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Scam letter using AGC letterhead asks for ‘500 million Indonesian rupiah’

Anna Maria Romero
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Scam letter using AGC letterhead asks for ‘500 million Indonesian rupiah’

SINGAPORE: The Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) issued a public advisory statement on Oct 25 (Wed) about a scam letter a member of the public received overseas that contained not only the AGC letterhead but also the signature of an alleged officer.

The AGC attached a scanned copy of the letter in the statement, with the information about the recipient and the name of the alleged officer redacted. The body of the letter stated that the recipient was being charged “500 million Indonesian rupiah for justice” (S$43,000) in connection to “suspected money laundering.”

Photo from Attorney-General’s Chambers

“This letter is a fake and was not sent by AGC,” the statement says, adding that the AGC does not request members of the public to transfer monies to third-party accounts. It also pointed out a number of typographical and grammatical errors, which the AGC calls tell-tale signs of the letter being fraudulent.

The AGC advised members of the public to stay vigilant against scams and not give out personal information to suspicious or unknown parties, including your name, identification number, passport details, contact details, bank account or credit card details.

People who receive this or any other suspicious letter claiming the AGC sent it should not communicate with the sender. They should also contact the AGC at [email protected] to verify the authenticity of letters they receive and consider filing a police report.

“If you wish to provide any information related to such scams, please call the Police hotline at 1800-255-0000, or submit it online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness,” added the AGC, which is the public prosecutor of the Republic of Singapore as well as the legal adviser to the government.

Read related: Ravi Menon’s photo used by scammers in fake ad

In the past, scammers have already misused important government officials, including Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, in their quest to perpetrate these fraudulent activities. In July, scammers used PM Lee’s image to promote cryptocurrency scams.

In April of last year, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung posted a warning after members of the public alerted him and the Health Ministry that a doctored photo of him was used to endorse what purported to be a health product.

In 2019, Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat announced that he filed a police report over his photo being used to spread fake news. DPM Heng put up on his Facebook account a sponsored post from an entity called ‘Well Vacation,’ which supposedly links to an article titled, “The Nation Says Goodbye To Finance…”. /TISG

Read also: Singaporeans Hit Hardest by Global Scams, Losing Over US$4,000 Per Victim

“This is not Central Park, hello.” — Stall owner tells customer who throws food to feed bird

Beatrice Del Rosario
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“This is not Central Park, hello.” — Stall owner tells customer who throws food to feed bird

SINGAPORE: An online user recently took to a social media group to share an incident where a customer allegedly threw food on the floor to feed a bird. The customer’s actions left the stall owner with more to clean.

An anonymous participant in the online group Complaint Singapore took a complaint public on Wednesday (Oct 25) after a customer allegedly made an “unnecessary mess.”

“I want to complain!” the stall owner wrote. “Got one uncle eating at the coffee shop with his family. He spotted a bird looking for food. And he threw some food on the floor to feed the bird. In front of my stall some more!” The stall owner expressed frustration over having to clean up after the customer, saying, “Now I have to clean up this unnecessary mess. Just why?”

The online user added, “This is not Central Park, hello?? People (here are) doing business, don’t cause UNNECESSARY mess.”

According to the post, the alleged incident occurred at Blk 722 Clementi West St 2.”

National Parks Singapore states on its website that “anyone caught feeding wildlife anywhere in Singapore can incur a maximum fine of up to $10,000.”

Though for many people, their reason for feeding wild animals is to show care for the living creatures, in one article, the NPS shares three reasons why doing so could do more harm than good. For one, feeding wild animals can contribute to unsustainable population growth.

Secondly, doing so can cause the behaviour of the wild animals to change. By feeding these animals, they may tend to leave the boundaries of their natural habitat or even become more aggressive towards humans in search of food. The latter is more likely, especially if the animals begin associating human beings with obtaining food. This causes the creatures to be more inclined to be around humans in urban zones and may be more at risk of getting hurt as the city is not always safe for them.

Third, human food may not always meet the nutritional requirements of animals. Certain foods can make animals sick.

