LaKopiNews.com

  Credit: Stomp A six-year-old boy was left traumatised after being allegedly slapped by a 38-year-old man at the Yooland indoor playground in Westgate Mall on Dec 22. The incident occurred after the boy pushed another child during play. The boy's father, Mr. Aloy Chua, recounted the ordeal: “While playing, my son got into a minor conflict with another child and pushed him. Moments later, the father of the other child approached my son and struck him across the face. It was heartbreaking to see my son trembling in fear, his face red and bruised.” According to Mr. Chua, the man denied the act when confronted by his wife, but CCTV footage confirmed the assault. Police Investigation The police confirmed receiving a call for assistance at 3 Gateway Drive at 2:40 pm. The boy was conscious when taken to the hospital. The man was later arrested for voluntarily causing hurt with enhanced penalties for offences against minors under 14 years old. Lasting Impact on the Boy Mr. Chua described ...

  Credit: CNA Koufu, one of Singapore’s largest food court operators, has reported a series of unauthorised transactions linked to its Koufu Eat app to the police. This comes after several users complained of fraudulent charges made to their credit or debit cards after attempting to use the app for payments. Since late October, multiple reviews on the Google Play Store have highlighted similar issues. Users claimed they experienced fraudulent transactions on their cards shortly after linking them to the Koufu Eat app. User Complaints and Experiences One reviewer reported receiving a notification about their card being added to Google Pay despite only attempting to link it to the app. Another user shared on Dec 3 that fraudulent charges appeared on their DBS credit card after linking it to Koufu Eat. Celine, a user who downloaded the app on Dec 11 during a visit to a Koufu outlet in Tengah, shared her troubling experience. After encountering multiple errors while trying to use her ...

  Credit: CNA Prime Minister Lawrence Wong delivered an optimistic New Year message, celebrating Singapore’s economic growth of 4% in 2024, which surpassed expectations. Highlighting strong wage growth that outpaced inflation, Mr. Wong emphasized that Singapore remains distinct from many developed nations grappling with unemployment and stagnant wages. Over the past decade, median income has risen annually by 2.2% above inflation, and real incomes are projected to grow further. Addressing Cost-of-Living Concerns Acknowledging the challenges posed by rising costs, Mr. Wong reassured Singaporeans that the government would continue to provide targeted support to those most affected, including older individuals, lower-income groups, and the “sandwiched” middle-aged demographic caring for both elderly parents and young children. The Vision for 2025 Looking forward, Mr. Wong urged Singaporeans to carry the “Team Singapore spirit” into 2025. He linked this to the Forward Singapore initiat...

  Credit: Facebook@workersparty The Workers’ Party (WP) Secretary-General Pritam Singh delivered the party’s New Year 2025 message, emphasizing its commitment to constructive parliamentary engagement and preparation for the upcoming General Elections (GE) in 2025. Building a Balanced Political System Reflecting on former President Dr. Tony Tan’s prediction of a two-party political system in Singapore, Mr. Singh reiterated WP’s role in creating a more balanced and stable democracy. Despite the challenges posed by structural advantages enjoyed by the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), WP has continued to advocate for alternative views and raise important issues in Parliament. Parliamentary Highlights in 2024 WP’s parliamentary efforts in 2024 spanned a variety of topics: Digital Safety Motion: In January, WP MPs advocated for stronger consumer protections and fairer liability sharing between banks and customers to address concerns over digital tools. Anti-Money Laundering Bill: WP s...

  Over 950,000 Singaporean households residing in Housing Board (HDB) flats will receive financial support through rebates on utility bills and service and conservancy charges (S&CC) this January. This initiative is part of the government’s efforts to alleviate the rising cost of living. Credit: Ministry of Finance Utility Rebates (U-Save) Eligible households will receive up to $285 in U-Save rebates to offset their utility bills. The amount provided varies by flat type: One- and two-room flats: $95 in U-Save rebates. Four-room flats: $75 in U-Save rebates. Credit: Ministry of Finance S&CC Rebates In addition, households will benefit from S&CC rebates: One- and two-room flats: Half a month of S&CC rebates. Four-room flats: Half a month of S&CC rebates. These rebates will be automatically credited to the eligible households’ accounts with SP Services (for U-Save rebates) and their respective town councils (for S&CC rebates). Credit: Ministry of Finance Annual...

