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Showing posts with the label International News

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. 

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 ...

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.

Nearly 27kg of Cocaine Hidden in Toys Seized at Changi Airport

  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.

Singaporean Doctor Trainee Allegedly Set Up Hidden Devices in Hospital Toilets

  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...

Eleanor Lee Wins Defamation Case over False Accusations

  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...

Passengers Fist-Fight Mid-Air on AirAsia Flight

  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...

Alleged Drugged Driver Crashes on Highway

  A dramatic incident unfolded in Malaysia and has since gone viral online, raising public concern over the dangers of driving under the influence of new synthetic drugs. The case, believed to have taken place on the Eastern Dispersal Link (EDL) Expressway in Johor Bahru , involved a tattooed Chinese man , who allegedly lost control of his vehicle while high on an electronic vape suspected to contain “Happy Water,” a type of new-generation synthetic drug . In the viral footage circulating on social media, the man is seen sitting dazed inside a Proton Axia , erratically rocking the steering wheel . His disoriented behavior raised immediate suspicion, especially from the angry driver of the SUV he had just collided with. The victim, clearly agitated, is heard off-camera confronting the tattooed man repeatedly: “Are you on Happy Water?” and “Is this how you drive?!” Despite the aggressive questioning, the tattooed man vehemently denied taking drugs and initially refused to step o...

Jogger Confronts Parents Over Children Playing on Track

  A viral video circulating online has sparked heated public debate after a jogger got into a confrontation with a couple over their children playing on a designated running track. The incident, captured by a bystander, shows a man jogging on the track when he encountered the couple's kids playing there. This led to a verbal altercation between the jogger and the parents, quickly escalating in intensity. In the video, the jogger is seen making a middle finger gesture toward the couple, which further enraged them. The couple responded by threatening to call the police. The jogger, undeterred, encouraged them to proceed, stating that he felt he was in the right. During the argument, the man revealed he worked in the government sector and scolded the parents for not supervising their children properly. He pointed out that having children playing on a running track was not only inappropriate but potentially dangerous, highlighting that a collision could cause serious injury. He told th...

35 Dead, 4 Missing After Tourist Boat Capsizes in Vietnam

  On July 20, 2025 , rescue operations were still ongoing after a tourist boat named "Wonder Sea" capsized during a violent storm on July 19 in Ha Long Bay , Vietnam, one of the country's most iconic and visited UNESCO World Heritage sites. At least 35 people were confirmed dead , while four others remained missing as of Sunday, with 10 rescued survivors . The tragedy unfolded when a sudden storm , accompanied by torrential rain, strong winds, hailstones, lightning, and thunder , hit the area, causing the boat to overturn. The Wonder Sea , which was ferrying 46 passengers and 3 crew members , could not withstand the rapidly changing weather conditions. Initial reports had stated that there were 53 people on board and 37 fatalities, but provincial police later revised the figures , confirming a total of 49 people on board with 35 dead , 10 rescued , and four still unaccounted for . A local resident, Tran Trong Hung , vividly described the terrifying weather that swept ...

Passengers Jump Overboard as Indonesia Ferry Bursts Into Flames

  On July 20, 2025 , a deadly fire broke out aboard the KM Barcelona 5 , an Indonesian ferry en route to Manado , the capital of North Sulawesi province . The fire, which erupted near the stern of the vessel , resulted in at least five confirmed deaths , according to Indonesia's Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) . Two of the victims had not yet been identified at the time of the agency's statement. The incident unfolded approximately one hour from the popular tourist town of Likupang , located at the northern tip of Sulawesi island. The ferry was reportedly carrying around 280 passengers . Dramatic video footage captured the moment when panicked passengers, many with life jackets on, jumped overboard into the sea to escape the growing inferno. These chilling visuals quickly went viral on social media platforms, particularly TikTok. Authorities reported that 284 individuals were successfully evacuated , many of whom were rescued by nearby fishermen and transported to nearby i...

