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9 arrested for suspected match-fixing in Singapore basketball league

Nine individuals have been arrested on Tuesday (Aug 19) for alleged fixing matches in the 2025 K Star National Basketball League Division 1.The arrested individuals are aged between 19 and 35 years old, of whom eight are Singaporean while one is a Permanent R
Singapore

9 arrested for suspected match-fixing in Singapore basketball league

Nine individuals have been arrested on Tuesday (Aug 19) for alleged fixing matches in the 2025 K Star National Basketball League Division 1.The arrested individuals are aged between 19 and 35 years old, of whom eight are Singaporean while one is a Permanent Resident, said the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) in a statement the same day.According to CPIB, some of the individuals arrested are players in the basketball teams taking part in the competition.One of the alleged fixed matches was a match between Tagawa and Tong Whye which took place on Aug 1. Tagawa won the match with a score of 66 against Tong Whye's 43 points. The individuals are currently being investigated for suspected offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, said CPIB.«Singapore adopts a strict zero-tolerance approach towards corruption, and match-fixing of any form is not condoned in Singapore,» the agency said, adding that it will take firm enforcement action against any parties involved, if they have given, received, or offered bribes to fix a match.[[nid:721106]]dana.leong@asiaone.com

Malaysia ready to discuss cross-border e-hailing implementation with Singapore, says its transport minister

Malaysia's transport ministry is prepared to discuss the implementation of cross-border e-hailing with Singapore, according to transport minister Anthony Loke.Loke told the Malaysian Parliament on Monday (Aug 18) that Singapore was not ready to discuss the pr
Singapore

Malaysia ready to discuss cross-border e-hailing implementation with Singapore, says its transport minister

Malaysia's transport ministry is prepared to discuss the implementation of cross-border e-hailing with Singapore, according to transport minister Anthony Loke.Loke told the Malaysian Parliament on Monday (Aug 18) that Singapore was not ready to discuss the proposal when it was previously raised with former Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat.«This matter cannot be implemented by one party alone, both sides must agree before it can be implemented,» Loke was quoted by Bernama as saying.He explained that any proposal to allow cross-border e-hailing requires in-depth discussions at the government-to-government level.«We hope to continue these discussions and hope that Singapore will respond positively so that this idea can become a reality,» NST quoted him as saying.The Land Transport Authority (LTA) had clarified on Aug 3 that there are no plans to «fully liberalise» ride-hailing services between Singapore and Johor Bahru.

'So cruel': Singaporean man gets 72 years' jail, caning for murder and dismemberment of wife and stepson in Malaysia

A Singaporean man who brutally killed his wife and stepson in Melaka was sentenced by a Malaysian court to 72 years' jail and 24 strokes of the cane on Monday (Aug 18).Shahrul Nizam Zuraimy, 36, had murdered and dismembered his wife Norfazera Bidin, 27, and h
Singapore

'So cruel': Singaporean man gets 72 years' jail, caning for murder and dismemberment of wife and stepson in Malaysia

A Singaporean man who brutally killed his wife and stepson in Melaka was sentenced by a Malaysian court to 72 years' jail and 24 strokes of the cane on Monday (Aug 18).Shahrul Nizam Zuraimy, 36, had murdered and dismembered his wife Norfazera Bidin, 27, and his 11-year-old stepson Muhammad Iman Ashraf between 6pm on Oct 6 and 7.30am on Oct 7, 2019, at a house in Taman Merdeka Jaya in the Melaka Tengah district.He hid their severed heads, dumped some body parts in a bush, and cleaned the house before fleeing to the Republic. He was later arrested in Singapore and handed over to Malaysian police, according to the New Straits Times (NST).In court on Monday, the prosecution and victim's family asked for Shahrul Nizam to be given the death penalty.But he was spared the gallows by Judge Datuk Anselm Charles Fernandis, who sentenced him to 36 years in prison and 12 strokes of the cane for each of the two murder charges.His jail sentence will run consecutively and is backdated to the date of his arrest on Oct 11, 2019, reported Bernama.[[nid:464361]]

'More than just a military mission': SMS Zaqy Mohamad on SAF's deployment for Gaza airdrop operations

Senior Minister of State for Defence Zaqy Mohamad visited personnel from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and a non-governmental organisation (NGO) at the King Abdullah II Air Base in Jordan on Monday (Aug 18). SMS Zaqy, who was in Jordan for a working v
Singapore

'More than just a military mission': SMS Zaqy Mohamad on SAF's deployment for Gaza airdrop operations

Senior Minister of State for Defence Zaqy Mohamad visited personnel from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and a non-governmental organisation (NGO) at the King Abdullah II Air Base in Jordan on Monday (Aug 18). SMS Zaqy, who was in Jordan for a working visit from Aug 17 to 18, also met with Major-General Yousef Huneiti, chairman of the Jordan Armed Forces' Joint Chiefs of Staff on Sunday (Aug 17). Personnel from the Singapore Army, Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), as well as from NGO Humanity Matters, along with a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, were deployed to deliver Singapore's ninth tranche of humanitarian aid for Gaza last Tuesday (Aug 12). The aid comprised medical supplies from the Ministry of Health and food supplies from various NGOs. The relief effort was coordinated through the Changi Regional Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Coordination Centre. 

