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HDB: Q3 resale prices up 1.2%, private property up 0.5%

Staff Writer
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SINGAPORE: Both private property and HDB resale flat prices edged up slightly in the third quarter of 2023, according to the flash estimates published on Monday (October 2). 

Housing and Development Board (HDB) flash estimates showed that the resale prices of public housing flats rose by 1.2 per cent in the third quarter after a 1.5 per cent increase in the second quarter. This is the 14th straight quarterly increase in the HDB Resale Price Index.

The HDB said 6,592 resale flats changed hands in the third quarter, up from 6,514 HDB flats in the second quarter but fewer than the 7,546 units sold in the third quarter of 2022.

HDB prices
HDB prices (from PropNex press release)

Real estate portal PropNex said in a press release:

The HDB resale flat price rise in the third quarter of 2023 was largely due to four-room units. Their average price increased by 1.8 per cent from S$579,740 to over S$590,450.  The average price of five-room flats crept up 0.6 per cent, while that of executive flats rose by 1.3 per cent.

At least 127 flats were sold for at least S$1 million in the third quarter, setting a new record. Million-dollar prices were fetched by 30 four-room flats, 54 five-room flats and 43 executive flats.

More than 20,000 HDBs are estimated to have been sold on the resale market since January 2023.

Private property prices

The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) flash estimates indicated that overall private home prices increased by 0.5 per cent in the third quarter after a 0.2 per cent dip in the second quarter. 

The third quarter rally was led by the non-landed private homes segment, while landed property prices declined by 4.9 per cent. This is the first quarterly decline in landed home prices in nine quarters since a 0.3 per cent drop in the second quarter of 2021. 

Top selling condos
Top selling condos (from PropNex press release)

Non-landed private home prices rose by 2.1 per cent after a 0.6 per cent drop in the second quarter.  While non-landed home prices fell by 2.6 per cent in the Core Central Region, prices rose in the Rest of the Central Region (RCR) and Outside the Central Region (OCR). 

URA said 4,569 private homes had been sold in the third quarter.

Foreigners accounted for 2.1 per cent and permanent residents 11.6 per cent of the non-landed new private home sales. The rest were Singaporeans, according to PropNex.

 

Diner’s question: “$1 for small glass of water? What’s next?”

Anna Maria Romero
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Diner’s question: “$1 for small glass of water? What’s next?”

SINGAPORE: A woman took to social media after being charged S$2 for two “small” glasses of water at a vegetarian restaurant on Dalhousie Road.

Ms Deeva Jennifer wrote on the COMPLAINT SINGAPORE Facebook page on Sunday (Oct 1), “$2 for plain water?  Understandable that prices of many items have gone up but $1 for a small glass of plain water? What’s next??”

She added a photo of a receipt from the restaurant. Adyar Ananda Bhavan (also known as AAB or A2B) is an international vegetarian chain that started as a sweet shop in India over thirty years ago and now has outlets in the United States, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, Canada, Kenya and the United Kingdom. Ms Deeva highlighted an entry on the receipt showing two orders of ice water for S$1 each.

 

The Independent Singapore has reached out to Ms Deeva Jennifer and A2B Vegetarian Restaurant for updates and comments.

Commenters on Ms Deeva’s post told her that this is not the only eatery that charges for water. “Jack’s place also charging 70 cents a small cup of ice water…. Blame it on the 8%GST…,” wrote one.

“Cut throat! Coffee shop charge 60¢, Restaurants perhaps $1 is hefty enough!,” another chimed in.

Earlier this year, another woman took to social media after being charged “a whopping $1.40 for ice water”.

The netizen, who goes by the name Kong MaLa on Facebook, wrote on the COMPLAINT SINGAPORE page that she had paid $2 and was surprised how little her change was.

“Before covid 19 most places charge from $0.30 to $0.40 to $0.50. After covid 19 bought ice kosong today. Give $2, change $0.60. That’s a whopping $1.40 for ice water and it’s more more expensive then buying mineral water, coffee or tea. At Amoy Street hawker centre #01-67 at 1.30 pm.”

Over the years, more and more food and beverage establishments have begun charging for hot, plain, cold, or iced water.

Last December, another netizen took to social media after being charged 50 cents for a cup of hot water.

Mr Richard Goh, who was charged 50 cents for a glass of water, wrote on the COMPLAINT SINGAPORE Facebook page on Dec 13, 2023: “Kimly coffee shop Blk 237 Serangoon Avenue 3, #01-130, S’Pore 550237. Just plain water cost $0.50 cents. Your say ………expensive or not ?”

