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Friend Laughs at Me for No $850 GST Voucher — I Laugh Back Because He’s Low Income

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Today, something funny happened between me and my friend. You know the $850 GST Voucher that the government give out? Well, I didn’t get it, and my friend immediately started laughing at me. He said, “Eh, how come you never get the $850 GSTV? Like that how to survive leh?” Then he teased me like crazy, saying I must be very buay song ,never get free ang bao from government.

At first, I felt a bit sian lah. Nobody wants to be laughed at for money issues. But then I thought about it carefully and laughed back at him. Because if I never got the voucher, it means my income is steady and above the cutoff — government thinks I don’t need help lah. But him, since he got the voucher, means he’s low income lor. So if he can laugh at me, I also can laugh back at him.

Why Getting GST Voucher Means Something Else

Many people don’t really know this, but the GST Voucher is given mostly to lower-income families or individuals to help with expenses. So, if you get the $850, it actually means you’re not earning so well. But if you don’t get it, that usually means your income is above the threshold, so the government feels you don’t need extra support.

When I told my friend this, he suddenly quiet one. Like that lor, sometimes the truth is hidden inside jokes. People think laughing at others is fun, but sometimes the real situation is the opposite.

Friendship Is About Laughing Together

In the end, we just laugh and joke about it lah. I told him next time if he wants to laugh at me, I also can come back with better jokes. Like that only friendship more fun mah. We don’t take things too seriously, but sometimes small jokes also got some truth inside.

So now, every time we meet, if he talks about the GST Voucher, I just smile and say, “Bro, steady lah!” Because steady means can take care of yourself, no need government help. That kind of confidence is the best thing to have.

Uncles and Aunties Caught Gambling in Public Outside Tampines Coffeeshop, Residents Concerned

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In what appears to be a long-running issue, a group of elderly men and women were recently caught openly gambling at a round table just outside a Tampines coffee shop. According to reports, bets of up to several tens of dollars were placed in each round, prompting concerns from residents about the example being set for the community — especially for children passing by.

The illegal activity reportedly takes place near Block 820, Tampines Street 81. According to a tip-off received by Shin Min Daily News, the gambling sessions have been going on for some time, with regular gatherings in broad daylight. Despite the blatant violation of the law, enforcement has been limited, and community intervention has been minimal.

Gambling in Broad Daylight With Wads of Cash

Reporters who visited the site observed eight individuals — seven uncles and one auntie — engrossed in a game of poker around a round table situated along the sheltered walkway. The gamblers were openly shouting and exchanging cash after every round, with some seen holding stacks of ten and fifty-dollar notes.

The activity reportedly started in the afternoon and continued for about four hours until 7pm. During the session, additional chairs were brought out so players could rest, smoke, or drink before returning to the game. Interestingly, coffee shop staff were seen chatting with the gamblers and even serving them drinks, while curious passersby mostly kept their distance.

A resident, Madam Lim, 68, who works as a cleaner, said, “This is a public space. Someone should stop them, but people don’t want trouble, so no one dares to say anything.”

Regulars From the Neighbourhood, Longtime Issue

The gambling group is believed to consist mostly of nearby residents who are familiar faces in the area. A longtime resident claimed that the group has been gathering regularly since at least February, often staying until they run out of cash. In the past, many were known to bet on horse racing, but after horse betting was discontinued, they transitioned to card games.

At least four of the gamblers reportedly took turns acting as dealers, with bets exchanged in cash every round. The same informant shared that these gatherings have been happening on a near-daily basis and are especially common on weekends.

Coffee Shop Staff Say They’ve Tried, But Failed

While it may seem that the coffeeshop is tolerating the gambling, staff say they’ve made several efforts to stop it — to no avail. One employee said the round table doesn’t belong to the coffee shop, and staff have repeatedly asked the group to stop gambling. However, the gamblers either ignore the warnings or simply bring the table back the next day after it’s removed.

Another stallholder commented that such issues are common in coffee shops across Singapore. He also noted that the walkway where the gambling takes place is technically a public area, not managed by the coffee shop itself. According to him, enforcement officers were seen at the location about six months ago, but the situation only improved temporarily.

