12 April 2025   02:18:37
Singapore



‘I felt lonely and upset’: Grandma, 73, worked at hawker stall to support grandkids during daughter's imprisonment

Every weekday, Habsah Binte Dol wakes up at 2am to prepare for her job as a cook in a hawker stall. She is 73, and took on the responsibility of looking after her grandchildren, aged 14 and 18, after her daughter was jailed in 2024 for drug abuse. Woon Ro

'Happy to be part of the team': PAP new face Valerie Lee joins walkabout on Pulau Ubin with Pasir Ris-Punggol MPs

A potential team for the People’s Action Party’s (PAP) contest in Pasir Ris-Changi GRC is taking shape, after successive appearances by a new face. Valerie Lee was again seen with MPs from Pasir Ris-Punggol — this time on a walkabout on Pulau Ubin o
Singapore

'Happy to be part of the team': PAP new face Valerie Lee joins walkabout on Pulau Ubin with Pasir Ris-Punggol MPs

A potential team for the People’s Action Party’s (PAP) contest in Pasir Ris-Changi GRC is taking shape, after successive appearances by a new face. Valerie Lee was again seen with MPs from Pasir Ris-Punggol — this time on a walkabout on Pulau Ubin on Friday (April 11). The island will be part of the newly-drawn Pasir Ris–Changi GRC in the coming election, according to the ​​Electoral Boundaries Review Committee report released in March. Also present were Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, Senior Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Desmond Tan, Senior Minister of State (Digital Development and Information and Health) Janil Puthucheary, and Sharael Taha, who spent an hour speaking with residents on the island, most of them seniors who have been living there their entire lives. Lee said there are 30 voters in the island with concerns such as “wildlife challenges” and support to redeem the $400 Climate Vouchers. “We got some of their numbers so that we can be in direct contact to give them some assistance,” she added.

Fire engine's wheels get stuck in mud in Tengah estate

This emergency vehicle found itself in a sticky situation after its wheels got stuck in mud in Tengah estate, according to a TikTok video by user Kerwin Wan on Wednesday (April 9). In the video, which has since garnered over 7,000 likes and more than 670 c
Singapore

Fire engine's wheels get stuck in mud in Tengah estate

This emergency vehicle found itself in a sticky situation after its wheels got stuck in mud in Tengah estate, according to a TikTok video by user Kerwin Wan on Wednesday (April 9). In the video, which has since garnered over 7,000 likes and more than 670 comments as at Friday (April 11), deep tyre marks can be seen carved into a grass patch, tracking mud onto the vinyl flooring leading to a second patch of grass. The video then cuts to the emergency vehicle — a Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) fire engine — with more than half of its front wheels buried in the dirt. Responding to queries from The Straits Times, the SCDF said that the vehicle had just completed routine hydrant testing in Swiss Club Road in the Bukit Timah area at around 5.45pm. The fire engine then made its way over to Plantation Grove area in Tengah on a scheduled trip for the firefighters to familiarise themselves with the area. But as the vehicle drove about 300m on a fire engine accessway near Block 120A Tengah Drive, its front wheels «sunk into the ground» before Block 121C Tengah Drive.

River Valley fire: Family of 10-year-old girl who died in blaze gather for last goodbye

SINGAPORE — As light rain fell over Tampines on the morning of April 11, the family of 10-year-old Freya Ji Yinan gathered to bid her farewell. Freya, an Australian, died in hospital after a fire broke out in a shophouse in River Valley Road on April 8.
Singapore

River Valley fire: Family of 10-year-old girl who died in blaze gather for last goodbye

SINGAPORE — As light rain fell over Tampines on the morning of April 11, the family of 10-year-old Freya Ji Yinan gathered to bid her farewell. Freya, an Australian, died in hospital after a fire broke out in a shophouse in River Valley Road on April 8. It left 21 others injured. Freya's family and friends came together on April 11 at Singapore Funeral Parlour in Tampines, where a memorial service was held for her. There, Freya's portrait was adorned with white chrysanthemums, and dark and light pink roses. A pink rabbit stuffed toy sat beside a memorial plaque which displayed her name and the brevity of her lifetime: 2014-2025. At around 10.30am, an elderly woman arrived and, upon seeing Freya's portrait, collapsed on the ground and wailed. Family members surrounded her as they cried and hugged each other. A man who identified himself as Freya's uncle said he flew over from China after hearing the news, but declined to speak further. Also at the wake was a woman who identified herself as Freya's maternal grandma. She said her granddaughter grew up with her, but did not say more.

