By Kenny Chee

A SINGAPORE centenarian died on Tuesday in her Serangoon Central flat after sustaining a fall.

Madam Png Ah Lang, 102, was born in Shantou, China, and lived a quiet life here. Her neighbours called her "auntie" in Teochew.

At her wake, held yesterday in the void deck of Block 207, family members were tightlipped about her past, wanting to respect her wishes "to keep a low profile" even in death.

A netizen, who e-mailed citizen- journalism website Stomp on Tuesday about Madam Png's death, said she had three sons and 12 daughters. He added that her family comprised at least 150 members.

My paper understands that some of her grandchildren are in their 50s. One neighbour said Madam Png was very good-natured and often met other neighbours at a nearby senior citizens' corner to chat in the mornings and evenings.

"She was hale and hearty, and could walk without crutches," said the neighbour, attributing Madam Png's long life to her diet, which comprised mainly home-cooked food.

However, a recent fall caused her to be wheelchairbound and she is said to have had breathing difficulties about a week ago. The Straits Times reported in 2007 that Singapore had 500 centenarians.

Official figures show that the average life expectancy here is 81.4 years and that by 2030, one in five Singaporeans is expected to be 65 years or older.

kennyc@sph.com.sg

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