There is no enforcement in Singapore

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Jail for lorry driver who looked at phone while driving, causing accident that killed law professor​

Natarajan Mohanraj was sentenced to two years and a month in jail, and a fine of $2,000 on Aug 29.

Summary

• Natarajan Mohanraj was driving a lorry on July 7, 2023 when he looked at his mobile phone before the accident occurred.
• The vehicle later struck a car driven by Emeritus Professor Tan Yock Lin, a senior National University of Singapore law professor.
• Prof Tan was rushed to hospital where he died of multiple injuries.

Aug 29, 2025

SINGAPORE – A construction worker with a history of careless driving was sent a notice from the Traffic Police in June 2023 ordering him to surrender his driving licence before July 25 that year.

On July 7, about two weeks before the deadline, Natarajan Mohanraj was driving a lorry when he looked at his mobile phone and the vehicle struck a car.

The driver of the car, Emeritus Professor Tan Yock Lin, 70, a senior National University of Singapore law professor, was taken to hospital and died later that day.

Despite this, Natarajan, 28, continued to drive another lorry on two separate occasions in 2024 after his licence was revoked.

The Indian national was sentenced to two years and a month in jail, and a fine of $2,000 on Aug 29, 2025.

He had pleaded guilty to several charges, including causing another person’s death while driving a vehicle without due care.

He was also prohibited from driving any motor vehicle in Singapore for life.

On July 7, 2023, Natarajan was driving a lorry along Upper Thomson Road when he looked at his mobile phone that was placed in a holder on the front windscreen and failed to notice that the vehicle was veering right towards a centre divider.

“The lorry mounted the kerb of the centre divider, smashed through the green metal railings, and uprooted two trees before emerging onto the opposite (side) of the road, directly against the flow of oncoming traffic and in its path,” said Deputy Public Prosecutor Sunil Nair.


The lorry struck Prof Tan’s car, causing the car to spin and hit the front of a nearby van, which veered to the left.

The van then hit the side of a bus, the court heard.

Prof Tan, who suffered fractures to his skull, was trapped inside his severely damaged car and Singapore Civil Defence Force officers took about an hour to get him out.

He was taken to Tan Tock Seng Hospital, and died of multiple injuries shortly before noon that day.

The driver of the van, a 28-year-old man, suffered injuries including fractured ribs.

The road was closed for almost three hours to get Prof Tan out of the car, remove the damaged vehicles and clear the debris, DPP Nair said.


Court documents revealed that Natarajan re-offended after this fatal accident and continued driving on two separate occasions in 2024 even though his licence had already been revoked by then.

On the first occasion on Jan 3, 2024, he drove another man’s lorry with the latter’s permission and a traffic police officer later stopped him as he was not wearing a seatbelt.

Without the owner’s permission, Natarajan drove the same lorry in May that year before a traffic police officer stopped him.

On Aug 29, defence lawyer Sarbrinder Singh from Sanders Law urged the court to sentence his client to 16 months’ jail and a fine of $2,000.

Stressing that Natarajan was driving within the speed limit before the 2023 fatal crash, Mr Singh added: “While extremely unfortunate, the accident was the result of a momentary lapse of judgment and there is no evidence that the accused had been driving in a careless manner for a prolonged period of time.”

The lawyer also said that his client, who has since lost his job, is remorseful and had fully cooperated with the authorities in their investigation.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Quote: "The Government is concerned about these fires, and may consider stiffer action against the owners and retailers of non-compliant AMDs."

As usual, the government will react only when the problem becomes serious.
Like vaping, enforcement was tightened up only when the vapes were laced with drugs and when vaping were the cause of many serious road accidents.

AMD battery packs, electrical faults likely causes of recent residential fires: Goh Pei Ming​

Aug 30, 2025

SINGAPORE – Battery packs from some active mobility devices (AMDs) and electrical faults were found to be the likely causes of a recent spate of residential fires, said Minister of State for Home Affairs and Social and Family Development Goh Pei Ming.

The Government is concerned about these fires, and may consider stiffer action against the owners and retailers of non-compliant AMDs, Mr Goh told reporters at Joo Chiat Community Club on Aug 30, on the sidelines of a Responder Plus Programme.

Twenty-six participants picked up core life-saving skills such as firefighting, first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation during the emergency preparedness training programme by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF).

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

In April 2025, a blaze at a shophouse in River Valley left a 10-year-old girl dead, and 21 others injured. More recently in August, a fire in a Jalan Bukit Merah flat resulted in the death of two people in their 30s.

Mr Goh said the Government is looking at various measures to step up fire safety protection.

Several measures have already been put in place, such as requiring all new flats and existing flats undergoing addition and alteration works to install home fire alarm devices since 2018.

Town councils, together with the SCDF, have also been working very closely to remove fire hazards from corridors and common spaces, he said.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Ministry of Transport also require all power systems, bicycles and personal mobility devices (PMDs) to be registered and to undergo safety checks, he added.


PMDs in Singapore must be registered with LTA and be UL2272-certified, fitted with an LTA plate and undergo inspection every two years.

Batteries should be regularly examined for any damage or deformities, and should be charged using only compatible chargers with a safety mark.

There have been 20 fires involving PMDs in the first half of 2025, according to the SCDF, double the number in the same period in 2024.

“The SCDF has been installing fire extinguishers in various HDB estates next to many of the AEDs (automated external defibrillators), to allow for members of the public to access emergency resources to help respond to fires a lot more quickly,” said Mr Goh, who is an MP for Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC.

“As at July this year, more than 90 per cent of the places that require such installations already have the fire extinguishers in position.”