'Brave and selfless': SMRT praises bus captain for helping to fight car fire near KKH

Upon seeing a car on fire near the KK Women's and Children's Hospital, a SMRT bus captain jumped into action to help put out the blaze.The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said it was alerted to a fire involving the engine compartment of a car along Buki
Singapore

'Brave and selfless': SMRT praises bus captain for helping to fight car fire near KKH

Upon seeing a car on fire near the KK Women's and Children's Hospital, a SMRT bus captain jumped into action to help put out the blaze.The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said it was alerted to a fire involving the engine compartment of a car along Bukit Timah Road at about 5pm on Sunday (Aug 17).A clip of the incident posted online showed a man in SMRT uniform attempting to douse the flames razing the front bonnet of a white car.In response to AsiaOne's queries, deputy managing director of SMRT Buses Vincent Gay said the bus captain was operating service 960e along Bukit Timah Road when he noticed the car on fire on the opposite side of the road.With passenger safety in mind, he calmly stopped the bus at the next bus stop outside KKH and rushed to assist without hesitation, using the fire extinguisher on board the vehicle, Gay said.

'Still in the wrong': Man caught smoking faces online criticism for accusing NEA officers of racism

A man caught smoking at Changi Airport by two National Environment Agency (NEA) officers and accused them of racial bias has been met with backlash from netizens.In a video he posted to TikTok on Aug 16, the man — who goes by thomasong220 — can be heard q
Singapore

'Still in the wrong': Man caught smoking faces online criticism for accusing NEA officers of racism

A man caught smoking at Changi Airport by two National Environment Agency (NEA) officers and accused them of racial bias has been met with backlash from netizens.In a video he posted to TikTok on Aug 16, the man — who goes by thomasong220 — can be heard questioning if the officers are racist for penalising him despite letting an Indian couple and Indian man off for the same offence.The two-minute clip shows a female officer on a call with her supervisor. She does not respond to the man, while the male officer standing beside her only tells the man not to interrupt her while she is on the phone.The man then retorts that he is also on the phone, continuing to question if they are being racist. He also claims that they are refusing to follow him to the police station so he can lodge a report against them.The original TikTok video has garnered over 538,000 views as of Tuesday (Aug 19). The clip was also posted on various other social media platforms.Although a few netizens questioned why others who committed the same offence did not face consequences, they did not fully agree with the man.

4 arrested for suspected sale of counterfeit goods worth over $99k

Three women and one man, aged between 34 and 59, have been arrested for their suspected involvement in the online sale of counterfeit goods.The quartet were nabbed during a series of raids at multiple locations including Woodlands and Ang Mo Kio, where polic
Singapore

4 arrested for suspected sale of counterfeit goods worth over $99k

Three women and one man, aged between 34 and 59, have been arrested for their suspected involvement in the online sale of counterfeit goods.The quartet were nabbed during a series of raids at multiple locations including Woodlands and Ang Mo Kio, where police found more than 1,100 allegedly fake items. In a media statement on Monday (Aug 18), police said the raids were conducted between July 24 and Aug 15.The items seized included luxury bags, wallets, sunglasses, pouches, scarves and brooches, with an estimated street value in excess of $99,000. Police investigations are ongoing. Those convicted of possessing goods with falsely applied trademarks for the purpose of trade may be fined up to $100,000, jailed for up to five years, or both.[[nid:719899]]editor@asiaone.com

Those caught vaping in public transport premises will be removed, reported to authorities: LTA

Those caught vaping in public transport premises will be removed and reported to the authorities, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has warned.In a Facebook post on Monday (Aug 18), LTA said that for those found intoxicated, the police may be called in.The a
Singapore

Those caught vaping in public transport premises will be removed, reported to authorities: LTA

Those caught vaping in public transport premises will be removed and reported to the authorities, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has warned.In a Facebook post on Monday (Aug 18), LTA said that for those found intoxicated, the police may be called in.The authority is the latest Government agency to step up enforcement efforts against vaping, following Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s announcement of a “nationwide enforcement” campaign a day earlier.“Our station staff are on active patrol to keep our public transport safe and smoke-free,” LTA said. “Anyone caught vaping will be removed from the premises and reported to the authorities. For those found intoxicated, the police may be called in too."

Former Malaysian Special Branch director awarded Meritorious Service Medal

The Malaysian Special Branch's former director Dato' Sri Haji Mohd Khalid bin Haji Ismail has been conferred the prestigious Pingat Jasa Gemilang, or Meritorious Service Medal, by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. Dato' Sri Haji Khalid was presented wit
Singapore

Former Malaysian Special Branch director awarded Meritorious Service Medal

The Malaysian Special Branch's former director Dato' Sri Haji Mohd Khalid bin Haji Ismail has been conferred the prestigious Pingat Jasa Gemilang, or Meritorious Service Medal, by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. Dato' Sri Haji Khalid was presented with the award by Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam on Monday (Aug 18). The award was given for his instrumental role in enhancing the strong professional ties and cooperation between the Malaysian Special Branch (MSB) and the Internal Security Department (ISD) during his tenure as director, a statement from ISD said. 

