A lawyer was ordered to pay $800 in personal costs to the other party for citing a fictitious legal authority that was generated using artificial intelligence during a civil case.The parties involved were: Claimants Tajudin Gulam Rasul and Mohamed Ghouse Tajudin against Suriaya Haja Mohideen, the defendant, according to the written judgement made available online on Thursday (Oct 2).Tajudin and Mohamad Ghouse were represented by Lalwani Anil Mangan from DL Law Corporation, while Suriaya was defended by Umar Abdullah Mazeli from Abdel Law LLC.The use of AI to prepare court documents is not prohibited in Singapore, but all users are responsible for ensuring that all information provided to the court is accurate and relevant.While the details of the civil case was not available, the written judgement stated that Suriaya had a default judgement set against her for failing to file a notice of intention to contest or contest the claim.In a written submission filed on June 1, Lalwani cited a purported case, but it was «conspicuously missing» from the claimants’ bundle of authorities filed the next day.

The Immigration and Checkpoint Authority (ICA) officers foiled an attempt to smuggle more than 400 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes into Singapore via Woodlands Checkpoint on Tuesday (Sept 30). In a Facebook post on Thursday (Oct 2), ICA said that a motorcycle was identified by its Integrated Targeting Centre (ITC) for enhanced checks and more than 400 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes were found concealed in its side fairings. The 32-year-old Malaysian rider was arrested and the case referred to the Singapore Customs for further investigation. On Aug 26, ICA foiled a similar attempt to smuggle duty-unpaid cigarettes into Singapore, also on a Malaysia-registered motorcycle. More than 450 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes were found concealed in various compartments of the motorcycle. 

Motorists and cargo drivers may see Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers conducting breath tests on them at Singapore's land and land-based sea checkpoints and their vicinities from Friday (Oct 3).Those who fail the test will be arrested and handed over to the police for follow-up action.Under the law, it is an offence to refuse to comply with the administration of a breath test. First-time offenders may be fined up to $5,000 or jailed for up to six months. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said on Thursday (Oct 2) that the new powers will enable ICA to protect public safety and strengthen protective security measures across the land and sea checkpoints.Amendments to the Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act The new powers are part of phased implementation of the amendments to the Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act, which were passed in Parliament in January.

SINGAPORE — The High Court has upheld the decision made by the State Courts to refuse bail to an Indonesian businessman allegedly involved in a high-profile corruption case in his country.Paulus Tannos, 70, was arrested in Singapore on Jan 17 after being on Indonesia's fugitive list since October 2021.Tannos was said to be implicated in a major graft scandal involving the Indonesian government's electronic ID card or e-KTP project, which allegedly caused state losses of about 2.3 trillion rupiah (S$178 million).In a hearing on Oct 2 presided by Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon, Tannos had his appeal for bail denied.The defence, led by Suang Wijaya of law firm Eugene Thuraisingam, argued that Tannos had medical conditions which justified him being allowed bail.These conditions included chest discomfort, the narrowing of heart valves and diabetes.CJ Menon said if bail were to be granted to Tannos, this would mean other accused individuals under the Extradition Act can seek this exception and be released from bail due to some minor illness, only to have the bail revoked a few days later after having recovered from it.

A 24-year-old man was caught on campus during vape enforcement operations conducted by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and the Ministry of Education (MOE) across six Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs).He was found in possession of two e-vaporisers, 10 related components and was issued a notice of composition and fined on the spot.The e-vaporisers and components were seized.In a joint statement on Thursday (Oct 2), MOE said that HSA enforcement officers and IHL campus security personnel carried out the operation from Sept 8 to Sept 29.Separately, five individuals aged between 20 and 25 were also found in possession of duty-unpaid cigarettes and have been referred to Singapore Customs for further investigation.In addition to the penalties imposed by HSA for vaping offences, the statement noted that IHLs will enforce disciplinary actions under their respective frameworks, which have been strengthened to align with the national stance against vaping.

More than 3,100 drivers of Singapore vehicles have been caught entering Johor without a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) tag since Malaysia stepped up enforcement on July 1.Johor's Road Transport Department (JPJ) has issued 3,148 summonses amounting to RM944,400 (S$290,000), reported New Straits Times (NST).Each summons amounted to RM300, which must be settled before the vehicle is allowed to exit the country, JPJ director-general Aedy Fadly Ramli told local media on Oct 1.He continued that Singapore motorists must comply with VEP requirements as they are vital for road safety and preventing the misuse of foreign vehicles. «It allows authorities to monitor vehicles, enforce traffic laws and manage summonses during [Singapore motorists'] stay here. Enforcement will continue to be strengthened,» he said.Aedy added that the VEP scheme also prevents vehicles with invalid road tax and insurance from entering Malaysia.This scheme is not intended to burden drivers, but to ensure transparency, safety and accountability, he explained.

Two women are assisting police with investigations after a video surfaced on various social media platforms showing one woman kicking another at the Singapore Management University (SMU) on Tuesday (Sept 30).In the 21-second clip, which has since gone viral, a woman in pink can be seen kicking another older woman who was lying on the ground.Onlookers at the scene can be heard expressing concern, with some approaching the older woman to check on her.One person can be heard suggesting that the older woman had fainted and that campus security should be called, while another refers to her as a «housekeeper lady.» Responding to queries from AsiaOne, the police and Singapore Civil Defence Force confirmed that a call for assistance was made at about 2.10pm at 40 Stamford Road. A 61-vear-old woman was conveyed conscious to Raffles Hospital. Two women, aged 21 and 61, are assisting with investigations for voluntarily causing hurt and using criminal force. Police investigations are ongoing. 

