MSF investigating video of elderly woman hit by younger lady

The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) has said that it is "looking into" a video showing an elderly woman being hit by a younger lady at Blk 48 Delta Road.

"The elderly woman's safety is our priority," added the MSF in a Facebook post on Monday night (Jul 20).

Earlier on Monday, Facebook user "ApohTecky Numero" had posted a video on his own page that showed the elderly woman being hit. In his post, he said that he had witnessed "a lot of incidents", and that the elderly woman's face was "bruised every single time we see her."

In a later update, "ApohTecky Numero" added that police officers were seen going to that unit, and that the young lady who was filmed hitting the woman was taken into custody. The elderly woman was also taken to hospital with a bandaged head, he said.

The police confirmed that a report has been lodged and that investigations are ongoing. Channel NewsAsia understands that nobody has been arrested in relation to the case.

The police have not confirmed if anyone has been taken into custody in relation to this case. However, Dr Lily Neo, the Member of Parliament for the ward, posted on Facebook early on Tuesday morning: "I understand that the elderly woman has been taken to the hospital for a medical check-up while the accused is under police custody."

In a separate Facebook post, Minister for Social and Family Development Tan Chuan-Jin said the video had been brought to his attention. "Whatever the context and reasons, I can't see how this is justifiable. Hitting an old lady like this? We will follow up and make sure that the elderly lady is protected."

The Vulnerable Adults Act - meant to help protect vulnerable adults suffering from third-party abuse and neglect - will be introduced at the end of the year, he noted. "It will not solve all problems but it will be an important step forward to protect more of our citizens," said Mr Tan.