When speaking to the UN on the conflict-torn east of Congo, Julienne Lusenge, the president of a women’s rights organisation, revealed the woman’s chilling experience and shared it with the audience.
According to a Congolese rights organisation, the story involves a woman who was twice kidnapped by militants in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in Africa, repeatedly raped and forced to cook and consume human flesh.
When the woman went to pay a ransom for another kidnapped family member, CODECO insurgents abducted her. To add to her ordeal, she was beaten up and in her captivity, she witnessed the extremists cutting a man’s throat.
“They pulled out his entrails and they asked me to cook them. They brought me two water containers to prepare the rest of the meal. They then fed all of the prisoners human flesh,” she told the UN woman’s rights chief.
After being held captive for a few days, she was freed and tried to return home when she was abducted by a different militia organisation, whose members also repeatedly violated her.
“Again I was asked to cook and eat human flesh,” the woman, who eventually escaped, said.
Nigerian cannibals
This is not the only known case of cannibalism in Africa this year.
Authorities in the north-western Nigerian state of Zamfara in January arrested four people allegedly involved in cannibalism.
They were also suspected of selling human organs, reported IOL.
The suspects were arrested after detectives found a corpse in an uncompleted building. Parts of the person’s body were missing and that raised suspicions. However, information about the Nigerian cannibalism could not be thoroughly checked.
Applying for a credit card is often seen as a sign of financial independence, and is indeed an important milestone in any adult’s financial journey. Having a credit card also affords you a great deal of benefits, which includes credit card points, cashbacks, and deals. Not to mention, the added convenience of just swiping or tapping on a terminal to make a payment, instead of fumbling for your wallet looking for loose coins, or your mobile phone for PayNow.
Additionally, making payment using a credit card also means you make payment for your purchases at a later date. This means your money can be used for other purposes, like accruing high interest rates in your savings account.
However, is it possible to actually qualify for a credit card in Singapore if you don’t meet the minimum income requirement? What even is the minimum income requirement in the first place?
Government Regulations on Credit Cards
We will first take a look at the official regulations regarding this requirement.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) mandates that credit card owners (up to age 55) meet one of the following three criteria:
MAS Criteria for Credit Card Eligibility:
Annual income of at least S$30,000
Total net personal assets exceeding S$2 million
Total net financial assets exceeding S$1 million
For people aged above 55, the income requirement is much more lenient, with an annual income of at least S$15,000. But if you are reading this, you probably don’t fit into this category. So is it possible to get a credit card in Singapore even if you don’t earn S$30,000 a year?
In theory, yes. Back in 2007, MAS eased restrictions on credit card age and income requirements. Banks were allowed to issue cards with a S$500 credit cap and no minimum income requirement.
Why are Credit Cards Risky?
But before we move on, it is very important to understand that credit cards have a barrier of entry for a reason. It might be a different scenario if you are a student from a wealthier family who sees credit cards as a more convenient form of payment. However, if you are struggling to make ends meet, and are hoping to get some short-term funds through a credit card, then it is definitely not a good idea to sign up for a credit card – even if the credit limit is just S$500.
You might ask, why?
Fundamentally, credit cards give you loans. When you have a credit card, you are granted access to money you don’t actually own. Access to this money is granted with the understanding that you will repay whatever you spend – with added interest if your repayment is late. And if you cannot prove you have some source of income, the bank simply cannot trust that you are able to do so. It’s a good way to protect both the bank and yourself.
As such, on top of the minimum income requirement, the minimum age to apply for credit cards in Singapore is 21 as well.
That said, if you are still studying and have low expenditures, or perhaps you’re taking a significant pay cut to pursue a passion project or your own business, credit cards are still within reach for you. Here are some credit cards that do not have a minimum income requirement:
Card
Eligibility
Annual Fees
Rewards
DBS LiveFresh Student Card
21-27 years old, studying at certain institutions only
S$192.60 (waived for five years)
5% cashback on GV, McDonald’s, Starbucks, Netflix, Spotify
5% cashback on selected eco-eateries, eco-retailers & eco-transport
0.3% cashback otherwise
Maybank eVibes Card
18-30 years old, studying at certain institutions only
$5 per quarter, waived with one transaction per quarter
1% cashback on all purchases
CIMB AWSM
18-29 years old if student/NSF
If working, 35 years old with min income $30,000
Perpetually waived
1% cashback on dining, entertainment, online shopping and telco
DBS Live Fresh Student Card
The DBS Live Fresh Student Card, as its name applies, caters for the specific target audience of students in mind. Therefore, its eligibility is only extended to students of ages 21-27 years old and must be an existing student from one of the post-secondary institutions (excluding junior colleges).
