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S’PORE BANNED VAPES NOT BECAUSE OF THE “POTENTIAL LOSS IN TOBACCO TAX REVENUE” – DPM WONG

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Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said in a written reply on 10 January to Member of Parliament Jamus Lim, that Singapore previously banned e-cigarettes back in 2018 because of concerns to public health, and not because of the potential tax revenue losses, according to Channel NewsAsia.

Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong emphasized the decision’s foundation on safeguarding the well-being of Singapore’s population, dismissing any consideration of financial implications.

The Driving Force: Protection of Public Health

Electronic cigarettes, commonly known as vapes, were barred in Singapore not for economic reasons but to shield the population from the adverse effects associated with their use. Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who also serves as the Finance Minister, emphasized that the potential reduction in tobacco tax revenue did not influence the government’s decision. The ban’s primary objective was to mitigate the harms posed by e-cigarettes to the health of Singaporeans.

The ban on vaping in Singapore carries legal consequences, with fines reaching up to S$2,000 (US$1,490) for offenders. Importers, distributors, or sellers of such products face even more severe penalties, including the possibility of a jail term. This stern approach reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to combating the potential health risks associated with e-cigarettes.

Addressing Parliamentary Inquiries

Member of Parliament Jamus Lim (WP-Sengkang) raised pertinent questions about the ban, specifically probing into the role of potential tax revenue losses in the decision-making process.

In response to Jamus Lim’s inquiries, Deputy Prime Minister Wong clarified that the ban was solely motivated by health considerations. The decision-makers were not swayed by the potential decline in tobacco tax revenue that might result from reduced consumption of traditional tobacco products.

The Practical Challenges of Taxation

Assoc Prof Lim further inquired about the feasibility of introducing an equivalent nicotine tax on e-cigarette products if legalization were on the table.

Deputy Prime Minister Wong highlighted that the challenges associated with legalizing and taxing e-cigarettes mirror those faced with traditional tobacco products. The complexities involved in implementing and enforcing such taxation policies, coupled with the overarching priority of public health, led the government to maintain its stance against lifting the ban.

The Future Outlook

Despite the ongoing debate surrounding the legality and taxation of e-cigarettes globally, Singapore remains resolute in its commitment to preserving public health.

Deputy Prime Minister Wong asserted that there are no plans to alter the current approach, reinforcing the government’s dedication to protecting the health of the population. The emphasis remains on preventing e-cigarettes from causing harm, especially to the younger demographic in Singapore.

“SUPERSTAR CELEBRITY” KURT TAY GETS 10 MORE CHARGES, WORE WIG OUTSIDE COURT

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In a recent turn of events, online personality Kurt Tay Foo Way, known by his self-proclaimed online persona of Superstar Celebrity Kurt Tay, found himself facing a total of 11 charges, with 10 of them related to the distribution of obscene material, according to The Straits Times.

As seen in a photo by The Straits Times, Tay was also seen wearing what appears to be a wig attached to a cap when he appeared outside the court.

The Charges Against Kurt Tay

The charges handed to Kurt Tay on Jan 10, 2024, encompass a range of offenses. The majority of the charges (10 out of 11) revolve around the distribution of intimate images and videos of a woman without her consent. Court documents reveal that these images and videos were sent to multiple Telegram groups and users on Oct 27, 2023.

The alleged actions of distributing explicit content without the woman’s consent have raised serious concerns. The court documents highlight Tay’s purported knowledge that such actions were likely to cause the woman humiliation, alarm, and distress. Notably, the documents do not provide information about Tay’s relationship with the woman involved.

Threats and Harassment Charge

In addition to the explicit material charges, Tay faces another charge under the Protection from Harassment Act. On Oct 18, 2023, he allegedly sought information about hiring a killer in a Telegram group chat, accompanied by vulgar language. This charge pertains to making threatening, abusive, or insulting communication.

