Singapore to execute Malaysian man for trafficking 52g of heroin

Singapore enforces some of the world’s strictest anti-drug laws, maintaining a zero-tolerance policy towards drug-related offences. The government argues that the death penalty serves as a deterrent against trafficking and claims that public support for capital punishment remains strong.

Family’s last-efforts

Pranthaman’s family, after being informed of his scheduled execution by the Singapore Prison Service on Sunday, has travelled from Malaysia in a final effort to halt the hanging. They have urged the courts to investigate his former lawyer, who, they allege, was involved in misconduct. His sister, Sangkari Pranthaman, claims the lawyer pressured her brother into dismissing him, only to later assert in court that it was Pranthaman’s decision to do so.

“For now, we’re just hoping for the best. We are fasting and praying so that something good may happen. Even in these last moments, we hope that something will happen to save my brother,” said his brother, Isaac Pranthaman, speaking to The Independent. “I think God will help us as we pray and fast and depend on God. I believe He will send some people to help us.”

Pannir Selvam Pranthanam, who is seen here in Cameron Highlands at the age of 23, has been in Singapore prison for the past five years. (Photo: Pannir Selvam’s family via malaymail.com)

This is the second time Pranthaman has faced a death sentence. A previous execution order, scheduled for May 24 2019, was halted just a day before by an appeals court, allowing him to challenge the ruling.

Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have strongly condemned Singapore’s continued use of the death penalty.

“The alarming pace of executions carried out in Singapore since October shows a chilling determination on the part of the government to pursue hangings. This includes for offences, such as transporting drugs in Pranthaman’s case, that must not be punished by death under international restrictions on the use of the death penalty,” said Chiara Sangiorgio, Amnesty International’s death penalty expert.

Rising number of executions

Between October 1 2024 and February 7 2025, Singapore has executed nine individuals, eight of whom were convicted of drug trafficking. The country remains one of only five worldwide that recorded drug-related executions in 2023.

“We urge the Singapore government to immediately end its unlawful resort to the death penalty and immediately establish a moratorium on all executions as a first critical step towards abolition,” Sangiorgio said, describing Pranthaman’s sentence as “beyond reproachable.”

“There is still time to change course and prevent this cruel and senseless execution from happening,” she added.