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  Greg Austin Lynn, a 54-year-old American, has been fined S$5,500 for a racially charged incident at Shashlik Restaurant in Far East Shopping Centre, Singapore. Lynn pleaded guilty to using criminal force and abusive language in the altercation with restaurant manager Tan Tong Kein. The incident, which occurred on June 18, 2023, involved Lynn pushing Mr. Tan and verbally assaulting him with threats and racially charged language. Lynn apologized in court, expressing cultural misunderstandings, and offered restitution of S$3,000 to the restaurant. The judge imposed the fine, emphasizing Lynn's remorse but rejecting probation. Link to the altercation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktLk2Lk9X-w&t=1s

  Quek Eng Hock, aged 65, is facing murder charges for the death of a 43-year-old woman in Bukit Batok. The incident occurred on Saturday, prompting police to respond to a call at a flat on Bukit Batok West Avenue 9. The victim, whose identity is protected by a gag order, was found motionless inside the flat, while her five-year-old son was taken to the hospital. Quek was arrested at the scene, and a knife believed to be involved was seized. The accused is scheduled to appear in court on Jan 26, with the murder charge carrying the potential for the death penalty. Rest in Peace to the victim.

  According to SP Group and City Energy, Singapore households are set to experience a 4.1% increase in electricity tariffs and a 3.3% rise in gas tariffs for the first quarter of 2024. The electricity tariff will rise from 28.70 to 29.89 cents per kWh, while gas tariffs will increase from 22.42 to 23.15 cents per kWh. After accounting for the 9 percent GST  that will kick in from Jan 1, the tariff will be 32.58 cents per kWh. This marks the third consecutive quarterly tariff hike, attributed to higher energy costs. Eligible households will receive enhanced U-Save rebates to alleviate the impact, with an additional SGD 20 per quarter from January 2024 to December 2025, providing extra support for cost-of-living relief.

  In a joint effort by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), 177 individuals were discovered in possession of electronic vaporisers during a four-day operation at Changi Airport in December 2023. Of these, 61 faced fines, while 116 passengers declared and disposed of their e-vaporisers to avoid penalties. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to curb vaping in Singapore, with heightened enforcement efforts at borders and increased checks at land and sea checkpoints in the coming months. The crackdown includes strengthened enforcement in schools and higher learning institutes, as well as measures against online sales and advertisements of e-vaporisers. In December alone, 1,656 e-vaporiser-related cases were detected.

  On January 2, 2024, the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) apprehended two men for suspected drug trafficking offenses. The arrests, carried out in Jurong West Street 52, resulted in the seizure of 1,427g of 'Ice,' 193g of heroin, 211 Erimin-5 tablets, 94 'Ecstasy' tablets, and one bottle of methadone, collectively valued at over $470,000. The CNB officers faced resistance during the arrest of a 53-year-old Singaporean man, who was found with 1,396g of 'Ice,' 96g of heroin, and other substances. Another operation led to the arrest of a 62-year-old Singaporean man, seizing 97g of heroin and 31g of 'Ice.' Both suspects are being investigated under the Misuse of Drugs Act, with potential severe penalties if found guilty of trafficking offenses. Investigations into their drug activities are ongoing.

  *Picture for illustration purposes. Singaporean police have apprehended a 30-year-old man in connection with an assault that transpired due to a staring incident on New Year's Day. The altercation occurred at 181 Orchard Road, resulting in the suspect assaulting an 18-year-old man and subsequently attacking 4 other men and a 27-year-old woman, who might intervened in the fight. The suspect fled before police arrival but was identified through ground inquiries and cameras. The victims aged 18 to 30, were treated at Singapore General Hospital and later discharged. The man faces charges of voluntarily causing hurt by a dangerous weapon, carrying potential penalties of up to seven years imprisonment, fines, caning, or a combination thereof.

