Second round of Pofma sanctions for owner of The Online Citizen's website, social media accounts
SINGAPORE: The people running The Online Citizen's (TOC) website, Facebook, Instagram and X pages will continue to be barred from deriving any financial benefits from the running of its platforms till 2027.
In a statement on June 11, the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) said TOC's website and social media pages – which were labelled as Declared Online Locations (DOLs) – had first been declared as such in July 2023, and were due to expire on July 21, 2025.
DOLs have to comply with actions under the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (Pofma) that would prevent their operator from financially benefiting during the period they are listed as one.
However, said MDDI, TOC 'continued to communicate falsehoods through its online platforms over the past two years'.
Between July 2023 and June 2025, it received eight correction directions under the fake news law.
These included one in February 25, after TOC published an article about modification works at the Ridout Road colonial bungalow leased by Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam's wife.
In its article, it said the Singapore Land Authority had given Shanmugam assurances of a lease extension beyond its 2027 expiry, and that public funds were used to pay for the earthworks carried out at the bungalow since 2024, among other claims. These are falsehoods, said MDDI.
As a result, TOC's website and social media pages have again been labelled DOLs, a move necessary 'to ensure Singaporeans continue to be alerted to TOC's record of communicating falsehoods', said the ministry.
The new declaration comes into effect immediately after the current direction expires and will remain till July 21, 2027 at 12pm.
TOC will be able to continue its operations, but will have to carry a notice on its online platforms to notify its audience that it has been declared a DOL.
The notice will also have to state that it had 'communicated multiple falsehoods' and that its viewers should exercise caution when accessing it for information.
MDDI added that service providers, including digital advertising agencies, will have to take steps to ensure that their paid content on TOC's platforms are not made available in Singapore.
'Individuals and companies must also not provide financial support to TOC's DOLs to avoid promoting the communication of falsehoods in Singapore on these platforms,' it added.
At present, there are three other outlets currently listed as DOLs. They are Transformative Justice Collective's website and social media pages, Gutzy Asia's website and social media pages, as well as opposition politician Kenneth Jeyaretnam's website and social media pages.
A provision under Pofma allows the Government to order an internet intermediary to disable access to a DOL if the owner of the DOL does not comply with the declaration and paid content on the site continues to be displayed to users here.
If an internet intermediary fails to comply and is convicted, it can be fined up to S$20,000 (US$15,545) for each day that the government order is not fully complied with, up to a total of $500,000.
The owner or operator of a DOL can however apply to the Minister for Digital Development and Information to suspend, vary or cancel the declaration. If the minister refuses the application, an appeal can be made to the High Court. - The Straits Times/ANN
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Friday (Aug 8, 2025)
Malaysia: * Trump, Xi Jinping among four world leaders expected to attend Asean Summit in October, says Anwar * King arrives in Kazan for second segment of state visit to Russia / King: Friendship will shape future Malaysia-Russia ties * No motions filed against PM yet, says Dewan Rakyat Speaker * Firm claiming billions in overseas wealth is unregistered, says Bukit Aman * US tariff won't trigger recession but may slow down growth, says Zafrul * Malaysia remains committed to establishment of independent Palestine without preconditions, says Tok Mat * Farmer fined RM15,000 for posting offensive comment on royalty * Graft trial of Hamzah Zainudin's former polsec starts Aug 25 * M. Kumar officially takes over as Bukit Aman CID director * Policeman dies after being hit by fleeing burglars' SUV * Dzulkefly hints at ending contract doctor system * Contraband courier leads Sabah cops on three-hour chase through three districts * Penang Welfare Dept probes identity, guardianship of 18 rescued children * 2.1 billion scam calls, unsolicited SMS blocked by MCMC since 2022, says Fahmi * AGC orders immediate exhumation, post-mortem of Zara Qairina * Woman fined RM10,000 for infanticide, court rules sentencing should be rehabilitative rather than punitive CYBERJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim delivers a speech at the 58th Asean Day celebration 2025 on Friday (Aug 8, 2025). -- Photo: Bernama Singapore: * PM Wong calls on Singaporeans to band