During the court proceedings on Jan 10, Tay’s lawyer asserted that his client has been a victim of public harassment, causing distress to his family. The lawyer mentioned Tay’s intention to file police reports addressing the alleged heckling by members of the public.

Recap

Tay was earlier charged on 27 October this year for his offence of distributing an obscene photo and video of a woman performing an explicit act, to a Telegram group without her consent.

Following his court appearance, he has since taken to social media to appeal for donations from the public, so that he can hire a lawyer for his court case.

He also shed light on his situation, saying that he needs the money urgently and had been “sabotaged” by some “cb kia, some pubor kia”.

He says that the money raised will be used by him to hire a “professional lawyer” for his court case as well as to “sue someone and not for other purpose.”

He said that “this someone want to destroy my life” as he reiterated his need for money, adding that “it’s not easy to go strike 4D 1st prize”.

During Tay’s court appearance on 11 December last year, the public gallery witnessed a smaller crowd compared to Tay’s previous hearing. However, the atmosphere remained charged, with a few individuals waiting for Tay outside, smartphones raised.

Outside the courtroom, a heckler was seen filming Tay and hurling vulgarities at him as the latter hurried away from the scene.

The heckler was then confronted by another man, who appeared to be Tay’s father, who shouted vulgarities at the heckler in response, before they headed for a taxi that was waiting for them.

Right before getting into the taxi, Tay then took the opportunity to shout “F YOU” at the heckler before leaving.

MAN SAYS COMMON TO ROLL ON CREDIT CARD DAYS BEFORE SALARY COME, ENDLESS CYCLE

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I sit here typing on my laptop, I can’t help but feel a sense of frustration and anxiety. It’s the end of the month, and my bank account is running dangerously low. I have bills to pay, groceries to buy, and rent to cover. But what’s even worse is that I have a credit card bill looming over my head. And I know, deep down, that I shouldn’t have used it so much this month. But I couldn’t resist. I needed to buy that new gadget, treat myself to a fancy dinner, and splurge on a weekend getaway. And now, I’m paying the price for it (quite literally).

Like many people, I have fallen into the trap of relying on my credit card to get me through the month. I always tell myself that I’ll pay it off when my salary comes in, but somehow, that never seems to happen. I end up rolling over my credit card balance and paying the minimum amount due, only to max it out again the following month. It’s an endless cycle, and I can’t seem to break free from it.

I never used to be like this. Growing up, my parents always emphasized the importance of financial responsibility. They taught me to save, budget, and only use credit cards for emergencies. And for a while, I followed their advice. I had a decent job, a stable income, and enough savings to cover any unexpected expenses. But then, life happened.

I got a promotion at work, which came with a significant increase in salary. I was thrilled, and I wanted to celebrate. So, I treated myself to a luxurious vacation and splurged on some designer items. It felt good to indulge in the finer things in life, and I convinced myself that I deserved it. But little did I know, this would be the start of my downfall.

As my salary increased, so did my expenses. I upgraded my lifestyle, moved into a fancier apartment, and started dining at expensive restaurants more frequently. I also started using my credit card more often, telling myself that I would pay it off in full at the end of the month. But that never happened. I always found a reason to roll over the balance, and before I knew it, I was in debt.

I didn’t realize the gravity of my situation until I started receiving calls from my credit card company, reminding me of my overdue bills. I felt ashamed and embarrassed. How did I let things get this bad? I was always the responsible one, the person who had their finances in order. And now, I was in debt and struggling to make ends meet.

But instead of taking action to get myself out of this mess, I continued to live in denial. I told myself that I would pay it off when my salary came in, and everything would be fine. But that was far from the truth. Even when I did pay off my credit card balance, I found myself in the same situation the following month. I was stuck in an endless cycle of overspending and relying on credit to get by.

It wasn’t until I had a wake-up call that I realized I needed to make a change. I was denied a loan for a new car because of my high credit card utilization and low credit score. That was the moment I knew I had hit rock bottom, and I needed to take control of my finances before it was too late.

