Surviving In The Wild For 33 Years To Support My Family

For 33 years, Mr Oh Go Seng hid his whereabouts from his family.
Sleeping in a makeshift tent in a forest in Singapore, he grew vegetables and worked odd jobs to support his wife and daughter overseas.
In this video, Mr Oh shows us around his former home, and shares the story of how he survived.
Disclaimer:
Mr Oh has since relocated into government housing, and holds a full-time job.
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[@bingus9963]

it broke my heart when he said he'd kept the truth from his family :'( he's really giving his all to provide for the family, and he doesn't want to worry them.... but good to know that he's doing well and enjoys it :)

[@Itsmaytoclopramide]

I applaud the producer A+ effort for trying to use dialectic to converse

[@Emsyaz]

What dialect is this?

[@LunaSpades]

When she mentioned the authorities came to confiscate his vegetables.. gosh I can only imagine how devastating that must've been :(

[@YourHeartIsTheKey]

What’s the reason for confiscation?

[@maxayam8268]

@@YourHeartIsTheKey I'm guessing because they're planted in public land?

[@traderknightzbitcoinuniver8168]

That’s the world we are heading to globally with the whole ESG, alt food, global warming narrative

[@But2Star]

@@YourHeartIsTheKey Because they are looking for suckers ... to get free vegetables.

[@Aetolus]

@@maxayam8268 Myriad of reasons including that: 1. To sell vegetables in Singapore, you must obtain a licence from SFA, in accordance with the Control of Plants Act. 2. To start a vegetable farm, you must secure a premise for your farm, submit a farm plan detailing everything from farm size, crop, employment plans, etc. Then you must apply and obtain a farm license before you can begin. There's also hygiene regulations, several other licenses(peddler's license, nea license, etc) and permission he need to obtain. So government essentially forgo all possible punishment and fines he would have received for peddling vegetables illegally and applied discretion to help him instead.

[@farrhanng]

Props to the team and producer for being able to remain upbeat while filming this uncomfortable episode. It's sad to hear that the uncle was side lined in the past by our government, intentionally or not.

[@xxs0ulxx1]

government got cameras everywhere can tell when someone needs help and helps them magically

[@johnwig285]

This has nothing to do with side lining when he could've easily gotten $2000+ worth of help monthly along with 1738283 social welfare benefits if you're from a low income family like me. This is abt modernisation. Not everyone wants to sleep in a modern HDB or even at a homeless shelter for free.

[@cdropbox]

@@xxs0ulxx1 exactly

[@rexnfield]

@@xxs0ulxx1 is that sarcasm tho.

[@EasternKalogeros]

Also side lined by you in the past... Not sure intentionally or not.....uncle not like ppl like you..... He got the fighting spirit...

[@csy897]

This video made me cry. But I can see why the government was able to find him a job so fast. He is such a hardworking man. No doubt because of his resilience and breathing in good air for 30 years that he could live above the life expectancy for men in Singapore. Half embarrassed at myself and half feeling like I just wanna give him a hug.

[@officialcoronavirus3237]

This video made my day. Very heartwarming to see him send money to his daughter when he himself is not in a stable condition. And the fact he is hiding his worries from his daughter...oh man nowadays super hard to find people like him . We must be very thankful 🙏 for our lives and parents. I am blessed 🙌.

[@lioradawn]

It's heartening to know that he's moved into government housing, but it's also nice that uncle misses the forest Hope he's doing better and better!

[@nickryan6787]

It's heartwarming he misses the forest, cuz even tho living conditions isn't that well but he still misses it. Kinda shows how humble he is

[@eugene4261]

Admirable spirit from uncle. Hope he gets to be reunited with his family soon

[@NishanthSalahudeen]

I saw glimpses of slavery for a moment when he said that he would be fired if he left...! Sad, yet meaningful life from his perspective i think. Its very painful to watch though he sounds upbeat.

[@helmi6430]

This uncle survival skills is crazy . Great docu, kudos 🎉

[@kimhweechua5195]

I saw the place where the uncle lived while searching for a timid shelter dog that ran away (the dog found its way back). Didn't that know the sad story behind the make shift tent. Wish him peace and happiness.

[@winterwee75]

From that you people will know that happiness comes from a simple yet happy life.Although many rich people out here but I don't think they live happily as this uncle.Hope your daughter will cherish for what u had done for her.May god always be with you Sir.Godspeed.

[@vanqz5692]

imagine snitching on some old man selling vegetables

[@Emsyaz]

Thats how stinky some Sinkaporeans heart is...

[@candypeace88]

I’m glad he is living in a proper place now 😢 May this uncle be blessed with good health and happiness 🙏🏼

[@jennieloh6312]

He’s a peaceful man.