Responding to the post, the Serangoon coffee shop owner Mr Zhang explained:

“Prices have increased by a lot recently. Everybody knows that water and electricity bills are rising, and employees also need to be paid for their work, such as boiling water and washing cups.” /TISG

US tourist asks if it’s socially acceptable to drink water in public in Singapore

Faith Kipyegon Lags Behind Welteji. Suffers First Loss

Yoko Nicole
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Faith Kipyegon Lags Behind Welteji. Suffers First Loss

In her final tune-up for the season, Faith Kipyegon claimed bronze in the women’s mile event at the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Riga on October 1, losing out to Ethiopia’s Diribe Welteji and Freweyni Hailu by a whisker in the final moments of the race.

Welteji won the race in 4:20.98, breaking Nikki Hiltz’s April record of 4:27.97 in Des Moines and setting a new world mile record in Riga.

Hailu finished second in 4:23.06, while Kipyegon finished third in 4:24.13.

Kipyegon lags behind Ethiopian runners

Using her “go out to the front” and “get faster” strategy, the Kenyan runner got off to a great start in the race, leading the pack.

However, Ethiopia’s Welteji rose up to the challenge, picked up her pace, and, in no time, strode along Kipyegon in the road race. The two left behind their competitors, with only Hailu trailing closely behind in the final moments of the race. Kipyegon attempted to overtake Welteji at one point, but Welteji proved to be a formidable foe as she kept up with her and picked up the pace once they crossed the central landmark, edging out Kipyegon and finally breaking the tape at the finish line.

And Hailu, who was still following closely, caught up to Kipyegon in the final meters of the race and passed her to win the silver medal in the competition.

Kipyegon closes off her doors in ‘23

Despite her third place finish, Kipyegon was still glad that she had accomplished her first road race.

“It feels good to be part of these first World Road Running Championships, so I am glad I did it. This was my first road race, so I did well,”, Kipyegon said to World Athletics.

Finally, a few hours after the competition ended, Kipyegon bid her fans farewell as she closed her doors in 2023, finishing her season with a slew of awards to her name. Kipyegon dedicated two posts to her fans on her X, thanking everyone who supported her this year.

“After an incredible year with 3 World Records and 2 World titles on the track, I’m proud to finish the season with another World Championships medal in my first road race ever.

2023, you were amazing, and now… holiday and family time 🇰🇪

See you all in 2024.🙏”

After an incredible year with 3 World Records and 2 World titles on the track, I’m proud to finish the season with another World Championships medal in my first road race ever.

2023, you were amazing, and now… holiday and family time 🇰🇪

See you all in 2024.🙏 pic.twitter.com/w7S86o6tJl

— Faith Kipyegon (@Kipyegon_Faith) October 1, 2023

“To all my fans, thanks a lot for your overwhelming support and sentiments of encouragement. I am really humbled🙏

Every race presents a learning curve, this first road race has offered me an opportunity to calibrate and fine tune for the next season. 🇰🇪♥️”

To all my fans, thanks a lot for your overwhelming support and sentiments of encouragement. I am really humbled🙏

Every race presents a learning curve, this first road race has offered me an opportunity to calibrate and fine tune for the next season. 🇰🇪♥️ pic.twitter.com/SXbEZtuOek

— Faith Kipyegon (@Kipyegon_Faith) October 1, 2023

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DeRozan: “I’m Always For It” As He Looks Ahead To 2024 Paris

Nidhi Arora
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DeRozan: “I’m Always For It” As He Looks Ahead To 2024 Paris

The conversation veered deeper than DeMar DeRozan’s 3-point shooting stance when he rejected the notion. He discussed whether it was time to rebuild after the Chicago Bulls’ problems in the NBA Play-in Tournament last season as a result of inconsistent play and health issues in a calm yet determined tone, which concerned some Bulls supporters. In the midst of this discussion, DeRozan stayed unwavering, rejecting the idea of cutting losses and arguing for sustained development.

DeMar DeRozan recently delved into a variety of fascinating topics, shedding light on the exciting season-long trajectory of the Chicago Bulls, providing a glimpse into his enduring dedication to the team, and expressing a keen interest in showcasing his prowess at the eagerly awaited 2024 Paris Olympics.