While making small talk with a cleaner in Singapore, an Australian tourist was surprised to learn that the man is 91 years old.Fitness influencer Jaden Laing said in an Instagram Reel on Monday (Sept 29) that he came across a «legend» in Singapore, who was «working hard in the bathroom».In the clip, Laing washes his hands in a toilet as he asks the elderly janitor — dressed in uniform with an ION Orchard nameplate pinned to his top — how his day is going.«My age?» the cleaner mishears. «91.»An astounded Laing reconfirms the elderly worker's age and initiates a fist bump.The two continue conversing, and the janitor reveals that he clocks out at 7pm and works a 12-hour shift.«How do you look so healthy...What's your diet?» Laing asks.The senior responds that he works and eats like «normal».«Never exercise. Work, go back [home to] sleep,» he says of his daily routine.To that, Laing compliments the cleaner that he is «the man» before passing him cash as a tip, estimated to be at least $200.

The Build-To-Order (BTO) exercise in October will divert demand away from the resale market, several property analysts said on Wednesday (Oct 1).They added that prospective homeowners are likely to be attracted to the new housing precincts, which are part of the 9,100 flats offered in the final BTO launch of the year.This comes after HDB resale flat prices rose 0.4 per cent in the third quarter of 2025, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of slowing price growth.HDB flash estimates released on Oct 1 showed that the resale price index grew to 203.7 in the third quarter, up from 202.9 in previous quarter. «This marks the fourth consecutive quarter of slowing resale price growth and the lowest quarter-on-quarter increase since Q2 2020,» said HDB.Resale flat prices have been rising for 22 straight quarters since the second quarter of 2020.Christine Sun, chief researcher and strategist at Realion (OrangeTee Group & ETC) Group, noted that on a yearly basis, resale prices rose by 5.6 per cent. She expects resale prices to either remain stable or experience a slight decline for the fourth quarter of 2025.

Three blocks of the former Kandang Kerbau Hospital (KKH) on Hampshire Road were gazetted as Singapore’s 76th national monument on Wednesday (Oct 1).Established a free maternity hospital on Oct 1, 1924 but with history dating back to 1858, the National Heritage Board (NHB) said in a media statement that over 1.2 million babies were born there before its relocation in March 1997.The hospital, now named as KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, is located across the road from its previous location.The Land Transport Authority currently uses the old hospital premises as its headquarters.Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo, who officiated the gazette at the former hospital on Wednesday, said that the hospital embodies the values of selfless care.Neo, who also launched The Architecture of Care exhibition to commemorate the occasion, said: «Generations of our healthcare professionals served here with dedication and professionalism.»The former KKH was the site of several medical milestones, said NHB.

Thundery showers in the late morning and afternoon on most days, higher lightning activity, as well as light and variable winds are expected in the first fortnight of October, said the Meteorological Service Singapore on Wednesday (Oct 1). According to the Met Service, these conditions are due to the south-west monsoon coming to an end, and the inter-monsoon season setting in during the first week of October. The total rainfall for the first fortnight of October is expected to be near average over most parts of the island, with daily maximum temperatures ranging between 32 and 34 deg C on most days. In the second half of September, the daily maximum temperatures were above 33 deg C — with localised short-duration thundery showers over parts of the island on several days. What is inter-monsoon season?The inter-monsoon season is a transition period between the two major monsoon seasons — the south-west monsoon and the north-east monsoon. 

The State Courts will see a leadership change with Justice Christopher Tan succeeding Justice Vincent Hoong as Presiding Judge of the State Courts from Jan 1, 2026. According to the judiciary's website, the Presiding Judge has overall responsibility for the leadership and management of the State Courts which consist of the coroners', district and magistrates' courts, and the tribunals for community disputes resolution, employment claims and small claims. Justice Tan was one of three new Supreme Court judges appointed on Aug 1. Prior to his appointment as Judicial Commissioner in 2023, he concurrently held the positions of registrar of the State Courts and deputy presiding judge of the State Courts. A career legal service officer, he has served in various agencies including the Attorney-General's Chambers, Competition Commission of Singapore and the Monetary Authority of Singapore.Justice Tan's areas of focus include criminal trials, defamation and professional negligence. 

A woman from Singapore who appeared in a street interview video has impressed netizens, with some calling her the «perfect ambassador».In the one-minute-long video, which was filmed along London's Carnaby Street, the unnamed woman was asked various questions about Singapore.Some of these questions were: «How many official languages does Singapore have? Name them», «What unites Singaporeans» and «True or false, Singapore has the world's tallest indoor waterfall».To netizens' delight, she answered them eloquently and without hesitation. The woman, named all four official languages, said the annual National Day Parade (NDP) was what united Singaporeans and that the world's tallest indoor waterfall was indeed located in Jewel Changi Airport.She also mentioned some things that were uniquely Singaporean such as Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats as well as the «durian-shaped» Esplanade.

Upset that a macaque had allegedly stolen his child's food during a visit to the Singapore Zoo, a man swung his bag at the animal.In a video posted to TikTok on Sunday (Sept 28), a monkey is seen crawling along a railing while a child looks on. Moments later, a man dressed in a blue jersey approaches the monkey and swings his bag at it.During the attempt, the child beside him — believed to be his son — was accidentally struck by the bag.Towards the end of the video, a woman can be heard saying, «You don't do that,» as others nearby voiced their agreement.According to 8world, the video was recorded by a visitor who said that the incident took place around noon on Sept 27, along the trail leading to the elephant exhibit area.The visitor, who wished to be known only as Paul, told 8world that prior to the incident, visitors had been laughing and taking photos of the monkeys when one of the animals unexpectedly jumped on a boy and snatched food from his hand.