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CNA
a few seconds ago
- CNA
Black Hawk out: Malaysia's king orders halt of chopper deal, warns officials not to 'fool' him
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar has ordered the government to scrap its plan to procure Black Hawk helicopters that are over 30 years old, likening them to 'flying coffins'. In hard-hitting comments on Saturday (Aug 16), the monarch also spoke out against 'agents and salesmen' in the Defence Ministry, warning them not to 'fool' him. Speaking at a parade in Mersing marking the 60th Anniversary of Malaysia's Special Service Regiment, the Supreme Commander of the Malaysian Armed Forces reminded the defence ministry to 'not repeat past mistakes' in procurement. He cited the country's purchase of SkyHawk aircraft in the 1980s as an example. Malaysia had reportedly bought 88 such Vietnam War-era jets from the United States, of which only 40 were refurbished and put into service. State news agency Bernama reported that the jets were later retired due to a high accident rate. 'Are we going to put our pilots in 'flying coffins'? Think for yourselves,' said Sultan Ibrahim. 'I believe that all of this happens because the defence ministry is full of agents or former generals who have become salesmen. We even have textile firms wanting to sell us drones. 'If we have to follow the middleman's (inflated) price in every procurement, then the existing allocation won't be sufficient. So don't try to fool me. If you don't want to listen to me, I won't reprimand you anymore after this,' he said, in comments that were posted on his official Facebook page. Johor's Regent Tunku Ismail – the king's son – as well as Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Malaysian Armed Forces chief Mohd Nizam Jaffar and army chief Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan were also present at Saturday's event, Bernama reported. Media reports said that Malaysia had signed a deal in May 2023 to lease four Black Hawk helicopters from a local firm called Aerotree Defence and Services for RM187 million (US$44.4 million) over five years. Some reports said that Malaysia's Ministry of Defence cancelled the contract in November last year after the company failed to deliver the aircraft despite three revisions in dates. In March this year, Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari was reported as saying that his ministry is reassessing the best procurement approach for Black Hawk helicopters. He added that the evaluation would look at the previous leasing model or a government-to-government agreement, with a decision to be made this year. "We need to review the current process, especially in terms of pricing, as we recognise this as a necessity for the ministry. Several steps must be taken before determining the best acquisition method and expediting the process," he was quoted as saying by news outlet New Straits Times. On Saturday, the king said that those involved in military procurement must ensure that evaluations are done transparently, and not merely on the suggestions of agents or those with vested interests. 'Don't waste time purchasing nonsense that does not fit the military's needs. If you don't know what the actual (market) price is, ask me first,' he said. He added that five years ago, he had questioned the purchase of rigid raiding craft for commandos at RM5 million when he could have sourced a better boat for under RM2 million. 'Recently, I heard there was a proposal to buy a similar boat but in a larger size, at nearly RM10 million. This makes no sense and must be carefully reviewed,' Sultan Ibrahim said. Following the king's remarks, defence minister Khaled said that his ministry will ensure that the modernisation of Malaysia's defence assets will be in line with the needs of its armed forces. This also applies to the Special Service Regiment. "Honouring the decree of His Majesty, the Defence Ministry will continue to place emphasis on the readiness of the armed forces," he said, as quoted by New Straits Times.
Independent Singapore
34 minutes ago
- Independent Singapore
Salons now among Singapore's most complained-about industries, prompting calls for regulation
SINGAPORE: A leading trade group is pushing for stricter regulations on Singapore's hair industry after hair salons made a controversial return to the Consumers Association of Singapore's (CASE) list of the top 10 most complained-about sectors in the first half of 2025. According to the latest SCMP report, the Hair and Cosmetology Association of Singapore (HACOS), which represents over 300 professionals in the hair, beauty, and wellness industries, believes it's time for the sector to have stronger oversight, minimum training standards, and better consumer protection. HACOS founder Simon Lee, a trained hairdresser, noted concerns about misleading pricing, hard-selling tactics, and uneven service in the industry, adding that without proper regulation, such issues could continue affecting both consumers and its reputation. Hair salons overtake airlines in complaints According to data released by CASE on Aug 5, the hair salon industry ranked ninth in total consumer complaints from January to June 2025, surpassing even airlines, which placed tenth. The motor car industry held the top spot as usual. This marks a reappearance for hair salons, which had dropped off the list during the same period last year. Melvin Yong, president of CASE, noted that many of the grievances centred on high-pressure sales, deceptive promotions, concealed charges, and unsatisfactory service. See also Clarke Quay club brawl sends one man to hospital There's been some improvement; prepayment losses fell to S$5,619 this year, down from S$21,810 in the same period last year. Still, the industry's practices continue to raise concerns. Misleading practices and viral backlash In June, a high-profile case involving the HairFun salon chain confessed to doing unfair practices aimed at elderly customers. They provided low-priced haircuts or even free service, but then aggressively sold costly treatments, sometimes even without the customer's consent. An elderly customer tried to avail the services of a HairFun outlet for a publicised S$8 trim but ended up paying almost S$1,000 for a treatment bundle he did not approve of. Following public clamour, HairFun promised to stop such manoeuvres, obediently work with CASE, and carry out a five-day cooling-off period for packages that have been paid in advance. Meanwhile, social media has become a platform for unhappy salon customers. YouTuber and travel influencer Bernard Wang, 33, shared a video about how service standards declined after he purchased a 12-session package for S$250. While his first visit was 'perfect,' he later faced pushy upselling and indifferent service when he declined to buy more products. 