Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has extended his condolences to the families of those who died in the Optus outage.The Australian telco is wholly owned by Singtel.In an interview with Australian broadcaster ABC on Thursday (Oct 2) and released on Monday (Oct 6), PM Wong noted that he fully understands the anger and frustration caused by the incident.«I would like to extend my condolences to everyone who has been impacted by the outage, especially the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives.» A 68-year-old woman and two men, aged 74 and 49, died and more than 600 customers were affected across Australia after Optus' emergency call services suffered an outage for about 13 hours on Sept 18. This was Optus' second major outage since 2023.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will be making his first official visit to Australia and New Zealand as head of government from Oct 6 to 11.His visit coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations with both countries, and also reaffirms the excellent state of bilateral ties, said the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) in a statement on Oct 6. PM Wong will visit Australia from Oct 6 to 9, and will hold the 10th Singapore-Australia leaders' meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.The leaders will also participate in the signing of the joint declaration to launch the upgraded Singapore-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. PM Wong will also call on Governor-General Sam Mostyn and meet with leader of the opposition Sussan Ley.He will then leave Canberra for Sydney where will meet with New South Wales Premier Chris Minns, senior business leaders, and have a dialogue at the Lowly Institute. 

Three people were taken to hospital after a fire broke out in a HDB flat kitchen in Toa Payoh on Monday (Oct 6).Responding to queries from AsiaOne, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said it was alerted to a fire at Block 63, Lorong 5 Toa Payoh at around 9.45am.Upon arrival, SCDF found that the kitchen of a third-floor unit was on fire and that the blaze was extinguished using a water jet.As a precaution, about 50 residents from the affected block were evacuated by the SCDF and the police.Two people were assessed for smoke inhalation and taken to Singapore General Hospital, while another person who felt unwell was sent to Tan Tock Seng Hospital.SCDF added that preliminary findings indicate that the cause of the fire is likely from an electrical origin in the kitchen.

SINGAPORE — A sandbox pilot to offer influenza vaccination at retail pharmacies has proven so popular that more outlets will soon offer this service to the public.The three major retail pharmacy chains participating in the sandbox — Guardian Health & Beauty, Unity Pharmacy, and Watsons Singapore — will expand the service after obtaining approval from the Ministry of Health (MOH).While a regulatory decision has not been made whether to mainstream this service, MOH will run this sandbox for at least another year.Influenza vaccination has traditionally been offered at private general practitioner (GP) clinics, travel clinics and polyclinics.In October 2024, MOH launched a trial allowing the public to be vaccinated at three retail pharmacies — Guardian at Nex in Serangoon, Unity at Parkway Parade in Marine Parade, and Watsons at Paragon in Orchard.It was initially targeted to minimally run for a year before MOH licenses such community services under the Healthcare Services Act.

The man suspected of murdering a 30-year-old Vietnamese woman outside a HDB flat in Yishun was taken back to the crime scene by the police on Monday (Oct 6).Koh Ah Hwee, 66, arrived at Block 323 Yishun Central just before 10am in an unmarked police vehicle, dressed in a red polo T-shirt, navy blue shorts and clear slippers. The Singaporean was restrained at his wrists and ankles and led up by about five police investigators to the fifth floor of the block, where he resides.Koh, who appeared stoic, was questioned there for about an hour before being taken to the sixth floor, where the deceased Nguyen Phuong Tra and her husband lived.

The police has nabbed seven men - aged between 28 and 53 - for their suspected involvement in a transnational illegal betting syndicate.The arrests occurred during an operation which was made possible by a collaboration with the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Meta, said the police in a news release on Monday (Oct 6).The police stated that they had received several reports of victims in Singapore being enticed to open accounts with an online gambling website since March 2023. These victims would then be asked to transfer money to anonymous bank accounts in exchange for gambling credits. They could initially redeem their winnings through bank transfers from these anonymous bank accounts. However, after these victims continued to gamble and attempt to redeem more winnings, the syndicate would inform them they need to either accumulate more winnings or purchase more credits in order to redeem the funds they won. Several victims lost more than $175,000 as a result of this scam, said the police.