Beyond the court, he made appealing allusions to his planned endeavors, such as the alluring “Dinners with DeMar” series and an intriguing book project. DeRozan tells a story of aspiration and dedication to both his trade and wider perspectives with words that dance in an elegant yet approachable way.

DeRozan Interview

1. How have you been handling the offseason?

De Rozan said; “Pretty much working out and being a full-time dad more than anything. I’m working out and hanging out with my kids as much as I can. It’s nothing too crazy.” in an article from sportskeeda.com shared.

2. How did your training and recovery go?

“On the court, that’s the natural part of it. That’s second nature. No matter what you do, it’s all muscle memory. After this much time, it’s not hard to catch on to anything basketball-wise.” an article from sportskeeda.com shared.

3. Aside from health, what else do you believe needs to be fixed?

“It’s just being more in tune offensively and defensively than we were last season. We had a lot of great moments. But we didn’t sustain those great moments. Once we understand the sustainability with what it takes to win.” an article from sportskeeda.com shared.

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Travis Kelce Talks About Taylor Swift Attending The Chiefs Game

Yoko Nicole
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Travis Kelce Talks About Taylor Swift Attending The Chiefs Game

Since Taylor Swift attended a Kansas City Chiefs football game on September 25, Swifties have since been prying for any information about what the real score was between her and NFL tight end Travis Kelce.

Soon after Swift was sighted at the game, videos and pictures of her cheering for Travis went viral on TikTok. In one of the videos, the pop star even did a chest bump with one of her companions and shouted “Let’s f*****g go!” when Travis scored a touchdown during the third quarter.

In the 55th episode of New Heights entitled “Eagles Stay Unbeaten, Travis’ “Biggest Catch” and New Football Eras”, Travis Kelce talked about his rumored beau, Taylor Swift, and the Chiefs game.

The official X account of NFL posted a snippet of the episode and captioned it as: ATTENTION SWIFTIES: @tkelce recapped @taylorswift13’s day at the @Chiefsgame

“And then we just slid off in the Getaway Car.” 😏 (via @newheightshow)

Comments on Kelce

ATTENTION SWIFTIES: @tkelce recapped @taylorswift13‘s day at the @Chiefs game

“And then we just slid off in the Getaway Car.” 😏 (via @newheightshow) pic.twitter.com/0YmDPe9Cyy

— NFL (@NFL) September 27, 2023

In the short clip, Jason asks his brother Travis about the singer.

“Well, Trav, how’s it feel that Taylor Swift has finally put you on the map?”, Jason asked.

“I just thought it was awesome how everybody in the suite head [said] nothing but great things to say about her—you know, the friends and family. She looked amazing. Everybody was talking about her in great light, and on top of that, the day went perfect for Chiefs fans. Of course, we script it all, ladies and gentlemen.”, Travis said.

Kelce also went on to comment that the game became a memorable one for him because of Taylor’s attendance and enthusiasm towards the game.

“But to see the slow motion chest bumps, to see the high fives with mom, to see how you know the kingdom was all excited that she was there, that s*** was absolutely hysterical. It was definitely a game I’ll remember, that’s for damn sure,” Travis added.

After the match, the two were seen leaving Arrowhead Stadium together and getting into a convertible car.

“And then we just slid off in the getaway car at the end,” Travis said, alluding to one of Swift’s hit songs ‘Getaway Car’ from the Reputation album.

Kelce also shared his reaction to Coach Andy Reid joking in a post-game conference that he set him up with Taylor.

“And then you got Coach Reid tellin’ everybody he’s cupid. He’s been manifesting this the whole time. He’s the one that set us up,” Travis said. “I know that he had met the Swift family before so I don’t know he could’ve been in the background the whole time.”

Finally, Travis thanked Taylor for attending the Chiefs game.

“Shoutout to Taylor for coming through and seeing me rock the stage.”

With Travis’ new revelation, the fans flocked to the comment section of New Height’s post to express their support.

“THANK YOU FOR RESPECTING HER PRIVACY AND BEING SO SWEET AT THE SAME TIME WE APPROVE DAD- @thegretwar

THANK YOU FOR RESPECTING HER PRIVACY AND BEING SO SWEET AT THE SAME TIME WE APPROVE DAD pic.twitter.com/EDD00jbPb2

— kath eras tour 19/11 (@thegretwar) September 27, 2023

“Oh, our boy is SMITTEN and we can’t blame him. Thank you for respecting her privacy.-@I_Me_Mine_J

Oh, our boy is SMITTEN and we can’t blame him. Thank you for respecting her privacy.