I started by creating a budget and tracking my expenses. I was shocked to see how much I was spending on things I didn’t need. I also started paying more than the minimum amount due on my credit card and making a conscious effort to reduce my overall debt. It wasn’t easy, but I was determined to break free from this cycle.

I also started educating myself about personal finance and the dangers of relying on credit cards. I learned that credit cards are not free money, and the interest rates and fees can add up quickly if you’re not careful. I also learned about the concept of delayed gratification – the idea of sacrificing short-term pleasures for long-term financial stability. It was a tough lesson to learn, but it was necessary.

Another crucial step I took was to stop using my credit card altogether. I knew that if I continued to use it, I would never be able to break the cycle. So, I cut it up and only used cash or my debit card for purchases. It was a significant adjustment, but it helped me stay within my budget and avoid overspending.

It’s been a few months since I made these changes, and I can proudly say that I have paid off a significant portion of my credit card debt. I still have a long way to go, but I am on the right track. I have also started building an emergency fund, so I don’t have to rely on credit cards in case of unexpected expenses.

Looking back, I wish I had listened to my parents’ advice and been more responsible with my finances. But I also realize that my experience has taught me valuable lessons. I have learned the importance of living within my means, budgeting, and having a healthy relationship with money. I have also learned that sometimes, the things we want in life require sacrifice and hard work, but the end result is worth it.

I know I am not alone in this struggle. Many people fall into the trap of relying on credit cards and living beyond their means. But I hope that my story can serve as a cautionary tale. It’s easy to get caught up in the allure of instant gratification, but the consequences can be long-lasting. It’s never too late to take control of your finances and break free from the endless cycle of credit card debt. Trust me; your future self will thank you.

GUY SAID IF HE’S A GIRL HE CAN EARN $100K A MTH BY SELLING HIS BODY & BATHWATER

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A Singaporean guy recently posted on Facebook and stated on how he wishes he was a girl as he would be able to make millions easily. He said that he could easily earn $5,000 a day by selling his body or selling his bath water.

Here is the full story.

Sometimes I wish I was a girl. As a 23 year old, if I was a slightly pretty girl, it is extremely easy to make millions. In the past, the one of the easy way for a girl to make millions is to become a prostitute. For example, on the forums, local university girls have an hourly fee of 700 dollars. Some of the younger ones would request to as high as 1000 and if you go to higher end escort forums as much as 5000.

Considering an low count of 5 clients a day, that amounts to 5000 a day. Do it 5 days a week and they could make around 100k a month, possibly out earning some of our ministers and definitely out earning the ‘mediocre people who earn only 500k a year’. I know of girls auctioning their v*rginity for multi-millions to Arabian oil barons. These days, there are a lot more options for girls these days. They can be a twitch streamer or a Instagram model. Belle Delphine makes around 2 million a month feeding her octopus pet and selling her bath water for up to $30 a bottle (which was sold out in hours).

Only fans is also another platform for girls to make money fast. With technology, they don’t even need to meet their clients physically. The possibilities are endless as long as there are legions of h*rny teenagers (and half grown men) in their mom’s basement to exploit. Unfortunately as a male, my options are rather limited. I did consider providing anal services even though I am not gay, but the pay is quite low and the market is rather small in Singapore.

Unfortunately, I don’t look like Brad Pitt, so no girls would pay me for company. Even if I manage to get to FAANG or hedge funds, I would only make 200k-500k a year by my 30s which is very mediocre compared to what these girls could make at their 20s. Realistically, I would probably work in a regular job, maybe earn my first million by 40 or 30 if I am extremely lucky which is rather sad ngl.

MAN SAYS HE EARN $4K A MONTH BUT ONLY WORKS 2 DAYS, “LIFE IS SHORT”

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As I sit here in home, surrounded by all the comforts money can buy, I can’t help but reflect on how far I’ve come. Just a few years ago, I was living paycheck to paycheck, struggling to make ends meet. But now, I am living the dream life, earning $4,000 a month while only working two days a week. It may sound too good to be true, but for me, it’s a reality. And it all started with a simple realization: life is short.