The list of eligible universities includes:
List of Universities
National University of Singapore (NUS)
Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
Singapore Management University (SMU)
Singapore Institute of Management (SIM)
Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)
Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)
Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS)
Meanwhile, students from the following polytechnics are also eligible:
List of Polytechnics
Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP)
Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP)
Temasek Polytechnic (TP)
Singapore Polytechnic (SP)
Republic Polytechnic (RP)
As mentioned, due to an existing regulation by MAS, the credit limit will be only up to S$500. Another attractive incentive is that the annual fee of $192.60 is waived for a whole 5 years! However, if you are still studying even after using the card for 5 years, it is possible to request an additional year of waiver by contacting the DBS credit hotline.
The main perk of this card is its attractive cashbacks for eco-friendly merchants. Students will be able to get up to 5% Green Cashback on selected Eco-Eateries, Eco-Retailers and Eco-Transport Services. Some examples include JustDabao, The Green Collective and even BlueSG.
Furthermore, you can get up to 5% cashback on favourite brands, such as McDonald’s, Starbucks, Golden Village and other movies and TV streaming services.
For more information and a more detailed analysis of the DBS Live Fresh Student Card, you can check out our handy guide right here.
Maybank eVibes Card
Similar to DBS Live Fresh Student Card, the trendy-sounding Maybank eVibes Card also targets tertiary students as well. However, beyond just the educational institutions listed previously, students from LASALLE, NAFA and NIE are also eligible to apply for this credit card.
The Maybank eVibes Card also has a more forgiving age limit of between 18-30 years old. Similar to the Live Fresh Student Card, it has a credit limit of S$500, and has no annual income requirements. Interestingly, the Maybank eVibes Card instead has an annual income limit, in which applicants cannot exceed $30,000 in annual income.
What about the benefits?
This card offers 1% cashback on all spending. Yes, this means you are not restricted to a particular spending category. Other promotions also include discounts for Agoda, as well as Golden Village. It also has a $5 quarterly fee, which is waived if you charge your card at least once every 3 months, which is not too difficult to accomplish.
Interested in signing up for the Maybank eVibes Card? You can take a detailed look into our more in-depth guide about this card over here. More often than not, there are rotating promotions for new sign-ups, so don’t wait too long!
CIMB AWSM Card
Are you perhaps not a tertiary student, but already in the working world? All are good, because the CIMB AWSM Card offers the best of both worlds, and caters to both demographics.
For students and NSFs, the age limit for this card is between 18 to 29 years old, with no annual income restrictions. However, if you are a salaried employee and below the age of 35, the annual income restriction is $18,000, which is far less than the standard $30,000 a year. However, if you are above the age of 35, you will have to comply with the minimum of $30,000 annual income restriction.
What about the annual fee? Or rather, what annual fee? For the CIMB AWSM Card, the annual fee is perpetually waived, so you do not have to worry about paying, or calling them up to further extend your waiver.
Similar to the Maybank eVibes Card, the CIMB AWSM Card offers 1% cashback. However, this cashback is only applicable to certain spending categories, like Dining, Entertainment, Online Shopping and Telco. You will also be entitled to more than a thousand deals and discounts as part of the CIMB cardholder privilege. Finally, like most credit cards, it is also compatible with SimplyGo for more convenient transport rides.
For a more detailed analysis and comparison, you can check out our CIMB AWSM Card review right here.
Debit Cards
Sometimes, you might not want to go through the hassle of credit card applications. Or you are not comfortable with the risks of owning a credit card. Or you feel that the benefits afforded by these credit cards are not worth the worry. What are some of the alternatives that are available to students and low-income earners then?
The most common alternative that immediately springs to mind is debit cards. Debit cards are a much safer alternative due to the fact that you are spending money that you already own, and therefore not be tempted (or allowed) to rack up credit card loans to finance your spending habits.
So what are some of the best debit cards in Singapore?
