Malaysian authorities rescued two Singaporeans in Johor Bahru (JB) on Tuesday (Aug 11) after they were allegedly kidnapped and held for ransom.One of them, a 33-year-old Singaporean fugitive wanted for breaching parole for a drug offence, had been hiding in Malaysia for three months before being kidnapped, reported The Star. The police discovered this after rescuing him and his 28-year-old Singaporean girlfriend, said Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director M. Kumar on Wednesday.Six Malaysians, including the mastermind, aged between 32 and 46, have been arrested, according to local media reports. Five of the suspects reportedly have criminal records, while four of them tested positive for drugs. The two victims also tested positive for meth and are currently in police custody, reported New Straits Times (NST). The police also seized an array of items, including ransom money and items totalling RM264,440 (S$82,800), said Kumar 

Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday (Aug 12) warned members of the public of the presence of fake websites impersonating seven Home Team agencies and itself. The seven Home Team agencies are: the Singapore Police Force (SPF), Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB), Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), Singapore Prison Service (SPS), Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX), and Home Team Academy (HTA).In a statement posted on its Facebook page, MHA said that HTX has detected over 500 such fake websites, adding that steps were taken to take them down, with all identified websites removed by Tuesday.The ministry said the fake websites replicated the official branding and publicly available content from its website and that of the seven agencies.«(This) could have potentially misled members of the public into believing that they were accessing official MHA or Home Team agency websites,» it said.

The three institutions — elected presidency (EP), Group Representation Constituency (GRC), and Non-Constituency Members of Parliament (NCMP) — are unique to Singapore and have stood the test of time to serve the country well, said Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Speaking at the launch of a new book, titled «Creating Three Unique Singapore Laws: An Inside Story», by former Deputy Prime Minister S. Jayakumar at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Tanglin on Wednesday (Aug 12), SM Lee noted that the true test of these institutions was how well they would work out in practice through the years, and across successive governments.He said that in evaluating them, the overriding concern must always be about what is in Singapore's long-term interests, and what will maintain a stable and well-functioning political system in Singapore. «And from that point of view, I am happy that all three have worked out well in practice. The institutions that Mr Lee and his team created have stood the test of time,» SM Lee added.

At 19, Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Engineering Scholarship recipient Choo Le Xuan has already overcome a major hurdle to a career with the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).The Hwa Chong Institution graduate was initially medically classified PES E9 due to her autoimmune condition that was diagnosed in primary school, but she was determined to pursue a career in the armed forces.After her condition stabilised, she was eventually upgraded to PES B1.Spending six years with the National Cadet Corps at Hwa Chong had already sparked her interest in a career in defence, but it was an internship with the RSN's Engineering and Logistics Department that cemented her resolve.Through that experience, she saw first-hand how engineering and innovation help keep naval platforms operational.“When you see people who speak with such a spark in their eyes, where they really love their job, where they are really passionate about what they do, I think that was my biggest takeaway," Choo told AsiaOne.

Grab on Wednesday (Aug 12) launched a new customised rider safety programme to help its food delivery riders stay safe while navigating their everyday work.The programme — named «GrabAcademy RideSafe 2026» — is designed specifically for food delivery riders and was launched in partnership with the Riding Safety Association of Singapore (RSAS) and the National Delivery Champions Association.It was officiated by Minister of State for Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash.In a media statement on the same day, Grab said that while motorcyclists would have learnt the fundamentals of safe riding while obtaining their motorcycle licences, delivery riders operate in a «different environment» from most road users.Its programme is therefore designed to address the everyday demands of delivery work, including riding with loaded delivery bags, managing frequently stop-start journeys, and navigating tight spaces on Singapore's busy roads.Practical safe-riding tipsThe curriculum focuses on the situations delivery riders encounter every day and the techniques needed to ride safely and confidently, Grab said.

A 26-year-old man will be charged on Thursday (Aug 13) for various offences, including allegedly operating five illegal massage parlours, the police said on Wednesday.Several enforcement operations were conducted on massage parlours islandwide between June and December 2025.Preliminary investigations revealed that he had allegedly operated these outlets at Little India, Beach Road, Macpherson Road, Serangoon Garden and Balestier Road. Investigations also revealed that he was allegedly involved in two other cases.In October 2021, he allegedly caused a fire after dropping a lit cigarette from the fourth floor of a building along Admiralty Street .In September 2024, he allegedly provided his bank account details to a criminal syndicate for $500. The account was later used for scam operations.If convicted of operating unlicensed massage parlours, he can be fined up to $10,000, jailed for up to two years, or both, and for causing or contributing to the risk of dangerous fire, he can be jailed for up to 18 months, fined, or both.

