A painting worker found skeletal remains while working on the exterior of an HDB block at Sims Place on March 28, 2025.
The deceased was identified as a 71-year-old man who had been living alone in the unit.
The discovery occurred around 2:10 PM on Friday at a 10th-floor unit of Block 63 at Sims Place, according to Shin Min Daily News.
Police arrived at the scene and cordoned off the area, with several officers conducting investigations inside the unit.
The flat had two suitcases and a television set placed outside its door. The living room and bedroom were filled with clutter, visible through uncovered windows.
A notice on the ground-floor bulletin board indicated that renovation works had started on March 10 and were scheduled to finish on May 10, 2025.
Painters working on scaffolding outside the block made the discovery while working on the exterior walls.
A 27-year-old painter named Mahfuj told reporters he noticed a strange smell while painting nearby and immediately notified his supervisor before calling the police.
Another painting worker, who requested anonymity, reported seeing skeletal remains on the bedroom bed with clothes nearby.
Neighbors said the deceased had lived alone for many years with minimal social interaction.
A 73-year-old retiree living nearby, identified as Jamal, stated that the man kept his door locked during daylight hours and only emerged at night. He added that no relatives were seen visiting during the six or seven years he had lived in the area.
Ms. Chen, a 90-year-old next-door neighbor, expressed that she had been concerned about the man’s absence but hadn’t detected any unusual smells from the unit.
Police confirmed receiving a report of an unnatural death and stated that the 71-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Based on preliminary investigations, police do not suspect any criminal activity.
The case remains under investigation.