Man, 77, discovered dead in Punggol flat; last seen over a week ago

A 77-year-old man was found dead in his Punggol flat on Wednesday (April 9), after neighbours, concerned by a foul smell from his unit, alerted the police. When a reporter from Shin Min Daily News visited the flat on the same day, two police officers were s
Singapore

Man, 77, discovered dead in Punggol flat; last seen over a week ago

A 77-year-old man was found dead in his Punggol flat on Wednesday (April 9), after neighbours, concerned by a foul smell from his unit, alerted the police. When a reporter from Shin Min Daily News visited the flat on the same day, two police officers were seen standing outside the door of the deceased. A strong stench was reportedly noticeable in the common corridor. According to the deceased's neighbours, the elderly man had been living alone in that rental unit for over five years. He was last seen more than a week ago and appeared unwell. Speaking to Shin Min Daily News, a 46-year-old resident who lives on the same floor as the deceased said he decided to check on the elderly man after not seeing him for over a week. «I didn't see him [since then], so I became worried and decided to check on him with another neighbour,» said the food delivery driver.  He added that upon opening the door and noticing the strong odour, one of them immediately called the police. Another neighbour, a 72-year-old retiree surnamed Chen (transliteration), told the Chinese daily that the elderly man was a reserved and lonely individual.

Malaysian man jailed for assaulting bus driver over 11-minute wait at Tampines

A 38-year-old Malaysian man was sentenced to six weeks in jail for attacking and injuring a bus driver. Looi Kai Ye pleaded guilty to one charge on April 7, while other charges are still pending. They include voluntarily causing hurt, mischief and public nu
Singapore

Malaysian man jailed for assaulting bus driver over 11-minute wait at Tampines

A 38-year-old Malaysian man was sentenced to six weeks in jail for attacking and injuring a bus driver. Looi Kai Ye pleaded guilty to one charge on April 7, while other charges are still pending. They include voluntarily causing hurt, mischief and public nuisance.  The incident occurred on Jan 21 at a bus stop located near Block 141 Tampines Avenue 2, when Looi was waiting for SBS Transit bus 59. Looi got frustrated waiting for the bus, which still had not arrived after 11 minutes. When it arrived at around 8.10am, Looi lost his temper and began shouting at the bus driver, Parvathy A/P Subramaniam. The assault worsened when Looi punched Parvathy on the left side of her head at least six times. A passenger on the bus managed to confront Looi and escort him off the bus, while another evacuated the other passengers, reported Shin Min. The driver was taken to Changi General Hospital for treatment and given three days of medical leave.

Nee Soon GRC MP Faishal Ibrahim to contest in Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC

Minister of State for Home Affairs and National Development Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim has confirmed he will be leaving Nee Soon GRC to contest Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC in the 2025 General Election. Speaking to the media on Friday (April 11) morning
Singapore

Nee Soon GRC MP Faishal Ibrahim to contest in Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC

Minister of State for Home Affairs and National Development Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim has confirmed he will be leaving Nee Soon GRC to contest Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC in the 2025 General Election. Speaking to the media on Friday (April 11) morning, Assoc Prof Faishal said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong had asked him to join the PAP team in the newly-formed Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC, and he had agreed. The 56-year-old was first elected as an MP for then-Marine Parade GRC's Kaki Bukit Division in 2006, and moved to Nee Soon GRC in 2011. «I'm very fortunate to be able to grow with the residents in Nee Soon... Going back to Marine Parade, it's homecoming,» he said during an interview held at a coffee shop in Block 747 Yishun Street 72 .  There had been speculations that Assoc Prof Faishal would not be fielded in Nee Soon GRC after he was seen with Manpower Minister and Marine Parade GRC MP Tan See Leng at a walkabout at Eunos Crescent Market and Food Centre on March 30.

