Booking a ride with a ride-sharing service like Grab is often a convenient and routine experience. However, a recent incident has brought attention to an issue that can significantly impact passengers’ comfort and well-being – the cleanliness of the vehicles.

A Smoky Encounter

One passenger’s journey took an unexpected turn when they booked a Grab and encountered a vehicle that reeked of heavy, unbearable cigarette smoke. The passenger, a non-smoker, found the experience nearly suffocating, especially when seated at the front where the scent was most intense. The interior of the car told a tale of its own, with ashtrays, gearboxes, and even windows filled with cigarette ashes and dust.

Despite the discomfort, the passenger chose to endure the 45-minute journey, considering the presence of three other individuals in the vehicle.

He said that he tolerated the smell and only “breathed at 50% throughout the 45 mins journey”.

The plea from the passenger, directed towards private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers, is a simple one – if you must smoke in your car, reconsider using it as a PHV, where passengers may have sensitivities or health concerns.

The Netizen’s Facebook Post

Booked grab and this driver came. The car has a heavy, unbearable cigarette smell. Being a non smoker, I almost suffocated especially when i sit at the front seat. Looked around and saw an ash tray and the gear box area filled with cigarette ashes. Even the windows, dash board etc is dotted with dust and cigarette ashes. I would have gotten off the car if not for my 3 folks in the vehicles. Tolerated and breathed at 50% throughout the 45 mins journey.

PHV drivers, if you really have to smoke in your car, please do not use it as a PHV then. Somebody might have an asthma attack. Be more responsible to your passengers.

Grab please advise what can passengers do when a damn dirty vehicle turns up. Do your driver partners has a minimum standard of cleanliness?

Source: Facebook

In the heart of Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 at Block 345, an elderly woman named Chen has been a familiar presence at the void deck over the past year.

Concerns have been raised about her well-being, as she occasionally spends nights on the benches, sparking worries among residents that she might be homeless, according to a report by Shin Min Daily News.

Reporter(s) from Shin Min paid a visit to the block on Saturday (Dec 2). Chen, in her 60s, clarified that she is not homeless. Instead, she resides with friends in a rental flat at Ang Mo Kio Street 31.

Chen, who used to work odd jobs in a company cafeteria, had to stop working over a year ago due to a fall. Currently in a phase of recuperation, she expresses a hopeful return to work once fully recovered.

Often alone at home, scared of dying alone

Despite living with friends, Chen often finds herself alone as her flatmates are seldom home. Recent news reports about seniors going undiscovered after dying alone at home have fueled her fears of a similar fate. In response, she has chosen to spend more time outside to alleviate her concerns.

On her current situation, she said that she worked odd jobs at a cafeteria but had to stop working about a year ago after she had a bad fall, and hope that she can return to work after getting better.

Chen’s nighttime stays at the void deck are not indicative of homelessness but rather a way to address her fears of dying alone.

She emphasizes that she goes home to sleep at night after wandering during the day. Chen believes that walking around during the day contributes to improving her health and aids in her recovery from the previous injury.

Doesn’t want to burden family

Despite her siblings being married, Chen does not want to burden them with her concerns. She acknowledges their awareness of her situation but chooses not to worry them unnecessarily. Welfare agencies have offered assistance, but after explaining her situation, they understood her preferences.

Chen’s story sheds light on the complexities faced by elderly individuals, grappling with loneliness and the fear of isolation in their later years. The community’s awareness of her situation, coupled with outreach from welfare agencies, emphasizes the importance of supporting and understanding the unique needs of seniors like Chen.

As society grapples with an aging population, it becomes crucial to address the social and emotional well-being of the elderly. Chen’s resilience in the face of her fears reflects the strength of character that many seniors possess, and it calls for a collective effort to create an inclusive and supportive environment for the elderly in our communities.

MAN SENTENCED TO EIGHT MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR SERIES OF SHOP THEFT

On 1 December 2023, Ng Chi Chiu (“Ng”), a 36-year-old man, was convicted and sentenced to a total of eight months’ imprisonment for the following offences:

1. One charge of theft in dwelling under Section 380 of the Penal Code 1871; and
   
2. Two amalgamated charges of theft in dwelling under Section 380 of the Penal Code 1871 read with Section 124(4) of the Criminal Procedure Code 2010. 

Another two charges of theft in dwelling under Section 380 of the Penal Code 1871 were also taken into consideration for the purposes of sentencing.

The Police received a report on 12 May 2023 about a series of theft from three Apple outlets between 16 January 2023 and 17 April 2023. Investigations revealed that the man had stolen multiple Apple products amounting to about $17,660 from those outlets.

Further investigations revealed that on 17 March 2023, the man had also stolen bottles of perfumes amounting to $593 from the Shilla Duty Free shop located at Changi Airport Terminal 3 Departure Transit Central.

Through extensive ground enquiries and close collaboration between Jurong Police Division and Airport Police Division, the identity of Ng was established. He was arrested on 25 October 2023 and charged in court on 27 October 2023.