  A Tokyo-Sapporo flight ended in a runway collision at Haneda Airport, involving Japan Airlines' Airbus A350 and a smaller Coast Guard plane. The A350 burst into flames, but all 379 passengers and crew miraculously escaped. The collision occurred upon landing, and while authorities investigate, aviation experts find the circumstances highly unusual. Evacuation procedures were hailed as effective, with passengers swiftly exiting within 20 minutes, avoiding potential catastrophe. All 5 passengers on the Coast Guard plane that collided with the commercial plane died. The incident raises questions about runway safety, despite significant industry improvements in collision prevention.

*Picture for illustration purposes! In Singapore, a tragic incident happens at a hawker centre in Bedok South.  Ang Ah Lak, 56, was sentenced to 25 months and 12 weeks in jail after a dispute escalated, leading to the death of a 69-year-old man.  Ang struck the elderly man with metal tongs and pushed him causing him to fall during the altercation, causing head injuries that proved fatal.  The court heard multiple instances of Ang using abusive language towards public servants and was  involved in prior incidents of public harassment, Despite being diagnosed with schizophrenia, the condition was not considered a contributory factor in the offense.

A powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6 struck Japan on New Year's Day, resulting in at least 30 deaths. The quake triggered tsunami waves, causing widespread damage to buildings, roads, and power infrastructure. Rescue efforts are underway in the Noto peninsula, with rescue teams facing challenges due to blocked roads. Many transportation services are suspended, and Noto airport is closed. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida described the search and rescue as a "battle against time." The quake comes amid concerns for Japan's nuclear industry, although nuclear plants along the Sea of Japan reported no irregularities. Let us pray for Japan.

  Lee Jae-myung, leader of the South Korean opposition party, was attacked on Tuesday while engaging with reporters in Busan. Surveillance footage captured the moment a man lunged at him, stabbing him in the neck after visiting a new airport site. Lee, 59, collapsed as onlookers rushed to assist, and he was later transported to the hospital. The assailant, who sought an autograph before the attack, was subdued by police. Lee, Chief of the Democratic Party, lost the 2022 presidential race and is anticipated to run in 2027, despite facing scandals and an ongoing trial on bribery charges.

  In Singapore, the viral video where a person dressed in women's attire attempting to pry open MRT train door is actually a man. Mr Vanessa Wang Zi Qi, appeared in court where a new charge for being a public nuisance was added. Despite being offered bail on Dec 21, he remained in custody as he couldn't find a suitable bailor. The new charge pertains to an incident at Yio Chu Kang station on Dec 1, 2023, where Wang allegedly caused annoyance by trying to pull open the MRT train doors. Previously facing charges for public nuisance and causing hurt, the prosecution is ready to proceed with three charges and considers one charge. The defense sought an adjournment until Feb 1 or Feb 2, while Wang is scheduled for a pre-trial conference on Jan 4, 2024.

  In the early hours of December 27, 2023, a tour bus en route from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur overturned on the North-South Expressway in Malaysia near Kulai. The accident occurred due to heavy rain, causing the 29-year-old driver to lose control. Of the 37 passengers, three required medical assistance, including a Singaporean man with a cracked kneecap. The injured were taken to a Johor hospital, while Malaysian authorities are investigating the driver for speeding. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of overnight coach rides during adverse weather conditions.

  From November 27 to December 9, 2023, Bedok Police Division spearheaded multi-agency operations in Geylang, resulting in the investigation of 18 men and 12 women, aged 24 to 65. These joint efforts with agencies such as CID, CNB, HSA, SCDF, ICA, and others targeted various offenses, including illegal gambling, vice activities, and the sale of unregistered health products. Arrests were made for offenses ranging from the Gambling Control Act to the Health Products Act. The operations also uncovered illegal drug activities and violations under the Massage Establishments Act. The comprehensive crackdown involved checks on public entertainment outlets, hotels, anti-vice operations, and enforcement against duty-unpaid cigarettes. The Commanding Officer of Geylang Neighbourhood Police Centre praised the collaborative efforts and emphasized a zero-tolerance approach towards illegal activities, urging the public to report any unlawful behavior to the Police.

