On June 12, law enforcement authorities carried out an operation near Lorong 24 Geylang, leading to the arrest of 50 women, working as “beer ladies” who were allegedly involved in soliciting customers at nearby coffee shops for the sale of 4-D tickets and explicit services.

The following day, on June 13, a video capturing the raid was shared on TikTok by a user identified as @shenzhensg. The video depicted the women being escorted by plainclothes officers towards a police bus stationed at the entrance of Lorong 23 Geylang at about 5pm.

According to a witness named Yang, who worked in the area, he told Shin Min Daily News that there were reportedly around 40 to 50 beer ladies operating in the vicinity.

These individuals primarily originated from Vietnam or China. In addition to consuming beer with patrons and receiving tips, Yang claimed that the women engaged in providing explicit services at prices ranging from S$100 to S$200. After negotiating the terms with customers, they would proceed to a nearby hotel.

Various stall assistants in the area attested to the regular presence of the beer ladies. Some of these individuals would attempt to sell 4-D tickets to customers, although this practice was more common among older ladies. The stall assistants highlighted the persistence of the beer ladies, despite previous police raids in the vicinity.

During the enforcement operation, approximately 40 police officers collaborated to round up the group of women. They were subsequently transported in two large police buses.

Stall assistants expressed their concerns about the potential return of the beer ladies. Although aware of past police interventions in the area, the individuals believed that the demand for such services would likely prompt the beer ladies to continue their operations.

Yang, the witness interviewed, emphasized that despite the police raids, the beer ladies were expected to return due to the existing demand for their services.

The Singapore Police Force said that a total of 50 women, ranging in age from 17 to 57, were arrested under the Women’s Charter 1961. Additionally, another woman is currently under investigation for an offense related to the Gambling Control Act 2022.

@shenzhensg #geylang #lorong #police #spf #policeforce #raid #singapore #shenzhen #taiwan #hongkong #china #vice #vices ♬ original sound – 强盛集团

A 56-year-old man was arrested by the police at an eatery in Tampines yesterday (15 June) following an alleged incident involving the stabbing of a 57-year-old man.

The police were alerted to the situation at Block 513 Tampines Central when a distress call was made at 12:40 PM. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) was subsequently informed about the incident at approximately 12:45 PM.

According to the police, the 57-year-old victim was found in a semi-conscious state and was subsequently transported to Changi General Hospital, as confirmed by the SCDF.

The 56-year-old suspect was arrested on charges of voluntarily causing harm with a dangerous weapon.

Eyewitnesses stated that a heated argument ensued at noon. The proprietor of the chicken rice stall at U-Taste Restaurant explained that the two individuals were drinking coffee when the argument escalated, according to The Straits Times.

At one point, both parties stood up and began shouting at each other. The owner of the chicken rice stall mentioned that one of them unexpectedly retrieved what appeared to be a folding knife from their backpack and pointed it at the other person.

Subsequently, the individual holding the knife forcefully pushed their counterpart to the ground and proceeded to stab them multiple times.

In an attempt to defend himself, the victim stood up and picked up a chair to strike back at the assailant. However, due to their injuries, the victim’s movements were unsteady, as noted by the chicken rice stall owner.

Upon hearing the chicken rice stall owner’s warning that the police were on their way, the attacker fled the scene.

Eyewitnesses further revealed that the victim remained on the ground in a pool of blood, surrounded by concerned individuals, until the arrival of both the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and SCDF.

At the time of writing, police investigations into the incident are currently ongoing.

The recent remarks made by Singapore-born comedian Jocelyn Chia, which appeared to make light of the MH370 disappearance, have sparked controversy and drawn the attention of both Malaysians and Singaporeans.

In response to the backlash, Malaysian authorities have expressed their intention to locate Chia. Inspector-General of the Malaysian Police, Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani, stated that they would submit a request to Interpol on Wednesday, June 14, seeking their assistance in tracking down the comedian.

“You can keep going, Malaysia”

Chia, however, responded to the authorities by expressing gratitude for the newfound attention, jokingly mentioning that her “Netflix special” was practically writing itself. She also highlighted her media presence by noting her appearances on CNN, The New York Times, and BBC World, along with an upcoming interview scheduled with Fox News on Saturday, June 17.

Taking to Twitter, Chia shared a screenshot of BBC News’ report concerning Malaysia’s plan to involve Interpol. In her caption, she humorously stated that her Netflix special was developing perfectly and thanked Malaysia for contributing to it.

