We refer to the article “CPF graffiti culprit jailed 4 weeks” (Straits Times, Jun 24).

Homeless since 2003?

It states that “he had been picking up cans as a rag-and-bone man … he had no home to go to since his release from prison in 2003 for causing grievous hurt.

He could look for counsellors and family service centres?

But DPP Lai said Loh could look for counsellors when he was in prison, and if he had problems in his daily life, he could approach family service centres when he was released from prison.”

So many questions?

This case may have highlighted or raised the following questions:-

Why is a 71 year old Singaporean homeless since 2003?

How did the authorities or NGOs helping ex-offenders assist him over the last 9 years or so?

Was he provided counselling during or after his prison term?

How did any family service centre help him?

As we understand that “picking up cans” may only earn about $10 plus a day – Is he or has he ever received any financial assistance under ComCare?

How many “Mr Lohs”?

How many elderly Singaporeans are there like Mr Loh – picking up cans or used cardboards, selling tissues, etc (we see them everyday almost everywhere in Singapore)?

What this case may have underscored may not so much be “CPF”, but rather the plight of the elderly poor struggling on the streets of Singapore.

This brings to mind the lyrics of the classic folk sing, “Streets of London”.

S Y Lee and Leong Sze Hian