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  The Singapore legal system has signaled a significantly tougher stance on vaping-related offenses with the sentencing of Orison Toh Chun Kee on January 7 2026. The 29-year-old associate engineer was handed an eight-week jail term for the possession and offering for sale of 1,639 vape devices and pods. This sentence represents a massive departure from the one-week jail term and fine originally sought by the Health Sciences Authority. The prosecution revised its submission following a court directive in August 2025 to re-evaluate sentencing for all vape offenses, citing increased public interest and a shift in government policy. In the National Day Rally, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong stated that vaping would be treated as a drug issue, a stance reflected in this case. Toh was apprehended on September 3 2024 after HSA officers observed him collecting a large consignment of vapes. District Judge Terence Tay emphasized that delivery drivers act as critical interfaces in illicit operat...

  Nominated Member of Parliament-designate Dr Haresh Singaraju has addressed public concerns regarding his past political affiliations. Following his appointment announcement on January 2 2026, photos surfaced on online platforms like Reddit showing Dr Haresh wearing a People’s Action Party T-shirt during an activity in Tampines in September 2023. In a social media clarification on January 6 2026, Dr Haresh, who serves as a family physician at National University Polyclinics, confirmed that he is not currently a member of any political party. He explained that the images were from past volunteer work and that he had made his Instagram account public recently, leading him to archive certain photos to protect the privacy of others featured in them. While his LinkedIn profile indicated he has served as a grassroots leader since January 2023, Dr Haresh did not provide specific details on when his PAP membership ended. This incident has reignited a broader debate about the non-partisan ...

  A high-profile case of road rage and a staged accident at the entrance of Sentosa has concluded with 60-year-old Feng Tianxing pleading guilty to multiple charges on December 30 2025. The incident, which took place on January 28 2024 at approximately 9:30 AM, began on Telok Blangah Road as both vehicles were heading toward the Sentosa island entrance. According to court documents, Feng initiated the conflict by changing lanes without signaling, which forced a 63-year-old driver to halt abruptly. As they proceeded through the Sentosa gantry, Feng braked suddenly once more. Angered by these provocations, the other driver—who was transporting his family, including elderly relatives and children—overtook Feng and braked, resulting in a physical collision between the two cars. Following the impact, both men exited their vehicles to argue. When the other driver attempted to take photos for insurance purposes and leave the scene, Feng physically obstructed the vehicle’s path and repeate...

  On January 4 2026, a dramatic road accident on Adam Road resulted in a vehicle fire and significant damage to public utility equipment. At approximately 3:50 PM, a car driven by a 27-year-old woman was travelling towards Lornie Highway when it is believed to have self-skidded near the slip road to Arcadia Road. The vehicle crashed directly into gas equipment located on the side of the road, causing the equipment to become dislodged. The impact triggered a fire that quickly involved both the car and the gas infrastructure. The Singapore Civil Defence Force was alerted at 3:55 PM and deployed two water jets to extinguish the blaze. Due to the involvement of gas equipment, SP Group officers were called to the scene to safely isolate the gas supply. The driver and her 30-year-old female passenger remained conscious and were transported to Tan Tock Seng Hospital for medical attention. Police investigations into the cause of the accident and the subsequent fire are ongoing. Earlier the...

  On January 3 2026, the Singapore Civil Defence Force was alerted to two separate fires in residential units within a few hours of each other. The first incident occurred at approximately 1:20 PM at Block 108 Bukit Purmei Road. Upon arrival, firefighters found a bedroom on the sixth floor engulfed in flames. They conducted a forcible entry into the smoke-filled unit and used two water jets to extinguish the fire. Preliminary investigations suggest the fire likely originated from the battery of a power-assisted bicycle located in the bedroom. About 20 residents from the block were evacuated as a precautionary measure, and no injuries were reported. Two hours later, at about 3:20 PM, another fire broke out at Block 816 Tampines Avenue 4. SCDF arrived to find black smoke emitting from a bedroom of a unit on the seventh floor. Firefighters again forced entry into the unit, as no one was home at the time, and successfully confined the fire to the bedroom using a single water jet. Appro...

