LaKopiNews.com

  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 19 August 2025, a van plunged into a large drain near the junction of Bukit Panjang Road and Bukit Panjang Ring Road, injuring three people. Police said they were alerted at about 1.10pm to an accident involving a mini-bus and a bus. The 68-year-old driver of the mini-bus and his two passengers, a 14-year-old girl and a 53-year-old woman were rescued by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). Emergency responders used a ladder to access the drain and safely extract the victims. All three were conscious when taken to hospital, with two conveyed to Tan Tock Seng Hospital and the teenager sent to KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. The dramatic rescue was witnessed by bystanders who were shocked by the sight of a vehicle lodged in a drain. Police investigations are ongoing to establish the cause of the accident.

  Between 13 and 14 August 2025, police officers from the Criminal Investigation Department conducted raids in the areas of Kramat Road and MacPherson Road, targeting vice-related activities. A total of 19 individuals were arrested, 18 women and one man, aged between 20 and 41. The 35-year-old man was arrested for allegedly facilitating the operations of an online vice syndicate under the Women’s Charter 1961. Investigations into the 18 women’s involvement are ongoing. Officers seized more than $2,000 in cash, three mobile phones, and other vice-related paraphernalia during the two-day operation. The police have stated they will continue tough enforcement against syndicated vice activities, warning that such offences carry heavy penalties. Under the Women’s Charter 1961, living off the earnings of another person’s prostitution can lead to jail terms of up to seven years and fines of up to $100,000. The same penalties apply to those managing or assisting in managing vice-related ...

  On 19 August 2025, nine individuals were arrested by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) for suspected involvement in match-fixing within the national basketball league. Those arrested include eight Singaporeans and one permanent resident, aged between 19 and 35. Among them are players from the 2025 K. Star National Basketball League Division 1, a competition featuring 10 teams. One of the matches under suspicion was the game between Tagawa and Tong Whye on 1 August. CPIB said investigations are ongoing and warned that it will not hesitate to act against those who give or receive bribes to fix matches. The league, which offers cash rewards of $4,000, $2,000, and $1,000 for the top three teams, is scheduled to run until 30 August. This incident has raised concerns over sports integrity and highlighted the need for stronger vigilance in preventing corruption in local competitions.

  What happens when bullying in schools escalates to death threats? That question is now at the center of a troubling case in Singapore involving three Primary 3 students from Sengkang Green Primary School. The school suspended the students after it was revealed that they had sent threats of violence, including death threats, to the mother of a fellow classmate who had reported their alleged bullying. The matter came to light on August 14 when a woman named Ni Yin, who identified herself as the victim’s mother, published a Facebook post detailing months of bullying against her daughter. According to her, her daughter had been persistently bullied by three classmates for nearly six months. Despite repeated complaints to the school, she claimed little was done to protect her child. The situation escalated after she approached the parent of one of the boys accused of bullying. Shortly after, she said she began receiving harassing calls. In one chilling audio clip she shared publicly...

A simple dispute at a cinema in Punggol escalated into a serious assault that landed one man in hospital and another in jail. On June 26, 2024, 25-year-old Wong Jun Feng kicked the seat of a fellow moviegoer at Shaw Theatres, sparking a quarrel. Though the incident seemed resolved during the movie, Wong reignited the conflict at the end by kicking the victim’s headrest before leaving. When the victim followed him, Wong turned and shoved him forcefully, causing the man to fall down six flights of stairs. The victim was hospitalized with neck, back, and limb pain, and later given a month of medical leave. His medical costs exceeded $1,800. On August 18, 2025, Wong was sentenced to four weeks’ jail. He was also ordered to pay $93.09 in compensation but chose to serve an additional day in jail instead.

  On 18 August 2025, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) revealed that three foreigners were arrested in Singapore for working illegally as delivery riders. The arrests came after islandwide enforcement operations were conducted in recent weeks, targeting delivery hotspots. According to Senior Minister of State for Health and Manpower, Koh Poh Koon, the checks were carried out following feedback and complaints from delivery workers through the National Delivery Champions Association. In total, MOM officers checked 375 delivery riders. Of them, three were found to be foreigners working illegally and are now under investigation. MOM is also investigating the locals who abetted these offences by allowing foreigners to use their delivery accounts. Authorities reminded the public that foreigners found working in Singapore without a valid work pass face severe penalties, including a fine of up to $20,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both. Locals who enable such illegal work arrangemen...

  What keeps Singapore moving forward? Beyond policies, strategies, and government action, it is the collective will of its people, the Singapore Spirit. This spirit embodies belief in one another, resilience, and a conviction that the nation’s best days are still ahead. The speech highlighted how pioneers set the foundation during times of hardship. Stories like that of Mdm Florence Yuen Siew Mei reflect the grit of the first generation of Singaporeans. She lived through racial riots, helped her large family, pursued night school, and worked her way to become a manager in a cosmetic firm. Even today, at 85, she continues to volunteer in her community. These pioneers endured extreme struggles: war, riots, poverty, and deprivation. Their shared experiences gave them a strong sense of purpose, and they looked out for one another. Later generations grew up in better conditions, but must not forget the lessons of unity. Even during COVID-19, Singaporeans displayed this spirit again o...

  During the 17 August 2025 National Day Rally, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong outlined Singapore’s future plans for sustainable development, urban rejuvenation, and climate resilience. Emphasizing the limited land and the need to protect the island from rising sea levels, PM Wong highlighted ongoing projects such as the Pulau Tekong polder, started in 2018, which provides new training areas for the SAF while serving as a coastal barrier. Coastal protection works are also underway in vulnerable areas, including the southeastern shoreline and Changi Bay. Urban development will focus on rejuvenating existing land while reimagining new uses. PM Wong highlighted plans for Singapore’s northern region, specifically Woodlands, Kranji, and Sembawang. In Woodlands, the government aims to maximize the potential of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone through improved connectivity and redeveloping the Woodlands Checkpoint. The checkpoint will be expanded fivefold, reducing congestion and w...

