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Showing posts with the label Singapore News

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...

SMRT Investigates Unexpected Social Media Post Late at Night

  An unauthorised photo post featuring a South Asian woman in traditional attire, captioned “R,” appeared on SMRT’s official X account at 11:08pm on July 27, 2025. Though the post was removed within 10 minutes, it quickly went viral, racking up over 2,000 views and more than 20 reposts. Online forums erupted with speculation, suggesting the account may have been hacked or misused. SMRT confirmed the post was not approved and reported the matter to X while launching an internal investigation. Group Chief Communications Officer Margaret Teo stated that the organisation is taking the issue seriously. Meanwhile, online users reacted with sarcasm, with many joking that SMRT should appoint its social media team to the engineering department. Their reasoning: the digital mishap was fixed in just 10 minutes, far quicker than how long it typically takes to resolve train disruptions. The incident has reignited discussions on social media security and public trust in service communication.

Minister Grace Fu Apologises for Sinkhole Incident Near PUB Site

  On July 29, 2025, Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Grace Fu, issued a formal apology in response to a serious sinkhole incident that occurred along Tanjong Katong Road South. The sinkhole, which opened up on the evening of July 26, was near an active construction site managed by PUB, the national water agency under her ministry’s oversight. The sinkhole appeared suddenly, causing a car to plunge into the ground while a driver was behind the wheel. Fortunately, the driver was rescued with the help of workers on-site and was conscious when conveyed to the hospital. She was reportedly suffering from muscular pain and remains under recovery. The damaged vehicle was retrieved from the sinkhole using a crane on July 27. Minister Fu described the incident as “serious” and extended her apologies to the injured driver, nearby residents, motorists, and commuters who have been inconvenienced by the road closure. She acknowledged the public anxiety caused by the c...

Woman Alleges Renovation Contractor Assaulted Her During Light Repair

  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...

Fire Breaks Out at Toa Payoh Block, Multiple Sent to Hospital

  On 29 July 2025, a fire broke out at Block 229 Lorong 8 Toa Payoh and SCDF responded around 1:10pm. SCDF arrived to find a unit on the 10th floor completely engulfed in flames. Firefighters used two water jets to extinguish the blaze. Simultaneously, a team conducted forcible entry into a unit directly above, on the 11th floor, where a second fire was successfully put out using one water jet. Two individuals from the 10th floor unit and three others from neighbouring units were assessed for smoke inhalation, one also had burn injuries. All five were taken to Singapore General Hospital. A child from another nearby unit was also sent to KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital for smoke inhalation. One firefighter involved in the operation experienced fatigue and was taken to SGH as a precaution. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Fire Erupts on Two Floors of HDB Block in Toa Payoh

  A serious fire incident broke out on 29 July 2025 at Block 229, Lorong 8 Toa Payoh. At around 1:10pm, the Singapore Civil Defence Force responded to a fire in a 10th-floor HDB unit. The blaze was intense when firefighters arrived. Three individuals were treated for smoke inhalation and burns, and conveyed to Singapore General Hospital. While managing the first fire, SCDF discovered a second fire in a unit on the 11th floor. Firefighters forced entry and began suppression efforts. The fire on the 10th floor was brought under control using two water jets, and operations on the 11th floor were ongoing as of 3pm. Investigations into the cause of both fires are still underway. The incident prompted temporary evacuations and drew attention to fire safety in high-rise buildings.

LTA Impounds Cars in Punggol, Turf Club During Illegal Private Hire Bust

  On 29 July 2025, the Land Transport Authority announced the impoundment of 12 vehicles involved in illegal private hire services. Among the cases, four drivers were caught operating unlawfully near Punggol Road and Turf Club Avenue. These operations were supported by regular patrols and information from the National Private Hire Vehicles Association. LTA reminded the public that drivers providing illegal services may not hold proper licenses or insurance, putting passengers at risk in the event of accidents. Enforcement efforts are being stepped up to ensure safety and protect the interests of licensed private hire drivers. Passengers using such services may also experience disrupted journeys if the illegal vehicle is stopped during operations. Offenders face penalties including up to $3,000 in fines, imprisonment of up to six months, and possible vehicle forfeiture. The public is strongly advised to use only licensed ride-hailing services and avoid unregulated platforms to en...

Police Nab 31 in Islandwide Crackdown on Fraudulent SIM Registrations

  In an islandwide operation between 17 and 25 July 2025, the Singapore Police arrested 31 individuals and are investigating 13 more for allegedly providing fraudulently registered postpaid SIM cards to criminal syndicates in exchange for cash. The suspects, comprising 21 men and 10 women aged between 16 and 48, were arrested by officers from the Commercial Affairs Department, Criminal Investigation Department, and all seven Police Land Divisions. Nine additional men and four women, aged 16 to 57, are currently assisting with investigations. Preliminary findings revealed that these individuals were offered cash incentives ranging from $10 to $15 for each SIM card they registered under their names. These suspects had each allegedly registered between 31 and 49 SIM cards, which were later handed over to unknown couriers. They were reportedly instructed to sign up for multiple postpaid mobile plans at various retail outlets across the island, using their personal details. Authorities ...