Mr Goh said it would be useful for residents to know where the nearest fire extinguisher is, or to buy a fire extinguisher for their homes if they are prepared to do so. He also urged residents to install home fire alarms.


As for dry rising mains in housing estates, he said there is already an “inspection regime for checks”.

An underground pipe leak was likely the reason behind a failed dry riser during a blaze at Block 229 Toa Payoh Lorong 8 in July. Firefighters had to run hoses up the stairs from lower floors as the dry riser was not functioning.

Should the data from annual checks suggest that there is a need for more checks and inspections to be done, “we will explore the option”, Mr Goh added.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

S’pore clubgoers continue to vape despite tight security and news of tougher penalties​

A woman vaping in a smoking room at Marquee on Aug 22.

Aug 31, 2025

SINGAPORE – Security around clubs and bars has been tightened but vaping has persisted despite heightened enforcement action by the authorities, including the Health Sciences Authority (HSA).

Some young clubgoers were spotted sneaking puffs inside and around popular clubs Zouk, Drip and Marquee Singapore at Marina Bay Sands, as well as in Prinsep Street, a popular nightlife area.

The Straits Times visited the entertainment outlets on Aug 22, Aug 23 and again on Aug 29, the day after the Government announced tougher measures to deal with vaping, including the use of vapes laced with the anaesthetic etomidate.

Vapers appeared to be more discreet. In Prinsep Street, they gathered in the back alleys to use their devices.

ST first visited the area and the two clubs in July, and found patrons vaping openly inside the premises and outside the bars.

Since then, the clubs have put up more signs warning against vaping inside and around the premises. ST found that security staff were more thorough with bag checks.

Despite the monitoring, a man in his 20s managed to sneak in a vape and was spotted using it at Zouk’s smoking corner at 1am on Aug 30.

Mr David Long, senior director of operations at Zouk, told ST: “We will continue to take guidance from the authorities and follow their enforcement guidelines.

“We have the official HSA QR codes and are working with the Singapore Nightlife Business Association (SNBA) to share them with neighbouring establishments.”

A woman with a vape at a smoking corner outside Zouk on Aug 23.

ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO

A patron, who did not want to be identified, told ST that HSA and police officers were at the club at about 11pm. He said some clubgoers were questioned and searched outside Zouk, which is in Clarke Quay.

ST understands that the police and HSA conducted checks at nightlife establishments from Aug 15 to 23.

During an enforcement blitz on nightspots islandwide on Aug 15, the authorities caught 115 people for vaping offences, including five who were arrested for possessing Kpods, or etomidate-laced vapes.

At Drip, security staff reminded clubgoers of the no-vaping rule, with one bouncer saying those caught doing it could be banned from the club at the basement of Concorde Shopping Mall.

A vape disposal box was placed at the club’s entrance, with security staff walking around the club to check on patrons regularly.

A vape disposal box placed at the entrance of Drip in Concorde Shopping Mall. Security staff walked around the club to check on patrons regularly.

ST PHOTO: CLAUDIA TAN

Despite tighter measures, ST found clubgoers vaping inside the toilet and at an open area outside the club, after leaving for a smoke break, on Aug 24.

A woman with a vape outside Drip on Aug 29.

ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR

Four individuals were spotted vaping in the back alleys of Prinsep Street on the same night.

A group of young people with at least four vapes among them seen vaping outside a row of pubs in Prinsep Street on Aug 23.

ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO

At Marquee, ST spotted three individuals vaping in a smoking room.

A man using an e-cigarette inside a smoking room at Marquee in Marina Bay Sands on Aug 23. Vape abusers will face increased fines from Sept 1.

ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO

Drip and Marquee did not respond to ST queries.

Dr Adrian Wang, a psychiatrist at Gleneagles Medical Centre, said vaping habits among youth might persist because they crave novelty and are drawn to trendy things.

“They may feel a need to (vape) so they can bond socially, or others can influence them.”

He noted: “People tend to imbibe more food, alcohol and cigarettes when they get together in clubs, so there is a chance that young adults would be less inhibited and succumb more easily to peer pressure – and hence vape more.”

Dr Wang added that vaping is addictive, which can cause users to be more dependent on the device than they think.

A man and a woman (seated, left) sharing a vape outside Drip on Aug 23. At least three vapes can be seen among the group.

ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO

In response to ST queries, an SNBA spokesperson said it takes the vaping issue seriously and is committed to supporting the Government’s efforts to safeguard public health and safety.

“We have been working closely with HSA to encourage nightlife venues and outlets to display ‘No Vaping’ signage prominently, as part of the collective effort to deter such behaviour,” the spokesperson added.

The association will engage its members and establishments to raise awareness of the risks associated with vaping.

“We believe collaboration is key, and by working together with HSA and relevant authorities, we can strengthen education, enforcement support and compliance efforts across the nightlife industry,” the spokesperson said.

At a press conference on Aug 28 to announce the Government’s measures to tackle vaping, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung noted that a third of vapers in Singapore are under 18, and more than half are below 30.

He said 80 per cent of etomidate abusers are under 30.

Mr Ong added that many people, especially the young, picked up vaping because they believed it was not as harmful as smoking cigarettes.

“And then out of curiosity, out of coercion, or out of just ignorance, they wander into substance abuse, which is what we are seeing now for etomidates,” he said.



From Sept 1, vape abusers will face increased fines of $500 for those under 18, and $700 for adults, up from $300 and $500 previously.

Those caught using Kpods will also be sent for mandatory rehabilitation.