— JLV_OB (@I_Me_Mine_J) September 27, 2023

We Swifties wanna know 👀🤔 but we are also so happy that she is happy and that’s the most important thing. She deserves it. If you’re The One……. Take care of her. 🙏🏻♥️😎👏🏻-@Rachel_Thomps

We Swifties wanna know 👀🤔 but we are also so happy that she is happy and that’s the most important thing. She deserves it. If you’re The One……. Take care of her. 🙏🏻♥️😎👏🏻

— Rachel Thompson (@Rachel_Thomps) September 27, 2023

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Kwon Soon-Woo Apologizes For Post Match Behavior

Yoko Nicole
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Kwon Soon-Woo Apologizes For Post Match Behavior

A day after Kwon Soon-Woo went viral online for his infamous ‘tennis racket-smashing incident’ at the Hangzhou Asian Games, the KoreanSports and Olympic Committee (KSOC) issued an official apology for their athlete’s unruly behavior.

“We will take an appropriate action on the matter after a comprehensive review following the end of the tournament,” KSOC said in a statement on September 26. “We once again deeply apologize to our people who were disappointed by this incident.”

On the same day, Kwon Soon-Woo also posted a handwritten apology letter for his post-match behavior on his Instagram.

Kwon and the apology

Translated by Koreaboo:

Hello, this is Kwon Soon Woo.

I did something shameful as a National Team athlete after the loss to Samrej Kasidit in the second round of the Asian Games.

I apologize to everyone rooting for the National Team and those in the audience. I’m sorry.

I apologize again to , whom I offended with my actions.

I sincerely regret and am reflecting on my actions after the match. I will be more wary of the responsibilities as an athlete playing for the Korean flag and will be more careful in the future.

I apologize again to all those who love sports.

Kwon, who currently ranks 112th, lost a tennis match against Thailand’s Kasidit Samrej, who is ranked 636. Kwon slammed his racket repeatedly on the court after the match, utterly destroying it out of frustration. Samrej attempted to shake Kwon’s hand, but Kwon ignored him and walked out of the court without pausing to acknowledge anyone.

Caught on camera and quickly shared on social media, Kwon was reprimanded by netizens for his rude and “unsportsmanlike” attitude towards his opponent. His girlfriend, Yubin, a former member of the Wonder Girls, also got flooded with hate comments on her Instagram for her boyfriend’s actions, with some expressing their worries and asking her to end her relationship with Kwon.

Not only did Kwon not win a medal in the competition, but it also ended his chances of being exempted from military service. And many fans thought that this was the main cause of Kwon’s outburst on the court.

Regardless of the reason, Kwon is now facing the consequences of his unruly behavior at the Asian Games.

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Zhang And Rikako, Share A Touching Moment During The Asiad

Yoko Nicole
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Zhang And Rikako, Share A Touching Moment During The Asiad

In a competition where everything is on the line, especially in such a large-scale and prestigious event as the Asian Games, spectators often see the athletes behaving in their most competitive state, even after their respective events have concluded.

But on September 29, the spectators witnessed the opposite as a touching moment transpired before their eyes. The two swimmers, China’s Zhang Yufei and Japan’s Rikako Ikee, shared a hug after the winners were announced.

Zhang Yufei achieved her sixth gold medal in the women’s 50m butterfly final, equaling the meet record set by Ikee Rikako five years ago with a time of 25.10. In second place was Zhang’s team-mate, Yu-Yiting, who clocked 25.71, while Rikako Ikee came in third with a time of 26.02.

This victory was a significant accomplishment for both Zhang and Rikako, with Zhang remaining the most successful gold medalist in the 19th edition of the Asian Games and Rikako achieving her first medal in the event.

Zhang Yufei won her 6th personal gold medal in Swimming, Women’s 50m Butterfly event at Hangzhou Asian Games. She remains the athlete who won the most gold medals in the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou.#Hangzhou #AsianGames #Swimming #Butterfly #HangzhouAsianGames #AsianGames2023… pic.twitter.com/G3iU5lNtHI

— 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Official (@19thAGofficial) September 29, 2023

Rikako was previously named the MVP in the 2018 edition of the games; however, tragedy struck her life in the following year when she was diagnosed with leukemia. Fortunately, she was able to survive and embark on a new stage in her career as a swimmer. But the journey proved to be difficult as she was met with a number of losses, her most recent being the 2023 World Aquatics Championships, where she qualified for only one final, the 50 m butterfly event.

