Singapore’s public transport network faced major delays on the morning of 6 August 2025, after a fault near Jurong East crippled East-West Line (EWL) train services for over five hours. Services between Boon Lay and Buona Vista were severely disrupted, with SMRT resuming normal operations only at 11:05 am.

The fault was traced to a malfunctioning point machine — a critical piece of infrastructure responsible for switching train tracks safely. Train operator SMRT announced that engineers began rectification works after the morning peak, eventually restoring full service by late morning.

The disruption, which began at the start of service, prompted SMRT to issue alerts from 6:03 am onward. Initially confined to Boon Lay and Clementi, the affected zone widened by 7:17 am to include Buona Vista, as commuters braced for travel times stretched by over 30 minutes in some cases.

Commuters Report Chaos, Poor Communication During Breakdown

Despite SMRT advising a buffer of 25 minutes, numerous commuters took to social media to report delays lasting over 35 minutes. Crowds swelled at stations such as Lakeside and Pioneer, with videos showing congestion and stalled trains.

One commuter said his journey from Pioneer to Jurong East took more than twice the usual time, while others were confused about fare deductions after exiting the same station they entered. A viral open letter criticised the lack of on-ground assistance near Chinese Garden, calling the shuttle bus arrangements “completely unmanaged”.

SMRT responded with apologies and confirmed that trains had been slowed deliberately to 18kph for safety. Free shuttle buses and e-Travel Chits for MRT delay compensation were offered to ease the inconvenience.

Recurring Faults Raise Questions Over Rail System Reliability

This incident has renewed public concerns about the long-term reliability of Singapore’s rail infrastructure. It comes after a similar fault at Jurong East in July 2024 caused a three-hour delay, and a more severe failure later that year resulted in a six-day closure and a S$3 million fine.

Following those incidents, SMRT replaced 46 point machines and began trialling predictive sensor systems. Yet, the recurrence of similar faults raises doubts about the effectiveness of these upgrades and the robustness of maintenance efforts under the New Rail Financing Framework.

Public transport reliability is a growing concern for voters ahead of the upcoming General Election, and such high-profile service disruptions could have broader political implications. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is expected to conduct a full investigation once SMRT submits its report.

Nineteen drivers have been caught for operating unauthorised ride-hailing services within Singapore and across the border to Malaysia, following a large-scale enforcement operation carried out on 5 August 2025.

This marks the first time the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) have launched a joint operation at a land checkpoint to tackle such offences. Simultaneously, patrols were conducted at known hotspots including Gardens by the Bay and Changi Airport, where additional violators were identified.

In a Facebook post on 6 August, the LTA revealed that the vehicles involved in the illegal operations have since been impounded. While it did not disclose the specific checkpoint targeted, social media footage suggests the crackdown occurred at the Tuas Checkpoint.

Spike in Cross-Border Scam Transport Sparks Concern

Authorities have raised the alarm over the growing trend of illegal cross-border passenger transport, particularly involving foreign-registered vehicles. Since 2022, over 136 drivers have been caught for similar offences, with many losing their vehicles to forfeiture.

Some of these unauthorised drivers had been fined up to $2,600 and were found to have no valid Public Service Vehicle Licence (PSVL) or the necessary insurance coverage to operate legally. These practices are considered a serious threat to passenger safety, while also undermining the livelihoods of licensed transport providers.

In July alone, 22 drivers were nabbed in two separate operations, with hotspots like Punggol Road, Turf Club Avenue and Changi Airport being frequent targets for such illegal activity.

LTA and Government Intensify Enforcement Against Unlicensed Rides

Senior Minister of State for Transport, Sun Xueling, stressed the government’s commitment to clamp down on these underground ride-hailing services. In a social media post, she highlighted that drivers operating without the appropriate licences and insurance pose serious safety risks to passengers and cause unfair competition for legal operators.

She added that the authorities are actively reviewing the current licensed cross-border taxi scheme, with plans to expand boarding and alighting points, improve access to different vehicle types, and potentially introduce a dedicated booking app for authorised services. These improvements will, however, require bilateral agreement with Malaysian counterparts under existing reciprocal arrangements.

In addition, the Ministry of Home Affairs has encouraged the public to report such illegal services via official channels, including the LTA hotline and the Scam Alert portal.

Legal Repercussions for Illegal Transport Services in Singapore

Under current laws, anyone found offering unauthorised point-to-point or cross-border transport services in Singapore faces a fine of up to $3,000, six months’ jail, or both. Offending vehicles may also be seized and forfeited, especially in repeat or aggravated cases.