SINGAPORE - Ms Rinchen Koh and Mr Benjamin Burke were on their usual walk in the neighbourhood with their shih tzu, Casper, when a German shepherd dashed out and attacked the smaller dog.As Casper was bleeding profusely from a ripped jaw, the couple could not get any taxis to take them to an animal hospital. Thankfully, a neighbour stepped in and sent them to Beecroft Animal Specialist & Emergency Hospital, where Casper underwent surgery to stop the bleeding. They arrived at the hospital about an hour after the incident occurred.The horrifying ordeal in June 2023 left Casper with a ripped jaw, and he had to have his lower jaw replaced.Ms Koh and Mr Burke were then working in veterinary clinics as a vet nurse and a vet technician respectively. The couple wondered if the response time could have been shortened if there had been an emergency service available.Thus, in September 2023, together with a private investor, Ms Koh and Mr Burke pooled together $10,000 and set up Royal Animal Rescue (Rar). The goal is to provide swift pre-hospital care for all pets and transport them to a pet hospital as quickly as possible in an emergency.

A 33-year-old man was taken to hospital after an accident involving two cars and a lorry in Hougang just after midnight on Oct 5.The police and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said they were alerted to the accident along Hougang Avenue 8 and the junction of Hougang Avenue 7 and Hougang Street 52 at about 12.05am on that day.A 29-year-old male car driver is assisting with investigations, the police said.Another male car driver, 33, was taken conscious to Sengkang General Hospital, the authorities said. SCDF added that it assessed a person for injuries, but the person declined to be taken to hospital.A photo uploaded to social media platform Reddit by user Various_Bluejay_1004 showed the aftermath of the accident.A white GetGo car with a damaged bonnet can be seen facing the flow of traffic on the right of a two-lane road.Several onlookers can be seen gathered on a nearby grass patch.In another video posted on TikTok by user annaphylaxisb, a black car with its back part severely damaged can be seen stationary in the yellow box on the road. Debris can be seen strewn across the ground.

Mercedes driver George Russell claimed the chequered flag in dominant fashion at the Formula One Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix on Oct 5, as the Briton crossed the finish line in 1hr 36 min 45.5 sec to set off celebratory fireworks at the Marina Bay street circuit.He is the sixth different winner in six editions of the night race since 2018.Four-time world champion Max Verstappen was second in his Red Bull and McLaren's Lando Norris rounded up the podium in F1's first «heat hazard» race. Championship leader Oscar Piastri of McLaren finished the 62-lap race in fourth.While Russell was quickest in Singapore, the champagne will be flowing in the McLaren garage on Oct 5, after the team sealed the Constructors' title for back-to-back wins after Norris and Piastri's results.The Woking-based outfit needed just 13 points in Singapore to confirm their 10th Constructors' title.But the night belonged to Russell, 27, who stayed cool in a «heat hazard» race in 33 deg C heat and 81 per cent humidity to convert from pole position for his first race victory in Singapore.

SINGAPORE - Ms Rinchen Koh and Mr Benjamin Burke were on their usual walk in the neighbourhood with their shih tzu, Casper, when a German shepherd dashed out and attacked the smaller dog.As Casper was bleeding profusely from a ripped jaw, the couple could not get any taxis to take them to an animal hospital. Thankfully, a neighbour stepped in and sent them to Beecroft Animal Specialist & Emergency Hospital, where Casper underwent surgery to stop the bleeding. They arrived at the hospital about an hour after the incident occurred.The horrifying ordeal in June 2023 left Casper with a ripped jaw, and he had to have his lower jaw replaced.Ms Koh and Mr Burke were then working in veterinary clinics as a vet nurse and a vet technician respectively. The couple wondered if the response time could have been shortened if there had been an emergency service available.Thus, in September 2023, together with a private investor, Ms Koh and Mr Burke pooled together $10,000 and set up Royal Animal Rescue (Rar). The goal is to provide swift pre-hospital care for all pets and transport them to a pet hospital as quickly as possible in an emergency.

