Tanjong Katong sinkhole: More than $67K raised for foreign workers who rescued driver

A fundraiser for the seven migrant workers who came to the rescue of a driver who fell into a sinkhole on Tanjong Katong Road South has so far raised more than $67,000 in just three days.

Local charity ItsRainingRaincoats (IRR) aims to raise $70,000, which will go directly to the seven men. As of press time, more than 1,500 donors have contributed since the fundraiser started on July 28.

The workers, led by foreman Pitchai Udaiyappan Subbiah, threw a nylon rope into the sinkhole and pulled the driver to safety. Videos of the rescue have circulated widely online, garnering much praise.

According to IRR, netizens have called for the men to receive National Day Awards, permanent resident status, and even citizenship.

'Bravery deserves to be honoured'

"This campaign is our way - your way - of saying thank you," said IRR on the fundraiser campaign page. "Funds raised will help recognise their contribution in a meaningful, tangible way.

"Because bravery deserves to be honoured. Because these men are not just workers -- they are the backbone of our nation. Because if we can't give them medals, we can still give them dignity."

Speaking to The New Paper, founder of IRR Dipa Swaminathan said the fundraiser was launched in response to the "overwhelming" public calls to show appreciation for the workers.

The original goal of $50,000 was set based on the assumption that five workers had been involved in the sinkhole rescue. However, upon learning that seven migrant workers had participated, the target was raised by another $20,000.

She stressed that IRR had first checked with the men to ensure they were comfortable with the campaign. The team also intends to guide the workers on how to manage the funds responsibly.

While the workers are still dealing with the sudden public attention, IRR plans to organise a meet-and-greet with members of the public, likely in a week's time.

Recognition from authorities

During a visit to the workers' dormitory on July 27, Minister of State (MOS) for Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash presented each of the men with a commemorative coin from the Ministry of Manpower's (MOM's) Assurance, Care, and Engagement (ACE) Group.

Mr Dinesh commended the workers - Mr Subbiah, Sathapillai Rajendran, Velmuragan Muthusamy, Poomalai Saravanan, Ganesan Veerasekar, Bose Ajithkumar, and Narayanasamy Mayakrishnan - for their quick thinking, noting that the coins, akin to a certificate of commendation, were a small token of appreciation to them.

But netizens criticised the gesture, questioning why the workers were not given something more practical, such as cash or vouchers.

The New Paper has reached out to MOM for comment.

In a Facebook post on July 26, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) also praised the workers for the driver's rescue. "We will be reaching out to the workers to commend them for their bravery and prompt action in saving a life."

'Migrant workers come here to earn money'

While views on how to recognise good deeds might differ, Ms Swaminathan stressed: "At the end of the day, the migrant workers come here to earn money."

"They give their lives, they sacrifice time with their families to come here to earn a living. We know what they're here for," she added.

She added that if the public did not think giving them money was appropriate, IRR would not have raised its target amount.

"So this is a commentary on what the community wants," said Ms Swaminathan.

Editor's note: This story has been updated with quotes from IRR's Dipa Swaminathan, as well as the amount raised for the worksr as of press time.