“We’re Sorry!” wrote the publisher of theindependent.sg, or TISG.

"We unreservedly apologize to the parties concerned for the anguish and distress this incident has caused,” a notice was seen posted on its website with more than 100,000 viewers.

The notice was to replace the original article titled " 25-year-old Singaporean dies after Malaysian hospital demanded cash payment before treatment" published on Aug 31.

This is believed to be the response from TISG to the Malaysian Health Ministry’s reaction to the article.

The ministry said it would submit an official letter to the Singapore government on its dissatisfaction over the republic's online news portal which published a baseless report pertaining to the country's healthcare services and medical personnel.

Its Minister S Subramaniam said Saturday that the letter would be submitted in the near future after discussing with the ministry's legal team, and the Foreign Ministry.

"The letter to the Singapore government will state our feelings and views on what was done by the (news) portal. After that, it is up to the Singapore government to take the necessary action," he said.

In its website TISG claimed it boasts more than a million readers a month and it was expanding its footprint into Asia and Australia.

It said it brings independent perspective on news and current affairs in Singapore.

It started on Aug 9, 2013.

- Bernama