The public can report vaping offences to the Tobacco Regulation Branch on 6684-2036 or 6684-2037 from 9am to 9pm daily, or online at www.go.gov.sg/reportvape

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Forum: Technology and more visible policing needed to improve road safety​

Sep 02, 2025


The article “Injuries, deaths on Singapore’s roads rise in H1 2025; accidents due to red-light violations also up” (Aug 29) highlights a worrying trend which has not been arrested for some time.

With an average of more than three fatalities a week, road safety is an increasing concern for both motorists and pedestrians.

On a recent drive from Changi to Jurong via the PIE and back to the East Coast through AYE-ECP, I observed four accidents in less than two hours – an unusual occurrence in my more than three decades of driving.


Despite the use of technology such as speed cameras and surveillance systems, accident numbers continue to rise. This suggests that enforcement through technology alone may not be sufficient.

In the past, visible police patrols played a stronger role in deterring reckless behaviour, as the presence of patrol cars and flashing lights reminded motorists of rules and encouraged drivers to drive more responsibly.

While increasing patrols will require additional resources, the cost is justifiable when compared with the human and economic toll of accidents. I urge the authorities to consider deploying more patrol cars on the road. With self-driving technology on the brink of becoming reality, robot patrol vehicles could even be an option in the future.

In the meantime, a balanced approach – combining technology with more visible policing – would immediately improve road safety and save lives.

Ben Chen

 

[WangChuk]

S’pore clubgoers continue to vape despite tight security and news of tougher penalties​

A woman vaping in a smoking room at Marquee on Aug 22.

Aug 31, 2025

SINGAPORE – Security around clubs and bars has been tightened but vaping has persisted despite heightened enforcement action by the authorities, including the Health Sciences Authority (HSA).

Some young clubgoers were spotted sneaking puffs inside and around popular clubs Zouk, Drip and Marquee Singapore at Marina Bay Sands, as well as in Prinsep Street, a popular nightlife area.

The Straits Times visited the entertainment outlets on Aug 22, Aug 23 and again on Aug 29, the day after the Government announced tougher measures to deal with vaping, including the use of vapes laced with the anaesthetic etomidate.

Vapers appeared to be more discreet. In Prinsep Street, they gathered in the back alleys to use their devices.

ST first visited the area and the two clubs in July, and found patrons vaping openly inside the premises and outside the bars.

Since then, the clubs have put up more signs warning against vaping inside and around the premises. ST found that security staff were more thorough with bag checks.

Despite the monitoring, a man in his 20s managed to sneak in a vape and was spotted using it at Zouk’s smoking corner at 1am on Aug 30.

Mr David Long, senior director of operations at Zouk, told ST: “We will continue to take guidance from the authorities and follow their enforcement guidelines.

“We have the official HSA QR codes and are working with the Singapore Nightlife Business Association (SNBA) to share them with neighbouring establishments.”

A woman with a vape at a smoking corner outside Zouk on Aug 23.

ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO

A patron, who did not want to be identified, told ST that HSA and police officers were at the club at about 11pm. He said some clubgoers were questioned and searched outside Zouk, which is in Clarke Quay.

ST understands that the police and HSA conducted checks at nightlife establishments from Aug 15 to 23.

During an enforcement blitz on nightspots islandwide on Aug 15, the authorities caught 115 people for vaping offences, including five who were arrested for possessing Kpods, or etomidate-laced vapes.

At Drip, security staff reminded clubgoers of the no-vaping rule, with one bouncer saying those caught doing it could be banned from the club at the basement of Concorde Shopping Mall.

A vape disposal box was placed at the club’s entrance, with security staff walking around the club to check on patrons regularly.

A vape disposal box placed at the entrance of Drip in Concorde Shopping Mall. Security staff walked around the club to check on patrons regularly.

ST PHOTO: CLAUDIA TAN

Despite tighter measures, ST found clubgoers vaping inside the toilet and at an open area outside the club, after leaving for a smoke break, on Aug 24.

A woman with a vape outside Drip on Aug 29.

ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR

Four individuals were spotted vaping in the back alleys of Prinsep Street on the same night.

A group of young people with at least four vapes among them seen vaping outside a row of pubs in Prinsep Street on Aug 23.

ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO

At Marquee, ST spotted three individuals vaping in a smoking room.

A man using an e-cigarette inside a smoking room at Marquee in Marina Bay Sands on Aug 23. Vape abusers will face increased fines from Sept 1.

ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO

Drip and Marquee did not respond to ST queries.

Dr Adrian Wang, a psychiatrist at Gleneagles Medical Centre, said vaping habits among youth might persist because they crave novelty and are drawn to trendy things.

“They may feel a need to (vape) so they can bond socially, or others can influence them.”

He noted: “People tend to imbibe more food, alcohol and cigarettes when they get together in clubs, so there is a chance that young adults would be less inhibited and succumb more easily to peer pressure – and hence vape more.”

Dr Wang added that vaping is addictive, which can cause users to be more dependent on the device than they think.

A man and a woman (seated, left) sharing a vape outside Drip on Aug 23. At least three vapes can be seen among the group.

ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO

In response to ST queries, an SNBA spokesperson said it takes the vaping issue seriously and is committed to supporting the Government’s efforts to safeguard public health and safety.

“We have been working closely with HSA to encourage nightlife venues and outlets to display ‘No Vaping’ signage prominently, as part of the collective effort to deter such behaviour,” the spokesperson added.

The association will engage its members and establishments to raise awareness of the risks associated with vaping.

“We believe collaboration is key, and by working together with HSA and relevant authorities, we can strengthen education, enforcement support and compliance efforts across the nightlife industry,” the spokesperson said.