Public Space, But Not Public Tolerance

The apparent normalisation of such public gambling, especially in a family-oriented estate like Tampines, has sparked worry among residents. Aside from breaking the law, these acts set a poor example for younger members of the community. Moreover, the mixing of gambling, smoking, and loitering in such a prominent area undermines the quality of the shared space.

Authorities are urged to step up monitoring and enforcement in public spaces where illegal activities may be occurring under the radar. With National Day weekend approaching and foot traffic increasing, it remains to be seen if stronger action will be taken to ensure that public areas remain safe and respectful for all.

Residents with concerns are encouraged to report such incidents to the relevant authorities or the Singapore Police Force via i-Witness or the police hotline.

Image Source: Shin Min Daily News

FOREIGN GF EXPECTS BF TO PAY FOR ALL DATES AS IT IS A NORM

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I recently dated a Singaporean guy and eventually he become my bf. He did pay for the first date and all. But subsequently in the relationship, he did hint to split 50 50 and want me to take parts of my share. He send me home everytime initially , but after we get together, no more.

He say in Singapore, 80% of the relationship goes on dutch and 15% is guys pay all and 5% others. It is true? I wasnt from Singapore and he was the first Singaporean bf I have. From my understanding, guy do pay for dates. But when in relationship, is it normally dutch? One meal alternatively? He wants equal contribution to our relationship. We had a fight over this and he gave in.

When we talk about family, he say he expect his wife to continue work after pregnancy because he think women will become shallow and obsolete if they don’t. Is this a common beliefs among the Singaporean? I don’t intend to be a housewife but taking out the option is another thing.

I know each relationship is unique and we are all dealing with different things. The objective is this post is just to understand the social norms Singaporean guys have. I am just confused that is my bf the norm or not.

My bf still treated me very well and love me a lot. He did pay for most of the date and I pay for some dates. He pay for the food, I pay for the drinks.

Here are what netizens think:

  • Welcome to dating reality.To be honest, I don’t think your guy is calculative. If he is, he would have insisted you pay for the meals instead of just drinks.What he really want isn’t you paying for the meals. What he really want is you NOT taking him for granted.Did you ever inititate paying for the meals? Or you just sit there and wait for him to pull out his credit card? If it’s the latter, then you are the problem.When he says he wants equal contribution in the r/s, he is saying: “hey, take some initiative and pay for our dates, however small”.You bf is giving you reasonable expectations, he is trying to tell you, “I can be in this tog with you, but you have to show me you are too”.Show him you care and don’t take him for granted. I think he is honest enough to let you know his expectations early, than pull out these issues during an argument.
  • Not just in Singapore but especially in the West. Based on your story, you seem to hold traditional ideals. If you want to be treated as an equal in a relationship, you have to know how to give and not just to take. Unless you have no job or source of income as a woman then maybe that is an excuse..Do not expect men nowadays to treat you like a princess unless you come from wealthy family or is drop dead gorgeous, then maybe men will willingly spend for everything.Be more independent that is my advice and have less expectations from men , especially if you are already in a relationship. In marriage though , women sacrifice more, especially when she has to give up her career and even looks so if you do not want to be a doormat when you become a mom and a wife, you have to choose a guy who loves you more because in marriage, it is the woman who gives the ultimate sacrifices that money cannot pay. What men do not realize is that 9 months is just the pregnancy part, raising a child is years and decades of sacrifice so I say to women, be independent but be very very wise in choosing your partner. That marriage can make or break you. That is marriage benefits the men more so dear men please do not count what you give monetarily because you cannot even afford to pay what women will sacrifice.Financially independent women know their worth. Be very observant of your partners because they can lead to your downfall.
  • As a married woman. I honestly think you must work no matter what. Unless your husband can make you a tai tai. Tai tai and stay at home mum is different. Stay at home still must do housework, tai tai is go shopping and waste money everyday.
  • Here’s a wild thought:How about not being hung up on whether the guy pays for the date or not (at least not only that);But being laser sharp on whether that man is both generous and wise in finances OVERALL. Just like whether guys discern whether their woman is a kind and gracious, indeed even generous, lady?Long-term stable couples would know what I mean.