GE2025: AMK GRC heading for 3-cornered fight after 2 opposition parties fail to strike deal

Ang Mo Kio GRC is poised for a three-cornered fight in the upcoming polls after two opposition parties failed to reach a deal on which one will face off against the PAP. Singapore United Party (SUP) secretary-general Andy Zhu said his party is adamant about
Singapore

GE2025: AMK GRC heading for 3-cornered fight after 2 opposition parties fail to strike deal

Ang Mo Kio GRC is poised for a three-cornered fight in the upcoming polls after two opposition parties failed to reach a deal on which one will face off against the PAP. Singapore United Party (SUP) secretary-general Andy Zhu said his party is adamant about contesting the ward despite the presence of a “third party”. The third party is the People’s Power Party (PPP), which has indicated that it will also field a team in Ang Mo Kio GRC, to be led by party treasurer William Lim. Speaking to reporters during a walkabout in Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10 on April 10, Mr Zhu, 42, said the SUP tried to broker a deal with PPP secretary-general Goh Meng Seng, but the two parties could not agree on which side will pull out. “I have spoken to him, and he will take the matter back to his team to deliberate... We do hope that PPP will recede from here,” said Mr Zhu, a property agent. In response to queries, Mr Goh said he had a short discussion with Mr Zhu, but there is no resolution in sight. PPP has also shown interest in Tampines GRC, where the Workers’ Party and National Solidarity Party (NSP) are likely to contest.

New CMPB facilities to gradually open come June, fully operational in September

The new Central Manpower Base's (CMPB) facilities are on track to gradually open come June and will reach full operational capabilities in September, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said on Thursday (April 10). Located just a stone's throw away from Cashe
Singapore

New CMPB facilities to gradually open come June, fully operational in September

The new Central Manpower Base's (CMPB) facilities are on track to gradually open come June and will reach full operational capabilities in September, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said on Thursday (April 10). Located just a stone's throw away from Cashew MRT station, the CMPB has multiple facilities for both national servicemen and members of the public. This includes a one-stop service centre for servicemen, a regional health hub, an all-weather fitness conditioning centre (FCC), a lifestyle mart for servicemen to buy equipment, an outdoor fitness zone and a food court. The new CMPB will replace the current one along Depot Road, which has been there since 1989. It will also consolidate the various facilities across Singapore for easy access — presently, the medical classification centre is in Depot Road with the Military Medicine Institute at Kent Ridge. Speaking with the media on Thursday at the base's outdoor fitness zone, head of project office for the new CMPB development Senior Lieutenant Colonel (SLTC) Lau Hui Boon said that the location will be a one-stop service for pre-enlistees and NS men.

Of bak chor mee and ballot boxes: Can politicians win hearts with hawker food?

SINGAPORE — «Al dente», «tangy», «succulent» and «flavourful». These are not necessarily words one might expect from someone campaigning for a seat in the gastronomic void that is Singapore's Parliament House
Singapore

Of bak chor mee and ballot boxes: Can politicians win hearts with hawker food?

SINGAPORE — «Al dente», «tangy», «succulent» and «flavourful». These are not necessarily words one might expect from someone campaigning for a seat in the gastronomic void that is Singapore's Parliament House.  But once in a while, a plate of char kway teow or a stack of prata wedges its way into the mosaic of resident handshakes and party group shots crowding the feeds of Singapore's politicians. Usually composed around a simple meal at a humble hawker table, these photographs depict everyday life as most Singaporeans might recognise it.  Casual update or calculated strategy? The Straits Times breaks down the ways in which politicians have approached the nation's favourite pastime: eating.  'I'm one of you'  Regardless of race, language or allegiance, everyone needs to eat.  Prime Minister Lawrence Wong grabs a breakfast of bak chor mee when «jet-lagged and craving» local food. Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo seeks solace in a bowl of mee tai mak during a hectic period. Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh discusses international affairs over a plate of mee siam.

