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Nature of Need
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K

K

Start Date

May 30, 2025

Deadline

Jun 6, 2025
Progress
0%
Last Update: June 4, 2025

Asking Amount

SGD 2050

Amount Left

SGD 0

Nature of Need

Medical

K is a 42-year-old Tamil construction worker who spent 16 years working in Singapore. In March 2025, just 10 days into a new job in Singapore, K suffered a massive heart attack.

He was admitted to Changi General Hospital, where doctors diagnosed a severe ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) – a life-threatening blockage in a major artery. An emergency angioplasty (PCI) in Singapore stabilised K’s condition, and doctors discharged him after a week of observation. But after returning to his dormitory, it was clear that K was still unwell and required medical attention. But instead of receiving that treatment, K was repatriated to Tamil Nadu on 14 April by his employer.

Back home, K tried to hide his condition and resume farm work, but the strain triggered a second heart attack. He was admitted to a government hospital in critical condition, with worsening symptoms such as breathing difficulties, weight loss, and skin darkening. Doctors have advised urgent surgery. K is the sole provider for his wife, two children, and elderly parents — his mother is also undergoing cancer treatment. The family faces severe financial hardship, with no savings or assets. On top of this, K has a recruitment debt of 2 lakh INR (around $3,230 SGD) from his recent job in Singapore, which continues to accrue interest. He had returned home earlier in 2025 after leaving his previous job in Singapore, which had become too physically demanding. K’s sister T shared that the family is struggling to meet basic needs. MMA has already supported them with two weeks of living expenses from the Standing Solidarity Fund.

We are seeking to raise $2,050 by 6th June, as K’s life is at risk without urgent surgery. This will cover a portion of the surgery, and the remaining $3,500 will be covered by another organisation.

Please send your contributions to the coordinator via the PayNow QR code, or PayNow to the number below:

PayNow number: +65 8943 2863

The QR code should also work with the PayLah app. If you face any issues, feel free to DM us.

K’s case shows just how vulnerable migrant workers are in times of crisis. Even after 16 years of labour in Singapore, K could not rely on long-term medical support, job security, or income protection. Instead of being able to rest and recover, his heart attack pushed him into a vicious trap of being unable to work, unable to heal, and unable to afford his treatment. He also carries a large employment debt that could have otherwise gone towards his treatment. Such debts make it difficult for migrant workers to leave unsuitable or risky jobs without facing heavy financial penalties.

K’s situation is not unique – many migrant workers face harsh contracts and relentless construction deadlines in Singapore, leaving little room for illness or recovery. If health crises arise, they are left with no safety net, and no guarantee of continued employment.

Send your contribution to the coordinator A using the QR code above.

If you encounter any issues with making a contribution, contact A via @ank1t0a on Telegram to discuss other payment modes.

Please note that your PayLah!/PayNow nickname will be reflected on the excel spreadsheet for accountability.

Contact Coordinator

How can I contribute?

PayLah! our coordinators directly via the QR code on the Listings tab; or contact coordinators via Telegram for other ways to make a transfer to them.

Make a one-time or monthly recurring payment to SSF via the PayNow QR code/phone number or make a direct bank transfer. Details on the right (or below on mobile). SSF contributions go to a dedicated bank account from which we disburse funds directly to support migrant workers (prioritising the most urgent cases) and our ongoing fundraisers. A small portion of the fund goes towards the admin costs of running this website (domain, server, etc) and logistics costs for events.

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