Singapore



'We're ready': Amsterdam's Schiphol airport gears up for chilled COVID-19 vaccine cargos

In cavernous cold-storage warehouses at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport, KLM workers are gearing up for a surge next year in COVID-19 vaccine cargos that will need to be flown around the world at ultra-low temperatures.

'What happens if my kids get electrocuted?' Mother of 3 delays moving into Tengah flat with leaky cooling system

Mother of three Dianah received the keys to her new Build-To-Order (BTO) flat in Tengah after a year-long delay due to the Covid-19 pandemic. But the 36-year-old coordinator, who declined to give her full name, said she will not be moving in anytime soon, af
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'What happens if my kids get electrocuted?' Mother of 3 delays moving into Tengah flat with leaky cooling system

Mother of three Dianah received the keys to her new Build-To-Order (BTO) flat in Tengah after a year-long delay due to the Covid-19 pandemic. But the 36-year-old coordinator, who declined to give her full name, said she will not be moving in anytime soon, after being left «speechless» by water leaking from the centralised cooling system in her five-room unit.   «The leaks are near to the electrical switch area,» Dianah said. «Will SP be responsible if anything happens to my family?» She said that SP Group, which manages the cooling system in Tengah town, allegedly assured her that her new home would not be affected by an issue prevalent among many residents there.  Plantation Village resident Dianah said that she received her keys on Feb 19, but has yet to move into the flat. She said that, like many of her neighbours, is concerned about leaks stemming from the centralised cooling system.

Mum accuses preschool of negligence after 11-month-old boy burns hands on hot surface

An 11-month-old was left with first and second-degree burns on his palms after he was allegedly allowed to crawl in an outdoor area at his preschool unsupervised.  The infant's mother, Aresha Krishnan told AsiaOne on Thursday (March 28) that the incident o
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Mum accuses preschool of negligence after 11-month-old boy burns hands on hot surface

An 11-month-old was left with first and second-degree burns on his palms after he was allegedly allowed to crawl in an outdoor area at his preschool unsupervised.  The infant's mother, Aresha Krishnan told AsiaOne on Thursday (March 28) that the incident occurred on March 18, at about 1.15pm.  CCTV footage from the preschool, located in East Coast, showed that her son was left unsupervised and had crawled to the school's outdoor play area at the backyard, which was under direct sunlight.  The staff in charge of the boy was busy cleaning the diaper changing table at that time, she said.  He was likely burnt from touching the astroturf, or the surface of the slide, which was «scorching-hot», said Aresha in a Facebook post on Wednesday (March 27). «The staff was negligent,» she wrote.  She told AsiaOne she received a WhatsApp message from one of the teachers informing her that the boy was injured that afternoon.  «We were shocked and horrified as the pictures looked like he was burnt quite badly,» said the 40-year-old who works in a tech company. 

Travelling to Malaysia? Expect delays of up to 3 hours at land checkpoints ahead of Good Friday weekend

Heading to Malaysia this weekend? Travellers can expect delays of up to three hours at both Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints, said the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) on Thursday (March 28) evening. Noting that there is very heavy departure traf
Singapore

Travelling to Malaysia? Expect delays of up to 3 hours at land checkpoints ahead of Good Friday weekend

Heading to Malaysia this weekend? Travellers can expect delays of up to three hours at both Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints, said the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) on Thursday (March 28) evening. Noting that there is very heavy departure traffic at the land checkpoints, ICA said: «At Woodlands Checkpoint, departure car queues tailback from Malaysia have extended beyond Woodlands Ave 3 Exit 10A. »At Tuas Checkpoint, departure car queues tailback from Malaysia has extended to the Second Link Bridge." On Monday, ICA warned travellers to expect delays at the checkpoints ahead of the Good Friday weekend as well as festivals such as Qing Ming Festival and Hari Raya Puasa.  Travellers entering Malaysia on Thursday shared photos on Facebook, showing large crowds at the customs. During the recent March school holidays, over 5.1 million travellers crossed the land checkpoints, ICA said. On March 15, ICA saw the highest recorded number of travellers — close to half a million of them.

'It's beginning to look a lot like Eid': Tampines residents illuminate neighbourhood with nostalgic festive decorations

Hartini Hariz was taken on a trip down memory lane after coming across her neighbours' decorations for Ramadan and Hari Raya.  The TikTok user posted a video of two units in Block 895 at Tampines Street 81 on Tuesday (March 26). From colourful lights ca
Singapore

'It's beginning to look a lot like Eid': Tampines residents illuminate neighbourhood with nostalgic festive decorations

Hartini Hariz was taken on a trip down memory lane after coming across her neighbours' decorations for Ramadan and Hari Raya.  The TikTok user posted a video of two units in Block 895 at Tampines Street 81 on Tuesday (March 26). From colourful lights cascading down the windows to adorable display pieces on window ledges, the homeowners' festive spirit for the fasting month and upcoming holiday shines through. One of the units boasts two inflatable dolls in traditional Malay attire, holding a sign which says «Ramadan Mubarak» (Blessed Ramadan).  The second unit has similar dolls sitting on a crescent-shaped moon, surrounded by bright lights. «It's beginning to look like Eid is coming! The neighbour has come out to join in the Ramadan vibes,» Hartini wrote in the caption.