3 alleged primary school bullies who sent death threats to classmate's family suspended, may be caned

Three students at Sengkang Green Primary School have been suspended after they allegedly bullied a classmate and threatened to «dissect» her and her family.A voice message allegedly sent by one of the Primary 3 students was uploaded online by Face
Singapore

3 alleged primary school bullies who sent death threats to classmate's family suspended, may be caned

Three students at Sengkang Green Primary School have been suspended after they allegedly bullied a classmate and threatened to «dissect» her and her family.A voice message allegedly sent by one of the Primary 3 students was uploaded online by Facebook user Yin Ni, who said she is the victim's mother, on Aug 14.In the clip, the voice of a young boy can be heard spewing vulgarities and saying, « I might dissect her, I might dissect her into pieces like you.»So, which one do you want me to do? Dissect her, or end her life in school? Choose one. Either don't want one, I will kill you instead and your husband. (sic)«In response to media queries, Sengkang Green Primary School said it has engaged with the parents of the three students on their actions, and the students were immediately suspended.The school will review and take further disciplinary action which may include caning after police have looked into the matter, it said, adding that the students involved have been counselled.The school also said that its investigations found that the affected student had also engaged in »hurtful behaviours", and it will address them.

SAF commences airdrop operations in Gaza, thanks Jordan for invitation

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has commenced airdrop operations to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.In an updated Facebook post on Saturday (Aug 16), the Ministry of Defence said that the operation commenced on Friday (Aug 15) and was conducted in close coo
Singapore

SAF commences airdrop operations in Gaza, thanks Jordan for invitation

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has commenced airdrop operations to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.In an updated Facebook post on Saturday (Aug 16), the Ministry of Defence said that the operation commenced on Friday (Aug 15) and was conducted in close coordination with the Royal Jordanian Air Force and other participating air forces.  This follows the deployment of a C-130 transport aircraft and personnel from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and Singapore Army to deliver Singapore's ninth tranche of humanitarian aid for Gaza on Aug 12.

'Singapore should leave no stone unturned': WP responds to PM Wong's NDR speech

The Workers' Party (WP) responded to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's National Day Rally speech, urging the Government to «engage widely» and consider all options amid uncertainty.In a statement posted on its official Facebook page on Monday (Aug 18
Singapore

'Singapore should leave no stone unturned': WP responds to PM Wong's NDR speech

The Workers' Party (WP) responded to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's National Day Rally speech, urging the Government to «engage widely» and consider all options amid uncertainty.In a statement posted on its official Facebook page on Monday (Aug 18), the opposition party referenced Ministry of Manpower's (MOM) labour force report for the second quarter of this year.According to the report, global economic uncertainty is expected to persist in the coming months and may weigh on hiring and wage growth — especially in outward-oriented sectors.«Against this cautious backdrop, the Workers' Party urges the Government to engage widely and explore all solutions tabled in good faith, including previously untapped ones,» said WP.«Singapore should leave no stone unturned in our collective efforts to build a truly resilient nation for the future and keep our Singapore flag flying high.»The party suggested that the Government «tackle present concerns» for businesses and employees.

Only 4 out of 11 stalls are open: This Bukit Batok food court has been dubbed the 'saddest' in Singapore

With just four out of the 11 available stalls open, a food court at Le Quest Mall in Bukit Batok has been dubbed on social media as “saddest Koufu in Singapore”.Already grappling with low footfall, its remaining stall owners’ fortunes took a further hi
Singapore

Only 4 out of 11 stalls are open: This Bukit Batok food court has been dubbed the 'saddest' in Singapore

With just four out of the 11 available stalls open, a food court at Le Quest Mall in Bukit Batok has been dubbed on social media as “saddest Koufu in Singapore”.Already grappling with low footfall, its remaining stall owners’ fortunes took a further hit after a new hawker centre opened next door in March.Jenny Lim’s mixed rice stall, which she runs with her husband, has been a mainstay at the Koufu food court since it opened five years ago.When asked by AsiaOne on Friday (Aug 15) how much they make in a month, Lim, 57, said: “Why don’t you ask us what our losses are like instead?”Her answer? A staggering $8,000 in losses each month. She declined to reveal the cost of renting the stall and other operating costs. A video posted on TikTok on Aug 14 showed the near-empty food court with seven vacant stalls — some of them still bearing their signboards. “Only drinks, cai fan (economy rice), western and chicken [rice stalls]. The saddest Koufu in Singapore,” said user yokey017 in the caption.The video has since garnered over 157,000 views and 1,000 likes. 

Man, 27, who donated organs after death dressed in wedding suit for funeral

Nathaniel Zachariah Tan, 27, was due to marry his polytechnic sweetheart in mid-November — only to have the rare brain disease that had plagued him for years claim his life on Aug 12.In his final act, Tan donated his liver, two kidneys and an iliac artery,
Singapore

Man, 27, who donated organs after death dressed in wedding suit for funeral

Nathaniel Zachariah Tan, 27, was due to marry his polytechnic sweetheart in mid-November — only to have the rare brain disease that had plagued him for years claim his life on Aug 12.In his final act, Tan donated his liver, two kidneys and an iliac artery, potentially saving the lives of four people.He was also placed in his coffin in a suit embroidered with his wedding vows, according to Shin Min Daily News. A standee of Tan dressed in his suit was also placed at the funeral wake.«He was a very loving person. Before he died, he told his fiancee that if he passed away one day, his organs should be donated to help others in need,» said his mother Queenie Tan, 62.«He was buried with a cross and in the suit he had planned to wear for his wedding,» added Mrs Tan, noting that the suit had been ordered long ago. When her son's condition worsened, it was sent to Beijing for alteration, and eventually shipped back for the funeral.