Unfortunately, most debit cards do not have fancy cashbacks, discounts, deals, air miles or promotions similar to credit cards. If you are a student using your POSB account that your parents set up when you were in primary or secondary school, then you might be familiar, or already using, the DBS debit card.
4% cashback on online food delivery
3% cashback on local transport
2% on all foreign currency spend
Cashback can be redeemed with min of S$500/month spend and less than S$400 withdrawn
The DBS Visa Debit Card offers great value for any student looking to earn cashback on their purchases. It offers 4% cashback on online food delivery, which will benefit students that frequently order takeout. It also offers 3% cashback on local transport, and online spend, which gives students the added benefit of getting rewards if they commute or make frequent purchases online. Additionally, it offers 2% cashback on all foreign currency spend.
The cashback limit is established on a user-by-user basis. Once an individual signs up for their card, their monthly cashback limit will be established. In order to qualify for the cashback rewards, cardholders must spend a monthly minimum of S$500 and withdraw less than S$400. Overall, this card greatly benefits students that find themselves frequently making a wide variety of purchases.
Stand-Out:
4% cashback on online food delivery
3% cashback on local transport
2% on all foreign currency spend
Cashback can be redeemed with min of S$500/month spend and less than S$400 withdrawn
The DBS Visa Debit Card offers great value for any student looking to earn cashback on their purchases. It offers 4% cashback on online food delivery, which will benefit students that frequently order takeout. It also offers 3% cashback on local transport, and online spend, which gives students the added benefit of getting rewards if they commute or make frequent purchases online. Additionally, it offers 2% cashback on all foreign currency spend.
The cashback limit is established on a user-by-user basis. Once an individual signs up for their card, their monthly cashback limit will be established. In order to qualify for the cashback rewards, cardholders must spend a monthly minimum of S$500 and withdraw less than S$400. Overall, this card greatly benefits students that find themselves frequently making a wide variety of purchases.
The DBS debit card allows you to earn good cashback on quite a few spending categories, and with no minimum annual income as well. This includes 4% cashback on online food delivery, 3% cashback on local transport and 2% on foreign currency spends.
However, do take note of the drawbacks, including a $500 minimum spend, as well as a restriction on making cash withdrawals of more than $400 a month. Your cashbacks are also capped at $20 per month.
For a more comprehensive comparison of the most attractive debit cards in Singapore, you can check out our debit card guide that we have meticulously compiled.
Other Alternatives
With the rise of FinTech, other interesting alternatives might be worth considering. Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) programs in Singapore such as Rely, Atome and Hoolah might be familiar to some of you.
In a sense, these BNPL apps are similar to credit card loans, in which you owe money to pay your purchases now. The difference is that you don’t have to pay the full price upfront, and can spread your payment over weeks, or even months! Most BNPL plans also charge little or no interest and have near-instant approval, allowing for a seamless shopping experience.
However, these programs still require sound financial sense and are dependent on you not spending recklessly, or beyond your means. Defaulting, or failing to make payments on time can result in late fees. For instance, Hoolah charges up to $15 in late payment charges, depending on how much you borrowed. These charges add up quickly, which will become a financial burden if you are not prudent with your spending.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, there are many payment methods students and low-income earners can use. Contrary to popular belief, they are not restricted to using credit cards entirely, and there are a few cards that are purposely designed for them. Alternatively, they can look at debit cards, which present a safer option, as well as Buy Now Pay Later programs.
Regardless, it is crucial for students and low-income earners to be careful with their expenses, so as to not overspend beyond their means.
A man in Malaysia used a bulldozer to tip a Road Transport Department truck on its side after receiving a summons that infuriated him.
A group of Malaysia’s road and traffic department enforcement officials were patrolling along a road in their four-wheel-drive vehicle and stopped the bulldozer driver to find out that he did not have an F Class licence, which is required to operate such a large machine.
After receiving the summons, the driver made the unfortunate decision to ram the RTD car with the bulldozer.
Several recordings of the incident gained widespread traction in Malaysia on social media.
In the footage, the police can be seen making vain attempts to soothe the irate driver in an effort to prevent him from slamming into their car.
Videos of the man using the bulldozer to flip the RTD vehicle indicate that he appeared determined to complete his mission.
