Trending News

9 develop skin blisters from unregistered medicines in Geylang

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) of Singapore has issued a stern warning regarding the unauthorized use of modafinil and armodafinil after nine individuals were hospitalized with severe skin reactions over the past year. These patients, aged 18 to 57, had acquired the drugs from street vendors or friends, seeking to enhance alertness without medical guidance. Of the nine cases, six developed Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), while three suffered from toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), a more severe condition. Fortunately, all individuals are recovering, with no fatalities reported. HSA emphasized the potential health risks associated with these unregistered drugs, which can cause serious skin reactions, heart issues, and psychiatric disorders. The authority reminded the public that purchasing these drugs from illegal sources is punishable by fines or imprisonment and urged consumers to seek proper medical advice for conditions related to excessive sleepiness. sources

Published:
Mar 10 2025, 5 pm SGT

S'porean Malone Lam: Alleged crypto thief with lavish spending

Malone Lam, a 20-year-old Singaporean, was arrested by the FBI on September 18, 2024, for allegedly conspiring to steal and launder over $230 million in bitcoin, equivalent to about 4,100 bitcoins. His extravagant lifestyle reportedly included spending between $400,000 and $500,000 a night at Los Angeles nightclubs, where he indulged in luxury items such as designer bags, cars, and high-end liquor. Prosecutors highlighted his collection of 31 luxury vehicles, including custom Lamborghinis and Ferraris. As of October, more than $100 million from the heist remains unaccounted for. Lam's trial is scheduled for October 6, 2025, following his court appearance on March 7. Alongside him was Jeandiel Serrano, 21, from Los Angeles, who was also implicated in the lavish spending, which has attracted significant media attention and social media scrutiny. sources

Published:
Mar 10 2025, 4 pm SGT

Enforcement vital for toilet cleanliness; grants encourage improvement: Fu

The Singapore government is offering S$10 million in grants to coffeeshop operators to enhance toilet cleanliness, as announced by Minister for Sustainability & the Environment, Grace Fu. The initiative aims to encourage better toilet designs and regular deep cleaning practices. Fu emphasized the importance of enforcement in maintaining cleanliness standards, highlighting penalties for non-compliance. Under the Environmental Public Health Regulations, coffeeshop operators can face fines of up to S$2,000 for toilet-related offences, with additional penalties under the Points Demerit System that could lead to licence suspension. In 2024 alone, the Singapore Food Agency conducted 960 enforcement actions against 500 operators, resulting in 11 suspensions. Although coffeeshop toilets are privately operated, they serve as a vital community resource for various users, including seniors and delivery personnel. Fu urged the public to also take responsibility for maintaining cleanliness in these facilities. sources

Published:
Mar 10 2025, 4 pm SGT

24 sports facilities planned for Singapore; 6 under construction

Singapore is set to enhance its public sports infrastructure with the construction of 24 Sport-in-Precinct (SIP) facilities aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle among residents. Currently, six SIP facilities are under construction in areas including Keat Hong and Tampines North, while additional facilities are planned for Bedok, Ang Mo Kio, and Queenstown by 2025. The Punggol Regional Sport Centre, expected to open in 2026, will feature extensive amenities including a 5,000-seater stadium and various sports complexes. The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) has also emphasized inclusivity, launching a refreshed Disability Sports Master Plan to increase participation among individuals with disabilities to 70% by 2030. This includes the establishment of five Para Sports Community Hubs and the upcoming Enabling Sports Fund, which aims to raise S$5 million to support community-led disability sports initiatives. MCCY's vision is to ensure affordable sports facilities are within a 10-minute walk for most Singaporeans by 2030. sources

Published:
Mar 10 2025, 4 pm SGT

New program aids 'exemplary' heritage businesses over 30 years old

The National Heritage Board (NHB) has launched the SG Heritage Business Scheme, aimed at recognizing and supporting heritage businesses in Singapore that hold historical and cultural significance. Announced by Senior Minister of State for the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, Low Yen Ling, during the Committee of Supply debates on March 10, the scheme will be piloted in key conservation areas such as Chinatown, Kampong Gelam, and Little India. To qualify, businesses must be local, operational for at least 30 years, and demonstrate community importance. Participants will receive support in branding, marketing, and consultancy to help sustain their operations. This initiative is part of NHB’s broader Our SG Heritage Plan 2.0, which seeks to preserve Singapore’s cultural identity and enhance the heritage ecosystem. The public is encouraged to nominate businesses for recognition, fostering greater appreciation and patronage of local heritage enterprises. sources

