Chinese New Year is a time for feasting, but some food — especially bak kwa — should be kept for humans, according to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).In a Facebook post on Monday (Feb 16), the society shared a list of tips for pet owners and their furry friends to have a «safe and pawsperous» festive season.Festive snacks can be dangerous for pets, it said, explaining that bak kwa, a beloved snack especially during the new year, is too salty and oily, and even potentially toxic to dogs.Chocolates and grapes are other examples of toxic food that should also be kept away from dogs.Rubbish bins should also be sealed and kept away from wandering pets, as leftover bones and skewers can pose a choking hazard if ingested.SPCA also cautioned pet owners to keep doors and gates closed to prevent any opportunities for pets to run outdoors.The tradition of visiting friends and family may also be a source of stress for pets, who may be uncomfortable with unfamiliar guests.Likewise, noise from fireworks, poppers and even sudden laughter or music can also stress them.

A 17-year-old female pedestrian was taken to hospital on the eve of Chinese New Year (Feb 16) after she was knocked down by a car in Bukit Panjang.The accident happened at about 1.35pm along Petir Road, outside Hillion Mall. Motorists who passed the scene said in a chat group that there was a traffic build-up in the area due to the accident.A picture of the incident shared to the chat group showed paramedics attending to the teen on the road.In response to AsiaOne's queries, the police and Singapore Civil Defence Force said that the accident involved the teenager and a car, and that she was taken to National University Hospital.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 Singaporean driver, 39, was arrested at Woodlands Checkpoint after e-vaporisers and e-vaporiser pods were discovered in his car.In a Facebook post on Monday (Feb 16), the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said the incident occurred on Feb 6.While attempting to enter the country, the Singapore-registered car was directed for enhanced checks based on information received by ICA's Integrated Targeting Centre.During investigations, ICA officers uncovered a stash of two e-vaporisers and 210 e-vaporiser pods hidden in two packages labelled as detergent powder.The driver was arrested and the case has been referred to the Health Sciences Authority for further investigation.Under the enhanced penalties introduced on Sept 1 last year, those convicted of importing vapes into Singapore will face a jail term of up to six months, a maximum fine of $10,000, or both, for their first offence. Need support around vaping or addiction?

Scenes of devotees rushing to be among the first to plant incense offerings at temples — a custom known as tou xiang («first joss sticks») — are common in places where ethnic Chinese communities exist, such as Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Taiwan.According to tradition, it is believed that the person who plants the first incense stick will receive the best luck and blessings from deities for the year. A devotee praying at Sri Krishnan temple, also in Waterloo Street, on the eve of Chinese New Year (Feb 16). The temple has put up Chinese New Year decorations. PHOTO: AsiaOne/Rauf Khan This has often led to crowds of worshippers vying to do so in hopes for a new fortuitous year.

From April 1, property agents from the five biggest real estate agencies will be subject to stricter regulations when distributing flyers and face consequences for non-compliance.The Singapore Institute of Estate Agents (SIEA) and five real estate agencies — PropNex, ERA, Huttons Asia, OrangeTee & Tie and SRI — signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Feb 13, agreeing to reinforce proper flyer distribution practices across HDB estates.Under the new agreement, agents from these agencies will have to abide by a shared framework that requires all flyers and pamphlets to be properly distributed to homes and visible only to the intended recipient.For instance, flyers can be distributed through mailboxes, SIEA said.The participating agencies will keep SIEA informed on any complaints received from residents regarding errant property agents, and all records will be kept by SIEA.«With SIEA serving as the industry's secretariat, we can ensure consistent monitoring, clearer enforcement and greater accountability across all participating agencies,» said Eugene Lim, president of SIEA.

A Chinese woman, who recently travelled to Singapore, claimed she was detained for two days in Changi Airport after she was stopped for further checks at immigration. In two separate videos uploaded to Douyin on Feb 2 and Feb 4, Chen Xixi (transliteration), also identified as Chen Wenshi, claimed she was detained without reason. Chen, who claims to be an influencer, said that it was her first time travelling to Singapore and that she was visiting her sister, who works as a teacher here. When passing through immigration clearance, she said she was pulled aside by Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers who asked about her travel plans. She claimed an officer also looked through her mobile phone, social media applications and bank details.  She claimed she was then, without explanation, brought to a waiting room. She was later asked to go to another room where she took headshots and scanned her fingerprints. She said she was then issued an order of detention in English for her «removal from Singapore». 

It will be a wet and stormy Chinese New Year, the Meteorological Service Singapore said on Monday (Feb 16).Moderate to heavy thundery showers are forecast over most parts of the island in the afternoon and evening during the first few days of the second half of the month.According to the weatherman, the period of moderate and thundery showers will be succeeded by relatively drier conditions, though brief localised thundery showers may still occur on several afternoons.The first half of February saw more showers compared to the second half of January, with localised, short-duration showers occurring over most parts on several afternoons.Temperatures remained between 32 and 33 deg c on most days — with a high of 34.7 deg C recorded at Jurong Island on Feb 4. On Feb 5, widespread thundery showers affected many areas, with a total rainfall of 108.6mm —  the highest rainfall recorded for the first half of February —  at the Jurong Pier area.[[nid:729858]]editor@asiaone.com 

A 58-year-old male car driver died on Monday (Feb 16) morning after an accident at Bukit Gombak Neighbourhood Centre.The incident happened at about 5.50am at Block 375 Bukit Batok Street 31.Photographs of the aftermath of the accident posted by Facebook user Issey Ikemen show a grey Mercedes E-Class saloon car mounted on the pedestrian footpath, with its front bumper against a wall.The user wrote in the post's captions: «What a tragedy. At first, I thought it was a drink driving case. But unfortunately, I heard that the driver was sick and had passed away. Rest in peace.»Responding to AsiaOne's queries, the police and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said that the car is believed to have skidded, adding that the driver was taken unconscious to Ng Teng Fong Hospital where he subsequently died. The police and SCDF did not comment on whether he was unwell.Police investigations are ongoing.[[nid:729934]]editor@asiaone.com 

