Phrases used by parrots: "...shared responsibility..."

[LITTLEREDDOT]

SFA is the early contender for Parrot of the Year Award 2025:

"SFA said it will continue to monitor the situation closely and reminded: "Food safety is a joint responsibility."

"While SFA puts in place and enforces the regulatory measures, food operators must play their part by adhering to good food hygiene and preparation practices. Food operators should also ensure their premises are clean and well-maintained."

SFA said it takes a serious view towards food safety and will investigate all feedback alleging poor food safety practices. As part of the enquiry and gathering of evidence, SFA may engage the feedback provider for more details and will not hesitate to take enforcement action if sufficient evidence has been obtained."


Jan 31, 2025

Diner rats out infestation at Beauty World Food Centre after rodent poops near him during dinner​

Cherlynn Ng
Submitted by Stomper
Khoo, Milton
He was having dinner at Beauty World Food Centre when he spotted a rat defecating near him.

Stomper Milton was so disgusted by the incident on Jan 14 that he reported it to the authorities.

Raising concerns about a "massive, uncontrolled rodent infestation," Milton said: "I spotted a rat defecating into one of the stalls on a pipeline of the food centre when I was having my dinner there. Another rather large one was stuck above the false ceiling of the Pink Candy Korean Restaurant stall.


"I instantly felt disgusted and sickened, and wondered if any of those droppings had entered food that was being prepared at the various stalls below.

"I also noticed that hordes of rats would crawl to and from the metal pipes, wire cables casings and into a garden located on level 5.


"This is the worst hawker centre of our country, in terms of hygiene standards. It resembles more like a hawker in neighbouring Johor Bahru than in Singapore!"

In response to a Stomp query, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said it conducted a joint inspection at the hawker centre with the National Environment Agency (NEA).

SFA told Stomp on Jan 31: "Preliminary investigation found signs of rat harbourage at the ceiling and the common area of Beauty World Food Centre.

"NEA will take enforcement action upon confirmation of rat infestation detected, and the building management and managing agent of the food centre have been advised to enhance their pest control measures based on the findings.

"Stallholders have been reminded to ensure food is kept in rat-proof containers, properly bag their refuse before disposal and to keep their stalls clean of food scraps so as to prevent easy access to food by the rats."

Stomper Khoo shared a letter that the building's management sent to stall operators about the infestation and "extensive rodent droppings throughout the premises."

The Jan 23 letter requested stall operators to remove their items from common spaces to prevent further rodent activity, as well as "eliminate potential food sources and breeding grounds".

SFA said it will continue to monitor the situation closely and reminded: "Food safety is a joint responsibility.

"While SFA puts in place and enforces the regulatory measures, food operators must play their part by adhering to good food hygiene and preparation practices. Food operators should also ensure their premises are clean and well-maintained."

Members of the public who have concerns about food safety practices by food operators should report to SFA via its online feedback form.

SFA said it takes a serious view towards food safety and will investigate all feedback alleging poor food safety practices. As part of the enquiry and gathering of evidence, SFA may engage the feedback provider for more details and will not hesitate to take enforcement action if sufficient evidence has been obtained.

This is not the first time Beauty World Food Centre has sparked hygiene concerns. Milton noted that there have been at least two incidents reported in the news.

One case involved cockroaches being seen running rampant at a fruit juice stall at the hawker centre in April 2023, with its owner crying sabotage.

The second case was in May 2023, when SFA took enforcement action against Indian food stall DHABA 1376 for food safety lapses following another Stomper's feedback.

In 2023, Stomp also received five separate complaints against a Korean food stall at the hawker centre regarding safety hazards and cleanliness.

 

[True Believer]

New York has 8 million residents producing enough food waste to feed 5 x the number of rats as people.
S'pore has 6 million people in a land area smaller than New York. Our rat population is growing fast.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

"Building safety is a shared responsibility, requiring vigilant oversight from multiple stakeholders, including building owners, management corporation strata title, managing agents (MAs), professional engineers (PEs) and individual unit owners, each playing a distinct role."

Forum: Qualified engineers’ professional assessments form backbone of building safety framework​

Mar 24, 2025

We thank Mr Dennis Tan for his letter “Train managing agents in building inspections to flag defects which may endanger people” (March 17).

Building safety is a shared responsibility, requiring vigilant oversight from multiple stakeholders, including building owners, management corporation strata title, managing agents (MAs), professional engineers (PEs) and individual unit owners, each playing a distinct role.

