Stay in the know with a recap of our top stories today.1. 'Peace to your homes and blessings': PM Wong extends warm wishes to Singaporean Muslims for RamadanPrime Minister Lawrence Wong extended his «warmest wishes» to Muslims observing the holy month of Ramadan in a video posted on his Facebook on Wednesday (Feb 18)... » READ MORE2. Singapore citizens may have served in Israeli military during Gaza war: IDF data

A fire broke out at an eatery at Little India on Thursday (Feb 19) afternoon at 1A Rowell Road.Checks by AsiaOne indicate that this is the address of Bangladeshi eatery Khana Basmati Restaurant. Videos of the incident show what appears to be the kitchen exhaust duct on fire.Police officers responding to the incident were seen trying to establish a cordon around the area, asking passers-by who had gathered at the scene to move back.At least two fire engines and two light fire attack vehicles were at the scene.Responding to AsiaOne's queries, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said that the fire, which involved items in the restaurant's kitchen, was extinguished by a fire hose.There were no reported injuries, and the cause of the fire is being investigated.[[nid:730067]]

SINGAPORE — An intoxicated woman slapped an elderly taxi driver in an unprovoked attack after stating that she did not have any cash or cashless payment methods to settle her $24 fare. Shalini Devarajan, 36, was sentenced to two weeks' jail on Feb 19 after she pleaded guilty to assaulting the male victim, who was 73 years old at the time. Deputy Public Prosecutor Adelle Tai said the fare remains unpaid. Court documents stated that Shalini reeked of alcohol when she boarded the victim's taxi at around 3pm on Nov 11, and fell asleep during the ride. When they reached her stated destination in Yishun Street 22, the driver woke her up and told her the fare was $24. She replied she had no cash or cashless payment methods with her, and needed to go up to her unit to get the money. «The (driver) asked her to leave her phone in the (taxi) and go up to the unit, but she refused. (He) then suggested following her up to the unit to get the money, but the accused refused this as well,» DPP Tai said. 

A 76-year-old woman was found dead at the foot of a HDB block in Queenstown on the second day of Chinese New Year (Feb 18).The incident happened at about 5.55am at Block 13 Holland Drive, according to police.In two videos seen by AsiaOne, a police cordon extended from the concrete area and grass patch in front of the block to a sheltered walkway at the side of the block.In response to AsiaOne's queries, the police said that the woman was believed to have fallen from a height and was found lying motionless at the foot of the block. She was pronounced dead at the scene by a Singapore Civil Defence Force paramedic. The police added that they do not suspect foul play based on preliminary investigations.Police investigations are ongoing.[[nid:730067]]editor@asiaone.com 

Supermarket chain FairPrice announced on Thursday (Feb 19) that it will be providing refreshments for Muslim customers breaking their fast in-store, as Muslims in Singapore began observing the holy month of Ramadan on the same day. The company will be distributing 80,000 sets of refreshments — an apple, dates or biscuits along with a drink — to Muslim customers 30 minutes before and after the breaking of fast. This initiative — in its 18th consecutive edition — will run throughout the fasting month, which ends on March 20, and be available across 60 FairPrice stores islandwide.On Feb 19 and 20, the supermarket chain's philanthropic arm FairPrice Foundation will distribute 500 Ramadan care packs to Yayasan Mendaki beneficiaries.The care packs will contain fresh apples, dates, fresh milk, cooking paste and other break fast essentials.FairPrice Foundation will also sponsor a breaking of fast event on March 4. It said the event, held in collaboration with the National Trade Union Congress, will benefit more than 100 beneficiaries.

