S’pore news website replaces article with apology

SINGAPORE: We’re Sorry! wrote the publisher of theindependent.sg or TISG.

“We unreservedly apologise to the parties concerned for the anguish and distress this incident has caused,” a notice was seen posted on its website with more than 100,000 views.

The notice was to replace the original article titled “25-year-old Singaporean dies after Malaysian hospital demanded cash payment before treatment” published on Aug 31.

In its article, TISG said the ambulance took 30 minutes to arrive at the accident scene along Jalan Dato Abdullah Tahir, in Taman Abad, where 25-year-old Justinian Tan and a friend were hit by a car on Aug 25. It also reported that the hospital demanded payment before treating Tan.

It is believed to be the response from TISG to the Malaysian Health Ministry’s reaction to the article.

The ministry said it would submit an official letter to the Singapore government on its dissatisfaction over the republic’s online news portal which published a baseless report on the country’s healthcare services and medical personnel.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said on Saturday that the letter would be submitted in the near future after discussing with the ministry’s legal team and the Foreign Ministry.

“The letter will state our feelings and views on what was done by the portal. After that, it is up to the Singapore government to take the necessary action,” he said.

On its website, TISG claimed it boasts more than a million readers a month and it was expanding its footprint into Asia and Australia.

It said it brings independent perspective on news and current affairs in Singapore. It started on Aug 9, 2013. — Bernama