  A high-speed police pursuit in Choa Chu Kang on New Year’s Day resulted in the arrest of a 34-year-old man and the hospitalization of a Traffic Police officer. The incident began at 5:20 PM on January 1 2026 when a white van failed to stop for a routine patrol check. During the ensuing chase, which was captured on viral social media footage, the van was seen weaving through traffic and driving through red lights while pedestrians were crossing. The pursuit ended at the junction of Choa Chu Kang Avenue 7 and Keat Hong Link after the van collided with a Traffic Police motorcycle and skidded into a flight of stairs. The 25-year-old police rider and the suspect were both conscious when conveyed to Ng Teng Fong General Hospital. Upon searching the vehicle, officers discovered a knife, a baton, and items suspected to be controlled drugs and drug-related paraphernalia. The driver faces multiple charges including reckless driving causing hurt, driving without a valid license, and possess...

  A surprising discovery in a brand-new residential estate has sparked a viral discussion online. A video posted recently captured the moment a contractor installing an air-conditioning unit in a Tengah Built-To-Order flat uncovered a discarded Red Bull beverage can lodged deep inside a concrete wall. The footage has led to a wave of criticism from the public regarding the quality control standards of construction and the oversight of concrete slab providers. Some netizens suggested that the homeowner should immediately file a formal complaint with the Housing and Development Board to backtrack the supply chain and identify the responsible parties. The Ministry of Transport has unveiled significant legislative changes aimed at improving path safety and reducing the misuse of Personal Mobility Aids. Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Transport Baey Yam Keng announced during a committee debate that new regulations are set to be implemented in the first quarter of 2026. Key changes in...

  On December 31 2025, the Singapore Tourism Board issued an immediate suspension to Sunshine Tours and Travel. The travel agency failed to provide its audited statement of accounts and annual business profile returns within the required six-month period following the end of its financial year. These documents are essential for the board to monitor industry health and licensee performance. The suspension began on the final day of the year and will last until the documents are submitted or for a maximum of six months. During this time, the company is prohibited from accepting new travel bookings, though it remains legally obligated to fulfill its existing commitments to current customers. In a significant criminal case, 63-year-old Tan Beng Kwee was sentenced to nine years and four months in prison on December 31 2025. Tan, who served as a spiritual medium at a home temple in Ang Mo Kio, was found guilty of sexual penetration of a minor, attempted sexual penetration, and procuring a...

  On December 30, 2025, the Ministry of Finance announced that more than 950,000 Singaporean households residing in Housing Board flats will receive significant financial support in January 2026. This assistance comes in the form of rebates for utility bills and service and conservancy charges, which are part of a broader government strategy to help citizens manage the rising cost of living. These disbursements are part of the permanent Goods and Services Tax Voucher scheme, specifically designed to provide relief to lower- and middle-income families during a period of increased goods and services tax and other economic pressures. According to the official statement, eligible households will receive up to $190 in U-Save rebates to help offset their utility costs. Additionally, these households will be granted up to half a month of rebates for their service and conservancy charges. The exact amount of the rebates for both categories will be determined by the specific flat type occup...

  On December 29, 2025, the Singapore Police Force announced a significant breakthrough in its ongoing battle against transnational organized crime with the arrest of 24-year-old Eugene Goh. A Malaysian national, Goh was apprehended at the Woodlands Checkpoint on December 28 as he attempted to enter Singapore. Authorities have linked him to a notorious Cambodia-based organized criminal group that has successfully defrauded victims in Singapore of tens of millions of dollars. The criminal syndicate in question specialized in government official impersonation scams. According to police data, this group is believed to be responsible for approximately 440 reported cases, resulting in financial losses totaling at least $41 million. The operation was managed from a secure compound located in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. The sophisticated nature of the group’s activities prompted a massive joint enforcement operation between the Singapore Police Force and the Cambodian police on S...

