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Malay Mail
5 days ago
- Malay Mail
Ex-Changi inmate from Singapore's maximum security prison documentary faces new charges over passport, stun guns
SINGAPORE, July 25 — Graceson Ang, a former inmate featured in a documentary on Changi Prison, was charged in court yesterday with new offences. The Singaporean, 40, — who appeared in CNA's Inside Maximum Security — faces three charges, including leaving the island republic without presenting a passport and making a false passport application, according to a report published in Singapore-based online news and lifestyle platform Asia One. The prosecutor said Singapore Customs and the Central Narcotics Bureau are still investigating and need two more weeks to complete their probe, Asia One reported quoting CNA. Ang's lawyer informed the court that he planned to meet his client the following day, on Friday (July 25). He is also accused of importing mini LED flashlight stun guns via a parcel on March 7, 2023, while under a remission order from November 2022 to June 2025. He allegedly failed to present his passport at Woodlands Checkpoint in March 2023 and later falsely claimed he had lost it when reapplying. Ang was charged last month with all three offences. The case has been adjourned to allow authorities to complete investigations. If convicted of leaving without presenting a passport, he faces up to 10 years in jail, a fine of up to S$10,000 (RM33,070), or both. Making a false passport statement carries the same maximum penalties. Importing stun guns as a first-time offender may result in up to two years' jail, a fine of up to S$100,000 or three times the goods' value, or both. Repeat offenders may face up to three years' jail, a fine of up to S$200,000 or four times the value, or both. Ang appeared in CNA's Inside Maximum Security, which aired in January 2022, highlighting his struggles with family and rehabilitation.
New Straits Times
13-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
CPO futures to trade with bearish bias next week on weak soybean, crude oil prices
KUALA LUMPUR: The crude palm oil (CPO) futures contract on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives is expected to trade with a bearish bias next week, weighed down by persistent weakness in the soybean oil and crude oil markets. Palm oil trader David Ng said the recent downtrend in soybean oil and crude oil prices is likely to limit gains in the CPO market, as these external markets heavily influence palm oil sentiment. "Soybean oil and palm oil compete in the global vegetable oil market, and when soybean oil prices decline, buyers may shift towards it, reducing demand for palm oil. "We expect prices to trade between RM4,050 and RM4,200 per tonne next week," he told Bernama. On a weekly basis, the July 2025 contract rose RM75 to RM4,070 per tonne, while August 2025 gained RM91 to RM4,144 per tonne. September 2025 increased RM112 to RM4,174 per tonne, October 2025 climbed RM113 to RM4,177 per tonne, November 2025 added RM109 to RM4,174 per tonne, and December 2025 advanced RM103 to RM4,175 per tonne. The weekly trading volume increased to 435,464 lots from 253,182 lots in the previous week, while open interest went up to 231,427 contracts from 226,243 contracts. The physical CPO price for July South increased by RM110 to RM4,160 per tonne.
