If you are looking to round up the Chinese New Year festivities with a strong gallop, this may be your chance.This year's Toto Hong Bao draw will be held on Friday (Feb 27), with an estimated $12 million jackpot.The draw will take place at 9.30pm at Singapore Pools' headquarters at Middle Road.Punters can purchase $10 and $20 packs at all outlets from 6.10pm on Feb 23.The recent Reunion Draw on Feb 13 saw one winning share hit the jackpot with a windfall of $6,188,268.Last year's $12.6 million Hong Bao jackpot was split among three winning shares.Remember, game responsibly. [[nid:729906]]editor@asiaone.com 

Three people were taken to hospital after a fire broke out at a HDB flat in Punggol involving a personal mobility aid (PMA) on Friday (Feb 13).Responding to queries from AsiaOne, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said it was alerted to the fire at Block 326C Sumang Walk at about 7.05am, and that it was extinguished using a water jet.Preliminary findings indicate that the fire had likely originated from a PMA and involved contents in the living room of a 16th floor unit.Three persons were assessed for smoke inhalation and taken to Singapore General Hospital.According to annual statistics released by the SCDF on Feb 11, the overall number of fires increased by 3 per cent, from 1,990 cases in 2024 to 2,050 in 2025.Fires at residential and non-residential premises also rose by 8.6 per cent, from 968 cases in 2024 to 1,051 in 2025.

The Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link reached a different sort of milestone on Thursday (Feb 12), with the passing of the RTS Link Bill 2026 in the Malaysian Parliament.Speaking at the end of the Bill’s debate on Thursday, Malaysian Deputy Home Affairs Minister Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah assured MPs that Malaysian law enforcement personnel stationed in Singapore will be immune from court prosecution for actions carried out in the course of their official duties.He emphasised that the Bill has three key areas: strengthening the legal framework around cross-border train operations, complementing existing laws, and safeguarding Malaysia’s sovereignty and security — including Malaysian law enforcement officers on duty in Singapore."An officer from Malaysia stationed at the Woodlands North station cannot be prosecuted for actions undertaken as part of his or her official functions.

A 14-year-old was taken to hospital on Friday (Feb 13) night after he was knocked down by a car in Hougang.The accident happened at about 10.50pm along Hougang Avenue 4, towards Serangoon Road. Passers-by reported seeing at least two Traffic Police expressway patrol cars and a crime scene investigation van at the scene at around 1am. In response to AsiaOne's queries, the police said that the accident involved the 14-year-old pedestrian and a car driven by a 33-year-old male driver.The boy was taken to the hospital and the driver is assisting with investigations.Police investigations are ongoing.In the first half of 2025, the number of traffic accidents resulting in injuries and fatalities increased by 8.9 per cent to 3,818 cases, up from 3,507 in the same period in 2024.To curb speeding violations and speeding-related incidents, stiffer penalties came into effect from Jan 1 this year.

A 22-year-old Bangladeshi man will be charged in court on Saturday (Feb 14) for allegedly staging his own kidnapping in a case of attempted cheating.In a news release on Friday (Feb 13) night, the police said they received a report at about 11.40am on Thursday, claiming that the man did not turn up for work.Later the same day, the police received further information that the man had allegedly been kidnapped. The man's uncle also received text messages seeking a ransom of $3,000 for his release.Police said the messages contained photographs of the suspect being tied up.Officers from Clementi Police Division conducted extensive searches and investigations and located him in the vicinity of Marina Bay, within three hours of being informed of the alleged kidnapping.Preliminary investigations revealed that the man had allegedly staged his own kidnapping for personal reasons.The police added that no ransom was paid to him or anyone else.His mobile devices were seized in connection to the case.If convicted of attempted cheating, he could be jailed for up to 10 years, fined, or both.[[nid:727610]]

Two batches of Nestle Milo snack bar products from Australia have being recalled after the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) was informed of the potential presence of rubber in them.Nestle Singapore, the importer of the affected products - Nestle's Milo snack bar (Original); and Nestle's Milo snack bar (Dipped) - has been directed to recall the implicated product, the agency said in a news release on Friday (Feb 13) night.  One batch of each of the said products is being recalled.

