Singapore



Garuda flight passengers evacuated after safety hazard detected during boarding at Changi

Passengers on board a Garuda Indonesia flight bound for Jakarta, Indonesia, from Changi Airport were evacuated after a safety issue was detected on the aircraft before take-off on March 25.A safety hazard in the aircraft’s tail section that posed a potentia
Singapore

Garuda flight passengers evacuated after safety hazard detected during boarding at Changi

Passengers on board a Garuda Indonesia flight bound for Jakarta, Indonesia, from Changi Airport were evacuated after a safety issue was detected on the aircraft before take-off on March 25.A safety hazard in the aircraft’s tail section that posed a potential risk to flight safety was identified by the crew on Flight GA829 during boarding that day, said the airline in a statement on March 27.Most passengers had already boarded the aircraft, which was scheduled to depart Changi at 12.55pm, it said, adding that “measured and controlled safety measures” were carried out to direct passengers back to the boarding gate.Passengers were evacuated via the aerobridge and escape slides at the rear aircraft doors to hasten the disembarkation process, said the airline.“All passengers were transferred to a replacement aircraft to continue their journey to Jakarta and have also received compensation in accordance with applicable regulations,” it said.Garuda Indonesia did not reveal when the replacement flight departed or details of the safety hazard.

$484k lost to DBS and POSB impersonation scams since Jan 15

At least 72 cases involving scammers impersonating DBS Bank and POSB have been reported since Jan 15, with total losses amounting to at least $484,000. In a joint statement issued on Friday (March 27), the police and DBS said that in this scam variant, v
Singapore

$484k lost to DBS and POSB impersonation scams since Jan 15

At least 72 cases involving scammers impersonating DBS Bank and POSB have been reported since Jan 15, with total losses amounting to at least $484,000. In a joint statement issued on Friday (March 27), the police and DBS said that in this scam variant, victims would receive emails purportedly from DBS or POSB claiming that their digital tokens have expired and need to be activated or updated. These emails would contain embedded links directing recipients to phishing websites that resemble official DBS or POSB webpages. Victims are then misled into entering their banking credentials, credit or debit card details, and one-time passwords to activate or update their digital tokens. Victims would subsequently discover unauthorised transactions, including those in foreign currencies such as euros and Saudi riyals, made on their bank accounts or cards, said the police. 

Foreign couple jailed after falsely claiming to be snatch theft victims

To evade Customs duties he expected to incur upon returning to Sri Lanka from his trip in Singapore, a man lied to the police that he was a victim of a snatch theft.The foreign national believed that by fabricating the incident, he would be able to avoid payi
Singapore

Foreign couple jailed after falsely claiming to be snatch theft victims

To evade Customs duties he expected to incur upon returning to Sri Lanka from his trip in Singapore, a man lied to the police that he was a victim of a snatch theft.The foreign national believed that by fabricating the incident, he would be able to avoid paying the required Customs fees.Despite his wife’s reluctance, he went ahead with his plan.On March 27, Hewa Sahabanduge Waruna Kanishka, 30, was sentenced to five months’ jail after he pleaded guilty to giving false information to a public servant and for obstruction of justice.His wife, Jayasekara Gamlath Ralalage Yehelichathurika, 29, was sentenced to two months’ jail after pleading guilty to obstructing the course of justice.Court documents show that Hewa lodged a police report at Rochor Neighbourhood Police Centre some time around March 4. This was despite his wife dissuading him from doing so and refusing to accompany him to the police station.There, he claimed he was a victim of a snatch theft that had occurred one day before in Bugis Street. He told officers that a robber had stolen his bag which had several pieces of gold jewellery, a smartphone and $400 in cash.

7 months' jail for ex-Scoot crew member who took nearly $40k and failed to make full restitution

A former Scoot cabin crew member who misappropriated nearly $40,000 from the low-cost carrier has been sentenced to seven months’ jail after he failed to make full restitution.Luqman Hakim Shahfawi, 32, had informed the court back in Februar
Singapore

7 months' jail for ex-Scoot crew member who took nearly $40k and failed to make full restitution

A former Scoot cabin crew member who misappropriated nearly $40,000 from the low-cost carrier has been sentenced to seven months’ jail after he failed to make full restitution.Luqman Hakim Shahfawi, 32, had informed the court back in February that he intended to make full restitution and had managed to raise $10,000 at that point.District Judge Lau Qiuyu then granted him an adjournment so that he could raise more funds.But on March 27, Deputy Public Prosecutor Janessa Phua said that Luqman managed to raise another $1,000 only – bringing the total restitution amount to $11,000.Before he was sentenced, Luqman, who did not have legal representation, asked Judge Lau for another adjournment to allow him time to raise more funds.She replied that the court could not adjourn the case indefinitely, a stance the prosecutor agreed with.In earlier proceedings, the court heard that Luqman was a complex leader with Scoot when he misappropriated cash earnings from the sale of food and beverages on flights.He pleaded guilty in January to one count of criminal breach of trust involving more than $22,000.