At a press conference on Aug 28 to announce the Government’s measures to tackle vaping, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung noted that a third of vapers in Singapore are under 18, and more than half are below 30.

He said 80 per cent of etomidate abusers are under 30.

Mr Ong added that many people, especially the young, picked up vaping because they believed it was not as harmful as smoking cigarettes.

“And then out of curiosity, out of coercion, or out of just ignorance, they wander into substance abuse, which is what we are seeing now for etomidates,” he said.



From Sept 1, vape abusers will face increased fines of $500 for those under 18, and $700 for adults, up from $300 and $500 previously.

Those caught using Kpods will also be sent for mandatory rehabilitation.

The public can report vaping offences to the Tobacco Regulation Branch on 6684-2036 or 6684-2037 from 9am to 9pm daily, or online at www.go.gov.sg/reportvape

Wow ... so they got bring this girl go Pai Roti or not .... confirm next morning oso blank blank no know how it felt like being a revolving piece of sashimi

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Woman, 60, from China, overstayed in S'pore for more than 28 years, sentenced to 6 months' jail​

She was also fined S$2,000.

Chloe Loh

September 02, 2025, 12:03 PM​

A 60-year-old Chinese national, Yu Zefang (transliterated), was sentenced to six months' jail and a fine of S$2,000 on Sep. 1 for overstaying her visa for more than 28 years.

Previously arrested in Oct 1996​

Lianhe Zaobao reported that Yu had obtained a student's pass in April 1995 and renewed it regularly in the beginning.

A student's pass is required by foreigners who have been accepted by an educational institute to pursue full-time studies in Singapore.

However, after Yu's pass expired in September 1996, she continued to stay in the country.

In October 1996, Yu was arrested for drug use and had her passport confiscated.

She was then granted a special pass by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) on Oct. 17, 1996, pending the outcome of the investigation.

A special pass legalises a foreigner's stay in Singapore and is issued for specific purposes, such as assisting in investigation.

While on the pass, Yu was expected to report regularly to the immigration department but failed to do so.

She was also nowhere to be found when her permit expired later that year in November.

Stayed in Singapore to take care of daughter​

According to Zaobao, Yu's daughter, who was eight years old at the time, had applied for a student pass in January 1997, allowing her to stay in Singapore legally to study.

In order to stay and take care of her daughter, Yu decided to stay in the country illegally.

Her daughter was later granted permanent resident status in May 2008, though the court did not reveal the details of her application for permanent residency.

Yu overstayed in Singapore for more than 10,000 days​

According to charge sheets, Yu remained in Singapore for a period of 28 years, one month and 11 days, a total of 10,268 days, from Nov. 20 1996 to Dec. 30 2024, after the special pass issued to her in 1996 expired.

Zaobao reported that this case is likely the longest-ever overstayer incident and Yu chose to surrender to ICA on Dec. 30, 2024 as she wanted to return to China.

Sentenced on Sep. 1​

According to Zaobao, Yu appeared in court on Sep. 1, accompanied by her family and friends and pleaded guilty to the charges.

Yu's lawyer pleaded for leniency, stating that Yu regretted her actions and chose to plead guilty.

However, the judge stated that Yu had overstayed in Singapore intentionally for a long period of time.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Forum: Time to toughen anti-smoking strategy​

Sep 10, 2025

Despite Singapore’s tough stance on smoking, the reality on the ground tells a different story. People continue to smoke in areas clearly marked as non-smoking zones such as in public parks. Discarded cigarette butts litter our streets, void decks and drains.

We need to go beyond current smoking restrictions. Smoking “corners” in coffee shops are not enclosed, so second-hand smoke drifts freely with the wind, affecting every diner. It is a similar situation at bus stops, making restrictions meaningless.

Regulations prohibit smoking within 5m of entrances and exits to buildings. Yet, non-smokers still find themselves walking through clouds of smoke in their daily routine. At home, many have little protection when second-hand smoke drifts into their flats from neighbouring units.


Campaigns have fallen short, and the status quo is not tenable. Singapore needs to relook its anti-smoking strategy. This is not just a health issue. It is also about fairness. A smoker’s personal enjoyment cannot come at the expense of others’ right to clean air.

Jeff Wee

 

[WangChuk]

S’pore clubgoers continue to vape despite tight security and news of tougher penalties​

A woman vaping in a smoking room at Marquee on Aug 22.

Aug 31, 2025

SINGAPORE – Security around clubs and bars has been tightened but vaping has persisted despite heightened enforcement action by the authorities, including the Health Sciences Authority (HSA).

Some young clubgoers were spotted sneaking puffs inside and around popular clubs Zouk, Drip and Marquee Singapore at Marina Bay Sands, as well as in Prinsep Street, a popular nightlife area.

The Straits Times visited the entertainment outlets on Aug 22, Aug 23 and again on Aug 29, the day after the Government announced tougher measures to deal with vaping, including the use of vapes laced with the anaesthetic etomidate.

Vapers appeared to be more discreet. In Prinsep Street, they gathered in the back alleys to use their devices.

ST first visited the area and the two clubs in July, and found patrons vaping openly inside the premises and outside the bars.

Since then, the clubs have put up more signs warning against vaping inside and around the premises. ST found that security staff were more thorough with bag checks.

Despite the monitoring, a man in his 20s managed to sneak in a vape and was spotted using it at Zouk’s smoking corner at 1am on Aug 30.

Mr David Long, senior director of operations at Zouk, told ST: “We will continue to take guidance from the authorities and follow their enforcement guidelines.

“We have the official HSA QR codes and are working with the Singapore Nightlife Business Association (SNBA) to share them with neighbouring establishments.”