Growing up, I was always taught that hard work and a steady job were the keys to success. So, like many others, I followed the traditional path of going to school, getting a degree, and landing a job in my field of study. I was content with my 9-5 job, and I thought I was doing everything right. But as time went on, I started to feel trapped in the monotony of everyday life. I was always chasing the next promotion, the next raise, the next material possession that I thought would make me happy. But no matter how much I achieved, I still felt unfulfilled.

One day, I had a wake-up call. A close friend of mine passed away suddenly, leaving behind a wife and two young children. It was a stark reminder that life is short and unpredictable. I started to reevaluate my own life and what truly mattered to me. I realized that I didn’t want to spend the majority of my time working a job I didn’t love, just to have a few days off to enjoy life. I wanted to find a way to have the best of both worlds: financial stability and time to truly live.

That’s when I stumbled upon the concept of passive income. Passive income is money that is earned with little to no effort on your part. It’s the opposite of active income, where you trade your time for money. The idea of making money while you sleep or while you’re on vacation was mind-blowing to me. I started to do my research and discovered that there were countless ways to generate passive income. From rental properties to investing in stocks and creating digital products, the possibilities were endless.

I decided to take a leap of faith and quit my 9-5 job. It was a scary decision, but I knew that if I wanted to live life on my own terms, I had to take a risk. I started to invest in rental properties and created a few digital products, such as e-books and online courses. At first, the income was slow, but as I continued to grow and diversify my passive income streams, I started to see a significant increase in my earnings.

Fast forward a few years, and here I am, earning $4,000 a month from my passive income sources while only working two days a week. I spend the rest of my time traveling, spending time with loved ones, and pursuing my passions. I am no longer tied down to a traditional job, and I have the freedom to do what I want, when I want.

People often ask me how I do it, and my answer is always the same: mindset and consistency. It takes a certain mindset to break away from the societal norms and take a chance on yourself. It’s not easy to go against what everyone else is doing and believe that there is a better way. But once you adopt a mindset of abundance and open yourself up to the endless possibilities, anything is possible.

Consistency is also key. Building passive income streams takes time and effort. It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme, and it requires consistent action and dedication. I spent countless hours researching, learning, and implementing different strategies to grow my passive income. And even now, I am always looking for ways to improve and expand my income sources.

Some may argue that I am not “working” in the traditional sense, but I would argue that I am working smarter, not harder. I am constantly managing my rental properties, creating new digital products, and finding ways to increase my passive income. It may not be a traditional 9-5 job, but it requires just as much effort and dedication.

I also want to address the misconception that passive income is easy and anyone can do it. While it is possible for anyone to create passive income streams, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. It takes time, effort, and a bit of trial and error to find what works best for you. It’s important to do your research and find the right strategies that align with your skills and interests.

I am not saying that everyone should quit their traditional jobs and pursue passive income. It’s not for everyone, and that’s okay. But for me, it was the best decision I ever made. I am no longer a slave to the 9-5 grind, and I have the time and financial freedom to truly enjoy life. I am able to spend quality time with my loved ones, travel the world, and pursue my passions without worrying about money.

I understand that not everyone has the same opportunities or circumstances that I had. But I truly believe that with the right mindset, determination, and consistency, anyone can achieve financial freedom and live life on their own terms. It’s not about the money; it’s about the freedom and the ability to make the most out of the time we have on this earth.

In conclusion, I want to encourage anyone who is feeling stuck in the rat race to take a step back and reflect on what truly matters to them. Life is short, and we shouldn’t spend the majority of our time doing something that doesn’t bring us joy. It may take some time and effort, but finding a way to create passive income and live life on your own terms is worth it. Trust me, I am living proof. So don’t be afraid to take a chance on yourself and start building the life you’ve always dreamed of.