Lions forward Ikhsan Fandi's career on the upswing again – with some help from the golf course

Since he first kicked a ball as a toddler under the watchful eye of his father and local football icon Fandi Ahmad, Ikhsan Fandi has gone on to flourish in the sport. Today, he is the Lions’ leading No. 9.Plagued by injuries over the last few years, the 26-
Singapore

Lions forward Ikhsan Fandi's career on the upswing again – with some help from the golf course

Since he first kicked a ball as a toddler under the watchful eye of his father and local football icon Fandi Ahmad, Ikhsan Fandi has gone on to flourish in the sport. Today, he is the Lions’ leading No. 9.Plagued by injuries over the last few years, the 26-year-old has been on fire for his club this season, having rediscovered his smile and his love for the game.That renewed joy has unexpectedly been shaped by a different sport. When he is not chasing goals, Ikhsan now finds solace on Thailand’s lush golf courses, trading boots for clubs as he lines up his next shot.Having returned to his parent club BG Pathum United after being recalled from his loan spell with fellow Thai League 1 side Ratchaburi FC in January, he has been in fine form. In 12 matches across league and cup competitions in 2026, Ikhsan has scored 10 goals and notched an assist.He also hit a milestone with Pathum recently, bagging his 50th goal for the club on his 100th appearance, with a brace in a 3-0 win in the Thai Cup quarter-finals against second-tier Mahasarakham FC.

Shell leads 3rd consecutive day of downward adjustments in fuel prices, 95-octane petrol falls back below 2022 high

As motorists ring in the weekend, Shell afforded some relief, dropping its petrol prices by two cents on Friday (March 27). This is the third consecutive day that fuel companies in Singapore have dropped petrol prices, starting with Shell on Wednesday.&n
Singapore

Shell leads 3rd consecutive day of downward adjustments in fuel prices, 95-octane petrol falls back below 2022 high

As motorists ring in the weekend, Shell afforded some relief, dropping its petrol prices by two cents on Friday (March 27). This is the third consecutive day that fuel companies in Singapore have dropped petrol prices, starting with Shell on Wednesday. In addition, the posted price for 95-octane petrol at Shell and SPC have now fallen back below the previous high of $3.42 per litre set in June 2022. According to records on the Consumer Association of Singapore's (Case) Price Kaki fuel prices tracker, Caltex's posted price of $3.45 for its 95-octane petrol on March 13 surpassed that record. At the peak of petrol prices on Tuesday, the posted price of 95-octane petrol ranged from $3.46 at SPC to $3.47 at Caltex, Esso, Shell and Sinopec. 

1 person missing, 2 rescued after pleasure craft collides with supply vessel off Southern Islands

A man has been reported missing after a collision between a pleasure craft and a supply vessel off the Southern Islands on Friday (March 27).In a statement on Friday, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said search-and-rescue operations are ong
Singapore

1 person missing, 2 rescued after pleasure craft collides with supply vessel off Southern Islands

A man has been reported missing after a collision between a pleasure craft and a supply vessel off the Southern Islands on Friday (March 27).In a statement on Friday, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said search-and-rescue operations are ongoing for the missing person, who was on board the pleasure craft when it collided with the supply vessel at around 4.15 am.MPA added that two other people on board the pleasure craft have been rescued and are safe.«All persons on board the supply vessel are accounted for, and no injuries have been reported,» said the authority.Patrol craft have also been deployed, along with assets from the Police Coast Guard and the SCDF Marine Division.The authority added that it is in contact with the next-of-kin of the missing person and is providing the necessary support.Navigational broadcasts have also been issued for vessels in the vicinity to keep a lookout.[[nid:727470]]xingying.koh@asiaone.com

Surprise birth at Chinatown salon as customer delivers baby with help of staff member

A pregnant customer unexpectedly went into labour at a Chinatown beauty salon and gave birth there with the help of a staff member.In a TikTok video which has since gone viral, the mother is seen being brought out of the salon, named Smart Cat Head Spa, on a
Singapore

Surprise birth at Chinatown salon as customer delivers baby with help of staff member

A pregnant customer unexpectedly went into labour at a Chinatown beauty salon and gave birth there with the help of a staff member.In a TikTok video which has since gone viral, the mother is seen being brought out of the salon, named Smart Cat Head Spa, on a stretcher.A man follows behind, cradling a swaddled newborn in his arms.«My store witnessed the birth of a life,» wrote TikTok user jasonsg520.Speaking to Shin Min Daily News, a salon staff member, surnamed Zhang, said the woman had visited the shop at noon on Wednesday (March 25) for an eyelash appointment.She was feeling slightly unwell then, and told the 38-year-old beauty technician she had just seen a doctor who said all was fine.Just as Zhang finished the service, the woman's condition suddenly changed, reported the Chinese publication.«She said that she didn't feel well and she looked pale. I was also panicking and didn't know what to do,» Zhang said.The technician quickly laid out a blanket on the floor for the customer, who notified her husband about the situation. She also asked another customer to help call for an ambulance.