Speaking to local media, Deputy Superintendent Nor Rafidah Kasim, the district police commander, acknowledged the occurrence and said the RTD office will release a statement on the incident soon.
Nevertheless, the driver was subsequently arrested. He was booked for operating a backhoe without a licence. No enforcement officers were hurt in the incident, reported New Straits Times, though the RTD vehicle suffered significant damages.
The incident took place last Thursday in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
Three law enforcement officers can be seen attempting to calm the driver in the 51-second video.
However, the man persisted in ramming his tractor against their department’s car until it rolled onto its side.
A motorcyclist who is presumably a villager was able to board the tractor and force the operator to stop his carnage.
The police impounded the backhoe.
The next time drivers see a backhoe on the road, they should probably stay away from it. Otherwise, there could be a risk that it turns into bulldozing road rage!
Home loan lenders in Singapore, such as banks DBS, OCBC and UOB have all made their moves in raising the rates on most of their home loan packages in the past week, following the Fed’s latest interest rate hike. With prices on many housing loans rising, is taking a bank loan or HDB loan still affordable for the average Singaporean homeowner?
Table of Contents:
Impact Of Interest Rate Hike On Home Loans And Homeowners In Singapore
A Look At The Updated Bank Home Loans Offered
How To Counter The Rate Hike
Looking Out For An Affordable Home Loan?
Background Of US Fed’s Interest Rate Hikes
Impact Of Interest Rate Hike On Home Loans And Homeowners In Singapore
Why does the interest rate hike have such a major impact on the prices of home loans? With the Fed’s rate hike, many are concerned that a large proportion of prospective homeowners and consumers may become priced out of the housing market.
The Singapore economy is greatly affected by movements and changes in the US, because banks, financial institutions and the central authority, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) are all interest rate-takers since Singapore is a small and open economy.
With housing being one of the biggest purchases for the average Singaporean, its interest rates are also of primary concern as mortgage loans for HDB or private housing alike would probably be one of the largest loans that you would have to take on.
The Fed’s interest rates also greatly affect the Singapore Overnight Rate Average (SORA), a rate that floats the rate to home loans in Singapore are pegged. When the Fed’s interest rates rise, SORA rises too, with a spike from 1.2% to 1.69% within just 6 days this month. It hence comes as no surprise that float home loans are getting increasingly expensive since they are pegged to SORA.
With the huge surge in the interest rates of housing loans now, it is unfortunate that some new homeowners may find it difficult and challenging to afford housing now that the home loans also have huge interest payments and therefore hefty monthly instalments to pay off.
A Look At The Updated Bank Home Loans Offered
So what do the interest rates for both fixed and float home loans look like now? Rates have been climbing, breaking the record of 2.88% back in 2009. Here we have a glimpse into the latest rates offered by some of the biggest home lending banks in Singapore for a visual reference.
Banks
Fixed Rate
Float Rate (Pegged to SORA)
DBS
2.75% p.a. for 2-year & 3-year fixed packages
3-month compounded SORA + 1% p.a. margin
OCBC
2.98% p.a. for 2-year fixed package
1-month compounded SORA + 0.98% p.a. margin
UOB
2.98% p.a. for 2-year fixed package & 3.08% p.a. for 3-year fixed package
1-month compounded SORA + 0.98% p.a. margin
Citi
2.95% p.a. for 2-year fixed package
3-month compounded SORA + 1.71% p.a. margin
HSBC
2.55% p.a. for 2 -year fixed package
3-month compounded SORA + 1.76% p.a. margin
How To Counter The Rate Hike
With the surging prices of housing loans being the talk of the town now, how should prospective homeowners try to counter the rate hike and be able to access more affordable housing loans and options?
1. Refinancing Your Home Loan
One way to possibly pay less and save money on your home mortgage loan may be to consider refinancing your existing home loan.
With rates skyrocketing now, it may be a good idea to consider refinancing your existing float home loan to a fixed one, to give you the peace of mind that you would be able to make your monthly repayments without fail as your payments amounts would at least not be subjected to any volatility in the course of the next few months or years.
Fixing your home rate now could also be advantageous as you are locking it down before rates can rise any further, in the light of very likely continuous Fed rate hikes and therefore Singapore home loan rates as well.
Refinancing and going for loans with shorter tenures than your existing one could also aid greatly in helping you to reduce your overall payments in the long run, as shorter tenures mean that you would need to pay less for your interest payments.
