Australian fashion and lifestyle retailer Cotton On is set to close its business in Singapore.According to a Government Gazette notice on Monday (March 30), liquidators from PwC Singapore were appointed to wind up Cotton On Asia.The announcement comes after almost 10 years of operations in Singapore, when its first store opened at Wisma Atria in 2007.Cotton On’s website currently lists more than 30 stores in Singapore.Brands under Cotton On that are available in Singapore are Cotton On, Cotton On Body, Cotton On Kids, stationery brand Typo and shoe brand Rubi.[[nid:731636]]chingshijie@asiaone.com

The Lions are all set to sign off the final game of the Asian Cup qualification with a flourish when they take on Bangladesh in their last Group C qualifier at the National Stadium on Tuesday (March 31).The home team booked their place in the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia with a 2-1 away win against Hong Kong in November, grabbing the top spot in the group.Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Monday, coach Gavin Lee said the focus remains on performance.«I guess I think first and foremost, boys are all very focused putting out a performance out there tomorrow night.»In Hong Kong, we played in a stadium full of red, but it wasn't our red. Tomorrow, we have a chance to play in our stadium with our red supporting us. «And I heard there's a big crowd coming, and I think that is something we should never take for granted, and that thats something that i think motivates a lot of players, because how often do you get this kind of experience and opportunity?»He said the team remain grounded after their result in Hong Kong.

As firefighters in Malaysia continue to battle raging forest fires exacerbated by strong winds and dry conditions, smoke plumes have been drifting towards Singapore due to the prevailing northeast winds, said the National Environment Agency (NEA).In an update published at about 7pm on Monday (March 30), the agency shared a satellite image taken at 2pm.The image shows two areas on fire — a forested area off Jalan Tanjong Balau-Sedili Kechil highway in Bandar Benawar and another at a forested area in Sedili Kechil. Both locations are located in Johor's Kota Tinggi.

The police are appealing for information on the whereabouts of a 19-year-old male, Mohamed Fareed Gab Andrei.In a news release published on Monday (March 30), the police said he was last seen in the vicinity of Block 807 Tampines Avenue 4 at about 3pm on Sunday.The said address is part of a HDB precinct located across the road from Temasek Polytechnic. 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:732459]]editor@asiaone.com 

Eight Singaporean taxi drivers, aged between 47 and 74, were arrested on Monday (March 30) for allegedly bribing Malaysian law enforcement officers on the Causeway. The Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) said in a statement that the drivers, operating under the cross-border taxi scheme, did so to avoid enforcement action for driving along the bus lane.Investigations are ongoing for alleged offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act.Anyone convicted of corruption faces a fine of up to $100,000 and up to five years' jail, or both.Singapore adopts a strict zero-tolerance approach towards corruption, CPIB said, adding that it will not hesitate to take firm enforcement action against any parties involved in such activities.[[nid:732546]]chingshijie@asiaone.com

A netizen has raised alarm over a «severe bed bug infestation» in Ang Mo Kio, claiming to have been bitten more than 20 times.In a video posted in Facebook group Complaint Singapore today (March 30), several insects are seen crawling around the insides of a seating area outside AMK Hub near a McDonald's outlet.«In between the wooden slats, there is a severe bed bug infestation. Please don't sit there... Hope you don't bring any home,» captioned the post. The user claimed he was bitten over 20 times on his buttocks in just a few minutes, noting that older people were also present, sitting and lying in the area. In response to AsiaOne's queries, a spokesperson of the Ang Mo Kio Town Council said: «Our property team conducted checks with our pest control operator this morning and confirmed that the insects observed were cockroaches, not bed bugs.»Treatment is currently in progress, and we will continue to monitor the area closely to maintain a clean and comfortable environment for residents and visitors." 