Heavy Traffic Expected at Woodlands & Tuas Checkpoints Over National Day Weekend

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Singaporeans planning a trip across the Causeway this National Day long weekend (8 to 10 August) should brace for significant delays at both Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints. The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has issued a public advisory warning of heavy traffic, similar to — or even worse than — previous peak travel periods.

During the June school holidays alone, from 29 May to 1 July 2025, over 525,000 travellers crossed the checkpoints daily. On 20 June, a record-breaking 578,000 individuals made the journey in a single day, surpassing the previous high recorded in December 2024. Car travellers faced up to three-hour waits, mostly due to traffic tailbacks from the Malaysian side.

Travellers Urged to Prepare for Delays & Use Alternatives

ICA strongly advises those travelling over the upcoming holiday to monitor real-time traffic conditions via the Land Transport Authority (LTA)’s One Motoring website, as well as updates on ICA’s Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) channels. For a smoother journey, travellers should consider using cross-border bus services, which are typically faster and more efficient during high-congestion periods.

Motorists are reminded to maintain lane discipline, obey all traffic rules, and follow the instructions of ICA officers. The agency emphasised that stern action will be taken against those who attempt to cut queues or disobey officers, as such actions not only worsen congestion but also put others at risk.

Important Travel Tips & Requirements for All Travellers

To prevent last-minute hiccups, ICA has also released a checklist to help ensure smoother border crossings. These include:

  • Ensuring your passport is valid for at least six months.
  • Submitting the Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) via the MyICA app within three days before entering Singapore (required for short-term visitors).
  • For Singapore PRs and long-term pass holders, ensure any updated passport information is correctly reflected and notified to ICA or the Ministry of Manpower.
  • Avoid carrying prohibited or controlled items; refer to ICA and Singapore Food Agency websites for approved items and quantities.

Motorists are encouraged to use QR codes via the MyICA app in lieu of physical passports. This applies to those travelling by car or motorcycle, and bus passengers as well. QR code clearance is available at automated and Special Assistance Lanes (SALs), particularly beneficial for travellers in wheelchairs or with young children.

Foreign Vehicle Drivers: Ensure Valid VEP & Settle Outstanding Fines

Drivers of foreign-registered vehicles must have a valid Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP). Those without a valid Autopass card, VEP approval from LTA, or valid insurance coverage will be denied entry.

Additionally, any outstanding fines with agencies like the Traffic Police, LTA, NEA, HDB or URA must be cleared before crossing into Singapore. Failure to do so could result in denied entry.

With another record-breaking travel surge anticipated, ICA urges the public to plan ahead and cooperate fully with officers to help reduce waiting times and avoid unnecessary delays. For full travel guidelines and updates, travellers are encouraged to visit ICA’s website or follow their social media channels.

“Genius” Drunk Driver Crash Into Police Car Along Somerset

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A 39-year-old man has landed himself in serious trouble after crashing his Mercedes into a stationary police vehicle while driving drunk along Somerset Road. The incident, which took place in the early hours of the morning, followed a heavy drinking session that spanned across two locations — Jurong and Geylang.

Meng Xianglei, the driver behind the wheel, pleaded guilty to two charges: driving under the influence of alcohol and driving without due care and attention. For his actions, he was sentenced to three weeks in jail, fined S$7,000, and disqualified from holding any class of driving licence for three years.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers and legal consequences of drink driving, especially in Singapore’s densely monitored and zero-tolerance traffic environment.

Night of Heavy Drinking Ended in Disaster

On the evening of April 5, 2024, Meng met up with his friends at Jurong Trade Hub around 10pm. At the restaurant, he reportedly consumed about five glasses of beer. Not content with calling it a night, the group decided to continue drinking at another bar in Geylang — a 20km drive away.

At the second location, Meng consumed another five glasses of beer. Despite the clear signs of intoxication, he chose to drive himself home to Ang Mo Kio at approximately 2:30am.

His journey took a turn for the worse when he reached Somerset Road, heading towards Grange Road. There, he failed to notice a police vehicle that had its hazard lights on. Meng lost control and smashed into the left rear side of the stationary car.