Of course, this is only possible and ideal if you have the means to pay a larger monthly instalment each month in order to save on your long-term costs.
Although refinancing could be a good idea for some groups of people, it does not mean that it would work for everyone. Be sure to check if your existing home loans impose penalties and fees for refinancing so that you do not end up paying even more after refinancing your housing loan.
2. Choosing The Right Home Loan For You
As interest payments are all increasing, it becomes even more evident and crucial that you pick a suitable home mortgage loan that is suitable for you and your financial needs.
Different housing loans have different requirements and features. For example, fixed interest rate home loans may be fixed for tenures of 2 years or 5 years, also known as the lock-in period of the fixed home loan. This could play an important role when you make a decision on which home loan to choose, as housing loans which have fixed interest rates for a longer lock-in period could ensure that you enjoy more stability and certainty. However, a longer lock-in period may also indicate less flexibility for you.
There are also banks which offer preferential home mortgage loan rates for existing customers, as well as housing loans that have certain features and benefits such as attractive introductory or first-year rates. Housing type also matters when it comes to mortgages. Some home loans might have better rates for private properties or jumbo-sized residences. Homeowners who are looking to purchase a home which is still under construction can also rest assured that there are home loans offered which cater to this very need.
Alternatively, individuals who are looking to finance an HDB, they may also consider the HDB loan offered by HDB, as the latest fixed rate is 2.60%. This figure used to be higher than most other bank loans, but with the economic situation leading to the Fed’s interest rate hike, the interest rates of the home loans offered by the banks here in Singapore have surpassed HDB’s 2.60%.
As different housing loans offer a variety of benefits that cater to different groups of customers, it is hence of utmost importance that you do your due research and picks the home loan that is most suitable for you in order to reap the maximum benefits that it offers.
Looking Out For An Affordable Home Loan?
Home loan rates have indeed risen to new heights, and prospective homeowners may be wondering if there are any options available for them. Rest assured that there is still a wide array of home loans and alternatives available for every need. Whether you are looking for a brand new home loan which is affordable for you, or wish to refinance your current home loan to something cheaper, we have the solution for you.
You can refer to some of our top picks below which offer some of the cheapest home mortgage loans in Singapore.
Lowest Fixed Rates For Private Properties
Bank of China Home Mortgage Loan
Bank of China offers home mortgage loans that have one of the cheapest interest rates available for private residences. This is especially so for their fixed rate home loan option, which caters to individuals who are looking for fixed home loans or home loan refinancing with their very competitive rates.
This makes the Bank of China Home Loan an attractive option, especially for those with private housing.
Low Total Cost Of Borrowing
Standard Chartered Home Loan
Many banks and financial institutions offer great introductory rates as part of their home loan packages, but the long-run rates may not be the most ideal and competitive. However, Standard Chartered, as one of the leading home lenders in Singapore, offers competitive fixed and float rates for their customers with some of the lowest total costs of borrowing.
Hence, Standard Chartered’s loans would be ideal for those who prefer to stick to a home loan throughout the course of their tenure, rather than frequent refinancing. With this in mind, the Standard Chartered Home Loan is surely one to keep in mind when considering your options for a home mortgage loan.
If you would like to learn more about home loans in the midst of all this furore over the rising prices and rates of home loans, feel free to check out our webpage where comprehensive guides, summaries and reviews by our analysts on home loans and its alternatives are available for your reference.
Alternatively, if you prefer to do your own calculations and analysis on the wide variety of home loans available on the market right now, we have also simplified it for you, and you can utilise our home loan calculator to compare up-to-date rates, and estimate your monthly instalments and interest costs. This would help you find the best home loan rates in 2022 so that you can purchase your home with the peace of mind you deserve.
Why Is This Happening?
Background Of US Fed’s Interest Rate Hikes
For those who are interested in reading more and understanding why home loans are affected so greatly by the US Federal Reserve’s interest rate increases, you can feel free to read on. First, let us delve deeper into why the Fed has increased interest rates.
Soaring Inflation Poses A Major Threat To Global Economies
In mid-June, the Fed announced a 0.75 percentage point hike in interest rates. This followed a previous 0.5-percentage point increase in May. The 0.75 percentage point hike is the largest interest rate seen in nearly 30 years, in 1994.
