The Police have arrested a 26-year-old man and 24-year-old woman for their suspected involvement in a case of loanshark harassment. 

On 12 November 2023, the Police were alerted to a case of loanshark harassment at a residential unit along Woodlands Ring Road, where coffee was splashed onto the wall beside the unit and a debtor’s note was left at the unit’s main gate.  

Through ground enquiries and with the aid of images from Police cameras, officers from Woodlands Police Division established the identity of the couple and arrested them on 27 November 2023. A debtor’s note was seized as case exhibit.

The man will be charged in court on 29 November 2023 under the Moneylenders Act 2008, while the woman is assisting with investigations. For first time offenders, the offence of loanshark harassment carries a fine between $5,000 and $50,000, with imprisonment of up to five years, and caning of up to six strokes.

The Police have zero tolerance against loanshark harassment activities. Those who deliberately vandalise properties, cause annoyance or disrupt public safety, peace and security, will be dealt with severely in accordance with the law. 

Members of the public are advised to stay away from loansharks and not to work with or assist them in any way. The public can call the Police at ‘999’ or the X-Ah Long hotline at 1800-924-5664 if they suspect or know of anyone who could be involved in loansharking activities.

The Police have arrested a 23-year-old man for his suspected involvement in a case of loanshark harassment.

On 28 November 2023 at about 9.53am, the Police were alerted to a case of loanshark harassment at a residential unit along Tampines Street 43, where the gate of a residential unit was secured with a bicycle lock and a debtor’s note was pasted on the bicycle lock.

Through follow-up investigations and with the aid of images from Police cameras, officers from Bedok Police Division established the identity of the man and arrested him on the same day. One bicycle lock, one black pen, one scotch tap, one Exercise book and one mobile phone were seized as case exhibits.

The man will be charged in court on 30 November 2023 under the Moneylenders Act 2008. For first-time offenders, the offence of loanshark harassment carries a fine between $5000 and $50,000, with imprisonment of up to five years, and caning of up to six strokes.

The Police have zero tolerance against loanshark harassment activities. Those who deliberately vandalise properties, cause annoyance or disrupt public safety, peace and security, will be dealt with severely in accordance with the law.

Members of the public are advised to stay away from loansharks and not work with or assist them in any way. The public can call the Police at ‘999’ or the X-Ah Long hotline at 1800-924-5664 if they suspect or know of anyone who could be involved in loansharking activities.

In a recent turn of events, a 31-year-old man has been apprehended for his alleged involvement in a series of e-commerce scams, specifically targeting the sale of Apple MacBook laptops. The police, on Nov 29, confirmed his arrest, shedding light on the deceptive practices that victimized several individuals between Oct 28 and Nov 2.

Incident Details

During this timeframe, numerous victims reported being swindled by the suspect who operated on the popular e-commerce platform Carousell. The deceitful method employed involved the sale of MacBooks, with unsuspecting buyers receiving dummy items after making payments via bank transfers.

Police Action

Swift action from the Clementi Police Division led to the identification and subsequent arrest of the suspect on Nov 28. Shockingly, the man is believed to be connected to at least eight cases of e-commerce scams, amounting to more than $27,000 in ill-gotten gains.

Legal Consequences

Scheduled to face court proceedings on Nov 30, the suspect could be looking at a jail term of up to 10 years and a hefty fine if found guilty. This not only serves as a punitive measure for the accused but also sends a strong deterrent message to potential wrongdoers.

Police Advisory

In response to this incident, the police have issued a crucial advisory to the public. Emphasizing the age-old adage, “If the price is too good to be true, it probably is,” they caution potential buyers to exercise due diligence, especially when dealing with high-value items.

Safe Online Practices

To bolster online safety, the police advise against making advance payments or direct bank transfers to sellers. Instead, buyers are encouraged to opt for payment methods that release funds only upon the successful delivery of purchased items.