Over 950,000 HDB households to get U-Save, S&CC rebates in April

SINGAPORE — More than 950,000 Singaporean households in Housing Board flats will receive U-Save and Service & Conservancy Charges (S&CC) rebates in April, said the Ministry of Finance (MOF) on March 28. The rebates — the first quarterly disbursement i
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Over 950,000 HDB households to get U-Save, S&CC rebates in April

SINGAPORE — More than 950,000 Singaporean households in Housing Board flats will receive U-Save and Service & Conservancy Charges (S&CC) rebates in April, said the Ministry of Finance (MOF) on March 28. The rebates — the first quarterly disbursement in the 2024 financial year — are part of the permanent GST Voucher (GSTV) scheme and the Assurance Package, which received a $1.9 billion boost in Budget 2024 to help people cope with an uncertain economic outlook. Disbursed in April, July, October, and January each year, the rebates aim to defray the hike in GST and provide cost-of-living support for lower- to middle-income households. Additional U-Save will be provided to help Singaporean HDB households cope with increases in their utility bills. In total, eligible households will receive 2.5 times the amount of regular U-Save, or up to $950, in the 2024 financial year. On average, this will cover about eight months of utility bills for those living in one- and two-room flats, and about four months of utility bills for those living in three- and four- room flats, said MOF.

Goh Meng Seng issued Pofma order over false claims linking LTA and Iswaran with contract to Lum Kok Seng

Opposition politician Goh Meng Seng was issued a correction notice under the law against fake news, after claiming that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) awarded a «huge contract» to Lum Kok Seng when S. Iswaran was transport minister. Goh had p
Singapore

Goh Meng Seng issued Pofma order over false claims linking LTA and Iswaran with contract to Lum Kok Seng

Opposition politician Goh Meng Seng was issued a correction notice under the law against fake news, after claiming that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) awarded a «huge contract» to Lum Kok Seng when S. Iswaran was transport minister. Goh had published the allegations on his Facebook page, as well as on the Goh Meng Seng People's Power Party page on Tuesday (March 26). He was issued a correction direction under the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (Pofma), under the instruction of Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat. Lum, 75, is managing director of property management and construction firm Lum Chang. He was mentioned in the eight additional charges that Iswaran was handed on Monday.  The former transport minister was accused of obtaining valuable items worth about $18,956.94 from Lum between November 2021 and 2022. Under Section 165 of the Penal Code, it is an offence for public servants to accept gifts from someone involved with them in an official capacity.

Casket falls during funeral procession in Mountbatten, scaring onlookers

It's said that we return to the earth when we die, but this accident may have put the deceased a little closer to the earth than onlookers would have liked. At a funeral procession under a HDB block at block 5, Jalan Batu in Mountbatten, a casket carried by
Singapore

Casket falls during funeral procession in Mountbatten, scaring onlookers

It's said that we return to the earth when we die, but this accident may have put the deceased a little closer to the earth than onlookers would have liked. At a funeral procession under a HDB block at block 5, Jalan Batu in Mountbatten, a casket carried by a group of people fell on the road, as onlookers watched in shock. In the video uploaded to the Singapore Happenings Reddit on Wednesday (March 27), a large group of over 25 people can be seen following a funeral procession at around 1pm that day.  A group of about eight people are carrying a casket on a bed of poles as they walk down the road. However, the casket abruptly falls, shocking onlookers. «Oh my goodness, it dropped! Oh my gosh!» A voice can be heard saying in the background of the video. The crowd quickly gathers as they pick up the casket, attempting to put it back on the poles. The video ends as they manage to lift the casket up once more.

Woman and 4-year-old daughter trapped in lift of Bukit Batok condo for 80 mins, slam technicians for being late

A woman and her four-year-old found themselves stuck for over an hour after the lift in their Bukit Batok condominium estate malfunctioned on Tuesday (March 26) morning. The father of the 34-year-old woman told Shin Min Daily News his daughter and grandda
Singapore

Woman and 4-year-old daughter trapped in lift of Bukit Batok condo for 80 mins, slam technicians for being late

A woman and her four-year-old found themselves stuck for over an hour after the lift in their Bukit Batok condominium estate malfunctioned on Tuesday (March 26) morning. The father of the 34-year-old woman told Shin Min Daily News his daughter and granddaughter took the lift from the 11th floor of The Dew condo at around 7.50am. The lift suddenly malfunctioned when it reached the ground floor, trapping them inside. Huang said that the condo's security guards learnt of the incident about eight minutes later and notified the lift contractor. However, the technician reportedly took so long to reach to reach the condo that mother and daughter were trapped for around 80 minutes. «I went to look for [my daughter] at around 9.10am and saw her being rescued. I really don't understand why it took so long,» he said. He added that the technician who opened the lift door within minutes after he arrived, told him he was informed of the incident at around 8am.  While waiting, his daughter ended up calling the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) for help. 