A woman with a vape at a smoking corner outside Zouk on Aug 23.

ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO

A patron, who did not want to be identified, told ST that HSA and police officers were at the club at about 11pm. He said some clubgoers were questioned and searched outside Zouk, which is in Clarke Quay.

ST understands that the police and HSA conducted checks at nightlife establishments from Aug 15 to 23.

During an enforcement blitz on nightspots islandwide on Aug 15, the authorities caught 115 people for vaping offences, including five who were arrested for possessing Kpods, or etomidate-laced vapes.

At Drip, security staff reminded clubgoers of the no-vaping rule, with one bouncer saying those caught doing it could be banned from the club at the basement of Concorde Shopping Mall.

A vape disposal box was placed at the club’s entrance, with security staff walking around the club to check on patrons regularly.

A vape disposal box placed at the entrance of Drip in Concorde Shopping Mall. Security staff walked around the club to check on patrons regularly.

ST PHOTO: CLAUDIA TAN

Despite tighter measures, ST found clubgoers vaping inside the toilet and at an open area outside the club, after leaving for a smoke break, on Aug 24.

A woman with a vape outside Drip on Aug 29.

ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR

Four individuals were spotted vaping in the back alleys of Prinsep Street on the same night.

A group of young people with at least four vapes among them seen vaping outside a row of pubs in Prinsep Street on Aug 23.

ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO

At Marquee, ST spotted three individuals vaping in a smoking room.

A man using an e-cigarette inside a smoking room at Marquee in Marina Bay Sands on Aug 23. Vape abusers will face increased fines from Sept 1.

ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO

Drip and Marquee did not respond to ST queries.

Dr Adrian Wang, a psychiatrist at Gleneagles Medical Centre, said vaping habits among youth might persist because they crave novelty and are drawn to trendy things.

“They may feel a need to (vape) so they can bond socially, or others can influence them.”

He noted: “People tend to imbibe more food, alcohol and cigarettes when they get together in clubs, so there is a chance that young adults would be less inhibited and succumb more easily to peer pressure – and hence vape more.”

Dr Wang added that vaping is addictive, which can cause users to be more dependent on the device than they think.

A man and a woman (seated, left) sharing a vape outside Drip on Aug 23. At least three vapes can be seen among the group.

ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO

In response to ST queries, an SNBA spokesperson said it takes the vaping issue seriously and is committed to supporting the Government’s efforts to safeguard public health and safety.

“We have been working closely with HSA to encourage nightlife venues and outlets to display ‘No Vaping’ signage prominently, as part of the collective effort to deter such behaviour,” the spokesperson added.

The association will engage its members and establishments to raise awareness of the risks associated with vaping.

“We believe collaboration is key, and by working together with HSA and relevant authorities, we can strengthen education, enforcement support and compliance efforts across the nightlife industry,” the spokesperson said.

At a press conference on Aug 28 to announce the Government’s measures to tackle vaping, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung noted that a third of vapers in Singapore are under 18, and more than half are below 30.

He said 80 per cent of etomidate abusers are under 30.

Mr Ong added that many people, especially the young, picked up vaping because they believed it was not as harmful as smoking cigarettes.

“And then out of curiosity, out of coercion, or out of just ignorance, they wander into substance abuse, which is what we are seeing now for etomidates,” he said.



From Sept 1, vape abusers will face increased fines of $500 for those under 18, and $700 for adults, up from $300 and $500 previously.

Those caught using Kpods will also be sent for mandatory rehabilitation.

The public can report vaping offences to the Tobacco Regulation Branch on 6684-2036 or 6684-2037 from 9am to 9pm daily, or online at www.go.gov.sg/reportvape

Slap all those million dollar Papayas in their face .... Ah Wong no fee lao kui that his words are treat as farts ah? All the silver serpents continue to act retarded, blind and deaf sitting in their aircon rooms surf TikToks and Little Red Book for salary and bonuses siah ....

 

[k1976]

Jail for lorry driver who looked at phone while driving, causing accident that killed law professor​

Natarajan Mohanraj was sentenced to two years and a month in jail, and a fine of $2,000 on Aug 29.

Summary

• Natarajan Mohanraj was driving a lorry on July 7, 2023 when he looked at his mobile phone before the accident occurred.
• The vehicle later struck a car driven by Emeritus Professor Tan Yock Lin, a senior National University of Singapore law professor.
• Prof Tan was rushed to hospital where he died of multiple injuries.

Aug 29, 2025

SINGAPORE – A construction worker with a history of careless driving was sent a notice from the Traffic Police in June 2023 ordering him to surrender his driving licence before July 25 that year.

On July 7, about two weeks before the deadline, Natarajan Mohanraj was driving a lorry when he looked at his mobile phone and the vehicle struck a car.

The driver of the car, Emeritus Professor Tan Yock Lin, 70, a senior National University of Singapore law professor, was taken to hospital and died later that day.

Despite this, Natarajan, 28, continued to drive another lorry on two separate occasions in 2024 after his licence was revoked.

The Indian national was sentenced to two years and a month in jail, and a fine of $2,000 on Aug 29, 2025.

He had pleaded guilty to several charges, including causing another person’s death while driving a vehicle without due care.

He was also prohibited from driving any motor vehicle in Singapore for life.

On July 7, 2023, Natarajan was driving a lorry along Upper Thomson Road when he looked at his mobile phone that was placed in a holder on the front windscreen and failed to notice that the vehicle was veering right towards a centre divider.