Given these points, refraining from feeding wild animals helps keep the creatures safe.

“1 slice thin papaya $1.50. Next year $2.00” — S’poreans share concerns over GST hike

Beatrice Del Rosario
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“1 slice thin papaya $1.50. Next year $2.00” — S’poreans share concerns over GST hike

SINGAPORE: An online user has claimed to have been charged S$1.50 for a mere slice of fruit. The incident, shared on social media, brought about conversation about the state of prices in Singapore and the GST hike. Online user Nicholas Wee took to the online group Complaint Singapore on Tuesday (Oct 24) to share his shock over how much he claimed to have been charged for a slice of papaya. “Yishun, Chong Pang,” he wrote. “1 slice of thin papaya $1.50.”

Included in the post was a photo of a small slice of the bright orange tropical fruit wrapped in a plastic bag. Not only did Mr Wee point out the excessive price for the portion of fruit, but he also referenced the upcoming GST hike, set to happen in 2024. “Next year, $2.00,” he wrote.

In response to the post, a handful of Singaporeans shared the online user’s sentiments on the next GST hike, when prices are bound to go up. “After next GST hike, higher than $2.00,” said one.

Another wrote, “Soon, (it’ll be) 1 tray of eggs (for) $10, kopi O (for) $2.00, Chicken rice (for) $6, Wan Tan mee (for) $8…add on.”

A third couldn’t help but reminisce about the older days when one could buy fruit for less than one cent. “I still remember back in the day…$0.05 would get you the entire fruit and more,” the online user wrote. “Those were the days. Oh, those were the days.”
Back in 2022, the Minister for Finance announced a two-stage plan of action to raise the GST. Thus, in January 2023, the GST was raised from 7% to 8%. Come January 2024, the Goods and Services Tax is set to rise again from 8% to 9%.
A few weeks ago, Workers’ Party MP Louis Chua (Sengkang GRC) spoke in Parliament and called on the Singaporean Government to defer the scheduled GST hike, citing the “cost of living crisis which is threatening the living standards of many Singaporeans” as well as “a better-than-expected fiscal position for the Government.” Mr Chua also pointed out that there has been “yet another year of record high collections of corporate income tax, personal income tax and even GST.”

He also shared his sentiments on the matter, saying, “I find it difficult not to feel a strong sense of imbalance and injustice here.” In fact, he began his speech by sharing that the top issue residents share with the WP during house visits is the higher cost of living.

MOM mandates hourly breaks for migrant workers working in hot weather

Jewel Stolarchuk
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MOM mandates hourly breaks for migrant workers working in hot weather

SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) announced on Tuesday (Oct 24) immediate measures for the welfare of outdoor workers in the face of rising temperatures to reduce the risk of heat stress. Effective immediately, outdoor workers facing temperatures of at least 32 degrees Celsius will be mandated to take a minimum 10-minute rest break in the shade every hour.

The move is a response to concerns about outdoor workers risking heat stress from extended exposure to high temperatures. In consultation with the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) Heat Stress Expert Panel, MOM introduced a comprehensive set of measures to mitigate the risk for workers. The measures include acclimatization, hydration, rest, and shade.

New employees must gradually acclimatize to outdoor work, and all outdoor workers must hydrate at least hourly, taking regular rest breaks in shaded areas to dissipate accumulated body heat. One notable measure requires employers to monitor the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) hourly during outdoor work, particularly during the hottest parts of the day.

Certain workplaces, including construction sites with contract sums of S$5 million or more, shipyards, and the process industry, will require a WBGT meter on-site for localized measurements. Others can utilize the National Environment Agency’s myENV app to monitor WBGT readings.

When the WBGT reaches 32 degrees Celsius or higher, a mandatory 10-minute rest break under shade must be provided for workers involved in strenuous physical activities. For workers with pre-existing health conditions, the rest duration may need to be extended as advised by their doctors.

Workplaces are also encouraged to implement a buddy system for early recognition of heat injury symptoms and prompt interventions.