Only Singapore- and Malaysia-registered licensed taxis, endorsed by authorities from both nations, are legally permitted to provide cross-border services. These taxis must operate only between designated pick-up and drop-off points, and Malaysia-registered vehicles must also possess an ASEAN Public Service Vehicle Permit.

In response to recent trends, LTA has stepped up patrols in collaboration with the National Private Hire Vehicle Association, while leveraging public tip-offs to identify and investigate offenders more swiftly.

Don’t Get Caught in a Scam: Think Before You Book

While unauthorised ride-hailing may seem like a cheap and convenient alternative, commuters are reminded that such services come with significant risks, including lack of insurance protection and legal recourse in case of accidents or disputes.

If you suspect a ride-hailing service is operating illegally, or if you know someone offering unauthorised rides, do your part by reporting it to the Anti-Scam Helpline at 1800-722-6688 or visit scamalert.sg for more information.

In a disturbing case that highlights the dark side of online scams and money laundering, a Singaporean man was forced to drink urine and humiliated by his former associates after a bank account he relinquished was frozen by authorities.

The victim, a 25-year-old man referred to in court documents only as A1, had been recruited by Tan Ming Chuan to open a corporate bank account, which was then allegedly used for illegal activities. When the account was locked down, Tan and his associate Cheong Wee Kiat falsely believed A1 had stolen the money, leading to a series of criminal acts against him.

Tan, 28, has since been sentenced to four months and eight weeks in jail, along with a $300 fine. He pleaded guilty to criminal intimidation and misusing a computer system. Cheong’s case is still pending in court.

Scam Network Unravels as Victim Comes Forward

According to Court Documents, Tan had been working under a man named Derrick since 2021, recruiting individuals willing to surrender their bank accounts for quick payouts. For every account obtained, Tan would reportedly receive up to $1,000, keeping a cut of about $300 for himself while handing $500 to the account holder.

In March 2022, A1 was introduced to Tan by Cheong after expressing interest in earning “fast cash.” With Tan’s assistance, A1 set up a company and opened a corporate bank account. He then handed over the ATM card and banking credentials, fully aware that the account would be used unlawfully, Reported The Straits Times.

Over $147,000 was eventually moved through the account. However, A1 never received his promised share, while Tan used his commission on alcohol and clubbing.

Later, when A1’s father discovered suspicious bank statements, the pair went to the bank to shut the account. Bank staff advised A1 to file a police report, which he did on 16 April 2022. The account—containing over $25,000—was subsequently frozen.

Humiliation and Assault in the Name of Retribution

Fearful of financial consequences, A1 cut ties with Cheong. But on 12 September 2022, Tan and Cheong met at the latter’s Bedok Reservoir home and decided to confront A1. That night, they gathered four other individuals and confronted A1 at his block, reported TNP.

Despite A1 insisting he had no money, he was coerced into calling a friend to transfer $800 to one of the group members. As they waited, Cheong punched A1 in the face, causing a cut near his left eyebrow.

Around 1am the following morning, Tan and Cheong devised a cruel plan to “punish” A1. Along with two others, they urinated into a bottle and demanded that A1 either drink it or engage them in a fight. Terrified, A1 drank approximately three-quarters of the urine and poured the rest over himself under their orders.

Singapore Courts Crack Down on Cybercrime and Intimidation

Tan recorded the entire incident on his phone, although he later deleted the footage. A1 lodged a police report the next day, and investigations were launched. Tan’s bail has been set at $20,000, and he is scheduled to begin his sentence on 1 September 2025.

This case draws attention to the growing risks surrounding online financial scams and the exploitation of individuals for cybercrime purposes. Authorities have reiterated the importance of not relinquishing bank accounts or personal details for “quick cash” schemes, which are often fronts for illicit operations.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has warned that victims in such cases may not only lose money but could also face threats, humiliation, and physical harm. Singapore continues to invest in cybersecurity education and enforcement to tackle such fraudulent activities.

If you suspect a scam or know someone vulnerable to such schemes, contact the Anti-Scam Helpline at 1800-722-6688 or visit scamalert.sg for more information.

A 40-year-old Singaporean doctor has pleaded guilty to a series of violent offences against his former partner, including unlawful restraint, assault, and threats involving intimate images. The shocking case has brought renewed attention to domestic violence and abuse in relationships involving individuals of influence.

Violent Confrontation Stemmed from Relationship Breakdown

The accused, Dr Chua Cheng Yu, is the founder of Veritas Medical Aesthetics. He first met the victim, a 33-year-old woman, in January 2021 when she began working at his clinic. The pair entered into a romantic relationship in 2022, which reportedly deteriorated over time due to persistent disagreements.