'Relief, gratitude and hope': Family hits $2.4m crowdfunding goal to save baby from rare genetic disorder

The parents of a 10-month-old baby born with a rare genetic disease were overwhelmed with emotion on Friday (March 27), having secured the $2.4million needed for a one-time gene therapy which is not covered by insurance or government subsidies. Speaking
Singapore

'Relief, gratitude and hope': Family hits $2.4m crowdfunding goal to save baby from rare genetic disorder

The parents of a 10-month-old baby born with a rare genetic disease were overwhelmed with emotion on Friday (March 27), having secured the $2.4million needed for a one-time gene therapy which is not covered by insurance or government subsidies. Speaking to AsiaOne, the boy's mother Norhaziqah Rosli, 35, said, «Reaching the target felt surreal for our family. »There were so many moments along the way where we didn’t know if we would make it, so when we finally did, it was overwhelming in the most emotional way. «We felt a deep sense of relief, gratitude, and hope.»Norhaziqah and her husband Rahman Rahim, 37, started their crowdfunding campaign on Ray of Hope with the help of a volunteer on Jan 5 for their fourth child Faziq, who was born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) which causes muscles to weaken over time.[[nid:732120]]

Police appeal for information on missing 15-year-old girl last seen in Tampines

The police are appealing for information on the whereabouts of a 15-year-old girl, Putri Aleeya Natasya Binte Mohamed Fadli.In a news release on Friday (March 27) afternoon, the police said she was last seen in the vicinity of Block 492A Tampines Street 45 a
Singapore

Police appeal for information on missing 15-year-old girl last seen in Tampines

The police are appealing for information on the whereabouts of a 15-year-old girl, Putri Aleeya Natasya Binte Mohamed Fadli.In a news release on Friday (March 27) afternoon, the police said she was last seen in the vicinity of Block 492A Tampines Street 45 at about 5.40pm on Thursday.She was last seen wearing an orange short sleeved shirt and black pants.Those with information are urged to contact the police hotline at 999 or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/i-witness.All information will be kept strictly confidential, the police said.[[nid:731460]]editor@asiaone.com

2 Singaporeans, 1 foreigner charged with harbouring immigration offenders

Three people were charged on Thursday (March 26) with harbouring immigration offenders, said the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). In the first case, Singaporeans Phang Kang Rui, 26, and Chia Kai Hui, 32, are accused of allowing a 33-year-old
Singapore

2 Singaporeans, 1 foreigner charged with harbouring immigration offenders

Three people were charged on Thursday (March 26) with harbouring immigration offenders, said the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). In the first case, Singaporeans Phang Kang Rui, 26, and Chia Kai Hui, 32, are accused of allowing a 33-year-old Malaysian man, Ho Aik Chuan, to stay with them despite his visit pass having expired on Nov 22, 2015. Investigations by ICA found that Phang and Chia allegedly harboured Ho at their unit in Bukit Batok West Avenue 8 from Oct 1, 2024 until his arrest on June 10, 2025, said ICA in a statement. Ho has been deported and barred from re-entering Singapore, having served his sentence of six months' jail along with three strokes of the cane. Meanwhile, 40-year-old Chinese work permit holder Xie Shenghua is accused of allowing a 42-year-old Chinese man, Zhang Xiaoling, to stay at a unit in Prinsep Link from mid-March 2025 until Jan 14, 2026. Xie allegedly harboured Zhang with reckless disregard as to whether his stay in Singapore was valid, said ICA. His special pass had expired on Sept 12, 2024. 

15-year-old teen among 208 scam suspects under police investigation; victims lost over $6 million

A total of 142 men and 66 women, including a 15-year-old teenager, are under investigation following a two-week long operation between March 12 and 25, the police said in a statement on Thursday (March 26). The operation involved officers from the Commer
Singapore

15-year-old teen among 208 scam suspects under police investigation; victims lost over $6 million

A total of 142 men and 66 women, including a 15-year-old teenager, are under investigation following a two-week long operation between March 12 and 25, the police said in a statement on Thursday (March 26). The operation involved officers from the Commercial Affairs Department and the seven police land divisions, and resulted in investigations into the 208 people aged between 15 and 77 for their suspected roles in scams as scammers or money mules. The suspects are allegedly involved in over 720 cases of scams where victims reportedly lost more than $6.12 million. These cases comprise mostly e-commerce scams, friend impersonations scams, job scams, government official impersonation scams, investment scams and rental scams. The 208 alleged scammers and money mules are being investigated for the offences of cheating, money laundering, or providing payment services without a licence. If found guilty of cheating, an offender faces a jail term of up to 10 years and a fine, while those convicted of money laundering may be jailed for up to 10 years and/or fined up to $500,000. 