A 23-year-old man was arrested on Friday (Feb 13) for his alleged involvement in a case of loanshark harassment in Pasir Ris.The incident happened at about 9.06am on Friday at a residential unit along Pasir Ris Street 12.Police said the man scribbled the wall of the residential block's lift lobby with loanshark-related graffiti.He was identified and arrested within 14 hours of the report being made through follow-up investigations by officers from Ang Mo Kio Police Division, Bedok Police, Division, and Police Operations Command Centre, and with the aid of images from police cameras.Preliminary investigations revealed that he was allegedly involved in other similar acts of loanshark harassment islandwide. The police did not say when and where these other cases happened.He will be charged in court on Saturday (Feb 14) under the Moneylenders Act 2008. If found guilty of the said offence, he could be jailed for up to five years, fined up to $50,000, and receive up to six strokes of the cane.Members of the public are advised to stay away from loansharks and not work with or assist them in any way.

One lucky share hit the jackpot in Friday's (Feb 13) Toto Reunion Draw with a windfall of $6,188,268. The sole winning share is a QuickPick ordinary entry ticket, which costs $1, and was purchased at a FairPrice outlet in NEX.The outlet is among the top five outlets with the most Group 1 and Group 2 winning frequency since October 2014. The winning numbers are 10, 15, 25, 43, 45, and 49.A total of 15 winning shares split the Group 2 prize amount of $86,853.The next draw will be held on Monday (Feb 16), with the prize money reset to $1 million.[[nid:729748]]editor@asiaone.com 

Students from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) will be counselled after a video showing them creating a mess during a Chinese New Year celebration on Wednesday (Feb 11) went viral. The video, shared on TikTok on Thursday, shows the university students at a residential hall shouting while tossing and throwing yusheng at one another. Yusheng is a salad traditionally eaten during the Lunar New Year to symbolise abundance and prosperity. The dish involves tossing shredded ingredients into the air in a celebratory act known as lohei, but it does not involve throwing the food at one another. According to the post caption, the celebration is believed to have involved students staying at the school's halls 3, 12, 13, and 16. Responding to queries from AsiaOne, an NTU spokesperson said the university is aware of the incident and will be counselling the students involved regarding their behaviour and the importance of avoiding food wastage at future events. 

The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) has taken steps to enable congregants to have a meaningful Ramadan experience this year by enhancing prayer capacity. This year, Ramadan will begin at sunset on Feb 18 and end on Mar 20. Ramadan is a holy month of fasting, prayer and reflection for Muslims. During this period, they abstain from food, drink, and other indulgences during the daylight hours. The period of fasting concludes with the celebration of Hari Raya Puasa. In an announcement on Friday (Feb 13), Muis said that mosques will provide a total of 110,000 prayer spaces each night for tarawih prayers, with dedicated spaces available for female congregants. Tarawih is a nightly prayer performed during Ramadan. 

Members of the public visiting or travelling in vicinity of the Geylang Serai bazaar — to be held from Feb 14 to Mar 21 — should expect large crowds and heavy traffic, the police said. The advisory was issued by the police on Friday (Feb 13), ahead of the bazaar's opening on Saturday. The police advised members of the public to remain vigilant against crimes and safeguard their belongings by adopting the following measures: Always look after your belongings, especially in crowded areas. Ensure your bag is always closed and sling it in front of you. Avoid placing your wallet in your back pocket. Be vigilant and call 999 if you spot any suspicious persons or activities. The police also reminded motorists that heavy traffic is expected along Changi Road and Sims Avenue. They suggested for motorists to drive safely in the area, and where possible, to avoid the affected roads and make alternative travel arrangements. 