“The lorry mounted the kerb of the centre divider, smashed through the green metal railings, and uprooted two trees before emerging onto the opposite (side) of the road, directly against the flow of oncoming traffic and in its path,” said Deputy Public Prosecutor Sunil Nair.


The lorry struck Prof Tan’s car, causing the car to spin and hit the front of a nearby van, which veered to the left.

The van then hit the side of a bus, the court heard.

Prof Tan, who suffered fractures to his skull, was trapped inside his severely damaged car and Singapore Civil Defence Force officers took about an hour to get him out.

He was taken to Tan Tock Seng Hospital, and died of multiple injuries shortly before noon that day.

The driver of the van, a 28-year-old man, suffered injuries including fractured ribs.

The road was closed for almost three hours to get Prof Tan out of the car, remove the damaged vehicles and clear the debris, DPP Nair said.


Court documents revealed that Natarajan re-offended after this fatal accident and continued driving on two separate occasions in 2024 even though his licence had already been revoked by then.

On the first occasion on Jan 3, 2024, he drove another man’s lorry with the latter’s permission and a traffic police officer later stopped him as he was not wearing a seatbelt.

Without the owner’s permission, Natarajan drove the same lorry in May that year before a traffic police officer stopped him.

On Aug 29, defence lawyer Sarbrinder Singh from Sanders Law urged the court to sentence his client to 16 months’ jail and a fine of $2,000.

Stressing that Natarajan was driving within the speed limit before the 2023 fatal crash, Mr Singh added: “While extremely unfortunate, the accident was the result of a momentary lapse of judgment and there is no evidence that the accused had been driving in a careless manner for a prolonged period of time.”

The lawyer also said that his client, who has since lost his job, is remorseful and had fully cooperated with the authorities in their investigation.

This Bengali killed a talent and let go so lightly??

 

[k1976]

Forum: Technology and more visible policing needed to improve road safety​

Sep 02, 2025


The article “Injuries, deaths on Singapore’s roads rise in H1 2025; accidents due to red-light violations also up” (Aug 29) highlights a worrying trend which has not been arrested for some time.

With an average of more than three fatalities a week, road safety is an increasing concern for both motorists and pedestrians.

On a recent drive from Changi to Jurong via the PIE and back to the East Coast through AYE-ECP, I observed four accidents in less than two hours – an unusual occurrence in my more than three decades of driving.


Despite the use of technology such as speed cameras and surveillance systems, accident numbers continue to rise. This suggests that enforcement through technology alone may not be sufficient.

In the past, visible police patrols played a stronger role in deterring reckless behaviour, as the presence of patrol cars and flashing lights reminded motorists of rules and encouraged drivers to drive more responsibly.

While increasing patrols will require additional resources, the cost is justifiable when compared with the human and economic toll of accidents. I urge the authorities to consider deploying more patrol cars on the road. With self-driving technology on the brink of becoming reality, robot patrol vehicles could even be an option in the future.

In the meantime, a balanced approach – combining technology with more visible policing – would immediately improve road safety and save lives.

Ben Chen

Our traffic police only catch people illegal parking

And lax on those speeding lorry and heavy tow trucks on BKE / SLE / AYE, so many accidents already occured yet the root cause dun seem to be addressed as more lives continue to lost

Previously there was a proposal to reinstall the yellow speed light on commercial vehicles but now no sound no pic after May election

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Firms not allowed to engage foreign freelancers to provide creative services in S’pore: MOM, Vicpa​

The Ministry of Manpower received information that some companies have engaged foreign freelancers to provide creative services for weddings in Singapore.

Sep 13, 2025

SINGAPORE – Companies in industries such as those involving photography, videography and make-up services are not allowed to engage foreign freelancers for clients in Singapore.

In a joint advisory to industry stakeholders on Sept 11, the Visual, Audio, Creative Content Professionals Association (Singapore), or Vicpa, and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said: “Foreigners on tourist or student visas are not allowed to perform such work in Singapore, and companies cannot engage them to provide services to clients, nor promote their services.”

This follows information received by MOM that some companies have engaged foreign freelancers to provide creative services for weddings here, the statement added.

Such work arrangements are illegal and constitute a contravention of the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (EFMA).

Foreigners found working in Singapore without a valid work pass may be liable to a fine not exceeding $20,000, a jail term of up to two years, or both. Those who have engaged such foreigners for work may also be subject to such penalties.

Foreigners found working without a valid work pass may also be barred from entering and working in Singapore.

Vicpa’s executive secretary Jagathishwaran Rajo told The Straits Times that the association has received increasing feedback from local professionals regarding challenges posed by foreign freelancers operating in Singapore without valid work passes.

This includes “concerns over unfair price competition, as foreign freelancers often charge significantly lower rates”, he said in a statement on Sept 13.

Meanwhile, Singapore-based creatives are obliged to make MediSave contributions, as well as meet equipment and business overheads, insurance and tax requirements.

The issue has proliferated in recent years as social media platforms allow foreign freelancers to advertise their services directly to clients here, he said.

“We note that such cases are not limited to weddings alone but also extend to other sectors requiring creative services, including photography, videography, make-up and related freelance work,” Mr Jagathishwaran said.

In response to the situation, Vicpa, an affiliate of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), has been monitoring these platforms and providing tip-offs to MOM.

It also aims to strengthen education among clients and companies and promote ethical hiring practices.

“Our objective is not to stifle competition, but to uphold a fair and level playing field where Singapore’s creative talent is respected, valued and supported,” Mr Jagathishwaran said.

In response to queries from ST, MOM, in a reply on Sept 15, said that foreign wedding photographers must possess a valid work pass before they can commence work for individuals or companies in the Republic.