The Republic of Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF) search-and-rescue unit airlifted a crew member from a vessel at sea to hospital on Saturday (Feb 14) afternoon.AsiaOne understands that a Rescue 10 H225M Medium Lift helicopter took off from Sembawang Air Base around 2.30pm, and was later tracked on FlightRadar24 east of Peninsula Malaysia, over the South China Sea. «The casualty was successfully evacuated and transported to Singapore General Hospital, where he was reported to be conscious and in stable condition,» RSAF said in a Facebook post later in the evening. «We wish him a speedy recovery, and salute our RSAF aircrew and healthcare workers who are always ready 24/7 to save lives.»

The Chinatown fruit seller who was accused of being rude to an American tourist in a viral video taken by the latter has spoken up to share her side of the story.In the Instagram video posted on Tuesday (Feb 10), the seller is seen staring and asking the tourist behind the camera, «You want to buy or you want to ask?» The seller then continues, «If you got money [sic]», before an older man intervenes in a bid to de-escalate the situation.The recording ends as the man and fruit seller get into a shouting match, with the uncle calling the seller «very rude».Speaking to Shin Min Daily News on Friday (Feb 13), the seller said that she was triggered by the tourists' questions and also claimed that they had manhandled the fruit.The seller, who did not give her name, said the tourist had come in a group of around 10 persons and they were standing in front of the stall for about 10 minutes before the altercation occurred.

SINGAPORE – A fire broke out in a shop selling bak kwa, or barbecued meat, in Little India on the afternoon of Feb 15, days before the Chinese New Year.The owner of Century Bakkwa, Simbian Chua, posted on social media shortly after noon that the shop was on fire, adding that “there is 500kg of charcoal” on the premises. She said firefighters were on-site.Orders to be delivered on Feb 15 may be delayed by one to two days because of the fire, said Chua, adding that customers who want a refund will be able to receive one. The fire is believed to be in Dunlop Street, where Century Bakkwa has a 1,000 sq ft shophouse, according to a 2025 Straits Times article.An 11-second video that accompanied Chua’s post showed a smoke-filled back alley where a row of shophouses are located.

Members of the public have raised concerns about an unemployed Vietnamese woman sleeping at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park for months and asking passers-by for money, prompting police to be called four times.A reader, Wang (surname transliterated), told Shin Min Daily News that she had been seeing the woman sleeping in a pavilion at the park since December 2025.«She would place a mattress on a stone bench and lie on it to sleep,» the 70-year-old said.Wang initially thought the woman was only staying there temporarily, but later noticed that she had begun asking members of the public for money.«She said she was from Vietnam and had no money for food, and asked if people could give her some money. She would ask for a few dollars each time. There are many elderly people in the park, and quite a few would feel sorry for her and give her a few dollars,» she added.Wang claimed that the woman had also asked her husband for money, even requesting to go out with him.«The park is for people to exercise and take walks. Now someone is always here asking people for money. It doesn't look good,» she said.

The streets of Geylang Serai has come alive once again with a warm festive glow as colourful Hari Raya lights illuminated the streets near the Geylang Serai precinct.Themed #KitaRataBersama, or We Celebrate Together, this year's light-up was launched by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong on Saturday (Feb 14) evening. Describing the light-up as «more than a seasonal display», DPM Gan said it symbolises the unity that underpins Singapore’s multicultural society.«When we light up Geylang Serai, we illuminate not just the physical space, but the bonds that unite us as Singaporeans,» he said. «The colourful lights reflect the many hues of our society, each distinct yet harmoniously blended into one magnificent display.»He added that acts of fasting together during Ramadan, organising charity drives, and neighbours looking out for one another are reminders of our common aspirations. «These acts of compassion and solidarity strengthen our social fabric. They remind us that regardless of our individual beliefs, we share common aspirations for peace, prosperity, and harmony,» DPM Gan shared.

SINGAPORE – Like many of his neighbours, Tampines resident Abdul Razak Subahan is often jolted awake in the middle of the night by loud cars and motorcycles revving their engines along the roads that his flat overlooks.He said this happens almost every day in the wee hours.“It can be very painful... When you’re sleeping, it triggers you to wake up. It gives you a shock,” said the software developer, 65, who lives at Block 366 Tampines Street 34.The sound is jarring, he added. “When you’re sleeping... zoom. It’s as if the world is breaking. That’s really irritating.”Subahan is among more than 10 Tampines residents who told The Straits Times that traffic noise from nearby roads has disrupted their daily lives. Their concerns were raised in Parliament by Tampines GRC MP Charlene Chen in January.Residents told ST the problem seemed to have worsened after the completion of the TPE flyover towards Changi East in 2023.While the TPE previously generated some traffic noise, it was still tolerable, they said.

Four persons were taken to hospital after an accident in River Valley on Saturday (Feb 14) afternoon.The accident happened at about 12pm along Martin Road, after the junction of Martin Road and Kim Yan Road — outside the Singapore Buddhist Lodge.  A car overturned along Martin Place, in vicinity of the Singapore Buddhist Lodge, on Saturday (Feb 13) afternoon. PHOTO: Google Maps A video posted on social media by user Gillian shows two Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) fire engines at the scene, with several firefighters seen near the front passenger door of an overturned car.Another photo of the accident posted on its Facebook page by SG Road Vigilante shows a SCDF paramedic kneeling next to the said door.

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.