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Geylang Serai Ramadan market stall rentals to be capped at $15K next year

Jewel Stolarchuk
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Geylang Serai Ramadan market stall rentals to be capped at $15K next year

SINGAPORE: Following a spate of complaints over the skyrocketing cost of renting stalls at the annual Geylang Serai Raya market, the Government has introduced a cap on rental fees.

Minister of State for Home Affairs and National Development Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim said in a Facebook post on Monday (30 Oct) that the new $15,000 rental cap is to ensure that the market is affordable for both stallholders and consumers.

Assoc Prof Faishal, who also serves as lead adviser of Wisma Geylang Serai, said that setting a rental cap for stalls would allow stall owners to offer more cost-effective goods, which would benefit consumers. He also revealed that the bidding exercise for stalls at next year’s market has already begun.

Assoc Prof Faishal, who accompanied some MPs, also ran a spotlight on his Facebook page of businesses in the market that were doing well.

Some stallholders who spoke to Channel News Asia (CNA) for a report released a week before the MP’s Facebook posts recounted a different experience.

Mr Hasan, who sells kebab at his ‘Hasan Istanbul Kebab’ stall, told the news outlet that he regrets renting a stall at the market this year. Revealing that he paid a whopping $25,000 for rental, he told CNA: “We’re all losing money. (We) cannot cover costs, cannot even cover rent.”

A stallholder selling Ramly burgers nearby, who paid $20,000 for renting his stall, added: “We regret taking it this year. It was okay in previous years.”

Several stallholders told CNA reporters that there appeared to be fewer visitors this year, while the reporters noticed no queues at most stalls in the vicinity, unlike in previous years.

Their complaints came days after food guru KF Seetoh publicly criticised the Geylang Serai bazaar as “easily the world’s most expensive pasar malam stall” given the sky-high rental rates.

Health Minister Ong Ye Kung officiates largest ActiveSG gym in Bukit Canberra

Khalis Rifhan
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Health Minister Ong Ye Kung officiates largest ActiveSG gym in Bukit Canberra

SINGAPORE: Health Minister Ong Ye Kung and Sembawang GRC member of parliament Dr Lim Wee Kiak joined about 200 residents at the opening of the largest ActiveSg gym in Singapore over the weekend, Oct 29. The 1,500 square metre new gym and two dance studios marked the completion of the new ActiveSG Sports Centre at Bukit Canberra, following the opening of its four swimming pools on Oct 15.

During the opening of the AcitveSG gym at Bukit Canberra, Health Minister Ong and MP Dr Lim joined the residents in the Oxigeno® and Piloxing session. Addressing the crowd, Minister Ong and Dr Lim shared their excitement for the new ActiveSG programmes and facilities. The inclusive gym caters to varying physical abilities, and it features new HUR machines (pic below) that use air pressure in place of traditional weights. This new equipment will enable users of varying abilities to work out safely and more efficiently. 

Photo credit: SportSg

Apart from the gym, there are also two dance studios. It offers a variety of accessible and affordable learn-to-play programs such as Oxigeno®, Piloxing, Hatha Yoga and Zumba. These programmes will be available for bookings from November onwards. In support of Singapore’s move to encourage active ageing, Sport Singapore has announced that all Singaporeans aged 65 and above will continue to have free access to ActiveSG gym and swimming pools, including the newly opened facilities at Bukit Canberra.

Health Minister Ong also posted a video on social media of himself working out with residents at the largest ActiveSG gym at Bukit Canberra, with the caption, ‘Get energised at the largest ActiveSG gym in SG, here at Bukit Canberra! #makesembawangspecial #OKwithOYK’. You may view the video below. (Video credit: Facebook screengrab/ongyekung)

During the opening of the swimming pool earlier in the month, Dr Lim explained that the idea for the Bukit Canberra integrated sports and community hub was first mooted more than a decade ago. It was supposed to open a few years ago, but it was pushed back due to the pandemic.

