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Corruption at Checkpoints: 5 Charged for Bribery and Smuggling Offences

  On 8 August 2025, a major corruption case involving security officers contracted by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) came to light in Singapore. Four Certis security officers, all working under ICA's operations, were officially charged with offences relating to corruption and breaches of the Official Secrets Act (OSA). The case also involved a fifth individual, Muhammad Sukaimi Gasali, 34, who allegedly gave bribes to these officers in exchange for protection and confidential information regarding enforcement operations. Sukaimi is accused of providing over $7,600 in bribes to the four Certis officers between June 2021 and July 2023. In return, the officers reportedly refrained from taking enforcement action against him at Jurong Port, particularly concerning contraband or duty-unpaid cigarettes. One of the officers involved, Sri Daniah Abdul Razak, 26, allegedly received $2,190 in bribes from Sukaimi between February and April 2024. These payments were said to be ...
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SCDF Rescues Worker Stuck on Tower Crane in Loyang

  On August 6, 2025, at around 9:40pm, a height rescue operation was conducted by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) at a construction site along Loyang North Drive. A person working atop a 30-metre tower crane felt unwell and was unable to climb down safely. The elite Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (DART) was deployed. A four-man DART team ascended the crane via a cat ladder and found the person seated inside the crane cabin. They quickly set up rescue equipment and secured the individual onto a stretcher. The person was then safely lowered to the ground and assessed by an SCDF paramedic before being conveyed to Changi General Hospital. This operation showcased SCDF’s specialised skills in handling high-angle rescues. The successful outcome highlights the importance of readiness and technical expertise when dealing with emergencies in hazardous environments such as construction sites. No further updates on the individual's condition have been provided.

Lorry Caught Hiding Thousands of Vape at Tuas Checkpoint

  A Malaysian-registered lorry was stopped at Tuas Checkpoint on August 5, 2025, after officers from Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) found 2,200 e-vaporisers and components hidden in its cabin and toolbox. The case was handed over to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) for further investigation. This seizure is part of a growing trend. On July 29, 2,400 vape devices were found in another lorry at Tuas. Just days earlier, on July 24, over 5,900 vapes were seized from a car at Woodlands Checkpoint. Additional attempts were thwarted on June 27 and July 8, bringing the combined total of illegal items to over 7,400. In 2024, Singapore saw 44,000 contraband smuggling cases. From January 2024 to March 2025, HSA seized $41 million worth of vapes, nearly five times more than in the previous five years combined. All vehicles are now subject to scanning as enforcement tightens

Student Caught With Vape Device at Secondary School Sparks Police Response

  On July 31, 2025, a student from Yuying Secondary School in Hougang was found with a vaping device after displaying aggressive behaviour towards a staff member. The school contacted the police for assistance. Upon intervention, the student was discovered to be in possession of an e-vaporiser, prompting an investigation by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA). The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) responded to the incident at around 3:20 PM and transported the student to KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. The school’s principal, Mr Chong Jack Sheng, confirmed that the student is now well and that the school will continue to monitor his condition. Mr Chong stressed the school’s commitment to staff and student safety and said they take a comprehensive approach to tackle vaping, involving disciplinary action and rehabilitation. This comes amid growing concern over “Kpods,” potent vape products that may contain substances like etomidate or ketamine. Investigations are ongoing.

80-Year-Old Driver Arrested After Taxi Rams Filipino Tourist

  A Filipino tourist, aged 35, tragically died after being struck by an out-of-control taxi in Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong on August 5, 2025 . The accident occurred just outside the Nina Hotel Tsuen Wan West , where the victim had been staying with friends. As he exited the hotel, a taxi reportedly driven at high speed by an 80-year-old man suddenly veered onto the pavement and struck him. The victim was wedged between a column and the taxi before falling to the ground. Despite attempting to move after the impact, he later succumbed to his injuries. The driver, who claimed to have felt dizzy, was arrested for dangerous driving causing death . The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong confirmed the incident and is assisting the family in repatriating the victim’s remains. 