A 39-year-old Malaysian man was arrested on December 22, 2025, at Woodlands Checkpoint for allegedly attempting to smuggle over 237,000 dollars worth of controlled drugs into Singapore. The arrest followed a targeted check initiated by the ICA Integrated Targeting Centre, which led officers to discover seven bundles in the man's bag. The seizure consisted of approximately 3,272g of cannabis and 1,709g of methamphetamine, also known as Ice. According to the Central Narcotics Bureau, these drugs could have supplied around 1,440 abusers for a week. Under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1973, the man faces a potential death penalty, as the quantities of cannabis and methamphetamine far exceed the legal thresholds of 500g and 250g, respectively. The authorities reiterated their commitment to border security, noting that they conduct regular checks to prevent the smuggling of drugs, weapons, and other contraband. Investigations into the case are currently ongoing to determine the full extent of ...

  On December 23, 2025, Liu Ming, a 26-year-old Chinese national, was sentenced to 20 months in prison for committing a high-value theft on a Singapore Airlines flight. The case serves as a stark reminder of the organized nature of in-flight criminal syndicates that target premium passengers on long-haul routes. Liu was convicted of one count of theft after investigations revealed he was part of a larger criminal organization that specifically financed his travel to carry out mid-air robberies. The incident occurred during a flight departing from Dubai on August 7, which was scheduled to land in Singapore the following morning. Liu had been placed in the business class cabin, a seat funded by the criminal syndicate he represented, to give him access to wealthy travelers and their high-value belongings. At approximately 2:00 am Singapore time on August 8, while the aircraft was in transit and the cabin lights were dimmed to allow passengers to sleep, Liu initiated his plan. Leaving ...

  On December 26, 2025, investigators from the Singapore Police Force escorted 57-year-old Teo Eng Chye back to the Fork & Spoon food court at Woodlands Mart. This scene visit was a critical part of the ongoing probe into a fatal scuffle that occurred just days earlier. Teo, who has been charged with voluntarily causing grievous hurt, arrived at the Block 768 Woodlands Avenue 6 location in a police vehicle at approximately 10:40am. He was seen wearing a face mask and was restrained by wrist and ankle restraints as he was led through the premises by a team of investigators. The incident that led to these charges took place on the evening of December 21, 2025. According to reports and preliminary investigations, a dispute erupted between Teo and 73-year-old Mr. Foo Suan Chew. The disagreement reportedly began over a minor issue involving a queue for the restroom. Witness accounts suggest that as Mr. Foo was waiting for his turn, Teo allegedly cut the line, leading to a verbal exc...

  On the morning of December 24, 2025, Singapore was met with the news of the death of 56-year-old M. Ravi, a prominent and often controversial former human rights lawyer. The Singapore Police Force confirmed the details surrounding his passing in response to media queries, revealing that the situation is currently being treated as a case of unnatural death. The sequence of events began in the early hours of Christmas Eve. At approximately 5:41am, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) received an urgent call for medical assistance at an apartment. Upon arrival, emergency responders found Mr. Ravi in an unconscious state. He was immediately transported to Tan Tock Seng Hospital for emergency medical intervention. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, he was subsequently pronounced dead at the hospital. When the SCDF arrived at the apartment, another individual, described as a friend of Mr. Ravi, was present at the scene. This individual was the one who had contacted emerg...

  On December 24, 2025, a 38-year-old man named Quztaza Kamarudin was sentenced to seven months and two weeks in prison following a series of violent and dishonest acts. In addition to his jail term, the court ordered him to pay over $3,000 in compensation to his victim. Should he fail to make this payment, he will be required to serve an additional 20 days in jail. Quztaza had previously pleaded guilty on December 16 to several charges, including causing hurt through a rash act, theft, and committing mischief. The primary incident occurred on the evening of July 5. Quztaza boarded a double-decker bus, specifically service 190, in the Bukit Panjang area at approximately 5:30pm. He took a seat on the upper deck and proceeded to consume a bottle of soju during the journey. By 6:40pm, as the bus approached a stop near The Heeren shopping mall along the busy Orchard Road, Quztaza prepared to disembark. However, his path to the stairs was blocked by 60-year-old Mr. Lim Phang Kai and his...

