A netizen by the username of pinkcaramelpudding shared about her disturbing dining experience with a pizza order from Little Caesars at Funan mall, where she found a cockroach in her food, according to a report by MustShareNews.
The netizen, who shared the incident on social media platforms, detailed how the family was mid-meal when the unwelcome visitor made its appearance. The baby cockroach had purportedly crawled out from under their pizza.
The discovery understandably resulted in a loss of appetite, and the family decided to cease their meal.
Unsuccessful Attempts to Contact Little Caesars
Adding to the frustration, the netizen claimed to have dialed the outlet 28 times in an attempt to address the issue with Little Caesars directly. However, the repeated calls were allegedly met with hang-ups, leaving the family without a resolution.
Undeterred, the netizen explored other channels, including the “Chat now” function and a feedback form on the Little Caesars website. Despite these efforts, the family encountered what they described as “radio silence” from the pizza chain.
In a bid to escalate their complaint, the netizen resorted to leaving a Google review, imploring Little Caesars to contact them for resolution.
Little Caesars responds
Responding to media queries, Little Caesars said they have since reached out to the customer after being notified of the incident on 14 December.
They said that they are in the midst of “communicating closely with the customer” and that the woman has since accepted their compensation and apology.
However, the chain added that they were not able to find where the cockroach came from, and added that their last pest control maintenance was done on 23 November, with no cockroaches being found, based on the report given.
Little Caesars also added that they will take responsibility for the incident and have also offered the woman a full refund and two large pizzas as compensation.
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) also added that they are currently investigating and added that they will not hesitate to take enforcement action if evidence of poor food safety practices are found.
What she said in her post
This happened on Monday. My family was having our dinner and mid meal, the baby cockrach crawled from under our Pizza and we completely lost our appetite. Not to mention, I dialed the outlet 28 times (they just keep hanging up). We gave up and stopped in the end.
I’ve contacted them through the “Chat now” function, feedback form. Radio silence from Little Ceasers. I even left a google review begging them to contact me. Nothing. How long should I reasonably wait for their response? And who else should I contact at this point? SFA? I just want to seek for a compensation for the Pizza we discarded that day. Literally nothing else…
In the heart of Bugis, Singapore, a seemingly ordinary dinner turned into a life-altering nightmare for Najai Benchawan, a Thai performance artist. This tragic incident, involving a hotpot explosion on April 4, 2015, left her with indelible scars and changed the course of her life forever.
The Horrific Incident Unveiled
A Night Out Takes a Fateful Turn
According to Mothership, Benchawan, then 29, met her friend for supper at Chong Qing (Origin) Steamboat, a popular hotpot restaurant, around 4 am that fateful day. Little did she know that her life was about to take a drastic turn.
The Explosive Turning Point
As she was about to finish her meal, an adjacent table’s gas cartridge exploded, showering Benchawan with a scalding torrent of hot soup and debris. Despite instinctively trying to shield herself, the damage was irreversible.
The Aftermath: Pain, Scars, and Suffering
Immediate Response and Hospitalization
In the aftermath, Benchawan rushed to the toilet to ease her burns with cold water before being conveyed to Singapore General Hospital (SGH). The extent of her injuries required immediate surgery, marking the beginning of a painful journey to recovery.
Lifelong Scars and Physical Struggles
Benchawan endured not only first and second-degree burns but also permanent keloids on her right shoulder and left wrist. Her eyes suffered injuries that took months to heal fully. Despite surgical interventions, her scars, prominently visible on her left arm, face, chest, back, right hand, and thigh, became a lasting testament to her harrowing experience.
Seeking Justice: The Legal Battle Unfolds
Lawsuit Against the Culprits
In 2018, Benchawan took legal action, suing both the restaurant and the gas cartridge supplier for a compensation amounting to S$96,000. The legal journey, however, was far from straightforward.