The Police take a serious view of shop theft cases and offenders will be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law. The Police will continue to work closely with stakeholders and the community to prevent and deter cases of shop theft. The Police would also like to remind retailers to remain vigilant against shop thieves, especially when large crowds are expected. Retailers are advised to adopt the following measures:

1. Ensure a good line of sight for displays by using an appropriate shop layout;
   
2. Display advisory posters or signage against shop theft;
   
3. Display expensive merchandise in locked showcases or at prominent locations (e.g. near cashier counters);
   
4. Install CCTVs with recording system at the entrance/exit of the store to capture the facial features of shoppers; and
   
5. Deploy adequate security personnel to patrol the premises in luminous vests for deterrence.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
01 December 2023 @ 5:00 PM

In a recent development, the Singapore Police Force has successfully apprehended three teenagers, aged between 16 to 18, in connection with the theft of a motor vehicle.

The incident, reported on 30 November 2023, highlights the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts and serves as a reminder for vehicle owners to remain vigilant in preventing such crimes.

The Theft Incident

On the reported date at 5.20 pm, the Police received a distressing report from a victim whose lorry, parked at an open-space car park along Marsiling Crescent, had been stolen.

The circumstances surrounding the theft indicated a potential lapse in security, as the lorry’s key was reportedly left in the unlocked vehicle.

Responding promptly to the report, officers from Woodlands Police Division initiated ground inquiries. The aid of images captured by Police cameras played a crucial role in establishing the identities of the three teenagers suspected of the theft.

It eventually led to the subsequent arrest of the trio, underscoring the importance of technology and community cooperation in law enforcement.

Following the arrest, the stolen lorry was successfully recovered by the Police.

Legal Consequences

Two of the teenagers, aged 17 and 18, will face charges in court on 2 December 2023. They are set to be charged with the offence of theft of a motor vehicle under Section 379A, read with Section 34 of the Penal Code 1871.

This offence carries a potential imprisonment term of up to seven years and a fine. The legal proceedings emphasize the seriousness of motor vehicle theft and the consequences individuals may face when engaging in such criminal activities.

While two of the teenagers are facing imminent legal action, investigations against the 16-year-old are still underway. The ongoing inquiry aims to comprehensively understand the roles each suspect played in the theft and to ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.

Singapore police’s statement

TRIO ARRESTED FOR THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE

The Police have arrested three teenagers, aged between 16 to 18, for their suspected involvement in a case of theft of motor vehicle.

On 30 November 2023 at 5.20pm, the Police received a report from a victim that his lorry parked at the open space carpark along Marsiling Crescent was purportedly stolen. The lorry’s key was allegedly left in the vehicle which was left unlocked.

Through ground enquires and with the aid of images from Police cameras, officers from Woodlands Police Division established the identities of the trio and arrested them. The stolen lorry was subsequently recovered. 

Two of the teenagers, aged 17 and 18, will be charged in court on 2 December 2023 with the offence of theft of a motor vehicle under Section 379A read with Section 34 of the Penal Code 1871. The offence carries an imprisonment term of up to seven years, and a fine. 

Investigations against the 16-year-old teenager are ongoing.

The Police would like to advise all motor vehicle owners to adopt the following crime prevention measures:

1. Park in well-lit areas.
   
2. Install an anti-theft alarm system for your motor vehicle and ensure it is well-maintained.
   
3. Lock all vehicle doors and wind up all windows when leaving the vehicle, even if it is for a short while and;
   
4. Remove the ignition key and lock the vehicle whenever it is left unattended.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
01 December 2023 @ 10:28 PM

In the intricate dance of emotions, love often takes unexpected turns. One such twist unfolds when a person develops feelings for someone who is already in a relationship. This complex situation becomes even more entangled when the individual decides to reach out to the person’s partner, urging them to end the relationship for the sake of a perceived stronger connection.

The Unrequited Affection

In the labyrinth of emotions, unrequited love is a familiar theme. The story begins with an individual harboring feelings for someone already committed to another.

The complexities of this emotional terrain can lead the person to grapple with conflicting emotions, longing for a connection that seems elusive.

In a surprising turn of events, the individual decides to confront the situation head-on. Instead of silently grappling with unrequited feelings, they take the bold step of reaching out to the person’s boyfriend.

He reached out to the boyfriend and asked him if he could talk to him about the girl, to which the guy then asked him “what about her?”

He then goes on to tell him that he has been talking with his girlfriend for a while and grew close to her, and was going to “politely ask if you could break up with her,” explaining that she would be happier with him instead.

The Ethical Quandary

This scenario raises significant ethical questions. Is it morally justifiable to intervene in someone else’s relationship for personal gain? Does the end (a potential relationship with the desired person) justify the means (encouraging a breakup)?

The complexities of love and desire often blur the lines of ethical behavior, and this situation is no exception.

Netizens’ comments

1. Her: Don’t worry about him, we’re just friends.
2. TBH I’d just admit defeat and let that dude date her. If she’s doing such sneaky moves behind my back, she’s not the one
3. How do you even reach that point of delusion I wanna know