  On December 23, 2025, a 57-year-old man was formally charged in court following a fatal confrontation that occurred over the weekend in Woodlands. The accused, Teo Eng Chye, faces one count of voluntarily causing grievous hurt in relation to a scuffle that resulted in the death of an elderly man. The incident took place at a popular eatery, the Fork & Spoon food court, located at Block 768 Woodlands Avenue 6. The events leading to the charge began on the evening of December 21, 2025. According to the information presented, a dispute broke out between Teo Eng Chye and 73-year-old Mr. Foo Suan Chew. While the specific nature of the disagreement has not been fully detailed in the initial court documents, the situation reportedly escalated from a verbal argument into a physical scuffle within the premises of the food court. The police were first alerted to the emergency at approximately 9:20pm on the night of the incident. Callers reported a need for assistance at the eatery. Whe...

  A 26-year-old man identified as Kokulananthan Mohan has been formally charged in court following a high-profile security incident at St Joseph’s Church in Bukit Timah. The accused, who is reported to be a volunteer at the church, faces a serious charge of making a false threat of a terrorist act. The incident, which unfolded on the morning of December 21, 2025, led to a massive emergency response and the disruption of religious services for hundreds of congregants. The prosecution alleges that Kokulananthan committed the offence at approximately 7:00am on the church premises located at Upper Bukit Timah Road. According to court documents, the item used in the alleged act was designed to resemble an improvised explosive device. The construction of the object involved three cardboard cylinders that were filled with stone pebbles. To heighten the appearance of a dangerous device, red wires were made to protrude from the cylinders, and the entire assembly was bound together using bla...

  On the morning of December 21, 2025, a security incident occurred at St Joseph’s Church located at 620 Upper Bukit Timah. The police were initially alerted to the situation at approximately 7:10am. The emergency call triggered a significant mobilization of resources, involving both the Singapore Police Force and specialized units from the Singapore Armed Forces. The alarm was raised after an unattended bag was discovered on the church premises shortly before the scheduled 7:30am Chinese mass. In response, authorities acted with high levels of precaution. The church grounds were secured, and the building was evacuated to ensure the safety of all congregants and staff. Because the nature of the object was initially unknown, the Singapore Armed Forces’ Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Explosive Defence Group was called to the scene to conduct a specialized assessment. By 9:00am, a heavy police presence was established at the entrance of the church, with officers actively direc...

  A 17-year-old teenager was arrested by the police following an armed robbery that occurred on December 18, 2025, at Jurong West Street 93. At approximately 10:35pm, the suspect allegedly used a karambit knife to threaten a victim, swinging the weapon and demanding the surrender of an iPhone and a gold ring.  Upon receiving the report, officers from the Clementi Police Division utilized police camera footage to identify the suspect. Through their investigations, they managed to arrest the teenager within 10 hours. The police also successfully recovered the knife used in the crime along with the stolen mobile phone and gold ring. The suspect is set to be charged in court on December 20, 2025, with robbery when armed or with an attempt to cause death or grievous hurt. This offence carries a heavy sentence of between five and 20 years in prison, as well as a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane.

  Between November 12 and November 22, 2025, a massive and highly coordinated series of multi-agency enforcement operations were carried out in the Geylang area. These operations targeted a wide spectrum of criminal activities, leading to 43 individuals—comprising 13 men and 30 women between the ages of 22 and 74—being placed under investigation for various offences. The Bedok Police Division spearheaded the initiative, receiving extensive support from a multitude of agencies, including the Criminal Investigation Department, Traffic Police, Central Narcotics Bureau, Health Sciences Authority, Immigration & Checkpoints Authority, Singapore Customs, Land Transport Authority, and the Singapore Food Agency. The enforcement efforts were specifically designed to disrupt illegal activities that have been known to occur in the vicinity of Geylang. These include illegal gambling, vice-related activities, the sale of unregistered health products, drug-related offences, and illegal hawkin...