PM Wong meets China's top lawmaker, savours Hainan Wenchang chicken rice

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Thursday (March 26) met China's top legislator Zhao Leji after speaking at the annual Boao Forum for Asia held in Hainan, China.Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said in a statement on the same evening that the two
Singapore

PM Wong meets China's top lawmaker, savours Hainan Wenchang chicken rice

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Thursday (March 26) met China's top legislator Zhao Leji after speaking at the annual Boao Forum for Asia held in Hainan, China.Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said in a statement on the same evening that the two leaders reaffirmed the strength and depth of Singapore-China relations and commended the progress made to further deepen bilateral ties under the All-Round High-Quality Future-Oriented Partnership.They also exchanged views on cross-straits developments, where PM Wong reiterated Singapore's consistent and longstanding «One China» policy.«Prime Minister Wong reaffirmed Singapore and China's shared commitment to upholding rules-based multilateralism and free trade, including through platforms such as Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec), which China is chairing this year,» MFA added.

Landlord leases Little India HDB unit to 3 people, shocked to find at least 15 staying there

A property agent helped her client lease out his flat to three tenants, but was shocked to find seven more walking out of a room. In a TikTok video shared on Tuesday (March 24), Glynis Tan, who runs the account Property Science SG, said that at least 15
Singapore

Landlord leases Little India HDB unit to 3 people, shocked to find at least 15 staying there

A property agent helped her client lease out his flat to three tenants, but was shocked to find seven more walking out of a room. In a TikTok video shared on Tuesday (March 24), Glynis Tan, who runs the account Property Science SG, said that at least 15 people were living at the flat in Little India. Owners of four-room or larger flats are allowed to house up to eight tenants, or unrelated people who are not from the same family unit. Up to four people are allowed to live in one and two-room flats, while the limit for three-room flats is six. The video shows four luggage stacked on top of one another in the kitchen and mattresses in every room. Tan said the police were first called after there were complaints of overcrowding in the flat. After discovering the illegal occupants, she demanded them to leave «on the spot». «We gave them 30 minutes to move out all their belongings. The locksmith proceeded to change all the locks and keys,» added Tan. 

Jail for ex-primary school teacher who committed sex acts with former student in his teens

SINGAPORE — A school teacher entered into a romantic and subsequently sexual relationship with one of her former students after he graduated from primary school.On March 26, the 35-year-old woman was handed a year and 10 months’ jail after she pleaded gui
Singapore

Jail for ex-primary school teacher who committed sex acts with former student in his teens

SINGAPORE — A school teacher entered into a romantic and subsequently sexual relationship with one of her former students after he graduated from primary school.On March 26, the 35-year-old woman was handed a year and 10 months’ jail after she pleaded guilty to two charges — sexual penetration of a minor and committing an indecent act with a child. Two similar charges were taken into consideration during her sentencing.She cannot be named as there is a gag order to protect the victim’s identity.After the ex-student broke up with her, she stalked him.She called him on the phone 25 times and sent him at least 17 emails, in which she claimed he had ruined her emotionally and mentally.She also said she was unhappy about his new romantic relationship, his photograph was still the wallpaper on her phone and she wanted to get back together with him.He finally made a police report in March 2024 against the woman, around four years after they started their romantic relationship when the boy was 13.The court heard that the woman was the boy’s primary school mathematics teacher in 2016 and 2017.

Circle Line tunnel works set to finish early by April 10, final prep for stage 6 opening begins

Regular train services on the Circle Line will resume on April 10, nine days earlier than planned, as reinforcement works on a stretch of twin tunnels can be completed ahead of schedule.A massive, round-the-clock project to install steel plates along a segmen
Singapore

Circle Line tunnel works set to finish early by April 10, final prep for stage 6 opening begins

Regular train services on the Circle Line will resume on April 10, nine days earlier than planned, as reinforcement works on a stretch of twin tunnels can be completed ahead of schedule.A massive, round-the-clock project to install steel plates along a segment of tunnels between Paya Lebar and Stadium MRT stations has been ongoing since Jan 17.«As the teams involved gained familiarity with the complex work processes, they achieved some time savings, especially during the latter phases of works,» said the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and train operator SMRT on Thursday (March 26).With the help of robotics, workers have finished installing all the steel plates needed to strengthen the stretch of tunnels that are most affected by an issue called tunnel squatting.This refers to when underground tunnels built in soft soil, such as marine clay, become deformed when the soil above compresses.

Exit 8B on CTE to close for 2 hours on 7 days in April and May

If you are a frequent user of the Upper Serangoon Road exit on Central Expressway (CTE), note that it will be temporarily closed on seven days in April and May.In order to facilitate ongoing bridge launching works for the new pedestrian-cum-cycling link acros
Singapore

Exit 8B on CTE to close for 2 hours on 7 days in April and May

If you are a frequent user of the Upper Serangoon Road exit on Central Expressway (CTE), note that it will be temporarily closed on seven days in April and May.In order to facilitate ongoing bridge launching works for the new pedestrian-cum-cycling link across the Pan Island Expressway (PIE), Exit 8B will be temporarily closed to traffic from 12am to 2am on the following dates:April 3, 15, 17, 19 and 29May 1 and 6Similar to the closures on March 18 and 20, the upcoming closure will not affect the same exit to PIE (Changi-bound).In a news release on Thursday (March 26), the Urban Redevelopment Authority advised motorists to use the alternative route via Exit 10 to Braddell Road to continue their journey to Upper Serangoon Road. 

