In final bid to save the family’s 42-year-old business, Founder Bak Kut Teh’s second generation owner made an impassioned open plea to customers on Facebook, in the wake of the business taking a hit from the circuit breaker and pandemic.
However, there were some cynics who thought the post was too contrived and a publicity stunt.
They said that Chua lived a lavish lifestyle, with three private properties, posh cars and expensive watches to his name.
Chua told Shin Min Daily News: “Those comments saddened me.”
In an interview with 8days, he clarified that he lives in a five room HDB flat in Hougang, and that the three private properties he allegedly owns are in fact jointly owned by h im, his father and older sister. His car is a second-hand Toyota Vellfire.
Chua said: “I just bought one watch, with my hard-earned money. I’ve worked hard for so long and have some savings after taking care of my three kids. Everyone has their own hobbies, so I bought a watch to pamper myself. There’s nothing wrong with that. I didn’t borrow any money to buy it.”
Chua’s father, Chua Chwee Whatt, had initially opposed to his idea of an open letter, citing that he wanted to “save face”, but the younger Chua felt it was important to keep fighting on.