Food stall owner arrested after altercation with debt collectors at Simei flat

A 57-year-old food stall owner has been arrested for voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means after an altercation with debt collectors at his Simei Housing and Development Board (HDB) flat on 10 July 2025.

According to the police, officers received a call for assistance at around 2:25pm that day. Preliminary investigations indicated that a confrontation occurred between the debtor and three employees from SG Collectors, a licensed debt recovery agency.

The dispute arose when the collectors visited the man’s residence to recover an outstanding debt of S$12,412.20 owed to a supplier. The case was first reported by Lianhe Zaobao.

SG Collectors said its team had been trying to contact the debtor since September 2024, making regular visits to both his food stall and home between two and four times each month. Despite repeated attempts, they had been unable to meet him in person until the incident at the Simei flat.

Video footage of the encounter, recorded by one of the collectors, was uploaded by the agency on Facebook the same evening. The clip shows a tense verbal exchange through the metal gate of the flat, with both parties raising their voices.

In the video, one of the collectors can be heard repeatedly saying, “Do you dare hit [us]?” as the man stood behind the gate.

Matters escalated when one of the collectors kicked the gate. The debtor was then seen retrieving a wooden stick from inside his flat. He opened the gate, concealed the stick behind his back, and approached the collectors before spitting at one of them.

SG Collectors stated that their employees were leaving when the man reappeared wielding a golf club. In the subsequent footage, he can be seen holding the club while continuing to exchange vulgarities with the group.

An attempt by one of the collectors to disarm him caused the recording to shake violently before the video blacked out. Clanging and shouting continued in the background as the confrontation unfolded off-camera.

Lin, one of the collectors involved, told Zaobao that he was struck on the arm with the golf club and immediately stepped aside to contact the police. He later received stitches at a hospital following the incident. Another employee sustained minor injuries but did not require hospitalisation.

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) confirmed that two men, aged 36 and 39, suffered minor injuries but refused conveyance to the hospital. The police added that investigations into the case are ongoing.

SG Collectors later shared photographs of Lin’s medical bill and arm injury on its Facebook page, claiming they were posted to provide context for the assault allegations.

The agency said the debtor had previously used intimidation tactics and vulgar language during earlier contact attempts. “He often told our staff, ‘You don’t know who I am,’ and used harsh words,” the post alleged.

The company acknowledged that its employees also reacted verbally during the confrontation. “One of our collectors responded in the heat of the moment,” SG Collectors said, adding that it would review its internal training procedures to strengthen professionalism among its staff when dealing with aggressive debtors.

Despite the heated exchange, SG Collectors maintained that physical violence was never acceptable. “No level of verbal provocation justifies physical violence,” the agency wrote, noting that it would cooperate with the police investigation.

The incident has drawn public attention after the footage circulated online, prompting discussions about the limits of acceptable behaviour during debt recovery efforts and the responsibilities of both collectors and debtors.

Under Singapore law, voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means is an offence under Section 324 of the Penal Code. If convicted, the offender may face imprisonment of up to seven years, a fine, caning, or a combination of these penalties.

Legal observers note that while debt recovery agencies operate under licences issued by the Ministry of Law, they are required to adhere to strict professional and ethical standards. Licensed collectors must not use physical force, harassment, or threats when engaging debtors, and all field visits must be conducted responsibly.

Industry experts said confrontations like the Simei incident remain rare, as most debt recovery agencies follow prescribed conduct guidelines. However, disputes can escalate when either party acts emotionally, especially in high-stress situations involving large debts or prolonged payment delays.

The Ministry of Law’s Registry of Moneylenders and Debt Collectors maintains a code of conduct requiring agencies to report any physical altercations or police involvement within a specified timeframe.

SG Collectors stated that it has notified the relevant authorities of the incident and will assist with ongoing investigations. The agency said it hoped the case would serve as a reminder for collectors to remain calm even when provoked, and for debtors to settle disputes through lawful means.

As of 11 July 2025, the 57-year-old suspect remains under investigation for the alleged assault. The police have not disclosed whether formal charges will be filed.

The case highlights continuing tensions in the debt recovery industry, where licensed collectors must balance assertive recovery practices with public safety and legal compliance.