Tycoon says dinners with Su Haijin, ministers complied with Covid-19 safe-distancing rules

Singapore tycoon Sam Goi has clarified that the private dinners involving Fujian gang member Su Haijin, who was later convicted of money laundering, and several Cabinet ministers had complied with safe-distancing rules to curb the spread of Covid-19.

- Grace Leong

Dubbed the "popiah king", Mr Goi on May 9 issued a statement saying he wished to provide further information about some photos that have been circulated on social media of private dinners involving Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat, labour chief Ng Chee Meng, himself and others.

"I have checked my records," said Mr Goi, owner and executive chairman of Tee Yih Jia Food Manufacturing, one of the world's largest popiah (spring roll) wrap producers.

"The dinner with minister Chee was held on Nov 19, 2020, the dinner with Mr Ng was held on May 1, 2021, and the dinner with minister Ong was held on May 10, 2022," he said.

Mr Goi had earlier told Bloomberg News that the dinner involving Mr Ng took place "around 2020".

"The group size on each occasion was in full compliance with the applicable Covid safe management measures at the material time," he said on May 9.