As they say, one good turn deserves another. A foreigner living in Singapore has been inspired to give back after witnessing a motorcyclist's kind act while on the road. TikTok user @annieinasia posted a video on Friday (Oct 3) about seeing a fellow motorcyclist giving out food to some construction workers near a junction along Thomson Road.In the 15-second clip, the woman was initially puzzled as to why the male biker was signalling to the workers while waiting at the red light.«He is calling the workers? He has something for them?» she wrote.She then realised that he was actually giving them a container of food.«So nice... is this a Singapore thing?» she wondered.[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/DPaIgq6FGkQ/[/embed]'Heartwarming'In her replies to AsiaOne's queries, the female biker, who gave her name as Annie, said that the incident had happened in mid-September.The Dutch national in her late twenties shared that the kind act has inspired her to give to others as well.

Just over a week after clinching gold for Singapore at the 2025 World Para Swimming Championships, national paralympian Yip Pin Xiu has yet another reason to celebrate.The 33-year-old swim queen tied the knot with her pilot boyfriend Bruce Boo, 34, on Saturday (Oct 4).The event was held at the Jurong Lake Gardens Guesthouse with 228 guests in attendance, reported The Straits Times. Yip and Boo had reportedly met in a dating app in 2023, and announced their engagement in December 2024.According to The Straits Times, Yip shared a sweet message in the wedding programme, offering guests a glimpse into what makes their relationship tick.«I love his vibe and how goal-oriented he is. He's never once been intimidated by my success.»He leads the relationship with confidence — but somehow always makes sure I'm supported in all my goals too. Basically, he's the best co-pilot.«Boo shared too, that he knew she was »the one« just two months into their relationship. »Just being with her felt right," he noted.

SINGAPORE — George Russell put Mercedes on pole position for the Singapore Grand Prix on Saturday (Oct 4) with Red Bull's Max Verstappen taking the second spot on the front row and complaining of being obstructed as he tried to chase down the Englishman.George Russell crashed in practice on Friday but drove brilliantly around the Marina Bay track in the final round of qualifying to put in two laps worthy of pole,a his best timed at one minute 29.158 seconds.«Amazing to be on pole position,» said George Russell, who might take some encouragement from the fact that the driver on pole has won 10 of 15 editions of the Singapore Grand Prix.«Yesterday was a very challenging day for many different reasons, but it's good to come back and get a good result today. Of course, there's a long, sweaty race tomorrow.»

Three persons aged between 17 and 27 were charged for the alleged trafficking of etomidate e-vaporiser pods on Saturday (Oct 4).In a media statement, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said its investigation on a suspected male etomidate abuser on Oct 2 led the agency to two of his alleged suppliers, Vernette Heng Cui Teng, 23, and a 17-year-old female teenager, who cannot be named as she is protected under the Children and Young Persons Act.A total of 64 and 16 e-vaporisers and related components suspected to contain etomidate were seized from the residences of Heng and the 17-year-old respectively. Further investigations led HSA officers to the 17-year-old's supplier, 27-year-old Amir Shah s/o Anwar Shah. Four e-vaporisers and related components suspected to contain etomidate were seized from his residence. Amir was also alleged to have supplied etomidate pods to another female abuser via Telegram.Both etomidate abusers were fined on the spot and will be required to attend rehabilitation if their e-vaporisers are found to have contained etomidate.

SINGAPORE — A total of 44 people, including 34 pupils, across two pre-schools of the same brand have developed gastroenteritis symptoms — with one child hospitalised for a day — and the authorities are investigating.From Sept 18 to Oct 1, 20 pupils and four employees at E-Bridge Pre-School in Dawson Road reportedly developed such symptoms, according to a joint media reply by the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA), Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) and Singapore Food Agency (SFA) on Oct 3.Among them, one pupil was hospitalised on Sept 26 for a day. As at Oct 1, 12 children and four employees have recovered and returned to the school, according to the statement.«Preliminary investigations suggest that this outbreak is likely caused by norovirus, a virus that can spread from person to person and cause gastroenteritis,» the three agencies said.Gastroenteritis, which is a medical condition where the stomach and intestines are inflamed, is commonly known as stomach flu or food poisoning.People can get infected through contact with other people, or through contaminated food or water.