Scammer Tactics

The suspect, in this case, employed various tactics common among scammers. Direct communication through messaging platforms like WhatsApp or WeChat, coupled with enticing offers for direct bank transfers, were part of his modus operandi. Additionally, scammers may attempt to establish legitimacy by using local bank accounts or providing fake identification documents.

Public Awareness Resources

For individuals seeking further information on online scams and safety measures, resources like scamalert.sg and the anti-scam hotline (1800-722-6688) are readily available. The police encourage the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this incident underscores the importance of vigilance in the digital age. As technology evolves, so do the tactics of scammers. The public is urged to heed the advice of law enforcement agencies, purchase only from authorized sellers, and adopt safe online practices to protect themselves from falling victim to such scams.

Asia Pacific Breweries Singapore (APBS), the renowned creator of Tiger Beer, recently made headlines by retrenching 33 workers in Singapore. This move, attributed to “changing market realities,” has sparked both concern and controversy. Let’s delve into the details of this restructuring and its implications.

APBS and Tiger Beer

Before we explore the intricacies of the retrenchment, it’s essential to understand the role of APBS as the parent company of the iconic Tiger Beer. With a significant market presence, Tiger Beer has become synonymous with Singapore’s brewing industry.

Joint Statement with FDAWU

In response to the retrenchment, APBS collaborated with the Food, Drinks and Allied Workers Union (FDAWU) to issue a joint media statement. This statement shed light on the impact on 8% of APBS’s total workforce, emphasizing the ongoing restructuring efforts.

Reasons for Retrenchment

APBS attributed the layoffs to “changing market realities” in Singapore, necessitating adjustments for enhanced business productivity. Examining these market dynamics provides insights into the challenges faced by the brewing industry.

Gratitude and Compensation

Expressing gratitude for the contributions of the affected staff, APBS asserted its commitment to fair compensation. This commitment, made in collaboration with FDAWU, highlights the company’s efforts to ease the transition for the retrenched workers.

Collaboration with Employment and Employability Institute

Notably, APBS collaborated with [NTUC’s] Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) to extend placement support and career guidance to the affected staff. This strategic move aims to assist workers in finding new opportunities.

Allegations from Workers

However, amidst APBS’s claims of transparency and collaboration, some employees expressed shock at the sudden retrenchment. One worker alleged that the news came as a surprise, contradicting the company’s earlier reports of meeting financial targets.

Details of the Retrenchment

The abrupt request for affected employees to pack up and leave on the same day adds a layer of complexity to the situation. As reported, the affected workers’ last day of employment is set for 31 Dec, with severance pay and additional benefits provided.

Severance Pay and Additional Benefits

Details on the severance pay, linked to the years of service, underscore APBS’s efforts to acknowledge the dedication of its workforce. Additionally, the assurance of the 2023 performance bonus and annual wage supplement provides some financial stability for the retrenched workers.

Connection with Ministry of Manpower’s Report

APBS’s decision aligns with a broader trend observed in the Ministry of Manpower’s report, indicating a rise in retrenchments from 3,200 in 2023’s Q2 to 4,100 in 2023 Q3. This contextualizes the company’s actions within a larger economic landscape.

Comparison with Foodpanda

In a parallel development, Foodpanda recently undertook staff layoffs across the Asia-Pacific, echoing a trend of restructuring in the region. A comparative analysis of APBS’s actions and Foodpanda’s decisions provides valuable insights into industry dynamics.

Impact on Affected Workers

Beyond the statistics, it’s crucial to consider the personal impact on the lives of the 33 workers affected by this restructuring. Their perspectives offer a human dimension to the narrative, shedding light on the challenges they now face.

Public Reaction and Sentiment

As news of the retrenchment circulates, monitoring public sentiment becomes paramount. Social media channels and public forums may reflect a spectrum of reactions, from support for APBS’s decisions to concerns about the well-being of the affected workers.

Future Implications

Looking ahead, the restructuring at APBS prompts considerations about the company’s future trajectory. Speculations on potential ripple effects in the industry and whether other companies will follow suit add depth to the ongoing narrative.