If you've noticed a burning smell in the air after you woke up on Friday (Feb 13) morning, and throughout the day, here's why.In a Facebook post at about 6.20pm on Friday evening, the National Environment Agency (NEA) explained that smoke from peatland and vegetation fires in recent weeks can release «a complex mixture of gases».«These gases may give rise to a noticeable burning smell, even when present at low concentrations,» the agency said. Last week, Johor firefighters battled a 121.41ha forest fire in Kota Tinggi's Bio Desaru, which took several days to bring under control due to strong and windy conditions.Following a spate of vegetation fires in end-January, Johor fire and rescue department chief Siti Rohani Nadir also urged the public not to engage in open burning, particularly under the present hot, dry and windy conditions.

A social media post claiming that a local childcare centre has reported a case of measles is untrue, the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) said on Friday (Feb 13).An anonymous parent said in a Facebook group on Feb 11 that she was informed by her daughter's childcare centre of a measles case, and asked if any other centres have an «outbreak».«We wish to clarify that as of Feb 12, 2026, 12pm, there are no confirmed measles cases at childcare centres or pre-schools in Singapore,» CDA said.It added that while doctors have referred a few cases of suspected measles to the CDA, all of them tested negative.«We advise members of the public not to speculate and/or spread unfounded rumours, and to rely on official sources for health information.»

Animal smuggling cases in Singapore fell 33 per cent in 2025 with 28 cases detected, compared with 42 in 2024, said the National Parks Board (NParks) and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) in a joint statement on Friday (Feb 13). NParks said the cases it detected last year in coordination with partner agencies such as ICA involved pets as well as wildlife for the pet trade, including dogs, cats, fish, birds, and species protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). There were 35 cases reported in 2023 and 34 in 2022. Out of the 28 cases detected last year, eight led to court charges while 20 resulted in composition fines issued to offenders, including buyers. NParks emphasised that animal smuggling not only harms the animals involved but also poses broader risks to public health and safety, as smuggled animals may carry infectious and contagious diseases that can threaten native wildlife, resident pets and even humans. 

On Friday (Feb 13) afternoon, a car pulled up at the National University of Singapore (NUS) @ UTown and three gunmen got out and started shooting at students.Chaos reigned as students suffered «gunshot wounds».One of the gunmen then went to a dustbin nearby to place an improvised explosive device (IED) in it. Three «gunmen» attempted to wreak havoc at NUS @ UTown on Friday (Feb 13) afternoon. They shot at students and passers-by after getting out of a vehicle and even placed an IED in one of the dustbins. PHOTO: AsiaOne/Shafiq Apandi Then, it fell eerily quiet again, as the «gunmen» disappeared into the building, leaving their victims groaning in pain.

Singapore’s plans to tap into the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) by encouraging its timely adoption, several firms told AsiaOne on Friday (Feb 13).It comes after Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced a slew of initiatives in his Budget 2026 speech on Thursday (Feb 12) — part of a nationwide push for businesses, workers and students to harness AI as a strategic advantage.PM Wong, who unveiled a record $154.7 billion budget, said: «AI will change how we work. The pace of change can be unsettling, especially when livelihoods are at stake. »We will press ahead with AI because we must. At the same time, we will put in place strong support to help our workers adapt and progress, because we will take care of our own."Adeline Liew, country business leader of Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise in Singapore, said that the immediate challenge for businesses is ensuring that there are resources in place to adopt AI in their operations.