Myanmar maid tortured to death: Cop is last abuser to be convicted

SINGAPORE — Suspended policeman Kevin Chelvam has been convicted of four charges linked to one of Singapore's worst maid abuse cases involving the death of a domestic helper. On April 10, the 46-year-old Traffic Police officer was the last of three pe
Singapore

Myanmar maid tortured to death: Cop is last abuser to be convicted

SINGAPORE — Suspended policeman Kevin Chelvam has been convicted of four charges linked to one of Singapore's worst maid abuse cases involving the death of a domestic helper. On April 10, the 46-year-old Traffic Police officer was the last of three people to be found guilty of abusing Myanmar maid, Piang Ngaih Don, who weighed a mere 24kg when she died in 2016. She had not been given sufficient food for at least 35 days. When she started working for the family on May 28, 2015, she weighed 39kg. After a trial, District Judge Teoh Ai Lin convicted Chelvam one count of abetting his then wife Gaiyathiri Murugayan to voluntarily cause grievous hurt by starving Piang Ngaih Don. Chelvam, who was her registered employer, was also convicted of one count of voluntarily causing hurt by grabbing her hair, and lifting her body off the ground. His bail was set at $20,000 on April 10 and he is expected to be sentenced on July 17. More than 10 people, including his mother, were seated in the gallery when the judge gave her verdict. Some of them bowed their heads during the sombre proceedings that lasted around 90 minutes.

'Rest in peace, girl': Bouquets seen at the scene of River Valley fire where 10-year-old died

Floral tributes were paid at the River Valley shophouse where a 10-year-old girl died and 21 others were injured after a fire broke out on Tuesday (April 8). When AsiaOne reached 278 River Valley Road at noon on Wednesday (April 9), two bouquets were see
Singapore

'Rest in peace, girl': Bouquets seen at the scene of River Valley fire where 10-year-old died

Floral tributes were paid at the River Valley shophouse where a 10-year-old girl died and 21 others were injured after a fire broke out on Tuesday (April 8). When AsiaOne reached 278 River Valley Road at noon on Wednesday (April 9), two bouquets were seen at the corner of the shophouse's entrance. Two bouquets were seen at the corner of the shophouse's entrance. PHOTO: AsiaOne/Hoon Jeng Jee A bouquet of white and yellow chrysanthemums had a handwritten note in Chinese. «To the girl who passed away, rest in peace,» the note from Venerable Shi Fa Rong said. «May the injured have a speedy recovery.»

No permission to hold meeting: Chee Soon Juan's allegation of double standards not true, says Sembawang Town Council

Sembawang Town Council has addressed allegations made by Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) chief Chee Soon Juan that it denied permission for the party to hold a town hall meeting.  In a TikTok video posted on Dr Chee's account on Monday (April 7), he sai
Singapore

No permission to hold meeting: Chee Soon Juan's allegation of double standards not true, says Sembawang Town Council

Sembawang Town Council has addressed allegations made by Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) chief Chee Soon Juan that it denied permission for the party to hold a town hall meeting.  In a TikTok video posted on Dr Chee's account on Monday (April 7), he said he had written to the town council for a space to discuss mental health with residents but was rejected. He also expressed concern that the town council was unfairly targeting the opposition, displaying images of People's Action Party (PAP) members distributing food to residents, implying it was a case of «double standards». In a Facebook statement on Tuesday (April 8), the town council clarified that Dr Chee's claims of double standards were «untrue», stating that common spaces are intended for «recreation, community activities, and providing assistance to residents in need», and that it «does not permit political activities to be conducted».

No intention of 'downplaying tariffs': PSP's Leong Mun Wai calls for new trade deal with US

Leong Mun Wai, secretary-general of the Progress Singapore Party (PSP), has called on the Government to negotiate a new trade deal with the US following the latest imposition of tariffs by President Donald Trump. On Wednesday (April 9), Leong, speaking on
Singapore

No intention of 'downplaying tariffs': PSP's Leong Mun Wai calls for new trade deal with US

Leong Mun Wai, secretary-general of the Progress Singapore Party (PSP), has called on the Government to negotiate a new trade deal with the US following the latest imposition of tariffs by President Donald Trump. On Wednesday (April 9), Leong, speaking on behalf of his party, posted a statement on his Facebook page, acknowledging the concerns of Singaporeans. «We should take this opportunity to secure a new trade deal with President Trump and work with the US to address their concerns, which may include making adjustments to internal policies or making strategic investments in the US,» he said. He added that Singapore is currently at a «key inflection point» that either strengthen the nation as a key economic powerhouse in the region or sideline it as a global trading hub and hoped that the Government would «secure the best deal» for Singapore.