Homegrown transport giant ComfortDelGro (CDG) on Wednesday (Aug 12) announced the rebranding of its electric vehicle charging business as CDG Energy.The move follows the acquisition of the remaining stakes of its former joint venture, CDG Engie, and its evolution to an integrated energy management company, expanding beyond electric vehicle (EV) charging, the group said in a statement.CDG Energy's charging network now comprises 2,600 charging points across 800 locations in Singapore and Malaysia, with further expansion planned for as EV adoption accelerates in the region, it added.Touching on its next phase of business growth, CDG said it is broadening its focus to include supporting customers’ evolving electrification and energy management needs.CDG Energy said its fleet electrification and smart energy solutions can help customers use energy more efficiently, improve operations and reduce carbon emissions.ComfortDelGro's group CEO and managing director Cheng Siak Kian, noting the increasing interconnectedness between mobility and energy, said that CDG Energy represents «a natural extension» of the group's broader mobility ecosystem.

There are many major milestones in a Singapore child's education, and few are as significant as the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE).North West District Mayor Alex Yam shared his thoughts on watching his son sit his PSLE Oral exam in a Facebook post on Wednesday (Aug 12).Sharing a picture of his son Francis, whom he affectionately terms «Big Yamlet», Yam cheekily reinterpreted the PSLE acronym as «Parents Stress, Little Excitement».«The funny thing about these milestones is that the children often seem considerably calmer than the parents,» he said, adding that Francis «looks quite composed».Yam said he marked the occasion by taking commemorative selfies.He said it felt like «only yesterday» that he was sending Francis off for his first day of Primary 1, and that time had passed so quickly that they were now facing the PSLE.«The first of many milestones that will come and go, each one reminding us that our children are growing up rather faster than we would sometimes like,» he said.Yam also wished his son well for the examination and extended his encouragement to other Primary 6 pupils taking the Oral exams.

A 37-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday (Aug 11) for allegedly breaking into a restaurant in Tanjong Pagar and stealing cash of about $4,095.Police said on Wednesday that they were alerted to the alleged crime at a restaurant along Peck Seah Street at about 10.20am on Monday.Officers from Central and Woodlands Police Divisions established the identity of the man through ground enquiries and with the aid of images from police cameras and closed circuit televisions (CCTVs), arresting him on Tuesday.He was arrested within 32 hours of the report being made.Preliminary investigations have also revealed that he could be involved in other similar cases.He will be charged in court on Thursday with the offence of housebreaking and theft.If found guilty of the said offences, he could be jailed for up to 10 years and fined.[[nid:742402]]editor@asiaone.com 

SINGAPORE — A doctor and an acquaintance were each sentenced to a year in jail on Aug 12 for consuming MDMA, also known as Ecstasy.The doctor, Rayson Lee Rui Sheng, 36, and Tan Li Ming, 29, were among 49 men arrested in a police raid during a party held at a villa at the Sofitel Singapore Sentosa hotel on Aug 9, 2023.Following a trial, each man was convicted of one count of drug consumption in June.In earlier proceedings, the court heard that Lee was at the villa to attend another acquaintance’s birthday party.He arrived at around 8pm on Aug 8, 2023, mingled with friends, and then left for a club in Clarke Quay, where he was introduced to Tan.The two men went to the villa separately in the wee hours the next day.Police, acting on information, conducted checks at the hotel shortly after 5.30am and found substances believed to be controlled drugs.The Central Narcotics Bureau were alerted.During the operation, the authorities also found several substances suspected to be controlled drugs, including Ecstasy and ketamine, and drug paraphernalia.

An orchid-themed park, an activity promenade and more recreational spaces are possible features in National Parks Board's (NParks) plans to rejuvenate the Istana Park and Dhoby Ghaut area. These updates were announced by Minister of State for National Development Alvin Tan at an event held at Temasek Shophouse on Wednesday (Aug 12). Under the plan, the current Istana Park will be merged with the existing Dhoby Ghaut Green and Penang Road Open Space, along with the 500m stretch of Orchard Road between Buyong Road and Handy Road that will be pedestrianised. This will create a new park more than three times the size of the existing Istana Park.«The significantly larger space will allow for a refresh of the area with new attractions and offerings, possibly including more family-friendly features, greenery and flexible spaces for activities and programmes,» NParks said. 

This year's Hungry Ghost Festival begins on Aug 13 (Thursday), and many Chinese are expected to make offerings of candles, food, joss sticks and others from Wednesday night onwards.Over the years, this practice has sometimes caused neighbourly disputes and even resulted in fire.It has also caused cleanliness and hygiene-related concerns with food offerings attracting animals and pests such as rats.In an advisory posted on its social media on Wednesday, the National Environment Agency (NEA) urged members of the public to be considerate and to keep shared spaces clean while paying respects.It also sought the public's cooperation not to toss or scatter joss paper, and to clear offerings after prayers.«Leaving items behind may constitute littering,» it added.An infographic shared by the agency suggested that those burning offerings can do so based on sincerity, burning smaller amounts of joss paper to reduce smoke and ashes. 