“This has been a project in the making for at least 15 years. We started talking about this 15 years ago, we should have a swimming pool. At that point in time, the problem was Sembawang was too small. Everybody either has to either go to Woodlands or Yishun. The residents have feedback can we have a swimming pool of our own,” said Dr Lim, the MP for the Canberra division in the Sembawang GRC.

The ActiveSG Sports Centre @ Bukit Canberra comes under the Sports Facilities Master Plan, which aims to bring more innovative, accessible, inclusive and relevant sports facilities to all Singaporeans. The plan also seeks to improve accessibility to sporting facilities by situating them within a 10-minute walk from housing estates by around 2030.

Excess Pregnancy Weight Gain Increases Risk of Death in Women, NUS Study Reveals

Jewel Stolarchuk
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Excess Pregnancy Weight Gain Increases Risk of Death in Women, NUS Study Reveals

SINGAPORE: A new study by the National University of Singapore’s Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine has shed new light on the potential risks associated with excessive weight gain during pregnancy.

The study, which examined pregnancies spanning the last 50 years, revealed that women who gained excessive weight during pregnancy faced a significantly higher risk of mortality.

The research focused on the intricate relationship between pregnancy weight gain and the subsequent risk of death. Researchers found that women with normal or overweight body mass indices (BMI) who gained an excessive amount of weight during their pregnancies faced a substantial 9 to 12 per cent increased risk of death.

One of the most striking findings of the study was the impact on women who were underweight before pregnancy. These women, if they gained excessive weight during their pregnancies, were shown to be at an astonishing 84 per cent higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease.

Additionally, women with a normal pre-pregnancy weight who also gained excessive weight were 20 per cent more likely to succumb to cardiovascular issues.

The research didn’t stop at cardiovascular concerns, as it revealed that women who were already overweight prior to pregnancy and then gained a substantial amount of weight during gestation faced a 77 per cent increased risk of death from diabetes-related complications.

Healthcare providers typically closely monitor and educate pregnant women about healthy weight gain during pregnancy to mitigate the risks associated with excessive weight gain.

As the medical community continues to analyze and digest the implications of this study, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of balanced weight gain and nutrition during pregnancy. Expectant mothers are urged to consult with their healthcare providers to establish and maintain a healthy weight gain plan to ensure a safer and healthier pregnancy journey.

/TISG

The post appeared first on The Independent News.

 

Read also: 

What Mums-To-Be Should Know About Pregnancy Insurance – Singapore News 

Yet another passenger spotted putting their feet up on bus seats

Jewel Stolarchuk
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Yet another passenger spotted putting their feet up on bus seats

SINGAPORE: Yet another bus passenger is being censured online after she was spotted putting their feet up on a bus seat, days after a woman who behaved similarly was arrested for public nuisance.

On Monday, Facebook user Pathma Keerthi Bandara posted a photo of a woman seated in a bus seat, stretching her feet out onto the seats in front of her. The photo drew widespread criticism on the Complaint Singapore Facebook page, where it was posted. Some called the bus passenger a “Karen” while others said the woman did not behave appropriately.

Some others asked why the Facebook user was shaming the woman online instead of confronting her in person.

Most of the comments referred to a case that unfolded just a few days prior when a woman was arrested after a video of her poor behaviour on board a public bus went viral on TikTok. The video, uploaded by a TikToker named “bbshidah”, shows the woman having removed her shoes and placing her feet on the opposite seat. She then donned sunglasses and covered her face with a face shield.

The bus captain intervened, addressing her actions and reminding her that passengers were not allowed to put their feet on the seats. However, instead of heeding the advice, the woman raised her voice at the bus captain.

Determined to enforce the bus rules, the driver took a firmer stance and threatened to involve the police if the woman persisted in her disruptive behaviour. Undeterred, the woman placed her feet on the armrests and continued to hide her face with a face shield and sunglasses.

