A 30-year-old Certis auxiliary police officer has been in a vegetative state since March 24, 2023, when a drunk driver crashed into him at Tuas Checkpoint.
The officer, Mr. Ng Yi Shu, was preparing to collect keys to his Build-To-Order flat and had marriage plans before the incident occurred.
On March 17, 2025, 44-year-old Yoong Kok Kai received a three-year and six-month jail sentence for causing grievous hurt by dangerous driving and driving under the influence. His driving privileges will be revoked for 10 years after release.
Yoong drank for over seven hours before the accident. He started around 5 pm on March 23, 2023, consuming 1½ pints of beer at a Fraser Street restaurant. He later drove to South Bridge Road, where he drank one-third of a 500ml whiskey bottle. At approximately 10 pm, Yoong went to a nearby KTV lounge and shared a 3-liter beer tower with a waitress.
After drinking, Yoong intended to drive to his Yishun home but ended up at Tuas Checkpoint. He was recorded speeding at 134kmh on the AYE around 12:30 am. Later, he drove at 119kmh through the Tuas Checkpoint car departure lane viaduct, exceeding the 50kmh speed limit.
Mr. Ng, who was on duty, ran behind a safety bollard and gantry when he spotted the speeding vehicle. Yoong lost control at a bend, hit a divider, mounted a kerb and struck Mr. Ng. The collision uprooted a safety bollard, gantry, barrier, and traffic light, causing more than $37,000 in damage.
Tests revealed Yoong had 153mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, nearly double the legal 80mg limit. He drove approximately 27km while intoxicated.
Mr. Ng suffered a severe traumatic brain injury and extensive facial fractures. The impact threw him into the air, and he landed on his face.
According to his brother, Alex Ng, 32, the officer cannot speak or walk and remains bedbound. He requires tube feeding and does not respond to his name.
Mr. Ng underwent at least 12 operations over three months. He needed a ventilator to breathe. Doctors have told the family he will likely remain in a vegetative state permanently.
Alex Ng stated that the driver never contacted their family with an apology.
The accident prevented Mr. Ng from collecting his BTO flat keys in Boon Lay and marrying his girlfriend of more than five years. The girlfriend continued visiting Mr. Ng for a year after the accident.
Medical bills have exceeded $455,000, with over $10,500 paid out-of-pocket. Mr. Ng now lives at NTUC Health Nursing Home (Jurong Spring) but was recently hospitalized at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital due to an unstable heart rate.
The brothers’ 64-year-old father quit his job as a freelance driver to become Mr. Ng’s primary caregiver. He visits daily from 7 am to 8 pm to stretch and massage his son’s legs, clean and shave his face, and talk to him.
A Certis spokesperson said the company has supported Mr. Ng and his family since the incident. This includes keeping Mr. Ng employed and covering most medical bills. Court documents show Certis has paid over $400,000 for medical and nursing home expenses.
During sentencing, District Judge Kok Shu-En called the incident “a needlessly senseless and tragic accident” that caused grave harm to a young man. The judge noted that Mr. Ng’s family will face the consequences of Yoong’s actions forever.
Yoong, who has made no restitution for damages, received his sentence on March 17.