  Credit: CNA South Korea’s political crisis escalated as a court issued an arrest warrant for suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol on Dec 31, following his controversial attempt to impose martial law. This unprecedented move marks the first time in South Korea’s history that an arrest warrant has been issued for an incumbent president. Martial Law Allegations Yoon’s brief suspension of civilian rule earlier this month triggered outrage, leading to his impeachment by parliament. A constitutional court ruling on whether to confirm his impeachment is still pending. The president faces charges of insurrection, a grave offense that could lead to life imprisonment or the death penalty. Investigators claimed Yoon refused to cooperate with questioning on three occasions, prompting the request for his arrest warrant. Arrest Warrant Details The warrant, valid until Jan 6, includes provisions for Yoon’s potential detention at a police station or the Seoul Detention Center. The court also approv...

  Credit: The Straits Time Singapore is introducing stricter laws to regulate the use of SIM cards, with offenders facing up to three years’ jail or fines of up to $10,000 under the Law Enforcement and Other Matters Act, effective Jan 1, 2025. The move, announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Dec 30, aims to curb the misuse of SIM cards in criminal activities, particularly scams. Subscriber Responsibilities The new laws impose stricter obligations on subscribers who distribute SIM cards registered under their names. They must take reasonable steps to verify the recipient's identity, location, and intent in using the card. Subscribers can be held liable if they have reasonable grounds to believe the SIM cards will be used in criminal activities. This includes being jailed for up to three years, fined $10,000, or both. Targeting Criminal Syndicates MHA highlighted the rise in local SIM card misuse by criminal syndicates, which have adapted to measures introduced in 2022 to...

  A long-term tenant in Singapore was sentenced to 19 months in jail on Dec 30 for secretly filming his landlady and her young daughter over a period of five years. The 40-year-old man, whose name has been redacted under a gag order, pleaded guilty to voyeurism and insulting modesty charges, with other similar offences considered in sentencing. A Decade of Trust Betrayed The man had been living with the family for a decade, sharing their home as a tenant. From 2018 to 2023, he filmed the landlady during her showers and her daughter while she changed clothes in the master bedroom. Investigators later uncovered 13 videos of the landlady, 9 videos of her daughter, and 74 screenshots taken from the footage. The offences began when the girl was three to four years old, and continued into her early primary school years. The tenant filmed them by keeping his door ajar and positioning his phone to capture footage from the master bedroom. His actions escalated over time as he became bolder....

  A Filipino domestic helper employed in Singapore has allegedly fled the country after borrowing money from loan sharks and stealing $500 from her employer. Loan Shark Involvement Uncovered Early Ms. Zhang, a 40-year-old banker, hired Giselle, a 39-year-old Filipino maid, in July 2024. Giselle reportedly performed well at work initially. However, in August, Ms. Zhang discovered messages on Giselle's phone indicating an attempt to borrow $500 from loan sharks, with Ms. Zhang’s personal information provided as part of the application. Although Giselle's loan attempt was unsuccessful, Ms. Zhang took her to file a police report and explicitly warned her against borrowing money from unlicensed lenders. Maid Leaves Singapore Believing the situation was resolved, Ms. Zhang left for Japan with her family in early December, leaving Giselle at home. On Dec 12, Ms. Zhang noticed no activity on her home CCTV cameras and reviewed earlier footage. The recording revealed Giselle leaving the ...

  Households in Singapore can expect lower electricity and gas bills in the first quarter of 2025, thanks to a decline in energy costs. Electricity Tariffs Drop SP Group, Singapore’s grid operator, announced a 3.4% reduction in electricity tariffs for January to March 2025 compared to the previous quarter. The new tariff stands at 28.12 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) before GST, down from 29.10 cents. For an average 4-room HDB household, this means an approximate $3.58 reduction in monthly electricity bills before GST. How Electricity Tariffs Are Calculated The electricity tariff comprises four components, including: Cost of Energy: Reflects the price of imported natural gas. Power Station Operating Costs: Covers the generation of electricity. Network Costs: Maintenance and operation of the grid infrastructure. Market Support Services Fee: Administrative costs for electricity supply. The drop in energy tariffs reflects a decrease in the cost of imported natural gas, a key input for ...