Are the golden days of dreaming about owning a car in Singapore truly behind us?The enduring pressure of six-figure COE premiums notwithstanding, this week's industry-changing announcement - revealed as part of Singapore's 2026 Budget - now threatens to make financing a car more arduous still.The new regulations announced on Feb 12 threaten to make car ownership more financially difficult stillMoving forward, Preferential Additional Registration Fee (PARF) rebates are set to be slashed by 45 percentage points across all age groups for PARF-eligible cars. Rebates will also be capped at just $30,000 now, from $60,000 previously.According to the authorities, the move comes as EVs, which are less pollutive (they don't have tailpipe emissions regardless of age), continue to gain traction in Singapore, thus reducing the need to incentivise owners to de-register their cars early.

A piece of Singapore pop-culture history has made a reappearance online.We are referring to Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong's 'magic cup'.For the uninitiated, the blue tea-cup was thrown into the spotlight during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, when it was used during then-prime minister Lee's multi-lingual televised addresses.It gave rise to the lore that the cup had magical language-changing abilities, as Lee would launch into each of his speeches in a different language after taking a sip of water from the cup.The memes that followed the moment gave Singaporeans reason to smile amidst a difficult time as the nation and others grappled with the virus.Curious netizens also dug into where the cup was made — Japan — what it was made of — porcelain — and where to buy it. Last we checked, an inspired version is still available on online store Supermama for $26.Netizens were also intrigued when Lee did not use the cup again during the following year's televised update on the Covid-19 situation.

Two Singaporeans are purportedly among the more than 50,000 soldiers enlisted in the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) as of March 2025 — 17 months into the Gaza war — who held at least one other citizenship. This is according to information obtained by Israeli non-governmental organisation Hatzlacha through the country's Freedom of Information Law. The data obtained by Hatzlacha was first reported by British investigative news portal Declassified UK on Feb 11. Isreali news outlet Yedioth Ahronoth reported on the data on Feb 14, followed by Qatari media outlet Al Jazeera on Feb 15. According to the data, one Israeli soldier was listed as a dual Israeli-Singapore national, while another soldier was listed to have multiple nationalities — having at least one other passport alongside his or her Singaporean and Israeli ones. Singapore does not allow dual citizenship, but minors can hold two passports until they turn 21, when they have to decide whether to renounce Singapore citizenship. The Government may reject the application if a male citizen is subject to the Enlistment Act and has not done his National Service. 

About 150 people were evacuated after a fire broke out at a HDB flat in Jurong East on the first day of Chinese New Year (Feb 17).The incident happened at about 4.20pm on Tuesday at Block 34 Teban Gardens Road.Responding to AsiaOne's queries, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said the fire involved the living room of a 11th-floor unit, adding that firefighters had to forcibly enter the smoke-filled flat, before putting out the fire with a water jet.«About 150 persons from the affected block were evacuated by the police and SCDF as a precautionary measure,» it said.No one was inside the unit at the time of the incident, and there were no reported injuries.Preliminary findings indicate that the cause of the fire was likely from an electrical origin in the living room.In a Facebook post on Tuesday evening, MP Cassandra Lee (West Coast-Jurong West GRC) said that residents of the affected block had helped each other to evacuate and account for neighbours.She said that a resident in a flat next to the affected unit had mobility difficulties but was evacuated safely.

A stallholder at Yuhua Place Market and Hawker Centre has apologised after a video of him cleaning the tables with a broom sparked hygiene concerns.On Feb 15, a netizen posted a few videos of the man using what looked like a broom to scrub the tables and stools in front of the Wellcome Food cai fan stall.Netizens were split, with some finding it «unhygienic», while others sided with the man.«Maybe the broom was used solely just for table and chairs... What's the big deal. If I use paintbrush to clean the table, would you even care?» said one netizen.«Honestly there is no need to make life difficult for the cleaner,» remarked another.In response to 8World News, Yuhua Constituency Street 31 Shop-Proprietors & Hawkers Association chairperson Karney Ngai Ching Kwan clarified that the man isn’t a cleaner and runs a cai fan stall with his sister and brother-in-law.The tool he used was a long-handled brush that he bought to clean tables, the chairperson added.