MAN CONSIDERING BREAKING UP WITH GF CAUSE HER CHEST SIZE IS NOT SATISFACTORY

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A netizen shared how because he goes to the gym “quite a bit”, his chest is bigger than his girlfriend and he is wondering if he should break up with her.

Here is the story:

“Hi guys, I need some genuine advice. Am a dude in my early 20s and in a relationship for abt 2 years.

She is kind and I appreciate her character and our chemistry. But there is one thing that is bothering me greatly.

Though I have not seen it, I am super bothered by the fact that my GF’s chest seems smaller (super flat) compared to my chest (I gym quite a bit + naturally big chest ).

I know we should not be superficial and ought to look beyond physical beauty and bodily imperfections but I am afraid that I will not be aroused (or even make her feel inadequate) when we sleep together in the future.

What should I do? Should we talk about it? Should we break up?”

Editor’s note: Dude, are you serious…

DATE ASK FOR GUY TO SHOW HIS PAY SLIPS AFTER 3 DATES

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As I sit here, typing away on my laptop, I can’t help but feel a sense of unease. Late last night, the girl I have been dating for the past few weeks, whom I met on a dating app, texted me and asked if I was comfortable revealing my salary and net worth. My initial reaction was confusion, followed by a hint of anxiety. I mean, we have only been on three dates, and now she wants to know my financial status?

I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself down before responding. I wasn’t sure how to react to this request. On one hand, I understood the importance of financial planning and transparency in a relationship, especially when it comes to long-term commitment. On the other hand, revealing such personal information to someone I barely know felt a bit too soon.

To provide some context, my date and I are both in our late 20s and had made it clear from the beginning that we were looking for something serious. We didn’t want to waste each other’s time and were only interested in exploring a potential future together. We had even discussed the possibility of breaking things off early if we felt that things weren’t working out.

So, when she brought up the topic of our finances, I couldn’t help but wonder if this was her way of testing our compatibility. I started to question if our values and priorities aligned. Did she see this as a crucial factor in a relationship? Did she expect us to equally contribute financially in the future? I had so many questions, and I wasn’t sure if I was ready to share such personal information just yet.

As I was contemplating my response, she sent another text, explaining her reasoning behind the request. She said that it’s essential to know each other’s financial status early on to plan for the future. She also mentioned that she believes in equal financial contributions in a relationship, and to be fair, she would also reveal hers. In fact, she even had a detailed excel sheet with all her savings, investments, and spending tracked, and she was willing to share it with me.

I have to admit, I was impressed by her level of organization and planning. It showed that she was serious about her future and was responsible with her finances. But at the same time, I couldn’t help but feel a little apprehensive. Was I ready to share my salary and net worth with someone I have only been on three dates with? Was it necessary to know this information before settling down with someone?

I decided to buy some time before making a decision. I didn’t want to rush into anything and regret it later. I also wanted to approach this topic with caution and sensitivity. I didn’t want to come off as defensive or secretive, but I also didn’t want to reveal too much too soon.

I reached out to a few friends and asked for their opinion on the matter. Most of them were in serious relationships, and they all had different views on the situation. Some of them believed that it was important to know each other’s financial status before taking the next step in a relationship. They argued that it would prevent any future conflicts or misunderstandings and would help in planning for the future.

Others were more skeptical and advised me to be cautious. They reminded me that it’s still early in the relationship, and I shouldn’t feel pressured to share such personal information. They also pointed out that there are other ways to gauge someone’s financial responsibility and compatibility without directly asking for their salary and net worth.

One of my friends even shared her own experience, where her ex-boyfriend had asked for her salary and net worth early on in their relationship. She felt uncomfortable sharing such personal information, but she did it because she didn’t want to come off as secretive. However, as their relationship progressed, she felt like he was using her for her money and didn’t contribute equally. It caused a lot of tension and eventually led to their breakup.

After hearing different perspectives, I realized that there is no right or wrong answer in this situation. It ultimately comes down to personal preferences and boundaries in a relationship. Some people may be comfortable sharing their financial information early on, while others may need more time to build trust and feel secure before opening up about it.

