Man nabbed after slashing incident at Pasir Ris West Plaza charged with attempted murder

SINGAPORE — A 61-year-old man was charged on Dec 21 with the attempted murder of a 46-year-old man at a shopping mall in Pasir Ris Street 72.

According to court documents, Loh Chye Hoe allegedly used a cleaver to slash Wong Tai Huong, 46, a few times on Dec 20 at around 4.50pm at Pasir Ris West Plaza.

In a statement soon after the incident, the police said four people, including Loh, were hurt. They were taken to Sengkang General Hospital, with Loh semi-conscious at that time.

Loh was charged on Dec 21 in hospital.

The police said Loh was known to the victims, and that their preliminary investigations showed that the individuals were not on friendly terms.

A Pasir Ris resident who was at the mall just after the attack told The Straits Times that the victims are from Royal Regent, a provision shop selling a variety of items such as phone products, sandals and bags.

Hours after the attack, socks and shoes were seen strewn on the floor, with some items covered in blood.

Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean visited the mall at around noon on Dec 21.

Teo, who is also an MP for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC, spoke to the shopkeepers near the incident site to find out about their well-being.

Loh's next court date is on Jan 11, 2024.

If convicted of attempted murder and hurt is caused, an offender can be jailed for life and caned, or jailed for up to 20 years and fined or caned, or both.

ALSO READ: Man charged with attempted murder for driving van into cyclist

This article was first published in The Straits Times. Permission required for reproduction.