Photo: Unsplash/ Dan Meyers (for illustration purposes only).
Non-Governmental Organisation Samaritans of Singapore noted in a July 1 (Friday) press release that suicide is still responsible for the largest number of deaths among people in Singapore from the ages of 10 to 29.
It has remained the leading cause of death in this age group for the past three years, even as the country’s overall numbers are down.
SOS said in a press release that there were 378 reported suicides last year, which shows a decrease of 16.3 per cent from 2020.
Suicide is also decreasing among Singapore’s elderly.
In 2021, 112 people ages 60 and above died by suicide, whereas in the year before, the number had been 154.
However, “an alarming fact is that suicide remains to be the leading cause of death among youths aged 10 to 29 for the past three years,” SOS said in a July 1 Facebook post.
“Within this age group, Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) observed the increase from 22.3 per cent in 2020 to 29.6 per cent in 2021, among all suicides recorded across the nation. For youths 10 to 19, suicide has risen by 23.3 per cent, from 30 deaths in 2020 to 37 in 2021.”
Mr Gasper Tan, SOS’ CEO, called the overall decrease “deeply encouraging, a trend we hope will continue,” but urged continued vigilance in supporting people in distress.
He noted that the NGO has seen more people reach out for help. Between 2020 and 2021, SOS’ crisis hotline saw a 127 per cent increase in calls from persons aged 10 to 19, “expressing a strong cry for help that cannot be ignored,” Mr Tan added.
SOS’ text-messaging service has also seen the same rise in demand.
Dr Jared Ng, a Senior Consultant and the Chief of the Department of Emergency and Crisis Care, Institute of Mental Health underlined the serious concern over youths dying by suicide, adding that different sectors in society should work together to address this issue.
“Young patients we encountered have been reporting various stressors in their lives, such as interpersonal issues with their family and friends, academic stress, achievement stress, and future job stress.
Preventing youth suicides thus needs coordination and close collaboration between several relevant sectors of society, including education, social services, and health.
Certainly, support and guidance from family members and friends remain integral in helping young people navigate through the issues and crises they face in their lives.”
SOS has launched a number of youth-oriented programmes to help support the youth, as it makes a helpline available across all demographics.
“To this end, suicide prevention is a community-wide effort that involves the support of everyone,” SOS wrote.
Pritam Singh: SAF Day is a little more special this year… each serviceman & woman matters
Photo: Fb screengrab/theworkersparty
Leader of the Opposition and Workers’ Party Chief Pritam Singh called Singapore Armed Forces Day 2022 (SAF Day) “a little more special this year, as we are celebrating 55 years of National Service.”
In a Friday morning Facebook post, Mr Singh took a fond look back at his own journey with SAF. “Grateful for all the friends made, life lessons taught and learnt, and the small part each of us was able to play (and in many cases, are still playing) in contributing to the defence of Singapore.”
1 week jail for former police officer leaking LTA patrol plan for PMD riders to avoid officers
Photo: You Tube screen grab from PassionGadgets Shop
A former Certis CISCO auxiliary police officer leaked the deployment plan of authorities in catching errant personal mobility device (PMD) riders.
The ex-police officer, Syarifah Nur Nabilah Syed Omar, 24, who took a screenshot of the deployment plan and forwarded it to Afendi Mohamed Rashid, 36, whom she met while doing food deliveries, then forwarded the details in a WhatsApp chat group was sentenced to one-week imprisonment on Thursday (June 30).
Malaysian human rights group Lawyers for Liberty is urging the government of Singapore to halt the hanging of Kalwant Singh, scheduled for Friday next week (July 7).
“Kalwant is unfortunately next on the long list of Malaysians whom Singapore has slated for the gallows; despite a barrage of criticisms it has received from the international community for its ruthless executions of low-level drug mules,” reads a statement from Zaid Malek, the Director of Lawyers for Liberty.
2022 has not been favourable for vehicle owners; the supply shock from the Russian oil ban that has arisen from the escalating Russo-Ukrainian conflict and the restricted Chinese oil refinery market caused by local lockdowns, as well as an increasing demand as economies from other countries recover, has resulted in petrol prices rising to as much as $4/litre for 98 octane petrol for Shell.