A fire broke out at a Chinese restaurant in Chinatown in the early hours of the second day of Chinese New Year (Feb 18).The incident happened at about 2.10am at 52 Smith Street.Checks by AsiaOne show that the address is the location of Chinese restaurant Wan Nian Stone Pot Fish.Responding to media queries, the Singapore Civil Defence Force said that its firefighters found a fire in the kitchen of the restaurant on the ground floor, adding that the area was filled with smoke.The fire was put out with two water jets.No one was in the restaurant — which operates seven days a week, from 11.30am to 10.30pm — at the time of the incident. There were also no reported injuries.Fire investigation by SCDF is ongoing. [[nid:730009]]editor@asiaone.com 

Flash floods hit Jurong on the evening of the second day of Chinese New Year (Feb 18) amid heavy rain over several parts of Singapore.In a series of updates on its flood alerts channel on Telegram, national water agency PUB had also warned of the risk of flash floods occurring in two other locations.In its Telegram post at 5.55pm, PUB said that there was a flash flood at Jurong Town Hall Road, from Jurong East Street 11 to Jurong East Street 12.It came about five minutes after the agency first alerted the public of the risk of flash floods occurring there.The flash flood at Jurong Town Hall Road subsided at about 6.04pm.Between 5.25pm and 5.3pm, PUB also advised the public to avoid the junction of Sunset Drive and Sunset Way Road, and Jln Boon Lay — Enterprise Road to International Road. The Meteorological Service Singapore at 5.14pm warned of moderate to heavy thundery showers over the southern, western and central parts of Singapore between 5.20pm and 6pm.

He was driving along the Kallang–Paya Lebar Expressway (KPE) tunnel early in the morning when he spotted a cat sitting on a drain cover.User Kazoku1606 recently shared his story on TikTok, adding that it happened at around 3.50am.In the video, the expressway appears to be empty.«Managed to save the cat,» he said, adding in the comments section: “When I tried get closer, the cat got frightened but I tried to calm it down and managed to get it out from the drain in about 20 minutes.”The feline is currently safe in his brother’s home, he said.The video has garnered over 57,000 views, with some netizens commending him for being «kind» while others expressed worry.«What if she has kittens to feed?» asked one netizen, to which he responded with a clarification that it was a male cat: «I searched and there were no more cats.»Another asked if there were vehicles driving by, and he said there were none while he recorded the video. «Thank you for rescuing the kitty. It probably felt so scared and needed a home,» said one netizen.Another remarked: «You are simply awesome and kind-hearted, may God bless you abundantly.»

Two crew members have died on board the Singapore-registered bulk carrier Mandy after an engine room fire on Tuesday (Feb 17).The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said in a statement that the incident took place at around 7.35pm Singapore time off the coast of China, and that the fire was extinguished by the crew.The authority reported that the ship was manned by 25 Myanmar nationals, and there were no Singaporeans on board.Two crew members died, while a third was evacuated to a shore medical facility for treatment.A bulk carrier is a specialised, single-deck vessel that transports large quantities of unpackaged, dry bulk cargo like grain or ore.There have been no reports of pollution due to the fire, and the ship will be towed to Yantai Port in China.«MPA extends its condolences to the families of the deceased,» the statement added. «MPA is in contact with the company and the relevant Chinese authorities to provide the necessary assistance.»The authority will be conducting an investigation into the fire.[[nid:728455]]drimac@asiaone.com

A tree fell across Pipit Road, causing traffic to be diverted on Wednesday (Feb 18) morning.MacPherson MP Tin Pei Ling shared in a Facebook post that the police and Marine Parade-Braddell Heights Town Council were on the scene «first thing» to help manage the traffic and pedestrians.While nobody had been injured nor cars damaged, bus services were affected.«This tree was last checked to be healthy by the Horticulture contractor in November last year,» she added.«I have nonetheless asked that the specialists investigate the cause of the fall and to check all the trees again.»Photos posted by Tin show the tree sprawled across the entire road, with a pole bent in half and a sign damaged.There is also tape cordoning the area off.