The video also showed that the woman occupied four seats by placing her bags and belongings on the seat opposite her.

SBS Transit has issued a statement in response to the incident, emphasizing the importance of passengers displaying courtesy and a considerate attitude when using public transportation.

A spokesman for the company said, “Our bus captains are trained to handle incidents on board and follow standard operating procedures. Whenever they become aware or receive an alert, our bus captains advise passengers to stop the behaviour immediately. If a passenger refuses to cooperate, they will contact our Operations Control Centre to report the incident and seek guidance on what to do.”

The police confirmed that a 50-year-old female passenger was arrested in relation to the case on Thursday evening (26 Oct) and that the investigation is ongoing.

Demand for year-end temp workers is strong; may achieve double-digit year-on-year growth

Jewel Stolarchuk
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0
Demand for year-end temp workers is strong; may achieve double-digit year-on-year growth

SINGAPORE: With the year-end festivities on the horizon, the local retail, catering, and tourism industries are gearing up for a battle to secure temporary employees. Recruitment agencies report that demand for seasonal workers is expected to remain robust this year, with the potential for double-digit year-on-year growth.

As businesses prepare to welcome the holiday rush, some have taken proactive measures to ensure they have the workforce to meet customer demands. One notable company needing an increased workforce for their year-end sales is the Museum of Ice Cream. A company manager told Channel 8 news, “We need more time to find employees who are a perfect fit for our museum, and we also need to ensure there is enough time to train them. We are hiring 20% more employees this year. This will simplify our workforce planning and enable us to provide our guests with better and more memorable services.”

The company is also recruiting temporary workers earlier this year than in previous years. It plans to offer wages about 10% to 15% higher than the previous year and is looking to hire approximately 100 people, mainly for administrative and operational roles. The increase in wages aims to attract top talent and maintain the quality of service during the busy holiday season.

Despite the strong demand for seasonal employees, some companies have worked on improving their work processes and have reduced their workload, slightly decreasing the number of new hires required compared to the previous year. Industry experts suggest this may be due to businesses streamlining operations and ensuring efficiency.

One catering company, for example, plans to hire 20% more waiters and kitchen assistants, offering flexible hours to ease the demand during the festive rush. This move will allow them to better cater to customers while ensuring a seamless dining experience.

Online job search platforms have reported an upsurge in recruitment activities during the previous festive period, with a remarkable tenfold year-on-year increase. This spike was largely attributed to the rapid economic rebound following the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in pent-up demand and increased consumer spending.

However, the anticipated growth rate for the upcoming festive season may not be as significant this year due to the economic slowdown affecting major sectors like manufacturing and electronics, which in turn is having a ripple effect on the job market. Additionally, inflation has slightly eroded consumers’ purchasing power, causing some recruitment firms to anticipate a more modest growth rate than the previous year.

As the year-end celebrations draw closer, local businesses remain optimistic about the demand for temporary employees. However, they are keeping a close eye on the economic landscape and its potential impact on recruitment. Regardless of the challenges posed by economic uncertainty, these companies remain committed to providing a warm and memorable holiday experience for their customers.

Local brand plans to launch new social enterprise to help people with special needs find employment

Jewel Stolarchuk
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Local brand plans to launch new social enterprise to help people with special needs find employment

SINGAPORE: In a groundbreaking move to improve employment opportunities and quality of life for individuals with special needs, Singaporean food and beverage brand Sinstant has announced plans to introduce a unique social enterprise model.

The initiative is designed to provide a platform for individuals with special needs and their families to engage in the preparation and sale of gourmet ready-to-eat food, thus addressing the ongoing challenges these individuals face in securing meaningful employment.

Sinstant, a thriving start-up with operations in both Singapore and Hong Kong, has gained recognition for producing gourmet ready-to-eat meals crafted by renowned Michelin chefs. The new programme will not only bolster their existing line-up but also contribute to the betterment of society.