According to DirectAsia, the average Singapore car drives at approximately 17,500km annually, while the most common vehicle, the Toyota Corolla Altis, gets an average of 15.4 km/litre. This means that the annual fuel cost for an average car to drive at an average mileage with the price of the middle tier octane 95 fuel ranging from $3.26 – $3.33 would cost about (17, 500/15.4)* $3.30 ≈ $3,750/year. Fuel costs for less fuel-efficient and luxury cars will be higher than this.
Most Common Car
Toyota Corolla Altis
Full Tank of Altis
55 litres
Average Cost of Pumping to Full Tank
$181.50
Average Fuel Consumption
15.4 km/litre
Average Fuel Price
$3.30
Average Annual Fuel Cost of Octane 95
$3,750
So how do we curb the rising cost of fuel? How can we save more money from petrol? There are a few ways that we will discuss in this article.
Summary of Petrol Benefits
The table below shows the different perks, benefits, and discounts for petrol and diesel from membership from Petrol Station Loyalty Cards, Affiliated Partners, and Credit Cards.
Brand
Discount/Perks
Benefits
Petrol Station Loyalty Programme
Esso Smiles
1 point/litre
For All Petrol Types
5% OFF when using Esso Credit Cards
Applicable to DBS Esso Card
Sinopec X
1 point/litre
Spent on Power98 / SINO Power95 / Diesel
1.5 point/litre
Spent on SINO X Power
SPC&U
10% Discount
Spent on 92,95 and 98-octane petrol
Up to 15% Discount
Spent on diesel
Shell Escape
1.2 points/litre
Spent on Shell V-power
1 point/litre
Spent on Shell FuelSave98/95 & Shell Diesel.
Caltex Plus
3points/litre of Techron
150points/SGD
Affiliated Membership Programme
SAFRA
14% Fuel Discount
Spent on Caltex 92/95/Diesel
16% Fuel Discount
Spent on Caltex Platinum 98.
Automotive Association
16% Fuel Discount
Spent on Caltex Platinum 98;
14% Fuel Discount
Spent on Caltex 92/95/Diesel.
NTUC
150 LinkPoints/SGD
For Esso and Caltex Stations
HomeTeamNS
24% Discount
Of any petrol types at Bukit Timah station
23% Discount
Of any petrol types at Yishun and Woodlands station
Credit Cards
UOB One Credit Card
Up to 22.66% Fuel Savings
SPC
Up to 21.15% Fuel Savings
Shell
OCBC 365 Credit Card
Up to 24% Fuel Savings
Sinopec
Up to 23% Fuel Savings
Caltex
Up to 20.4% Fuel Savings
Esso
HSBC Visa Platinum
^^^
Up to 20.2% Fuel Savings
Caltex
Up to 18.3% Fuel Savings
Shell
DBS Esso Card
Up to 21.2% Fuel Savings
Esso
Maximise Discounts with Both Credit Cards & Petrol Cards
Using the Toyota Corolla Altis as a Control (Each Car will have different fuel tank sizes and varied usage), we will compare the fuel prices for each credit card discount. We will show the full price of a full tank of the Altis, which is 55 litres, as well as their discounted price and potential savings from discounts.