'If you see someone in distress please don't shun them': Motorcyclist offers ride to woman walking in middle of PIE slip road

A motorcyclist was filmed offering assistance to a woman walking in the middle of a slip road connecting the Pan Island Expressway (PIE) to the Central Expressway (CTE) on Monday (April 7). According to a video uploaded to SG Road Vigilante later that eveni
Singapore

'If you see someone in distress please don't shun them': Motorcyclist offers ride to woman walking in middle of PIE slip road

A motorcyclist was filmed offering assistance to a woman walking in the middle of a slip road connecting the Pan Island Expressway (PIE) to the Central Expressway (CTE) on Monday (April 7). According to a video uploaded to SG Road Vigilante later that evening, many motorists drove past the woman, but only one motorcyclist stopped to offer her aid. The motorcyclist, blogger Vaune Phan, can be seen waving at traffic behind her, cautioning them to wait. She then rides up to a woman standing in the middle of the road and speaks briefly with her. The woman gets on the back of Phan's motorcycle shortly after and the duo moves off. In posts to her Facebook story, Phan later shared that she had seen the woman «just standing right in the middle of the highway», adding that there were «so many cars». «I was so worried she was going to get hit,» she wrote. «It was really dangerous for her to be there, where vehicles can be going up to 90kmh… and motorists may not anticipate a person walking there.»

Israeli soldiers deserve 'universal condemnation' for killing emergency workers: Shanmugam

Minister of Law and Home Affairs K Shanmugam has denounced the killing of emergency workers in Gaza by Israeli soldiers which occurred last month, adding that their actions deserve «universal condemnation». In a Facebook post on Tuesday (April 8)
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Israeli soldiers deserve 'universal condemnation' for killing emergency workers: Shanmugam

Minister of Law and Home Affairs K Shanmugam has denounced the killing of emergency workers in Gaza by Israeli soldiers which occurred last month, adding that their actions deserve «universal condemnation». In a Facebook post on Tuesday (April 8), Shanmugam referred to video evidence of the March 23 incident which was recovered from the mobile phone of one of the deceased and published by the Palestinian Red Crescent. The footage showed emergency workers in their uniforms and clearly marked ambulances and fire trucks, with their lights on, being fired on by soldiers PHOTO: Palestinian Red Crescent via Reuters This contradicted the Israeli Army's initial claim that soldiers opened fire on a convoy of emergency vehicles because they had approached «suspiciously ... without headlights or emergency signals», reported BBC.

GE2025: Why this 32-year-old is setting up a political party to contest East Coast GRC

A 32-year-old East Coast GRC resident has staked claim to East Coast GRC in the coming General Election — by launching a recruitment drive for his own political party. Restaurant owner Chia Yun Kai said that he decided to set up Most Valuable Party (MVP
Singapore

GE2025: Why this 32-year-old is setting up a political party to contest East Coast GRC

A 32-year-old East Coast GRC resident has staked claim to East Coast GRC in the coming General Election — by launching a recruitment drive for his own political party. Restaurant owner Chia Yun Kai said that he decided to set up Most Valuable Party (MVP) less than a month ago after promises made by his Member of Parliament were «unfulfilled». Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, 63, currently helms Bedok ward, where Chia has been living for over 20 years. «The East Coast plan was announced during the 2020 elections, and now they are saying the developments are taking place in 2025,» he told AsiaOne on Friday (April 4). Chia was referring to Heng's announcement on Jan 25, when he said that East Coast GRC would receive three new community spaces, with facilities like adventure playgrounds, fitness zones, and pet areas. Checks by AsiaOne found that MVP is not listed in the Registry of Societies by the Ministry of Home Affairs, a requirement for political parties with 10 or more members. Its official Instagram account created less than a month ago has only 80 followers, while its public Facebook group has just one member.

Man steals wedding money boxes containing about $50k in cash; police recover $3,000

A 36-year-old man who allegedly stole wedding money boxes containing an estimated $50,000 in cash will be hauled to court on Wednesday (April 9). In a statement on April 8, the police said they were alerted to the alleged theft at a hotel along Beach Road at
Singapore

Man steals wedding money boxes containing about $50k in cash; police recover $3,000

A 36-year-old man who allegedly stole wedding money boxes containing an estimated $50,000 in cash will be hauled to court on Wednesday (April 9). In a statement on April 8, the police said they were alerted to the alleged theft at a hotel along Beach Road at 12.49pm on April 5. An unknown man had allegedly swiped two money boxes filled with red packets from a wedding reception held at the hotel. The identity of the man was established through ground enquiries and CCTV images, and officers arrested the suspect on April 7. $3,000 in cash was recovered and seized by police. According to preliminary investigations, the man had possibly premeditated the theft. He had also changed into a different attire after the alleged incident, the police said. If convicted of theft, the man may face a jail term of up to three years and a fine. «The police have zero tolerance towards such brazen acts and will not hesitate to act against those who blatantly disregard the law,» said the statement.