22-Year-Old Vape Seller Caught with Etomidate Pods

  A 22-year-old Singaporean man, Muhammad Sabriee Mohd Tahar, has been formally charged with possessing five vape pods containing etomidate , a substance regulated under the Poisons Act due to its serious health risks. The charges specify that three of the five pods were allegedly intended for sale . On October 5, 2024 , shortly after midnight , Sabriee was caught along Coleman Street with the vape pods and three additional vaporisers also believed to be for illegal sale. Etomidate, typically used in controlled clinical settings as an anaesthetic, is not approved for personal or recreational use. The chemical can induce dangerous side effects such as myoclonus (a form of muscle spasm), sluggishness, unsteadiness, and mental confusion. Experts warn of its abuse potential, especially when mixed into illicit vaping products. In a broader clampdown, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) recently announced plans to intensify enforcement against such substances. Officers from MHA are be...

Singapore Man Jailed for Forcing Victim to Drink Urine Over Scam Dispute

  In Singapore, a 28-year-old man, Tan Ming Chuan, was sentenced to four months and eight weeks in jail and fined S$300 on August 6 , after he was convicted of criminal intimidation and an offence under the Computer Misuse Act . The case involved a disturbing incident where Tan forced a 25-year-old man to drink urine over a misunderstanding related to a bank account scam. The incident began in late 2021 , when Tan accepted an offer from an individual known only as Derrick , to recruit people willing to sell or relinquish their bank accounts for use in questionable transactions. Tan would receive S$800 to S$1,000 for each account, keeping around S$300 as commission and giving the rest to the account owner. In March 2022 , Tan was introduced by his friend, Cheong Wee Kiat (26), to A1 , a 25-year-old friend of Cheong. Wanting to earn fast cash, A1 agreed to register a company and open a corporate bank account under his name. Under Tan's instructions, A1 handed over his internet...

Doctor Pleads Guilty After Public Abduction of Ex-Girlfriend

  A prominent aesthetic doctor , Chua Cheng Yu , 40, was convicted on 5 August 2025 after he admitted to a series of escalating acts of violence and harassment against his former girlfriend, culminating in a dramatic public abduction . Chua pleaded guilty to four serious charges: use of criminal force , causing intentional harassment and distress , voluntarily causing hurt , and unlawful restraint . The court has set October 1 as the date for sentencing. The troubling series of events unfolded over the course of a year, beginning in 2023 , when Chua was in a deteriorating romantic relationship with his ex-girlfriend, Zhang , a former manager at his clinic, Veritas Medical Aesthetics . The relationship was described as rocky, filled with arguments and tension. Zhang eventually resigned from the clinic in March 2023 to end the relationship both professionally and personally. But Chua did not let go. On April 1, 2023 , around 8 PM , he went to her apartment, forced his way in when ...

LTA Impounds 19 Vehicles for Operating Unlicensed Ride Services

  On 6 August 2025 , LTA reported that 19 drivers were caught offering illegal ride-hailing services within Singapore and for cross-border trips to Malaysia. The operations were conducted at Gardens by the Bay , Changi Airport , and land checkpoints, in collaboration with the ICA . All vehicles involved were impounded . The enforcement was based on tip-offs from NPHVA and Taxi Kaki Singapore , and LTA warned the public against using illegal services, which lack insurance and can be disrupted mid-journey. Offenders face fines up to $3,000 , six months’ jail , and possible vehicle forfeiture . Minister Sun Xueling acknowledged the public demand for more convenient cross-border services and said the government is reviewing the licensed scheme to expand pick-up/drop-off points, include different vehicle types, and roll out a booking app. However, changes require mutual agreement with Malaysia. The crackdown highlights Singapore’s commitment to ensuring safe and legal transport ...

ICA Intercepts Car Trying to Sneak in Thousands of Vape Products

  On 24 July 2025 , a Malaysia-registered car was intercepted at Woodlands Checkpoint , where ICA officers uncovered over 5,900 units of e-vaporisers and components , along with 150 cartons of heatsticks , hidden in various compartments. The items, banned in Singapore, were seized during an enhanced inspection. The case has been referred to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) for further investigation. E-vaporisers and heat-not-burn tobacco products are strictly prohibited in Singapore under public health laws, and anyone caught importing them faces severe penalties , including fines and jail time . The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) highlighted the operation in a post on 5 August , reaffirming their role in protecting Singapore’s borders and preventing illicit goods from entering the country. This incident adds to the growing number of vape-related smuggling attempts , especially via land checkpoints. ICA continues to conduct thorough checks to safeguard publi...

