tragically, because of abuse,” Masagos said.

“Megan’s death saddens me – and saddens us all. Nothing can bring her back. Not this review. Not our grief. Not our regret.”

Reiterating their resolve to prevent the recurrence of such tragedies, Masagos said they will make sure that everyone in the child protection ecosystem does their “very best, and more,” to protect our vulnerable children.

He also urged fellow Singaporeans to support our professionals to keep our children safe.

“Let’s re-dedicate ourselves to this difficult task – so every child in our care is safe, protected, and given a chance to thrive.”

Top photos via Shin Min Daily News and Mothership