Undervalued Claims and Legal Drama
The legal battle saw twists and turns, with Benchawan originally claiming S$55,000 for pain and suffering. The deputy registrar, however, deemed this undervalued and, after careful consideration, increased the compensation to S$70,000. The insurer, challenging the claims, proposed a shockingly low amount, emphasizing the need for a fair evaluation of the physical and psychological toll.
Assessing the Compensation: Pain, Scars, and Lost Earnings
Awarding Compensation for Injuries
The deputy registrar meticulously assessed Benchawan’s injuries. S$30,000 for facial injuries, S$12,000 for chest scars, and a substantial S$57,000 for scars on her shoulders, arms, hands, and left thigh were deemed fair. Additionally, S$8,500 was granted for her eye injury, considering the excruciating pain she endured during the incident.
Loss of Earning Capacity
Contesting the S$20,000 claim for loss of earning capacity, the insurer faced Benchawan’s account of earning S$1,300 monthly before the incident and a reduced income of S$985 as a tour guide. The deputy registrar acknowledged the uncertainty but approved the claim, understanding the limitations her scars imposed on future employment opportunities.
The Final Verdict: Justice Served
In a culmination of legal battles and medical assessments, Benchawan was awarded a total sum of S$110,489.38. This compensation, while acknowledging the severity of her physical and psychological scars, aims to provide some solace for the pain and suffering she endured.
Conclusion
Najai Benchawan’s journey from a vibrant performance artist to a scarred survivor serves as a poignant reminder of the unexpected turns life can take. The legal battles and the ultimate compensation reveal the importance of acknowledging the full extent of physical and psychological trauma in such cases.
THAILAND – The Cabinet approved the Draft of the Civil Commercial Code of the Civil and Commercial Code, as proposed by the Ministry of Justice. The day before the council considered the draft Marriage Equality Act proposed by the opposition party
Thanyawat Kamolwongwat, a member of the LGBTQ MPs for the Kaw Klai Party, has submitted a bill to amend the Civil and Commercial Code or the Equal Marriage Act. The main principle is the amendment of marriage in the Civil and Commercial Code. From the former specifying only men and women, it has been changed to allow a man-woman or two persons of the same sex to be able to be engaged and marry according to the law. Marriage and the right to form a family among LGBT people
Parliament published the bill on its website for a hearing on Article 77 of the constitution. More than 45,000 people expressed their views in just three days. It was the highest number of comments among the 49 draft bills that the council opened for online comments at the time.
As for the questions used in public hearings and agencies involved in the draft Act, there are 4 questions, answering whether they agree or disagree and why, and there is a space for writing proposals. advise
should be corrected for any person, whether Can “same sex” and “heterosexual” be engaged?
should be corrected for any person, whether “Same sex” or “heterosexual” can marry. legal or not
Should the age of the person who can marry must be 18 years or older?
Should it be amended to ensure that both same-sex and heterosexual couples have the same rights, duties, and relationships between them as rights, duties and relationships between husband and wife?
“In Thai society, there is a tradition that Marriage can be done only for men and women only. The Civil and Commercial Code, Section 1448, is a provision that is consistent with natural conditions and traditions that have been around for a long time. The purpose of marriage is that men and women Live as husband and wife to create a family institution, have children, sustain a natural race” and the marriage between a man and a woman who has children.
There is a pass on the bond between parents. “That marriage between LGBT people may not be able to create such a delicate bond.”
Johor Chief Minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi has recently made a crucial decision regarding the upgrading works at the Sultan Iskandar Building’s Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. This decision has stirred conversations among commuters and the public, particularly in the context of the upcoming school holidays.
I. Introduction
In a Facebook post dated Dec. 14, Hafiz expressed his request to postpone the upgrading works until the end of the school holidays, citing potential inconveniences during the peak travel period.
“I have requested that these works be postponed until the end of the school holidays,” wrote Hafiz
II. Background
The Sultan Iskandar Building’s CIQ Complex holds immense importance for both Malaysia and Singapore, serving as a critical checkpoint for immigration processes. The upgrading works were initially announced by the Immigration Department on Dec. 12, coinciding with the commencement of the school holidays.