NDR2025: Govt to study new laws to protect kids from harmful, toxic content online

The Government is currently studying the experiences of other countries that have passed new laws to tighten access to the internet and social media for children, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said at the National Day Rally 2025 on Sunday (Aug 17).PM Wong high
Singapore

NDR2025: Govt to study new laws to protect kids from harmful, toxic content online

The Government is currently studying the experiences of other countries that have passed new laws to tighten access to the internet and social media for children, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said at the National Day Rally 2025 on Sunday (Aug 17).PM Wong highlighted the concern that the government has regarding the impact of technology, including social media, on children, explaining that many parents worry that their children spend too much time in front of their screens.«This isn't a new worry — in the past, children were constantly reminded not to watch too much TV,» he compared.«But today's environment is on a wholly different scale. Everyone is online — always connected, and always within reach on their phones.»This means that parents find it harder to set boundaries or keep track of their child's digital footprint, whether they are scrolling on social media, surfing the internet or playing games online.«When young people become overly immersed in the virtual world, they may lose touch with the real one. They may grow up more socially isolated,» PM Wong warned.

NDR2025: New govt-funded traineeship programme to link ITE, poly and uni grads to companies

The Government will support fresh graduates and help them secure employment opportunities with government-funded traineeship programmes. The programme is meant to offer more training opportunities amid the current economic uncertainty, said Prime Ministe
Singapore

NDR2025: New govt-funded traineeship programme to link ITE, poly and uni grads to companies

The Government will support fresh graduates and help them secure employment opportunities with government-funded traineeship programmes. The programme is meant to offer more training opportunities amid the current economic uncertainty, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong as he announced it during his National Day Rally speech on Sunday (Aug 17). «After graduation, I know many are concerned about jobs,» he said, adding that the traineeships will be a «near term» solution that provides these graduates with the chance to gain real-world experience while receiving an allowance.Through the traineeships, graduates will be able to «keep their skills sharp», he said, better equipping them to secure full-time jobs once the economy fully recovers.The new government-funded traineeship programme will apply to Institute of Technical Education, polytechnic and university graduates.According to PM Wong, the programme will be announced by the Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce (SERT) and will begin with «a more focussed rollout».«If the economy worsens, we will scale up the programme,» he added.

'Tougher actions' against vaping, more job matching opportunities: 5 takeaways from NDR2025

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong addressed the nation during the National Day Rally 2025 on Sunday (Aug 17), where he weighed in on Singapore's journey thus far and unveiled his plans for the future. The rally also saw attendance from Senior Minister Lee Hsi
Singapore

'Tougher actions' against vaping, more job matching opportunities: 5 takeaways from NDR2025

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong addressed the nation during the National Day Rally 2025 on Sunday (Aug 17), where he weighed in on Singapore's journey thus far and unveiled his plans for the future. The rally also saw attendance from Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, former Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong and Opposition leader Pritam Singh.Speaking from the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) College Central at Ang Mo Kio, he looked back on the nation's 60th birthday, which was celebrated at the Padang and Marina Bay.«60 may not seem like a major milestone, but for us it carries deep meaning, because it comes at a turning point in global history and it marks the start of a new chapter in our Singapore story,» PM Wong said.Highlighting the turbulence present in the world today, he stressed that peace and stability are now «precarious», and shared Singapore's steps forward for a «complex new era».Here are five key points he brought up during the rally. 

NEL, Sengkang-Punggol LRT disruptions stemmed from rare 'double fault' scenario: LTA and SBS Transit

The disruptions to the North East Line and the Sengkang-Punggol LRT (SPLRT) lines on Aug 12 was due to a «double fault» scenario which occurred in a voltage transformer for one of two interconnected switchboards at the Sengkang Depot Substation
Singapore

NEL, Sengkang-Punggol LRT disruptions stemmed from rare 'double fault' scenario: LTA and SBS Transit

The disruptions to the North East Line and the Sengkang-Punggol LRT (SPLRT) lines on Aug 12 was due to a «double fault» scenario which occurred in a voltage transformer for one of two interconnected switchboards at the Sengkang Depot Substation — an occurrence described as «rare».The Land Transport Authority (LTA) and SBS Transit (SBST) said this in a statement on Saturday (Aug 16), providing updates on the power fault incidents which occurred on Aug 12 and Aug 15.In the case on Aug 12, which occurred at 11am and lasted for about three hours, the two faults occurred at the voltage transformer for Switchboard 2, the statement read.The first involved a high current surge due to a fault in the voltage transformer, while the second was a dislodged cable connecting to the voltage transformer.

