Source: 8world News
The story of a 70-year-old Malaysian father, Cheong Kah Pin, who spent more than a decade travelling to Singapore twice a month to visit his imprisoned son, has touched many hearts online.
Cheong rides his motorcycle to Singapore twice a month
Despite his age, Cheong continues to ride his motorcycle to Singapore twice a month to see his son. He said he leaves home at around 2am, taking about an hour to make the 50km journey. He then waits at a nearby petrol station until the prison opens at 8am, just to see his son for a short but precious 15 minutes.
He leaves Johor Bahru at such an odd hour as it is less congested and safer for him in his old age.
“I leave home at 2am and ride my motorcycle slowly, reaching the petrol station opposite the prison about an hour later. I wait there until 8am, when visits are allowed.
“I don’t mind waiting outside for hours, I’m happy to see him. I have fallen off my motorcycle a few times on the way to the prison, but it’s okay, I just get back up.
“My son has told me not to visit him anymore, but I told him it’s alright,” he said in a video shared by 8world News.
Source: 8world News
Son tricked into becoming a drug mule
Source: 8world News
43-year-old Cheong Chun Yin, has been incarcerated in Singapore since 2008. Chun Yin was arrested at Changi International Airport at the age of 24 for smuggling heroin into Singapore.
According to Cheong, his son had been asked by his friend’s boss to bring what he was told were gold bars into Singapore. Trusting by nature, Chun Yin did not question the request or inspect the items. His father tearfully described him as someone who “would trust you even more if you treated him well”.
Chun Yin was promised RM8,000 for the delivery. The package, however, was later found to contain drugs hidden inside.
Death sentence reduced to life imprisonment
Chun Yin was initially sentenced to death, but the conviction was later commuted to life imprisonment along with 15 strokes of the cane in 2013. This change came about as Chun Yin provided substantial assistance to the Central Narcotics Bureau in helping to disrupt drug-trafficking activities outside of Singapore.
In an effort to defend his son, Cheong sold three houses to pay for legal fees. Today, he lives in a rented home in Johor Jaya, Johor Bahru, paying RM700 a month.
Familiar faces and changing surroundings
Over the years, Cheong said he has watched the surroundings around the prison change, noting how trees have grown taller and nearby buildings have been demolished to make way for new developments.
He has also grown familiar with staff at the petrol station, who occasionally buy him tea while he waits. “That is my ‘kawan’ (friend),” he said.
Viral story sparks outpouring of support
After Cheong’s story garnered more than 1.5 million views on 8world News’ Facebook page, netizens flooded the comments with messages of support and offers to help.
In a separate three-minute video, Cheong was seen breaking down in tears as he read comments from viewers. Reporters also played voice messages from members of the public who offered to arrange transport for his visits to Singapore.
Turning down Help, grateful for kindness
Despite the overwhelming support, Cheong declined all offers of assistance, saying he did not want to burden anyone. Even when told to take care of his health and allow others to help him until his son’s possible release, he remained firm in his decision.
“I don’t want to trouble you all. Seeing you all care for me has made me very happy,” he said, adding, “I don’t want anybody’s money.”
Hope for possible release in 2028
Under Singapore law, prisoners serving life sentences are reviewed after 20 years to determine whether they are suitable for release. Based on this, Chun Yin could potentially return home in 2028.
For those who still wish to support him, Cheong suggested visiting his vegetable stall at Pasar Awam Taman Johor Jaya, as reported by 8world News.
The stall operates during two periods daily: from 3am to 10am for the morning market, and from 5pm to 10pm for the evening market.
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