together for nation to remain exceptional in National Day message * DPM Zahid to represent Malaysia at Singapore National Day parade 2025 from Aug 9-10 * Man accused of molesting woman at Singapore shopping mall may be serial molester * Over 2,200 vape products found in Malaysian-registered lorry at Singapore's Tuas checkpoint * Ex-lawyer convicted over charges for cheating company director of more than S$8mil * Jail for driver who drove over leg of special needs woman in accident on church driveway in Singapore * Is Hong Kong beating Singapore, Taiwan in attracting foreign domestic helpers? * Oil set for steepest weekly losses since June on tariffs, Trump-Putin talks * Japan index hits record high on earnings boost, other Asian markets ease * S'porean arrested for flouting drone flying ban in Thailand Indonesia: * Singapore, China and Malaysia dominate the foreign investment market in Indonesia * Indonesian artists and students wield 'One Piece' pirate flag as a protest symbol * Aceh traders face imprisonment, fine over tiger skins * Indonesia tightens screening of foreign investors to ensure long-term commitment * Indonesian artists, students unfurl manga pirate sign as protest symbol * Airbus partners with Indonesian researchers to develop biomass-based aviation fuel * Anti-graft body questions ex-Indonesian minister Nadiem Makarim over Google Cloud graft case * Indonesia: Galang Island facility to treat 2,000 wounded from Gaza * Asian FX gets weekly boost from Fed's expected dovish tilt CYBERJAYA: Asean Day is celebrated annually on August 8 to commemorate the founding of ASEAN in 1967, when Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand signed the Asean Declaration. -- Photo: Bernama Thailand: * Two Malaysian tourists set on fire in shocking Bangkok attack * Thai govt prepares compensation package to mitigate impact of Trump's tariffs * China hails Cambodia-Thailand border peace efforts through Asean way * Border clashes cause Thailand to lose 3 billion baht in tourism revenue each month * Phumtham clarifies use of Thai law to file lawsuit against Cambodia * Miss Thailand 2000 Boom-Panadda in charge of countering fake news from Cambodia * Malaysian Govt may lift ban on pork from Thailand * Thailand: 23 indicted over tower's collapse in earthquake in Bangkok * Cambodia and Thailand promise to uphold ceasefire agreement Philippines: * Philippines says three Chinese ships spotted near islets close to Taiwan * China accuses Philippines of wrong 'words and deeds' on Taiwan * Fisherfolk find suspected underwater drone off western coast of Luzon * Tropical storm Podul may enter Philippines by Sunday or Monday * Marcos says online gambling ban to stoke illegal operations * 'I wanted bloodbath, but let's prepare for next impeach moves', says Sara Duterte * Philippine Senate shelves Veep Duterte's impeachment case PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (third, left) speaks with Thailand's Acting Minister of Defence, General Natthaphon Narkphanit (right), during a courtesy visit by the Defence Ministers of Cambodia and Thailand at the Perdana Putra Building. -- Photo: Bernama Vietnam: * Asean marks 58 years of unity, draws praise from global partners * Tour boats in Ha Long Bay to complete AIS installation by Aug 15 * Vietnam ranks among Asia's top three most revisited destinations * Russia ships first naphtha cargo to Vietnam, data shows * Third-hottest July worldwide on record wreaks climate havoc * New regulations on issuing work permits for foreign workers in Vietnam * Vietnam seafood exporters face challenges but remain hopeful Myanmar: * Thirty-six countries to participate in the Eastern Economic Forum to be held in Vladivostok; Myanmar and Thailand will also participate * Trump's sweeping tariffs on dozens of countries take effect; Myanmar and Laos among the worst hit at 40% * Tok Mat, other Asean foreign ministers to visit Myanmar on Sept 19 * Myanmar signs deal with Washington lobbyists to rebuild US relations * AWS+ licence suspended for unapproved films, announces closure of AWS+ app * Myanmar Junta's acting president dies at 74 PUTRAJAYA,: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (centre) poses for a photo with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of Cambodia, General Tea Seiha (second, left), and Thailand's Acting Minister of Defence General Natthaphon Narkphanit (second, right) at the Perdana Putra Building. Also present were Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (left) and Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari (right).