'Workout buddies': Toddler warms hearts by copying older man doing morning exercises daily

A 20-month-old boy has gotten into the habit of a daily morning workout ever since he found a «workout buddy» on his way to school. A 13-second TikTok of the toddler was shared on Sunday (April 6) and has already captured the hearts of over 100,0
Singapore

'Workout buddies': Toddler warms hearts by copying older man doing morning exercises daily

A 20-month-old boy has gotten into the habit of a daily morning workout ever since he found a «workout buddy» on his way to school. A 13-second TikTok of the toddler was shared on Sunday (April 6) and has already captured the hearts of over 100,000 viewers.

Wake held for Singaporean man, wife killed in Italy gas explosion as probe into cause continues

Investigations into the suspected gas explosion tied to the deaths of a Singaporean man and his wife in Italy are ongoing, as their ashes were brought back to Singapore for memorial services on April 7 and 8. The investigations involved a range of technician
Singapore

Wake held for Singaporean man, wife killed in Italy gas explosion as probe into cause continues

Investigations into the suspected gas explosion tied to the deaths of a Singaporean man and his wife in Italy are ongoing, as their ashes were brought back to Singapore for memorial services on April 7 and 8. The investigations involved a range of technicians who installed and maintained the liquid petroleum gas system that powered the heating and kitchen of the couple’s Molazzana villa, which was reduced to rubble after a suspected malfunction to the system led to the explosion late on Dec 21, 2024, Italian media reported. Mr Seetoh Kwok Meng and his wife Chang Kai En, originally from Taiwan, had been living in the Italian commune in Lucca, Tuscany, for around six years, according to Mr Seetoh’s brother and Makansutra founder K.F. Seetoh. The villa’s former owners and manager of the company that installed the house’s boiler, were among those also issued notices by Italian public prosecutors to assist with investigations. An expert engineer was appointed to reconstruct the likely causes of the incident.

This made my day: Free assessment books and exam papers placed outside West Coast home win praise

On a quiet weekday afternoon in West Coast, a primary school student walked passed a house where boxes of free assessment books and exam papers were left out for anyone in need. Curious, she stopped to see if there was anything that could help her with h
Singapore

This made my day: Free assessment books and exam papers placed outside West Coast home win praise

On a quiet weekday afternoon in West Coast, a primary school student walked passed a house where boxes of free assessment books and exam papers were left out for anyone in need. Curious, she stopped to see if there was anything that could help her with her upcoming exams. Asked if it was her first time checking the materials, she smiled and shook her head. «I usually walk this path on my way home, and ever since I noticed the free books, I occasionally stop to check them out. They are useful, and it helps me save money too,» she told AsiaOne, adding that some of the contents in the box include past-year exam papers, which are typically harder to find. This heartwarming gesture of generosity comes from a family of four living in a terrace house along West Coast Lane. They have been consistently giving away assessment books and papers to those in need since 2022. Speaking to AsiaOne, the owner of the house, Ken Yeo shared that the idea of giving out study materials came from his two children after they found a carton of brand-new assessment books in the storeroom while doing a routine clean up. 

Info from Megan Khung's pre-school gave no reason for ECDA to suspect girl's abuse: MSF

SINGAPORE — A series of lapses in the reporting of abuse and follow-up checks contributed to the death of four-year-old Megan Khung, who was physically and emotionally abused for more than a year. During that period, she was forced to wear soiled diapers
Singapore

Info from Megan Khung's pre-school gave no reason for ECDA to suspect girl's abuse: MSF

SINGAPORE — A series of lapses in the reporting of abuse and follow-up checks contributed to the death of four-year-old Megan Khung, who was physically and emotionally abused for more than a year. During that period, she was forced to wear soiled diapers over her head, eat food from the dustbin and eat her mother's mucus. She died in 2020 after a fatal punch to the stomach, and her mother and her then boyfriend burned her body to hide their crime. Teachers at the young girl's pre-school, Healthy Start Child Development Centre (HSCDC), had observed visible injuries on her in March 2019. The centre, which is run by social service agency Beyond Social Services, submitted a report to the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) in early April 2019. The ECDA is the regulatory authority for pre-schools here. «However, the report did not fully describe the severity of the injuries, as compared to the evidence presented in the Court documents when Megan's mother and her partner were being charged,» the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) told The Straits Times on April 8.