SINGAPORE — An electrical firm project manager was sentenced to four weeks' jail on Oct 3 after seeking confidential information from a Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) employee over a project worth $3 million.Tan Kian Meng, 47, pleaded guilty to two charges under the Official Secrets Act over receiving information from Hsu Yee Chern, who was a DSTA employee at the time and has since resigned.Hsu, 52, was sentenced to four weeks' jail in July. He had shared with Tan — an employee at John Holland Electrical & Service (JHES), a firm that specialises in generator and electricity supply installation and maintenance — information linked to the budget of a DSTA-managed project, for which JHES would later bid.In the end, DSTA did not award the project to the company.Deputy Public Prosecutor Ronnie Ang told the court that DSTA's tasks include managing the design, development and maintenance of defence infrastructure for the Ministry of Defence.DSTA is also responsible for the procurement process involving external vendors' contracts. This includes sourcing for vendors and evaluating their bids.

A man has been arrested for drink driving after an accident involving a car and a pedestrian on Friday (Oct 3) at the junction of Lavender Street and Serangoon Road.The Singapore Police Force said that they were alerted to the incident at about 9.10pm.The car driver, a 37-year-old man, was apprehended for drink driving, while the 71-year-old male pedestrian was conveyed to a hospital, said the police. He was conscious.Photos of the incident were shared online on the Facebook group SGRV Front Man, where a dark blue car with a damaged bonnet appears to have smashed into a traffic light, which has been bent. Debris can be seen scattered across the road and the grass patch adjacent to it.Police investigations are ongoing.daoen.wong@asiaone.com

SINGAPORE — Workers' Party leaders involved in long-running civil suits brought against them by two town councils have closed their joint bank account used to raise funds from the public, and donated the remaining monies to charity.WP chief Pritam Singh, party chairman Sylvia Lim and former party chief Low Thia Khiang said in an Oct 2 post on their fund-raising blog that the conclusion of the court cases in July 2024 following an out-of-court settlement meant there was no longer a need to maintain the bank account.The balance in the bank account of $5,826.14 has been donated to the WP Community Fund, a registered charity set up by the WP to serve families in need, they added.«The court proceedings have taken seven years to conclude,» they said. «We thank everyone who has, in one way or another, walked with us through this episode.»Separately, the three WP leaders said they had donated more than $57,000 to Aljunied-Hougang Town Council (AHTC) and Sengkang Town Council (SKTC).

The Consumer Association of Singapore (Case) is seeking clarity surrounding bubble tea brand Gong Cha's relaunch in 2026, after the brand shuttered all its stores here.In a Facebook statement published on Friday (Oct 3), Case president Melvin Yong said the organisation is looking to clarify if customers will be refunded for unutilised pre-paid or gift cards, or if they are still redeemable when the franchise re-opens.Case has also requested for Gong Cha to provide a clearer timeline on when it will reopen again in Singapore.«Consumers are advised to keep detailed records of any prepaid balances or gift card purchases,» said Yong, advising that consumers who require assistance may contact Case at 6277 5100.On Oct 2, Gong Cha ceased operations in Singapore, after taking down its local social media platforms and websites, and shuttering all 29 outlets here. 

In a move to further protect customers against scams, banks in Singapore are implementing enhanced fraud surveillance on all digital transactions from Oct 15.A 24-hour cooling period or immediate rejection will be triggered when a transaction, together with withdrawals over the past 24 hours, results in more than half of a bank account’s balance to be transferred out.In a statement by the Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS) on Friday (Oct 3), seven major banks are participating in this initiative. They are: DBS, OCBC, UOB, Citibank, HSBC, Maybank and Standard Chartered.Current and savings accounts, including joint accounts, with balances of at least $50,000 will be protected by this new rules, which kick in when banks detect that they are being quickly emptied of its funds due to a potential scam.The safeguard will apply to all digital banking transactions completed through bank apps and internet banking. Non-digital banking transactions, which includes cash withdrawals at bank branches and ATMs, will not be affected.