Alcohol Level More Than Double the Legal Limit

Following the crash, Meng was arrested and administered a breathalyser test. He was found to have 86 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath — more than twice the legal limit of 35 microgrammes.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the police car sustained significant damage amounting to over S$2,300. Meng has since paid full restitution for the repairs.

Under Singapore law, first-time offenders caught driving under the influence can be fined between S$2,000 and S$10,000, imprisoned for up to 12 months, or both. Repeat offenders face even harsher penalties, including fines of up to S$20,000 and jail terms of up to two years.

Driving without due care is another serious offence that could lead to a fine of up to S$1,500, a jail term of up to six months, or both.

Police & Road Safety Experts Urge Responsibility

Incidents like Meng’s not only put his own life at risk but endanger the lives of others — including frontline officers and fellow road users. The fact that a police vehicle was the target in this crash highlights the sheer recklessness of drunk driving.

Traffic safety authorities have reiterated the importance of using alternative transport after drinking, such as taxis, ride-hailing apps, or designating a sober driver.

Drink driving remains one of the highest-risk behaviours on the road, and with high-traffic zones like Orchard and Somerset under constant CCTV surveillance, offenders are unlikely to go unnoticed.

As public concern over road safety grows, this case serves as another warning to motorists that Singapore’s legal system will not tolerate irresponsible behaviour behind the wheel.

Image Sourced: Digitally Enhanced By Ze Kai

GIRL WANT FIND OLDER GUY KEEP GET PUT “AEROPLANE”

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I lied to not hurt his feelings (10years older). I regret it.

My English isn’t the best, so please forgive the errors. And thank you in advance for your patience.

I’d love some advice :)♡

We have only been able to meet up once. When we first met and well jaja I was a bit taken aback because he wasn’t the man from the profile. But he said that it was for privacy reasons and I understood since I only had pictures of half my face or less. We were going to see each other 2 weeks ago but he rescheduled Friday to Saturday and a few hours before he said he was too busy with work. Something I completely understand.

I’ve never seen myself with anyone ever. I have always thought I’d always be by myself and just have kids in the future. I’m a very shy and study focused person and haven’t experienced much of anything. I’ve always wanted to be with an older person and I’ve had the same crush and on no one else (edit: celebrity) for the past 9 or so years.

But I made a split second decision 5 or 6 weeks ago and got on the site and met him. He reached out to me. We texted and it went well, so we moved to whatsapp. He has such a wonderful voice and voices are a big thing for me. I adore voices and personalities, so when I met him I really didn’t care about how he looked like. He was the complete opposite of the image on the profile jajaja.

I’m not in any way saying I’m pretty, I have a lot of body image issues so I can’t accurately tell how I look like jaja. But the best things I’ve been told by old HK movie lovers is that I look like a mix of some celebs. They may have been just saying that ti be nice but I appreciated it soooo much. 🙁

So when we agreed to having an odd partnership of sorts, I felt ok since it wasn’t a 100% marriage long term type thing. It’s odd to explain, but it brought me some comfort.

Well we have been making a plan since last week. Yesterday and last night I confirmed with him. He said where and since he was mainly free on Tuesday, he said I could choose the time. I am and have been extremely busy and final everything is next week. But I made time. He read the 4pm message and didn’t say anything.

I got ready today and got there at 3:30pm to buy some pants I needed to buy and explored. By 4:30 I asked myself why he hadn’t texted, so I sent him a Helloo. He replied with ” Hello baby” “How are you?” And I was in the fitting room so I texted 2 min later asking if we were going to see each other. He texts back 40 min later asking “how am I with time because he is running behind on some things”. Embarrassed and a little tiny bit hurt, I texted back ” You never confirmed and my parents just left and I’m stuck here with my brothers…” He just left me on read.

I was still at the place walking around and exploring because in my 4 months, I’ve never been to that mall. No one knows (not even my parents) about him, only my grandma. So feeling highly embarrassed I called my grandma at the mall and explored while telling her all the time.

She said I should end things immediately and that no gentleman would not give a heads up the second he knew he would be late. And proceeded to compliment me and tell me I’m to young and too pretty(idk if I believe that jajaj) to be with someone who doesn’t fully respect or appreciate me.