Esso
Type
Orginal Price 30 June 2022
OCBC 365
DBS Esso
92
$3.34x 55L = $183.70
$146.23 (Saved $37.47)
$144.76 (Saved $38.94)
95
$3.39 x 55L = $186.45
$148.41 (Saved $38.04)
$146.92 (Saved $39.53)
98
$3.86 x 55L = $212.30
$168.89 (Saved $43.41)
$167.29 (Saved $45.01)
Diesel
$3.17 x 55L = $174.35
$138.78 (Saved $35.57)
$137.39 (Saved $36.96)
Caltex
Type
Orginal Price 30 June 2022
OCBC 365
HSBC Visa Platinum
92
$3.37 x 55L = $185.35
$142.72 (Saved $42.63)
$147.91 (Saved $37.44)
95
$3.42 x 55L = $188.10
$144.84 (Saved $43.26)
$150.10 (Saved $38.00)
Premium
$4.08 x 55L = $224.40
$188.19 (Saved $51.61)
$179.08 (Saved $45.33)
Diesel
$3.19 x 55L = $175.45
$135.10 (Saved $40.35)
$140.01 (Saved $35.44)
Shell
Type
Orginal Price 30 June 2022
UOB One
HSBC Visa Platinum
95
$3.42 x 55L = $188.10
$148.32 (Saved $39.78)
$153.68 (Saved $34.42)
98
$3.91 x 55L = $215.05
$169.57 (Saved $45.48)
$175.70 (Saved $39.35)
Premium
$4.13 x 55L = $227.15
$179.11 (Saved $48.04)
$185.58 (Saved $41.57)
Diesel
$3.19 x 55L = $175.45
$138.34 (Saved $37.11)
$143.34 (Saved $32.11)
SPC
Type
Orginal Price 30 June 2022
UOB One
SPC&U Discount
92
$3.34 x 55L = $183.70
$142.07 (Saved $41.63)
$165.33 (Saved $18.37)
95
$3.38 x 55L = $185.90
$143.78 (Saved $42.12)
$167.31 (Saved $18.59)
98
$3.86 x 55L = $212.30
$164.19 (Saved $48.11)
$191.07 (Saved $21.23)
Diesel
$3.16 x 55L = $173.80
$134.42 (Saved $39.38)
$156.42 (Saved $26.07)
SinoPec
Type
Orginal Price 30 June 2022
OCBC 365
HomeTeamNS
95
$3.39 x 55L = $186.45
$141.70 (Saved $44.75)
98
$3.86 x 55L = $212.30
$161.35 (Saved $50.95)
Premium
$3.99 x 55L $219.45
$166.78 (Saved $52.67)
Diesel
$3.16 x 55L = $173.80
$132.09 (Saved $41.71)
Fuel Prices are taken from MotoristSG on 30 June 2022.
Petrol Station Loyalty Cards for Discounts
Loyalty programmes are the best way to save up on petrol costs. Loyalty programmes are designed to provide points when you spend money at that petrol station; members can use those points for discounts on petrol or other items sold in the petrol station.
Esso Smiles
Esso Smiles Card allows you to get an instant discount and earn Esso Smiles points for reward redemption. With one litre of fuel purchase = one Esso Smiles point. Plus, earn up to 5% rebates when used along with selected credit cards such as the DBS Esso Card.
Sinopec X
The Sinopec X Card allows you to get rewarded with X Points each time you purchase petrol from Sinopec; you can use these X points to redeem cash rewards. With one litre of SINO Power98 / SINO Power95 / Diesel = 1 Point, one litre of SINO X Power = 1.5 point. Every 90 X points can be redeemed for $3 off any fuel.
SPC&U Card
SPC&U is a loyalty programme for SPC customers to gain discounts and deals from SPC stations. You can receive instant discounts if you register for an SPC&U membership card. You’ll get to enjoy up to 10% discount on 92,95 and 98-octane petrol and up to 15% on diesel.
Shell Escape
The Shell Escape Card allows you to get exclusive discounts when spending on Shell Stations, with more point accumulation given for those with selected credit cards such as HSBC credit cards. Every 1 litre of Shell V-power spent = 1.2 points, and every 1litre of Shell FuelSave98/95 & Shell Diesel spent = 1 point.
Caltex Plus
Caltex Plus is a loyalty programme from Caltex that uses their new app, CaltexGo for transaction and point accumulation, Every litre of Techron fuel you pump at Caltex earns you 3 LinkPoints, and 150 Linkpoints = $1. For redemption of LinkPoints via CaltexGO, points will be redeemed based on the gross fuel purchase amount followed by card promotions or discounts.
Partnered Affiliated Membership Cards for Petrol Discounts
If you are a member of an affiliated partner such as NTUC, Automotive Association, or SAFRA, you can also enjoy promotional discounts on petrol at selected petrol stations.
SAFRA Card
If you are a member of the Singapore Armed Forces Reservist Association (SAFRA), you can enjoy the following discounts when they present your SAFRA Card at any Caltex station, such as 14% off for Caltex Ron 92, 95 Fuel and Diesel, and a 16% fuel discount for Caltex Platinum 98 Fuel only.