LTA Completes Backfilling Works at Sinkhole Site

  On 28 July 2025 at about 10am, Minister Goh Pei Ming visited the Mountbatten Road site to assess the traffic conditions following earlier sinkhole repair efforts. He reported that traffic remained smooth during the morning rush, as many parents sent their children to nearby schools and residents headed to work. LTA had deployed Vehicular Messaging Systems, and worked with MOE to notify parents early about traffic diversions. Most commuters adjusted accordingly, with only minor congestion observed along Mountbatten Road. Repair efforts have progressed, with the backfilling of the cavity now complete. Ground compaction is ongoing, and LTA will carry out further safety tests before repaving. These include radar scans and deep drilling probes up to 20 metres to ensure there are no air pockets. The minister acknowledged residents’ concerns about reopening timelines but urged patience, emphasising that safety must come first. He thanked all agencies and residents for their cooperatio...

Black Car Hoisted from Sinkhole at Tanjong Katong Road

  On July 27, a black Mazda that had fallen into a sinkhole along Tanjong Katong Road South was successfully hoisted out using a crane. The sinkhole had formed the day before at around 5:50pm, near a PUB construction site. The car’s driver, a woman, had been rescued on July 26 by nearby workers and later sent to hospital with muscular pain. The hoisting process began at 2:05pm and took 10 minutes. The car had a heavily dented front, smashed windscreen, and was covered in scratches. Authorities worked to drain the water and assess the ground before safely lifting the vehicle. LTA, PUB, and BCA continue monitoring the site. Tanjong Katong Road South remains closed, with bus routes 36 and 48 diverted. Residents raised concerns after learning a burst water pipe occurred in the area a day before the collapse. Repair works are ongoing, with hopes to reopen the road by July 28.

Woman Rescued from Sinkhole on Tanjong Katong Road

  On July 26, 2025, a sinkhole suddenly formed on Tanjong Katong Road South at around 5:50pm, causing a car to plunge into the collapsed section of the road. The female driver was swiftly rescued by nearby workers and later sent conscious to Raffles Hospital for further observation. She was reported to be experiencing muscular pain but was in stable condition. The incident occurred near a Public Utilities Board (PUB) worksite and caused the closure of Tanjong Katong Road South between Mountbatten Road and East Coast Parkway. This closure led to the diversion of public bus services 36 and 48, affecting stops along Marine Parade, Amber, Mountbatten, and Tanjong Katong roads. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has not yet provided a confirmed date for the completion of repairs. According to preliminary assessments by PUB, the sinkhole measured approximately 2 to 3 meters deep and was as wide as two lanes. PUB, LTA, and the Building and Construction Authority are closely monitoring the...

Mother Shares Shocking Home Intrusion at Public Rental Flat

  On the night of 24 July 2025 at about 10:30pm, a terrifying incident unfolded at a public rental flat in Sengkang. A woman who had recently moved into the flat with her child shared a viral video and testimony online, revealing that a male stranger had approached her unit, screamed loudly outside her door, and forcefully opened it. The man allegedly vandalised her property, including smashing her CCTV, and even damaged her neighbour’s flowerpot. Fortunately, the woman and her child were not home at the time. She described the act as deliberate and deeply unsettling, questioning if their home had been targeted. The viral post sparked concerns online about the security of public rental flats. Many netizens expressed support while calling for stronger enforcement and better safety measures in such estates. The incident has renewed calls for increased security in vulnerable residential areas and raised broader concerns over community safety in public housing.

Family Left Waiting as Taxi Driver Reportedly Refuses Short Ride

  A viral video posted on 25 July 2025 shows a confrontation between a man and a taxi driver at what appears to be the taxi stand outside the Singapore Zoo. The man claims the driver refused to pick up a family intending to go to Bukit Panjang, allegedly due to the trip being too short.  Under Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) regulations, taxi drivers are not allowed to reject passengers arbitrarily. Acceptable reasons for refusal include safety concerns or shift changes—not personal preference on fare length. Violations can result in a S$300 fine, six demerit points, and up to a two-week licence suspension.  The man in the video criticises the driver for breaching these rules, and the video has since sparked public calls for stronger enforcement. Passengers are advised to report such cases to LTA at 1800 2255 582 and note down the taxi’s registration number for follow-up. Investigations into the incident are not yet confirmed.