Says her joke taken out of context

During an interview with BBC, Chia expressed her view that involving Interpol in this matter was excessive, referring to it as “ridiculous.” She also mentioned her curiosity about the reaction of the Interpol officer who would receive such a request. Chia even speculated on the potential increase in her fame if the situation were to escalate due to Interpol’s involvement.

While she stood by her joke in its entirety when presented in a comedy club setting, Chia admitted that the isolated clip could be misinterpreted outside of that context. Reflecting on the situation, she acknowledged the risk of presenting the clip without the complete comedic environment.

Addressing concerns about her controversial joke, Chia explained to CNN that she had performed her routine on numerous occasions over the course of 1.5 years without any issues. She clarified that the condensed clip featuring the MH370 joke lacked the necessary context when shared on social media platforms.

Chia emphasized that the joke was based on the longstanding friendly rivalry between Singaporeans and Malaysians. She expressed no animosity toward Malaysia and stated that comedians often “roast” their audience members during shows. She highlighted instances where Malaysian audience members approached her after performances, expressing their enjoyment and implying that they did not take offense.

Chia reiterated that her intention as a comedian was to bring smiles to people’s faces and that her jokes were never fueled by malice. She emphasized that within the comedy club context, her aim was simply to elicit laughter, devoid of any ill intent.

Recap

In a shocking incident at an HDB lift in Yishun, a 59-year-old man brutally attacked his 62-year-old flatmate with a knife after suspecting that his girlfriend had been cheating on him with the flatmate.

Abdul Karim s/o V. Sickandar was sentenced on Tuesday (13 June) to 12 years imprisonment with an enhanced sentence of 100 days jail after pleading guilty to four charges that included consumption and possession of methamphetamine and causing hurt to the victims with a weapon. Three more charges were considered during his sentencing by the court.

What happened?

The attack took place on June 13, 2022, when the assailant, Abdul Karim s/o V. Sickandar, returned home around 8:19 PM. Fueled by suspicion, anger, and the influence of alcohol and drugs, he hoped to catch his flatmate with his girlfriend, whom he believed was having an affair with the victim. However, unable to find anyone in the flat, Karim became increasingly agitated.

Coincidentally, the victim and his girlfriend (not the suspect’s girlfriend) returned to the block around 8:25 PM. Worried about confronting Karim, they called the police, hoping for assistance. When they noticed the police car empty, they assumed the officers had gone up to the flat to handle the situation. Unbeknownst to them, Karim was waiting at the 10th-floor lift lobby, intending to confront his flatmate and his girlfriend.

As the lift doors opened, Karim immediately recognized his flatmate and entered the lift. With a 26-cm knife in hand, he launched a vicious attack on the victim. The victim’s girlfriend tried to intervene but was also slashed by Karim. She managed to escape from the lift, running along the 10th-floor corridor, seeking help.

The assault continued inside the lift as it descended, with Karim relentlessly slashing and stabbing his flatmate. At one point, the victim slipped and fell on the pool of blood accumulating on the lift floor. Even as he lay on the ground, he attempted to defend himself by kicking Karim, but his efforts proved futile.

Finally, upon reaching the ground floor, the police ordered Karim to stop. They had arrived earlier but were attempting to locate the victim and his girlfriend before confronting Karim. Ignoring the orders, Karim threw a small knife at his flatmate when instructed to drop it, but it missed its mark. Subsequently, the police disarmed and arrested him.

Accused flatmate of having affair with his girlfriend

According to court documents, Karim had previously served a seven-year and six-month prison sentence for drug-related offenses. He was released on a remission order on April 13, 2020. Subsequently, he rented a flat in Yishun Street 51 and began a relationship with a woman known as “Tuti.” However, over time, Karim became suspicious that his flatmate was trying to develop a relationship with “Tuti.”

These suspicions led to multiple confrontations, where Karim angrily accused his flatmate of having an affair. The flatmate denied the allegations and eventually moved out of the flat a week before the tragic incident occurred.

Lacerations

The victims, the flatmate, and his girlfriend, were rushed to the emergency department of Khoo Teck Puat Hospital for treatment. They suffered multiple deep lacerations on various parts of their bodies, including the thigh, flank, and arm. Emergency surgeries were performed to close their wounds. Both victims were assessed to have permanent scarring resulting from the attack.