In the end, I decided to have an open and honest conversation with my date. I told her that I understood the importance of financial planning, but I needed more time to feel comfortable sharing such personal information. I also assured her that I was responsible with my finances and was willing to contribute equally in the future.

She was understanding and respected my boundaries. We both agreed to take things slow and get to know each other better before discussing our finances. It was a relief to know that she wasn’t judging me based on my salary and net worth but was genuinely interested in building a strong foundation for our relationship.

Looking back, I realized that this experience taught me a valuable lesson. It’s crucial to communicate openly and honestly with your partner, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like finances. It’s also essential to respect each other’s boundaries and not rush into sharing personal information before we are ready.

As our relationship continues to progress, I am grateful that we had this conversation early on. It showed me that my date and I are on the same page when it comes to our values and priorities. And while our salary and net worth may be important factors to consider in a relationship, they are not the only things that define us. What truly matters is the effort and commitment we put into our relationship and how we support each other in achieving our goals and dreams.

Unveiling Concerns: 24-Hour Private PHV Competition Sparks Ethical and Safety Debates

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In a recent revelation within the Singapore ride-hailing community, a privately organized 24-hour Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) competition has raised eyebrows, sparking concerns about ethics, safety, and the implications for both drivers and passengers. The competition, held independently and not sanctioned by official ride-hailing platforms like Gojek or Grab, challenges drivers to maximize their earnings within a continuous 24-hour period, with the prize being a staycation.

Ethical Implications and the Lack of Official Oversight

The nature of a competition that encourages drivers to work relentlessly for an extended period has been questioned for its ethical foundation. Participants reportedly engage in a fierce race to accumulate the highest earnings, potentially pushing themselves to work for an alarming number of hours without official breaks or oversight.

Lack of App Monitoring and Intervention

One key concern is the absence of monitoring mechanisms within ride-hailing apps like Gojek and Grab to prevent drivers from working excessively long hours. Questions arise about whether the apps detect the duration of online hours and enforce mandatory breaks, aligning with labor regulations and ensuring driver well-being.

Safety Concerns and Speeding Allegations

The competition’s structure prompts inquiries into the safety implications for both drivers and passengers. The potential for drivers to speed excessively to complete more trips within the stipulated time period raises alarm bells. Questions linger about why the apps do not track and intervene when drivers engage in unsafe practices such as speeding.

Company Awareness and Approval

The article delves into whether Gojek and Grab were aware of this competition and, if not, what actions they plan to take to prevent similar incidents in the future. The spotlight is on the responsibility of ride-hailing companies to ensure the safety and well-being of their drivers and passengers, especially in situations that compromise established guidelines.

Consequences for Drivers and Organizers

Readers are eager to know whether drivers who participated in this private competition will face consequences for potentially violating labor regulations and compromising safety standards. Additionally, questions are raised about potential repercussions for the organizers and moderators who orchestrated the event.

Alignment with MOM Guidelines

The article incorporates the guidelines from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in Singapore, emphasizing the stipulations related to maximum working hours, overtime exemptions, and mandatory break times. This comparison serves to highlight potential violations and the need for ride-hailing companies to ensure compliance with labor regulations.

Safety on the Road: A Shared Responsibility

As the top earner reportedly spent 22 hours on the road, concerns about the safety of other road users and passengers become paramount. The article explores the ethical and safety considerations surrounding such prolonged driving hours and their potential impact on the well-being of both drivers and those sharing the road.

Conclusion: Navigating the Intersection of Competition, Ethics, and Safety

In a rapidly evolving gig economy, the intersection of competitions like these with ethical and safety standards becomes a critical conversation. As the community reflects on the implications, it prompts a collective call for a reassessment of oversight mechanisms, ethical boundaries, and the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in ensuring the well-being of those involved in the ride-hailing ecosystem.