Stay in the know with a recap of our top stories today.1. MOE appoints 4 student care operators to replace Little Professors Learning CentreThe Ministry of Education (MOE) has appointed four student care operators to replace Little Professors Learning Centre whose contract was terminated last month... » READ MORE2. Motorcyclist dies after accident in Yishun, driver arrested for allegedly driving under influence of drugs

Two neighbourhood police centres (NPCs) in the planning areas of Bukit Timah and Kallang will merge on May 25, the police announced on Monday (March 30).The merger, involving Kampong Java NPC and Bukit Timah NPC, is part of the transformation of frontline operations to better address evolving security challenges and community needs, the police said.Following the merger, Kampong Java NPC will be retained — as a larger operational base — while Bukit Timah NPC will be renovated before re-opening as Dunearn neighbourhood police post (NPP) by the fourth quarter of 2027.«The merging of NPCs aim to optimise limited police resources by combining smaller NPCs serving adjacent areas into a larger operational base,» the police said.They expect the merger to enhance their deployment flexibility, while improving operational effectiveness.«The community policing unit in the merged NPC can organise larger scale community policing events.»The merged crime strike force will also have better coordination and control in dealing with more complex crimes and incidents," the police explained.

A 67-year-old man disguised himself as a construction worker before breaking into a coffee shop in MacPherson to steal cash.Murugaian Kandasamy, a Singaporean, was sentenced to four years' jail on March 27 after pleading guilty to the crime.On the night of Jan 8, Kandasamy had unlawfully entered the coffee shop at Block 76 Circuit Road by cutting a padlock securing the rear door.According to court documents, the man took $2,830 from the beverage stall and another $50 from the mixed rice stall.Investigations found that Kandasamy had patronised the coffee shop several times in May 2025 and noticed the two stalls did not have CCTV cameras, reported Lianhe Zaobao.Unable to pay his rent because of financial difficulties, he reportedly decided to steal from the coffee shop.At about 9pm, Kandasamy arrived at the coffee shop with housebreaking tools, including a crowbar.Seeing that the stalls had yet to close, he waited nearby and changed into a long-sleeved shirt, reflective vest, yellow helmet and a face covering.

The Ministry of Education (MOE) has appointed four student care operators to replace Little Professors Learning Centre whose contract was terminated last month. In the statement on Monday (March 30), the ministry said that the operators are: Learning Studio Educare, Principals Academy Inc, Young Men’s Christian Association of Singapore and Nascans.They will start operating from April 6 to provide after-school care services for 1,800 pupils in the eight affected primary schools, as well as Kindergarten Care (KCare) services in six of them.  The move comes after Little Professors’ contract was terminated on Feb 14 following complaints from employees about unpaid salaries and Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions since November 2025.The private operator ran student care centres in eight primary schools: Anchor Green, Jing Shan, Kranji, Punggol Cove, Waterway, Westwood, Hong Wen and White Sands.The ministry said: "Staff at the affected schools had stepped up to ensure the continuity of after-school care.

Those who have plans to travel to Malaysia over the coming weekend can expect heavy traffic at both Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints. Both the Good Friday (April 3) long weekend and Qing Ming day (April 5) take place over this weekend. Qing Ming is also known as Tomb Sweeping Day or Chinese All Souls' Day. In an advisory issued on Monday (March 30), the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) told motorists that it has stepped up security checks on arriving travellers, cargo and conveyances at all land checkpoints. This is due to the heightened global security situation, including recent developments in the Middle East.«Travellers are to expect longer waiting times to clear immigration and are advised to check the traffic situation at the land checkpoints before embarking on their journey,» ICA said. They can also use the QR code clearance for more convenience.Those who need to travel during the peak periods can also consider taking the cross-border bus services to avoid congestion.

An SBS Transit bus caught fire while travelling along the Tampines Expressway (TPE) on Monday (March 30). A video of the incident shared on TikTok showed the rear of the bus engulfed in flames, with a man seen using a fire extinguisher. Thick black smoke could also be seen billowing into the air.Responding to queries from AsiaOne, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said it was alerted to a fire along TPE towards Seletar Expressway (SLE) after the Tampines Avenue 10 exit at about 6.50am. SCDF added that the fire involved the engine compartment of the bus and was extinguished using a water jet.No one was injured, and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation. 