NTUC Plus! Card
If you are a Caltex or Esso user, you can earn NTUC Plus! Link Points to get more discounts in the future, with 150 LinkPoints ≈ S$1.
Automobile Association Card
Members of the Automobile Association (A.A.) of Singapore can enjoy the following discounts when they present their AA Card at any Caltex station along with other Caltex offers, with up to 16% instant discount on Caltex Platinum 98 and 14% instant discount on Caltex Regular 92, 95 and Diesel.
HomeTeamNS Card
If you are a member of HomeTeamNS, you can enjoy up to 24% Instant Savings on All Fuel Purchase when you fill up your tank at Sinopec just by flashing your HomeTeamNS card to selected Sinopec stations. With a 24% discount at Bukit Timah station, and a 23% discount at Yishun and Woodlands station
Credit Cards for Petrol Discounts
There are some cash back and miles credit cards that provide significant savings for petrol costs, with some cards bringing to as much as 26% savings for you. There are credit cards that offer discounts when used together with the membership card of the petrol station brand, and there are credit cards that provide a standalone deal when using it for fuel expenditures.
5% rebate on general spend, up to S$300/quarter (S$2,000 min spend)
Up to 10% on Grab & select UOB travel, 6% on utilities bills
3.33% rebate, up to S$100/quarter (S$1,000 min spend)
3.33% rebate, up to S$50/quarter (S$500 min spend)
UOB SMART$ Rebate Programme
UOB One Card Cardholders who consistently spend S$2,000/month earn a 5% general rebate, up to S$300/quarter. This rate is further boosted to 6% on utility bills and 10% on Grab and selects UOB Travel spend.
Those spending S$500 or S$1,000/month earn 3.33% rebates, up to S$50 or S$100/quarter, respectively. Cardholders earn up to 22.66% fuel savings at SPC and 21.15% at Shell.
5% rebate on general spend, up to S$300/quarter (S$2,000 min spend)
Up to 10% on Grab & select UOB travel, 6% on utilities bills
3.33% rebate, up to S$100/quarter (S$1,000 min spend)
3.33% rebate, up to S$50/quarter (S$500 min spend)
UOB SMART$ Rebate Programme
UOB One Card Cardholders who consistently spend S$2,000/month earn a 5% general rebate, up to S$300/quarter. This rate is further boosted to 6% on utility bills and 10% on Grab and selects UOB Travel spend.
Those spending S$500 or S$1,000/month earn 3.33% rebates, up to S$50 or S$100/quarter, respectively. Cardholders earn up to 22.66% fuel savings at SPC and 21.15% at Shell.
Annual fee: S$192.6, 2-year waiver, subsequently with S$10,000 annual spend
6% rebate on dining & online food delivery
3% rebate on groceries, land transport, recurring bills & online travel
Up to 23% fuel savings with Caltex, 20.4% with Esso, 5% other stations
Free travel insurance, Visa Signature Privileges
OCBC 365 Card is the absolute best everyday card on the market because of its great rates for essentials, lack of merchant restrictions, and easy fee-waiver–features not offered by competitors.
Cardholders earn up to 24% fuel savings with Sinopec, 23% with Caltex, 20.4% with Esso, and 5% at all other stations in Singapore. OCBC 365 is one of the best cards for petrol savings as consumers must spend S$800/month to access those rates and discounts. While this may seem high, it’s on par with other alternatives.
Annual fee: S$192.6, 2-year waiver, subsequently with S$10,000 annual spend
6% rebate on dining & online food delivery
3% rebate on groceries, land transport, recurring bills & online travel
Up to 23% fuel savings with Caltex, 20.4% with Esso, 5% other stations
Free travel insurance, Visa Signature Privileges
OCBC 365 Card is the absolute best everyday card on the market because of its great rates for essentials, lack of merchant restrictions, and easy fee-waiver–features not offered by competitors.
Cardholders earn up to 24% fuel savings with Sinopec, 23% with Caltex, 20.4% with Esso, and 5% at all other stations in Singapore. OCBC 365 is one of the best cards for petrol savings as consumers must spend S$800/month to access those rates and discounts. While this may seem high, it’s on par with other alternatives.