History of violence

The deputy public prosecutor argued for an aggregate sentence of 14 to 15 years’ imprisonment, highlighting the premeditated and brutal nature of the attack. The prosecutor emphasized that Karim was the aggressor and displayed senseless violence not only toward his flatmate but also toward his flatmate’s girlfriend, who was unrelated to the confrontation. The prosecutor also pointed out Karim’s history of violence and drug offenses, suggesting a pattern of escalating aggression.

Two Singaporean men have been apprehended by Malaysian auxiliary officers on June 13 for engaging in public urination, as reported by the authorities at Johor Bahru South District Police Headquarters.

According to the police, the incident took place at the Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex in Johor Bahru. Notwithstanding the presence of ample restroom facilities and clear signage directing individuals to them, the two men chose to urinate in a public area.

The individuals involved in this offense are aged 48 and 68 years, respectively. They are not related and committed the transgressions separately but on the same day.

On June 13, the authorities arrested both individuals under Section 14 of Malaysia’s Minor Offences Act 1955 (Revised 1987), which pertains to engaging in behavior considered disrespectful. If found guilty, they may face a fine of S$29.

Following drug tests, it was determined that neither of the men had consumed illicit substances.

The first suspect was formally charged in court on June 14.

As for the second suspect, ongoing investigations will be conducted under Section 6(3) of Malaysia’s Immigration Act 1959/63 due to concerns about their residency status in Malaysia without a valid pass.

Similar cases

Just last month, a Singaporean man was arrested for urinating at the prayer ablution area at the Johor Bahru Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex.

A video of the incident was posted online by a netizen who witnessed the act, and scolded him for being rude because the area where the man was peeing at is meant for Muslims to cleanse themselves before praying.

The incident also caught the attention of Johor Chief Minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi, who revealed that the man had been detained by the Malaysian police following the incident.

The man tested negative for drugs but did have a prior criminal record against his name.

In a recent development, Singapore is set to witness an increased presence of police robots across the nation, following their successful deployment at Changi Airport’s Terminal 4 (T4) in recent months. According to the Singapore Police Force (SPF), the initiative aims to expand the utilization of these robots in various locations.

Since April, two police robots have been stationed at T4, serving as a notable addition to the airport’s security measures. Channel NewsAsia (CNA) reports that members of the public can easily contact the airport police in their operations room by simply pressing a button on the robot.

The upcoming rollout of additional police robots throughout Singapore comes as part of Project MATAR (Multi-purpose All-Terrain Autonomous Robot), which has gained visibility in recent times. These robots are equipped with a 360-degree camera that offers comprehensive surveillance capabilities. Moreover, they feature an extendable mast to provide officers with an enhanced view.

One noteworthy functionality is that these robots allow members of the public to communicate with an officer in the operations room by pressing a designated button. Additionally, the robots are equipped with sirens, speakers, and display screens that enable them to make public announcements and warn individuals to avoid certain areas, particularly in situations involving suspicious or unattended baggage.

Superintendent Lim Ke Wei, the head of operations at the Airport Police Division, emphasized that the patrol robots operate autonomously alongside human officers, serving as an extra set of eyes on the ground. This integration of technology is expected to enhance operational efficiency and enable officers to fulfill their duties more effectively.

It is worth mentioning that the development of the MATAR robots, which commenced as early as 2016, gained significance during the Covid-19 pandemic. The robots have proven to be valuable assets in maintaining security measures and ensuring public safety.

Singapore Police Force’s press release

OPERATIONALISATION OF PATROL ROBOTS AT CHANGI AIRPORT TERMINAL 4

Since April 2023, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) has deployed patrol robots at Changi Airport Terminal 4 to augment frontline Police officers in conducting premises patrol. Besides serving as additional eyes on the ground, they project additional police presence in the airport terminal.

Patrol Robots as Force Multipliers

The patrol robot is the latest addition to SPF’s technological arsenal, capable of autonomous patrol and providing the Police with an enhanced situational picture to enable better decision and sense-making. The robot is also equipped with in-built speakers to broadcast audio messages and display visual information on its display panel.

It can also deploy a suite of interim intervention measures (blinkers, siren, and speakers) to enforce a cordon or warn bystanders during an incident prior to the arrival of resources. Its extendable mast with 360-degree field of view and two-way communications also enables the Airport Police Operations Room to have an unimpeded view of the live situation and direct communication with the public for better incident management.

