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  Segamat, Johor, was rattled by its fourth earthquake in just five days when a 3.4-magnitude tremor struck at 4.24am on Aug 29. The Malaysia Meteorological Department, MetMalaysia, said the quake’s epicenter was 22km north-east of Segamat at a depth of 10km. Earlier, the town had recorded three smaller quakes on Aug 24, 27, and 28, ranging between magnitudes 2.5 and 4.1. Though classified as weak, the repeated tremors have left residents unsettled, especially since some reported feeling the quakes across Johor. MetMalaysia assured the public that the situation is being closely monitored and urged those who felt the tremors to submit feedback via an official questionnaire. Earthquakes are uncommon in Peninsular Malaysia, making the cluster unusual. While no injuries or damages were reported, experts say the frequency highlights the need for awareness and preparedness, even in regions not typically prone to seismic activity.

  From Sep 1, Singapore will enforce harsher penalties against vaping and Kpod abuse, as well as severe punishments for suppliers of etomidate. Etomidate, a substance commonly found in drug-laced vapes known as Kpods, will be officially classified as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA). This change significantly raises the stakes for both abusers and traffickers. For abusers, fines for vaping will rise from the current S$300–S$500 to S$500 for first-time offenders under 18 and S$700 for adults. A second offence will require attendance at a three-month rehabilitation programme, while third-time or subsequent offenders face prosecution with fines of up to S$2,000. Kpod users will face similar fines but with added mandatory rehabilitation lasting up to six months. Repeat Kpod offenders will be investigated under the MDA, undergo urine testing, and face six months of mandatory supervision. Authorities have highlighted that the majority of etomidate abusers are under 30. ...

  On August 23, 2025, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) announced stepped-up checks at Singapore’s land, air, and sea checkpoints to detect and deter e-vaporiser smuggling. E-vaporisers are illegal in Singapore, and the government maintains a strict zero-tolerance stance against vaping. Travellers carrying these devices must declare them to ICA officers. Those who fail to declare will face fines or be referred to the Health Sciences Authority for further investigation. Singapore banned e-vaporisers in 2018 due to health risks and their potential influence on youth. ICA reiterated that offenders will face strict consequences.

  A rare 4.1 magnitude earthquake struck Johor on the morning of 24 August 2025 , with tremors felt in Segamat at 6.13am . The quake’s epicentre was 5km west of Segamat, 180km from Singapore. Later that morning, at 9am , a second mild tremor measuring 2.8 magnitude was recorded northwest of Kluang. Tremors were reported across Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, and southern Pahang. Residents described frightening moments, with some rushing their families outdoors fearing their homes might collapse. Fortunately, no casualties or major damage were reported. Johor’s Chief Minister confirmed that authorities are monitoring the situation closely, and the public is advised to avoid unsafe structures. Although Malaysia is outside the Pacific Ring of Fire, experts note that the region has recorded minor quakes in the past, including in 1922 and during the 2007–2008 Bukit Tinggi fault zone activity . Experts stress the importance of staying vigilant despite Malaysia’s lower overall seismi...

  On 18 August 2025, the Melaka High Court sentenced Singaporean national Shahrul Nizam Zuraimy , aged 36, to a total of 72 years’ imprisonment and 24 strokes of the cane after finding him guilty of murdering his wife and stepson in 2019. The case shocked the community due to the cruelty of the crime, where the dismembered remains of the victims were discovered in a bushy area six years ago. The sentencing was handed down by High Court Judge Datuk Anselm Charles Fernandis , who ordered Shahrul to serve 36 years and 12 strokes of the cane for each of the two murder charges , with the sentences running consecutively. The court also ruled that the prison term would begin from the date of his arrest, 11 October 2019 . In his oral judgment, Judge Anselm described the crime as particularly cruel, highlighting that Shahrul had hidden his wife’s head in the ceiling of their house in an attempt to conceal the crime and prevent identification of the victims. The court found no reasonable ju...

  On 17 August 2025, a viral video reignited concerns over illegal ride-hailing in Singapore. The clip showed a Malaysia-registered vehicle conducting an unauthorised pick-up at Changi Airport. More images surfaced online of other vehicles allegedly engaging in illegal ride-hailing at Waterway Point and Queen Street. One post alleged that the Malaysia car involved had multiple unpaid traffic fines in Singapore yet was still driving and operating illegally. This angered private-hire vehicle (PHV) drivers, who argued that such lapses in enforcement not only harm their livelihoods but also undermine road safety. Authorities have previously emphasised that only licensed PHVs and taxis are allowed to provide ride-hailing services. Illegal operators bypass safety checks, licensing requirements, and insurance obligations, putting commuters at risk. The public can help by reporting such cases through the OneMotoring link, accessible by searching “report illegal ride hailing” online. PHV...

