Inmates assessed on mobility, housing needs upon admission

Hin Leong founder Lim Oon Kuin, 82, will be assessed by a medical officer in prison if he fails in his appeal against his conviction over three charges of cheating and forgery, and a jail sentence of 17 years and six months.

- Grace Leong

In response to queries from The Straits Times, the Singapore Prison Service (SPS) said that like all inmates, Lim, who is reliant on a wheelchair and has several medical conditions, will be assessed upon his admission by a prison medical officer on his housing requirements and mobility issues.

"The necessary follow-up appointments with public healthcare institutions will also be scheduled to ensure continuity of care during his incarceration," it added.

Lim, better known as O.K. Lim, was sentenced on Nov 18 in what prosecutors described as "one of the most serious cases of trade financing fraud that have ever been prosecuted in Singapore".

State Courts judge Toh Han Li gave a reduction of one year's imprisonment on account of Lim's old age after considering the long sentence to be imposed, but did not give further reduction on account of his medical conditions.

The judge said SPS' account of its housing facilities submitted to the court does consider and cater to Lim's medical conditions, and this meant that it has the capability to address his medical conditions to an acceptable standard, even if it may not be the best medical standard.