Sambar Deer Put Down After Road Collision at Mandai

  What happens when urban infrastructure meets wildlife corridors? A tragic incident on 24 July 2025 along Mandai Road highlights the ongoing tension between nature and human development. A sambar deer, native to forested areas, was involved in a collision with a car and later had to be euthanised on welfare grounds due to the severity of its injuries. The accident took place around 5:15pm and was reported to the National Parks Board (NParks). Responding quickly to the situation, NParks alerted the Mandai Wildlife Group, which was closest to the scene and equipped with the necessary veterinary expertise. Upon arrival, veterinary staff assessed the condition of the deer and found its injuries too extensive to allow for recovery. As a result, NParks and Mandai Wildlife Group made the joint decision to humanely euthanise the animal on-site, prioritising its welfare and to prevent prolonged suffering. The euthanasia followed veterinary best practices and was carried out promptly. A vid...

Blaze Destroys Multiple Cars at Marine Crescent Carpark

  A fire broke out on 24 July 2025 at about 3:10pm at the multi-storey carpark located at 35A Marine Crescent, causing three cars to catch fire and damaging others nearby.  The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) responded quickly and extinguished the blaze on the carpark's second level using two water jets. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Preliminary findings confirmed that the cars involved were not electric vehicles, and investigations are ongoing to determine the cause. Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC MP Goh Pei Ming thanked emergency responders and stated that the Marine Parade Town Council will clean the area once cleared, with HDB officers inspecting for necessary repairs.  The fire has raised safety concerns over carpark infrastructure and vehicle-related fire hazards in densely populated areas. Authorities are continuing investigations and advising residents to remain vigilant. 

Fatal Motorcycle Accident on BKE Leaves One Dead, One Hospitalised

  On the morning of 25 July 2025, a fatal accident occurred on the BKE towards the PIE, before the SLE exit, involving a motorcycle and a lorry transporting construction material. Authorities were alerted at approximately 6:50am. A 23-year-old male motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics, while his 23-year-old male pillion rider, found unconscious, was taken to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital.  A video circulating online showed a blue police tent, blood, and debris near the lorry. Emergency services, including police, SCDF, LTA, and EMAS personnel, were seen on-site. The 39-year-old male lorry driver is currently assisting police with investigations.  No arrests have been made so far. The authorities have not disclosed the identities of the individuals involved. This incident highlights ongoing road safety concerns for motorcyclists, who remain among the most vulnerable road users in Singapore.  Investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances th...

Changi Prison Officer Accepts Bribes for Sneaking Contraband for Inmate

  A Singapore Prison Service (SPS) officer, Mohammad Asri Abd Rahim, 39, is at the centre of a serious corruption case involving bribes, contraband, and prisoners at Changi Prison. On 25 July 2025, Asri was formally charged in court with five counts under the Prevention of Corruption Act for allegedly accepting bribes in exchange for smuggling prohibited items into the prison. According to the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB), the offences took place across seven occasions between August 2021 and June 2022. During this time, Asri reportedly accepted a total of $3,700 in bribes from inmate Mohamad Yusof Kasimas, 50. In return, Asri allegedly smuggled banned items including nude photographs, prescription drugs, and magazines into the prison facility. The corruption appears to have been coordinated with the help of two other inmates: Wilson Ang, 37, and Murali Vigneshwaran, 36. CPIB's investigations revealed that both men allegedly assisted Yusof in delivering bribe payme...

Hawker Heaven at New Punggol Coast Hawker Centre

  Initially slated for a late June 2025 opening, Punggol Coast Hawker Centre finally welcomes diners from 25 July 2025 , bringing fresh dining options to Singapore’s northeast. With 40 food stalls and 576 seats , the centre is managed by Kopitiam and offers a blend of time-honoured hawkers and new culinary ventures. Among the highlights are well-known heritage stalls making a comeback, alongside fresh concepts by first-time food entrepreneurs. Diners can look forward to a variety of local favourites, unique snacks, and hearty meals. The hawker centre also includes halal-certified options , ensuring accessibility for all communities. Its launch adds to the growing cluster of food and retail outlets surrounding the newly opened Punggol Coast MRT station , further transforming the area into a vibrant lifestyle and dining hub. Whether you're seeking nostalgic flavours or innovative twists, Punggol Coast Hawker Centre delivers a diverse experience for food lovers of all stripes.

NEA Issues Water Safety Alert After Tanker Accident Near Tuas

  On July 24, the National Environment Agency (NEA) issued an urgent advisory urging the public to avoid primary water contact activities in the waters surrounding Tuas Second Link. This includes areas near Raffles Marina. The warning follows a serious accident earlier that day on the Malaysian side of the bridge, involving two heavy tankers. One of the vehicles was carrying chemical tanks, and a tank filled with propylene glycol plunged into the sea after a collision. The NEA, responding to the incident via an official update on Facebook, clarified that while the second tanker involved remained intact with no visible chemical leaks on the bridge, caution must still be exercised. Primary water contact activities, defined as those involving frequent full-body or head immersion (such as swimming, wakeboarding, windsurfing, and military water training), are temporarily discouraged due to potential water quality issues. Propylene glycol is a chemical used widely in food processing, pha...