SINGAPORE — Nearly two-thirds of Sentosa Cove properties changed hands at a loss in the last three years, while resale gains on profitable transactions shrank by some 60 per cent, research by analysts showed.Landed homes seem to fare slightly better than condominiums, with roughly half of landed resale deals closing above water since 2023.Sentosa is the only place in Singapore where foreigners can buy a landed property, subject to approval from the Government. Capital values of the 99-year-leasehold homes built on Sentosa have long trailed those of properties on the mainland.Several factors, from accessibility to pricing, explain its niche demand.But, since 2023, steep increases in stamp duties for foreign buyers have curtailed demand for the luxury homes on the island, heavily promoted from the start as a playground for the wealthy. Data compiled by Mogul.sg, covering landed and non-landed homes, showed that 64.5 per cent of resale transactions between May 2023 and June 2026 were unprofitable, up from 62.8 per cent between March 2020 and April 2023. 

Travellers departing Singapore via Woodlands Checkpoint are advised that there is currently heavy departure traffic at Woodlands Checkpoint.In an advisory posted on its social media at 11.19am, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said this is due to tailback from Malaysia.The authority added that delays are expected and advised travellers to check traffic conditions before embarking on their journey.Checks by AsiaOne on the Land Transport Authority's (LTA) traffic camera at 11.45am show that the tailback stretches up to Woodlands Crossing. The tailback extended to Woodlands Crossing. PHOTO: Land Transport Authority However, traffic remains smooth along the Woodlands Flyover towards Woodlands Checkpoint.

A group of people have drawn criticism online for setting up a badminton net across a public walkway at Sembawang Park, obstructing pedestrians using the path.In a photo shared on Facebook on Sunday (Aug 9), five people in red shirts are seen gathered along the walkway, with the net having a Singapore flag on display. Several folding chairs and badminton bags could also be seen around the setup.An eyewitness claimed the incident took place on the morning of National Day, and there were about 10 people involved.The incident garnered mixed reactions online, with some netizens criticising the group's actions while others argued that pedestrians could opt for alternative routes. One commenter said that celebrating National Day with friends and enjoying a game of badminton was perfectly reasonable, but public spaces should remain accessible to everyone.

This year's Hungry Ghost Festival begins on Thursday (Aug 13) and ends on Sept 10, with the 15th day — also known as Ghost Day — occurring on Aug 27.The festival is rooted in folklore that the gates of hell open during the seventh lunar month, allowing spirits to return to the living world to look for food. It is with this belief that many Chinese make offerings of food, joss sticks, candles, paper money and other paper effigies such as houses, cars and clothes to the dead. These offerings are not only made to ancestors but also to wandering spirits in the hope that they will be appeased and hence refrain from disturbing the living. Do hell gates really open?In a 2023 interview, Lee Chee Tong, a 27-year-old ordained Taoist priest, told AsiaOne that the festival is not as scary as many believe it to be.According to Taoist beliefs, the 15th day of the seventh month is the birthday of Di Guan Da Di, also known as the 'earth official'. 

A man spotted a foreign worker cycling on the Seletar Expressway (SLE) last Thursday (Aug 6), and decided to make a «special bike delivery» — giving him and his bicycle a lift and a quick lesson on using Google Maps.  Facebook user Foong WeiSheng shared two videos of the encounter on the platform that day. In the videos, Foong is seen mounting the man's bicycle onto a bike rack at the back of his car, which already had another bicycle secured to it.He then gives the worker a lift away from the expressway.The post captioned: «Did a special bike delivery today. Saw an Indian foreign worker cycling along SLE. I stopped and asked him where he (was) going.»Foong explained in the caption that the man had cycled from North Star towards North Link and that his Google Maps had been set to two-wheeler, which is for motorcycles, and he had just followed the app's directions. «As I am going toward Mandai Zoo, I sent him to Mandai road and guided him (on) how to set his Google maps settings so in future, he will not enter expressway again.»

In a bid to get a better vantage point, some people were seen allegedly scaling a bus stop just to shoot pictures.A photo shared in Facebook group Complaint Singapore by user Mark Tan on Monday (Aug 10) shows at least three individuals standing on top of a bus stop shelter.One person is seen perched on another person's shoulder while taking a photo. «Careful ah,» the post captioned. As the photo was uploaded a day after National Day, netizens speculated that they would have been taking pictures of the fireworks.In response to AsiaOne's queries, Tan said that the photo was shared by his friend, who saw it in a TikTok story by user rcistiredd. The photo was stitched in another TikTok video posted on Monday by user geotalkstoomuch, who alleged that those in the video were taking photos of the National Day fireworks. The post captioned: «NDP fireworks got Singaporeans doing side quests. Would you climb up for the perfect view?»