PropertyLimBrothers (PLB) is in hot water again — this time for an unruly Chinese New Year celebration that had staff flinging food at each other. The real estate agency posted a video on Thursday (Feb 12) of their annual shou gong fan — a meal held before Chinese New Year meant to celebrate a company's achievements — and is drawing criticism for their chaotic yusheng toss. In the video, staff are seen gathered around several tables to lohei and are heard shouting «huat ah» excitedly. While most staff toss the yusheng upwards, some are seen cheekily flinging the food towards other tables and colleagues. Other staff are seen using plastic lids from the yusheng boxes to shield themselves from the food, with one staff even putting a plastic bag over his head. «The celebration peaked as we rolled up our sleeves for hands-on CNY activities, creative showcases, and a meaningful Lo Hei — the PLB way,» the caption reads. Lohei is a Chinese New Year tradition where families and friends gather to toss yusheng while reciting auspicious phrases for the year ahead. 

Hot and humid weather has made way for cooler temperatures on Tuesday (Feb 17), the first day of Chinese New Year, after heavy downpours swept across the country. Temperatures across Singapore dipped amid the gloomy weather, reaching a low of 21.8 deg C at Newton at 12.11pm, according to data from the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS). Light to moderate rain persisted into the afternoon, with checks by AsiaOne at 4.22pm showing a low of 23.1 deg C in Admiralty and a high of 24.7 deg C in Semakau Island.  Temperatures ranged between 23.1 and 24.7 deg C at 4.22pm.PHOTO: Screengrab/Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) Wet weather across the island is expected to persist for a few days before transitioning into relatively drier weather, said the MSS in a media advisory on Monday. 

A ComfortDelGro taxi flipped upside down after a traffic accident on Tuesday (Feb 17), the first day of Chinese New Year. In response to AsiaOne's queries, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said they were alerted to a traffic accident at the junction of Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1 and Bishan Road at 7.50am. Two people were assessed for minor injuries, but declined to be taken to hospital. Photos of the incident shared online show the taxi blocking the two rightmost lanes on the road, with police officers and an ambulance nearby. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) also posted an update to X at 8.13am, alerting drivers of the accident and to avoid lanes 1, 2 and 3.A spokesperson from ComfortDelGro told AsiaOne the company is aware of the accident. The taxi driver was unharmed and there were no passengers onboard at the time, the spokesperson said. «We are monitoring the situation and providing assistance as needed,» the spokesperson added. [[nid:730017]]dana.leong@asiaone.com

The 23,000 people working at community care organisations could see their annual salaries increase by about 7 per cent or more under revised guidelines to be introduced by the end of 2026. To help defray the additional costs incurred as a result of the enhanced salaries, the Ministry of Health (MOH) will provide an initial tranche of $100 million, said Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung on Feb 17. Mr Ong said the raise for staff is in addition to the previously announced increase in the maximum subsidy for those requiring residential long-term care, which will be raised to 80 per cent in July 2026. The maximum subsidy for Singapore citizens was 75 per cent, while that for permanent residents was 50 per cent. Mr Ong said details of the revised salary guidelines will be issued in the coming months, following which organisations will have to make their necessary plans before their implementation by the end of the year. 

A 63-year-old male pedestrian died after being hit by a bus along Havelock Road on Monday (Feb 16) evening. Footage of the aftermath posted by SG Road Vigilante on Facebook shows an SBS Transit bus service 123 stopped with its hazard lights on, while paramedics perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation on someone lying on the road behind the vehicle. There appears to be blood on the nose of the victim, whom AsiaOne understands to have been a tourist from China. In response to AsiaOne's queries, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said they were alerted to the accident at about 7pm, and conveyed a person to the Singapore General Hospital. The police said the accident took place along 382 Havelock Road and the pedestrian, 63, was sent unconscious to hospital where he subsequently died. A 35-year-old male bus driver is assisting with ongoing police investigations. [[nid:730004]]drimac@asiaone.com