IOL News
04-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
What South African pensioners should know about July 2025 SASSA grant payments
SASSA conducting a verification process of grant recipients Image: File Thousands of South African pensioners are anxiously awaiting their July 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grant payments, which were scheduled for Wednesday. This comes after the sudden suspension of grants for many in June. While the payments offer critical relief—R2 330 for those aged 75 and older, and R2 310 for those aged 60 to 74— the news follows rising panic over eligibility reviews, means testing, and widespread misinformation. What's happening with the old-age grants? While the July payments are expected to proceed as scheduled, many pensioners were left reeling in June when their grants were suspended without prior warning, prompting outrage from public representatives, civil society, and affected beneficiaries. According to SASSA spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi, the agency and registered credit bureaus flagged approximately 210,000 beneficiaries believed to have undisclosed income that might exceed eligibility thresholds. As a result, grants for June were withheld, and those affected were asked to report to their nearest SASSA offices within 30 days. Why were grants suspended? SASSA says the suspensions are part of an income verification initiative rooted in the Social Assistance Act, which requires all applicants to: Fully declare their income during application. Report any changes in their financial status thereafter. Failure to do so may result in the temporary suspension or permanent termination of grants. Confusion over reapplication and fake news Further fuelling panic was a viral video that falsely claimed pensioners must reapply for their grants or risk losing them after July 1, prompting large crowds at some SASSA offices. However, SASSA has dismissed these claims as misinformation and urged beneficiaries to wait for official confirmation. 'We urge beneficiaries to be aware and wait for official communication from SASSA. Any unauthenticated information should be treated as a rumour,' said Andile Tshona, SASSA's media manager. Income and asset thresholds: Do you still qualify? SASSA's verification process checks whether pensioners exceed the following income and asset limits: The income and asset limits for applicants are as follows: for a single applicant, the monthly income limit is R8,070 with an asset limit of R1,372,800; for a married applicant, the monthly income limit is R16,140 with an asset limit of R2,745,600. Grants may be withheld if recipients' income exceeds these limits, even if the money comes from temporary family support or informal income. Payment dates for July and beyond SASSA's official July 2025 grant schedule is as follows: Old-Age Grants: Wednesday, 2 July Disability Grants: Thursday, 3 July Children's Grants: Friday, 4 July Funds will remain in recipients' accounts once deposited, so there's no need to rush to withdraw on payday, SASSA has advised. Remaining payment dates for 2025: August: Tuesday, 5 August September: Tuesday, 2 September October: Thursday, 2 October November: Tuesday, 4 November December: Tuesday, 2 December This round of grant suspensions is part of cost-cutting and anti-fraud measures initiated by SASSA and the National Treasury, which now include: Monthly cross-referencing with Home Affairs, Correctional Services, and the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF). Stricter enforcement of the asset and means test. Encouragement to move from green ID books to smart ID cards to reduce fraud. Despite a R280 billion allocation for social grants in 2025/26, the agency is under pressure to reduce misuse and tighten controls. How to secure or reapply for your grant If you were affected by a suspension or need to apply for the Old-Age Grant, ensure you have the following: Valid South African ID (smart card preferred) Proof of residence Bank statements (last 3 months) Evidence of marital status Proof of income or lack thereof Information on assets or private pensions UIF membership or past employment documentation Will or estate documents if a spouse has passed in the last five years You have 90 days to appeal any unsuccessful application or grant suspension. SASSA contact info For clarification or help: Toll-free: 0800 60 10 11 WhatsApp: +27 82 046 8553 Website: Email: [email protected] Provincial numbers: Eastern Cape: 043 707 6300 Gauteng: 011 241 8320 KZN: 033 846 3324 Western Cape: 021 469 0235 It is worth noting that the full list is available on the SASSA website. SASSA services are free of charge. Never pay anyone for assistance. If you suspect identity theft or fraud: Call the Anti-Corruption Hotline: 0800 701 701 Email: [email protected] SMS: 39772 IOL NEWS
The Sun
01-07-2025
- The Sun
Over 5,000 fake guns seized in raids in three states