A 60-year-old man was found dead at Woodlands Bus Interchange on Friday (Oct 3). Responding to AsiaOne’s queries, the police and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said that they were alerted to a case of unnatural death at around 1.20pm that day. The man was found lying motionless along the pavement, and was pronounced dead by a paramedic from the SCDF. “Based on preliminary investigations, the police do not suspect foul play,” the police said. Police investigations are ongoing. chingshijie@asiaone.com

Deliveroo’s mobile app and services will continue to be available in Singapore, even after its acquisition by US-based food delivery company DoorDash.In a statement to its merchant partners, customers and riders on Thursday (Oct 2), DoorDash’s US-based CEO Tony Xu said that the “Deliveroo app and products you know and love aren’t going anywhere«.»You’ll still be able to order your favourites, run your businesses, or work and earn on the platform as you do today,« he added.In May, DoorDash had agreed to buy UK-based food delivery Deliveroo for about US$3.9 billion (S$5 billion), reported Reuters.DoorDash, which controls two-thirds of the restaurant delivery market in the US, is looking to expand overseas through the acquisition to serve around 50 million monthly active users.Deliveroo currently has around 150,000 riders in nine countries, including 6,000 in Singapore.»We are committed to protecting the flexibility that makes this work unique," Xu said.

An association that claims to support Malaysian cross-border drivers has expressed unhappiness and disappointment following an enforcement operation carried out by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) officers at the border checkpoint on Tuesday (Sept 30). In a Facebook post on Wednesday (Oct 1), the Southern Private Hire Vehicle Association highlighted that a significant number of the detained Malaysian-registered vehicles were transporting senior executives.«Among the Malaysian-registered vehicles detained (on Sept 30), a significant number were transporting senior executives from multinational corporations across Europe and Asia, who were invited to Johor Bahru for important business meetings.» The association added that the enforcement actions were «indiscriminate», noting that such measures could be unfair to Malaysian drivers. 

There will be no train service between Bedok and Tampines stations, as well as between Tanah Merah and Expo stations due to track work on the East-West Line (EWL) from Nov 29 to Dec 8.Train frequencies between Paya Lebar and Bedok stations, Tampines and Pasir Ris stations, and Expo and Changi Airport stations will also be reduced, said the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and EWL operator SMRT on Friday (Oct 3).An estimated 180,000 commuters daily will be impacted by the station closures, said an LTA spokesperson.This 10-day-long service adjustment is required so that work to connect EWL to the new East Coast Integrated Depot and operationalise a new platform at Tanah Merah station can be carried out.And while the work spanning 4.8km of train tracks at 12 locations near Simei and Tanah Merah stations are ongoing, the two MRT stations will be closed to the public.To facilitate travel between the closed stretches of the EWL, about 79 shuttle buses will be deployed across the two routes.

A lawyer was ordered to pay $800 in personal costs to the other party for citing a fictitious legal authority that was generated using artificial intelligence during a civil case.The parties involved were: Claimants Tajudin Gulam Rasul and Mohamed Ghouse Tajudin against Suriaya Haja Mohideen, the defendant, according to the written judgement made available online on Thursday (Oct 2).Tajudin and Mohamad Ghouse were represented by Lalwani Anil Mangan from DL Law Corporation, while Suriaya was defended by Umar Abdullah Mazeli from Abdel Law LLC.The use of AI to prepare court documents is not prohibited in Singapore, but all users are responsible for ensuring that all information provided to the court is accurate and relevant.While the details of the civil case was not available, the written judgement stated that Suriaya had a default judgement set against her for failing to file a notice of intention to contest or contest the claim.In a written submission filed on June 1, Lalwani cited a purported case, but it was «conspicuously missing» from the claimants’ bundle of authorities filed the next day.

