Volunteers rescue elderly Toa Payoh siblings from cluttered flat, uncover cash chewed by rats

SINGAPORE — A family of three elderly siblings living in a cluttered Toa Payoh flat for two decades has received long-overdue help from volunteers, who uncovered piles of hidden cash—some chewed by rats—while cleaning their home.

The clean-up was organised by local volunteer group Helping Joy Ltd, which shared the story on Facebook earlier this month.

Living in clutter for 20 years

The eldest sibling, identified only as Tan, is in his late 80s and suffers from multiple chronic illnesses. His sister, in her late 70s, serves as his primary caregiver and collects cardboard for a living despite her age. Their youngest brother, in his early 70s, also resides in the same flat.

The siblings have reportedly lived in the unit for about 20 years, during which clutter and deteriorating conditions accumulated.

Volunteers discover hidden cash

On 7 September, 35 volunteers from Helping Joy arrived at the flat to declutter and clean it. Around 10 volunteers worked inside the unit, removing old furniture, mattresses, and plastic bags filled with items. Others formed a human chain along the staircase to pass garbage bags down for disposal, while carts were used to transport waste.

Cleaning supplies were placed at the ground floor, and a small team of volunteers carefully sorted through the items to salvage anything usable. The remaining rubbish was disposed of through the chute.

During the operation, volunteers made a surprising discovery—large amounts of cash in denominations ranging from S$2 to S$1,000. Some were still tucked inside red packets, but many were damaged after being gnawed by rats.

Volunteer Wen Ai Ling, 47, told Shin Min Daily News that intact notes might be redeemable at banks if the serial numbers were visible.

“However, if the parts of the banknotes containing the serial numbers were chewed off, it would be difficult to exchange them,” she explained.

The volunteers separated undamaged notes from those beyond recovery. The damaged bills filled a large jar, a striking reminder of how the siblings had unknowingly lost their savings to pests.

Wen added that she had encountered similar situations before, noting that elderly residents who hoard often hide cash in corners or jars, later forgetting about them.

Rats and cockroaches cleared

The clean-up revealed a serious pest problem. Volunteers found six rats—two of them about 20 centimetres long—and numerous cockroaches throughout the unit.

After removing the clutter, the team sprayed insecticide, repainted the flat, and helped reorganise salvageable furniture.

To support the siblings further, Helping Joy announced that they would receive S$5,000 worth of new furniture to replace items that were no longer usable.

Generous response from the public

News of the siblings’ living conditions sparked an outpouring of compassion from the public. Many Singaporeans expressed interest in sponsoring or donating to help the family.

Among them was Dr Tahir, 73, the Indonesian billionaire and founder of the Mayapada Group, who pledged S$500 per month for two years to support the siblings.

Upon learning about their situation, Dr Tahir—known for his philanthropy across Southeast Asia—decided to contribute immediately. A graduate of Nanyang Technological University, he has long been recognised for his charitable work benefiting underprivileged communities.

Ongoing fundraising and support

Helping Joy Ltd has since launched an online fundraising campaign, inviting members of the public to contribute funds or sponsor essential household items.

The organisation, which frequently assists elderly residents, low-income families, and individuals living alone, said that the siblings’ case highlights the challenges many vulnerable seniors face when coping with health and financial struggles.

Through community support, the siblings’ living environment has been transformed, offering them renewed safety, comfort, and dignity.

“Every bit of help makes a difference,” the group said in its post. “Together, we can bring hope and light to those who need it most.”