Under this innovative programme, individuals with special needs will undergo training in food preparation and food hygiene courses. Once certified, they will actively participate in both the preparation and sale of ready-to-eat meals, all proudly bearing the Sinstant brand.

The choice of ready-to-eat food as the programme’s focus is attributed to its precise ingredient ratios and seasoning levels, ensuring ease of mastering and consistent food quality. Additionally, family members of those with special needs will have the opportunity to join in the sales of these meals, offering a supportive network and potential employment options.

Sinstant has devised an equitable financial model to distribute the proceeds of these food sales. The earnings will be divided evenly among Sinstant, individuals with special needs, donors, and participating charitable organizations.

This distribution model aims to prevent donation fatigue among generous contributors who may, at times, feel unrewarded for their support. By rewarding donors who choose to participate, the programme establishes a sustainable cycle of giving, encouraging ongoing support for individuals with special needs.

To bring this vision to life, the Sinstant team seeks interested donors and institutions who can provide the necessary start-up funds, equipment, and store locations. With the goal of launching the programme as early as next year, Sinstant hopes to garner community support to make this initiative a reality.

To facilitate discussions and answer questions from people with special needs, their families, and charitable organizations, Sinstant will host sharing sessions and Q&A activities at the Kam’s Roast outlet in Jewel Changi this Tuesday (Oct 31) and Wednesday (Nov 1).

The introduction of this novel social enterprise model by Sinstant signifies a significant step towards a more inclusive and supportive society, providing not only economic opportunities but also fostering a sense of fulfilment and meaning in the lives of individuals with special needs.

Man says the woman he’s dating for few weeks expects him to pay for everything, including shopping

Obbana Rajah
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Man says the woman he’s dating for few weeks expects him to pay for everything, including shopping

SINGAPORE: A man who has known a woman for only a few weeks yet ended up paying for everything wondered if it would be rude to start distancing himself from her.

In an anonymous post to popular confessions page NUSWhispers, the man wrote that since he met the woman a few weeks earlier, they had been going out frequently and spending quite a bit of time together. He wrote: “Each and every outing consists of me paying the bill for her shopping sprees, albeit inexpensive. (less than $1,000 in total). She never once offered to go dutch, and I never brought up the subject. Recently I had the chance for a sleepover at a budget hotel and nothing happened as she candidly expressed disinterest.”.

He asked netizens for advice and wanted to know if it would be rude of him to stop paying for the woman’s expenses and distance himself from her.

Netizens who commented said the man ignored all of the woman’s red flags. One wrote: “Congratz, being certified a simp for ignoring all the red flags, for she just using you as a placeholder with no commitment”.

Another netizen said: “Girls these days want mobile ATM, conti car, even your postal code makes a difference. If she reciprocate by returning you the “favour” then good for you it’s a transaction, if not, u r as good as getting scammed”.

In 2021, in a story of a winding road leading to bad decisions, a man said he lost control of himself because of his sugar baby’s seduction. In a Facebook post to anonymous confessions platform NUSWhispers, one man wrote that he was an NUS alumni who graduated 10 years ago. He added that because he earned about S$20,000 a month by working at a multinational corporation and doing a side business, he could afford a condominium and about S$1 million in savings.

He wrote that after hiring a sugar baby who was a student from NUS, he lost “control of myself in decision making” because of her seduction.

The man added that she made him transfer the ownership of his condominium, along with almost all of his savings, to her. “I was stupid enough comply with her. Furthermore, every month I continued to give her 10k allowances”, he wrote. Asking netizens for advice, he wrote that he regrets the entire process as he was left with almost nothing.

Employer wants to appeal to MOM to extend her 60-year-old helper’s Work Permit

Obbana Rajah
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0
Employer wants to appeal to MOM to extend her 60-year-old helper’s Work Permit

SINGAPORE: An employer who was very pleased with her helper took to social media asking if she could extend her helper’s Work Permit (WP) even though her maid was about to turn 60.