  Flash floods struck Singapore’s Bukit Timah area on Sunday, Dec 29, following heavy rainfall during the afternoon. The national water agency PUB reported that the floods occurred along Dunearn Road and Bukit Timah Road near King Albert Park from about 5 PM due to high water levels in nearby drains and the Bukit Timah Canal. PUB’s Quick Response PUB’s Quick Response Teams were deployed in anticipation of the rain. Affected lanes were promptly closed off, and traffic was redirected to avoid floodwaters. Fortunately, the flooding subsided within 20 minutes, minimizing disruption. Drainage Improvements in Bukit Timah Bukit Timah has long been prone to flooding. PUB highlighted that drainage improvement works have been ongoing in the area for over a decade. Current projects include widening and deepening a 900m stretch of the Bukit Timah Canal between Rifle Range Road and Jalan Kampong Chantek. These works are expected to enhance flood protection and are set to be completed by 2026. R...

  Singapore's ASEAN Championship campaign ended on Sunday, Dec 29, after a 1-3 defeat to Vietnam at the Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho. This result left the Lions eliminated on a 1-5 aggregate, following their 0-2 loss in the first leg in Singapore last Thursday. Early Drama and VAR Decisions The Lions started brightly, with Lionel Tan's long throw causing havoc in Vietnam’s penalty box. Faris Ramli appeared to have scored, heading the ball into the net, but a VAR review disallowed the goal for offside after Shawal Anuar’s initial header. The first half’s turning point came just before the break when VAR intervened again, ruling that Lionel Tan had pulled Nguyen Xuan Son in the box. Initially shown a red card, Tan’s punishment was reduced to a yellow after a lengthy review. Nguyen Xuan Son converted the penalty in the 46th minute, giving Vietnam a 1-0 lead. Second Half Action The Lions pushed forward in search of an equalizer but were undone again in the 63rd minute. Nguyen Xuan S...

  Credit: Singapore Police Force The Singapore Police have arrested a 32-year-old woman and a 27-year-old man for their suspected involvement in two separate cases of loanshark harassment. Both incidents involved vandalism and intimidation at residential units, with the suspects leaving graffiti and red paint at the victims’ homes. First Case: Canberra Street Harassment On 22 December 2024, the Police responded to a report of loanshark harassment at a residential unit along Canberra Street. The main gate was sprayed with red paint, secured with a bicycle lock, and accompanied by graffiti on the adjacent wall. A debtor’s note was also left behind. Investigations, aided by Police cameras, led to the identification and arrest of a 32-year-old woman on 24 December 2024. A debtor’s note was seized as evidence. Second Case: Woodlands Drive 44 Harassment On 24 December 2024, another loanshark harassment case was reported at two residential units along Woodlands Drive 44, where their main ...

  Update on 30/12/2024 -  179 death with just two people plucked alive from the wreckage. At least 124 people lost their lives on Sunday (Dec. 29) when Jeju Air Flight 7C2216 crash-landed at Muan International Airport, South Korea. The aircraft, a Boeing 737-800 arriving from Bangkok with 181 people on board, veered off the runway, struck a wall, and burst into flames, making it the deadliest air disaster involving a South Korean airline since 1997. Details of the Crash The accident occurred at 9am local time, with initial investigations pointing to a possible bird strike that may have caused the landing gear to fail. Local media footage showed the plane skidding without its wheels before exploding on impact. Only the tail section of the aircraft retained some recognizable structure, and two crew members were rescued from this area with severe injuries. Most of the 175 passengers and 6 crew members aboard are presumed dead, according to emergency responders. Immediate Aftermat...

  The Public Transport Council (PTC) has approved a 6.0% fare increase for the 2024 Fare Review Exercise (FRE), set to take effect on Dec. 28, 2024 . Despite the increase, the adjustment is only a third of the maximum allowable quantum of 18.9% , with the remaining quantum deferred, supported by additional government subsidies . Fare Adjustments Adult commuters will see an increase of 10 cents per journey . Concession card holders, including students and seniors, will have a smaller increase of 4 cents per journey , benefiting approximately 2 million individuals . Monthly passes for frequent public transport users will remain unchanged to help commuters manage costs. To address affordability concerns, the Government will provide an additional subsidy of $250 million in 2024, on top of existing subsidies of $2 billion annually and the Bus Connectivity Enhancement Programme funding of up to $900 million over eight years. Support for Graduating Students Starting Dec. 28, 2024 , t...