Facial recognition for motorcyclists to be rolled out at Singapore checkpoints starting March 31

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) will gradually begin using facial images to clear motorcyclists at its land checkpoints from March 31 (Tuesday).Starting at the Woodlands Checkpoint, facial recognition will serve as the primary biometric identi
Singapore

Facial recognition for motorcyclists to be rolled out at Singapore checkpoints starting March 31

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) will gradually begin using facial images to clear motorcyclists at its land checkpoints from March 31 (Tuesday).Starting at the Woodlands Checkpoint, facial recognition will serve as the primary biometric identifier replacing fingerprint scanning at 18 automated motorcycle lanes at the arrival zone.This initiative will be progressively extended to all 70 automated arrival and departure motorcycle lanes at the checkpoint, before being rolled out to Tuas Checkpoint in the third quarter of 2026.ICA began trialling the use of facial recognition at selected motorcycle lanes in January, involving more than 150,000 motorcyclists.The facial recognition system is available to Singapore residents, long-term pass holders, and foreign visitors who have previously entered Singapore.As part of the immigration clearance process, motorcyclists and pillion riders will first present the QR code generated via the MyICA mobile application, or passport, before proceeding to biometrics verification.

Woman found sprawled across road near Jurong Point, taken to hospital

An elderly woman was seen lying across a two-lane carriageway near Jurong Point on Wednesday (March 25) afternoon.Videos of the incident posted on social media show a man waving his right arm, signalling for oncoming traffic to slow down. It is unclear if he
Singapore

Woman found sprawled across road near Jurong Point, taken to hospital

An elderly woman was seen lying across a two-lane carriageway near Jurong Point on Wednesday (March 25) afternoon.Videos of the incident posted on social media show a man waving his right arm, signalling for oncoming traffic to slow down. It is unclear if he is related to the woman.Meanwhile, the woman can be seen lying motionless across both lanes, with no visible injuries.In response to AsiaOne's queries, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said they received a call for assistance along Jurong West Central 3 at about 3.50pm.It added that the woman was taken to Ng Teng Fong Hospital but did not provide further details on the incident.AsiaOne has reached out to the authorities for further information.

Yishun serial thief accused of stealing bicycles, PMDs to be charged on March 26

A 36-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday (March 25) for his alleged involvement in a series of theft cases in Yishun involving bicycles and personal mobility devices (PMDs).Police said in a statement on Wednesday night that they received eight reports of t
Singapore

Yishun serial thief accused of stealing bicycles, PMDs to be charged on March 26

A 36-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday (March 25) for his alleged involvement in a series of theft cases in Yishun involving bicycles and personal mobility devices (PMDs).Police said in a statement on Wednesday night that they received eight reports of theft between December 2025 and March 2026.The alleged theft cases took place along Yishun Avenue 6, Yishun Avenue 9, Yishun Street 31, Yishun Street 42, Yishun Street 43 and Yishun Street 44, over a nearly four-month period between December 2025 and March 2026.Checks by AsiaOne indicate that residential developments along Yishun Street 31, 42, 43 and 44 are mostly newer Build-To-Order (BTOs) flats, while the stretches along Yishun Avenue 6 and 9 have a mix of both BTOs and older HDB precincts. Officers from Woodlands Police Division identified and arrested the man through follow-up investigations and with the aid of images from police cameras and closed circuit television (CCTV) footage.A bicycle was also seized as a case exhibit.

NTUC working with transport firms to ensure rising fuel prices not passed on to drivers, riders

The National Trade Union Congress (NTUC) is working with platform operators and taxi companies to prevent rising fuel costs from being passed on to drivers and riders, NTUC assistant secretary-general Yeo Wan Ling said in a Facebook post on Tuesday (March 24)
Singapore

NTUC working with transport firms to ensure rising fuel prices not passed on to drivers, riders

The National Trade Union Congress (NTUC) is working with platform operators and taxi companies to prevent rising fuel costs from being passed on to drivers and riders, NTUC assistant secretary-general Yeo Wan Ling said in a Facebook post on Tuesday (March 24). Yeo, who is also MP for Punggol GRC, stressed that the livelihoods of taxi drivers, private-hire drivers and delivery riders «must remain sustainable», and that operators have a role to play. She noted that the platform work associations have worked hard to ensure that platform operators and taxi companies see themselves as stakeholders. «I am glad that operators have responded. Keeping fuel and pump prices in check is exactly the kind of real and lasting relief that makes a real difference to workers on the ground,» she said.Her comments come after a joint statement was issued on Tuesday by NTUC-affiliated associations - the National Delivery Champions Association (NDCA), the National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA) and the National Taxi Association (NTA). 