SINGAPORE – Blind boxes offered in Singapore will soon be regulated, following a review by the authorities.In a written reply to a parliamentary question on Feb 12, Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam said the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) have studied the issue and have decided to introduce regulations.The regulations, which are currently being drafted, will stipulate conditions under which blind boxes may be offered here, to better manage gambling inducement risks, he added.He was responding to a question from Mr Dennis Tan (Hougang) about whether the Government intends to legislate mandatory and standardised disclosure of odds and probability ranges for blind box or “gacha” products.Mr Shanmugam said Mr Tan’s suggestion will be among the points considered for the regulations.Blind boxes are sealed boxes that contain a random collectible, such as a figurine, toy or accessory.Buyers purchase blind boxes not knowing what collectible they will get, with the odds of getting specific collectibles not always disclosed explicitly by manufacturers.

Five people were taken to hospital after an accident involving a car and a van along the TPE on Friday (Feb 13) morning.The accident, involving a red Tesla and a van, happened at about 2.30am towards the PIE, before Punggol Road exit. When AsiaOne reached the scene at about 3.45am, the van was lying on its side. A video posted on its Facebook page by SG Road Vigilante shows passing motorists helping the 38-year-old male van driver and the three male passengers out of the van.They were later taken to hospital.

A 27-year-old Indonesian man was arrested on Feb 29 on suspicion of attempting to smuggle a drug called Kratom via Singapore.Kratom is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, according to the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB), and its leaves contain Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine which can affect the brain and cause mood swings.It is commonly consumed by chewing on raw leaves or boiled as a tea.The stimulant can cause effects including nausea, seizures, and hallucinations.In a Facebook post on Friday (Feb 13), the Immigrations and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said the man was flagged for additional checks at Singapore Cruise Centre as he appeared nervous.A search of his luggage revealed a wrapped package, which is suspected to contain 1.02kg of Kratom in powder form.Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine are classified as Class A controlled drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act.For importing Class A controlled drugs, offenders face a mandatory jail term of at least five years and five strokes of the cane.The case has been referred to CNB for further investigation.

A new workgroup has been set up to develop strategies and strengthen Singapore's position as a global leader in private capital, said Minister for National Development and deputy chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) Chee Hong Tat.Speaking to the media on Friday (Feb 13), Chee said that the Growth Capital Workgroup will recommend measures to support the financing needs of companies from Singapore and the region across the various growth stages.The workgroup, first announced by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during his Budget statement on Thursday, will be chaired by Chee. It will comprise key private sector stakeholders and public sector representatives, including organisations like DBS, Temasek Holdings and Goldman Sachs. Shawn Huang, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Manpower, is the other political office holder in the workgroup.«The supply of capital and the demand for capital presents an opportunity for us as a trusted financial hub to see how we can benefit from this growth,» said Chee.

The police conducted enforcement operations against illegal activities in Chinatown and Jalan Besar on Thursday (Feb 12) which led to the arrest of seven women aged between 32 and 43.The seven women are being investigated for various offences, including working without a valid work pass; providing massage services without a licence; and keeping, managing or assisting in the management of a place of assignation.There have been previous media reports of shops suspected of offering «special» services to male customers.Most recently, in December 2025, there were reports of shops on the ground floor and third floor of People's Park Centre in Chinatown offering such services.Business owners in the complex noted that the authorities had conducted anti-vice raids, but the seedy parlours would resume their activities afterwards.

A 63-year-old man's HDB home was turned into a cat farm after he unknowingly took in a pregnant stray cat, which gave birth to four kittens that continued to interbreed until over 30 felines occupied his flat in Tampines. Chen Baodu (transliteration), who lives in a three-room flat in Tampines Street 11, told Shin Min Daily News that he adopted the stray in 2019 after he felt an affinity for the animal and started feeding it.A few months later, the cat gave birth to four kittens, which continued to mate. Eventually, more than 30 cats were living in the flat. A Shin Min reporter who visited the flat smelled a stench in the air as several cats wandered at the entrance. Inside, clutter filled the flat — an old desk, religious artefacts, plastic boxes, wooden planks. In one corner was a cardboard box covered in cat faeces. The reporter had to step over items and and squeeze their way through the clutter. Cats were seen climbing over the clutter and several newborn kittens were crawling around the flat.