According to the Manpower Ministry (MOM), one can apply for a new Work Permit for a migrant domestic worker (MDW) who is

  • at least 23 years old and below the age of 50 if not a Malaysian
  • at least 23 years old and below the age of 58 if a Malaysian.

The MOM website also states that employers can renew their migrant domestic worker’s Work Permit only until she is aged 60.

In a post to a support group on social media for domestic helpers and employers alike, the woman wrote: “In December our lovely helper will turn 60 and will loose her work pass. Because of her excellent performance we are working on an appeal letter to MOM. Anyone has successful experience with renewing a WP as a 60+ MDW?”

Other helpers who experienced the same issue commented on the post. One said: “Yes! I am 60 yrs. Old as well, we recieved a letter from MOM, they told my employers that get ready to send me back home, cause I already reach the age limit as a Domestic helper here in Singapore, my employers wrote an appeal letter, that they still need me, and work with them for 12 yrs. And thanks God my.work permit renewed for another 2 yrs. but need to go for medical check up, like ECG, Xray, blood test, as long as your physically fit to work without any health issues”.

Another helper also commented: “I have a Filipino friend who’s still working here with same employer at the age of 67 employed to a local chinese family for about 35 yrs or longer… she’s indeed an inspiration to many… despite having struggles and hardships.. i salute her endurance, patience, love and dedication to her job!”

Earlier this year, a foreign domestic helper took to social media asking for advice after her employer wanted her to work for an additional two months after the expiry of her Work Permit (WP) and contract. In an anonymous post to a support group on social media for domestic helpers and employers alike, the maid explained that she signed a contract with her employer on Nov 14, 2021. Her Work Permit (WP) was approved on Nov 27, 2021. However, because her employer went on holiday for the entirety of December 2021, she only officially started work in January 2022. Because of this, “now my boss wants me to work with them until January 2024 without renewing my work permit”, the helper wrote.

New minimally invasive bunion removal surgery can lead to faster recovery and smaller scars

Jewel Stolarchuk
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New minimally invasive bunion removal surgery can lead to faster recovery and smaller scars

SINGAPORE: In the past, bunion sufferers often faced traditional, open surgery as the primary means of correcting the painful foot deformity. However, recent advancements in medical technology have brought forth a less invasive alternative that offers shorter operation times, faster recovery, and significantly smaller scars.

A handful of hospitals have said that they had performed more than 60 similar surgeries in the past six months. However, doctors can only introduce the system through a special process, as the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is still evaluating the components used in the surgery.

One of the patients who have undergone the new surgery is a 44-year-old former flight attendant who developed bunions due to the long hours she had to stand while on the job. She had the traditional surgery on her left foot last year and ended up with a 5cm scar.

This year, she chose to undergo a new procedure for her right foot and only sustained a minor scar spanning just a few millimetres. The recovery time after the surgery on her left foot took one to two months, while she recovered after the second surgery on her right foot in just a few days.

The ex-flight attendant told Channel 8 news that although minimally invasive surgery is more expensive, the short recovery time and smaller scars make it worth it.

She said: “Open surgery required a lot of assistance, and I had to have help showering and going to the toilet and eating. After the minimally invasive surgery, I was able to walk again on the third day of hospitalization.”

Apart from the obvious cosmetic benefits, this innovative procedure offers advantages in terms of recovery and the risk of infection. The smaller incision leads to quicker drying of the wound and reduces the likelihood of bacterial infections.

However, the availability of this surgery in Singapore is currently limited as the HSA continues its evaluation.

The procedure consists of two primary components: the implant and the instrument, with HSA confirming that it is currently reviewing the implant. Meanwhile, the company responsible for the procedure is expected to submit an application for device registration.