Johor firefighters battling 2 raging fires in Pengerang, NEA says smoke haze could continue to affect Singapore

The National Environment Agency (NEA) on Wednesday (March 25) evening said smoke haze from hot spots in eastern Johor could continue to affect Singapore.A satellite imagery posted by the agency shows a cluster of hot spots in Pengerang and another cluster in
Singapore

Johor firefighters battling 2 raging fires in Pengerang, NEA says smoke haze could continue to affect Singapore

The National Environment Agency (NEA) on Wednesday (March 25) evening said smoke haze from hot spots in eastern Johor could continue to affect Singapore.A satellite imagery posted by the agency shows a cluster of hot spots in Pengerang and another cluster in Sedili Kechil. Both are in Johor's Kota Tinggi district. Satellite image showing hot spots in Johor. IMAGE: National Environment Agency On Tuesday, AsiaOne reported that a 150ha forest fire has been burning along the Desaru-Pengerang Highway since last Saturday (March 21), while firefighters also battled another fire at a hilly forested area at Sedili Kechil.

Hyundai SUV catches fire at Caltex petrol station in Balestier

The engine compartment of a Hyundai sports utility vehicle (SUV) caught fire at a petrol station along Balestier Road on Tuesday (March 24) evening. The incident happened at about 7.30pm at Caltex's Balestier station. A video posted on social media
Singapore

Hyundai SUV catches fire at Caltex petrol station in Balestier

The engine compartment of a Hyundai sports utility vehicle (SUV) caught fire at a petrol station along Balestier Road on Tuesday (March 24) evening. The incident happened at about 7.30pm at Caltex's Balestier station. A video posted on social media shows the bonnet and front right wheel arc of the SUV on fire as a pump attendant calmly approached the vehicle with a fire extinguisher. Another video posted by Shin Min Daily News shows four dry powder extinguishers placed at the kerb of the station's driveway. In response to media queries, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said the fire involved the front engine compartment of the car, adding that the fire was put out with extinguishers. No injuries were reported. A Chevron Singapore spokesperson said the station's staff activated emergency response procedures and contained the fire with SCDF's assistance. The station has since resumed normal operations after all site equipment was verified to be in good operational order, the spokesperson added. Fire investigations are ongoing. [[nid:732110]]

BTO, jialat, kaypoh: Oxford English Dictionary adds new Singlish words

The next time someone tells you that your English is really jialat, you can get one up on them by showing them that jialat is a real English word. The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has been updated on Tuesday (March 24) with over 500 new words, includi
Singapore

BTO, jialat, kaypoh: Oxford English Dictionary adds new Singlish words

The next time someone tells you that your English is really jialat, you can get one up on them by showing them that jialat is a real English word. The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has been updated on Tuesday (March 24) with over 500 new words, including 11 entries with a Singaporean or Malaysian English etymology. Among them are some standout additions in BTO, jialat and kaypoh, with ice kacang no doubt being an honourable mention as a delectable and iconic dessert in both Singapore and Malaysia. The other additions are: assam laksa, agak-agak, boleh, degazette, Mat Salleh, play play and wayang. BTO, or build-to-order, refers to the Housing Development Board's (HDB) scheme wherein HDB flats are built for Singapore citizens. However, it can also be used as a verb, referring to the act of applying for a flat under the scheme, according to OED. The dictionary also states that the word is «often used when discussing a couple's relationship status, as applying for a flat together under the BTO scheme is seen as an important milestone, similar to an engagement.» 

Another Singaporean arrested for alleged involvement in JB murder handed over to Malaysia police

A 30-year-old Singaporean man has been arrested for his alleged involvement in a case of murder in Johor Bahru (JB) on March 14.In an updated statement on Wednesday (March 25), police said he was handed over to the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) on the same day.
Singapore

Another Singaporean arrested for alleged involvement in JB murder handed over to Malaysia police

A 30-year-old Singaporean man has been arrested for his alleged involvement in a case of murder in Johor Bahru (JB) on March 14.In an updated statement on Wednesday (March 25), police said he was handed over to the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) on the same day.They added that the arrest was made after a warrant of arrest was issued by a Malaysian court and the RMP made a request for assistance.He becomes the sixth person to be arrested by Singapore and Malaysia law enforcement agencies, and the fifth to be arrested in Singapore.Three Singaporean men, aged between 23 and 29, and a 27-year-old woman were earlier handed over to the Royal Malaysian Police on March 19. A fifth suspect was arrested while trying to leave Johor a day earlier on March 18.They are assisting Malaysia police in their investigations into the death of a 32-year-old Singaporean man who was killed at Aston Club Southkey in JB.

Man who drove Porsche along Dairy Farm Lane with his 2 children seated on boot to be charged

A 40-year-old man will be charged in court on Thursday (March 26) for allegedly endangering the safety of his two children by letting them sit on the boot of a Porsche Cayman he was driving along a road in Bukit Timah.The incident, which happened at about 10.
Singapore

Man who drove Porsche along Dairy Farm Lane with his 2 children seated on boot to be charged

A 40-year-old man will be charged in court on Thursday (March 26) for allegedly endangering the safety of his two children by letting them sit on the boot of a Porsche Cayman he was driving along a road in Bukit Timah.The incident, which happened at about 10.40am on October 20, 2025 along Dairy Farm Lane, drew strong reactions from netizens, with several calling for the matter to be investigated by the authorities.