Prior to the event, Rikako said in her interview with Olympics.com that she was not feeling her best.

“I feel like I’m at 30 per cent of what I can be,” Ikee said. “It’s a bummer that I’m not as fit as I can possibly be but I want to help out the team anyway I can until the last day of the meet.”

The Moment Zhang Reached out to Rikako

But this proved to be enough as she was able to place third in the event.

With her bronze medal at the Asian Games, this could mark the beginning of another prosperous career for Rikako. During the ceremony, Rikako, who was thrilled to finally make it to the podium, burst into tears. And Zhang, at the sight of Rikako pouring out her emotions, also cried with Rikako.

Zhang then reached out to Rikako and embraced her in an effort to console her and offer her congratulations on her victory.

This beautiful moment between the two swimmers was captured by the cameras and was shared subsequently on X by Hua Chunying, the Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs of China.

“Chinese swimmer Zhang Yufei gave Japanese swimmer Rikako Ikee a big hug after the latter staged an amazing comeback from leukemia at the women’s 50m butterfly final of #Hangzhou #AsianGames. True sportsmanship & friendship shine out.”

Chinese swimmer Zhang Yufei gave Japanese swimmer Rikako Ikee a big hug after the latter staged an amazing comeback from leukemia at the women’s 50m butterfly final of #Hangzhou #AsianGames. True sportsmanship & friendship shine out. pic.twitter.com/AFJvaaWsCi

— Hua Chunying 华春莹 (@SpokespersonCHN) September 30, 2023

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Beatrice Chebet Claims 5km Gold In Riga

Yoko Nicole
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Beatrice Chebet Claims 5km Gold In Riga

On Sunday, October 1, the World Road Running Championships kicked off its first ever 5-kilometer road race with a large contingent of experienced long-distance runners hoping to win the event’s inaugural title.

The road race was characterized by prolonged and intense competition between Ethiopians and Kenyans who battled to stay ahead of the competition. But ultimately, it was the 23-year old Beatrice Chebet who won the race.

Chebet for the win

Chebet, who triumphed in both team and senior race categories at this year’s World Cross Country Championships in Australia, demonstrated her remarkable endurance and speed once more.

Chebet, in the earlier stages of the race, positioned herself ahead of the rest, although she was not the leader. She remained consistent in her pace, striding along with fellow Kenyan Lilian Kasait Rengeruk. The Kenyan duo remained in the 9-woman leading group that passed the first kilometer in under three minutes. Uganda’s Joy Cheptoek and Rengeruk had passed the first kilometer mark in 2:55, while Chebet did so in 2:56.

However, as the race progressed and with their stamina weakening at each step, they slowed down and ran the second kilometer in 3 minutes and the third kilometer at the same time.

By the fourth kilometer, the competition had thinned out, and a battle between two Kenyan runners, Chebet and Rengeruk, and two Ethiopian runners, Ejigayehu Taye and Medina Eisa, emerged. The four ran close to each other and surpassed the rest. By the time they passed the 4km mark with a time of 11:48, Eisa began to drift away from the group and eventually fell behind the three runners. This time, Taye was in the lead, followed by Chebet, and Rengeruk in close pursuit.

In the last few hundred meters of the race, the camera zoomed out to reveal that Chebet, Rengeruk, Taye, and Eisa were now running at a seemingly synchronized pace. Chebet, however, quickly increased her speed and ultimately led the race to the finish line, where she broke the tape and became the first ever winner of the 5 km road race in the capital of Latvia, Riga.

Chebet finished with a time of 14:35, while her compatriot, Rengeruk, came in second with a time of 14:39. Taye and Eisa from Ethiopia came in third and fourth, respectively, with times of 14:40 and 14:41.

Results of Women’s 5 km event, as recorded by World Athletics:

1. Beatrice Chebet (Kenya) 14:35
2. Lilian Kasait Rengeruk (Kenya) 14:39
3. Ejgayehu Taye (Ethiopia) 14:40
4. Medina Eisa (Ethiopia) 14:41
5. Nadia Battocletti (Italy) 14:45
6. Joy Cheptoyek (Uganda) 14:50
7. Weini Kelati Frezghi (USA) 15:10
8. Verity Ockenden (Great Britain) 15:18

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Why did Musk do a livestream of migrant crisis from the border?