Girl, 12, sent to hospital after being knocked down by cyclist in Punggol

A 12-year-old girl was sent to hospital after allegedly being involved in an accident with a cyclist at Punggol Waterway Park.According to a Facebook post by user Matthew L. Tan to the SG PCN Cyclist group on Saturday (Aug 16), the accident involved his frien
Singapore

Girl, 12, sent to hospital after being knocked down by cyclist in Punggol

A 12-year-old girl was sent to hospital after allegedly being involved in an accident with a cyclist at Punggol Waterway Park.According to a Facebook post by user Matthew L. Tan to the SG PCN Cyclist group on Saturday (Aug 16), the accident involved his friend's daughter and occurred on Friday in front of Waterway Point mall.He wrote that the girl was «knocked down by a cyclist» and was unconscious in the hospital's intensive care unit.A photo posted of the incident showed a girl lying on the ground, surrounded by Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) officers and several bystanders.A pink bicycle was also pictured on the ground near the girl. Girl conscious when taken to hospitalAccording to Lianhe Zaobao, the bicycle which hit the girl was a fixed-gear bike or «fixie», which are not typically affixed with brakes.A police spokesperson told AsiaOne that the police had received a call for assistance at about 5.20pm on Aug 15. A 12-year-old girl was taken to hospital while conscious. A 51-year-old man is assisting the police with investigations for rash act causing hurt and investigations are ongoing.

HSA partners with nightlife businesses to display 'Vaping is Prohibited' signs, public urged to report offenders

Patrons at nightlife venues will soon see «Vaping is Prohibited» signs displayed at entrances and within premises.In a press release on Aug 16, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) announced that it is partnering with the Singapore Nightlife Busine
Singapore

HSA partners with nightlife businesses to display 'Vaping is Prohibited' signs, public urged to report offenders

Patrons at nightlife venues will soon see «Vaping is Prohibited» signs displayed at entrances and within premises.In a press release on Aug 16, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) announced that it is partnering with the Singapore Nightlife Business Association (SNBA) to step up efforts against vaping at nightlife establishments.The signs will carry QR codes linking directly to HSA's online reporting portal, enabling patrons and staff to report any illegal use or supply of e-vaporisers. Nightlife venues have also been urged to deny entry to patrons found carrying or consuming e-vaporisers.«Working with industry partners like SNBA helps strengthen ground-level deterrence and is an important part of HSA's strategy to combat illegal vaping,» said Adjunct Professor (Dr) Raymond Chua, HSA Chief Executive Officer. «Vaping has no place in daily life, including Singapore's nightlife entertainment scene.»SNBA president Danny Loong said the association is committed to working closely with HSA to ensure nightlife venues remain safe and compliant with the law, while safeguarding the health of patrons and staff.

'Universe's biggest blessing': Woman and friend help neighbour give birth at home

SINGAPORE - A routine evening at home turned into a life-changing moment on Aug 10 for Ms Latashni Gobi Nathan, when she and her best friend helped her next-door neighbour deliver a baby.While watching post-National Day celebrations together from the rooftop
Singapore

'Universe's biggest blessing': Woman and friend help neighbour give birth at home

SINGAPORE - A routine evening at home turned into a life-changing moment on Aug 10 for Ms Latashni Gobi Nathan, when she and her best friend helped her next-door neighbour deliver a baby.While watching post-National Day celebrations together from the rooftop of their Punggol Housing Board block at around 6pm, the neighbour, Ms Nur Amalina, 34, told Ms Latashni and her husband that she was having mild contractions.«Around noon, I was having mild contractions. We talked to the neighbours and asked them to help with taking care of our two daughters if I needed to go to hospital the next day,» Ms Amalina, a homemaker, told The Straits Times.The baby was not due until Aug 17, the 34-year-old added.«At around 10pm, my contractions got even more intense. I told my husband we had to go. I started panicking, wondering if I had the time to make it to the hospital or not.»Ms Amalina's husband Dzukri Bachtiar, 40, a field service engineer, said he managed to remain calm."I was already prepared on what to do. My parents, who live with us, were on holiday that day, so it was just us. We had contacted my sister, but she could make it only at 11pm.

She won big in Genting, but getting $240k winnings back to Singapore was dicey

Winning a large sum of money at a casino may seem like a dream come true, but few anticipate the challenges and stress involved in bringing that money back home if the win happens overseas.Ms Sherylynn Kok, 28, experienced this first-hand in April, after winn
Singapore

She won big in Genting, but getting $240k winnings back to Singapore was dicey

Winning a large sum of money at a casino may seem like a dream come true, but few anticipate the challenges and stress involved in bringing that money back home if the win happens overseas.Ms Sherylynn Kok, 28, experienced this first-hand in April, after winning RM800,000 (S$244,000) at a slot machine in a Genting Highlands casino.She, her boyfriend and her parents were on a weekend getaway at the hill resort. On that fateful Friday afternoon, they began playing at the jackpot machines.Ms Kok was initially on a losing streak.“I kept changing slot machines and finally sat down at a random one,” recalls the owner of a frozen food supply company and social media agency.Five minutes in, she triggered a feature game offering four jackpot tiers: mini, minor, major and grand, each with rising prize values and shrinking odds. She pressed the button.The columns began aligning on the payline. Three of the grand prize symbols appeared on the screen, along with a small message at the bottom of the screen: She had won the grand prize of RM800,000.