[@seyedabuthahirmohamedibrah2452]

my full respect for this uncle...eventhough he is living bare minimum...he never complain

[@aliogoi3187]

Huge respect. Sad he has to vacate. What a beautiful place.

[@Jenniferbluefire]

Rare to live so close to nature and fresh air daily with organic veges. It doesn't means a premium high tech condominium is good for us with lots of radiation and artificial light and air

[@bornfree3531]

Happiness is a choice...way to go Uncle....have faith within yourself.....being alone have more privileges.....

[@MS113MS]

I admire this uncle. He has got great strength to carry on with life, as well as being very wise to face all the difficulties in life.

[@YNWA46]

So sad and same time so proud of this uncle......god bless him

[@zizou500]

This uncle is a legend amongst those living in CCK North and Teck Whye

[@roubini74]

obviously his wife and daughter are treating him like a ATM not a husband and father. god bless you sir. 33 years in the forest....there is a reason why he can survive that long....he is a good hearted man.

[@farrhanng]

real talk.

[@urbansaints]

Its a role of a husband or father to provide for the family. Also his family didn't know. I believe his family won't want him live like this if they knew.

[@champ8605]

@@urbansaints rather archaic thinking but if it works for you buddy.

[@kennyzeng21]

well, the thing is he can choose to stop giving them money any time. But he continue to do so.

[@Emsyaz]

@@champ8605 how the hell is that archaic? If the husband and father does not provide for family, who will? And whats the purpose of marriage?

[@abdulrajaf6]

Wow...Fathers Love...Sacrifice a LOT for his FAMILY...81yrs old Alone in S'pore Forest....(He NEEDS to have an EASY n Comfortable life....LIFE is SHORT...)...Honestly he is Very Patient n Dedicated Father..(I'm 60..now...and very Contented with ROOF over my HEAD..)..

[@noriking1467]

respect to this uncle !

[@DaveDave616]

The fact that his family found out that he live in a forest through a newspaper makes my heart ache. Hate to admit, but teared immediately. Glad to hear he got a roof over his head. And I wished nothing but the best for him.

[@kennytan5055]

very saddening to know that he is being forgotten by the society and lives alone in the forest for 33 years. Furthermore, his family doesnt know about his situation. like he is trying to hard to carry the entire family at the expense of himself.

[@poolfans]

Because he chose to. Nobody know he was staying in the forest until he was found. Then he was moved to a 1 unit flat.

[@shamsham1983]

The SAF unit did found him back in 2008 while searching for “Mas Selamat”. But it was non of their business. There were a few other people especially foreigners living in the wild.

[@sharifahlailatul1155]

The great sacrifice that a father and husband made for the love of his family….. he is a very good man

[@fenris8477]

He is not the only one out there. I happen to know one other. Who still stays in the woods til this day. Over 30 years as well

[@alanchongalan2899]

This is FATHERLY LOVE ❤️😘🎉I'm a father myself and understand entirely, how he feel ! He has no regrets,as long as his family is living well .Do him it is happiness to see his family living comfortably .He is Selfless Father and a real HERO to the family🎉😊 ! 🙏👌👍⚡👏

[@But2Star]

Gotto admire this old man, he survives on his own without any assistance and he bothers no one.🙏

[@cliftonaurelius3060]

He's so cute, bless his heart

[@Snoopyy888]

It's a reminder that we are so blessed already with what we have. So be grateful always.

[@tilelate9718]

No media coverage? Government tells you go live with your brother. When there's media coverage and the masses who can vote wonder why an elderly man has to live this way? Magically they can provide one room flat for him. Hormat PAP.

[@EasternKalogeros]

@tile late did you offer to help or just talk and blaming the government??

[@sjv9147s]

Nothing exceptional. Any decent govt would've done something for this man under his rather extreme living conditions, no? Yet, a simple thanks would have been in order.

[@simpernchong]

Respect to this Uncle.

[@ONEWSARANGHAEYO]

❤️ Uncle really has a warm heart and persevering spirit 🤍

[@bensonnlp]

Wow 81 still can drive, Super strong

[@celestialstar124]

I feel so sad to hear his story. He reminds me a road sweeper at my estate who sleep at rubbish chute area after he finished his daily work just to send most of his money to batam too. He have chronic medical condition and requires daily medication. We manage to help him apply for medical assistance but he only has medical assistants for waiver of his consultation fee and medicine. From my understanding our government actually have a place for those who have no home to stay. I think is call 流浪之家. But it only allows local to stay. Old folks who came to Singapore before we separated with Malaysia and these old folks who didn't apply for Singapore citizenship because back then Malaysia is more powerful than Singapore will not be provided with such assistance. They will be send back to Malaysia as if they are illegal immigrant.