As Mr Tan highlighted, existing buildings undergo two types of inspections: the periodic structural inspection for structural elements, and the periodic facade inspection for facades, both conducted by qualified engineers. These professional assessments form the backbone of our building safety framework.


Between these inspections, MAs can help by flagging visible signs of building deterioration during their routine maintenance checks.

If concerns arise, they should promptly inform building owners, who can then engage a PE for technical evaluations and necessary repairs. Accredited MAs under the current MA accreditation recognition framework receive training to identify common defects during maintenance.

We appreciate the efforts of all industry partners, including MAs, in maintaining buildings and reporting visible issues promptly. BCA remains committed to working with industry partners and stakeholders to ensure a safe, liveable and sustainable built environment.

Regarding the Inspace building incident mentioned in Mr Tan’s letter, BCA is investigating the matter and will take appropriate action.

Clement Tseng
Group Director, Building Plan and Management
Building and Construction Authority

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Safeguarding our society from the scourge of drugs is a collective responsibility.

Forum: Safeguarding society from drug scourge a collective responsibility​

Jul 25, 2025

The National Council Against Drug Abuse (NCADA) applauds the move to classify etomidate as a Class C controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA) as an interim measure, pending the Ministry of Health’s development of more appropriate legislation.

This is needed for the Government to be able to act quickly and more decisively to protect our people, especially our youth, who are most vulnerable.

The recent rise in the abuse of drug-laced vapes and products such as “Kpods” is troubling. These products may appear harmless but contain harmful substances such as synthetic cannabinoids, cocaine, and pharmaceutical drugs like etomidate, which are not intended for recreational use. These substances can endanger health, including causing muscle spasms, changes to breathing patterns and blood pressure, seizures and psychosis, as well as addiction and even physical dependence.

We are most concerned that these products are often deliberately designed to appeal to youth. They are attractively packaged, infused with fruity flavours, and marketed through social media and peer networks.

Let us be clear: There is no such thing as a “safe high” when it comes to these substances. Etomidate may have legitimate medical uses under strict supervision, but outside of that context, its misuse poses serious risks.

In addition to this interim legislative step, more needs to be done. We need to increase public awareness and ramp up preventive education. The council also recognises the importance of continued collaboration among all stakeholders, including enforcement agencies, educators, parents and youth themselves.

Safeguarding our society from the scourge of drugs is a collective responsibility. NCADA will fully support the Government’s public education efforts in this area.

We call on parents, educators, community leaders and our youth to engage in conversations, and to stay informed, about the changing nature of drug abuse. Prevention is not only about policies and laws. It is also about building a strong social shield through awareness, education and care.

Together, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to a drug-free Singapore.


Dr Jimmy Lee
Exco Member, National Council Against Drug Abuse (NCADA)

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

"Cyber security is a shared responsibility."

Forum: MOH supports healthcare providers in safeguarding patient databases​

Jul 28, 2025

We refer to Dr Yik Keng Yeong’s letter “Doctors may need help preventing cyber attacks on patient databases ” (July 22).

Cyber security is a shared responsibility.

Government systems such as the National Electronic Health Record (NEHR) are designed with robust cyber and data security measures in place to protect Singaporeans’ health information. These include technical safeguards such as firewalls, security tools to detect and mitigate attacks, and ongoing monitoring and investigation of suspicious activities.


In turn, systems connected to the NEHR are also required to have appropriate security measures in place. We understand the concern that GPs may have, and have ensured that white-listed clinic management systems meet the requisite cyber-security standards.

Healthcare providers play an important role in ensuring that they have robust arrangements in place as to how their clinic management systems or electronic medical record systems are managed and used. They should put in place good practices, such as using strong passwords and two-factor authentication, be vigilant against phishing attempts, use anti-malware and anti-virus solutions, and keep computers/systems updated with security patches.

The Ministry of Health supports healthcare providers through funding, and training and educational materials on cyber and data security practices. There are also the Cyber and Data Security Guidelines and Guidebook which help healthcare providers understand and meet the essential security requirements.

The Ministry of Health is also exploring ways to work with cyber and data security providers to support healthcare providers in strengthening their security posture.

We strongly encourage all healthcare providers to familiarise themselves with essential cyber and data security practices.

Raymond Chua (Adjunct Professor)
Deputy Director-General of Health (Health Regulation)
Ministry of Health

 

[Geneco]

Safe and effective lololololol

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Singapore Food Agency: “Food safety is a joint responsibility."

FairPrice apologises after worm found in salmon bought from Bedok North outlet​

Aug 19, 2025

SINGAPORE – FairPrice Group has apologised after a woman said she found a worm in a piece of salmon she bought from one of its Bedok North outlets and later cooked at home.