-- Photo: Bernama Cambodia: * Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire pact in Malaysia 'important step forward', says Rubio * Hundreds of Buddhist monks in Cambodia gather to praise the ceasefire with Thailand and mourn the dead * Cambodia PM says he has nominated Donald Trump for Nobel Prize * Anwar hails Asean leaders for full support in achieving Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire * Cambodia's tourism ministry partners up to protect Ratanakkiri's last domestic elephants * New species teem in Cambodia's threatened karst Laos: * Laos raises public awareness to prevent human trafficking * Laos aims to boost farming, cut imports * Flood relief efforts intensify as Lao communities, authorities unite Brunei: * No intention at moment to implement 'Tax-Free Month': Brunei minister * Brunei targets 85% homeownership by 2035 * Brunei strengthens tourism sector with strategic initiatives CYBERJAYA: Asean Day is celebrated annually on August 8 to commemorate the founding of Asean in 1967, when Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand signed the Asean Declaration. -- Photo: Bernama AseanPlus: * Malaysia: Two men accused of robbing Chinese national of RM2.1mil * US-India tensions cast doubt on future of Quad, as well as possible Trump visit * Indian national pleads guilty to attempting to export turtles at KLIA * 58th Asean Day: Malaysia's proactive diplomacy underscored in regional celebration * Casino chip thief believed to have fled country, says Pahang top cop * Malaysia: Almost 18,000 illegals held in detention centres so far, says Saifuddin * Malaysia: CCID nabs 71 in eight-state swoop on scam syndicates * Australia travel advisory for eastern Sabah revised to 'high alert' from 'reconsider to travel' * Singer Dino, 50, says he suffered stroke a day after eating 7 durians * Malaysian actress Diana Danielle, 34, pursues higher studies for personal growth * Former MP Amir Kahar, 75, comes out of retirement to join Sabah STAR / Sarawak's Parti Bumi Kenyalang sets up Sabah wing * Shah Rukh Khan wins first-ever National Film Award for Best Actor for 'Jawan' * Trump's 50% tariffs could derail India's manufacturing goals, Moody's says * China boy stays calm by reciting poems while stuck in lift, earns acclaim online * Australian politician jailed for rape finally resigns * 'Never seen before' rains lash southern Japan * Baidu robotaxi with passenger falls into construction pit in China, raising safety concerns * US confirms it'll end tariff stacking, cut car levy, Japan says * S. Korea's largest firms ageing fast, under-30 workers at historic low * Imported chikungunya cases will rise steadily in Hong Kong, expert warns * Asian streaming giant iQiyi seeks US$300mil for Hong Kong listing set for this year * North Korean defector rescued after swimming across border to begin new life in S. Korea * Relief in Taiwan as Trump's 100% chip tariff fails to bite, but it's too early to relax * Trump tariffs hit India's garment makers as US buyers ask them to move production * Adult pacifiers trending in China, South Korea, but experts caution about their potential harm * Hong Kong police investigate death of man found collapsed in building stairwell * Hong Kong's Cathay posts 1.1% rise in first-half net profit, orders new planes * G-Dragon's Hong Kong concerts plagued by rampant ticket scalping: HK media * China likely to continue buying gold / Dogs of war: China touts killer robot 'wolves' * Leave your offices at home: Starbucks draws line at desktops in South Korea * Japanese warships visit New Zealand's capital for the first time in almost 90 years * Flash floods kill at least 10 people and leave 33 missing in northwestern China * Hong Kong police on the hunt for man who used fake bills to buy luxury watches * Australian mushroom murderer accused of poisoning husband with chicken curry: Police * Record population drop in Land of Rising Sun / World Cosplay Summit can't take the heat in Japan * Bells of Nagasaki's Urakami Cathedral to sound together for first time since bomb dropped in 1945 * Tennis - Teen sensation Mboko stuns Osaka to win Canadian Open * Badminton: Aaron hopes to see two all-Malaysian semis at World C'ships / Malaysia handed favourable draw for World Junior Mixed Team meet
The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
PM Wong calls on Singaporeans to band together for nation to remain exceptional in National Day message
SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/ANN): Faith in the promise of Singapore gave its people the strength to build a nation from scratch 60 years ago, and this shared purpose will be even more vital in the years ahead, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. In his National Day message on Aug 8, he called on Singaporeans to band together to overcome new challenges in a rapidly changing and more uncertain world. Singapore must remain exceptional in its cohesion, resolve and performance to stay ahead, PM Wong said. 