Major MRT Breakdown Causes 5-Hour Delay on East-West Line

  On August 6 , commuters along Singapore’s East-West Line endured massive delays of up to five hours due to a point machine fault near Jurong East MRT station . The breakdown started around 6:00 am , forcing trains to operate at reduced speeds of 18km/h for safety, affecting eastbound services as far as Buona Vista . Commuters reported waiting up to 45 minutes , with chaos unfolding at bridging bus points and poor communication from train staff. Some compared the situation to the major six-day disruption in September 2024 . Free buses were provided but passengers complained about unclear directions and poor crowd management. Many questioned why passengers were allowed to board trains during the fault and called for better maintenance and transparency . Train services resumed at 11:00 am , but frustrations lingered, with social media filled with demands for more reliable service. No injuries were reported, and police were not involved , but public trust in the MRT system ha...

Tensions Flare at Bukit Panjang Coffee Shop Between Elderly Men

  On August 2, 2025, at about 8:10pm, a fight involving four elderly men broke out at a coffee shop at Block 257 Bangkit Road in Bukit Panjang. Two of the men were seen on the ground being repeatedly struck by two others wielding chairs. The assault was witnessed by several patrons, some of whom intervened to restrain the aggressors. Despite this, one of the standing men managed to kick a man on the ground in the face. Video footage captured vulgar exchanges and calls from bystanders in dialect urging the attackers to stop. The two victims appeared unable to stand and reportedly had mouth injuries. Witnesses said the group had been drinking prior to the fight. Police confirmed that two men, aged 57 and 65, were injured but declined hospitalisation. Investigations are ongoing. The violent incident has raised concerns over public safety and the dangers of alcohol-related disputes in community areas.

13 Injured After Two SBS Buses Collide with Car in Tampines

  On August 5, 2025, a serious traffic accident in Tampines Avenue 7 involving two SBS Transit double-decker buses and a private hire car resulted in 13 people being hospitalised. The accident happened at about 10:15am near the junction with Tampines Avenue 12. The 69-year-old male bus driver and 12 passengers aged between 30 and 69 were conscious when taken to hospital. Five were brought to Changi General Hospital, while eight were sent to Sengkang General Hospital. Photos and videos showed the first bus slamming into the car, followed by a second bus crashing into the first. One bus suffered major front-end damage, including a smashed windscreen and cracked upper-deck windows. The other had its rear upper-deck window shattered. Emergency responders treated several victims at the scene. SBS Transit reported temporary delays in several bus services, but operations resumed later. Police investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the crash.

Married Pair Steals at Changi Before Flight to Mumbai

  On June 23, 2025, an American couple was caught stealing luxury items while transiting at Singapore’s Changi Airport. Kapadia Husain Zoher, 35, a dentist, stole a $600 Louis Vuitton card holder and a $160 bottle of Dior Sauvage perfume from two airport stores. His wife, Kapadia Amatullah, 30, acted as a lookout during the perfume theft. Both acts were caught on CCTV. The couple boarded their connecting flight to Mumbai, but authorities intercepted them before takeoff. Both items were recovered and returned. On August 4, 2025, Zoher was sentenced to 18 days in jail, while his wife received a one-week sentence. The thefts were described by prosecutors as driven by Zoher’s greed and overspending habit. Singapore’s courts highlighted the seriousness of committing crimes even in transit zones. The incident, although resolved quickly, reinforces the country's strict enforcement against theft and its zero-tolerance policy on such behavior by visitors.

Young Driver Punches Elderly Taxi Uncle, Blinds Him

  In a disturbing case of road rage and reckless driving, 26-year-old Marcus Loke Teck Soon left two elderly victims with life-altering injuries and is now facing sentencing. On August 4, 2025, Loke pleaded guilty to two separate offences. The first was an unprovoked attack on a 68-year-old taxi driver. The second involved negligent driving that seriously injured a 74-year-old pedestrian. Both incidents highlighted Loke's blatant disregard for the safety and wellbeing of others, especially the elderly. The first offence took place on August 12, 2022, shortly before 3pm along the Ayer Rajah Expressway. Loke was driving a van when the taxi driver overtook him. The minor road incident escalated as both vehicles exited towards Alexandra Road. The cabby stopped at a pedestrian crossing, but Loke, clearly enraged, stepped out of his vehicle to confront him. Court documents revealed that Loke claimed to have seen the taxi driver flash an obscene gesture. He demanded that the older man ...