'We would've been in big trouble': Diner calls out dessert shop over needle in taro ball

A couple's dessert experience quickly turned awry after they discovered what looks like a needle in a taro ball. Taking to Complaint Singapore Facebook page on Wednesday (March 27), the diner, who goes by the username Jenn Chen, wrote: «The dessert wa
Singapore

'We would've been in big trouble': Diner calls out dessert shop over needle in taro ball

A couple's dessert experience quickly turned awry after they discovered what looks like a needle in a taro ball. Taking to Complaint Singapore Facebook page on Wednesday (March 27), the diner, who goes by the username Jenn Chen, wrote: «The dessert was good until my hubby found a sharp needle in one of the mini taro balls.» In a close-up image posted of the taro ball, a piece of metal can be seen stuck inside it.  «Luckily, he didn't swallow it, or we would've been in big trouble,» she wrote.  Although there was no mention of the dessert shop, Chen shared that she had the dessert at 100AM mall.  Chen claimed that she alerted the staff at the dessert shop of the needle found in the taro ball and they offered to make another bowl for them. «But we were too freaked out, so we just asked for takeout instead,» she added.  Netizens were quick to comment on Chen's post, many raising concerns about the sharp object in their food. Others also commented that Chen should have alerted Singapore Food Agency (SFA) about the incident. 

Singapore sky lantern festival customers who complain to Case to receive full refund

The efforts of those who had lodged complaints about the Singapore sky lantern festival have certainly paid off. The Consumers Association of Singapore (Case) has reached an agreement with Singapore sky lantern festival organiser Asian Couture and Boutique
Singapore

Singapore sky lantern festival customers who complain to Case to receive full refund

The efforts of those who had lodged complaints about the Singapore sky lantern festival have certainly paid off. The Consumers Association of Singapore (Case) has reached an agreement with Singapore sky lantern festival organiser Asian Couture and Boutique to issue refunds to all consumers who complained about the festival to Case, the association announced on March 27. A total of 68 consumers will receive a full monetary refund for their festival tickets, which cost about $50 each. Furthermore, the festival's organiser has also agreed to refund affected consumers who lodge their complaint with Case by 11.59pm on Sunday (March 31), the association said. Case president Melvin Yong said: «This comes after Case's active representation and engagement with Asian Couture and Boutique on behalf of affected consumers.» Attendees left hanging by organiser Hundreds of attendees had made their way to Sentosa for the festival on Feb 21, only to find out that there was no food, nor any lanterns taking off that night - unlike what had been promised.

Man forges mum's signature, sells Rolls Royce to settle debts from buying flower garlands for female singers

After frequenting clubs and buying flower garlands for female singers, Liu Kuei Liang fell into debt. In desperate need of money, the 33-year-old resorted to forging his mother's signature to sell her two cars to a dealer.  Liu, also known as Kent
Singapore

Man forges mum's signature, sells Rolls Royce to settle debts from buying flower garlands for female singers

After frequenting clubs and buying flower garlands for female singers, Liu Kuei Liang fell into debt. In desperate need of money, the 33-year-old resorted to forging his mother's signature to sell her two cars to a dealer.  Liu, also known as Kent, was sentenced to 12 weeks' jail on on March 22 for two charges of forging sales and purchase agreements.  According to the judgement made available on March 27, Liu got into debt in August 2022.  He decided to sell his mother's cars — a Rolls Royce Dawn 6.6 V12 and a Mini Cooper SE —  and contacted Low Lye Seng, a car dealer from Autoart Singapore, on Aug 1, 2022.  The men agreed that the Rolls Royce would be sold for $700,000 and the Mini Cooper for $130,000.  To give Low the impression that he was facilitating the transaction, Liu lied that his mother was in Taiwan and claimed he would obtain her signatures when she returned. He later forged her signatures in Chinese characters on the agreements. Liu also gave another Autoart representative his Taiwan-based friend's number when the latter asked for his mother's number to confirm the sale of the two vehicles. 

