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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 August 20, 2025, Grab users in Singapore and Malaysia were shocked to see ride fares displayed at over S$1,000 due to a temporary system glitch. The error was first reported around noon and lasted about 20 minutes before being resolved. Grab confirmed the problem, calling it a “temporary system issue” that led to “abnormally high prices” being wrongly shown in the app. The unusual fares went viral online, with many joking that it was “cheaper to take a flight.” With driver saying "This is not Mao Shan Wang, but a Manchu-Han Imperial Feast ( 满汉全席).   While Grab apologised for the inconvenience, it remains unclear if any users were charged at those inflated prices. The glitch sparked mixed reactions, some commuters raised concerns about system reliability, while others treated it as a humorous hiccup. Normal operations resumed shortly after the issue was fixed.

  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.

  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 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 ...

  A 49-year-old man, Koh Lee Hwa, is currently on trial in Singapore for allegedly raping a woman who had hired him to repair electrical fixtures in her flat. The trial, which began earlier in the week, entered its third day on July 31, where Koh took the stand and denied all accusations of non-consensual activity. He claimed the sexual encounter was initiated by the woman and that the act was consensual, further asserting that the duration of the act slightly over 10 minutes was “too short” for it to have been rape. Koh made this comparison referencing his usual intimacy with his wife. The alleged offences reportedly took place between 11.40am and 12.40pm on August 23, 2021. Koh, a Singapore permanent resident, faces multiple charges: one count of rape, one count of sexual assault by penetration, and two counts of outrage of modesty. The identity and age of the alleged victim have been redacted from court documents. According to prosecution, Koh had been hired by the woman since 2...

  On 29 July 2025, the High Court trial of Koh Lee Hwa, a 49-year-old renovation contractor and Singapore permanent resident, began. Koh is facing four serious charges, including one count of rape, one count of sexual assault by penetration, and two counts of outrage of modesty. These charges are in relation to an incident that allegedly occurred between 11:40am and 12:40pm on 23 August 2021. According to court proceedings, the victim, whose identity has been withheld, initially engaged Koh in 2015 to renovate her flat. Over the years, their contact was infrequent and mostly professional. Their last communication before the alleged incident was in 2019. However, on 21 August 2021, the woman contacted Koh via WhatsApp to request his help with a faulty toilet light and a light switch in the kitchen. Koh responded the next day, fixing the kitchen light switch and diagnosing a wiring fault in the main circuit switchboard as the cause of the toilet light failure. He quoted her $430 to f...

  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...

  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...

  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...

  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.

  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.