Conclusion

In conclusion, APBS’s decision to retrench 33 workers in the face of changing market realities warrants careful examination. Balancing the company’s perspective with the experiences of the affected workers, this event underscores the challenges within Singapore’s evolving economic landscape.

In a groundbreaking announcement, Senior Minister of State for National Development, Sim Ann, declared in Parliament during the Ministry of National Development’s Committee of Supply debate that all coffee shops leased from the Housing and Development Board (HDB) will be mandated to offer budget meal options to diners by 2026. This move is an extension of the 2018 requirement for new HDB coffee shops, marking a significant step towards ensuring the availability of affordable food options in the heartlands.

The Mandate: Budget Meals for All

1. Extension of Requirement

The requirement for budget meals, initially applicable only to new HDB coffee shops since 2018, is now extended to encompass all existing HDB coffee shops. This move aims to make cheaper food options more widespread and certain across HDB estates.

2. Tenancy Renewal Conditions

For coffee shops up for renewal from May this year, a condition for the renewal of their three-year tenancy is providing four budget meals and two budget drinks. This marks a strategic effort to embed affordability into the core of HDB coffee shop offerings.

3. Specifics of Budget Meals

Budget meals must be comprehensive, full meal options from two or more different stalls. Moreover, two of the budget meals must be rice-based, with at least one adhering to halal dietary requirements. The inclusion of budget drinks like kopi-o and teh-o further enhances the affordability initiative.

Existing Coffee Shops: Adapting to the Mandate

4. Different Requirements for Existing Shops

For the 72 existing coffee shops already offering budget meals, the mandate differs slightly. They are required to provide six budget food dishes, including economic rice, chicken rice, fishball noodles, and mee rebus.

5. Pricing Dynamics

Currently priced at around S$3 to S$3.50, budget meals and basic drinks costing around S$1 to S$1.15, the new tenancy requirements are set to make budget meals available at all 374 HDB coffee shops by 2026. This shift impacts nearly half of all coffee shops located in HDB estates, excluding those owned by private operators.

6. Rental Discount Incentive

Acknowledging the adjustments required, HDB offers a 5% rental discount off renewal rents for a year from the implementation of the budget meal requirement.

Revitalization Schemes for Heartlands

7. Revitalisation of Shops Scheme

To further invigorate HDB estates, the Revitalisation of Shops scheme undergoes enhancement. The co-payment from retailers for upgrading their shopping environment is reduced from 20% to 5%, with HDB increasing its co-funding share to 85%, and the town council contributing 10%. This aims to maintain the total budget for upgrading works at S$35,000 per shop.

8. Incentives for Innovative Businesses

In a bid to encourage innovation and inclusivity, businesses adopting inclusive hiring practices receive additional incentives. Eligible start-ups enjoy a 10% rental discount for their first three-year tenancy and expanded shop space allocation beyond new neighborhood centers.

9. Boosting Social Enterprises

Social enterprises witness a rental discount increase from 20% to 30% for two three-year tenancies. This initiative, coupled with an increase in available shop spaces from 15 to 30 units yearly, aims to diversify and enrich the range of goods and services offered in HDB estates.

Addressing Concerns and Looking Ahead

10. Managing Cost Increases

Addressing concerns raised by MPs about rising costs faced by town councils, Sim Ann emphasizes their ongoing efforts. Town councils, she notes, have been periodically adjusting Service and Conservancy Charges while exploring avenues to raise productivity and reduce costs.

11. Government Support

Recognizing the sharp rise in costs, the government is prepared to consider temporary “special funding support” to mitigate potential impacts on residents. This proactive approach reflects a commitment to balancing the needs of residents with the economic realities faced by town councils.

Conclusion

The mandate for budget meals in HDB coffee shops marks a significant stride towards ensuring affordability and inclusivity in the heartlands. As Singapore’s landscape evolves, these initiatives not only address immediate concerns but also set the stage for a more vibrant and diverse community.

MAN ARRESTED FOR SERIES OF OUTRAGE OF MODESTY

The Police have arrested a 64-year-old man for his suspected involvement in two cases of outrage of modesty.