[@celestialstar124]

@Tranquil Water did anyone say it is our problem? I feel sad because I have empathy and actually have interaction with people who are in their 80s and got sent back to Malaysia because they didn't apply for Singapore citizenship in the 1960s. Now they are old already so even when they try to apply they got rejected. These old folks spend 40+ years in Singapore and lost all contacts with any of their Malaysian relatives but was depot back to Malaysia because they were considered as illegal immigrant. From my understanding, back in the 1960s, people don't even require passports to enter Singapore from Malaysia. These old folks works in Singapore all these years until covid need vaccine and vaccine passports then they realise they are labelled as illegal immigrants because they uneducated so didn't go do the procedure to get Singapore citizenship in the 1965s. They cry and beg the social workers that they do not know anyone in Malaysia and their relatives already pass away and no contact for more than 40 years. As social workers can only try their best to apply Malaysia social services for them.

[@HumdrumSingaporeanREACTS]

Glad to be the 20.9k subscriber to this channel~

[@HumdrumSingaporeanREACTS]

Grateful that this channel = really positive and educational

[@pokmerb444]

Construction worker's must pamper this ye ye. Tq very much. He likes you'll ye ye fetching you'll to work and home hostel home 🏠💕 actually this ye ye is very capable in living. We should learning a lot from him.

[@enghowcheo8539]

I really salute tis uncle..my heart just literally goes out to him when i saw tis vid. Uncle, i hope u r happier now, same goes for ur family. I hope they will cherish, appreciate and love u even more. Thk you to the Production Team for this heart warming video. Even though its a short clip, it will stay long in our heart.

[@Xcstvsy]

Broke my heart but huge respect for this uncle, hope he is doing better nowdays ! I think i saw him couple of times when i was still living in that area but didn't know that was how his living condition was . :(

[@Arkasaurs]

I did not cry. Nope not a single tear.

[@chrislim7615]

Omg wht a brave uncle;)*!!!!!

[@pkchow2580]

What a man! Respect!

[@MelMarie2111]

Love this so much...thank you for sharing his story!

[@Topolist]

Wa this uncle damn ghetto, MAD respect. Cannot take our privileges in life for granted

[@ultralight5550]

He look very healthy for his age, many ppl at his age have so many problems

[@cecacecaratssteal1395]

Singaporean pioneer who are fearless and strong willed. They built the country

[@paulboh1417]

His a real man for taking on this hardship alone.

[@MichaelTeoh]

I hope God and the Universe will continue to Bless this kind Uncle

[@williamgoh6573]

Miracle! ❤

[@franciswoon2130]

Actually it is healthier to live in a forest and can also live for free.

[@jjia8302]

Glad he managed to relocate!! Even tho he is at peace there, still isn't that safe and comfortable...

[@btsarmy9877]

Ok first my heart was broken looking at how he live after seeing that the government is helping him i feel a small sense of happiness and relieved

[@alnalim3989]

Wish kind uncle all the best, good health peace n happy. May he reunited with his wife n daughter some day.

[@belunu4980]

Heartbreaking. Shouldn't the government give some monetary help to cover his food? He says he doesn't eat or spend much...sigh...

[@noproblematallmate]

They gave him a flat ffs

[@Jolin_Toh]

Is there anyway we can help the uncle?

[@kittyxkat]

was looking through the comments for this. would like to help out Uncle if theres a mode for it

[@pangpingw]

81yo with a 19yo dg, means he became father at 62yo. Interesting man for this age. Very Renaissance and naturally healthy

[@isabellek1171]

Makes me question how this society has capitlised living necessities like housing, forcing people to live below their means like this Uncle. Although it sounds utilitarian, I hope our society can move from capitalistic greed to a person centred compassionate society.

[@johnwig285]

Capitalism doesn't equate to greed. Greed exist no matter what model u adopt. I don't think getting rid of capitalism like what the Soviets or Old Socialist England did magically makes them less greedy. Capitalism etc are just tools.

[@Gehslol]

@@johnwig285 i think you are mistaken. The og comment is talking about the capitalisation of our housing. 80% of us are housed in public housing, but it is not ideal that our public housing is currently NOT the most affordable due to some degree of speculative purchases. Yet it is great that our government can afford to house our lesser privileged in rental/one-room flats at highly subsidised rates. If this is what it takes to buoy the bottom percentile, I think it's okay to pay more when I can afford it.

[@dreamzenn]

Great video! Very important to reach out to the less privilege ones in Singapore and to allow assistance to get to them.

[@JohnathanChuaa]

My fav one this year. 🥹

[@stanleywong7851]

I need to know how does uncle survive the commando mosquitoes in the forests

[@jellyfish-7]

I don't get it. How does living in a forest help support family? Daughter is 19 and he lived in forest for 33 years.

[@knightsljx]

He had a job and he sold vegetables

[@chengong748]

Actually there's many people like him around the world is just that we don't know how lucky we are. 😢

[@user-er2ft4fp5y]

this is a very interesting video I found it on my for you page on the mrt but I feel like if I continue watching I might get emotional and tear so imma come back to watch it again🔥

[@muhammadaliffahmad1648]

Long live uncle. God bless u.