  On 15 August 2025, two cars were caught on video engaging in a shocking road rage clash in Sungai Petani, along Jalan Sekerat near Gandhi Hall. A white Nissan Livina was seen ramming into a Toyota Corolla, after which the Toyota driver retaliated by forcefully hitting the Nissan multiple times. The incident quickly went viral, with netizens likening it to a game of “bumper cars” on a busy public road. Police later confirmed the case, stating that the Toyota driver is in his 40s and the Nissan driver in his 30s. Both are now being investigated under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for reckless driving, and Section 10 of the Road Transport Act 1959 for failure to maintain control of a vehicle. Though no injuries were reported, the dangerous behaviour sparked outrage online, with many calling for strict enforcement to curb rising cases of road rage.

  In Batu, Kuala Lumpur, a dramatic confrontation between a wife, her husband, and his alleged mistress has gone viral after multiple videos surfaced online. The incident began when the wife allegedly threw faeces outside the mistress’s house before confronting her husband. Tensions escalated as the mistress appeared holding a knife, while the three argued inside the house. The wife accused the mistress of owing her money and later attacked her husband physically during the dispute. The mistress threatened to call the police, but the wife dared her to proceed. In a Facebook post on 12 August, the wife alleged her husband financially supported the mistress, borrowed money from her to give to the other woman, and also gambled away funds. She further accused him of hitting their children, sharing surveillance footage to support her claims. The explosive combination of infidelity, money disputes, violence, and child abuse allegations has triggered widespread debate online.

  Four Chinese nationals, Zhuo Yinggui, 36; Yang Chao, 41; Zhou Qifa, 36; and He Jiao, 38 were arrested on 8 August 2025 in Bukit Timah after being found with suspected housebreaking tools near the Rail Corridor. The items seized included balaclavas, bent screwdrivers, gloves, wrenches, a torchlight, clothing, and over $400 in cash. They were charged on 10 August with possession of housebreaking tools. During the operation, the men fled into a forested area but were caught within hours. Two were arrested in the forest, one at a Clementi mall, and the last at a Geylang hotel the next morning. On 14 August, they were escorted to the crime scene for police investigations. Authorities are probing links to previous housebreaking cases involving $60,000 worth of stolen luxury items. The four remain in remand and face up to two years’ jail and a fine if convicted.

  On 13 August 2025, chaos broke out in Kajang, Selangor, when a woman allegedly ploughed her car into two motorcyclists before pulling out a knife and stabbing one of them, all in broad daylight. The shocking scene unfolded at the traffic lights near Romantika Metro Point, just a short distance from Hospital Kajang. Eyewitnesses say the woman, described as wearing glasses, was driving recklessly before smashing into the motorcycles. But instead of stopping, she got out of her car, turned aggressive, and attacked people nearby. One victim was stabbed, while terrified road users scrambled to lock their vehicles to stay safe. Police are now reviewing CCTV and dashcam footage to figure out exactly what happened and why. The motive and the condition of the injured remain unknown. This case has sparked heated discussions about road rage and how quickly things can turn violent on Malaysian roads.

  On 5 August 2025, ICA officers at Woodlands Checkpoint stopped three separate smuggling attempts involving chewing tobacco within the same evening.  At about 5:30pm, 565 packets were found hidden in the cabin compartment of a Malaysia-registered lorry after image analysis flagged anomalies.  Around 6:00pm, 310 packets were discovered concealed in the rear passenger seats of a Malaysia-registered van. At 6:50pm, 450 packets were recovered from a Singapore-registered car, hidden in the spare tyre compartment and under the rear seats.  In total, 1,325 packets were seized. The cases have been referred to the Health Sciences Authority. The import of chewing tobacco is prohibited in Singapore, and offenders face heavy penalties.  ICA reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Singapore’s borders while facilitating legitimate trade and travel.

  On 8 August 2025, ICA officers at Woodlands Checkpoint intercepted a Malaysia-registered taxi attempting to smuggle duty-unpaid cigarettes into Singapore. The vehicle was flagged during profiling and sent for enhanced checks. More than 60 packets of contraband cigarettes were discovered concealed inside tissue boxes. The case has been referred to Singapore Customs for further investigation.  Smuggling duty-unpaid cigarettes is a serious offence, carrying severe penalties including heavy fines, jail time, and potential seizure of vehicles. ICA reaffirmed its role as “Guardians of Our Borders” and its commitment to keeping Singapore’s borders safe while facilitating legitimate trade and travel.