'From my third visit, they kept scanning my scalp to say it was inflamed and tried to sell me shampoo,' said Wang. 'When I declined, they rolled their eyes. Eventually, even the relaxing massages were cut down to a quick two minutes.' He finished his sessions but promised never to buy such packages again. Another customer, Yeo Z G, shared on Facebook that his 70-year-old mother received a poor haircut and was treated coldly after refusing to sign up for extras. 'Her haircut was uneven, but we didn't take action. It was only S$10,' he said, adding that regulations could provide a formal way to seek recourse. Industry without a rulebook Unlike countries such as Australia, Japan, and the UK, Singapore has no licensing requirements or national skills framework for hairdressers. According to Lee, this lack of structure leads to inconsistent service, poor results, and even unsafe practices. 'This regulatory gap significantly contributes to rising consumer complaints and public distrust,' Lee said. 'A phased approach to regulation would ensure skill, accountability, and professionalism.' He also noted an increase in budget salons offering free haircuts as bait, which may explain the industry's return to CASE's complaint list after a brief drop-off in 2024. What's being proposed HACOS is advocating for: – Mandatory training and certification for hair professionals – Transparent pricing structures – Standardised grievance resolution mechanisms – Greater consumer education Meanwhile, CASE is encouraging consumers to visit CASETrust-accredited salons, which offer cooling-off periods and follow a strict 'no selling during treatment' policy. YouTuber Wang also suggested a grading system for salons based on customer feedback, displayed alongside CASE's contact details. 'Put a visible rating sticker at the entrance so customers think twice before committing,' he said. Will regulation be the cut the industry needs? While regulation might create challenges for some small operators, supporters say it's necessary to eliminate bad practices and improve standards across the board. 'Regulating the hair industry is not just possible—it's necessary,' said Lee. 'It will protect consumers, enhance the profession, and secure the future of an industry that's essential to our everyday lives.' For now, the demand for reform is growing louder, and so are the voices of consumers asking for better services.
Independent Singapore
an hour ago
- Independent Singapore
Billionaire walks free: Ong Beng Seng dodges jail in Singapore power scandal
SINGAPORE: Convicted billionaire Ong Beng Seng, the Malaysian tycoon known for bringing Formula One to Singapore, has avoided jail time in a major corruption scandal that has shaken the city-state's reputation. Billionaire avoids prison in corruption case Despite facing a possible seven-year prison sentence under Singapore's Penal Code, Ong was fined S$30,000 (US$23,374) on Friday (Aug 15). A district judge accepted arguments for leniency due to his weak health and unique circumstances. According to the latest Bloomberg report, the 79-year-old pleaded guilty to helping former Transport Minister S. Iswaran obstruct justice during a corruption investigation. Prosecutors revealed that Ong assisted in billing Iswaran for a S$5,700 business class flight while scrutiny was ongoing. The charge arose from a 2022 trip to the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, which Ong arranged for the former minister. District Judge Lee Lit Cheng stressed that medical evidence showed imprisonment would seriously endanger Ong's life. She pointed out his advanced multiple myeloma, an incurable cancer, along with several serious health issues. 'The circumstances in this case are exceptional and meet the standard for judicial mercy,' she said. Health concerns weigh heavily on sentencing Ong's defence highlighted his declining health, mentioning continuous side effects from medication, a chronic foot wound, and sudden cramps that have weakened his legs. Although the judge had previously questioned Ong's ability to travel to the US and Europe after being charged, his lawyer, Cavinder Bull, explained that the trips were made on Ong's private jet, reducing exposure and risk. Despite these questions, the court sided with the defence. It concluded that even being incarcerated in a medical facility would significantly increase risks to the billionaire's health. Prosecutors initially sought an eight-week jail sentence, but the judge found a fine to be more suitable under the uncommon 'judicial mercy' provision. Empire in question as tycoon steps back The trial's outcome now puts a spotlight on the future of Ong's large business empire. He recently stepped down as managing director of Hotel Properties Ltd., the centrepiece of his holdings, citing health issues. The publicly traded company manages over S$4.5 billion in assets, including key hotels like the Four Seasons Singapore and Concorde New York. See also Court hearing where Ong Beng Seng was set to plead guilty delayed Ong and his wife also own a controlling stake in the British luxury brand Mulberry Group Plc and maintain rights to organise Singapore's Formula One Grand Prix through 2028. Nevertheless, with the disgrace hurting both his reputation and health, ambiguity blurs the future of his business empire. Singapore's legal luminaries and the general public continue to discuss the case's consequences and implications, particularly about equal treatment under the law in one of the world's least crooked nations.
