Tan Boon Hui and Poh Choon Kiat: Tragic Incident at Chin Swee Road — Two Men Face Murder Charges in Singapore Stabbing Case
In a shocking early-morning incident that has rattled residents of central Singapore, Tan Boon Hui (58) and Poh Choon Kiat (59) have been charged with murder following the death of a 56-year-old man at Block 51 Chin Swee Road. The fatal altercation, which occurred between 1am and 3am on November 8, 2025, reportedly began as a drunken dispute and ended in a deadly stabbing, reigniting public concern about the rise of knife-related violence in the city-state.
The Fatal Night at Chin Swee Road
What began as a seemingly minor disturbance soon spiraled into tragedy. Around 1am, witnesses spotted a middle-aged man—believed to be one of the accused—passed out drunk outside the victim’s 17th-floor unit. When the victim, affectionately known as “Abu”, tried to wake him, an argument broke out. A friend of the victim later joined the scene, and while the drunk man initially left, tensions remained high.
By 3am, neighbors reported hearing a heated commotion escalating into violent banging sounds. Moments later, police received a call about a disturbance. When officers arrived at 3:10am, they discovered the victim lying unconscious and bleeding in the corridor outside his home. Despite being rushed to Singapore General Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries shortly afterward.
Investigators later confirmed that four men were involved in the confrontation, which resulted in the victim being stabbed with a knife. Two knives were recovered from the scene as evidence.
The Accused: Tan Boon Hui and Poh Choon Kiat
Both Tan and Poh appeared in court on November 9 via video link, facing charges of murder with common intention, a capital offence in Singapore that carries the death penalty.
Tan, who resides on the 19th floor of the same block, appeared from a hospital bed at Changi General Hospital wearing a neck brace and complaining of a swollen leg. Poh, dressed in a red polo T-shirt, also faced separate drug-related offences referred to the Central Narcotics Bureau.
A third man, aged 36, believed to be a friend of the victim, was arrested for affray but not charged with murder. Authorities have set the next hearing for November 14 as investigations continue.
The Victim: “Abu,” a Well-Liked Painter and Father
The victim, known by neighbors as Abu, was a friendly and easygoing painter who had lived in the block for years. Described as sociable but non-confrontational, Abu often shared quiet drinks with friends at the void deck.
He was the youngest of 14 siblings and had three children from two marriages, with his second family currently living in Canada. His elder brother (66) and nephew (40) identified his body on November 9, hours after receiving the devastating news from his ex-wife.
Community Shock and Growing Knife Crime Concerns
Residents of Block 51 Chin Swee Road have expressed shock and sadness over the incident. Many recall waking to the sound of chaos and later seeing bloodstains in the corridor. One neighbor described a terrifying moment when she shared a lift with a blood-covered man shortly after the crime.
This tragedy comes amid a worrying increase in knife-related crimes across Singapore. Authorities report 75 knife offences in the first half of 2025, compared to 59 in the same period of 2024, with 131 total incidents last year.
Similar cases have recently gripped the nation, including the Yishun knife attack in September 2025, where a woman was killed in a domestic dispute. The Chin Swee Road case underscores the urgent need for public awareness, responsible alcohol use, and conflict de-escalation measures in residential areas.
Timeline of Events: Chin Swee Road Murder Case
| Time | Event Description |
|---|---|
| Around 1am (Nov 8) | A man, allegedly one of the accused, is seen drunk and unconscious outside the victim’s unit. The victim wakes him, triggering a verbal altercation. |
| Around 3am (Nov 8) | The dispute escalates into a fight involving four men. Neighbors hear loud knocking and shouting. A resident calls the police. |
| 3:10am (Nov 8) | Police arrive to find the victim bleeding and unconscious outside his flat. He is rushed to the hospital. |
| Around 5am (Nov 8) | A neighbor leaving for work notices blood on the corridor floor. |
| Morning (Nov 8) | Two knives are seized. The victim dies at the hospital. |
| Nov 9 | Victim’s family identifies the body. Tan and Poh are formally charged with murder in court. |
| Nov 14 | The next court hearing is scheduled. |
Broader Implications
As investigations continue, this case stands as a grim reminder of how quickly disputes can turn fatal, especially when alcohol and weapons are involved. While the motives remain unclear, early indications suggest the altercation was spontaneous, with no prior enmity between the victim and the accused.
The tragedy has sparked fresh discussion on urban safety, social drinking culture, and mental health awareness among residents of high-density housing estates. For official updates and safety initiatives, visit the Singapore Police Force website at police.gov.sg.