  A 60-year-old man has been apprehended by Woodlands Police Division for his alleged involvement in an outrage of modesty case at a Yishun Central shopping center on December 25, 2023, around 2:30 pm. Following a report received by the Police, officers swiftly arrested the suspect at the scene. The man is set to face charges on December 27, 2023. The Police emphasize a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual offenders and encourage public vigilance in reporting incidents promptly. Under Singapore Law, penalties for outrage of modesty include imprisonment of up to five years, a fine, caning, or a combination of these punishments.

In an island-wide operation on December 23, 2023, Traffic Police arrested 18 motorists for drink-driving-related offences. Out of 56 motorists tested at various roadblocks, 17 individuals, aged 23 to 70, failed the alcohol test. O ne driver, failing to provide a breath specimen, faces charges under Section 70(4)(a) of the Road Traffic Act. Two motorists evading a roadblock were arrested, with charges including suspected drink-driving, evasion of roadblock, driving without a valid license, and obstructing justice. Police emphasize the severity of drink-driving, carrying fines up to $10,000, imprisonment up to 12 months, or both. Police urge responsible choices during the festive season, advocating alternative transportation options.

  A 63-year-old man was apprehended by the Police in connection with a housebreaking and theft incident on December 22, 2023. Responding to a 6:40 am call reporting the incident at a Jurong East Street 32 shop, officers from Clementi Police Division utilized Police cameras and CCTVs to identify and arrest the suspect within three and a half hours. The stolen property, totaling $13,000 in cash and cigarettes, triggered charges under Section 451 of the Penal Code 1871, carrying a possible 10-year imprisonment and a fine. The Police advise property owners to enhance security measures, including robust locking mechanisms, limited cash storage, and the installation of burglar alarms and CCTV systems.

  *Images from SPF In a month-long island-wide enforcement blitz conducted from November 15 to December 18, 2023, Singapore's Police Force, supported by various agencies, investigated 1,394 individuals (885 men and 509 women) aged 15 to 77 for various offenses. The operation, spanning four weeks, involved more than 1,900 officers from all seven Police Land Divisions and targeted illegal and criminal activities as part of efforts to curb physical crime during year-end festivities. The multi-agency enforcement blitz included collaboration with the Central Narcotics Bureau, Singapore Civil Defence Force, Health Sciences Authority, Immigration & Checkpoints Authority, Singapore Customs, Land Transport Authority, Ministry of Manpower, Housing & Development Board, and the Singapore Food Agency. Over 630 operations were conducted, with checks on more than 6,700 people leading to multiple arrests. Several notable operations included a crackdown by the Central Police Division on ill...

  In Malaysia Genting highland room, a 45-year-old Chinese national has been arrested for the alleged murder of a security guard. The 51-year-old security is believed to be working for a loan shark. The suspect, who lost a significant amount gambling, borrowed money from the loan shark but failed to repay. After being detained in a hotel room, a confrontation ensued between the suspect and the guard, leading to a fatal incident. The police are now seeking two additional suspects connected to the case.

*Images from ICA Singapore Customs conducted an operation at a Yishun Avenue 5 car park, seizing 2,900 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes valued at around S$342,134. The operation led to the arrest of a 31-year-old Singaporean man who was allegedly hired to collect and deliver the illicit cigarettes. Court proceedings are ongoing, and offenders can face fines up to 40 times the evaded duty and tax, along with a maximum jail term of six years. Singapore Customs encourages the public to report smuggling activities through its website.

In Singapore, Kevin Francis Hawkins, an Australian was sentenced to six months in jail for making a false bomb threat on a Scoot flight from Singapore to Perth in October. Hawkins, who was suffering from a relapse of schizophrenia and an episode of major depressive disorder, knew what he was doing when he made the false bomb threat. He wanted to be arrested after landing in Perth to avoid his personal problems, but the flight turned back to Singapore. Singapore Arm Forces fighter jets were deployed to escort the flight back to Singapore as a precaution. Hawkins, who pleaded guilty, made the false threat on board the Scoot flight, causing significant disruptions and requiring the deployment of substantial resources.