Other supporting measures include rescheduling outdoor work, ventilating workplaces, providing appropriate clothing, closely monitoring worker health conditions, establishing emergency response plans, and monitoring WBGT.

MOM said it will conduct inspections to ensure that these measures are effectively implemented, and employers will be legally obligated to adhere to them under the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Act.

While these measures aim to protect workers, there are concerns among some employers about potential disruptions to work processes. The Workplace Safety and Health Council advises firms to collaborate with relevant authorities to minimize the impact on businesses while ensuring worker safety.

After dating a woman for 3 months, man says he’s not looking to get married

Obbana Rajah
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After dating a woman for 3 months, man says he’s not looking to get married

SINGAPORE: A 29-year-old woman took to social media after the man she was dating for three months said that he was not as serious as she was about the relationship.

In an anonymous post to popular confessions page NUSWhispers, the woman said they had met on a dating app and had been going out for the past three months. She added that they had been on about 15 or 16 dates in total. She also said that they had not been in relationships before. “He’s a chivalrous man and I really do like him. He even remembers everything that I have mentioned before (i.e. what I like/dislike, what I’d like to do and etc) and plans all the dates accordingly. He did mention that he kinda likes me and would like to continue going out with me after our 3rd or 4th date, which I agreed”, the woman wrote. She added that during their most recent date the man said that while he liked her, he was not prepared to commit himself because she was looking for a serious relationship that would eventually lead to marriage.

“He says that’s he’s also looking for something serious but not until that extent (marriage) yet. I really do like him, but I’m not sure if it’s a good idea to remain as friends (with the hope that he will change his mind?) Because I’m afraid I’ll fall harder for him the more time we spend together”, the woman wrote, asking netizens for advice.

One netizen commented: “He is looking for a “serious but not so serious until marriage” type of relationship. That’s telling you he has other options, not just you. Remaining as friends with him (in the hope that he might change his mind down the road) will be a painful lesson only for you, if he finds another option and then exits your life without a word. And you’ll be left hanging. So advice is: you should try to disconnect with him asap”.

Another also commented: “He has categorised you as ‘good for fun only, not for marriage’. Sorry babe that’s the hard truth. Now the ball is in your court, you can either provide the free fun he’s looking for (zero chance to change his mind), or walk away to show him you are worth more. Your choice.”

Earlier this year, a man took to social media asking others for suggestions on how to get rid of his sister’s jerk boyfriend. In an anonymous post to popular confessions page SGWhispers, the man said that his 22-year-old sister was dating a guy who was “26, an old repeat student and jobless”.

“Before my sister starts her job in another country, he proposed to her with a measly tiny diamond ring. The diamond is so small I think it’s not even 0.2 carat”, the man said. He shared that he told his sister not to accept the proposal and to start her job without him. He wrote that he often saw his sister crying while on the phone, so he knew the couple had frequent fights.

SGD-MYR exchange rate reaches new high of RM3.50

Jewel Stolarchuk
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SGD-MYR exchange rate reaches new high of RM3.50

SINGAPORE: The Singapore dollar exchange rate against the Malaysian ringgit reached a significant milestone on Tuesday (Oct 24) as it surged to break the MYR3.50 mark. According to data from Bloomberg, the Singapore dollar began the trading day at 3.5073 against the ringgit, a notable increase from the previous day’s close of 3.4910. The intraday peak was even higher, reaching 3.5083.

As the trading day progressed, by 5:30pm, the Singapore dollar settled at 3.5028 against the ringgit. Earlier in the day, the ringgit dipped below the 3.50 threshold. Analysts in Malaysia interviewed by Bernama have suggested that the ringgit’s current state is partially influenced by being oversold from a technical perspective. This, combined with rising international oil prices, could drive up demand for the Malaysian currency.

In the broader financial context, when paired with the US dollar, the Malaysian ringgit is at a 25-year low, fluctuating between 4.7900 and 4.7975 in recent trading sessions. These movements have attracted the attention of traders and investors, creating new trading opportunities in the market.

