Meet Pang Jee Ting: 82‑Year‑Old Street Prince of Purvis Alley
When the headlines hit the airwaves about a critical crash on Victoria Street (June 17), the focus turned to an 82‑year‑old who has been turning the back alley of Purvis Street into his own living room for over a decade. Pang Jee Ting—yes, you read that right—spends his days in a DIY tent, letting a black cat keep him company. And if that isn’t enough drama, there’s a whole life story wrapped around it all.
Why He’s Not Taking a Ride Home
- Home? He’s at a tent. The makeshift shelter consists of wooden boards, canvas, and a few cardboard bits used as a bed.
- Flat? He once lived in Toa Payoh. A falling out with his roommate left him on the streets.
- Food? Nothing fancy. He renames the cardboard for a living but stopped when it made no money.
- Wardrobe? Simple style. He flips between two outfits, usually rinsing off in a shower before hanging the wet clothes to dry.
- Help? Nope, he’s a self‑proclaimed “proud” Diner. Social workers coming to his aid are politely declined.
His Daily Rituals
- Busting bugs. He burns paper outside the shop each night, hoping to chase away mosquitoes.
- Bike rides. A security guard says he sometimes rides his bicycle through the area, collecting cigarette butts for a quick smoke.
- Cat Companion. The black cat has been “sitting pretty” inside the tent for years, still waiting for Pang’s return.
Community Vibes
Because both Pang and his neighbor Lin are Hainanese, Lin often drops meals on the doorstep—just to make sure the old man—who’s defended his independence—gets something to eat. Passers‑by sometimes bring him food too, but the man stubbornly refuses most offers.
Can You Help?
If you have any info about Pang or his family, dial the police hotline at 1800‑255‑0000 or send online details. The police are on the hunt for his next‑of‑kin after the incident on Victoria Street.
And to dive deeper into the city’s story of upkeep for the homeless, take a peek at the 1,130 Henderson shelters that welcomed rough sleepers last year.