Gemma Iso
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Why did Musk do a livestream of migrant crisis from the border?

Nobody seems to have the correct answer as to why a billionaire also called a visionary like Elon Musk would venture into the heart of the southern border crisis, landing in Eagle Pass, Texas, on Thursday to deliver a livestream on the X platform.

His mission? To provide an unfiltered, real-time look at the ongoing migrant situation by live streaming his journey through the region, he says.

Musk, the mastermind behind tech giants Tesla, SpaceX, and now the transformer of X, has been openly vocal about his concerns regarding the escalating crisis along the border.

Live streaming the real story

Sporting a stylish black cowboy hat, Musk went live on his X platform, asserting his intention to converse with officials and “eyeball the situation to get the real story.” He passionately declared, “This is real-time, unfiltered. What you see is what I see.”

Drawing from his own experiences as an immigrant, Musk expressed his pro-immigrant stance while emphasizing the need for a comprehensive immigration system.

During the livestream, he called for a balance that would welcome hardworking, law-abiding individuals to legally enter the United States while curbing illegal immigration.

One of his foremost concerns was the potential strain on social services that could result from an unchecked flow of illegal immigrants, drawing parallels to New York City’s challenges when it faced an influx of migrants transported from Texas.

Unfiltered perspective

Musk’s visit to the border drew support from Representative Gonzales, who appreciated the tech magnate’s efforts to provide an unfiltered perspective of the border situation. The livestream momentarily went offline before returning with Gonzales offering a breakdown of the ongoing conditions along the border.

Praise for Elon Musk

As Musk’s livestream unfolded, the comments section lit up with fervor. One user applauded Musk for undertaking a task typically reserved for the media and politicians, exclaiming, “Good to see Elon having to do the job of the MSM and of the politicians who are paid to do this but refuse.”

Many viewers praised Musk for his live reporting from the border town, lauding the transparency of the endeavor.

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Jamus Lim Addresses Rising Living Costs: Residents Feel the Squeeze from Rapid Price Hikes

Anna Maria Romero
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0
Jamus Lim Addresses Rising Living Costs: Residents Feel the Squeeze from Rapid Price Hikes

SINGAPORE: Cost of living concerns continue to be on the top of residents’ minds, Workers’ Party Jamus Lim (Sengkang GRC) wrote in a Monday morning (Oct 2) Facebook post, with prices of goods, services, and utilities rising one after another.

Assoc Prof Lim wrote that he and the WP team visited different blocks at 288B and 289A Compassvale and 301D Anchorvale last week. The blocks were different as younger families tended to live in the Compassvale blocks and more elderly ones in the Anchovale blocks, and yet, the households spoke of the same experiences.

“There was a common theme, however: that the recent price increases—postal, water, gas, and electricity—were all coming on the back of already-substantial spikes in the cost of food. Their proximity and size led one resident to exclaim that these were ‘too close, too many, can’t breathe’,” wrote the MP.

Assoc Prof Lim noted that inflation, however, which peaked at almost 8 per cent in 2022, has slowed down to half of that.

But he added that the slowdown in inflation isn’t enough to bring relief since wages have “barely kept up, and for many staples in our spending—food, transport, housing—the rate of inflation is actually higher than what the headline rate suggests. And the price of utilities—which had mercifully moderated due to a global drop in energy prices—is set to rise soon, with recent announcements of impending price increases.”

Assoc Prof Lim noted that prices will be raised soon despite reports of profitable operations from a number of utilities.

National grid operator SP Group announced on Friday (Sep 29) that the electricity tariff will go up by an average of 3.7 per cent from October to December.

The MP acknowledged that the companies’ earnings might dissipate quickly in the face of higher costs; however, “one still wonders if now is the best time for the people to tolerate tariff hikes.”

“In the meantime, it makes sense for the government to step in, by rebating as much of its higher tax take (higher mainly because a fixed tax percentage applied to a higher base automatically generates more nominal revenue) back as possible.

This isn’t generosity or a giveaway; it is just making sure that the government doesn’t make money, through no effort of its own, while the people are suffering. #SengkangGRC,” he added. /TISG

Read also: 

Jamus Lim: Resident shares concerns over migrant professionals crowding out locals – Singapore News 

Resident talks to Jamus Lim about challenges singles face in Singapore

Jamus Lim: Residents frustrated with living costs in SG

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