If you want to read more about ethical considerations and safety in the gig economy,

GIRL CASTS “NASI KANG KANG” LOVE SPELL ON GUY, DESPERATE FOR HIM

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“I’ve been crushing on this guy for over a year, but he doesn’t seem to reciprocate at all and only treated me as a friend. Luckily we remained as close friends and I still get to see him frequently.

However, my urges were so strong that I couldn’t resist imagining myself being in a relationship with him.

Just last month, I came across a forum where someone allegedly put a “love spell” onto a guy by letting the vapour of steamed rice sit onto her private parts and then letting it drip back onto the rice.

After the guy ate the rice, the girl mentioned that he showed gradual interest in her and that she’s now in a relationship with him ever since.

That is why I decided to try this spell onto my guy, but I don’t know how to cook rice. I had to try something else so I eventually used hot water instead and I collected the vapour that was dipped onto my private part.

I brought the residue to school and once he was away, I poured a little of it into his bottle and gave it a good shake to make sure the spell will work properly.

That was just last week and I swear to God he started replying my messages more frequently and even flirted with me a little bit.

Time will tell whether the “love spell” truly worked but at this point I am just overjoyed. I know this isn’t ethically correct of me to do this but I just feel that sometimes in life, if you really want something, you have to put in your all and make it happen.

Being passive just doesn’t cut it!”

GOVT PROPOSES BILL TO LET S’PORE POLICE CONDUCT SEARCHES WITHOUT A WARRANT

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Singapore’s Ministry of Law (MinLaw) and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) have presented the Criminal Procedure (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2024 to Parliament for its First Reading, according to a Press Release issued by the Ministry of Law and Ministry of Home Affairs.

This significant legislative proposal aims to enhance various aspects of Singapore’s criminal justice system, focusing on protecting the public from crime, especially serious sexual offenses, and improving transparency, fairness, and coherence in criminal court processes.

Background

The Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) serves as the primary legislation governing Singapore’s criminal justice process, covering arrests, investigations, trials, appeals, and sentencing matters. Regular reviews, the most recent being the Criminal Justice Reform Act 2018 (CJRA), ensure that the laws remain current and fit for purpose.

Key Amendments

(A) Protecting the Public by Strengthening Law Enforcement Powers

  1. Enhanced Powers for Police and Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs):
    • The Bill proposes updating and enhancing powers, including arrest, search, and investigation, to equip LEAs better.
    • Notably, police will have the authority to conduct a search without a warrant in cases where evidence is believed to be in a suspect’s possession, streamlining the investigative process.
  2. Legislative Framework for Forensic Medical Examinations (FME):
    • A new framework for FME is introduced to provide clarity and effectiveness in criminal investigations, especially those related to serious sexual offenses like rape.
    • Police will have the power to require accused persons to undergo FME relevant to the investigation, with refusal being an offense. Safeguards ensure appropriate conduct, and only qualified medical professionals will conduct invasive procedures.
  3. Sentences for Enhanced Public Protection (SEPP):
    • In response to egregious cases involving dangerous offenders, SEPP is introduced.
    • Offenders convicted of serious violent offenses, aged 21 and above at the time of the offense, may be sentenced to SEPP, ensuring they are not automatically released but evaluated for public safety.

(B) Enhancing Transparency, Fairness, and Coherence

  1. Amendments on Criminal Disclosure:
    • The bill introduces amendments to the disclosure regime, placing common law disclosure obligations on a statutory footing.
    • Compulsory participation in the Criminal Case Disclosure (CCD) process for a wider category of cases is proposed, promoting transparency and efficiency in trials.
  2. Other Improvements to Criminal Court Processes:
    • The Courts will be empowered to allow accused persons facing minor charges to be released on personal bond, enhancing fairness and efficiency.

Stakeholder Engagement

MinLaw and MHA engaged various stakeholders, including criminal practitioners, the Law Society of Singapore, legal academics, and the public, incorporating substantial feedback into the bill. A public consultation exercise on REACH in 2021 supported the proposed changes as beneficial to Singapore’s criminal justice system.