SINGAPORE: Singapore has been recognized as the second most free economy in the world, according to the latest report from the Fraser Institute. The nation achieved a score of 8.55 out of 10, reflecting its robust policies and institutional frameworks that empower individuals to make their own economic decisions.

The Fraser Institute’s analysis evaluates economies across five key categories, each assessing different aspects of economic freedom. In the latest report, Singapore excelled in several areas, ranking second globally in freedom to trade internationally with a score of 9.56, indicating its strong commitment to facilitating international trade.

The country secured the third position in regulation with a score of 8.73, highlighting effective regulatory practices that foster a conducive environment for businesses.

Singapore was placed 11th in legal systems and property rights with a score of 8.40, reflecting its solid legal framework and protection of property rights. It also achieved a score of 8.71, ranking 31st in sound money, showcasing its stable monetary policies.

However, the country placed 47th in the size of government, with a score of 7.32, indicating a comparatively larger government presence.

Hong Kong topped the global rankings with a score of 8.58, slightly ahead of Singapore. In stark contrast, Venezuela ranked last at 165th position, with a score of just 3.02, underscoring the challenges faced in achieving economic freedom in the country.

SINGAPORE: A migrant worker has tragically lost his life following a construction site accident at Yishun Ring Road, marking the second workplace fatality in Singapore within the past week.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) reported that it received an emergency call at approximately 6:50pm on Monday (21 Oct) requesting assistance near Block 413, Yishun Ring Road.

Responding promptly, the SCDF transported a 55-year-old man to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital. Despite efforts to save him, the worker succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Preliminary investigations by the police have ruled out any foul play. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) also launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Early reports indicate that the worker was pushing a steel door frame at the construction site when it unexpectedly collapsed, striking him.

As a general safety protocol, steel door frames in construction settings must be appropriately designed and equipped with effective stoppers to prevent such accidents. MOM has directed the construction works, which were contracted by Yishun Town Council, to halt all ongoing work while investigations are underway.

This incident follows closely on the heels of another fatal workplace accident at the Tuas Water Reclamation Plant on 18 Oct. In that case, a 46-year-old construction worker died after being struck on the head by a falling steel bar. The man was rushed to the hospital but later died from his injuries. A 35-year-old man was arrested in connection with that accident for negligence causing death.

The recent spate of workplace fatalities has drawn attention to safety standards in construction, with authorities stressing the need for stricter adherence to safety protocols to prevent further tragedies. Investigations into both accidents are ongoing.

SINGAPORE: In a joint effort to curb the illegal possession and use of e-cigarettes, multiple government agencies have ramped up enforcement measures, resulting in a significant rise in penalties. Between July and September this year, a total of 3,840 individuals were fined for violating e-cigarette laws, marking a surge of over 50% compared to the previous quarter.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA), the agencies revealed that schools and higher education institutions reported more than 700 cases of students involved in e-cigarette usage. Community patrols uncovered 591 violations, while 44 cases were linked to educational institutions and 16 were intercepted at various checkpoints.

Additionally, the HSA took enforcement online, scrutinizing social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok to identify users who publicly displayed e-cigarettes. In July and August alone, five offenders—four men and one woman aged between 13 and 34—were caught uploading photos and videos of e-cigarette use. The individuals were fined, and the offending content was subsequently removed from the platforms.

A separate incident in September saw the HSA take action against a 49-year-old man caught smoking an e-cigarette on an MRT train, after a video of the incident surfaced on social media. Authorities later searched the man’s Tampines residence, where they found an e-cigarette and drug-related paraphernalia. The man, wanted by the Central Narcotics Bureau, is now assisting with further investigations.

Enforcement efforts were also heightened during major public events, including the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix and an outdoor music festival in Sentosa, where more than 250 individuals were arrested for e-cigarette-related offences. The authorities stressed the importance of vigilance at large gatherings as a key part of their strategy to combat illegal e-cigarette usage.

Joint operations were also conducted at sea, land, and air checkpoints in collaboration with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). Over 4,000 tourists were searched during this period, and 16 were found to be in possession of e-cigarettes.

The statement emphasized that MOH, HSA, the Health Promotion Board (HPB), and the Ministry of Education (MOE) are working together to tackle the growing issue of e-cigarette use among the public, especially students. Ongoing efforts will involve continued collaboration with agencies such as ICA, the National Environment Agency (NEA), and the National Parks Board (NParks) to ensure stricter enforcement in various locations, from checkpoints and online platforms to communities and educational institutions.