IT WAS heartwarming to read about the heroic efforts of the two foreign workers to rescue the toddler who was dangling perilously outside her flat ("Rescuers' only thought was to save toddler"; last Saturday).
Such an act speaks volumes for man's innate humanity and kindness towards his fellow beings.
All too often, we take foreign workers and their presence in Singapore for granted.
We are oblivious to the fact that these workers come here at great expense and sacrifice to not only eke out a frugal, demanding existence, but also to give us comfortable lives.
We sometimes forget that they deserve respect and empathy from us.
I am glad that the Singapore Civil Defence Force was quick to reward the good Samaritans with the Public Spiritedness Award and other means of tangible assistance.
This incident has also exposed a more complex problem confronting low-income families in Singapore.
Unequal distribution of wealth and a widening inequality of incomes has created a situation where, in this case, parents cannot even afford to install window grilles to keep their toddler safe.
Perhaps the Housing Board should consider installing more and better safety features in flats to enhance comfort, safety and security to families, especially for those with young children and elderly seniors.
V. Subramaniam (Dr)