Published:
Mar 10 2025, 3 pm SGT

50-Year-Old Man Allegedly Assaults and Robs 33-Year-Old at Raffles Place

A 50-year-old man is set to be charged with robbery with hurt following an incident on March 9, 2025, in which he allegedly assaulted a 33-year-old victim along Robinson Road and stole a bag containing S$300. The Singapore Police Force reported that the victim suffered minor injuries during the attack. Police were alerted around 12:35 PM and, utilizing images from police cameras and CCTV, identified and arrested the suspect within eight hours. Officers recovered S$172 in cash and the stolen bag. The accused will face court on March 11, with the robbery charge potentially leading to a prison sentence of five to 20 years and caning of at least 12 strokes. The police reiterated their commitment to tackling such crimes and advised the public to remain calm and report any similar incidents promptly. sources

Published:
Mar 10 2025, 2 pm SGT

Singapore fast-tracking Indonesia's extradition request for corrupt businessman

Indonesia has formally requested the extradition of Paulus Tannos, a key figure in a corruption scandal linked to the country's electronic identity card project, from Singapore. This marks the first extradition request under a treaty that came into effect on March 22, 2024. Tannos, who has been on Indonesia's fugitive list since October 2021, is accused of involvement in a scheme that resulted in losses of approximately RP 2.3 trillion (around S$187 million). Following Indonesia's request on December 19, 2024, Singapore's Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau secured an arrest warrant on January 17, 2025. Tannos, who claims to hold diplomatic immunity via a passport from Guinea-Bissau, is contesting the extradition, which could prolong the legal process. Singapore's Minister for Law, K. Shanmugam, emphasized the government's commitment to facilitating the extradition in accordance with legal protocols. sources

Published:
Mar 10 2025, 2 pm SGT

Singapore Sports School to merge with two sports organizations

The Singapore government has announced plans to merge the Singapore Sports School, Singapore Sport Institute (SSI), and National Youth Sports Institute (NYSI) into a single entity to enhance support for athletes. This consolidation, revealed during the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY)'s Committee of Supply debates on March 10, 2025, aims to create a more integrated framework for athlete development. While the sports school will retain its identity, SSI and NYSI will first merge on April 1, 2025, before integrating with the sports school at a later date. This initiative is part of the Kallang Alive Masterplan, which includes relocating the sports school to Kallang and establishing a national training centre. The government also plans to bolster support for athletes' careers and post-retirement needs, with further details on the new sports entity expected soon. sources

Published:
Mar 10 2025, 2 pm SGT

Govt plans new design museum in former Art Museum site

The former Saint Joseph's Institution (SJI) building on Bras Basah Road, which has been vacant since 2019 for a S$90 million renovation, is under consideration to become the Singapore Design Museum. Announced during the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth's (MCCY) Committee of Supply debates on March 10, Minister Edwin Tong emphasized the importance of design in Singapore's cultural landscape and its potential to enhance public appreciation and learning. The National Heritage Board (NHB) is currently conducting a feasibility study on repurposing the historic site, which was previously the Singapore Art Museum (SAM). The new museum aims to showcase innovative creations from local designers and is expected to attract both local and international visitors. The government plans to share further details following the completion of the feasibility study. sources

Published:
Mar 10 2025, 2 pm SGT

Holland & Barrett abruptly closes all 12 Singapore stores

The sudden closure of all 12 Holland and Barrett stores in Singapore has left both customers and employees shocked, with the announcement made via Instagram on March 10, 2025. Reports indicate that the British health and wellness chain, which offers a range of vitamins and dietary products, had been closing stores since March 6, with employees expressing feelings of unpreparedness and distress. A statutory declaration from MA Supplements, the brand's local operator, cited its inability to continue business due to liabilities as of March 4. Meanwhile, disgruntled members of the store's loyalty program have voiced concerns over losing unspent vouchers after recently renewing their memberships, with one member accusing the company of failing to halt new sign-ups despite knowledge of impending closures. The situation has been described by employees as a "nightmare," highlighting the abruptness of the decision and its impact on the community. sources

Published:
Mar 10 2025, 1 pm SGT

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