[@YourHeartIsTheKey]

Living in the forest better than 1 room government flat, confirmed.

[@vister6757]

He's a healthy 81 man!

[@alanchongalan2899]

When he look up the sky , I can sense how much he misses his family, especially his daughter 😭😢

[@alui5362]

nicely done mosg team. btw love charmaine's socks, lolol

[@knightsljx]

I agree with the uncle that moving into the flat was not necessarily an upgrade. now he has to pay rent and utilities and lost his means of production

[@j3f00at]

God bless him in good health.🙏🙏

[@cmymotion]

Looks healthy!

[@xxy5757]

Very interesting!!

[@AY-A70]

I ever bought vegetables from him at CCK, near the market area.

[@SubZero-qi9hk]

You can Survived the Wilderness,you can Survive anywhere.

[@akhbarkhanmohamad6705]

Let the man live his life with nature where he is peaceful.As long as he is not bothering anybody.The govt. only wants to collect rents .

[@orangeloaf]

sigh.. no word but sad to see old uncle working for family until very old.. nothing much for himself.. may god protect you..

[@uncledan2u]

Why go disturb him and make him live in a concrete jungle. He was doing alright out there with nature and he's earning his keep very much honestly.

[@darkdino5]

gotta respect his hustle, I enjoyed the video

[@acevictory3587]

What an episode

[@RayMak]

It's a much better environment than the city.

[@edits_yikes7225]

I see you everywhere🥲

[@suziek888]

Oh look who's here

[@BossNeechie2023]

Keep up the content and watch your channel flourish! God bless you all!

[@Rainoodude]

wait im sorry hes 81 but his daughter is 19? uncle power ah wtf

[@Emsyaz]

Whats wrong? Some people have children at old age

[@tinyaff6202]

uncle 健康，开心就好啦

[@tommyGeylang1637]

That lady very good in introducing. And pretty .

[@constancefreak5204]

Prefers to be in a bad environment after realising the pros... Much respect.

[@johnwig285]

Ppl often jump to conclusion that it is a "money" issue. Money is tip of the iceberg. The reality is that this uncle prefers rural lifestyle like back in his kampung days. Ppl don't understand his joy of living the forest compared to HDB or even homeless centers provided by MSF. If it is abt money, he could've easily been a free rider and claimed $2000+ via the multiple social welfare packages monthly.

[@qistinanur2864]

That’s quite a ignorant take on his situation. You’re basically saying, “oh no money ah? go get help from gahmen ah.” But not acknowledging the steps to get there, how certain mental, physical, and familial states prevent them from meeting the criteria to get a subsidy, etc etc. Please do not downplay the severity of this uncle’s situation as preference. The government failed him when he needed them the most.

[@anthonylin708]

the true meaning of contentment

[@MDroid-bn6eb]

Should do an episode on the report speaking hokkien. Nowadays not many youngsters speak the dialect. Xim tia nong zong buay hiao gong.

[@TheSunMoon]

In this age of rapid evolution, I can empathize with this uncle. I too feel like out of place, and would like to do homestead, off the grid type of living. But as you know, SG is a concrete jungle and not much land.. Feel stuck in this sterile factory of a country.

[@jinzhipei7583]

Heart breaking to see my fellow Singaporean not having a proper place to live for such a long time before help came

[@cnachopchopnewsagency]

People should atop taking photos of others to viral. That uncle clearly does not want to be found by the authorities.

[@sebastianniqvist3144]

the side of singapore that as a western foreigner u dont see. But I think 100 years ago people lived in the forest and in simple huts.

[@frilink]

I'm more surprise that he can live like this Sinagpore

[@franciswoon2130]

Singapore tarzan.interesting guy.

[@chualiling5496]

Any way to reach out to him? Like to send some food for the festive

[@bingus9963]

cream of the crop content 👏👏 i like

[@ac-kj9lb]

This man is a hero's hero. No one would go through this like him. He sacrificed his lifestyle for his children because he truly loves them. This is pure 100 % love. This man is a living example of how one struggles to live with a low income job to care for his family. Hopefully, a fund can be set up for him to help him with food, medical aid and living expenses, especially when he retires or becomes too weak to continue working. It is great that the caring Singapore government gave him a flat to live in. The Singapore government is a good government that cares for its citizen. Very rare does a government gives a flat to someone to live in this world.

[@benz9597]

He had been neglected for years by the government and it was only when his situation was brought up a few times already, he was then subsequently accorded housing Many governments in the world including Africa and South America such as Congo, Peru and Venezuela do offer free or cheap housing plots to those who live below the poverty line

[@MaltsTime]

🙏🏼😢