Annual fee: S$192.6, 2-year waiver, subsequently with S$12,500 annual spend
5% cashback on local dining, groceries & petrol (up to S$250/quarter)
0.4 miles per S$1 general spend, unlimited
HSBC Visa Platinum Card is very distinct in offering both miles and cashback rewards, but it also stands out for its petrol savings and potential fee waiver. Cardholders receive a 5% rebate on local dining & groceries after S$600 minimum spend, plus 0.4 miles per S$1 on all general spending, with no minimum requirement.
Cardholders earn up to 20.2% fuel savings at Caltex and 18.3% at Shell, assuming they consistently meet the S$600 minimum requirement. Below this spending level, cardholders can still earn 17% fuel savings at Caltex & 14% at Shell. It’s important to note that to access the 5% rebate–and higher discounts on petrol–cardholders must spend S$600/month every month for an entire quarter (3 months each). If you charge S$2,400 (including S$240 at Shell) monthly on your HSBC credit card, you can earn up to 600 points, with every S$5 spent on an HSBC Credit Card = 1 Shell Escape point.
Annual fee: S$192.6, 2-year waiver, subsequently with S$12,500 annual spend
5% cashback on local dining, groceries & petrol (up to S$250/quarter)
0.4 miles per S$1 general spend, unlimited
HSBC Visa Platinum Card is very distinct in offering both miles and cashback rewards, but it also stands out for its petrol savings and potential fee waiver. Cardholders receive a 5% rebate on local dining & groceries after S$600 minimum spend, plus 0.4 miles per S$1 on all general spending, with no minimum requirement.
Cardholders earn up to 20.2% fuel savings at Caltex and 18.3% at Shell, assuming they consistently meet the S$600 minimum requirement. Below this spending level, cardholders can still earn 17% fuel savings at Caltex & 14% at Shell. It’s important to note that to access the 5% rebate–and higher discounts on petrol–cardholders must spend S$600/month every month for an entire quarter (3 months each). If you charge S$2,400 (including S$240 at Shell) monthly on your HSBC credit card, you can earn up to 600 points, with every S$5 spent on an HSBC Credit Card = 1 Shell Escape point.
### DBS Esso Platinum Card: Top Savings for Esso Loyalists
Up to 21.1% fuel savings at Esso (+2.2% with purchase of 250 litres Synergy fuel)
Auto-enrolment into Esso Smiles Driver Rewards Programme
0% interest, no-fee instalment plan for motor insurance & road tax
DBS Esso Card is an excellent petrol card for Esso loyalists, offering up to 21.2% fuel savings at Esso, plus 2.2% additional savings after 250 litres of Synergy fuel are purchased. As of June 2022, Esso has low prices of $2.67/litre for octane 92, $2.71/litre when using the DBS Esso card for octane 95, and $3.10/litre for octane 98 petroleum.
Annual fee: S$85.6, 1-year waiver Up to 21.1% fuel savings at Esso (+2.2% with purchase of 250 litres Synergy fuel)
Auto-enrolment into Esso Smiles Driver Rewards Programme
0% interest, no-fee instalment plan for motor insurance & road tax
DBS Esso Card is an excellent petrol card for Esso loyalists, offering up to 21.2% fuel savings at Esso, plus 2.2% additional savings after 250 litres of Synergy fuel are purchased. As of June 2022, Esso has low prices of $2.67/litre for octane 92, $2.71/litre when using the DBS Esso card for octane 95, and $3.10/litre for octane 98 petroleum.
Conclusion
With the rising fuel costs for cars, it is not sustainable to not have discounts on fuel. Alternative to taking public transport or taxis/private hire cars, the best way to save up on fuel costs is to sign up for a loyalty programme from the petrol station brand, be a member of their affiliate partners, or use a credit card that provides discounts, which you can check our detailed comparison here!
Pritam Singh meets former national football coach PN Sivaji, says the team under him “electrified the cockles of our hearts”
Photo: FB / Pritam Singh
Before going for house visits in Compassvale, Pritam Singh met former national football coach PN Sivaji and wrote about how the latter built a “dream team”.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday (Jun 29), Mr Singh wrote that he decided to walk around the Block 259-series. While speaking to Mr Sivaji, Mr Singh wrote that it took him some time before he recognised the former national coach of the Singapore football team.