Some schools advise students to wear PE attire amid Singapore's blistering heat

SINGAPORE - Some schools have advised students to dress in physical education (PE) attire until further notice, in the light of persistently high temperatures in recent weeks. According to parents of primary and secondary school-age children The Straits Time
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Some schools advise students to wear PE attire amid Singapore's blistering heat

SINGAPORE - Some schools have advised students to dress in physical education (PE) attire until further notice, in the light of persistently high temperatures in recent weeks. According to parents of primary and secondary school-age children The Straits Times spoke to, at least 10 schools have eased uniform regulations to varying degrees or are planning to. This comes after the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) on March 23 said the island’s temperatures in 2024 could soar even higher than in 2023 – the country’s fourth-warmest year since records began in 1929. According to the MSS website, the highest temperature Singapore has experienced so far in 2024 was 36.3 deg C on March 24, with maximum daily temperatures expected to be around 34 deg C and 35 deg C until the end of the month.

'This is just part of club life': Orchard Road club boss accused of dismissing woman's molestation claim

She allegedly was a victim of molestation, but claims to have been treated like a troublemaker instead.  The woman, Rachel Lim, told AsiaOne on Tuesday (March 26) that she was working at Club Wave at Orchard Road on March 23, having been deployed there f
Singapore

'This is just part of club life': Orchard Road club boss accused of dismissing woman's molestation claim

She allegedly was a victim of molestation, but claims to have been treated like a troublemaker instead.  The woman, Rachel Lim, told AsiaOne on Tuesday (March 26) that she was working at Club Wave at Orchard Road on March 23, having been deployed there for an event for an alcohol brand with another female colleague.  As she was about to leave the club at about 2am, she was approached by a stranger who allegedly touched her inappropriately.  «I asked him why he touched me and demanded him to get out of the club so I could identify him,» said the 28-year-old.  «But everyone around was defending him and pulling me away [from him]. One of them said he was drunk.»  Amid the kerfuffle, a bouncer allegedly approached Lim and told her: «I really have no choice, the boss asked me to drag you out.»  Her colleague was serving another table during this time, and did not see what was going on, Lim explained. Lim also recounted the ordeal in a Facebook post on Monday (March 25), where she wrote that she felt very helpless in the moment.  «At 153cm and 45kg, it's absurd to think I could cause any harm,» she wrote.

Wear more sunscreen, keep umbrellas handy: UV index in Singapore hits extreme levels on March 27

SINGAPORE - Put on more sunscreen and keep umbrellas and hats handy, the National Environment Agency (NEA) has advised, as the ultraviolet (UV) index hit extreme levels on the afternoon of March 27. The UV index in Singapore first entered the extreme band a
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Wear more sunscreen, keep umbrellas handy: UV index in Singapore hits extreme levels on March 27

SINGAPORE - Put on more sunscreen and keep umbrellas and hats handy, the National Environment Agency (NEA) has advised, as the ultraviolet (UV) index hit extreme levels on the afternoon of March 27. The UV index in Singapore first entered the extreme band at about 12.15pm on Wednesday, with a reading of 11. It climbed to a high of 12 at about 1.15pm. As at 2.45pm, the UV index reading had dropped to 10, but people are still advised to take extra protection against sunburn. Temperatures were between 31.1 deg C and 35.7 deg C at around 2pm, with the highest recorded in Paya Lebar.  UV index readings above 11 are considered extreme, while those between 8 and 10 are considered very high. When UV index readings are in either band, the NEA advises extra protection against sunburn. The UV index describes the level of solar UV radiation at the earth’s surface, and the maximum reading is 15. The higher the reading, the higher the possibility of harmful effects to the skin and eyes, NEA’s website stated.

Man queues for 15 hours to get his hands on Snoopy-themed MoonSwatch

SINGAPORE — IT professional Beh Jia Wei waited 15 hours outside Ion Orchard to snag the newest addition to the MoonSwatch collection — the Snoopy-themed Mission To The Moonphase — on its first day of sale on March 26. He was the second person in lin
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Man queues for 15 hours to get his hands on Snoopy-themed MoonSwatch

SINGAPORE — IT professional Beh Jia Wei waited 15 hours outside Ion Orchard to snag the newest addition to the MoonSwatch collection — the Snoopy-themed Mission To The Moonphase — on its first day of sale on March 26. He was the second person in line to buy the watch from the collection by sister brands Omega and Swatch, which created a global ruckus in 2022 when it was first launched. «Snoopy was my favourite childhood cartoon character. I also connected deeply with space travel,» said Beh, 39, who owns two other models from the MoonSwatch series. The Snoopy-themed watch, available at the Swatch stores at Ion Orchard and Marina Bay Sands, is the first in the series to display the current phase of the moon. It is priced at $430.