In a statement on Aug 19, the supermarket chain said it was investigating the matter with its supplier.

The incident has also been reported to the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), which is carrying out its own investigation.

The woman, who wanted to be known only as Liz, told The Straits Times that she had bought a discounted packet of salmon with bones on Aug 12.

According to a receipt seen by ST, she bought four items at about 11.25pm on Aug 12, including three packets of xiao bai cai – a type of Chinese cabbage – and the salmon. The bill came up to $5.47.

Her mother cooked the salmon on Aug 15, and Liz ate it later that night. She realised something was wrong only while eating.

“I think my folks didn’t eat the fried salmon bones, I ate 2½ pieces. The last half was the part with the worm,” she said, adding that the worm appeared to be white and “very long”. She later measured it at 6.5cm with a ruler.
Liz, who is in her 40s and works in process transformation, said she experienced bloating after the meal but did not consult a doctor as she felt fine otherwise.

In response to queries, SFA said it is looking into the incident.

“Food safety is a joint responsibility,” the agency said. “While SFA puts in place and enforces the regulatory measures, food operators must play their part by adhering to good food hygiene and preparation practices.”

A FairPrice Group spokesperson said: “We apologise for the inconvenience and alarm caused to our customer and have reached out to address her concerns.”

The spokesperson added that the company takes food safety and quality seriously, and that food sold at FairPrice supermarkets is safe for consumption if handled and cooked appropriately at home.

It is also important to note that products should be consumed before their stipulated Use By date, the spokesman said, as consuming them past their expiry may compromise food safety.

 

[True Believer]

S'pore has the highest paid politicians in the world, but all they know how to do is issue motherhood statements.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Even minister K Shanmugam is a parrot:

“Fire safety is a collective responsibility. We must work together, each doing our part, to keep our homes fire-safe,” he said.

Users, sellers of non-compliant AMDs may face tougher action after recent fires: Shanmugam​

There were 22 AMD-related fires in Housing Board flats in 2024, compared with 20 in 2023 and 19 in 2022.

Summary

• Non-compliant active mobility devices (AMDs) are causing severe fires, with 187 AMD-related fires in the last five years, half occurring during charging.
• Stricter enforcement, including tougher penalties, is being considered for those who use or sell non-compliant AMDs as they endanger lives.
• Home fire alarm devices are being installed in HDB flats to improve fire safety awareness and response.

AI generated

Sep 23, 2025

SINGAPORE –The recent fires involving active mobility devices (AMDs) are a significant area of concern for the authorities, who are considering tougher action against sellers and users of non-compliant devices.

Such devices pose significant safety risks, and those who use or sell them knowingly endanger the lives of their families and neighbours, said Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam.

He was responding in a written reply on Sept 22 to parliamentary questions from Mr Cai Yinzhou (Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC) about fires involving such devices.


Fires in HDB estates have generally been on the decline, from 939 in 2020 to 803 in 2024, said Mr Shanmugam. But fires cause major disruptions leading to the loss of assets and lives, and most of them could have been prevented.

He said there have been 187 fires involving AMDs over the last five years.

Of these, about 46 per cent involved personal mobility devices (PMDs), 42 per cent involved power-assisted bicycles (PABs) and 12 per cent involved personal mobility aids (PMAs).

Mr Shanmugam said 98 of these fires, or about half, happened during charging of the devices.

There were 22 AMD-related fires in HDB flats in 2024, compared with 20 in 2023 and 19 in 2022.

There were also 21 such fires in the common areas of HDB estates in 2024, compared with 14 in 2023 and 11 in 2022.

He said: “Although such fires form a small proportion of fires in HDB estates, AMD-related fires are typically more severe and more likely to result in fatalities and injuries. We are especially concerned about non-compliant AMDs.

“We are considering tougher enforcement action to send a stronger deterrent signal that the use or sale of non-compliant AMDs poses significant safety risks.”

Mr Shanmugam added: “These individuals are knowingly endangering not just the lives of their family but the lives of their neighbours as well.”

On Aug 13, two people died and four residents of Block 106 Jalan Bukit Merah were taken to hospital after a fire broke out in a fourth-floor unit at about 4pm.


The blaze is believed to have started from a PMD battery pack, said the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) in a Facebook post on Aug 14.

On Aug 13, two people died and four residents of Block 106 Jalan Bukit Merah were taken to hospital after a fire broke out in a fourth-floor unit.

ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG

On Aug 22, three people were taken to hospital after a fire broke out in a 12th-floor unit at Block 63 Lorong 5 Toa Payoh at 2.30am. SCDF later said the fire involved a PMA.