A man swiped $1,000 worth of necklaces from a jewellery stall in Woodlands when the stall owner went for a quick toilet break. In response to AsiaOne's queries, the police said they were alerted to a case of theft at Block 303 Woodlands Street 31 on March 24 at 11.30am.A shop assistant at a nearby hardware store, identified as Ding, told Shin Min Daily News that the jewellery stall owner had gone to the restroom and covered the goods with a cloth.  When the owner returned some five minutes later and checked the inventory, the owner found that five silver necklaces, amounting to about $1,000, were missing, reported the Chinese daily. The owner then called the police and asked Ding for CCTV footage. In a video posted by Instagram account @sgfollowsall on March 27, CCTV footage shows a man dressed in a white shirt and black trousers loitering near a temporarily unmanned stall. He can be seen hovering around the table, covered in a blue sheet of plastic, before lifting the sheet and grabbing a handful of what appears to be the stolen necklaces. 

It's official — diesel now costs nearly as much as premium petrol — at least at Shell. In a price board update published at 2pm on Saturday (March 28), British multinational oil and gas company Shell announced a 20-cent increase in its posted price for diesel, raising it from $3.93 to $4.13.The price is just one cent lower than its premium V-Power petrol, priced at $4.14.In hiking diesel prices, Shell, which led the first downward adjustment of pump charges in nearly three weeks on March 25, now reverses the trend it started.It has also become the first to push diesel prices here past both the $3 and $4 mark.On March 10, Shell took its diesel price past the $3 mark with a 26-cent increase — from $2.98 on March 9, to $3.24.

A 33-year-old man has been arrested for careless driving causing death after a 74-year-old woman died following a traffic accident in Ang Mo Kio on Saturday (March 28) evening.The Singapore Police Force told AsiaOne they were alerted to an accident involving a car and a pedestrian on March 28 at about 7.05pm, along Ang Mo Kio Street 31 towards Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6.The pedestrian was conveyed unconscious to the hospital, where she later died.In response to AsiaOne's queries, the Singapore Civil Defence Force said it conveyed one person to Tan Tock Seng Hospital.Police investigations are ongoing.A photo of the aftermath of the accident circulating online shows an ambulance at the scene, with a person lying in the middle of the road.A similar incident occurred less than two weeks ago on March 17, where a 66-year-old pedestrian died after a car hit her before mounting a road verge along Bencoolen Street.The 55-year-old male car driver was arrested for careless driving causing death.[[nid:728432]]

Four years after his nose cancer diagnosis, Minister of State for Transport Baey Yam Keng says he is grateful that he is in good health, especially after a recent scare. In a Facebook post on Saturday (March 28), Baey shared that he has been undergoing annual scans since completing radiation therapy to monitor his health.However, late last December, the minister said his CT scan had shown a small abnormality on the right side of his nose. «My oncologist thought it might be linked to a flu I caught during a recent trip, but referred me to an ear and nose specialist just to be safe,» said Baey, who is also Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth. He added that a follow-up scope in February showed nothing concerning, but to be certain, he underwent another magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan in March. 

It's official — diesel now costs nearly as much as premium petrol — at least at Shell. In a price board update published at 2pm on Saturday (March 28), British multinational oil and gas company Shell announced a 20-cent increase in its posted price for diesel, raising it from $3.93 to $4.13.The price is just one-cent lower than its premium V-Power petrol, priced at $4.14In hiking diesel prices, Shell, which led the first downward adjustment of pump charges in nearly three weeks on March 25, now reverses the trend it started.It has also become the first to push diesel prices here past both the $3 and $4 mark.On March 10, Shell took its diesel price past the $3 mark with a 26-cent increase — from $2.98 on March 9, to $3.24.

Three hours into the night flight, air force transport pilot Gerald Goh saw a single projectile in the distance.«The initial reaction was a sense of shock,» the 31-year-old pilot told AsiaOne in an interview on Friday (March 27). «But we assessed, as a crew, that it was from a distance… and we determined it was safe to continue with the mission.»The mission — on March 10 — was to bring home 218 stranded Singaporeans and their dependents on board the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF) first military evacuation flight from Saudi Arabia.While the projectile — fired within Middle Eastern airspace during an ongoing war — was assessed not to have targetted his A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), Captain Goh said the incident underscored the real risks faced by the flight crew.