10 Vehicles Seized for Unauthorized Cross-Border Rides at Changi

  On July 18, 2025 , enforcement officers impounded 10 vehicles at Changi Airport after catching their drivers offering illegal ride-hailing services , including cross-border trips to and from Malaysia , without valid licences. Acting on a tip-off from the National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA) , the operation was part of stepped-up efforts to clamp down on unauthorised transport services. Operating such services without a valid Public Service Vehicle Licence (PSVL) is an offence in Singapore and can lead to fines of up to $3,000 , six months’ jail , and vehicle forfeiture . Authorities reminded passengers that journeys could be disrupted when illegal services are intercepted mid-ride, urging commuters to use only licensed platforms . The crackdown also aims to protect legitimate drivers and uphold safety standards. Together with tripartite partners like the NPHVA, the government is intensifying enforcement to maintain a safe and regulated ride-hailing environment.

2 Foreign Women Used Forged Degrees to Land Jobs in Singapore

  What happens when foreign workers exploit loopholes in Singapore’s employment system using fake credentials? Two 29-year-old Filipina women Torres Alyssa Riva Fernan and Conol Almira Joy Torres  found out the hard way when they were sentenced to jail on July 17, 2025, for using forged university certificates to secure Employment Passes. Both women were employed by CL Enterprise, a company that operates Mr Fix retail outlets selling household items like kitchenware and appliances. Their deception went undetected for over 15 months, during which they actively worked in Singapore under false pretenses. Conol Almira Joy Torres was sentenced to six weeks’ jail, while Torres Alyssa Riva Fernan received a four-week jail term. Torres pleaded guilty to one charge under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, with two additional charges taken into consideration. Fernan also admitted to one similar charge. Both women had submitted falsified educational documents as part of their employ...

Fatal High-Speed Crash at Tuas 2nd Link

  A fatal crash took place at 6:19pm on July 18, 2025 , along Tuas 2nd Link, claiming the life of a motorcyclist. A rear-facing dashcam video showed the rider slamming into the back of a car at high speed. The motorcycle shattered on impact, and a subsequent photo captured the grim aftermath, a body lying on the road, covered in a white cloth.  Two lanes had to be closed during peak hours, triggering massive congestion along the expressway. Authorities responded quickly to secure the scene and begin investigations. Initial evidence suggests the rider was travelling at a dangerously high speed and failed to react in time. The incident is a stark reminder of how dangerous high-speed riding can be, especially during congested periods. As investigations continue, the motorcyclist’s identity has not been publicly disclosed.  Our thoughts are with the victim’s family during this difficult time.

MMA Fighter Floors Condo Security Guard After Heated Argument!

  On the night of 10 July 2025, a dramatic street altercation broke out in front of a condominium in Seri Kembangan, Selangor, Malaysia, which quickly went viral after video footage captured an amateur MMA fighter knocking out a security guard. The footage, posted online on 15 July 2025, spread across various social media platforms, showing the intense confrontation between the two individuals. The incident involved 22-year-old amateur MMA featherweight fighter Tony Lim, who was approached and provoked by a man identified as the head security guard of the condominium. Dressed in black, the guard could be seen in the video aggressively confronting Lim, who was wearing a red singlet. The guard repeatedly taunted Lim with words like, "Punch me! Are you a boy or a girl?" and used derogatory slurs such as "pondan", clearly trying to instigate a physical response. Despite the relentless provocation, Lim remained composed. A woman believed to be Lim’s girlfriend was also p...

Maid Weighed 24kg at Death in Singapore’s Worst Maid Abuse Case, Ex-Cop Jailed

  Myanmar domestic worker Ms Piang Ngaih Don, who tragically died in July 2016. Chelvam was convicted of abetting his then-wife, Gaiyathiri Murugayan, in voluntarily causing grievous hurt to Ms Piang by starving her, a crime that unfolded while he was still a serving officer with the Traffic Police. He was also found guilty of physically assaulting the victim grabbing her by the hair and lifting her off the ground and of tampering with critical evidence by dismantling a CCTV recorder in his Bishan flat. Additionally, he was convicted of lying to the police during the investigation. During sentencing, District Judge Teoh Ai Lin described the CCTV footage as crucial in uncovering the truth behind the abuse. She emphasized that Chelvam, being a law enforcement officer, was fully aware of the value of such evidence. Had the CCTV recorder not been retrieved, she noted, the extent of Ms Piang’s suffering might have remained buried forever. The judge highlighted Chelvam's role as the lega...

