JOHOR: The boyfriend of Alssa Lyn Tay, a 21-year-old Singaporean woman who was tragically killed while riding pillion on the North-South Expressway (NSE), attended her wake to convey his deep remorse to her grieving family.
According to The New Paper, the couple, who had been dating for three months, embarked on a motorcycle trip to Malaysia.
On Dec 10, Tay was killed when the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10 she was on crashed into the road barriers at Km49.5 of the North-South Expressway (southbound).
She succumbed to fatal head injuries at the scene.
Her boyfriend, a 23-year-old Singaporean who was riding the motorcycle, suffered serious leg injuries.
This tragic event occurred just hours after a surprise reunion with Alssa's parents at Genting Highlands.
She had planned the trip as a surprise for her mother, who was vacationing with her stepfather, Mr Xu.
The couple arrived in Genting around 1am on Dec 10 and spent four hours with Tay's parents before leaving for Singapore at 5am, as her boyfriend had a morning meeting to attend.
"She called on Dec 9 after getting her new passport and said she wanted to surprise her mother.
"I advised her not to ride a motorcycle there, but she insisted on seeing her mother," said Xu, 57, to the Shin Min Daily News.
"She was well-loved by everyone. Her friends rushed over when they heard the news," he added.
Tay had recently graduated with a degree in business studies and was actively seeking employment.
Family and friends gathered at the wake to pay their respects.
Tay's boyfriend, attending in a wheelchair, was visibly remorseful and declined to comment.
"He just said sorry to us," said Xu.
"But what's done is done, and nothing can change it."
Tay will be cremated at Mandai Crematorium on Dec 14.