Baltimore bridge collapse: Singapore-flagged ship passed foreign port inspections in 2023, says MPA

SINGAPORE — The Singapore-flagged vessel that crashed into a bridge in Baltimore on March 26 had passed foreign port state inspections in June and September 2023. During the June 2023 inspection, a faulty monitor gauge for fuel pressure was fixed before t
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Baltimore bridge collapse: Singapore-flagged ship passed foreign port inspections in 2023, says MPA

SINGAPORE — The Singapore-flagged vessel that crashed into a bridge in Baltimore on March 26 had passed foreign port state inspections in June and September 2023. During the June 2023 inspection, a faulty monitor gauge for fuel pressure was fixed before the vessel departed the port. In a statement on March 27, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said the Dali had been flagged with Singapore from October 2016 and is classed by classification society ClassNK. «Classification societies are generally authorised by a flag administration to monitor compliance to technical standards and the applicable regulations by vessels registered under its flag,» said MPA. «Based on records, MPA confirms that the vessel's required classification society and statutory certificates covering the structural integrity of the vessel and functionality of the vessel's equipment were valid at the time of the incident.»

Sole survivor of Bedok North fire succumbs to injuries after almost 2 years

Jenny Tan, who was the sole survivor of a fatal Bedok North flat fire, died last Sunday (March 24), nearly two years after the tragedy which had claimed the lives of three others, including her husband and their three-year-old daughter. The early morning
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Sole survivor of Bedok North fire succumbs to injuries after almost 2 years

Jenny Tan, who was the sole survivor of a fatal Bedok North flat fire, died last Sunday (March 24), nearly two years after the tragedy which had claimed the lives of three others, including her husband and their three-year-old daughter. The early morning fire had ravaged the three-room flat on May 13, 2022, trapping the Malaysian family of three and homeowner Aileen Chan inside the unit. Chan, a Singaporean film producer and actress, was pronounced dead at the scene while Tan's husband and their daughter later succumbed to their injures in hospital.  Tan was reported to be in a critical condition and was in intensive care for eight days before being transferred to a general ward. Crowdfunding charity Ray of Hope, which raised over $118,000 to help cover Tan's medical bills, said then that the woman had inhaled a significant amount of smoke and was observed to not be fully aware of her surroundings.

Shiok Burger apologises following ex-DJ's accusations of misrepresenting halal claims

Local burger joint Shiok Burger has apologised after they were called out for allegedly misrepresenting their halal certification.  Concerns about the eatery's halal certification first arose on March 22, when former Ria 89.7FM DJ Abdum Karim Sadali too
Singapore

Shiok Burger apologises following ex-DJ's accusations of misrepresenting halal claims

Local burger joint Shiok Burger has apologised after they were called out for allegedly misrepresenting their halal certification.  Concerns about the eatery's halal certification first arose on March 22, when former Ria 89.7FM DJ Abdum Karim Sadali took to his Facebook to share his doubts over their certification. Abdum, better known as DJ KC, said that he found Shiok Burger listed under Foodpanda's halal options. He then placed an order of some burgers and fries.  When the food arrived at his home, his elder son asked him if the food was halal.  Although he replied with the affirmative, DJ KC decided to check again. 

'Defamatory and false': Bazaar food vendor threatens lawsuit over negative review, demands apology

They've cooked up fries, hotdogs and some frank comments on TikTok - now, this food vendor might be looking to serve it up with a side of legal action. A Kampong Glam bazaar food vendor Frank On Wheels has sent a lawyer's letter to TikTok user Gunbuttock, c
Singapore

'Defamatory and false': Bazaar food vendor threatens lawsuit over negative review, demands apology

They've cooked up fries, hotdogs and some frank comments on TikTok - now, this food vendor might be looking to serve it up with a side of legal action. A Kampong Glam bazaar food vendor Frank On Wheels has sent a lawyer's letter to TikTok user Gunbuttock, calling for them to apologise publicly, according to photographs uploaded to TikTok by the user on Monday (March 26). The two parties duked it out online after Gunbuttock uploaded a «brutally honest» food review of the Kampong Glam Ramadan food bazaar earlier this month, claiming that purchasing Frank On Wheels' food would be «wasting your money». In response, the stall owner and TikTok user AbayaByKhalishaSg complained about Gunbuttock rating the shop a one on a scale of 10, commenting under his post. «I can't [comprehend] you saying that the fries are basic,» Abaya wrote in one comment. «So all this while fries that you bought are imported and premium? I think you should reply my DM (direct message).»

'Spent 13 minutes asking me irrelevant questions': Woman says HSBC staff lax in stopping $10k fraudulent transfer

Upon receiving a text message from HSBC informing her that her online banking limit had been changed without her authorisation, an alarmed woman immediately contacted the bank. Several minutes later, while she was still on the phone with the customer servic
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'Spent 13 minutes asking me irrelevant questions': Woman says HSBC staff lax in stopping $10k fraudulent transfer

Upon receiving a text message from HSBC informing her that her online banking limit had been changed without her authorisation, an alarmed woman immediately contacted the bank. Several minutes later, while she was still on the phone with the customer service agent, she received another SMS notifying her that $10,402 had been transferred out of her account to an unknown account. But Weng Linger (transliteration), told Lianhe Zaobao that the fraudulent transfer on Feb 23 could have been prevented if the HSBC employee she spoke to had promptly heeded her request to block any suspicious activity or suspend her account. Said the 33-year-old media practitioner: «The chat agent spent 13 minutes asking me a plethora of irrelevant questions.» The questions were supposedly regarding when the transfer limit was first set up, if she wanted to set a lower limit and so on. Despite repeatedly stating that she had not made the change to her banking transfer limit and requesting for her account to be frozen, Weng said the agent did not immediately do so.

