Singapore’s Jumbo Seafood founder charged in car crash that killed passenger

SINGAPORE, July 10 – Ng Siak Hai, an 87-year-old founding shareholder of Singaporean seafood restaurant chain Jumbo, appeared in court on Wednesday charged in connection with a car crash that left his passenger dead and another seriously injured.

Ng is charged twice with careless driving, resulting in death and serious injury, reported Channel News Asia Today.

Ng, a well-known figure in the local restaurant industry, founded Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh and remained its public figurehead even after his retirement in 2010.

The charges stem from an accident that occurred on the evening of 1 November 2022 on Nassim Road towards Tanglin Road.

Ng, who was driving, allegedly lost control of his vehicle, causing it to veer to the left and hit a tree before overturning, CNA.

The accident killed 72-year-old Ng Thit Hung, who was sitting in the front passenger seat, while another passenger, 75-year-old Tan Teck Soon, suffered serious injuries.

Ng appeared in court on Wednesday with his lawyer Choo Si Sen.

He was granted bail of S$15,000 (RM52,300) and stated that he would plead guilty.

The court has set a date for his plea in August, said CNA.

If convicted of vehicular manslaughter by careless driving, Ng faces up to three years in prison, a fine of up to S$10,000, or both.

Causing grievous bodily harm under similar circumstances is punishable by up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to S$5,000, or both.

In addition, he could face a driving ban.