  On August 8, a major police operation in Bukit Timah led to the arrest of four Chinese nationals believed to be connected to housebreaking syndicates involving foreign criminals. The suspects Zhuo Yinggui, 36; Yang Chao, 41; Zhou Qifa, 36; and He Jiao, 38 were each charged on August 10 with possessing housebreaking tools. Court documents revealed they were found at the Rail Corridor near the Greenleaf estate with two black balaclavas, three bent-tip screwdrivers, three pairs of gloves, two wrenches, and a torchlight. These items are typically associated with forced entry operations. If convicted, each man faces up to two years in prison and a fine. The arrests were part of a targeted operation after police noted that housebreakers often use forested areas along the Rail Corridor to conceal their movements while attempting to break into nearby homes. On August 8, officers conducting patrols spotted the four men behaving suspiciously in a park. When approached, the group fled int...

  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. 

  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 ...

  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.

  On 29 July 2025, five female foreign nationals aged 21 to 48 were arrested in the transit area of Changi Airport Terminal 4 for suspected drug trafficking. The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) acted swiftly after receiving intelligence from the Hong Kong Police’s Narcotics Bureau. Two of the suspects were spotted exchanging luggage, which led to a search uncovering approximately 26.9 kilograms of cocaine and 10 grams of cannabis hidden inside stuffed toys. Senior Assistant Commissioner Sng Chern Hong stated that Singapore remains vigilant and will not tolerate the misuse of its transport hubs. The case is a strong example of cross-border enforcement collaboration and reinforces Singapore’s zero-tolerance stance on drug trafficking. Under Singapore law, trafficking over 30g of cocaine carries the mandatory death penalty. Investigations into the suspects’ involvement and the possibility of a larger syndicate are ongoing.

  A Singaporean medical trainee working in Melbourne has been arrested and charged over serious allegations involving unauthorised recordings in hospital toilets. The accused, identified as 27-year-old Ryan Cho, was employed at Austin Hospital at the time of the alleged incidents. Reports from Australian media suggest that authorities have uncovered more than 10,000 video and image files on devices seized during the investigation. The visuals were allegedly captured over a four-year span from 2021 to 2025. On June 25, suspicions were raised when a staff member at Austin Hospital reported unusual loitering in the emergency department's staff toilets. The facility had already been under investigation due to repeated toilet blockages and damages, which police now believe were deliberate, intended to divert staff into cubicles where recording devices had been covertly installed. On July 3, a nurse discovered a mesh bag containing a mobile phone in a staff toilet and reported it to hosp...

  Nearly two months after being mired in controversy, China-based Singaporean actress Eleanor Lee has successfully cleared her name in court. The 25-year-old star was previously at the centre of backlash after a voice recording, allegedly of her insulting mainland Chinese people, was leaked online by her former assistant, Xiao Pang. The fallout was severe not only did Lee face widespread public condemnation, there were also rumours that she would be edited out of her new drama, Fu Shan Hai ( Go To The Mountains And Sea ), in which she plays a leading role. Throughout the ordeal, Lee consistently denied the allegations, maintaining her innocence from the start. On May 21, Lee posted a video on social media announcing that she had filed a police report and was fully cooperating with authorities. Since then, she kept a low profile, while speculation about her career and reputation swirled online. Now, a recent update from her team on July 29 has confirmed that Eleanor Lee has legally...

  A mid-air brawl erupted on an AirAsia flight from Kuala Lumpur to China, creating a scene of chaos and violence thousands of feet in the sky. The incident, which was captured on video by a fellow passenger, reportedly began when a man became irritated by a group of women talking loudly after the cabin lights were dimmed. A man, seated directly behind the row of young women, initially asked them to lower their voices so he could sleep. When they allegedly refused to quiet down, he lost his temper and shouted, "Shut up... are you stupid? I want to sleep." This aggressive outburst quickly escalated the situation. The altercation turned physical when a woman wearing a green outfit and a baseball cap leaned over her seat and repeatedly punched the man, who tried to shield himself by crouching under the food tray. The woman’s mother also reportedly joined the confrontation. Multiple people, including two women, were seen attacking the male passenger. The cabin crew, dressed in Ai...