First 6 autonomous public buses arrive in Singapore, to be trialled at Marina Bay and one-north: LTA

Six driverless public buses have reached Singapore's shores and will be tested in two pilot services at Marina Bay and one-north.In a Facebook video on Wednesday (March 25), the Land Transport Authority (LTA) shared that the buses will face rigorous testing t
Singapore

First 6 autonomous public buses arrive in Singapore, to be trialled at Marina Bay and one-north: LTA

Six driverless public buses have reached Singapore's shores and will be tested in two pilot services at Marina Bay and one-north.In a Facebook video on Wednesday (March 25), the Land Transport Authority (LTA) shared that the buses will face rigorous testing to ensure that they meet all safety and operating requirements before serving commuters.Once ready, the autonomous buses will operate alongside existing manned buses, LTA added. The buses will ply the routes of public bus services 400 at Marina Bay and 191 at one-north from the second half of 2026.The 39-second video gives a quick preview of what the driverless buses will look like.According to LTA, the 16-seater buses will have features similar to the manned buses which commuters are familiar with.However, the buses will also have additional cameras and sensors at the front, back and top for 360-degree awareness of the surroundings.The buses will also feature a wheelchair-accessible space in front of the door.Unlike regular buses, the driverless buses will only have one door.

36 workplace deaths in 2025, 2 of them platform workers: MOM

Two platform workers were among the 36 people who died last year in the course of their work, said the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in its annual workplace safety and health report.The latest edition of the report, released on Wednesday (March 25), is the firs
Singapore

36 workplace deaths in 2025, 2 of them platform workers: MOM

Two platform workers were among the 36 people who died last year in the course of their work, said the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in its annual workplace safety and health report.The latest edition of the report, released on Wednesday (March 25), is the first time that information on work-related injuries involving platform workers is available after the Platform Workers Act came into force last year.Last year, Singapore's workplace fatal injury rate fell to a record low of 0.96 per 100,000 workers, making the Republic one of the safest countries in the world to work.There were 43 workplace deaths in 2024 and the workplace fatal injury rate then was 1.2 per 100,000 workersVehicular incidents continued to be the top cause of fatalities in 2025 — 15. Of these, six people, including the two platform workers, died in work-related traffic accidents.The next leading causes of fatal accidents are fall from height and the collapse or failure of structure and equipment, according to the report.

Coroner’s inquiry: Death of Indian singer Zubeen Garg in Singapore ruled an accidental drowning

SINGAPORE — A coroner’s inquiry into the death of Indian singer Zubeen Garg, who was found floating face down after a swim off Lazarus Island in 2025, has been ruled an accidental drowning.Delivering his findings on March 25, State Coroner Adam Nakhoda sa
Singapore

Coroner’s inquiry: Death of Indian singer Zubeen Garg in Singapore ruled an accidental drowning

SINGAPORE — A coroner’s inquiry into the death of Indian singer Zubeen Garg, who was found floating face down after a swim off Lazarus Island in 2025, has been ruled an accidental drowning.Delivering his findings on March 25, State Coroner Adam Nakhoda said there was no reason to disagree with the Police Coast Guard’s investigation conclusion after analysing the evidence before him.A death certificate issued by the Singapore General Hospital listed the cause of death as drowning.The popular singer from the north-eastern state of Assam had consumed alcohol and refused a life vest before jumping off a yacht on Sept 19, 2025, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) David Lim testified on the first day of the inquiry on Jan 14.While his friends tried to convince him to return to the yacht, Mr Garg became motionless. He was pulled back onto the yacht, where efforts were made to resuscitate him, but to no avail.The artiste was in Singapore for the North East India Festival, a cultural festival organised by the Assamese community in Singapore. He was scheduled to perform on Sept 20.

Family halts Hari Raya celebration to help extinguish fire at Pasir Ris HDB rubbish chute

A family in Pasir Ris took a pause from their Hari Raya celebrations on Sunday (March 22) for a good cause — helping to put out a blaze which erupted at a nearby rubbish collection point.The incident occurred at Block 150 Pasir Ris Street 13.In a video uplo
Singapore

Family halts Hari Raya celebration to help extinguish fire at Pasir Ris HDB rubbish chute

A family in Pasir Ris took a pause from their Hari Raya celebrations on Sunday (March 22) for a good cause — helping to put out a blaze which erupted at a nearby rubbish collection point.The incident occurred at Block 150 Pasir Ris Street 13.In a video uploaded to Instagram by user Ichapiku on March 23, three men dressed in thobes — traditional loose-fitting robes also known as 'jubah' — can be seen extinguishing a raging fire at the bin room on the first floor.Speaking to AsiaOne, Ichapiku, who wished to be known only as Icha, 30, said she and her family were visiting her aunt that night when they suddenly heard the sound of a bell ringing at around 8.30pm.Her husband, Kayden Zaqarya Abdullah, 31, was the first to spot flames emitting from the vents of the ground-floor chute at the opposite block. Kayden and Icha's brothers quickly sprang into action, helping to find fire extinguishers before rushing down to fight the flames. Icha told AsiaOne that her husband only realised how large the fire was after opening the shutter to the chute. 

