In a deeply troubling case that has shocked Singapore, 38-year-old Wong Shi Xiang and his partner, 29-year-old Foo Li Ping, have pleaded guilty to the prolonged abuse and subsequent death of Foo’s four-year-old daughter, Megan Khung. The abuse occurred over a 13-month period from February 2019 to March 2020 in a condominium unit at Suites@Guillemard in Paya Lebar.
Background of the Accused
Prior to the onset of the abuse, Wong had been arrested in November 2018 during a Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) raid at his Pine Close residence, where methamphetamine was discovered. He was subsequently released on bail. It was during this bail period that he began his relationship with Foo and moved into the Paya Lebar condominium.
Pattern of Abuse
The court proceedings revealed that both Wong and Foo subjected Megan to severe physical and emotional abuse. Punishments included starvation, beatings, and forcing her to sleep in a planter box outside the apartment. The abuse escalated over time, leading to Megan’s tragic death.
Circumstances of Death
On February 21, 2020, Wong delivered a fatal punch to Megan’s abdomen, causing her to collapse. Despite her evident distress and pain, neither Wong nor Foo sought medical assistance. Instead, they consumed drugs while Megan lay unresponsive. She succumbed to her injuries shortly after.
Attempted Cover-Up
In an effort to conceal their actions, Wong and Foo, with the assistance of their friend Nouvelle Chua Ruoshi, attempted to dispose of Megan’s body. They burned her remains in a metal barrel, leaving no recoverable traces. The crime remained undiscovered until Megan’s biological father filed a missing person’s report in July 2020, prompting an investigation that led to the arrest of Wong, Foo, and Chua.
Legal Proceedings
In February 2025, Wong pleaded guilty to charges including culpable homicide, disposal of a corpse, drug trafficking, and drug consumption. Foo admitted to allowing the death of a child, child abuse, and disposal of a corpse. The prosecution has recommended a sentence of 28 to 30 years’ imprisonment with 15 to 17 strokes of the cane for Wong, and 15 to 20 years’ imprisonment for Foo. Chua’s case is still pending before the courts.
Public Reaction and Child Protection Concerns
The case has sparked public outrage and raised serious questions about child protection measures and the monitoring of individuals on bail for serious offences. Authorities have emphasized the need for early intervention and strengthened support systems to prevent such tragedies in the future.
As the legal proceedings continue, the nation mourns the loss of young Megan and reflects on the measures necessary to safeguard vulnerable children from similar fates.
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