The integration of robotics enhances the operational efficiency and capabilities of our frontline officers, enabling them to be more effective in their duties. The SPF plans to progressively deploy more patrol robots to augment police’s operations across Singapore.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
15 June 2023 @ 3:16 PM

Images source: Ministry of Home Affairs and Singapore Police Force

In a recent incident in Singapore, a 32-year-old man was sentenced to eight weeks in jail for threatening a delivery rider with a knife, according to Lianhe Zaobao.

The altercation began when the man received a coffee order that had spilled. Instead of handling the situation calmly, he resorted to violence, holding a 20cm knife against the rider’s face and patting his cheek with the knife multiple times.

The man, identified as Firdaus, pleaded guilty to a charge of criminal intimidation. Additionally, the court took into account another charge of using insulting words to cause distress to the victim.

What happened?

The incident occurred on 8th August 2022 at 1:45 am in Block 858 Jurong West Street 81. Firdaus had ordered food and coffee through a delivery application.

When the rider arrived at his unit and left the order at the door, Firdaus called him back. He questioned why his coffee had spilled and accused the rider of attempting to deceive him.

Frustrated, Firdaus threatened the rider, using offensive language and asserting that he would physically harm him.

To pacify the dissatisfied customer, the rider went the extra mile and purchased two additional packets of coffee for Firdaus.

However, upon returning to Firdaus’ unit, the situation escalated further. Firdaus brandished a 20cm knife from the kitchen and continued to berate the rider, even patting the rider’s cheek with the knife.

In a fit of anger, he threw the two packets of coffee onto the ground. Despite the rider’s repeated apologies, Firdaus remained hostile.

The rider, understanding the severity of the situation, lodged a police report after the incident. Firdaus’ actions were captured on tape by his own family, resulting in a one-minute and twelve seconds clip that served as crucial evidence during the court proceedings.

The motive behind Firdaus’ family recording the incident remains unclear.

Hoped for lenient sentence

During the court hearing, the prosecution sought a jail term of one to two months for Firdaus, emphasizing the need to deter similar mistreatment of delivery riders. Surprisingly, Firdaus opted to represent himself in court and pleaded guilty.

Expressing remorse for his actions, he acknowledged that threatening the rider with a knife was unjustifiable and hoped for a lenient sentence.

In delivering the verdict, the judge stated that Firdaus had overreacted and displayed unacceptable behavior. The judge considered the eight-week jail sentence reasonable and conservative enough.

Singapore Police Force arrested a 20-year-old man who had allegedly punched a patrolling police officer in the face when the latter was conducting checks on him and 2 others at Tiong Bahru Road.

The incident took place in the early hours of 15th June 2023 when the police officers were conducting routine patrols along Tiong Bahru Road. The officers noticed three individuals and decided to conduct checks on them. However, one of the men displayed uncooperative behavior, escalating the situation into an act of violence.

As the police officers approached the group for checks, one man became increasingly aggressive and uncooperative.

In a display of complete disregard for the authority of the officers, the man threw a punch at one of the officers’ face, causing a laceration on his left cheek.

The 20-year-old man was then immediately arrested following the alleged assault and will face charges in court on 16th June 2023, specifically for voluntarily causing hurt to deter a public servant from the discharge of his duty, as defined under Section 332 of the Penal Code 1871.

This offense carries severe penalties, including an imprisonment term of up to seven years, a fine, or caning,

Singapore Police Force’s press release

MAN ARRESTED FOR VOLUNTARILY CAUSING HURT TO DETER A PUBLIC SERVANT FROM THE DISCHARGE OF HIS DUTY

The Police have arrested a 20-year-old man for voluntarily causing hurt to deter a public servant from the discharge of his duty.

On 15 June 2023 at about 2.35am, the Police were patrolling along Tiong Bahru Road. The officers spotted three men and proceeded to conduct checks on them. During the checks, one of the men was uncooperative and became aggressive.

The man allegedly threw a punch at the officer’s face and the officer sustained a laceration on his left cheek. The man was immediately arrested.

The 20-year-old man will be charged in court on 16 June 2023 with the offence of voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from the discharge of his duty, under Section 332 of the Penal Code 1871. The offence carries an imprisonment term of up to seven years, and a fine, or caning.

The Police have zero tolerance towards such acts of violence towards police officers or public servants who are carrying out their duties. The Police will not hesitate to take firm action against those who endanger the safety of our officers.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
15 June 2023 @ 3:10 PM