  A 36-year-old man was found dead beneath an overhead bridge on Telok Blangah Road on the morning of Dec. 26 , prompting an ongoing police investigation. Incident Overview At approximately 9:05 a.m. , police were alerted to a case of unnatural death. Upon arrival, they discovered the man motionless at the foot of the bridge. A paramedic from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) pronounced him dead at the scene. Witnesses described the deceased as a Caucasian man , and authorities were seen retrieving a suitcase believed to belong to him from the bridge. Scene Description By 12 p.m. , the area had been cordoned off, with a blue tent erected on the right-most lane of Telok Blangah Road. Bloodstains were visible on the ground near the body. Traffic was significantly impacted, with three of the road’s lanes closed, leaving only the leftmost lane open to vehicles. Police Statement The police confirmed the death as "unnatural" and stated that investigations are ongoing. Com...

  A 36-year-old woman was sentenced to two weeks in jail, fined $9,000, and banned from driving for five years after driving with almost four times the legal alcohol limit and mounting a kerb at Woodlands Checkpoint. Rachel Yeo Tingru pleaded guilty to charges of drink driving and driving without due care and attention . Details of the Incident On the evening of March 2, 2024 , Yeo consumed two to three glasses of wine at Dempsey before continuing to Duxton Road, where she purchased and drank less than half a can of alcohol. At around 10 p.m., she attempted to drive home to Eunos but mistakenly headed toward Woodlands Checkpoint instead. While speaking to an immigration officer at the checkpoint, her car suddenly surged forward and mounted the kerb. The court was shown footage of the incident, which revealed Yeo’s hands were off the wheel at the time. She was arrested after failing a breathalyser test, which revealed 130 microgrammes of alcohol per 100ml of breath , exceeding the ...

  Credit: Singapore Police Force Two individuals were arrested by the police on Dec. 25 and 26, 2024, for their alleged involvement in separate loanshark harassment cases at the same residential unit along Rivervale Drive. Arrests The first incident occurred on Christmas Day at approximately 9:50 p.m. A 38-year-old man, suspected of working for an unlicensed moneylender, was apprehended outside a residential unit. Police officers found him with a black marker and two cans of red paint, items commonly used in harassment activities. Just a few hours later, on Dec. 26 at about 12:20 a.m., a second individual—a 31-year-old woman—was arrested at the same location under similar circumstances. She was also found carrying a black marker and red paint cans. Separate Offenders, Similar Methods Investigations revealed that the man and woman were not connected but had separately responded to Facebook job advertisements promising quick cash. Both individuals claimed they had not received the pr...

  A 34-year-old cyclist, has been charged with causing grievous hurt to a female jogger after allegedly colliding with her at East Coast Park due to reckless cycling. The Incident The collision occurred on Oct. 22, between 6:20 a.m. and 6:40 a.m., and involved Edmund Kwek Jun Wei and Ms. Tan Jo-Ann, who was jogging at the time. According to court documents, the impact caused Ms. Tan to sustain a head fracture and a laceration on her right elbow. Police were alerted to the incident at approximately 10:55 a.m. that day. Ms. Tan was taken to the hospital conscious, where she was treated for her injuries. Legal Proceedings On Dec. 27, Kwek was formally charged with causing grievous hurt by committing a rash act. The charge carries serious consequences, reflecting the severity of the injuries sustained by the jogger. Kwek’s case has been adjourned to Jan. 23 for further proceedings. Potential Penalties If found guilty of causing grievous hurt through a rash act, Kwek could face up to fo...

  A 28-year-old man, Wei Zaotong, was sentenced to eight weeks in jail on Dec. 27 for assaulting his wife during an argument in their home. The Incident The couple's quarrel occurred late at night on Dec. 12. In the middle of the heated exchange, Wei’s wife knelt before him, reportedly pleading with him. Wei responded by kicking her face and body multiple times. During the assault, the victim fell backward and struck her head against a glass panel. The attack also reopened an old wound on her lip, causing it to bleed. Wei stopped when he noticed the bleeding, and the victim called the police. The woman was examined three days later at the hospital, where doctors noted tenderness on the left side of her head, face, and nose. She also sustained bruises on her legs, a cut on her thigh, and a lower lip ulcer. Repeat Offender Wei has a prior conviction from 2021 for criminal intimidation and multiple counts of voluntarily causing hurt within an intimate relationship. He served time in j...