III. Request for Postponement
Hafiz’s proactive approach to request a delay in the upgrading works demonstrates a keen understanding of the potential challenges faced by commuters during the holiday season. The timing aligns with the end of the school holidays, ensuring minimal disruptions for travelers.
IV. Upgrading Works Details
The upgrading works involve the closure of certain counters and electronic gates in the bus zone at the immigration checkpoint. The Immigration Department, through a Facebook post, informed the public that these enhancements would be in effect from Dec. 15 to Jan. 15, 2024.
V. School Holidays Timeline
As both Singapore and Malaysia anticipate the conclusion of school holidays on Jan. 1, 2024, the decision to delay the upgrading works until this date reflects a strategic approach to mitigate the impact on the heightened travel volume.
VI. Public Reaction
Commuters have taken to social media to express their appreciation for Hafiz’s intervention. Many questioned the timing of the initially scheduled works during the school holidays, lauding the Chief Minister’s decision as a wise move.
VII. Critiques and Concerns
While the majority supports Hafiz’s decision, some have raised questions about the initial timing of the upgrading works. Alternative suggestions and concerns about potential inconveniences have been voiced by the public.
VIII. Contractor’s Responsibility
The successful and timely completion of the upgrading works rests on the shoulders of the contractor. It is imperative for the contractor to adhere to the agreed-upon schedule, ensuring that the enhancements are finished by the stipulated deadline.
IX. Conclusion
In conclusion, Onn Hafiz Ghazi’s decision to postpone the upgrading works exhibits a commitment to public welfare. The sensitivity to the school holiday period and the subsequent public support underscore the importance of considering the convenience of commuters in such infrastructure projects.
In the hustle and bustle of Haig Road Market and Food Centre, a peculiar incident unfolded on Thursday (Dec 14) that left both customers and stall owners scratching their heads.
The source of the commotion? A woman, adamant about securing free beancurds, took her frustration to a whole new level, alleging discrimination in the process, according to Shin Min Daily News.
What happened?
The trouble began at 11 am when a woman approached the stall, requesting a portion of free beancurd to take away.
The stall owner, Yang, explained the policy—free beancurds were exclusively for dining customers due to the container’s lack of a lid. Despite attempts to clarify and accommodate, the woman vehemently opposed, creating a scene.
Undeterred, the woman returned at 1 pm, seeking not one but two additional packets of the coveted beancurd. The stall staff reiterated the policy, but her demands persisted, causing further disruption and frustration.
In the spirit of customer service, the stall owner and staff attempted to accommodate the woman’s requests, even providing a lid for her takeaway. Yet, the situation escalated as the woman continued to make demands.
Accused the stall of “discrimination”
Amid the chaos, the woman leveled accusations of discrimination. Yang, bewildered by the claims, expressed that the policy applied uniformly to all customers, and no discrimination was involved.
Frustrated by the ongoing disruption, several customers decided to involve the authorities, leading to a call to the police after the beancurds ran out of stock. Two officers arrived, adding an unexpected twist to the saga.
The presence of police officers at the hawker centre became a spectacle, with onlookers buzzing about the unfolding drama. The officers, tasked with mediating the situation, remained on-site for more than 30 minutes.
Eyewitnesses shared their accounts of the incident, each adding a unique perspective to the unfolding drama. The reactions ranged from amusement to bewilderment as the saga continued to captivate the crowd.
With the free beancurds depleted and the atmosphere tense, the aftermath of the incident left the stall grappling with the consequences. Frustrated customers, denied their share of the promotion, voiced their discontent.
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
A netizen, Mr. Harrison Ma, took to social media to express his dissatisfaction with the cost of a simple dish of mixed rice at Singapore General Hospital (SGH), which his helper had purchased for S$8.40.
This incident, posted on the COMPLAINT SINGAPORE Facebook page on December 14, has sparked controversy and raised questions about the pricing and transparency of hospital food.
The Incident Unveiled
The post included images of the dish and the receipt without any breakdown of the components. Mr. Ma expressed shock at the price and questioned the value of the meal, emphasizing that such pricing seemed unjustifiable in a hospital setting.