I don’t ever stand up for myself and when I do it takes so much effort. I care too much about hurting others feelings rather than my own. I hate im such a terrible person.

I want to tell him that it was embarrassing! He should have given me a heads up told me he wouldn’t make it or at least let me know. He knows I’m a very punctual person and have had a lot on my plate these past few weeks because of what I study and am doing in my free time for my career.

I’m an extremely loving person and absolutely adore giving love to others. I feel embarrassed. I love giving 100% and don’t mind the absence. Because life is different for everyone so I don’t care but still… it’s embarrassing.

I’m so embarrassed. If anything this only further proves that I shouldn’t be with anyone and my plan is better. Why do I feel more embarrassed than hurt or offended?

I should have stood up for myself instead of lying. These past two months have been terrible jajaja.

I very much wish you all well. Hope you and your loved ones are safe. Please take care and thank you very much for reading, I’d appreciate any and all comments.

WORKER JOINS NEW COMPANY, DREADS GOING TO WORK & DON’T DARE TAKE MC

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I just joined a new company 6 mths ago and until now, I really still do enjoy my job and I will not quit or jump to another dept because I do like what I’m doing.

But the issue is I can feel myself getting very dreadful about going to work and having to start off a brand new day every morning.

I look forward to nothing more than the arrival of the weekends but once Sunday evening (at times even Sunday mornings lol) arrives, I get so irritable and borderline anxious about the fact that I didn’t even get the time to recharge my body during the weekends and it’s already Monday again the next day.

I also feel very guilty about taking MCs or ALs even though I am entitled to them so at times when I really don’t feel too well or when I want to just take AL to just rest or go on a holiday, I feel guilty doing so and until now from when I first joined, I haven’t taken a single leave.

I feel like I’m burnt out but at the same time, I feel even more guilty when I want to take leave because I know I can’t leave my work behind but part of it is just my own psychological thinking of how people would look at me if I were to take MC/leave.

I just feel like giving up at times but at the same time, I will never quit my job because 1) I still do like what I’m doing 2) I literally just joined 6 mths ago LMAO.

But everyday I feel like it’s a chore to even have to work and I really dread every single work day… SOS

MOTHER IS WILLING TO GIVE HEIRLOOM TO SON’S GF, BUT SHE HAS A PROBLEM WITH IT

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Hi. My boyfriend and I have been together for 5 years. His mum has always been really involved into our relationship since the beginning. Now that its almost the time for marriage, she asked me if im okay to get proposed to by my boyfriend with her old wedding ring. What should I say? Is it okay to get proposed to with her ring? What are your views? Please help me

Here are what netizens think:

  • Heirloom … you know what’s that right? It means his mom treat you like a jewel. Keep that ring with gratitude and ur soon to be husband to get u another set of your own. No women would want to give up her own wedding ring unless she’s very fond of her. Who knows when you have kids of your own in future, you can pass it down. Like heritage!
  • I am shocked with some of the comments here. I am almost certain being thrifty or saving money is not a consideration at all. It is the utmost honour your mother-in-law can bestow upon you. No mother-in-law will offer her own wedding ring if not for her utmost love for you and her son. It is likely priceless in her POV, heirloom or otherwise. However, it is likely an heirloom piece. My wife was so happy to receive my mum’s diamond, given to her by my paternal grandfather, a choice piece from my then late grandmother collection. Happily, she cherishes it more than the engagement ring I bought for her.
  • Of course it’s not ok. Modern singaporean lady should say no to any proposal that does not involve a Mercedes, Orchard road Condo and a contractual promise of immediate retirement. Please know your worth queen, go and get that bag and eternal happiness. Don’t give in to the sentimental rubbish.
  • I suppose u will get another new ring during wedding, right? So personally, for the proposal, I will gladly accept mom’s ring. I think the mom treasures me enough to hand something that meant much to her.

WOMAN GIVES BLENDER TO GF AS ANNIVERSARY GIFT

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Before I start I’d like to say that my gf and I are both women. We are les. I say this to hopefully preempt the ‘typical man’ comments.

This happened last month but my best friend and hers are still giving me naggins about it. We had our one year anniversary. I asked what she wanted and she told me just something romantic, a little necklace or something cute. While browsing around online I found an emulsion blender and it pinged in my head.