Three people were taken to hospital after a fire broke out at a HDB void deck in Hougang on Monday (Feb 16). Footage posted on Xiaohongshu by a user named Charmaine shows flames on the ground floor, with smoke billowing. A large number of residents can also be seen gathering under the void deck of a neighbouring block. Charmaine, who called the events of her Chinese New Year eve «thrilling», wrote that she was sitting on her sofa when her domestic helper ran out of the kitchen yelling: «Ma'am, fire!» After closing the windows and grabbing their bags and the pet dog, they ran out of the flat. Charmaine also posted photos of the aftermath, with contractors involved in the clean-up. 

Chinese New Year is a time for feasting, but some food — especially bak kwa — should be kept for humans, according to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).In a Facebook post on Monday (Feb 16), the society shared a list of tips for pet owners and their furry friends to have a «safe and pawsperous» festive season.Festive snacks can be dangerous for pets, it said, explaining that bak kwa, a beloved snack especially during the new year, is too salty and oily, and even potentially toxic to dogs.Chocolates and grapes are other examples of toxic food that should also be kept away from dogs.Rubbish bins should also be sealed and kept away from wandering pets, as leftover bones and skewers can pose a choking hazard if ingested.SPCA also cautioned pet owners to keep doors and gates closed to prevent any opportunities for pets to run outdoors.The tradition of visiting friends and family may also be a source of stress for pets, who may be uncomfortable with unfamiliar guests.Likewise, noise from fireworks, poppers and even sudden laughter or music can also stress them.

A 17-year-old female pedestrian was taken to hospital on the eve of Chinese New Year (Feb 16) after she was knocked down by a car in Bukit Panjang.The accident happened at about 1.35pm along Petir Road, outside Hillion Mall. Motorists who passed the scene said in a chat group that there was a traffic build-up in the area due to the accident.A picture of the incident shared to the chat group showed paramedics attending to the teen on the road.In response to AsiaOne's queries, the police and Singapore Civil Defence Force said that the accident involved the teenager and a car, and that she was taken to National University Hospital.Police investigations are ongoing. In the first half of 2025, the number of traffic accidents resulting in injuries and fatalities increased by 8.9 per cent to 3,818 cases, up from 3,507 in the same period in 2024.To curb speeding violations and speeding-related incidents, stiffer penalties came into effect from Jan 1 this year.

A Singaporean driver, 39, was arrested at Woodlands Checkpoint after e-vaporisers and e-vaporiser pods were discovered in his car.In a Facebook post on Monday (Feb 16), the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said the incident occurred on Feb 6.While attempting to enter the country, the Singapore-registered car was directed for enhanced checks based on information received by ICA's Integrated Targeting Centre.During investigations, ICA officers uncovered a stash of two e-vaporisers and 210 e-vaporiser pods hidden in two packages labelled as detergent powder.The driver was arrested and the case has been referred to the Health Sciences Authority for further investigation.Under the enhanced penalties introduced on Sept 1 last year, those convicted of importing vapes into Singapore will face a jail term of up to six months, a maximum fine of $10,000, or both, for their first offence. Need support around vaping or addiction?

Scenes of devotees rushing to be among the first to plant incense offerings at temples — a custom known as tou xiang («first joss sticks») — are common in places where ethnic Chinese communities exist, such as Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Taiwan.According to tradition, it is believed that the person who plants the first incense stick will receive the best luck and blessings from deities for the year. A devotee praying at Sri Krishnan temple, also in Waterloo Street, on the eve of Chinese New Year (Feb 16). The temple has put up Chinese New Year decorations. PHOTO: AsiaOne/Rauf Khan This has often led to crowds of worshippers vying to do so in hopes for a new fortuitous year.