The Immigration and Checkpoint Authority (ICA) officers foiled an attempt to smuggle more than 400 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes into Singapore via Woodlands Checkpoint on Tuesday (Sept 30). In a Facebook post on Thursday (Oct 2), ICA said that a motorcycle was identified by its Integrated Targeting Centre (ITC) for enhanced checks and more than 400 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes were found concealed in its side fairings. The 32-year-old Malaysian rider was arrested and the case referred to the Singapore Customs for further investigation. On Aug 26, ICA foiled a similar attempt to smuggle duty-unpaid cigarettes into Singapore, also on a Malaysia-registered motorcycle. More than 450 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes were found concealed in various compartments of the motorcycle. 

Motorists and cargo drivers may see Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers conducting breath tests on them at Singapore's land and land-based sea checkpoints and their vicinities from Friday (Oct 3).Those who fail the test will be arrested and handed over to the police for follow-up action.Under the law, it is an offence to refuse to comply with the administration of a breath test. First-time offenders may be fined up to $5,000 or jailed for up to six months. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said on Thursday (Oct 2) that the new powers will enable ICA to protect public safety and strengthen protective security measures across the land and sea checkpoints.Amendments to the Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act The new powers are part of phased implementation of the amendments to the Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act, which were passed in Parliament in January.

SINGAPORE — The High Court has upheld the decision made by the State Courts to refuse bail to an Indonesian businessman allegedly involved in a high-profile corruption case in his country.Paulus Tannos, 70, was arrested in Singapore on Jan 17 after being on Indonesia's fugitive list since October 2021.Tannos was said to be implicated in a major graft scandal involving the Indonesian government's electronic ID card or e-KTP project, which allegedly caused state losses of about 2.3 trillion rupiah (S$178 million).In a hearing on Oct 2 presided by Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon, Tannos had his appeal for bail denied.The defence, led by Suang Wijaya of law firm Eugene Thuraisingam, argued that Tannos had medical conditions which justified him being allowed bail.These conditions included chest discomfort, the narrowing of heart valves and diabetes.CJ Menon said if bail were to be granted to Tannos, this would mean other accused individuals under the Extradition Act can seek this exception and be released from bail due to some minor illness, only to have the bail revoked a few days later after having recovered from it.

Manufacturing conglomerate BYD Singapore is one of three companies that have been awarded the contract for the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Ministry of Transport's (MOT) autonomous public bus pilot.The contract has been awarded to a consortium of MKX Technologies (Singapore), Zhidao Network Technology (Beijing) and BYD (Singapore) for about $8.14 million, said LTA and MOT in a joint statement on Thursday (Oct 2).A consortium refers to an association comprising of multiple companies.This is part of the plans to trial the use of Autonomous Vehicle (AV) technology, said the statement.The autonomous buses will be piloted on public bus services 400 (Marina Bay) and 191 (one-north) for an initial period of three years.Initially, LTA will procure six such buses from the consortium, which will have similar features to existing public buses such as designated spaces and boarding/alighting ramps for wheelchair and personal mobility aid users as well as strollers. 

A 24-year-old man was caught on campus during vape enforcement operations conducted by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and the Ministry of Education (MOE) across six Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs).He was found in possession of two e-vaporisers, 10 related components and was issued a notice of composition and fined on the spot.The e-vaporisers and components were seized.In a joint statement on Thursday (Oct 2), MOE said that HSA enforcement officers and IHL campus security personnel carried out the operation from Sept 8 to Sept 29.Separately, five individuals aged between 20 and 25 were also found in possession of duty-unpaid cigarettes and have been referred to Singapore Customs for further investigation.In addition to the penalties imposed by HSA for vaping offences, the statement noted that IHLs will enforce disciplinary actions under their respective frameworks, which have been strengthened to align with the national stance against vaping.