Kirsten Han says she has been smeared, harassed, investigated; reminds the words of PM Lee, who said when criticisms are incorrect or unfair, the govt will respectfully disagree & convince
Facebook screengrab/Kirsten Han
After being held under investigation for three public assemblies held outside Changi Prison Complex and in nearby Mariam Walk, activist Kirsten Han took to social media on the matter.
In a Twitter post on Tuesday (Jun 28), Ms Han shared a screengrab of a Straits Times article where Prime Minister Lee explains Singapore’s approach to criticism.
Yee Jenn Jong on how 1G leaders moved Singapore forward
Photo: Facebook/Yee Jenn Jong 余振忠
Talking about how to move Singapore forward, Yee Jenn Jong said that the best way was to “get on the ground”.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday (Jun 28), the former Non-constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) and Workers’ Party politician wrote: “I wonder how many national conversations our first generation leaders had”.
As Covid-19 pandemic restrictions ease and industries open job opportunities, more Malaysians are being enticed to work elsewhere due to higher pay.
However, this is causing a serious local manpower crunch, and Bloomberg Opinion writer Daniel Moss points out that it’s particularly problematic because it is Malaysia’s top talent who are choosing to work in Singapore.
Nurse sexually assaulted 14-year-old boy after getting him drunk
A nurse attacked a 14-year-old boy sexually at a party while intoxicated, a court heard in the U.K. They allegedly drank in the nurse’s backyard.
The Nurse, Katie Barrett, 40, served the boy Strongbow cider and shots of Limoncello. She then allegedly said, “Come here, baby, I want you to f**k me.”
Got a juicy story to share? Came across a gross injustice that needs to be heard? Want to have your opinion on current events made known? Email us your story with details and proof! Make your voice known! [email protected]
I was really happy that the LTA is finally doing their job in monitoring and enforcing control of the e-scooters and e-bikes nuisance. I believe they still are not doing enough as one can still see this nuisance around.
What is interesting is now not only are e-bikes and scooters on the walkways, but we now also got e-tricycles delivering food and used by non-disabled people. Just this morning, within a span of less than 5 minutes, I encountered 2 such people.
Singapore is known all over the world for a number of things—hawker food, Crazy Rich Asians, long queues and ultramodern living.
And now, maybe it’s time to add beer made from recycled toilet water to the list.
Like other things liquid, NEWBrew made a splash this week in stories carried in The Sydney Morning Herald, The New York Post, and Lifestyle Asia, among other publications.
On YouTube, a video titled “What is ‘NEWBrew’? A beer made from urine,” from WION Originals was released on June 29.
The beer is called NEWbrew, since it contains NEWater, the country’s brand of water that’s been recycled. Singaporeans were first invited to taste NEWBrew in 2018.
The company’s head brewer, Mr Mitch Gribov, told Bloomberg that “NEWater perfectly suits brewing because it tastes neutral. The mineral profile of water plays a key role in chemical reactions during brewing.”
In April, the beer hit supermarket shelves.
“Know what goes into a can of #NEWBrew? It’s everything you’d expect in a great-tasting beer – except that it’s made with NEWater, our very own ultra-clean and high-grade recycled water!
A local craft beer that’s also sustainable? We’ll cheer to that.
Now on sale at selected NTUC FairPrice, Cold Storage, online stores, and Brewerkz’s restaurants and estore,” Brewerkz wrote in an Instagram post.
Since its launch, NEWBrew has made some new fans.
“I seriously couldn’t tell this was made of toilet water. I don’t mind having it if it was in the fridge. I mean, it tastes just like beer, and I like beer,” Chew Wei Lian, 58, is quoted in The Sydney Morning Herald as saying.
The sentiment was echoed in The New York Post by Grace Chen, 52. “If you don’t tell people it’s made from wastewater, they probably won’t know,” she said.
The launch of this most unusual alcoholic drink has apparently been successful, with Brewerkz saying the supply could be gone by the end of the month.
And whether Brewerkz will keep on manufacturing NEWBeer depends on its evaluation of consumer reactions.