It added that from 2021 to 2024, MOM received about two complaints annually on foreigners working illegally in wedding-related services and had followed up on the cases.

To report a contravention of the EFMA, members of the public can visit MOM’s eService portal at www.mom.gov.sg/eservices/services/report-an-infringement

Those under student visas may go to www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-pass-exemption-for-foreign-students for more information on their eligibility for work.

Vicpa was set up in 2021 to represent freelance and self-employed individuals in the creative content industry, with support from NTUC.

According to its website, it aims to uphold a code of ethics to guide industry practices and support members in strengthening their professional competencies, among other objectives.

 

[melzp]

If a local designer/graphic artist can work fm home, what is the difference of a foreigner working from his foreign homeland ??
By emailing the pdf, tiff files, etc ?? Nothing.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Undetected for more than 3 years between July 2018 and November 2021.

Six men fined $1.27m for illegally renting private homes on platforms such as Airbnb, HomeAway​

The offences came to light after the management council of a private residential development filed a report with the authorities.

Sep 15, 2025

SINGAPORE – The mastermind of an operation to illegally rent out short-term accommodations at 31 private residential properties has been fined $1,144,902.

Between July 2018 and November 2021, Robin Koh Guohui, 41, had engaged four others to be part of an unauthorised short-term accommodation operation in return for a monthly salary, said the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) on Sept 15.

The four are Pandy Lim En Xiang, 33, Chew Lam Yong, 61, Low Ah Tee, 81, and Chua Lian Beng, 71. A fifth person, Ryan Chow Yan Kit, 34, was also involved.

The five men – all Singaporeans – were fined between $8,000 and $32,500, and sentenced between August 2024 and March 2025.

Koh, who was sentenced on Sept 15, was the sole director of a company named SG Auto Car, which he used to facilitate the illegal activities. The company was renamed SG Bizloan Consultant in July 2021.

Chow and the four whom Koh had approached each served as the sole director of one of four companies – KCA, Edrich Group, Ed Werks Holdings and ANZ Management Services – at different times.

“Acting under Koh’s instructions, they signed tenancy agreements in their capacity as company directors for a total of 31 private residential units sourced by Koh,” said the URA.

Koh then advertised these units on online accommodation platforms such as Airbnb and HomeAway, subletting them for stays of less than three consecutive months – the minimum stay duration required under the law – in return for rent.

The payments received from the occupants went to Koh, who used several bank accounts, mobile phone numbers and host accounts registered under different aliases on the online platforms for the illegal operation.


URA said the offences came to light after the management council of a private residential development reported to the authorities about suspected short-term accommodation use at one unit rented by Edrich Group.

URA ascertained the scale of the operations with feedback from residents and managing agents of other developments involving private residential units rented by the company.

Under the Planning Act, the minimum stay duration for private residential properties is three consecutive months.

“This rule is intended to prevent frequent turnover of transient occupants, which can potentially change the residential character of a property and negatively impact neighbouring residents,” said URA.

URA development control group director Martin Tan said: “URA takes a serious view of the unauthorised use of private residential properties for short-term accommodation and we will continue to investigate such cases.

“We will take strict enforcement action against individuals and entities who are found to be involved in any way, be it by facilitating the transfer of revenue or sourcing for properties and occupants. This will include prosecution in court for severe cases where we will also press for deterrent sentences.”

The public can report suspected cases of illegal short-term accommodation via URA’s website.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

LTA starts to clamp down only after so PMDs have been the cause of recent fires.

LTA officers raid shop in Aljunied, seize 11 illegal mobility devices​

Land Transport Authority officers raiding a shop in Aljunied suspected of selling non-compliant active mobility devices on Sept 15.

Sep 16, 2025

SINGAPORE – Land Transport Authority (LTA) officers on Sept 15 raided a shop in Aljunied suspected of selling non-compliant active mobility devices, which have been involved in an increasing number of fires in the last few years.

By the end of the bust, which The Straits Times was invited to observe, 11 illegal devices were seized.

LTA said the retailer had committed 19 offences, including the display of non-compliant power-assisted bicycles, or e-bikes, for sale.

More than 600 non-compliant mobility devices were seized between January and August 2025, LTA said on Sept 16.

In the same period, LTA’s raids caught seven retailers for selling illegal mobility devices. These retailers had committed about 30 offences for selling non-compliant devices, LTA said.

Such non-compliant devices pose severe fire risks. In the first eight months of 2025, there were 37 fires involving mobility devices.

In 2024, 67 blazes involved mobility devices, up from 55 in 2023 and 42 in 2022. There were 63 fires involving mobility devices in 2021 and 68 in 2020.

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

In a Facebook post on Sept 16, LTA said a recent fire involved a battery sold by an online second-hand source instead of an authorised retailer.

This would void the safety certification of the device and pose a significant fire risk.

Common illegal modifications of mobility devices include the changing of electrical parts such as the battery and electric motor with third-party or non-original versions, added LTA.

From January 2020 to August 2025, LTA detected more than 7,000 offences involving the use of non-compliant mobility devices on paths and roads, and more than 100 offences by retailers.

In a Facebook post on Sept 16, Minister of State for Transport Baey Yam Keng said illegal mobility devices can be dangerous.

“These aren’t just statistics – they’re real risks to our neighbourhoods, so it is important to curb the sale and use of illegal devices,” he said.

Weeks after a fire thought to have been caused by the battery pack of a mobility device killed two people in their 30s on Aug 13, Minister of State for Home Affairs and Social and Family Development Goh Pei Ming said the Government is concerned about these fires, and may consider stiffer action against owners and retailers of non-compliant mobility devices.