KUALA LUMPUR: Polcie seized more than 5,000 imitation firearms in simultaneous raids on seven premises in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, and Johor yesterday, arresting six individuals, including four foreign nationals. Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department (JKDNKA) director, Datuk Seri Azmi Abu Kassim said the operation was carried out by the Wildlife Crime Bureau/Special Intelligence Investigation (WCB/PSK) to clamp down on the illegal online sale of fake guns. He said in the first raid on two premises around Kuala Lumpur, four foreign men were arrested, and 4,983 units of imitation firearms worth an estimated RM4,113,550 were seized. 'Also seized in the raid were 1,400 boxes of snack food in violation of regulations under the Food Act 1983. 'In the second raid on two business premises in Bandar Baru Bangi, a local man was arrested and 53 imitation firearms, estimated to be worth RM31,520, were seized. The premises were found to be operating without a valid business licence,' he said in a statement today. In the third operation at a residence in Batu Pahat, Johor, a local man was arrested and 15 imitation firearms worth RM15,000 were confiscated. Azmi said the total value of seizures from all three raids was estimated at RM4,160,070 and that all suspects, aged between 28 and 40, are being investigated under Section 36(1) of the Arms Act 1960, the Immigration Act 1959/63, the Food Act 1983, the Trade Licensing By-Laws, and the Federal Territory (Planning) Act 1982. Preliminary investigations revealed that the imitation firearms were sold through online platforms over the past few months. Azmi also warned e-commerce and social media platform operators to monitor sales activities on their platforms and ensure illegal items are not sold. 'The public is also advised not to engage in the purchase or possession of imitation firearms and to report any relevant information to the police immediately,' he said. Azmi added that during the first six months of this year, Bukit Aman WCB/PSK JKDNKA conducted 153 raids, resulting in 233 arrests for various offences, including smuggling of non-duty-paid goods, sale of imitation firearms, and wildlife trafficking, with total seizures valued at RM433,351,837.61.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Nintendo Switch 2 launch survives Trump tariffs, but holiday prices remain uncertain
NEW YORK, June 6 — Nintendo enthusiasts across the United States are rejoicing as they unbox the newly launched Nintendo Switch 2 consoles, dodging a potential price hike caused by former US President Donald Trump's erratic trade tariff policies. As reported by The Guardian, the console hit shelves yesterday as scheduled, but the journey to its release was fraught with delays and uncertainties stemming from Trump's tariffs on imports. Priced at US$450 (RM2,070) at launch, the Switch 2 was initially threatened by tariffs as high as 46 per cent on imports from Vietnam, where most of its production is based. According to the report this uncertainty forced Nintendo to delay pre-orders initially scheduled for early April, causing widespread frustration among gamers. Pre-orders eventually resumed on April 24, and the console sold out quickly. 'What saved Nintendo in this case was that Trump chickened out,' Robert Johnson, an international economist from the University of Notre Dame, told The Guardian. He referred to Trump's decision to issue a 90-day pause on tariffs to allow for negotiations with affected countries. This window allowed Nintendo to proceed with the console's June 5 release without additional costs being passed on to consumers. However, industry experts told The Guardian that the reprieve might be short-lived. If negotiations fail and the tariffs are reinstated, the Switch 2 could face price increases during the holiday season, a critical period for console sales. 'It takes a long time and significant capital outlays to bring new production facilities online. Producers really like to operate in a stable environment. The current trade environment is the exact opposite of that,' Johnson was quoted as saying. Nintendo's strategic shift to manufacture in Vietnam—a move made during Trump's first term to sidestep earlier tariffs on Chinese imports—has now left it vulnerable to the latest trade policies. Sony and Microsoft, expected to release their next-generation consoles in 2027, are likely to encounter similar challenges. Despite this, Nintendo has managed to ship an estimated 746,000 Switch 2 units to the US ahead of potential tariff hikes, ensuring that these units are exempt from additional import duties. Accessories, however, are not immune. The company has confirmed that certain peripherals will see price adjustments. According to CNBC, docks used for connecting the Switch to a full-size screen now cost US$10 more, while controller straps have seen a US$1 increase. Johnson also speculated to The Guardian that the company may consider raising the console's price later this year if tariffs resume. 'I find it difficult to imagine that the Trump administration will want thousands of stories written during the holiday season about how Trump ruined Christmas,' Johnson said, noting the political ramifications of such a move. As The Guardian highlighted, while hardware costs remain a concern, Nintendo's revenue model relies heavily on software and online subscriptions, which are unaffected by tariffs. 'In the end, Nintendo wants to sell consoles to get people to buy games and accessories,' Johnson said. 'As a result, it may be willing to hold down the price of consoles.'