In mid-March 2023, the woman resigned amid growing tensions. Just weeks later, on 1 April, Dr Chua forcefully entered her home and began damaging her belongings in a fit of rage, allegedly driven by suspicions of infidelity. He seized her laptop and hairdryer and pushed her against a wall, causing a head injury. The following days saw multiple uninvited visits, during which he took additional items such as her mobile phone and condominium gate remote.

On 5 April, after police intervention, the doctor returned the items. However, the abuse continued.

Threats to Leak Intimate Images Escalate Abuse

On 24 May 2023, the doctor picked up the woman after dinner and drove her home. When she rejected his suggestion of storing belongings at each other’s homes, he allegedly began bombarding her with messages and calls, including threats to leak her private photos using a chat feature on a mobile gaming app.

The psychological toll on the woman was compounded by fear of humiliation and public exposure—tactics increasingly reported in technology-facilitated abuse cases.

Attempted Abduction Captured on Camera

A particularly harrowing incident took place on 10 September 2023. After multiple ignored calls to her workplace, Dr Chua confronted the woman outside her office and pleaded with her to enter his car. When she refused, he dragged her in against her will. Dashcam footage captured her attempting to escape at a red light, but she was restrained.

While en route to her home, the victim used the excuse of needing to feed her cats in a bid to de-escalate the situation. Inside the vehicle, Chua took her phone and demanded access, which she denied. Taking advantage of a moment when he was distracted, she escaped through a car window and ran toward her condominium. However, he chased her down, dragged her on the ground, and attempted to force her back into the car.

Fortunately, a security guard and neighbour heard her screams and intervened. She managed to flee, and Chua left the scene with her belongings.

Medical reports later confirmed the victim suffered from bruises, abrasions, a fractured sternum, and a mild head injury.

Arrest and Pending Sentencing

Dr Chua was eventually arrested on 2 March 2024 at a hotel in Novena. While he has been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, court proceedings confirmed he was of sound mind during the offences.

The court has found him guilty of four charges: use of criminal force, intentional harassment, causing hurt, and unlawful restraint. His sentencing is scheduled for 1 October 2025.

A Wake-Up Call for the Community

This disturbing case underscores the urgency of addressing domestic violence, even in high-income professions where it often goes unnoticed. It also highlights growing concerns over mental health support, as well as the misuse of technology in abuse.

Organisations such as AWARE Singapore continue to advocate for better safeguards for victims, urging the public to speak up against abusive behaviour regardless of social status.

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse or threats, help is available through organisations like the National Anti-Violence Helpline at 1800-777-0000.

Image Source: Court Documents and Veritas

A fire broke out at Waterwoods executive condominium in Punggol on the evening of August 6, triggering a swift emergency response and resulting in the evacuation of approximately 100 residents. Three individuals, including children, were rushed to hospital for smoke inhalation.

SCDF Rescues Occupants from 16th Floor Unit

According to the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), firefighters were alerted to the fire at around 7pm. The blaze had engulfed the living room of a 16th-storey unit at Block 19, Punggol Field Walk—part of the Waterwoods EC development.

Upon arrival, SCDF personnel forcibly entered the affected flat and discovered four individuals trapped inside. Firefighters quickly rescued them from the smoke-filled unit and used a water jet to extinguish the flames. All four occupants were conscious when found and were assessed for smoke inhalation on the scene.

Two individuals were conveyed to KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, while another was sent to Singapore General Hospital. The fourth person declined further medical attention.

Residents Evacuated as Precaution Amid Fire Investigation

As a safety precaution, around 100 residents from the block were evacuated during the firefighting operations. This measure helped prevent further injury and allowed emergency teams to carry out their duties efficiently.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by authorities. While the situation was brought under control relatively swiftly, the incident underscores the importance of fire safety and rapid emergency response in high-rise residential areas.

Fire Safety in High-Rise Homes: A Growing Concern

This incident raises broader questions about fire preparedness in Singapore’s densely populated residential estates. Executive condominiums, like Waterwoods, are home to families and elderly residents, many of whom may not be able to evacuate quickly during emergencies.

Residents are reminded to remain vigilant, ensure fire extinguishers and alarms are in working order, and avoid overloading electrical outlets—a common cause of fires in homes. It’s also important for families to have evacuation plans and to educate children on what to do in case of fire.

For now, authorities continue their investigations while offering support to the affected families. The quick action by the SCDF undoubtedly prevented a potential tragedy, but the incident serves as a stark reminder that fire can strike at any time, even in seemingly secure condominium units.