Malaysian man arrested after slashing spree at Singapore Life Church leaves 66-year-old woman bleeding

Key facts

• Incident occurred on May 3 at Singapore Life Church, 144 Prinsep Street.
• Police alerted at 9:10 am; suspect had left before officers arrived.
• A 66-year-old woman was slapped near the eye, bleeding, and taken conscious to hospital.
• Suspect is a 33-year-old Malaysian Chinese man.
• He is known to the church and had caused nuisance there on a few occasions.
• Arrested for public nuisance; investigations ongoing.
• Church services were not affected.

A brazen assault at Sunday service

A 33-year-old Malaysian Chinese man was arrested on May 3 after allegedly slapping several people at Singapore Life Church on Prinsep Street, leaving a 66-year-old woman bleeding near her eye. The attack occurred around 9:10 am, during a time when congregants were gathering for services. Police received a call for assistance but the man had already fled the premises before officers arrived.

Victim hospitalized, suspect known to church

The 66-year-old woman was conscious when taken to hospital after being slapped near the eye. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is known to the church and had caused a nuisance there on several occasions in the past. The police confirmed that church services were not disrupted by the incident.

Police arrest suspect for public nuisance

Officers later identified and arrested the 33-year-old Malaysian man on the same day. He was charged with public nuisance, and police investigations are ongoing. The motive for the slapping spree has not been disclosed, but authorities are examining his prior interactions with the church.

A pattern of prior disturbances

The suspect had previously caused nuisance at Singapore Life Church a few times, according to police. This history suggests a recurring issue that may have escalated. The church, located at 144 Prinsep Street in the Rochor area, is part of a network of evangelical congregations in Singapore.

Community reaction and security concerns

The incident has raised concerns among churchgoers about safety during worship. While services continued as normal, the attack has prompted discussions about security measures at places of worship. The police have not indicated any broader threat to the public.

Next steps in the investigation

Police are continuing their investigations, with the suspect in custody. Further details about the charges and potential court proceedings are expected to emerge. The case highlights the challenges of maintaining security in open religious settings.

The bottom line

• A 33-year-old Malaysian man was arrested for slapping several people at Singapore Life Church on May 3.
• A 66-year-old woman was injured and hospitalized after being slapped near the eye.
• The suspect is known to the church and had caused nuisance there multiple times before.
• Police responded to a 9:10 am call but the suspect had already left; he was later arrested.
• Church services were not affected by the incident.
• The suspect faces a public nuisance charge; investigations are ongoing.