Mr. Ma’s disbelief at the pricing and the lack of itemization on the receipt underscored the perceived sub-par quality and taste of the food, which he described as “so so only, not even worth the price she pay for”.
Koufu responds
In response to the complaint, Koufu commented on the Facebook post and said that they “regret the unpleasant experience encountered” and that they are “in the midst of investigation and will reach out” to the customer.
What the netizen said
So my helper and I today just went to visit my grandmother in your hospital and she bought a packet of mixed veg rice with a coat of $8.40! I was totally SHOCKED by the price it stated. I literally thought that my helper were lying until she showed me the receipt. She was charged at an open price at $8.40 for 1 meat 1 veg 4pcs of sotong ring. And the taste was so so only not even worth the price she pay for!
It’s totally absurd for economical rice to be sold in this pricing in a hospital which are meant for patients and public to dine in! There is no breakdown on the food items! The receipt is just one open price with totally no descriptions at all!
My partner and I moved to a pretty remote area in the west side about a year ago and we have been struggling to make friends.
I am pretty extroverted but I work from home so I don’t really have work friends I can go out with and with COVID going out to make friends has been near impossible. She is pretty introverted but still likes to have quality time with good friends.
The school she goes to is tiny btw so her friend options are very limited. I used to love when she took me to the parties her friends invited her to but when we are together we tend to just talk to each other and have fun together instead of hanging out with the group.
I know her friends like me but I cant help but feel that they would feel awkward coming and interrupting us. On the other hand it can be daunting for my partner to leave my side when she is so comfortable around me in a relatively uncomfortable environment for an introvert.
She has been getting invited to hang outs less and less and gets upset that she doesn’t feel she has a good group of friends at school. I suggested that maybe I was the issue and that perhaps if I stopped going with her she would be forced to hang out with her friends.
She dismissed the idea and insisted that she prefers when I go with her but I still felt that I was preventing her from making friends. The last time she told me she was invited to a party she asked me to go but I told her I would not be going. I was happy to DD for them but I didnt want to keep holding her back from branching out. She was upset and kept asking me to go but I stood firm.
She didn’t get upset but did tell me she preferred when I came with her. I told her that, being an extrovert, there is nothing I would have liked to do more than go to a party after being cooped up for so long but I still didn’t want to go. She went and had a great time, said she hung out with her friends all night and even made new ones but still wishes I respected her request to go along with her. I do feel bad for thinking that I knew what was best for her more than she did but seeing as I may have been right I am not sure I should.
In response to a significant surge in COVID-19 infections, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has announced additional measures to safeguard healthcare capacity in Singapore.
According to a press release by MOH, the week of 3 to 9 December 2023 witnessed a notable increase in cases, with a total of 56,043 reported, compared to 32,035 in the previous week. This surge has prompted the MOH to intensify efforts to manage the rising hospitalization and ICU cases.
To address the escalating situation, MOH has collaborated with public hospitals for contingency planning. Measures include ensuring adequate manpower, deferring non-urgent electives to maximize bed capacity, and utilizing facilities such as Transitional Care Facilities and Mobile Inpatient Care@Home (MIC@Home) to optimize patient care.
A significant step is the imminent opening of the second COVID-19 Treatment Facility (CTF) at Singapore EXPO Hall 10, supplementing the existing CTF at Crawfurd Hospital. Together, these facilities will accommodate over 80 stable COVID-19 patients, relieving pressure on hospitals. The MOH emphasizes that CTF capacity at EXPO can be expanded if required.
Be socially responsible
The MOH urges the public to exercise personal and social responsibility. Those experiencing acute respiratory infection (ARI) symptoms are advised to stay at home, avoid contact with others, and, if necessary, wear masks. Additionally, the public is encouraged to wear masks in crowded places, especially indoors, and adopt travel precautions, such as mask-wearing at airports and avoiding poorly ventilated areas.