A spokesperson for Bank Negara Malaysia, quoted by Bloomberg, emphasized that the ringgit’s recent trajectory appears to be more influenced by global events and international factors rather than reflecting the fundamental strength of the Malaysian economy.

Local businesses and currency exchange providers in Singapore have also noticed the impact of this exchange rate trend.

Haja, a partner at HRBS, a currency exchange company in Clementi, reported that they’ve been exchanging ringgit at a rate of 3.47 to 3.48, with a noticeable uptick in customers seeking to exchange their currencies.

He attributed this trend to the robust Singapore dollar and the anticipation of the upcoming Deepavali long weekend and year-end school holidays, which have likely bolstered buying sentiment among consumers.

Chinese Embassy reminds Chinese nationals in SG to avoid using non-bank institutions to remit money

Jewel Stolarchuk
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Chinese Embassy reminds Chinese nationals in SG to avoid using non-bank institutions to remit money

SINGAPORE: The Chinese Embassy in Singapore has advised Chinese nationals working in the city-state to use formal channels, such as Singapore banks, to remit money home. This follows a series of incidents where Chinese nationals had their remittances frozen.

The embassy sent out the advisory through its official WeChat public account on Tuesday (Oct 24), expressing concern over reports from Chinese nationals falling victim to remittance issues after using remittance companies in Chinatown. In these cases, a portion or the entirety of the remitted funds had been frozen domestically.

The embassy acknowledges that the remittance companies in question hold legal qualifications for remittances in Singapore. However, it revealed that, in practice, these entities guide remitters to sign disclaimers or provide written reminders that exempt them from the risks associated with potential fund freezing. This has left remitters in a precarious position, unable to produce evidence or file complaints if their funds are frozen.

The Chinese Embassy in Singapore is, therefore, advising its nationals working in the city-state to resort to formal channels, such as banks, for remitting money. The embassy stressed the importance of refraining from seeking “high exchange rates” through unofficial, non-bank channels to protect themselves from financial harm and deception.

In the event of remittances being frozen, the embassy recommends that remitters diligently collect all remittance receipts and any other pertinent evidence and file a complaint with the Monetary Authority of Singapore against the remittance company believed to have violated the rules.

In cases where money laundering or fraud is suspected, individuals are also encouraged to report such incidents to the Singapore police.

Furthermore, the embassy announced that Chinese banks, notably the Bank of China’s Singapore Branch, have enhanced their RMB pre-settlement services. These improvements enable customers to enjoy free online remittance services through mobile banking 24 hours daily. This ensures that the payee receives the full amount of funds at the exchange rate of the day.

SG’s 3rd battery recycling facility officially opens

Jewel Stolarchuk
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SG’s 3rd battery recycling facility officially opens

SINGAPORE: Singapore’s commitment to sustainable waste management has reached a new milestone with the official opening of its third battery recycling facility. This state-of-the-art facility, located at Tuas South Lane, can process approximately 2,600 tons of batteries annually, contributing to a more than 30% increase in local recycling capacity.

This facility stands out because it is the first vertically built recycling facility in Singapore. Its design optimises space and streamlines the process of recycling old batteries. The facility’s operations involve crushing and breaking down used batteries to extract valuable metal elements, which are then transformed into new batteries.

The Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and Environment, Dr Koh Poh Koon, said on Tuesday (Oct 24) that this initiative not only boosts local recycling capabilities but also enhances the resilience of the e-waste recycling industry in Singapore.

Dr Koh also emphasized the potential for research collaboration and innovation, particularly in managing electric vehicle battery waste. He said, “First, it enhances local recycling capabilities. Second, it increases the resilience of our e-waste recycling industry.”

With the addition of this new facility, the total volume of batteries recycled in Singapore will significantly increase.

The three battery recycling facilities will be able to recycle a remarkable 11,000 tons of batteries annually.

Opening the third battery recycling facility is a crucial step towards ensuring a cleaner and more sustainable environment, reducing the environmental impact of discarded batteries, and promoting innovation in recycling practices.