Credit: Facebook@Truelife A Scoot flight from Xi'an, China, to Singapore experienced an unexpected commotion when a scuffle broke out between two passengers as the plane landed at Changi Airport on Christmas Eve. The Incident The altercation occurred on flight TR135 during the disembarkation process. A video circulating on social media captures the moment when a passenger in grey attempted to retrieve his luggage but was confronted by another passenger in black. The disagreement quickly escalated into a physical altercation, with both individuals exchanging blows as other passengers looked on in shock. One concerned passenger was heard shouting, "Stop fighting! There are children here!" Response by Crew Scoot crew members promptly intervened, following safety protocols to de-escalate the situation. The airline ensured that the disembarkation process resumed smoothly and without further incidents. Scoot’s Statement A Scoot spokesperson confirmed the incident, emphasizing t...

  A former Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) student, now 23, has been sentenced to 20 months in jail for repeatedly filming his then-girlfriend in compromising situations without her consent. The offences occurred between 2020 and 2022 during their relationship, starting when the offender was 19. The Crimes The man’s actions involved secretly recording intimate videos of the victim while she was asleep, showering, or during consensual sexual acts, often using deceit. On one occasion, he convinced her to wear an eye mask during intimacy, stopping her from removing it to continue filming her. After their relationship ended in 2022, he escalated his actions by distributing explicit images of the victim to her own brother in 2023. This came after his repeated attempts to contact her through newly created social media accounts were ignored. The victim only learned of the recordings when her brother informed her of the messages and photos sent by her ex-boyfriend. A police report ...

  Credit: Facebook@ 伟安 A Singapore-registered Toyota Raize was caught on video cutting the queue at the Second Link on Malaysia's side, sparking a chain collision on Dec. 24. The incident, which took place during peak traffic, highlights the dangers of reckless driving at border crossings. Incident Breakdown The Toyota Raize was seen traveling in the heavy vehicles lane before crossing over a double white line to join the congested car lane. Its sudden maneuver caused two other queue-cutting cars behind it to slow down sharply. This led to a lorry, which was traveling in the heavy vehicles lane, ploughing into the two cars. Smoke could be seen rising from the lorry following the impact, but the Toyota Raize appeared to escape unscathed and moved ahead. Meanwhile, the two cars involved in the collision were stopped. Reactions on Social Media The video of the incident drew widespread criticism. Commenters blamed the Toyota Raize for initiating the chain of events while also calling ...

  Image Source: Facebook@MyGrandfathersRoadSG A tragic and unusual road accident on the Penanjong-Tutong highway in Brunei has captured social media attention, involving a black BYD Sealion 6 SUV and a massive crocodile. The accident occurred at Jamabtan Penanjong , with images and videos of the aftermath quickly going viral online. What Happened? The hybrid SUV collided with the crocodile as it was attempting to cross the highway. Images from the scene show the enormous reptile lying lifeless on the road, while the SUV suffered significant front-end damage. Viral Impact Videos recorded by passersby showcase bystanders redirecting traffic to prevent further accidents. The scene quickly sparked reactions online, with many commenting on the size of the crocodile and the unexpected nature of the incident. Road Safety Implications This event highlights the dangers posed by wildlife crossing highways. While such accidents are rare, drivers are reminded to stay vigilant, especially in ar...

  Credit: Singapore Food Agency The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has issued a recall for Bestore RTE Mini Bread Prepacked (330g) due to the detection of undeclared milk on its packaging label. The importer, Green Olive Group Pte Ltd, has been instructed to recall the affected product, with the process currently ongoing. This recall highlights the critical importance of accurate labeling, especially for allergens. Milk, while safe for the general population, can trigger severe allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to it. Singapore’s Food Regulations mandate that all known allergens must be clearly declared on packaging labels to safeguard consumers with food allergies. Potential Risks The consumption of milk or milk-derived products by individuals who are intolerant or allergic can lead to serious health complications. Symptoms may include rashes, swelling, difficulty breathing, or, in extreme cases, anaphylaxis. For most consumers, milk does not present a safety issue. Howeve...