Vaccination
Highlighting vaccination as the primary defense against COVID-19, the MOH emphasizes its continued effectiveness in preventing severe illness. Analysis reveals significantly lower hospitalization rates among those keeping up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations compared to those who are not.
As immunity wanes over time, the public is urged to stay up to date with vaccinations. Individuals aged 60 years and above, medically vulnerable persons, and residents of aged care facilities are strongly advised to receive the updated vaccine if their last dose was over a year ago. The updated COVID-19 XBB.1.5 Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty and Moderna/Spikevax vaccines remain available for free at designated centers.
Daily COVID-19 Updates
In response to the current surge, the MOH will update COVID-19 case numbers on its website daily, starting from 19 December 2023. The change aims to provide more accurate and timely information during this critical period.
The Ministry acknowledges the resilience demonstrated by society in previous infection waves and calls for collective cooperation to weather the current surge. Everyone is urged to play their part in protecting themselves and vulnerable members of the community.
MOH’s press release
UPDATE ON LOCAL COVID-19 SITUATION AND MEASURES TO PROTECT HEALTHCARE CAPACITY
As COVID-19 infections continue to rise, the Ministry of Health (MOH) is taking additional measures to ensure that our healthcare capacity remains protected.
2. The estimated number of COVID-19 cases in the week of 3 to 9 December 2023 rose to 56,043 cases, compared to 32,035 cases in the previous week. The average daily COVID-19 hospitalisations rose to 350 from 225 the week before, and the average daily Intensive Care Unit (ICU) cases increased to nine cases compared to four cases in the previous week.
3. Cases infected by JN.1, a sublineage of BA.2.86, currently account for the vast majority of the COVID-19 cases in Singapore. Based on the available international and local data, there is currently no clear indication that BA.2.86 or JN.1 are more transmissible or cause more severe disease than other circulating variants.
4. To preserve our healthcare capacity, MOH has been working with public hospitals for contingency planning, including ensuring adequate manpower and deferring of non-urgent electives to maximise bed capacity for urgent cases in need of acute care. In addition, hospitals are tapping on step-down facilities like Transitional Care Facilities and alternative care models like Mobile Inpatient Care@Home (MIC@Home) to ensure proper right-siting of patients.
5. MOH will also open the second COVID-19 Treatment Facility (CTF) this weekend to increase CTF capacity. The new CTF at Singapore EXPO Hall 10, together with the existing CTF at Crawfurd Hospital, will be able to care for more than 80 stable COVID-19 patients who do not require intensive hospital care. If the need arises, the CTF capacity at EXPO can be further increased.
Exercising personal and social responsibility
6. We urge the public to exercise personal and social responsibility. Individuals who are unwell with acute respiratory infection (ARI) symptoms should stay at home until symptoms resolve, and avoid contact with others. If they have to come into contact while unwell, they need to exercise social responsibility by wearing a mask, minimising their social interactions, and avoiding crowded places.
7. MOH also strongly encourages the public to wear a mask in crowded places even if they are not sick, especially in indoor settings, or when visiting or interacting with vulnerable persons. Travellers should adopt the relevant travel precautions, such as wearing a mask at the airport, purchasing travel insurance, and avoiding crowded areas with poor ventilation. Please visit MOH’s Health Advisory for Travellers at www.moh.gov.sg/diseases-updates/travel-advisory for more information.
8. We urge the public to seek medical treatment at a hospital’s Emergency Department only for serious or life-threatening emergencies. This will preserve our hospital capacity for patients who truly need acute hospital care and allow those with severe illness to receive timely treatment.
Vaccination remains effective in protecting against severe illness
9. Vaccination is our primary defence against COVID-19, and continues to be effective in preventing severe illness. MOH’s analysis shows that hospitalisation rates are considerably lower amongst those who have kept up to date with their COVID-19 vaccination (additional dose received within the last 12 months) compared with those who have not.
10. From 1 July to 30 November 2023, the monthly average incidence rate of hospitalised and ICU cases per 100,000 population for those who did not keep up to date with their COVID-19 vaccination was at 16.2, meaning this group is 1.6 times more likely to have severe COVID-19 requiring hospitalisation or ICU admission, compared to those who had up-to-date vaccination (10.4 cases per 100,000 population).