Pump charges fall for first time in nearly 3 weeks as Shell drops petrol price by 5 cents

For the first time in nearly three weeks, pump prices in Singapore have fallen, with Shell becoming the first company here to drop its posted prices for petrol on Wednesday (March 25). In a price board update published at 4pm, Shell announced a 5-cent dr
Singapore

Pump charges fall for first time in nearly 3 weeks as Shell drops petrol price by 5 cents

For the first time in nearly three weeks, pump prices in Singapore have fallen, with Shell becoming the first company here to drop its posted prices for petrol on Wednesday (March 25). In a price board update published at 4pm, Shell announced a 5-cent drop in its posted price for 95-, 98-octane petrol and the more premium V-Power.Shell held its posted price for diesel, which was raised by 20 cents on Tuesday, unchanged at $3.93.

Animal shelters appeal for donations after taking in dogs, cats from troubled Animal Lovers League

Two animal shelters are appealing for contributions to defray the costs of taking in cats and dogs from troubled animal welfare group Animal Lovers League (ALL).The Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) had announced this January that Voices for Animals and Oas
Singapore

Animal shelters appeal for donations after taking in dogs, cats from troubled Animal Lovers League

Two animal shelters are appealing for contributions to defray the costs of taking in cats and dogs from troubled animal welfare group Animal Lovers League (ALL).The Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) had announced this January that Voices for Animals and Oasis Second Chance Animal Shelter are among the five groups that will be taking over the care of animals from ALL — which currently has about 100 cats and 60 dogs.The other three are Noah’s Ark Cares, SOSD and Every Stray Matters.This comes after ALL lost its tenancy at The Animal Lodge in Sungei Tengah in December 2025 following allegations of neglect. They also owed 53 months’ rent to AVS.In a Facebook post on Monday (March 23), Derrick Tan, founder of Voices for Animals, said that his shelter will take in cats from ALL on Friday. Tan told the Straits Times that Voices for Animals will take in 92 cats. He also appealed for supplies such as cat litter. The shelter had used up 2,200kg of the 2,700kg worth of cat tofu litter it had raised so far, he said.

Man, 54, assisting with police investigations after 4-vehicle accident on Causeway

A 54-year-old male car driver is assisting with police investigations following a four-vehicle pileup on the Causeway on Tuesday (March 24) night.The accident happened at about 11.15pm at the Causeway leading to the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) Customs, Imm
Singapore

Man, 54, assisting with police investigations after 4-vehicle accident on Causeway

A 54-year-old male car driver is assisting with police investigations following a four-vehicle pileup on the Causeway on Tuesday (March 24) night.The accident happened at about 11.15pm at the Causeway leading to the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex (CIQ).In a Facebook post at 11.25pm, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority said the accident affected two out of three lanes, adding that motorists «should expect delays».Checks by AsiaOne on the Land Transport Authority's traffic camera page on OneMotoring.com show a bus stopped on the rightmost lane with two cars seen in close proximity to each other off the left rear of the bus. Another car was seen stopped about three-car length away, with two persons standing beside the car.

Over 200 counterfeit bags, perfumes seized in 2 cargo containers at ICA's Pasir Panjang Scanning Station

More than 200 counterfeit items were found in two cargo containers at the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority's (ICA) Pasir Panjang Scanning Station last week. ICA shared details of the two foiled smuggling attempts in a Facebook post on Tuesday (Marc
Singapore

Over 200 counterfeit bags, perfumes seized in 2 cargo containers at ICA's Pasir Panjang Scanning Station

More than 200 counterfeit items were found in two cargo containers at the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority's (ICA) Pasir Panjang Scanning Station last week. ICA shared details of the two foiled smuggling attempts in a Facebook post on Tuesday (March 24). The inbound containers were targeted based on information received by ICA's Integrated Targeting Centre, said the authority. On March 16, ICA's image analysts noticed anomalies in the scanned image of a container and directed it for further checks. More than 180 pieces of suspected counterfeit goods were found. 

DPM Gan to visit Germany from March 25 to 28 to strengthen economic ties

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong will visit Berlin and Hamburg in Germany from March 25 (Wednesday) to March 28. This will also be DPM Gan's first visit to Germany. In a statement on Wednesday, the Ministry of T
Singapore

DPM Gan to visit Germany from March 25 to 28 to strengthen economic ties

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong will visit Berlin and Hamburg in Germany from March 25 (Wednesday) to March 28. This will also be DPM Gan's first visit to Germany. In a statement on Wednesday, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) said the visit is intended to build bilateral relations and strengthen economic ties between Singapore and Germany. While in Berlin, DPM Gan will meet with German political leaders, including Federal Minister of Research, Technology and Space Dorothee Bar, Federal Minister for Digitalisation and State Modernisation Karsten Wildberger, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy Stefan Rouenhoff, and other members of the German federal parliament.MTI said these meetings are intended to affirm Singapore's growing trade and investment ties, as well as discuss opportunities to strengthen economic cooperation and partnerships between the two countries, and the broader European Union.DPM Gan is also expected to meet with German business chambers in Berlin.

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