My gf loves cooking and always talks about all the gadgets she wants. Plus she made homemade tomato sauce and I remember her complaining how hard it was to make the sauce smooth cause she didn’t have an emulsion blender. I’m a very practical gift giver, I like to give things people will use so I bought it and was super excited to give it to her.

The day rolls around and she gives me a bottle of whiskey I’ve had my eye on for ages but could never justify the cost. I was so hyped and encouraged my gf to open hers.

She opened it and her face kinda falls and she goes ‘oh… an emulsion blender…?’ And I told her I remembered her talking about all the kitchen gadgets she wanted and was so excited to give it to her.

She kept her cool but told me while she appreciated the thought she was a little upset that it wasn’t jewellery. I was confused so she explained that she felt anniversaries should be more about romantic/sentimental gifts versus practical, that she appreciated it greatly but couldn’t lie to me that she wished it had been the necklace she pointed out to me online (it was nothing fancy, a $30 mushroom necklace).

I shared my woes with my friend and my friend thought it was hilarious that I was so inept, and that he understood why my gf was upset with her gift. Gf’s best friend also got wind of the situation and has been ribbing me with telling my gf to get back to the kitchen jokes etc.

My gf and I are fine but I know she was disappointed, and she ended up buying the necklace herself a week after I gave her the blender. So am I wrong for giving my gf a practical gift versus the necklace she wanted?

Broad Daylight Robbery in Ipoh: Woman Dragged & Injured in Violent Bag Snatching Incident

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A brazen snatch theft incident outside the well-known Tuck Kee Restaurant in Ipoh has sparked outrage online after a video emerged showing a woman being forcefully robbed by two masked motorcyclists in broad daylight.

The incident, captured on CCTV and widely shared on social media, shows the woman being violently pulled to the ground as the thief on the back of the motorcycle snatched her handbag. The force of the attack caused her to fall and roll along the pavement, prompting concerns over public safety in the area.

Police Investigating, Suspects Still at Large

According to local media outlet, the Ipoh police have confirmed receiving a report about the incident and are actively tracking down the suspects involved. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage in the vicinity and have appealed to witnesses to come forward with any relevant information.

The attackers, whose faces were covered, were riding a motorcycle with a possibly tampered or incomplete number plate, a common tactic used by snatch thieves to avoid identification.

Online reactions to the crime have been swift and furious, with many netizens slamming Malaysia’s deteriorating security situation. Commenters expressed concern that such “smash-and-grab” style crimes are becoming increasingly frequent, especially in tourist-heavy spots and commercial districts.

Netizens Voice Frustration Over Public Safety and Policing

The Facebook post by Pocketimes attracted over 1,800 reactions and hundreds of comments, with many Malaysians venting their frustration about the rise in street crime. Some users sarcastically referred to snatch thieves as “national treasures” or “protected species,” accusing the authorities of not doing enough to tackle crime.

A recurring complaint was the difficulty in identifying motorcycle number plates, which are often either too small, obscured, or deliberately modified. Commenters urged the government to implement stricter vehicle registration enforcement and increase patrols in high-risk areas.

Others highlighted that snatch thefts targeting women have become so common that many locals now avoid carrying handbags or prefer to walk in groups. Several even cautioned tourists to remain vigilant when travelling in Malaysia, citing similar past experiences.

Calls for Harsher Punishments and Systemic Reforms

Among the suggestions made by angry netizens were heavier punishments, such as public caning, motorbike confiscation, and longer jail sentences for perpetrators. Some users proposed mandatory installation of dash cams and CCTV in public areas, while others criticised systemic issues, such as lack of job opportunities, poor urban policing, and unchecked poverty, which they believe are contributing to the rise in crime.

Despite the public outcry, authorities have yet to release further details, including the identity or condition of the victim. However, it has been confirmed that no arrests have been made so far, and the case remains under active investigation.

This incident adds to growing concerns about public safety in Malaysian cities, particularly amid a rising trend of motorcycle-related thefts and assaults. Residents are now calling for urgent reforms to protect vulnerable individuals and restore confidence in law enforcement.