From April 1, property agents from the five biggest real estate agencies will be subject to stricter regulations when distributing flyers and face consequences for non-compliance.The Singapore Institute of Estate Agents (SIEA) and five real estate agencies — PropNex, ERA, Huttons Asia, OrangeTee & Tie and SRI — signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Feb 13, agreeing to reinforce proper flyer distribution practices across HDB estates.Under the new agreement, agents from these agencies will have to abide by a shared framework that requires all flyers and pamphlets to be properly distributed to homes and visible only to the intended recipient.For instance, flyers can be distributed through mailboxes, SIEA said.The participating agencies will keep SIEA informed on any complaints received from residents regarding errant property agents, and all records will be kept by SIEA.«With SIEA serving as the industry's secretariat, we can ensure consistent monitoring, clearer enforcement and greater accountability across all participating agencies,» said Eugene Lim, president of SIEA.

A Chinese woman, who recently travelled to Singapore, claimed she was detained for two days in Changi Airport after she was stopped for further checks at immigration. In two separate videos uploaded to Douyin on Feb 2 and Feb 4, Chen Xixi (transliteration), also identified as Chen Wenshi, claimed she was detained without reason. Chen, who claims to be an influencer, said that it was her first time travelling to Singapore and that she was visiting her sister, who works as a teacher here. When passing through immigration clearance, she said she was pulled aside by Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers who asked about her travel plans. She claimed an officer also looked through her mobile phone, social media applications and bank details.  She claimed she was then, without explanation, brought to a waiting room. She was later asked to go to another room where she took headshots and scanned her fingerprints. She said she was then issued an order of detention in English for her «removal from Singapore». 

It will be a wet and stormy Chinese New Year, the Meteorological Service Singapore said on Monday (Feb 16).Moderate to heavy thundery showers are forecast over most parts of the island in the afternoon and evening during the first few days of the second half of the month.According to the weatherman, the period of moderate and thundery showers will be succeeded by relatively drier conditions, though brief localised thundery showers may still occur on several afternoons.The first half of February saw more showers compared to the second half of January, with localised, short-duration showers occurring over most parts on several afternoons.Temperatures remained between 32 and 33 deg c on most days — with a high of 34.7 deg C recorded at Jurong Island on Feb 4. On Feb 5, widespread thundery showers affected many areas, with a total rainfall of 108.6mm —  the highest rainfall recorded for the first half of February —  at the Jurong Pier area.[[nid:729858]]editor@asiaone.com 

A 58-year-old male car driver died on Monday (Feb 16) morning after an accident at Bukit Gombak Neighbourhood Centre.The incident happened at about 5.50am at Block 375 Bukit Batok Street 31.Photographs of the aftermath of the accident posted by Facebook user Issey Ikemen show a grey Mercedes E-Class saloon car mounted on the pedestrian footpath, with its front bumper against a wall.The user wrote in the post's captions: «What a tragedy. At first, I thought it was a drink driving case. But unfortunately, I heard that the driver was sick and had passed away. Rest in peace.»Responding to AsiaOne's queries, the police and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said that the car is believed to have skidded, adding that the driver was taken unconscious to Ng Teng Fong Hospital where he subsequently died. The police and SCDF did not comment on whether he was unwell.Police investigations are ongoing.[[nid:729934]]editor@asiaone.com 

The Republic of Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF) search-and-rescue unit airlifted a crew member from a vessel at sea to hospital on Saturday (Feb 14) afternoon.AsiaOne understands that a Rescue 10 H225M Medium Lift helicopter took off from Sembawang Air Base around 2.30pm, and was later tracked on FlightRadar24 east of Peninsula Malaysia, over the South China Sea. «The casualty was successfully evacuated and transported to Singapore General Hospital, where he was reported to be conscious and in stable condition,» RSAF said in a Facebook post later in the evening. «We wish him a speedy recovery, and salute our RSAF aircrew and healthcare workers who are always ready 24/7 to save lives.»