The Government will act decisively when it comes across instances of foreigners inciting Singaporeans to break the law and use violence, said Coordinating Minister for National Security K Shanmugam on Saturday (March 28).Shanmugam, who is also Minister for Home Affairs, also reiterated that the Government will not tolerate interference by foreigners in Singapore's politics — a position which it has consistently upheld since independence. «It is an absolute no. That position has not changed — and it will be firmly enforced,» he added.He was commenting on his Facebook about the case of Malaysian activist Fadiah Nadwa Fikri, who was banned from Singapore. In his post, Shanmugam pointed out that Fadiah had encouraged local activists in Singapore to adopt her brand of radical advocacy. «When people attempt to interfere in this manner, we will act decisively. »It does not matter whether the instigator is Singaporean, Malaysian, or any other foreign national," the minister wrote.

A prolonged crisis in the Middle East could have a significant impact on supply chains and energy markets, which will in turn have a «huge impact» for the global economy and on Singapore, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.Speaking to the media on Saturday (March 28) as he wrapped up his visit to Hong Kong, PM Wong was asked if the government is planning to roll out measures to cushion the impact of rising prices amidst energy shortages. Acknowledging public concerns, PM Wong assured Singaporeans that the Government is monitoring the situation closely and planning ahead.«A lot of concerns are about the price impact, and I can fully understand the concerns, but we are also concerned about what might happen if the situation in the Middle East continues for a prolonged period of time, or even escalates, and the Strait of Hormuz continues to be blocked for prolonged stretch because then the impact of such a prolonged crisis is not just going to be about higher and elevated prices,» he said.

If you have applied for long-term immigration facilities such as permanent residency and received a letter and tax invoice to pay a fee, do not make any payment. In a news release on Saturday (March 28), the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said it was alerted to a fake letter and tax invoice that were received by an applicant. According to ICA, the “documents” bore its letterhead and a signature of an officer allegedly from the authority. The applicant later received the fake letter and invoice asking for a certain fee to be paid to proceed with the application. Checks by ICA revealed that the applicant had engaged a commercial entity to assist with a Singapore Permanent Resident (PR) application for a total fee of about $5,000. The authority also found that no application had been submitted on behalf of the person. Applicants should apply directly to ICAICA also revealed that they have been alerted to 12 similar cases since January.

When the police told sisters Faith and Sarah Phua in April 2025 that their 75-year-old mother wanted to transfer $67,000 to an unknown account, they were shocked.They confronted their mother, who admitted she wanted to send the money to tech billionaire Elon Musk, whom she believed needed help saving his company from ruin.They were horrified to later learn that since 2022, their mother had been fooled by scammers who used artificial intelligence to impersonate Musk to talk to her.Over three years, the elderly woman transferred $600,000 to the scammers.The sisters spoke to The Straits Times at the Police Cantonment Complex in New Bridge Road on March 24.Sarah Phua, 45, said: “My mum said Elon Musk needed her money to help his business as it was losing money. That was when we knew she had been brainwashed.”

More than 830kg of Asian pangolin scales from an estimated over 2,200 pangolins were seized in a joint operation between the National Parks Board (NParks) and Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) in December last year, said Minister of State for National Development Alvin Tan. Tan, who is also Minister of State for Trade and Industry, disclosed this at the World Wildlife Regional Youth Symposium held at the BCA Academy on Saturday (March 28), when he announced the publication of a new Singapore-focused compendium as part of a multi-pronged strategy to strengthen partnerships and tackle illegal wildlife trade.The compendium is tailored to Singapore's context as a major maritime hub, and underscores the importance of international cooperation and public-private partnerships in the fight against wildlife trafficking along global maritime routes.It equips maritime industry partners, including carriers, shippers and freight forwarders with guidance on at-risk routes and common red flags in wildlife trafficking, such as discrepancies in documentation, cargo value, weight and appearance.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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

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.

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]]

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

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. 

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.