SEA’s largest hydroponic glass greenhouse opens in SG, expected to supply 4 tons fresh vegetables daily

Jewel Stolarchuk
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SEA’s largest hydroponic glass greenhouse opens in SG, expected to supply 4 tons fresh vegetables daily

SINGAPORE: Southeast Asia’s largest hydroponic glass greenhouse has opened in Singapore and is set to revolutionize how we grow and consume fresh vegetables. The Green Harvest greenhouse, spanning an impressive 150,000 square feet, is the result of a collaboration between Kok Fah Technology Farm and Teambuild Group.

Green Harvest is poised to make an enduring impact on local agriculture with its state-of-the-art facilities and fully automated technology. Notably, the greenhouse employs innovative methods to maximize crop growth and minimize resource consumption.

One of the most striking advancements is the utilization of ultraviolet light irradiation, enabling vegetables to undergo photosynthesis at night. This technique shortens the planting-to-harvest time to a mere 28 days, a significant reduction compared to traditional farming methods.

A spokesperson for Green Harvest commented on the impact of this technology, pointing out that it has resulted in a remarkable decrease in required manpower. Traditionally, a farm of this size would demand approximately 80 employees, but thanks to automation, the workforce has been reduced to only 20 to 25 individuals.

Moreover, Green Harvest has put sustainability at the forefront of its operations. Implementing a closed-loop system that recycles water can reduce water consumption by a staggering 95%. Additionally, the greenhouse’s vertical farming approach allows for efficient land use, occupying three to five times less space than traditional farms.

The crops cultivated at Green Harvest encompass various vegetables, including local favourites such as milkweed and bak choy and some commonly used in Western cuisine. These fresh, high-quality vegetables will cater to local households, hotels, and restaurants in the region, enhancing the availability of locally-grown produce.

Furthermore, Green Harvest plays a significant role in the nation’s efforts to provide for the population’s nutritional needs. The ambitious goal of achieving 30% of the nutritional requirements for the people by 2030 is now within reach, thanks to the greenhouse’s advanced techniques and increased output.

27yo becomes 1st SG female to complete SAF commando course

Jewel Stolarchuk
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27yo becomes 1st SG female to complete SAF commando course

SINGAPORE: In a groundbreaking achievement, Captain Yap Hui Jun has shattered barriers and made history by becoming the first woman to complete the gruelling Singapore Armed Forces’ Ranger course. The 27-year-old accomplished this remarkable feat last week, following a 65-day journey that tested her physical and mental limits.

The Ranger course is renowned as one of the toughest military training programmes in the Singapore Armed Forces, designed to hone the operational leadership qualities of a small unit and develop the physical and mental attributes of soldiers capable of leading detachments in combat. Captain Yap’s triumph in this course has demonstrated her exceptional dedication and opened doors for women in the Singaporean military.

Captain Yap’s journey into the military began at 19, driven by her passion for training and desire to lead a life dedicated to service. She told the press, “My wish has always been to wear a green uniform and contribute to society.”

This was not Captain Yap’s first attempt at the Ranger course. She revealed that she had undertaken the challenge last year but could not complete it. Undeterred, she decided to give it another try this year, armed with an optimistic attitude from her previous experience.

The Ranger course, established at the Pasir Ris Military Camp in 1978, is typically a compulsory programme for Singapore commandos, although regular troops from other forces are permitted to participate, albeit with limited seats. Before entering the course, candidates must undergo a rigorous three-week preparatory fitness conditioning programme to meet stringent physical fitness requirements.

The course is conducted in three stages: technical training, sea and air combat skills, and other physical requirements, all aimed at pushing the trainees to maximize their physical fitness and leadership skills. Notably, failure at any stage doesn’t mark the end of one’s journey; soldiers can make another attempt, provided they complete a gruelling 20-kilometre combat march within four hours.

The first two stages of the Ranger course are held locally, while the third stage takes place at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Australia, adding an international dimension to the training. This course’s successful completion signifies a remarkable achievement for any soldier, and Captain Yap’s milestone as the first woman to conquer it stands as a testament to her extraordinary dedication and resilience.

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