4 vape pods suspected to contain etomidate seized by HSA at City Hall entertainment outlets

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and Singapore Police Force (SPF) seized four e-vaporiser pods suspected to contain etomidate during a joint enforcement operation in City Hall.On Saturday (Aug 16), AsiaOne was among the media invited to visit a seemingly q
Singapore

4 vape pods suspected to contain etomidate seized by HSA at City Hall entertainment outlets

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and Singapore Police Force (SPF) seized four e-vaporiser pods suspected to contain etomidate during a joint enforcement operation in City Hall.On Saturday (Aug 16), AsiaOne was among the media invited to visit a seemingly quiet, unassuming building along Coleman Street.The authorities raided two public entertainment establishments at the location during the wee hours of the morning.Upon the media's arrival at around 1.15am, a crowd was seen leaving the building with some people seemingly agitated and a few even hurling expletives.At one point, some were also heard shouting incoherently from the higher floors.The first establishment raided by police and HSA officers was a smaller area which had multiple private karaoke rooms.Upon entering the premises, two suspects were seen seated in adjacent rooms while facing away from the doors. 

Drug trafficker gets death sentence commuted after President Tharman grants clemency

SINGAPORE — A man who was on death row for drug trafficking has had his death sentence commuted to life imprisonment after succeeding in his petition for clemency, which is rarely granted.Tristan Tan Yi Rui, 33, was sentenced to death in February 2023 afte
Singapore

Drug trafficker gets death sentence commuted after President Tharman grants clemency

SINGAPORE — A man who was on death row for drug trafficking has had his death sentence commuted to life imprisonment after succeeding in his petition for clemency, which is rarely granted.Tristan Tan Yi Rui, 33, was sentenced to death in February 2023 after he was found guilty of trafficking 337.6g of methamphetamine. His conviction and sentence were upheld by the Court of Appeal.In response to queries from The Straits Times on Friday (Aug 15), the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said that on Aug 14, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, on the advice of the Cabinet, granted a pardon to Tan.The statement said the Cabinet was advised that the sentence imposed on Tan was legally sound.«Nevertheless, a recommendation was made to grant clemency to him because of the specific facts and circumstances of the case,» said MHA.The statement said Tan was arrested as part of a Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) operation which involved the arrest of several other subjects.One of the other subjects arrested in the operation, who was tried separately on a capital charge, eventually received a non-capital sentence.

3 Singaporeans arrested over suspected drug offences, children found in units during raids

Three Singaporean men were arrested by Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) for suspected drug offences on Aug 14 in separate operations.CNB said in a news release that a 36-year-old man was arrested for suspected drug trafficking in a residential unit around Buki
Singapore

3 Singaporeans arrested over suspected drug offences, children found in units during raids

Three Singaporean men were arrested by Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) for suspected drug offences on Aug 14 in separate operations.CNB said in a news release that a 36-year-old man was arrested for suspected drug trafficking in a residential unit around Bukit Batok West Avenue 9.About 892g of methamphetamine, also known as Ice, and 100 nimetazepam, or Erimin-5, tablets were seized, and his wife and four young children, aged between one and eight years old, were present at the scene.Around the same time, a 41-year-old man was arrested for suspected drug trafficking offences in a residential unit near Jalan Kayu, and CNB officers seized about 158g of Ice and 9g of MDMA, or Ecstasy.Earlier that day, a 42-year-old man was arrested in his residence near Tampines Street 86 for suspected drug offences. Drug paraphernalia was discovered under the coffee table in the living room, where his 10-year-old daughter was also present.[[nid:721123]]

'No hawkers have been penalised': Bukit Canberra Hawker Centre says stallholders don't have to provide free meals

Bukit Canberra Hawker Centre has decided to hold back on its Pay-It-Forward initiative where hawkers must provide free meals for the needy each month or risk being penalised.The issue was first raised by local food critic KF Seetoh on Aug 8, when he posted a
Singapore

'No hawkers have been penalised': Bukit Canberra Hawker Centre says stallholders don't have to provide free meals

Bukit Canberra Hawker Centre has decided to hold back on its Pay-It-Forward initiative where hawkers must provide free meals for the needy each month or risk being penalised.The issue was first raised by local food critic KF Seetoh on Aug 8, when he posted a screenshot of what appears to be a contract stating the breakdown of the requirement for the hawkers and calling it «forced charity».Amid public backlash, the management at Bukit Canberra Hawker Centre said in a Facebook post on Friday (Aug 15) that it will be removing the clauses requiring the provision of free meals when the tenancy agreements are renewed in September. The hawker centre is managed and operated by Canopy Hawkers Group, a subsidiary of Food Canopy.It added: «No hawkers have been penalised for not providing free meals under the tenancy agreements and we also do not intend to enforce the obligation in the future.»Seetoh's remarks about hawkers being «contractually forced» to provide budget meals priced up to $3.50 were also addressed.

NDR 2025: 4 things PM Lawrence Wong is set to address

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will deliver his National Day Rally (NDR) speech from 6.45pm onwards on Sunday (Aug 17) at the Institute of Technical Education College Central.In a Facebook post on Friday afternoon, PM Wong offered a preview of his speech, sayin
Singapore

NDR 2025: 4 things PM Lawrence Wong is set to address

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will deliver his National Day Rally (NDR) speech from 6.45pm onwards on Sunday (Aug 17) at the Institute of Technical Education College Central.In a Facebook post on Friday afternoon, PM Wong offered a preview of his speech, saying that he will be sharing more about the government's plans for the economy, the young and seniors.PM Wong will also talk about how Singapore will chart its way forward beyond SG60.  The uncertain economic outlook, and the need for Singapore to rise above the new challenges has been a recurring theme since General Election 2025. 