Woman, 83, falls during stay at Raffles Hospital, suffers bruises on face and 2.5cm cut above eye

The elderly woman had been staying at a transitional care facility in Raffles Hospital while waiting to be transferred to be a nursing home.  But two weeks into her stay and just days before she was due to be transferred, Tang Chee Mun, 83, fell in the
Singapore

Woman, 83, falls during stay at Raffles Hospital, suffers bruises on face and 2.5cm cut above eye

The elderly woman had been staying at a transitional care facility in Raffles Hospital while waiting to be transferred to be a nursing home.  But two weeks into her stay and just days before she was due to be transferred, Tang Chee Mun, 83, fell in the toilet, suffering bruises and a cut as a result. She is now warded at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) for her injuries. Her son-in-law, Shah Nazir, told AsiaOne last week that he received a call from the step-down care facility on March 17, informing him that Tang had fallen on her face while using the toilet that day.  Tang - who suffers from brain cancer, dementia, Sjögren's syndrome as well as liver and kidney problems - had a 2.5cm cut above her left eye and was bleeding profusely, partly because she takes blood thinning medication.  A doctor at the facility called an ambulance and Tang was sent to TTSH.  When Shah, 48, visited his mother-in-law at the hospital, she complained of pain in her rib cage, back and toes. 

CPIB interviewed Lum Kok Seng, the man named in Iswaran's latest charges, several times

SINGAPORE — Lum Kok Seng, the man named in former transport minister S. Iswaran's latest eight charges, attended several interviews with the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) regarding Iswaran's graft probe. Lum, 75, a Singaporean, is managing
Singapore

CPIB interviewed Lum Kok Seng, the man named in Iswaran's latest charges, several times

SINGAPORE — Lum Kok Seng, the man named in former transport minister S. Iswaran's latest eight charges, attended several interviews with the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) regarding Iswaran's graft probe. Lum, 75, a Singaporean, is managing director of Lum Chang — a property management, interior design and construction firm. Lum Chang was responding to queries from the Singapore Exchange (SGX), late on March 25. SGX had asked the company earlier that day whether Lum was contacted by CPIB to assist in investigations and whether any charges were filed against him, or if any restrictions were imposed by CPIB.  Lum Chang said Lum had informed the company's board that he attended several interviews with CPIB in relation to its investigations into Iswaran, adding that no charges have been filed against Lum, and no restriction has been imposed on him by CPIB.

UOB card spending surged by 35% during Taylor Swift concert week, over $30m spent on tickets

Card billings at UOB-acquired merchants surged 35 per cent week on week over Mar 4 to Mar 10, when four of six of Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour concert events took place in Singapore. UOB-acquired merchants are those who have chosen the bank to process credi
Singapore

UOB card spending surged by 35% during Taylor Swift concert week, over $30m spent on tickets

Card billings at UOB-acquired merchants surged 35 per cent week on week over Mar 4 to Mar 10, when four of six of Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour concert events took place in Singapore. UOB-acquired merchants are those who have chosen the bank to process credit and debit card transactions for them. According to first-quarter data released on Monday (Mar 25), spending across almost all tourism-related categories experienced a marked surge led in spending at clothing retailers (85 per cent), transportation and travel (80 per cent), and amusement and entertainment (over 50 per cent). Hotels rang in nearly 45 per cent growth in UOB card billings, while food and beverage (F&B) receipts rose more than 30 per cent.  Spending across multiple categoriesat the Marina Bay precinct and the Central Business District that are close to the Singapore Sports Hub - where Swift's concerts were held - also outperformed national levels, the bank said. In November 2023, UOB said it will aim for two global partnerships in the entertainment space every year, as it taps the segment to drive acquisition and spending across its retail business.