On 27 November 2023 at about 3.10pm, the Police received a report that a woman had allegedly been molested by an unknown man along Yishun Avenue 5. The man had purportedly approached the woman who was alone at home at the time asking for donations. He proceeded to ask her if she experienced body pain by reading her palm and allegedly touched the woman inappropriately on the pretext of giving her a body massage to relieve her pain.

Through ground enquiries and with the aid of Police cameras, officers from Woodlands Police Division established the identity of the man and arrested him on on the same day. Investigations revealed that the man is also involved in another incident reported on 5 May 2023, where he allegedly approached a woman to tell her that she was under the influence of black magic, before soliciting donations from her and touching her inappropriately.

The man will be charged in court on 29 November 2023 with the following
offences:

1. Two counts of outrage of modesty under Section 354(1) of the Penal Code 1871.
   
2. Two counts of unlicensed House to House and Street Collections (HHSC) under Section 3(3) House to House and Street Collections Act 1947.
   
3. One count of harassment to cause distress under Section 3(1)(a) of the Protection from Harassment Act.

The offence of outrage of modesty carries an imprisonment term of up to three years, a fine, caning, or any combination of such punishments. The offence of HHSC without licence under Section 3(3) of the HHSC Act carries a fine not exceeding $1,000, or an imprisonment term of up to six months, or both. The offence of harassment to cause distress under Section 3(1)(a) of the Protection from Harassment Act carries a fine not exceeding $5,000, or an imprisonment term of up to six months, or both.

The Police have zero tolerance towards sexual offenders who threaten the personal safety of the community. They will be dealt with sternly in accordance with the law. The Police would also like to urge members of the public to remain vigilant and to report the matter to the Police immediately, if they witness an incident of outrage of modesty, or are aware of someone being a victim of outrage of modesty.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
28 November 2023 @ 11:45 PM

Following a now-viral video clip of a dying rat found on a food tray at Tangs Market and subsequent investigations by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) and the National Environment Agency (NEA), Tangs Market will be closed today (30 November) for “deep cleaning and sanitation works,” according to Channel NewsAsia.

Tangs said in a statement yesterday that the food court was closed for a thorough cleaning and sanitising on Wednesday, with another session scheduled for today (30 November).

They said that it was part of their efforts to “exceed hygiene and sanitisation standards” and that “We, together with Fei Siong and our other F&B operators at Tangs Market, continue to render support and assistance to affected customers.”

This comes after the NEA and SFA said in a joint statement that their officers had discovered a rat infestation in the ceiling areas, as well as lapses in hygiene standards in 5 of the food stalls.

Tangs described the incident as “regrettable” and added that they are taking all matters that concern public health very seriously.

They also added that they will be continuing their engagement with SFA and its partnered agencies to uphold their standards of hygiene, including increasing pest control checks and cleaning works.

Recap on incident

In the heart of the bustling Tangs Plaza food court, a scene unfolded that left diners in sheer disbelief and horror.

A gigantic rat, slumped over on a food tray, was still alive but appeared to be in the throes of death. The reactions of nearby diners ranged from gasps to outright shrieks as they grappled with the unsettling sight before them.

As patrons were enjoying their meals, the atmosphere took a drastic turn when the attention shifted to a particular dining table.

A huge rat, its fur matted and body languid, lay on a tray as if it had claimed the spot as its own. Despite the apparent distress of the creature, it still exhibited feeble movements, adding an eerie dimension to the already surreal scene.

The immediate reactions from diners were a mix of shock, disgust, and disbelief. Some recoiled in horror, while others couldn’t help but vocalize their astonishment as some of them gasped and shrieked.

The food court, typically filled with the hum of conversations, fell into a momentary hush as the sight registered with everyone present.

The tray of food under the rat’s dominion told a tale of diners abruptly vacating the area. Plates and utensils were left as if in mid-use, a clear indication that the appearance of the rat had prompted a swift and collective retreat from the scene.