Ong Beng Seng's PR status to be reviewed following conviction and sentencing for abetting obstruction of justice: ICA

Billionaire and property tycoon Ong Beng Seng will have his Singapore permanent residence (PR) status reviewed following his conviction and sentencing for abetting obstruction of justice on Friday (Aug 15). In response to AsiaOne's queries, the Immigrati
Singapore

Ong Beng Seng's PR status to be reviewed following conviction and sentencing for abetting obstruction of justice: ICA

Billionaire and property tycoon Ong Beng Seng will have his Singapore permanent residence (PR) status reviewed following his conviction and sentencing for abetting obstruction of justice on Friday (Aug 15). In response to AsiaOne's queries, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said that it will review the residency status of Singapore permanent residents who have been convicted of an offence.«ICA will review Mr Ong Beng Seng's PR since he has been convicted and sentenced,» added ICA. The 79-year-old pleaded guilty on Aug 4 to one charge of abetting former Transport Minister S. Iswaran in obstructing the course of justice.A second charge of abetting a public servant in obtaining gifts was taken into consideration for sentencing.Ong, who was born in Malaysia in 1946, was fined $30,000 on Friday. This is also the maximum fine the district court can impose.

Ong Beng Seng fined maximum $30k for abetting obstruction of justice, spared jail under judicial mercy

Property tycoon Ong Beng Seng has been granted judicial mercy by the courts, and fined the maximum stipulated sum of $30,000 for abetting the obstruction of justice.The 79-year-old, who has incurable cancer, listened intently as District Judge Lee Lit Cheng p
Singapore

Ong Beng Seng fined maximum $30k for abetting obstruction of justice, spared jail under judicial mercy

Property tycoon Ong Beng Seng has been granted judicial mercy by the courts, and fined the maximum stipulated sum of $30,000 for abetting the obstruction of justice.The 79-year-old, who has incurable cancer, listened intently as District Judge Lee Lit Cheng passed the sentence on Friday (Aug 15) afternoon.The offence of abetting the obstruction of justice carries a jail term of up to seven years, or a fine, or both.Ong pleaded guilty on Aug 4 to one charge of abetting former Transport Minister S. Iswaran in obstructing the course of justice.A second charge of abetting a public servant in obtaining gifts will be taken into consideration for sentencing. Iswaran was handed a 12-month jail term on Oct 3, 2024. This term included four months' jail for obstructing the course of justice by making payment to Singapore GP to cover the cost of the flight from Singapore to Doha.Judge Lee noted Ong's «lower culpability», as it was Iswaran who had asked Ong to bill him for the Doha trip.Judicial mercy is when the courts give leniency to offenders with exceptional personal circumstances, on humanitarian grounds.  

'Principled, steadfast, indomitable': Lee Hsien Yang bids farewell to sister, scatters ashes in Scotland sea

Dr Lee Wei Ling, the daughter of founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, has a wish fulfilled nearly a year after her death.In a Facebook post on Thursday (Aug 14), Lee Hsien Yang said that he took his sister «on one last boat ride» from Edinburgh,
Singapore

'Principled, steadfast, indomitable': Lee Hsien Yang bids farewell to sister, scatters ashes in Scotland sea

Dr Lee Wei Ling, the daughter of founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, has a wish fulfilled nearly a year after her death.In a Facebook post on Thursday (Aug 14), Lee Hsien Yang said that he took his sister «on one last boat ride» from Edinburgh, Scotland to scatter her ashes out at sea.«Farewell Ling. My principled, steadfast and indomitable sister,» he added.Dr Lee, a neurologist, died at the age of 69 on Oct 9, 2024, four years after she was diagnosed with a rare, degenerative brain disease.Lee described the country where he strewn Dr Lee's ashes upon the waves as one that held deep significance for both of them.He recalled: «Ling and I went to Scotland on our own when we were still in school. We toured the countryside, and stayed in Edinburgh, climbed Arthur’s Seat, and visited Edinburgh castle.»She returned by herself from time to time over the years for her medical exams, and to hike the rugged hills she loved so much."

Cancer-stricken Ong Beng Seng arrives for sentencing

Property tycoon Ong Beng Seng has arrived at the State Courts on Friday (Aug 15) to await the sentencing of his case linked to former transport minister S. Iswaran.The 79-year-old Malaysian pleaded guilty on Aug 4 to one charge of abetting Iswaran in obstruct
Singapore

Cancer-stricken Ong Beng Seng arrives for sentencing

Property tycoon Ong Beng Seng has arrived at the State Courts on Friday (Aug 15) to await the sentencing of his case linked to former transport minister S. Iswaran.The 79-year-old Malaysian pleaded guilty on Aug 4 to one charge of abetting Iswaran in obstructing the course of justice. A second charge of abetting a public servant in obtaining gifts will be taken into consideration for sentencing.Before his hearing scheduled for 2.30pm, Ong arrived wearing a white shirt and a mask.He remained silent as he walked into court alongside his lawyers and staff.[embed]https://www.tiktok.com/@asiaone/video/7538692473908989202[/embed]Ong suffers from multiple myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer, and other health issues.If convicted of abetting the obstruction of justice, he may face a jail term of up to seven years, or a fine, or both.[[nid:720857]]At the Aug 4 hearing, the defence asked the court to exercise judicial mercy, on grounds that sending Ong to prison would significantly endanger his life.