The aggressive monetary stance was taken by the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) and Federal Reserve in the US stems from a very real threat and persistent problem of soaring inflation, especially in recent months. inflation is currently at a 40-year high in the US.
With the annual inflation rate in the US accelerating to 8.6% as of May 2022, which greatly surpassed expectations and forecasts, volatility is extremely high and prices are expected to continue rising. Here in Singapore, we can already start to feel the pinch, with Singapore’s annual inflation rate being 5.6%, the highest since 2011. Many of us would have felt the upward pressure on our prices firsthand. Food prices, utility bills, and transport costs have all surged upwards, hence affecting even daily necessities and expenditures.
Interest Rate Hike As A Tool To Combat Inflation
To combat rising inflation and prices for consumers globally, large interest rate hikes were approved in order to slow down the economy.
How does it work? Generally, inflation spikes when interest rates are low and consumers are able to spend more, at a low cost of borrowing. However, when demand is too rapid, prices surge. When interest rates are brought up by the Fed, the cost of borrowing increases, hence lowering and managing consumer demand and therefore prices and inflation.
Jerome Powell, the Fed chairman, has estimated that another rate hike is imminent in the next July policy meeting, with a forecast that the Fed’s benchmark interest rate will likely end this year at a whopping 3.4%. This means that home loan rates may still continue to increase.
For more about how the Fed’s interest rate hikes and how it will affect Singaporeans, head over to this article for more interest rate numbers and values.
Factors Behind Inflation
Inflation has reached unprecedented levels in the recent few months. Why is the inflation problem so severe and persistent? The core reason behind this would be the recovery of the economy after COVID-19’s impact on it. As global economies start to open up and recover, government programmes such as stimulus packages and checks have helped to increase demand and consumption, thus leading to inflation.
Additionally, the energy sector crisis originating from the Russia-Ukraine war led to soaring oil and gas prices, one of the main factors contributing to core inflation.
With these major factors impacting the global economy, including Singapore’s, inflation is here to stay unless protocols like the Fed’s interest rate hikes are implemented to slow down the growth of the economy and prices.
Conclusion
To conclude, inflation is an imminent threat to economies all over the world, and Singapore is not spared from the issue of surging costs and prices as well. In particular, housing loans suffer from some of the most prominent increases in interest rates. To combat this problem and to ensure that you are still able to afford and finance your new home, it is important to pick and choose a suitable and affordable home loan for yourself and your family wisely. Otherwise, refinancing your home loan would be a nifty way to cut down on costs and save some money on your home mortgage loan as well.
Ong Ye Kung said on Tuesday (July 5) that the current Covid-19 wave would not be as severe as the Omicron wave earlier this year due to “stronger immunity either through booster shots or recovery from infections”.
His comments came as Tuesday’s (Jul 5) Covid-19 cases were the highest recorded since Mar 22, with a total of 12,784 new cases. This number comes up to about double the 5,946 cases on Monday. Tuesday’s numbers also exceeded the 11,504 cases recorded last Tuesday (June 28), which had been the highest daily number of infections since Mar 22, when it was over 13,000.
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung responded to several questions on the topic in Parliament and said that the slowdown in the Covid-19 infection rate is a sign that the wave is at or near its peak.
“So there are indications that we are near the peak, if not at the peak. And we should be relieved that the number this week did not double from last week. Otherwise, we will be at 24,000 or 22,000 this week”, he added. He said that it is important to ensure hospital capacity is not overly stressed. This could be achieved by ensuring high vaccination and booster coverage to protect as many people as possible from severe illness if infected.
He noted that in South Africa, the second Omicron wave driven by subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 was about one-third the peak of the earlier Omicron wave. Because of this, he said the government will look at using vaccines directed at the subvariants which are being developed “probably by the end of the year”, if they are approved.
He added that about 50 per cent of all infections are caused by the two subvariants, with BA.5 the more dominant of the two. Mr Ong continued that the percentage has been roughly doubling every week, and is expected to increase to 70 to 80 per cent next week. /TISG
Tuesday (Jul 5) saw a record number of Covid-19 cases in Singapore – 12,784. This was about double the 5,946 cases on Monday (Jul 4).