Figure 1. Incidence rate of hospitalised and ICU cases per 100,000 population with minimum protection
11. As immunity in the population wanes over time, we urge the public to keep their vaccination up to date to stay protected and maintain our collective resilience against COVID-19. Persons aged 60 years and above, medically vulnerable persons, and residents of aged care facilities are strongly advised to get the updated vaccine if their last dose was more than a year ago. All individuals aged six months and above are encouraged to receive the additional dose, particularly for healthcare workers and household members/ caregivers of medically vulnerable individuals.
12. The updated COVID-19 XBB.1.5 Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty and Moderna/ Spikevax vaccines continue to be free at our Joint Testing and Vaccination Centres, participating Public Health Preparedness Clinics and selected polyclinics. Please refer to https://gowhere.gov.sg/vaccine for the nearest vaccination site and the types of vaccines offered at each site.
Daily update of COVID-19 statistics
13. Currently, the estimated COVID-19 case numbers are updated on the MOH website on a weekly basis. To provide the latest information on the situation during this period of surge in cases, the MOH website will be updated daily to reflect the latest estimated COVID-19 case numbers, starting from 19 December 2023.
14. As COVID-19 testing is no longer routinely required in DORSCON Green, the number of reported COVID-19 cases is expected to under-represent the actual situation. To derive a more accurate estimate of the number of local COVID-19 cases, MOH calculates the estimated number of COVID-19 infections, taking into account the number of ARI attendances at the polyclinics, proportion of polyclinic ARI samples that test positive for COVID-19 for each epidemiological week, and the share of national ARI cases that are seen in polyclinics.
15. Our society has weathered several infection waves and emerged more resilient each time, and we can similarly withstand this wave with everyone’s cooperation. We urge everyone to play their part in protecting themselves and their families, especially seniors and medically vulnerable persons.
Sheng Siong to ease cost of living with Counter-Inflation Discount and Senior Citizen Discount extension
Sheng Siong will roll out a storewide 1% counter-inflation discount to offset the additional increase in GST from 1 January to 31 March 2024.
Senior Citizen 4% Discount will be extended for another year till 31 December 2024.
Singapore – 15 December 2023 – In a bid to alleviate the effects of rising prices on consumers, Sheng Siong Supermarket Pte Ltd (“Sheng Siong”) will roll out a 1% counter-inflation discount storewide in the first three months of 2024.
With the revised Goods and Services Tax (GST) coming into effect from 1 January 2024, a 1% discount will be applied to all in-store purchases, excluding specific items[1], from 1 January to 31 March 2024.
Sheng Siong had previously provided the 1% counter-inflation discount during the first three months of 2023 when the GST rose from 7% to 8%.
Senior Citizen 4% Discount Programme extended till the end of 2024
Additionally, Sheng Siong will extend the 4% discount for Senior Citizens till the end of 2024. Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents aged 60 and above are entitled to the 4% discount when they present their NRIC/ Pioneer Generation/ Merdeka Generation cards at Sheng Siong stores every Tuesday and Wednesday within a spending limit of $200 per receipt.
During the pandemic, exceptions were made for family members running grocery errands on behalf of seniors to benefit from the Senior Citizen discount programme. Sheng Siong will continue with this arrangement to allow family members to present the identity cards of the seniors when shopping on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Sheng Siong’s Commitment to Care for Customers
Since 2015, Sheng Siong has shown support for senior citizens with a 3% discount every Wednesday, and another 3% discount was introduced for the Merdeka Generation on Tuesdays in 2019.
In 2022, the 3% SC discount on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for senior citizens was raised to 4%. The Senior Citizen discount initiative is expected to help senior customers save over $4 million in 2023.
Sheng Siong remains committed to offering regular promotions and discounts. With the support of bank partners, customers can enjoy cash rebates when they use preferred credit cards at Sheng Siong.