Safer trips for teens, group order with strangers: Grab unveils new features

Come May, teens will be able to link their Grab accounts to their parents' Grab for Family account where the latter can book rides on behalf of their children. Several new features will also be implemented to enhance safety for these teenage children on th
Singapore

Safer trips for teens, group order with strangers: Grab unveils new features

Come May, teens will be able to link their Grab accounts to their parents' Grab for Family account where the latter can book rides on behalf of their children. Several new features will also be implemented to enhance safety for these teenage children on the road, including a PIN number to confirm rides and an upgraded AudioProtect system. These are part of a suite of new features unveiled by local tech company Grab on Tuesday (April 8).  Grab for Family/Teens — an addition to the Grab for Family account — was introduced at the GrabX event on Tuesday at the JW Marriott Grand Ballroom The existing Grab for Family account, according to Grab's website, currently allows for family members to join only if they are 18 years old and above, and is available only to Singapore Grab users. This new feature will benefit users aged 13 to 17. Speaking at the event, Grab's chief product officer Philipp Kandal stressed the «need for safe, trackable transportation for teenagers across Southeast Asia», which Grab may soon be capable of fulfilling.

Man pleads guilty to taking upskirt photos at Paya Lebar MRT station, injuring victim while fleeing

A 20-year-old man pleaded guilty to three counts of voyeurism on Monday (April 7) after he was caught taking upskirt photos and a video of a woman in Paya Lebar MRT station. On Sept 24, 2024, a 29-year-old Korean woman felt something hitting her calf while o
Singapore

Man pleads guilty to taking upskirt photos at Paya Lebar MRT station, injuring victim while fleeing

A 20-year-old man pleaded guilty to three counts of voyeurism on Monday (April 7) after he was caught taking upskirt photos and a video of a woman in Paya Lebar MRT station. On Sept 24, 2024, a 29-year-old Korean woman felt something hitting her calf while on an escalator out of the station. Suspicious of his intentions, the victim asked to check Benjamin Kow's phone and found an upskirt video and multiple blurry upskirt photos, Shin Min Daily News reported. When she called the police, Kow grabbed his phone and attempted to flee, pushing the victim and causing injuries to her elbow and ankles. Hearing calls for help, a male passerby got onto a bicycle, chased after the accused and stopped him. The report said that Kow attempted to delete video evidence while waiting for the police to arrive. Investigations revealed that Kow had prior instances of committing voyeurism, where he took upskirt photos of two other women at Dakota MRT station on separate occasions. No reports were filed at the time as the victims were not aware of his actions.

More than 11,000 DBS, Bank of China customers' information compromised after data attack on vendor

SINGAPORE – Customer data from two banks here was stolen in a ransomware attack on a printing vendor, though no login information was compromised. In a joint statement late on April 7, the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) and Monetary Authority of
Singapore

More than 11,000 DBS, Bank of China customers' information compromised after data attack on vendor

SINGAPORE – Customer data from two banks here was stolen in a ransomware attack on a printing vendor, though no login information was compromised. In a joint statement late on April 7, the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) and Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) said the two banks were DBS Bank and Bank of China, Singapore (BOC). DBS said the customer statements of around 8,200 customers were potentially compromised, while BOC separately said that the breach affected around 3,000 customers, whose paper letters were printed and distributed by Toppan Next Tech. Both banks added that their respective systems had not been compromised, and customer monies remained safe. DBS added that there was no evidence of unauthorised transactions resulting from the incident so far. According to DBS, the affected customers are mainly users of brokerage DBS Vickers and short-term loan service Cashline. The potentially compromised information came from statements or letters sent to individual customers between December 2024 and February 2025.

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