Motorcyclist dies after crashing into lorry in Tuas; lorry driver arrested

SINGAPORE – A 45-year-old man who was riding a motorcycle succumbed to his injuries after an accident in Tuas involving a lorry. In response to queries, the police and Singapore Civil Defence Force said they were alerted to the accident involving the two v
Singapore

Motorcyclist dies after crashing into lorry in Tuas; lorry driver arrested

SINGAPORE – A 45-year-old man who was riding a motorcycle succumbed to his injuries after an accident in Tuas involving a lorry. In response to queries, the police and Singapore Civil Defence Force said they were alerted to the accident involving the two vehicles at the junction of Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim and Tuas West Road at about 7.30am on Monday (March 25). The police said the motorcyclist was unconscious when he was taken to Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, where he later died. The driver of the lorry, a 25-year-old man, was arrested for dangerous driving causing death, the police added. In video footage posted on the SG Road Vigilante Facebook group, a lorry can be seen driving forward even though the traffic light appears to be red and not in its favour. It then comes to a sudden stop in the middle of the traffic junction. That is when the motorcyclist crashes into the lorry and goes flying from the impact. The motorcyclist can later be seen on the ground amid debris from the motorcycle.

Israeli embassy in Singapore told to take down 'unacceptable' post on Palestine: Shanmugam

The government told the Israeli embassy in Singapore to remove a Facebook post that made claims by citing the Quran, said Minister for Home Affairs and Law K Shanmugam. The post, which was uploaded and deleted on Sunday (March 24), said: «Israel is
Singapore

Israeli embassy in Singapore told to take down 'unacceptable' post on Palestine: Shanmugam

The government told the Israeli embassy in Singapore to remove a Facebook post that made claims by citing the Quran, said Minister for Home Affairs and Law K Shanmugam. The post, which was uploaded and deleted on Sunday (March 24), said: «Israel is mentioned 43 times in the Quran. On the other hand, Palestine is not mentioned even once. »Each and every archaeological evidence - maps, documents, coins, link the land of Israel to the Jewish people as the indigenous people of the land.« Speaking at a media doorstop on Monday, Shanmugam called the Israeli embassy's post »completely unacceptable«. »The post is wrong at many levels,« he said. »First, it is insensitive and inappropriate. It carries the risk of undermining our safety, security and harmony in Singapore.« Shanmugam said that while Jews here have »very little concern for their safety and security«, posts like these can inflame tensions and can put them at risk. »Second, it is wrong to selectively point to religious texts to make a political point. Even worse, in this current situation, for the Israeli embassy to make use of the Quran for this purpose," the minister added.

Expect 'very heavy traffic' at Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints from March 28 to April 14: ICA

SINGAPORE — Very heavy traffic is expected at both the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints between March 28 and April 14, with Good Friday, Qing Ming Festival and Hari Raya Puasa happening within this period, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) sai
Singapore

Expect 'very heavy traffic' at Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints from March 28 to April 14: ICA

SINGAPORE — Very heavy traffic is expected at both the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints between March 28 and April 14, with Good Friday, Qing Ming Festival and Hari Raya Puasa happening within this period, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said on March 25. Good Friday falls on March 29, Qing Ming on April 4 and Hari Raya Puasa on April 10 in Singapore. Travellers are advised to factor in additional waiting time, observe traffic rules, maintain lane discipline and co-operate with officers at the checkpoints, ICA said. It also advised travellers to ensure that their passports have a remaining validity of at least six months. In addition, travellers are reminded not to bring controlled or prohibited items into Singapore.  The authority added that traveller volume at both land checkpoints has increased since borders reopened after the Covid-19 pandemic and «has far surpassed pre-Covid levels».

Who is Lum Kok Seng, the man named in Iswaran's latest charges?

SINGAPORE — Former transport minister S. Iswaran was handed eight new charges on March 25 that allege he had obtained, as a public servant, valuable items worth nearly $19,000 from Lum Kok Seng. Iswaran is said to have obtained items such as a Brompton b
Singapore

Who is Lum Kok Seng, the man named in Iswaran's latest charges?

SINGAPORE — Former transport minister S. Iswaran was handed eight new charges on March 25 that allege he had obtained, as a public servant, valuable items worth nearly $19,000 from Lum Kok Seng. Iswaran is said to have obtained items such as a Brompton bicycle, golf clubs and bottles of whisky from Lum between November 2021 and November 2022. Iswaran, who was appointed transport minister in May 2021 and resigned from the post in January 2024, allegedly knew that Lum was linked to a Land Transport Authority (LTA) contract for works at Tanah Merah MRT station through the latter's company, Lum Chang Building Contractors.

Iswaran pleads not guilty to 8 new charges

Former transport minister S Iswaran pleaded not guilty after he was handed eight new charges upon his return to court on Monday (March 25). The additional charges are under Section 165 of the Penal Code, which makes it an offence for public servants to acce
Singapore

Iswaran pleads not guilty to 8 new charges

Former transport minister S Iswaran pleaded not guilty after he was handed eight new charges upon his return to court on Monday (March 25). The additional charges are under Section 165 of the Penal Code, which makes it an offence for public servants to accept gifts from someone involved with them in an official capacity. Iswaran, 61, is accused of obtaining valuable things including bottles of whiskey, golf clubs and a Brompton bicycle from a man named Lum Kok Seng, according to charge sheets. These items have a total value of about $18,956.94, the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) said in a statement on Monday. CPIB added that Iswaran, who allegedly committed the offences between November 2021 and 2022, knew Lum during his tenure as transport minister. Iswaran now faces a total of 35 charges. If convicted under Section 165 of the Penal Code, a person will be fined or jailed for up to two years, or both.