More than 3,100 drivers of Singapore vehicles have been caught entering Johor without a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) tag since Malaysia stepped up enforcement on July 1.Johor's Road Transport Department (JPJ) has issued 3,148 summonses amounting to RM944,400 (S$290,000), reported New Straits Times (NST).Each summons amounted to RM300, which must be settled before the vehicle is allowed to exit the country, JPJ director-general Aedy Fadly Ramli told local media on Oct 1.He continued that Singapore motorists must comply with VEP requirements as they are vital for road safety and preventing the misuse of foreign vehicles. «It allows authorities to monitor vehicles, enforce traffic laws and manage summonses during [Singapore motorists'] stay here. Enforcement will continue to be strengthened,» he said.Aedy added that the VEP scheme also prevents vehicles with invalid road tax and insurance from entering Malaysia.This scheme is not intended to burden drivers, but to ensure transparency, safety and accountability, he explained.

Two women are assisting police with investigations after a video surfaced on various social media platforms showing one woman kicking another at the Singapore Management University (SMU) on Tuesday (Sept 30).In the 21-second clip, which has since gone viral, a woman in pink can be seen kicking another older woman who was lying on the ground.Onlookers at the scene can be heard expressing concern, with some approaching the older woman to check on her.One person can be heard suggesting that the older woman had fainted and that campus security should be called, while another refers to her as a «housekeeper lady.» Responding to queries from AsiaOne, the police and Singapore Civil Defence Force confirmed that a call for assistance was made at about 2.10pm at 40 Stamford Road. A 61-vear-old woman was conveyed conscious to Raffles Hospital. Two women, aged 21 and 61, are assisting with investigations for voluntarily causing hurt and using criminal force. Police investigations are ongoing. 

While making small talk with a cleaner in Singapore, an Australian tourist was surprised to learn that the man is 91 years old.Fitness influencer Jaden Laing said in an Instagram Reel on Monday (Sept 29) that he came across a «legend» in Singapore, who was «working hard in the bathroom».In the clip, Laing washes his hands in a toilet as he asks the elderly janitor — dressed in uniform with an ION Orchard nameplate pinned to his top — how his day is going.«My age?» the cleaner mishears. «91.»An astounded Laing reconfirms the elderly worker's age and initiates a fist bump.The two continue conversing, and the janitor reveals that he clocks out at 7pm and works a 12-hour shift.«How do you look so healthy...What's your diet?» Laing asks.The senior responds that he works and eats like «normal».«Never exercise. Work, go back [home to] sleep,» he says of his daily routine.To that, Laing compliments the cleaner that he is «the man» before passing him cash as a tip, estimated to be at least $200.

The Build-To-Order (BTO) exercise in October will divert demand away from the resale market, several property analysts said on Wednesday (Oct 1).They added that prospective homeowners are likely to be attracted to the new housing precincts, which are part of the 9,100 flats offered in the final BTO launch of the year.This comes after HDB resale flat prices rose 0.4 per cent in the third quarter of 2025, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of slowing price growth.HDB flash estimates released on Oct 1 showed that the resale price index grew to 203.7 in the third quarter, up from 202.9 in previous quarter. «This marks the fourth consecutive quarter of slowing resale price growth and the lowest quarter-on-quarter increase since Q2 2020,» said HDB.Resale flat prices have been rising for 22 straight quarters since the second quarter of 2020.Christine Sun, chief researcher and strategist at Realion (OrangeTee Group & ETC) Group, noted that on a yearly basis, resale prices rose by 5.6 per cent. She expects resale prices to either remain stable or experience a slight decline for the fourth quarter of 2025.

Three blocks of the former Kandang Kerbau Hospital (KKH) on Hampshire Road were gazetted as Singapore’s 76th national monument on Wednesday (Oct 1).Established a free maternity hospital on Oct 1, 1924 but with history dating back to 1858, the National Heritage Board (NHB) said in a media statement that over 1.2 million babies were born there before its relocation in March 1997.The hospital, now named as KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, is located across the road from its previous location.The Land Transport Authority currently uses the old hospital premises as its headquarters.Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo, who officiated the gazette at the former hospital on Wednesday, said that the hospital embodies the values of selfless care.Neo, who also launched The Architecture of Care exhibition to commemorate the occasion, said: «Generations of our healthcare professionals served here with dedication and professionalism.»The former KKH was the site of several medical milestones, said NHB.