While case numbers on Tuesdays tend to be higher compared with the rest of the week as they reflect the spike in infections after the weekend when more people are out in various social settings, the numbers almost hit the 13,000 or so cases seen on Mar 22.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) also reported that there were 2 deaths. Out of the new cases, the MOH reported that 802 were detected through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, while 11,446 were detected through antigen rapid tests (ART). Those who tested positive with an ART were assessed by a doctor to have mild symptoms and be low risk.
According to the MOH, 499 cases were imported and detected through ART, while 37 were imported but detected through PCR.
As of noon on Jul 5, 683 people were hospitalised due to Covid-19. 77 required Oxygen supplementation and 16 Covid-19 cases were in the Intensive-Care Unit (ICU).
Singapore has recorded a total of 1,485,964 Covid-19 cases and 1,421 deaths.
Senior Minister of State for Manpower Koh Poh Koon pointed out in Parliament on Monday (July 4) that Workers’ Party MP He Ting Ru (Sengkang GRC) had made an unfair characterization of Singapore’s society as being uncaring in a speech she made on February 28.
He added that Ms He had not given the government agencies sufficient time to respond to the case she cited.
“What does it say about us as a society?” Ms He had asked in her speech.
This was concerning a senior who had asked doctors to decrease the dosage of medicines he had been prescribed, as the full dosage was unaffordable for him.
Ms He responded by saying that the broader point is that some of the residents she has spoken to feel that they have to jump through many hoops in order to get the help they need, a process which makes them feel “demoralised” and even “a bit humiliated.”
In April, Dr Koh, who was then Senior Minister of State for Health, already asked for a clarification on the matter.
Ms He explained that the resident she had spoken to, referred to as Mr H, said he could not afford the medicines needed to manage the chronic conditions he suffered from even if had already tapped his MediSave as well as other subsidies.
To help him, Ms He made an appeal to the Central Provident Fund Board.
Dr Koh, who reviewed the case, said on July 4 that he was satisfied with the response of the healthcare support system toward Mr H.
The resident had not followed his doctor’s advice to seek the help of a social worker, and was unaware that he had other possibilities to receive support.
Dr Koh added that Mr H could have received a 62.5 per cent subsidy on his medicines under the Medication Assistance Fund, which he now does.
The appeal Ms He made on his behalf has helped, with the withdrawal limit under the MediSave Chronic Disease Management Programme upped from $700 to $800 per year.
But Dr Koh’s bone of contention appeared to be the fact that Ms He talked about the man’s case in her speech on Feb 28, just two working days after she filed his appeal on Feb 24, before the government could respond.
Dr Koh said, ”The picture painted was one of a society where seniors are forced to cut down on the necessary and essential medication dosages simply because they cannot afford it. Implicit is also the suggestion that this state of affairs is due to a government that is not in touch with the ground or uncaring.”
“That is not a fair characterisation. And it’s also not fair to the agencies on the ground,” he added.
Ms He answered back by saying she had had no intentions of badmouthing Mr H’s doctors but added that how to reach residents may be improved.
“If the systems are working, if the systems are flexible, do our residents know that they are there?
How do we get the message out to our residents, rather than have them feel we are uncaring, that the system doesn’t care for them, that they have to really work for it, that they have to really be humiliated? This is how they feel.” /TISG
A customer was shocked to see a worm in her bowl of laksa which she had almost finished eating; however, not everyone from the online community was as disgusted because laksa gravy was apparently made with worms in the past.
“OMG. Almost finished eating this bowl of laksa, then (I) saw this at the bean sprout. OMG, so disgusting lo,” wrote Facebook page Complaint Singapore member Veron Lok on Monday (July 4).
She attached photos of her meal and the worm she caught on her fork. Ms Lok’s son checked and informed her that the insect was a mealworm.
“Just let you guys to take note when you are eating laksa at Blk 302 Marsiling S11 coffeeshop,” she added.
Some say that if the discovered worm was indeed a mealworm, then it’s safe for human consumption, even accidentally.
Mealworms are the second stage of a mealworm beetle’s life cycle. According to partybugs.com, mealworms are edible for humans and processed into several insect food items.
Regarding worms in laksa, herworld.com notes, “In the 1950s, earthworms were added to laksa (for saltiness), as well as maggots (to “eat away bacteria”).”
