A malfunctioning piece of shipboard equipment known as a contactor may have caused navy serviceman Jason Chee's horrific injury last month, said Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen on Tuesday.

He added that the navy has replaced the contactors on some of their ships. Investigations however were still ongoing, and that a full report would subsequently be released, said Dr Ng who was speaking on the sidelines of his visit to the recently opened Safra Toa Payoh.

Dr Ng also said that the Singapore Armed Forces is aiming to help keep Mr Chee employed despite his disability. Mr Chee had lost both his legs and his left arm in the accident.

"We want to as far as possible, if he is able, to find a vocation that fits his abilities."