While awaiting this process, doctors can introduce the system through a special procedure, provided they exercise their professional judgment and obtain informed consent from patients before using unregistered medical devices.

Currently, minimally invasive bunion surgery is only offered at two public hospitals in Singapore: the Singapore General Hospital and the National University Hospital.

Physiotherapists suggest that one to two patients suffering from painful bunions visit them each month, with middle-aged women being the majority of cases. Typically, it takes around two months and regular weekly follow-up visits for patients’ conditions to improve. However, in cases of severe joint damage or displacement, surgery may be necessary.

Physical therapists also recommend non-surgical interventions, such as wearing appropriate shoes and using insoles to alleviate foot discomfort and improve the condition. These less invasive options are particularly important in addressing bunions before they reach a stage requiring surgery.

Is having kids out of wedlock okay in Singapore?

Mary Alavanza
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Is having kids out of wedlock okay in Singapore?

SINGAPORE: A woman posted her concerns about having kids without marriage on social media. She asked, “Would it be unwise to have kids without getting married?” She explained that her partner firmly believed that marriage only benefited women, especially in Singapore, and was against tying the knot. Despite this, both of them wanted children. She admitted that she hadn’t given marriage much thought until considering the prospect of having kids.

This sparked several questions for her: Besides the father not being able to take paternity leave and family care leave, what other downsides were there to being an unmarried mom? Did Singaporean men generally share her partner’s sentiments of avoiding marriage, even when children were in the picture? She shared that the risks of parenthood were beginning to dawn on her, especially considering how tiring it could be. She wondered if being unmarried would limit her partner’s ability to care for the kids.

She also mentioned that her partner had unusual and somewhat cynical views on relationships and marriage. Her family situation was complicated, as she had been disowned for her interracial relationship, which was also why she was living with her partner.

One Reditor, lesspylons, pointed out that having kids out of wedlock could put your family at a financial disadvantage due to the loss of housing benefits, subsidies, and inheritance rights. They compared the situation in Singapore to Nordic states, where people tend to get married eventually, even if they initially have kids before marriage.

Another user, Duepomegranate, mentioned that in many other countries, couples don’t need to get married immediately. After living together or having a kid together for some time, they’re treated as common-law married, which gives them almost all the rights and responsibilities of marriage. However, Singapore doesn’t have common-law marriage provisions.

On the other hand, Redditor Ramikade shared a story of a friend who opted for marriage but eventually got the downside. She shared that her friend dated a guy for a decade, married him, and separated in just eight months because he cheated almost immediately.

According to Gloria James-Civetta & Co, in Singapore, the Ministry of Social and Family Development encourages families to have children within marriages by offering benefits like the Baby Bonus cash gift, housing support, and tax breaks.

But what if you’re not married?

Law about having kids without marriage

Under the common law rule of legitimate status, a child’s relationship with their parents is considered legitimate only if they are born within a valid marriage. However, Singaporean law has evolved to address the rights of illegitimate children, though some differences still exist.

Unmarried parents can seek financial help from each other, and the law doesn’t distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate children when it comes to guardianship and custody. Children of unmarried parents born after September 2016 are also eligible for government support through the Child Development Account (CDA).

However, some legal distinctions remain. For example, intestate succession laws exclude illegitimate children from inheriting their parents’ estate unless specified in a valid will. The Registration of Births and Deaths Act specifies that the child’s surname shall be that of the mother if the father is not an informant of the birth. The child’s citizenship can also be affected if their relationship with one parent is not considered legitimate.

Housing benefits can be challenging for unmarried parents, and tax reliefs may not be as generous as those provided to married mothers.

To legitimize the relationship with their child, unmarried parents in Singapore have two options. They can either get married, which involves specific legal requirements, or they can adopt their own biological child, removing the label of illegitimacy.

So, would it be unwise to have kids without getting married? Having kids without marriage remains a subjective question with varying opinions, legal considerations, and personal circumstances. /TISG

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