The Chinatown fruit seller who was accused of being rude to an American tourist in a viral video taken by the latter has spoken up to share her side of the story.In the Instagram video posted on Tuesday (Feb 10), the seller is seen staring and asking the tourist behind the camera, «You want to buy or you want to ask?» The seller then continues, «If you got money [sic]», before an older man intervenes in a bid to de-escalate the situation.The recording ends as the man and fruit seller get into a shouting match, with the uncle calling the seller «very rude».Speaking to Shin Min Daily News on Friday (Feb 13), the seller said that she was triggered by the tourists' questions and also claimed that they had manhandled the fruit.The seller, who did not give her name, said the tourist had come in a group of around 10 persons and they were standing in front of the stall for about 10 minutes before the altercation occurred.

SINGAPORE – A fire broke out in a shop selling bak kwa, or barbecued meat, in Little India on the afternoon of Feb 15, days before the Chinese New Year.The owner of Century Bakkwa, Simbian Chua, posted on social media shortly after noon that the shop was on fire, adding that “there is 500kg of charcoal” on the premises. She said firefighters were on-site.Orders to be delivered on Feb 15 may be delayed by one to two days because of the fire, said Chua, adding that customers who want a refund will be able to receive one. The fire is believed to be in Dunlop Street, where Century Bakkwa has a 1,000 sq ft shophouse, according to a 2025 Straits Times article.An 11-second video that accompanied Chua’s post showed a smoke-filled back alley where a row of shophouses are located.

Members of the public have raised concerns about an unemployed Vietnamese woman sleeping at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park for months and asking passers-by for money, prompting police to be called four times.A reader, Wang (surname transliterated), told Shin Min Daily News that she had been seeing the woman sleeping in a pavilion at the park since December 2025.«She would place a mattress on a stone bench and lie on it to sleep,» the 70-year-old said.Wang initially thought the woman was only staying there temporarily, but later noticed that she had begun asking members of the public for money.«She said she was from Vietnam and had no money for food, and asked if people could give her some money. She would ask for a few dollars each time. There are many elderly people in the park, and quite a few would feel sorry for her and give her a few dollars,» she added.Wang claimed that the woman had also asked her husband for money, even requesting to go out with him.«The park is for people to exercise and take walks. Now someone is always here asking people for money. It doesn't look good,» she said.

The streets of Geylang Serai has come alive once again with a warm festive glow as colourful Hari Raya lights illuminated the streets near the Geylang Serai precinct.Themed #KitaRataBersama, or We Celebrate Together, this year's light-up was launched by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong on Saturday (Feb 14) evening. Describing the light-up as «more than a seasonal display», DPM Gan said it symbolises the unity that underpins Singapore’s multicultural society.«When we light up Geylang Serai, we illuminate not just the physical space, but the bonds that unite us as Singaporeans,» he said. «The colourful lights reflect the many hues of our society, each distinct yet harmoniously blended into one magnificent display.»He added that acts of fasting together during Ramadan, organising charity drives, and neighbours looking out for one another are reminders of our common aspirations. «These acts of compassion and solidarity strengthen our social fabric. They remind us that regardless of our individual beliefs, we share common aspirations for peace, prosperity, and harmony,» DPM Gan shared.

SINGAPORE – Like many of his neighbours, Tampines resident Abdul Razak Subahan is often jolted awake in the middle of the night by loud cars and motorcycles revving their engines along the roads that his flat overlooks.He said this happens almost every day in the wee hours.“It can be very painful... When you’re sleeping, it triggers you to wake up. It gives you a shock,” said the software developer, 65, who lives at Block 366 Tampines Street 34.The sound is jarring, he added. “When you’re sleeping... zoom. It’s as if the world is breaking. That’s really irritating.”Subahan is among more than 10 Tampines residents who told The Straits Times that traffic noise from nearby roads has disrupted their daily lives. Their concerns were raised in Parliament by Tampines GRC MP Charlene Chen in January.Residents told ST the problem seemed to have worsened after the completion of the TPE flyover towards Changi East in 2023.While the TPE previously generated some traffic noise, it was still tolerable, they said.