Eleven devices were impounded during the raid on Sept 15.

E-bikes and motorised and non-motorised personal mobility devices such as e-scooters and kick-scooters are considered active mobility devices.

Personal mobility aids, such as motorised wheelchairs and three- or four-wheeled mobility scooters, also fall under this category. These are designed to carry those who are unable to walk or have walking difficulties.

LTA urged the public to buy mobility devices only from reputable sources, and to check for defects and modifications when purchasing devices second-hand online.

Motorised devices here are required by law to meet safety standards – UL2272 standards for motorised personal mobility devices and EN15194 standards for e-bikes.

Only devices that meet these standards can be imported into and used in Singapore.

LTA said offences involving non-compliant devices on public paths and roads declined from January 2020 to August 2025. For instance, there were more than 900 offences in 2024, down from more than 1,000 offences in 2023.

The authority also said it works closely with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and Singapore Customs to stem the inflow of non-compliant devices by identifying and taking enforcement action against those who import such devices without approval.

The Land Transport Authority urged the public to buy mobility devices only from reputable sources, and to check for defects and modifications when purchasing devices second-hand online.

ST PHOTO: GIN TAY

When LTA’s officers raided the Aljunied shop on the afternoon of Sept 15, the shop was crammed with mobility devices of all kinds, mostly e-bikes.

It had no customers when the officers entered; only the owner of the shop and his assistant were present.

The officers carried or wheeled the devices out of the shop, to weigh them and test their speeds.

LTA-approved e-bikes must not weigh more than 20kg or have handlebars longer than 70cm. Their maximum speed limit must be 25kmh.

Further investigations will be carried out on the devices seized from the Aljunied shop, and on the 19 offences detected, LTA said.

LTA-approved e-bikes must not weigh more than 20kg or have handlebars longer than 70cm.

In January, the owner of an electric bicycle shop was fined $7,000 for selling a non-compliant battery and an illegally modified e-bike.

The two non-compliant items from the shop were linked to two separate blazes in 2024, in Hougang and Bukit Batok, and caused one of the users to suffer burns.

Prince Bryan Tan, 29, the sales and marketing manager of the shop Drive Bikes Singapore, admitted to two charges in the Republic’s first such prosecution.

The first offence is under the Road Traffic Act for causing an e-bike to be illegally modified, and the second is under the Active Mobility Act for selling a non-compliant e-bike.

Tan sold an incompatible battery on Jan 27, 2024, which went up in flames when the e-bike user was riding in Hougang Avenue 5 three months later, on April 27, 2024.

The user suffered burns and needed skin grafting.

On Feb 21, 2024, Tan also sold an e-bike fitted with a battery that was not compliant with safety certifications.

The e-bike caught fire at the customer’s home in Bukit Batok Street 32 on April 25 that year, causing significant damage to the flat.


Those convicted of selling non-compliant mobility devices can be fined up to $20,000, jailed for up to two years, or both. Companies can be fined up to $40,000.

Those found guilty of using non-compliant mobility devices may be fined up to $10,000, jailed for up to six months, or both. Repeat offenders face a fine of up to $20,000, up to a year’s jail, or both.

Members of the public can report errant retailers or path users through LTA’s online feedback form at  www.lta.gov.sg/feedback.

LTA said it will take such feedback into account in planning enforcement operations.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Forum: Review car loan rules to prevent financial woes and safety issues​

Sep 17, 2025

I urge the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to review motor vehicle loan rules and close loopholes that allow some sellers to bypass lending caps.

MAS last updated car loan regulations in 2016, setting maximum loan-to-value ratios of 60 per cent to 70 per cent and loan tenures of up to seven years. Since then, certificate of entitlement (COE) premiums have soared, but the rules have not been refreshed.

Meanwhile, some dealers now openly advertise “$0 upfront” or “100% loan” packages, even on public radio. Such offers normalise high-risk borrowing and encourage households to overstretch their finances.

Car dealers also bid aggressively for COEs on behalf of buyers. While this may help individuals secure a car, it drives premiums higher for all. Combined with easy financing, this creates a cycle of over-leverage, inflating car prices and raising the risk of loan defaults.

The private hire vehicle (PHV) scheme highlights the issue. Buyers fall into two different spectrums.

On one end are those who try to circumvent car financing rules by registering cars as PHVs to access higher loan quantums and longer tenure, but use them only for personal purposes.

On the other are drivers who genuinely rely on PHVs for their livelihood. As COEs rise, these drivers may be saddled with larger debts, forcing them to work longer hours to make ends meet. This risks not only their own health, but also the safety of passengers and pedestrians.

Both situations undermine the prudent intent of MAS’ loan rules and expose households to unnecessary strain.

This misuse also runs counter to the scheme’s purpose. Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow recently noted: “If you had one COE left to allocate, is it better to allocate it to a private car owner, who then drives maybe two trips a day and leaves the car in the garage? Or is it better to share the car among a much larger group of Singaporeans who can have access to the use of a car when they need it? Surely it must be the latter, right?” (Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow on COE system, private-hire cars and other transport issues, June 17).

When PHVs are used as private cars, or when drivers are trapped in unsustainable debt, this principle of wider access is lost.

MAS should update lending rules to reflect today’s realities, enforce compliance with loan-to-value limits, close loopholes that allow full financing through PHV registrations not genuinely for hire, and require clearer disclosure of borrowing costs.

These measures will protect households, moderate COE volatility, and promote responsible, sustainable car ownership while supporting safer roads for all.

Raymond Ng Teck Wei