What happened

Kumar, 40, has spent the past seven years working in Singapore as a construction worker to support his family of five in Bangladesh. His elderly parents, wife, and two young sons, aged six and three, rely entirely on his income for their daily needs.

On 4 October 2025, Kumar was injured at a worksite while helping to transfer metal frameworks from the first floor to the basement. As he stood below to receive the load, another worker lost grip. The structure slipped and struck him on his lower back.

He was attended to by a safety officer and sent to the company clinic before being referred to the hospital. X-rays and a CT scan showed a spinal injury with nerve damage affecting his lower limbs. Since then, Kumar has been placed on continuous medical leave and is unable to work.

Kumar’s Current Struggle

While his employer continues to provide dormitory accommodation and a monthly food allowance of $150, this has not been enough to meet his daily needs. Although he is entitled to medical leave wages, Kumar shared that the payments have been inconsistent and not in full.

With no stable income, he is struggling to cover basic expenses in Singapore. Back home, his family has had to borrow from friends and neighbours to get by.

Kumar has reported the matter to the Ministry of Manpower and is awaiting the outcome of his Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA) claim. As of 13 February, his case remains pending while he waits for further medical recommendations.

“This is not my country, so I don’t know where to seek help,” he shared. “My family depends on me.”

Why now

The timeline for Kumar’s WICA case is uncertain. In the meantime, he continues to recover without reliable income. With his family already in debt, timely support will help him meet his daily needs while he awaits treatment decisions and claim outcomes.

What the funds will cover

Ray of Hope is raising funds to support six months of Kumar’s basic living expenses while he awaits the outcome of his WICA claim ($400 per month).

This support will help cover daily necessities and ease immediate financial pressure, allowing him to focus on his recovery.

Kumar’s hopes

Kumar hopes that once his case is completed, he can return home to recover with his family and spend time with his children. In time, he hopes to find work in Bangladesh using the skills he gained in Singapore.

Your support can help him through this uncertain period, ensuring he has the means to care for himself while he awaits treatment and the resolution of his claim.

*The campaign goal includes a 1.8% payment processing fee.