Fire breaks out at hawker stall in Newton Food Centre, 2 taken to hospital

SINGAPORE - Two people were taken to hospital after a hawker stall in Newton Food Centre caught fire on Sunday (March 24). Early investigations suggest that the fire was caused when food that was being cooked in the stall was left unattended, said a Singapor
Singapore

Fire breaks out at hawker stall in Newton Food Centre, 2 taken to hospital

SINGAPORE - Two people were taken to hospital after a hawker stall in Newton Food Centre caught fire on Sunday (March 24). Early investigations suggest that the fire was caused when food that was being cooked in the stall was left unattended, said a Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) spokesman, in response to queries. Soot seen on the ceiling above a stall after a fire broke out at Newton Food Centre on March 24. PHOTO: S. W. Long He added that the two people taken to the Singapore General Hospital were believed to be suffering from smoke inhalation. The hawker centre, popular with tourists and Singaporeans from all walks of life, can be seen filled with thick smoke, in photographs taken by Tiong Bahru Durian Desserts stallholder S.W. Long and sent to The Straits Times. SCDF firefighting vehicles can also be seen outside the food centre.

Location, affordability, wait times: Singaporeans discuss their biggest housing concerns, balancing their needs and wants

Buying an HDB home is an exciting journey for many Singaporeans. However, with so many factors to consider - price, location, waiting times and more - it can quickly become overwhelming for some of us. To help you along, we spoke to some Singaporeans about
Singapore

Location, affordability, wait times: Singaporeans discuss their biggest housing concerns, balancing their needs and wants

Buying an HDB home is an exciting journey for many Singaporeans. However, with so many factors to consider - price, location, waiting times and more - it can quickly become overwhelming for some of us. To help you along, we spoke to some Singaporeans about their concerns and considerations when it comes to buying their first home. Then, we'll guide you through the support available for first timers, such as the grants and loans available. We'll also share some handy tools and resources to smoothen your housing journey. After all, your first HDB home should be a joyous milestone - not a stressful experience! «I am not sure if there are HDB flats within my budget» Among the Singaporeans we spoke to, most mentioned that cost is at the top of their minds when it comes to buying an HDB flat. Bea, a 23-year-old writer, is well aware that housing is a big investment. «That said, I do think that HDB flats are the most affordable option for Singaporeans, especially for young couples given the available grants,» she says.

Iswaran returns to State Courts amid multiple charges, including corruption

SINGAPORE - Former Transport Minister S Iswaran, who is facing multiple charges including ones for corruption, returned to the State Courts on Monday (March 25). He arrived at about 8.15am. Iswaran, 61, was charged at the State Courts on Jan 18 and his cas
Singapore

Iswaran returns to State Courts amid multiple charges, including corruption

SINGAPORE - Former Transport Minister S Iswaran, who is facing multiple charges including ones for corruption, returned to the State Courts on Monday (March 25). He arrived at about 8.15am. Iswaran, 61, was charged at the State Courts on Jan 18 and his case was later transferred to the High Court. A chambers hearing was fixed for April 2, for the prosecution and the defence to exchange information ahead of the trial. Those who have ongoing High Court cases would have to return to the State Courts if additional charges are filed against them. Iswaran currently faces a total of 27 charges, including two for corruption. The corruption charges relate to alleged bribes obtained from billionaire Ong Beng Seng as inducement for advancing the hotel and property tycoon’s business interests in relation to agreements between Singapore GP and the Singapore Tourism Board. Mr Ong, who is chairman of race promoter Singapore GP, is credited with bringing the Formula 1 Grand Prix to Singapore. Iswaran also faces 24 counts under Section 165. He is the first reported person to be charged under the section.

Hit-and-run accident near Geylang: 2 hospitalised while driver who left behind license plate is still at large

Two were taken to hospital after a hit-and-run accident on Saturday night (March 23). A Facebook video circulating online shows two pedestrians who got hit by a car and got sent flying upon impact. In the video posted by SG Road Vigilante, the car can be s
Singapore

Hit-and-run accident near Geylang: 2 hospitalised while driver who left behind license plate is still at large

Two were taken to hospital after a hit-and-run accident on Saturday night (March 23). A Facebook video circulating online shows two pedestrians who got hit by a car and got sent flying upon impact. In the video posted by SG Road Vigilante, the car can be seen slowing down a little before driving off, leaving one of the victims lying motionless on the road. 

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