In 2018, Mr Bernard Tan, the managing director of Singapore International Water Week, said that NEWbrew had been launched to focus on the high quality and cleanliness of Singapore’s recycled water, which meet safe water standards around the world./TISG
Malaysian human rights group Lawyers for Liberty is urging the government of Singapore to halt the hanging of Kalwant Singh, scheduled for Friday next week (July 7).
“Kalwant is unfortunately next on the long list of Malaysians whom Singapore has slated for the gallows; despite a barrage of criticisms it has received from the international community for its ruthless executions of low-level drug mules,” reads a statement from Zaid Malek, the Director of Lawyers for Liberty.
In a Facebook post on Thursday (June 30), activist Kirsten Han noted that Kalwant’s execution would be the seventh scheduled in 2022.
Fb screengrab/ Kokila Annamalai
She listed the names of the men who have been scheduled for execution—“Roslan, Pausi, Rosman, Abdul Kahar, Nagaenthran, Datchinamurthy, and now Kalwant,” but noted that only “Kahar and Nagaen’s executions went ahead.”
The others, she added, “have either obtained stays or respite orders (which can be lifted at any time if the outstanding cases they have get dismissed).”
On March 30, Singapore carried out its first execution in more than two years. Singaporean Abdul Kahar bin Othman, 68, had been convicted on two charges of trafficking diamorphine in 2013 and was given the death penalty two years later.
Kalwant, now 31, was convicted and sentenced to death on Oct 24, 2013, for trafficking 60.15 grams of diamorphine.
He was only 23 at the time of his arrest.
Lawyers for Liberty said in its statement that Kalwant “has always maintained that he never knew that the bundles he was carrying were drugs. He was still convicted mainly on the testimony of a co-accused person.”
The imposition of the death penalty for drug crimes has been declared by the UN to be in violation of international law and amounts to unlawful killing. Malaysia has taken positive steps towards its eventual abolition, with the long-standing moratorium and now the government’s undertaking to abolish mandatory death penalty. Singapore however, in contradiction to prevailing international norms, continues with its execution barrage,” the group added.
Lawyers for Liberty is “strongly” urging Singapore “to comply with international law” and stop Kalwant’s scheduled execution, as well as re-examine the death penalty policy. It also urged Malaysia’s government to make urgent representations to Singapore on behalf of its citizens on death row.
On Friday. (July 1), activist Kokila Annamalai confirmed that Norasharee bin Gous, a Singaporean, has also been scheduled for execution on July 7. Norasharee is Kalwant’s co-accused.
“Many who’ve paid attention to Norasharee’s case believe his conviction is unsafe because he was found guilty almost solely based on the testimony of Yazid, who himself escaped the death penalty by pointing a finger at Norasharee and Kalwant.
This got Yazid a certificate of cooperation from the AGC. Yazid’s testimony led to both Kalwant and Norasharee’s convictions, but especially in Norasharee’s case, there was little other evidence and the case turned on Yazid’s testimony,” wrote Ms Annamalai in a Facebook post. /TISG
Leader of the Opposition and Workers’ Party Chief Pritam Singh called Singapore Armed Forces Day 2022 (SAF Day) “a little more special this year, as we are celebrating 55 years of National Service.”
In a Friday morning Facebook post, Mr Singh took a fond look back at his own journey with SAF.“Grateful for all the friends made, life lessons taught and learnt, and the small part each of us was able to play (and in many cases, are still playing) in contributing to the defence of Singapore.”
He also noted that while Singapore has enjoyed peace since attaining independence, keeping its armed forces strong is important.
“War has never come to post-independence Singapore. But it is not enough to hope and pray it never will. A strong, capable and credible SAF plays an oversized role in keeping the peace – while being operationally ready for war.”
And aside from highlighting the importance of the institution, Mr Singh also underlined the significance of every person who serves.
“And each piece of the jigsaw, each serviceman and woman matters. Always has, always will.”
In his post, the Leader of the Opposition shared his SAF Day post from three years ago, where he posted a photo of Platoon 3, Bravo Company, 35 SCE from 1999.
In it, he emphasized that “Once in uniform, they do not represent any political party,” and stand as one to defend Singapore.