  During the 17 August 2025 National Day Rally, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong highlighted Singapore’s plans to support seniors as the nation rapidly ages. He noted that the proportion of Singaporeans aged 65 and above has risen from 13% in 2015 to just over 20% today. By next year, Singapore is expected to reach “super-aged” status, with over 21% of the population aged 65 and above, and by SG70, over 25% of residents will be seniors. PM Wong emphasized that longer life expectancy is positive, but health-span, the years lived in good health remains a critical focus. While average life expectancy is 84 years, health-span averages 75 years, meaning many seniors spend approximately a decade with illness or disability. The government is working to extend health-span by promoting healthy lifestyles and leveraging technology, including early disease detection and effective treatments. Healthier SG, the nationwide initiative to encourage regular engagement with family doctors, has already e...

  During the 17 August 2025 National Day Rally, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong focused on young Singaporeans, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges they face in today’s rapidly changing world. He began by comparing today’s youth to his own generation, noting that nearly all students now progress to post-secondary education, compared with over 40% in his Primary 1 cohort in 1979. Young Singaporeans today have unprecedented opportunities to travel, learn, and use technology to connect globally. However, PM Wong noted that modern youth face new and complex challenges. Vaping, particularly e-cigarettes laced with harmful substances such as etomidate, remains a serious concern. Singapore treats vaping as a drug issue, with stricter enforcement, stiffer penalties, jail sentences for sellers, and rehabilitation support for users. Authorities will also mount a nationwide public education campaign targeting schools, Institutes of Higher Learning, and National Service, led by MHA...

  At the 17 August 2025 National Day Rally, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong highlighted Singapore’s economic strategy as one of the five key focus areas for the nation. He began by addressing global trade challenges, particularly the impact of U.S. tariffs. The recent “Liberation Day” tariffs by the U.S. caused a sharp reaction in financial markets, triggering extensive negotiations. While some tariffs have been reduced, many remain high, with ongoing tensions between the U.S. and China. Singapore faces potential trade barriers as a small and open economy, and uncertainty persists regarding baseline tariffs on key industries. To safeguard Singapore’s interests, the government convened the Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce, chaired by DPM Gan Kim Yong. The Taskforce works closely with industry partners, union leaders, and younger office holders to implement targeted solutions for businesses and workers. Its focus is both immediate and long-term, reviewing economic strategies to a...

  Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced on 17 August 2025 that Singapore will take much tougher action against vaping, treating it as a serious drug issue with stiffer penalties. While vaping has been banned since 2018, illegal imports continue, often containing harmful substances like etomidate. The government plans to impose harsher fines, jail time, and mandatory rehabilitation for offenders, while providing addiction support for users. A nationwide enforcement campaign will target schools, tertiary institutions, and national service personnel. Recent measures include reclassifying etomidate under the Misuse of Drugs Act, collaboration between HSA and Hong Kong authorities, and hiring investigators to crack down on Kpods. The public can report vaping offences via hotline or online, and those seeking help to quit will not face penalties. Authorities aim to combine education, enforcement, and rehabilitation to curb vaping and protect young people in Singapore.

  In Sengkang, a mother has gone public with a disturbing account of how her 9-year-old daughter, a Primary 3 student, endured months of harassment and physical abuse at school, only to later become the target of a violent death threat. The case first came to light on 16 August 2025, when the mother revealed that her daughter had been subjected to repeated bullying since March. The girl was seated in the far corner of the classroom beside three male classmates who turned into her tormentors. She was pinched, shoved, mocked, and even had her stationery destroyed. Her homework was erased, and she was targeted with racial slurs and vulgar insults, including deeply offensive remarks about her family. On 24 July 2025, the girl told her mother she no longer wanted to attend school. That same day, after reminding a classmate to stay quiet in class, she was physically assaulted by two boys. Her mother contacted one of the boys’ parents, and the next day the school intervened by asking both...

  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 15 August 2025, former Police Assistant Superintendent Bernard Tan Bee Sen, 53, was sentenced to one year and two months in jail and fined $6,000 for a serious drunk driving incident in 2023 that left a motorcyclist badly injured. The court also disqualified him from holding or obtaining any class of driving licence for seven years from the date of his release. The case unfolded on 18 August 2023, when Tan, who already had a history of traffic offences including speeding and careless driving between 1999 and 2012, spent the evening drinking at a pub along Upper Paya Lebar Road. Between 7pm and 11pm, he consumed alcohol before getting behind the wheel. At around 11.50pm, Tan was driving along Bartley Road East towards Tampines Avenue 10 when he lost control of his car. The vehicle first veered left, hitting a concrete barrier, then swerved sharply right into a motorcycle. The 28-year-old female motorcyclist was flung off her bike, suffering multiple fractures, including to he...

  On August 15, 2025, property tycoon Ong Beng Seng was fined S$30,000 for abetting former Transport Minister S Iswaran in obstructing justice. Ong, 79, who is suffering from advanced multiple myeloma, avoided jail after the court granted judicial mercy due to his life-threatening health condition. The case stemmed from a December 2022 trip to Qatar, where Ong invited Mr Iswaran to travel on his private jet, stay at the Four Seasons Hotel, and return to Singapore on a Singapore GP-funded business class ticket costing S$5,700. After CPIB uncovered the trip details, Ong arranged for Singapore GP to bill Mr Iswaran, who then paid by cheque. The prosecution and defence agreed on a maximum fine, citing Ong’s severe medical issues. Without these conditions, the court noted an eight-week jail term would have been appropriate.

  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.