Netizens on the post confirmed the same. “Laksa gravy is made and mixed with seaworms from the beach to stay fresh. So when they stirred the gravy many times in a day, it will not turn sour,” explained 73-year-old Facebook user Tony Wee. He said this was common practice back in the day.
“That is why the hawkers do not serve you the sediments at base of the laksa soup. They only scooped the gravy at the top. It’s a secret that only the laksa hawker knows but can’t tell you. Do they still do it now? I am sure it’s the same old recipe used in the original way from years ago.”
“Older gens know that’s quite normal. Expected to find them in the gravy actually,” added Facebook user Willis C. Wil. /TISG
A coffee shop in Tampines was sold for a record S$41.68 million last month. Some tenants say that since then, rent was just about doubled.
We spoke to two hawkers there to find out if their businesses can survive.
One hawker, who did not give her name, said that her stall had been in that coffee shop for the past 23 years. She added that she was “shocked” when informed by the previous owners that the coffee shop was sold. When she called the new owners to ask about the rent, she said that she was told it was double – from around S$6,000 to about S$12,000.
She told TISG that her son had signed a contract with the new owners for six months and that she would see it through. “Maybe after six months, we see how”, she said, adding that she would like to stay if she could.
“I try my best”, the hawker said, adding that she preferred to continue her business in that coffee shop as she lived nearby.
Another hawker
Another hawker TISG spoke to said that they had only been running their stall there for three to four years. “When we first started renting here, it was alright. Recently, the rent was on a consistent rise which is starting to affect us”, she said.
However, when probed further as to the exact increase in rent, she added that she was only a staff member and thus was unsure of the exact amount, just that she knew it was an increase.
“We’ll have to see if we can continue renting here. If we can manage the business even with the rise in rent. Only my boss will know”, she said.
A firm called G&G (21) lodged a caveat with the Singapore Land Authority in April for the coffee shop, 21 Street Eating House, in Block 201 Tampines Street 21.
The deal topped the previously reported record of $31 million for a coffee shop in Block 155 Bukit Batok Street 11 in 2015. Based on Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) records, G&G’s director, Mr Kiong Tai Weng, owns several other businesses including the 7 Stars coffee shop chain and U Stars supermarkets. The 604 sq m Tampines coffee shop, which has 18 stalls, has 76 years left on its lease, according to a property title information search. /TISG
In Parliament on Tuesday (Jul 5), Low Yen Ling said that Singapore will not consider controls on petrol and diesel pump prices, even as fuel costs here climb on the back of higher global crude oil prices. The Minister of State for Trade and Industry said that “The government’s approach is to ensure that we have a competitive fuel retail market”.
TISG talks to the everyday man to find out how he’s coping amidst rising fuel prices in Singapore.
One driver said that the “rise in petrol costs has shot up drastically, especially for private-hire drivers such as Grab drivers like myself”. The driver, who did not name himself, told TISG that the recent petrol hike has been “increasing too aggressively”.
“This steep petrol hike is appalling”, he added.
Another driver, Shaiful, said that the rise in petrol price has been affecting not only his but also his friends’ daily income.
“Usually we will pump (petrol) at least two times a day but usually the price will be at a lower price. But now, since after the Covid (pandemic), borders have opened, the price of petrol has been increasing no matter how much we save”, he said.
He added that half a tank of petrol used to cost him $15 or $20, but now it is about $25.
Yet another driver TISG spoke to said that the petrol price hike has greatly impacted him. He added that his family used a “family sports car” and they would need to pump higher-grade fuel types.
“Hopefully gas prices here can reduce to normal as before February”, he said.
One food delivery rider said that the petrol hike had been affecting his monthly income. “It is kind of expensive if I work every day because I am everyday (sic) on the road, long hours. With the high petrol prices it affects my income”, he said, adding that he earned lesser in a month due to the hike.
A lady who used her car to travel to work said that it was “unfair”. She added that with the rise in petrol prices, she had to cut down on other expenses just for the petrol, or she would spend lesser time driving and had to find other alternatives.
In Parliament, Low said: “Regulating or capping petrol or diesel pump prices will distort the market and serve to benefit car owners, especially those who consume more, who may include more well-to-do users.” It could also reduce the incentive for Singaporeans to switch to more energy-efficient transportation, she added. /TISG