Since June 2021, businesses and individuals have had to obtain approval from the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to import PABs and PMDs into Singapore. These devices must meet the UL2272 and EN15194 standards for PMDs and PABs, respectively, to manage fire safety risks.

There are currently no commonly recognised international fire safety standards for PMAs, said Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow in a separate reply.

But LTA is monitoring the development of international standards.

Despite these safety measures, some people are choosing to intentionally flout regulations and sell non-compliant devices, or modify their previously compliant devices and make them unsafe, said Mr Shanmugam.

In the past three years, 77 of the AMD-related fires in HDB estates involved such non-compliant devices. Mr Shanmugam said this is why LTA has stepped up regulatory measures and enforcement against the sale or use of non-compliant AMDs.

Between 2020 and 2024, LTA detected more than 6,000 cases of non-compliant AMDs on public paths and roads, and more than 100 violations by errant retailers.

A recent raid of a shop in Aljunied suspected of selling non-compliant AMDs led to the seizure of 11 illegal devices.

Those caught using non-compliant AMDs will have their devices seized and can be jailed for up to six months and fined $10,000.

Those caught selling such devices for use on public paths can be jailed for up to 24 months and fined up to $40,000.

The punishments are doubled for repeat offenders.

There have been at least eight fire-related deaths in 2025 so far, compared with three in 2023 and five in 2024.


At an event in August, Minister of State for Home Affairs and Social and Family Development Goh Pei Ming said battery packs from some AMDs and electrical faults
were the likely causes of a spate of residential fires.

Mr Shanmugam said more is being done to help home owners better respond to fires.

In 2018, it became mandatory for all new residential premises, including community care apartments, to have home fire alarm devices (HFADs).

Mr Shanmugam said that for existing residential premises, the devices are mandated only if fire safety-related addition and alteration works were carried out.

The devices are also installed as part of fire safety works under the Home Improvement Programme in cases where fire-rated doors are installed.

He said seniors who wish to install HFADs in their homes can enjoy a subsidy of up to 95 per cent.


More than 80 per cent of public rental flats already have the devices installed, and HDB will progressively install them in the remaining 20 per cent for free.

Mr Shanmugam said that as at June, HFADs have been installed in about 191,000 HDB flats. Of these, 74,000, or one in three, were built before 2018.

While the Government continues to review its policies, programmes and regulations, the best defence against a home fire is still the home owner, he added.

The minister noted that a residential fire safety campaign, Better Awareness, Safer Homes, will be launched to increase public awareness of the top causes of residential fires and encourage home owners to evaluate potential home fire hazards.

“Fire safety is a collective responsibility. We must work together, each doing our part, to keep our homes fire-safe,” he said.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

"Everyone needs to view recycling as a shared responsibility and adopt good recycling habits."

Forum: Measures in place across sectors to build a sustainable society​

Sep 16, 2025

We appreciate the thoughtful suggestions of Forum writers Gabriel Chia (Improve recycling by moving beyond symbolic bins, Aug 27) and Tuan Ming Lee (
Recycling needs tough love and a cultural shift, Aug 29).

We agree that effective recycling starts with the right mindset and robust systems. Everyone needs to view recycling as a shared responsibility and adopt good recycling habits.

Over the years, the National Environment Agency (NEA) has developed educational and user-friendly content under the Recycle Right Campaign to promote good recycling practices.

To help households identify recyclables easily, refreshed recycling labels, co-created with the public, have been deployed across all blue recycling bins and chutes.

Tools such as the Recycle Right AI Chatbot support instant recycling guidance through text and image queries. Through partnerships with schools, community groups and non-governmental organisations, recycling information has been made accessible within neighbourhoods to audiences across age groups.

We also believe in nurturing good recycling habits from a young age. Education on recycling practices is integrated into school curricula to encourage students to view recycling as a shared responsibility.

Beyond education, NEA continues to partner with the community and businesses to increase recycling efforts. NEA supported the industry-led Alliance for Action to develop guidelines on sustainable e-commerce packaging.

NEA is also looking to strengthen support for paper recycling, working together with waste collectors, recycling companies, and the community.

Since March 2024, all new large commercial and industrial food waste generators have been required to segregate, treat, and report their food waste.

In 2026, we will also be introducing the beverage container return scheme to encourage the public to return used metal and plastic beverage containers for recycling.

With the right mindset, education, and systems in place, we can build a more sustainable Singapore together.


Pierre Ng
Director, Sustainability Division
National Environment Agency