'As a small nation, we cannot afford to be divided. Our unity has always been our source of strength. When we stand together, there is nothing we cannot overcome,' he said as he briefly recounted how the Republic has prevailed against the odds since its independence. He was speaking at the Padang, where Singapore's first local head of state Yusof Ishak was inaugurated when it became a self-governing state in 1959, and the venue of the inaugural National Day Parade in 1966. The 2025 parade celebrating SG60 will take place at the Padang on Aug 9. A five-minute video of founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew reading out the Proclamation of Singapore – the official document that marked Singapore's separation from Malaysia – was broadcast before the National Day message. PM Wong, who had spoken of a changed world ahead of and throughout the hustings before the May general election, said in his message that the situation has since grown graver. 'New conflicts have broken out. Geopolitical tensions have deepened. Barriers to trade are hardening. And protectionist sentiments are worsening,' he said. 'To put it bluntly: The global order that enabled Singapore to thrive for decades is unravelling before our eyes.' Singapore must now navigate this more contested and volatile world in its own way, said PM Wong. In the general election, Singaporeans 'chose the team you believe can best steer Singapore through this turbulence', he said. 'Your wisdom and trust give my government the political assurance to act boldly, and the confidence to lead with conviction.' The PAP won 87 out of 97 seats, along with 65.6 per cent of the vote, in PM Wong's first electoral outing as party secretary-general. With the global economy expected to remain troubled for some time, the Prime Minister set out how the Government is responding – the Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce is rolling out targeted measures to support businesses and workers, and identifying new opportunities. While Singapore's economy has been resilient so far, the outlook remains highly uncertain, he noted. Beyond responding to immediate headwinds, Singapore has to anticipate what is on the horizon as other countries are not standing still, said PM Wong. Bigger powers, with more resources and larger populations, are now more willing to use every tool at their disposal – economic, technological and geopolitical – to tilt the playing field in their favour, he said. 'That will make it harder for small states like Singapore to hold our own,' he added. Singapore is thus refreshing its economic strategy, PM Wong said, to strengthen its competitiveness, deepen its capabilities and secure its future in a very different world. The review was announced earlier in the week, with five committees formed to look at different aspects of the economy including competitiveness, technology and entrepreneurship. 'We must move faster, adapt quicker and innovate smarter,' he said. This means applying new technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics meaningfully across the economy. While this transition may cause some disruption, the Government will expand opportunities for learning and skills upgrading, strengthen social safety nets and help every Singaporean facing setbacks to bounce back, said PM Wong. Some new policies like the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme – which provides temporary financial support to people who are involuntarily unemployed – have already been introduced to help those individuals get back on their feet, he noted. The Government will do more to uplift lower-income workers and families, and create more pathways for every Singaporean to succeed, regardless of their starting point in life, he added. This has to be a shared effort, he said. The Government is partnering with community groups, businesses, unions and individuals to shape solutions, put ideas into action, and make a difference. 'Singapore's future must be built by all of us together – through our actions, our compassion, and our willingness to lift up one another.' - The Straits Times/ANN
![News@9: Today's top headlines - August 8, 2025 [WATCH]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fassets%2FNST-Logo%402x.png%3Fid%3Db37a17055cb1ffea01f5&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
New Straits Times
3 hours ago
- New Straits Times
News@9: Today's top headlines - August 8, 2025 [WATCH]
Here are today's biggest stories. Zara Qairina case — exhumation ordered The Attorney-General's Chambers has returned investigation papers on the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir to the police, instructing further action including the exhumation of her body for a post-mortem to gather additional evidence. Peaceful Assembly Act under review The government is reviewing the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 after the Federal Court ruled a key provision unconstitutional, with Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution saying amendments will balance constitutional rights with public order and security. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says the ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia was made possible through the unity and backing of all Asean leaders. Over 6,000 Malaysians gave up their citizenship in the first half of 2025 to become Singaporeans, according to the home minister. That's it for News@9.