Sengkang-Punggol LRT power fault, no train service

There is no train service on the Sengkang-Punggol LRT (SPLRT) due to a power fault, said rail operator SBS Transit on Friday morning (Aug 15). In a Facebook post just before 9am, SBS Transit added that free regular bus services are available at designate
Singapore

Sengkang-Punggol LRT power fault, no train service

There is no train service on the Sengkang-Punggol LRT (SPLRT) due to a power fault, said rail operator SBS Transit on Friday morning (Aug 15). In a Facebook post just before 9am, SBS Transit added that free regular bus services are available at designated bus stops near affected stations and Sengkang bus interchange.It added that free bridging bus services are also available. The Friday morning disruption comes three days after a power switchboard failed and caused a major disruption affecting 11 MRT stations on the Northeast Line and the entire SPLRT. [[nid:721257]]editor@asiaone.com

Python at Teck Whye coffee shop lunges at crowd after being prodded with broom

A python spotted at a coffee shop along Teck Whye Lane was seen lunging at some members of the public when they tried to capture it using brooms.In a video posted to the Sgfollowsall Instagram page on Wednesday (Aug 13), a large python can be seen slithering
Singapore

Python at Teck Whye coffee shop lunges at crowd after being prodded with broom

A python spotted at a coffee shop along Teck Whye Lane was seen lunging at some members of the public when they tried to capture it using brooms.In a video posted to the Sgfollowsall Instagram page on Wednesday (Aug 13), a large python can be seen slithering along the roof of a coffee shop located at Block 145 Teck Whye Lane as a crowd watches.One man is then seen standing on a chair while trying to take a video of the snake.Shortly after this, the python falls off the roof and starts slithering away. A few men give chase, hitting it with brooms.The snake then lunges at them, seemingly in retaliation, and this causes some people in the crowd to scream.Throughout the nearly three-minute-long video, various onlookers prod, hit or pin down the snake as it tries to go further into the coffee shop and even into a stall.One man can also be seen gripping onto the snake's tail in an attempt to hold it back as it thrashes and resists.One grabs the snake's headThe ordeal ended when a middle-aged man grabbed the python's head and shoved it into a plastic bag before instructing another man holding its tail to do the same.

Reformative training for teen who cheated man of $47k Rolex watch on former stepdad's instructions

SINGAPORE — Instructed by his former stepfather to steal a luxury watch worth more than $47,000 from a Carousell user, a teenager «chickened out» three times before finally doing so with the help of a friend.Nigel Tan, 19, was also promised by t
Singapore

Reformative training for teen who cheated man of $47k Rolex watch on former stepdad's instructions

SINGAPORE — Instructed by his former stepfather to steal a luxury watch worth more than $47,000 from a Carousell user, a teenager «chickened out» three times before finally doing so with the help of a friend.Nigel Tan, 19, was also promised by the older man a larger share of the proceeds from the sale of the watch.Nigel was sentenced to reformative training on Aug 14 after pleading guilty to one count of cheating.His former stepfather, Kyoshirocaeden Tan Lee Yu, 37, is still at large.Nigel's accomplice, Lucian Tan Keat Hong, 20, was also arrested, but court documents do not state if he has been charged.Kyoshirocaeden Tan married Nigel's mother when the boy was about three years old. After the couple divorced in 2019, Nigel began living with Tan from 2022. The older man was unemployed, while Nigel worked as a bartender.On April 22, 2024, Tan told Nigel he needed money badly and asked for the youth's help to cheat someone into handing over an expensive watch, so they could sell it.

India, Singapore in talks to boost ties in industrial parks, semiconductor sector

Singapore and India reaffirmed close ties and discussed areas to strengthen bilateral collaboration during the third India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR) on Wednesday (Aug 13) in New Delhi.In a doorstop interview after the conclusion of the ISMR, DP
Singapore

India, Singapore in talks to boost ties in industrial parks, semiconductor sector

Singapore and India reaffirmed close ties and discussed areas to strengthen bilateral collaboration during the third India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR) on Wednesday (Aug 13) in New Delhi.In a doorstop interview after the conclusion of the ISMR, DPM Gan said that Singapore's six-member delegation held productive talks with their Indian counterparts and detailed potential collaborations regarding sustainability, digitalisation, skills development, healthcare and medicine, advanced manufacturing, and connectivity. In particular, DPM Gan highlighted interest from Singaporean companies to set up a semiconductor ecosystem between the two nations in hopes of strengthening their supply chains.Citing the «very long and complex» supply chains where different semiconductor parts are often manufactured at separate locations, DPM Gan said that it is important for businesses to diversify their pipelines so that they are less susceptible to disruption, alluding to the external disruptions caused by US tariffs.