“This band of brothers followed in the footsteps of countless others before them. Since then, thousands more have gone through the same experience. Once in uniform, they do not represent any political party. They are National Servicemen of the Singapore Armed Forces who did their duty and played their part – standing ready to defend the country, like the many who continue to do so today. Because we cannot count on anyone else to do this job.”
Mr Singh, a reservist commander with the rank of Major, enlisted in SAF in 1994. He served as a career commissioned officer from 1996 to 2002 and was a combat engineer.
“We had good fun, walking around the exhibits and checking out the equipment on display (the Leopard 2 always stands out), including some very impressive platforms such as the MAN Wheeled Recovery Vehicle and indigenously manufactured platforms like the Trailblazer and Hunter Armoured Fighting Vehicle,” Mr Singh wrote in a May 26 Facebook page. /TISG
A large group of cyclists spotted along Telok Blangah Road sparked criticisms among the public as they failed to adhere to road rules.
The incident, which happened near HarbourFront Centre, was shared by Facebook community page SG Road Vigilante – SGRV on June 28.
“Cycling group on road failed to conform to five in a single file or 10 if cycling two abreast,” the page noted. The video showed buses and other vehicles having to slow down as the cyclists weaved through traffic.
At one point, a cyclist even placed his arm out and touched the side of one bus before cutting its path.
Photo: FB screengrab/SG Road Vigilante – SGRV
The same video landed on multiple social media pages, including the Love Cycling SG Facebook page, which garnered mixed reactions among members.
A few justified that there was no incident, despite the whole thing looking “messy”.
“I am really happy to see so many bikes on the road! This almost looks like Amsterdam or Copenhagen (just without the bike lanes), and shows what the future will be (if Singapore isn’t underwater because Greenland icecap has melted),” added Facebook user Frederic Gillant who was also looking forward to his upcoming group ride.
Meanwhile, many noted that the cyclists in the video still went against the law.
“By looking at the video, can see majority (if not all) are youngsters. Already said so many times, wearing a helmet does not give one a ‘license’ to cycle on the road,” reiterated Facebook Peng Yen.
“It’s against our law, to ride more than two abreast. Plus, the way they cut here and there, I’m sure not ALL common sense needs to be written as law; we are adults, too (I assume they have some bits of brains left). I’m just being factual,” commented Facebook user Wei Kiat.
Another netizen said, “Traffic laws here are increasingly becoming a joke. What’s the point of all these rules and fines if hardly any enforcement takes place. That’s why these guys are so brazen. /TISG
“I’ve been doing this for so many years, this shop is like my child,” said the owner of a four-decade-old bakery in Bedok.
Following a three-year search for a successor, he was able to sell the stall for S$4 million.
Zheng Yikang, 74, is the owner of Borobudur Snacks Shop at 537 Bedok North Street 3. They’ve been around since the 1980s when they partnered with an Indonesian-Chinese who set up the shop.
Mr Zheng took over after the founder passed away and has been selling speciality Nonya kueh ever since. They’re known for their ang ku kueh and kueh lapis.
“At our peak, we could produce nearly 1,000 cakes a day, supply at least 10 well-known hotels and deliver to many other retail shops across Singapore,” said Mr Zheng to Chinese-language newspaper Shin Min Daily News.
They switched to supplying buffet operators after competition in the wholesale market increased.
The business also began curating new flavours to innovate and set up a factory at Mandai Link in 2004 due to increasing demand.
However, it was reported that Mr Zheng has no direct successor, as their only daughter is married and lives in Canada.
He then spent three years looking for someone to continue the business and eventually found a couple who fit the bill.
“We haven’t signed the contract. We’re in the midst of discussing the details, but they’ve been learning to make kueh since April. They have to learn for a year before they’re ready,” he said.
Although the S$4 million price tag might be quite hefty for some, Mr Zheng explained that the new owners would be ready to operate from day one.
They will get the Bedok stall, the factory in Mandai, equipment, and the secret recipes, among other existing business essentials.
Although he feels sad about the decision, Mr Zheng admitted he has no other choice. He plans to retire and go on a holiday with his wife.
In April this year, a 45-year-old hawker stall announced it would be closing for good. The Ang Mo Kio Curry Rice owner, 80, is retiring and has no children willing to take over as they find the job “too tiring.” /TISG