23-Year-Old Killed in Private Hire Crash, Driver Allegedly Fell Asleep

  For the loved ones of Queenie Leong , 23, what should have been a normal ride home from a birthday party ended in an unthinkable tragedy. She died following a car crash involving a private hire vehicle and a public bus in the early hours of August 2, 2025 , at the junction of Yishun Avenue 2 and Yishun Central 1 , around 5.35am . Queenie was in a private hire car with her friend Meiyi , returning home from a party at HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir . She had left early to pack for a planned family trip to Johor Bahru to celebrate her sister's birthday. Her final ride ended in disaster when the vehicle collided with the rear of a Tower Transit bus, which was stationary at a traffic light. The crash left the car severely damaged, with its windows shattered and doors ajar. Despite suffering a fractured arm, Meiyi attempted CPR on Queenie at the scene, refusing to give up until paramedics arrived. All three individuals, the driver, Queenie, and her friend were rushed to Khoo Teck Puat Ho...

MRT Passenger Allegedly High on Vape

  A video posted online on August 3, 2025, shows a man behaving erratically on the MRT, leading to speculation that he was high on an illegal vape product, possibly KPod. The incident occurred on August 2, shortly before 8pm, on the Red Line train from Kranji towards Somerset. According to the uploader, the man appeared unsteady on his feet, repeatedly dropped his earpiece, and held what looked like a vape device. The uploader also observed houseflies landing on the man and suspected he had previously urinated in his pants. The caption of the video sarcastically remarked about "getting high with KPod on MRT," prompting concern among netizens. The incident highlights growing worries about the use of illegal substances in public spaces. Possessing or using vapes, especially those containing banned substances, is illegal in Singapore. Authorities have yet to respond publicly, but the video adds to a growing list of incidents pushing for stricter enforcement on vaping.

Man Steals Parcel in Broad Daylight, Victim Still Awaits Action

  A man was caught on CCTV stealing a parcel from a residential cabinet in broad daylight, according to a viral post published on August 3, 2025. The CCTV timestamp shows the theft occurred on May 26, 2025. Despite clear footage and visible security cameras, no resolution has been offered to the victim over two months later.  A police report was filed immediately after the incident, and the victim also contacted their Member of Parliament, but no outcome has been shared.  The footage has sparked public concern about the rise in parcel theft amid growing reliance on e-commerce. Netizens expressed frustration over the slow response despite video evidence.  This case has highlighted perceived gaps in enforcement, particularly in protecting residents' deliveries.  The victim hopes public awareness will push authorities to improve handling of such crimes.

38-Year-Old Audi Driver Arrested After Tampines Head-On Collision

  A 38-year-old man was arrested on July 30, 2025, after driving a white Audi against the flow of traffic in Tampines, leading to a multi-vehicle crash and injury to a pedestrian.  The incident occurred at about 9:30am at the junction of Tampines Avenue 5 and Tampines Central 2, near Our Tampines Hub. The Audi struck a 60-year-old pedestrian before crashing into a van and another car. Dashcam footage shows the car barely missing other pedestrians. The Audi sustained visible damage.  The injured pedestrian was taken conscious to Changi General Hospital, while two others sustained minor injuries.  The driver was arrested for dangerous driving causing grievous hurt. Police investigations are ongoing to establish the cause and full extent of the incident. 

Man Busted With Over 300 Vapes & Pods in Car and Tampines Flat

  A 36-year-old Singaporean man, Byron Chua Longming, has been charged with multiple offences under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act after he was allegedly found in possession of a large quantity of illegal e-vaporisers and related components in a vehicle parked at a Bugis shopping mall. The incident occurred on August 6, 2024, at about 12:30pm, when enforcement officers uncovered 72 e-vaporisers and 320 pods inside a car located at Bugis Plus. Although court documents did not specify whether the car belonged to Chua, it was revealed that most of the items were intended for sale, a violation under Singapore’s strict anti-vaping laws. Later that same day, at around 4:40pm, officers found additional vaping products at a residential unit at Block 217 Tampines Street 23. There, Chua was found with 30 pods allegedly meant for sale and two other vapes that were not for commercial purposes. As a result of these discoveries, Byron Chua was handed five formal charges on ...