Foreign Student Stabbed in Neck at Subang Jaya University (Malaysia)

  A violent incident occurred at a university in Subang Jaya, Malaysia, on Sunday, 13 July 2025, when a 20-year-old foreign female student was attacked with a knife by her ex-boyfriend. The assault took place on campus and resulted in a serious injury to the woman’s neck. The local police received an emergency report regarding the attack at approximately 6:30pm. Upon arrival at the scene, officers found the victim with a wound on the left side of her neck. She was quickly transported to University Malaya Medical Centre (PPUM) for emergency treatment. Fortunately, her condition was later reported to be stable. The attacker, a 21-year-old foreign male and the victim’s former boyfriend, was arrested shortly after the incident. Authorities have not released further details about his nationality or current status as a student or otherwise. Investigations into the motive behind the attack are ongoing, with police considering various angles including the nature of their past relationship ...

Char Koay Teow Argument Ends in Slap and Wok Toss

  PENANG – A heated public outburst over a plate of char koay teow at a busy hawker stall in New Lane , Penang, went viral after a man slapped a hawker and flipped a wok in full view of customers on the evening of 5 July 2025 , at around 7:00 PM . The entire altercation was recorded by a bystander and posted online, where it quickly gained traction. The video shows a frustrated male customer yelling at two stallholders after allegedly being ignored when asking which plate was his . Moments later, he appeared to slap one of the hawkers , triggering gasps from other diners. When the hawker threatened to call the police, the man brazenly encouraged it , shouting “go ahead” before storming to the cooking area and flipping the hawker’s entire wok , spilling ingredients and food across the stall in front of stunned onlookers. The incident shocked those present, with some unsure of how to react in the chaotic moment. Many netizens, after viewing the clip, expressed outrage over the agg...

Milo Billboard Smashes Into Moving Car on Malaysia Highway

  MALAYSIA – A terrifying highway incident involving a giant Milo fabric billboard has gone viral across social media after it collapsed onto a moving vehicle on Malaysia’s Federal Highway on 7 July 2025 . The incident was captured on video and uploaded on 8 July , triggering a storm of online reactions and public safety concerns. The viral clip, believed to have been shot by a dashboard camera, shows the moment when a massive Milo drinks banner  attached to an overhead structure suddenly came loose and slammed onto a car travelling below . The falling fabric engulfed the vehicle, startling nearby drivers and raising fears of potential injuries. As of now, no casualties or injuries have been officially reported . The banner, promoting the popular Nestlé beverage Milo , sparked massive outrage online, with netizens both shocked and sarcastic in their responses. Several of the most viral comments included: "Struck gold, free Milo for life!" "Milo not only causes di...

Ferry Passenger Misjudges Jump, Plunges Into Water

  BANGKOK – A moment of haste turned into a viral spectacle this week when a man in Bangkok attempted to jump off a ferry before it had properly docked, only to plunge straight into the water. The dramatic fall, which was captured in a TikTok video posted by user @jumbok7 , has since made its rounds online, drawing both amusement and praise for the quick actions of ferry officials. The incident occurred on Monday at the Terminal 21 ferry pier in Bangkok. As the ferry approached the dock and passengers were preparing to disembark, one individual, dressed in black, was seen in the video rushing to be among the first to leave. Misjudging both his timing and the ferry’s distance from the platform, the man leapt off prematurely and fell directly into the canal. The short video shows onlookers gasping in shock as the man splashed into the murky water. Fortunately, nearby officials reacted instantly , rushing over to pull him from the water. He was rescued swiftly and did not sustain ...