Latest news with #ClansofGeylang
Straits Times
19 hours ago
- General
- Straits Times
Mother of two campers rescued from Texas floods shares her story
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox KERRVILLE, Texas – Her children appeared lively and happy when they hopped on a large white pickup truck on the evening of July 4 outside an elementary school used as a reunification center for parents whose children were rescued from a camp overtaken by floodwaters overnight . But their mother, Ms Serena Hanor Aldrich, cautioned there was no telling how they would be affected by what might be a tragedy enveloping Camp Mystic, a Christian retreat in Central Texas. Ms Aldrich, a lawyer from San Antonio, said her two daughters, ages 9 and 12, have not said much about what they endured, and she did not want to press them just yet. But she had a few choice words for the people running the camp, where about 20 of 750 children remained missing on the night of July 4. 'They should have been watching the Texas Division of Emergency Management and Kerr County,' she said, referring to authorities who had been warning of potential flash floods. 'They were posting stuff yesterday morning. They should have been on top of it.' Ms Aldrich's older daughter was in a section of the camp called Senior Hill, and her younger daughter in a section she called the flats, when campers and a counselor were forced to find higher ground to escape rising waters that were overtaking the campgrounds. 'They came down when the water receded,' Ms Aldrich said. 'And then they made it to one of the buildings that wasn't flooded anymore. They were up there for a couple of hours.' The girls were eventually bused to another camp and then brought to the reunification center at an elementary school in Ingram. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore From temples to towers: Old memories collide with new money in Geylang Singapore Clans of Geylang: The fight for survival and revival World Hamas says it responds to Gaza ceasefire proposal in 'a positive spirit' Asia Surviving 40 deg C summer in Chongqing, one of China's hottest cities Singapore PAP has begun search for new candidates; PM Wong hopes to deploy them earlier ahead of next GE Singapore 20 retired MPs spoke up on many issues in Parliament, helped successors prepare for new role: PM Wong Singapore $3b money laundering case: 9 financial institutions handed $27.45m in MAS penalties over breaches Asia JB petrol station shooting: Dead man with bullet wounds dumped at hospital Ms Aldrich said she was notified that her two daughters were accounted for earlier on July 4, but she was desperate to see them in person. Her good news was tempered by the uncertainty around her. 'There still are campers missing,' she said. Walking away from the shelter, her older daughter told her, 'All of my stuff is muddy.' 'I told her, 'oh, I don't care,'' Ms Aldrich said. NYTIMES
Straits Times
20 hours ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Mohamed Salah 'frightened' to return to Liverpool as fans mourn tragic Diogo Jota
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Well-wishers view flowers, scarves and shirts at a memorial set up close to Anfield football ground for their Portuguese forward Diogo Jota in Liverpool. LONDON – Mohamed Salah said the death of Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota in a car crash had left him 'frightened' to return to the club, as devastated fans swarmed to Anfield to pay their respects. The 28-year-old Portugal forward and his younger brother Andre Silva, 25, died in the early hours of July 3 after their car veered off a motorway in Spain and burst into flames. A wake for the siblings was first organised at a chapel in the Porto suburb of Gondomar ahead of their funeral on July 5 while fans in Liverpool were also in mourning. Jota's teammates have spoken of their struggle to comprehend his death, with captain Virgil van Dijk writing on Instagram that he was 'absolutely devastated and in total disbelief'. Liverpool manager Arne Slot said that the Portuguese 'will never be forgotten'. Salah also shared his deep grief on social media, admitting he was dreading returning to the club. 'I am truly lost for words,' last season's Premier League top scorer posted on Instagram. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore From temples to towers: Old memories collide with new money in Geylang Singapore Clans of Geylang: The fight for survival and revival World Hamas says it responds to Gaza ceasefire proposal in 'a positive spirit' Asia Surviving 40 deg C summer in Chongqing, one of China's hottest cities Singapore PAP has begun search for new candidates; PM Wong hopes to deploy them earlier ahead of next GE Singapore 20 retired MPs spoke up on many issues in Parliament, helped successors prepare for new role: PM Wong Singapore $3b money laundering case: 9 financial institutions handed $27.45m in MAS penalties over breaches Asia JB petrol station shooting: Dead man with bullet wounds dumped at hospital 'Until yesterday, I never thought there would be something that would frighten me of going back to Liverpool after the break. Teammates come and go but not like this. It's going to be extremely difficult to accept that Diogo won't be there when we go back. 'My thoughts are with his wife, his children, and of course his parents who suddenly lost their children. Those close to Diogo and his brother Andre need all the support they can get. They will never be forgotten.' Jota had married his partner Rute Cardoso on June 22, posting a video of their wedding on Instagram just hours before the accident. They had three children. Former Liverpool captain and teammate Jordan Henderson was among thousands of mourners to lay a tribute at a temporary shrine that has built up outside Anfield. ''Jots' it was a pleasure to share a pitch with you but more importantly a friendship. All the laughs we had off the pitch,' the Ajax and England midfielder wrote on Instagram. Fans have left flowers, scarves and shirts outside Anfield and there are similar scenes at Wolves' Molineux ground, where Jota played prior to his move to Liverpool. Emma Dainty, 38, from Liverpool, said: 'One of our great players has just lost his life and his brother as well. 'And it's an absolute tragedy and it should not have happened, no way should it have happened. He's not just a footballer to me. He had a wife, children. He had a family. It just shouldn't have happened.' Richard Jones, 39, a financial advisor from nearby Chester, said there was a feeling of 'disbelief' among fans of the recently crowned Premier League champions. 'We wanted to come down and just pay tribute, leave some flowers, and basically just to show our respects for such a tragic loss of life,' he said. 'You know, someone of 28 like that in the prime of his life, the prime of his career. Really, really tragic.' Joy Taylor, 65, a Liverpool shop worker, said Jota was 'absolutely awesome'. 'He was really, really so professional,' she added. 'And he's such a lovely man. You know, every time you saw him, he was always smiling. He always had a big smile on his face. He was just an all-rounder.' A delegation from Liverpool's city rivals Everton, including forwards Beto and Youssef Chermiti, visited to pay their respects and lay wreaths. Liverpool have opened a book of condolence and lowered flags to half-mast. Some of the club's players had been due back on July 4 at the start of pre-season training, but the first tranche of a phased return was postponed. Liverpool's first pre-season match was due to take place at Preston on July 13. But the club posted a statement on its website saying: 'Ticket sales for this game have been suspended following the devastating passing of our men's first team player Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva.' AFP
Straits Times
21 hours ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Brics nations to denounce Trump tariffs
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Artificial intelligence and health will also be on the agenda at the summit. RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil - Brics leaders meeting in Rio de Janeiro from July 6 are expected to decry US President Donald Trump's hardline trade policies, but are struggling to bridge divides over crises roiling the Middle East. Emerging nations representing about half the world's population and 40 per cent of global economic output are set to unite over what they see as unfair US import tariffs, according to sources familiar with summit negotiations. Since coming to office in January, Mr Trump has threatened allies and rivals alike with a slew of punitive tariffs . His latest salvo comes in the form of letters due to be sent starting July 4 informing trading partners of new tariff rates expected next week on July 9. Diplomats from 11 emerging nations, including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, have been busy drafting a statement condemning the economic uncertainty. Any final summit declaration is not expected to mention the United States or its president by name. But it is expected to be a clear political shot directed at Washington. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore From temples to towers: Old memories collide with new money in Geylang Singapore Clans of Geylang: The fight for survival and revival World Hamas says it responds to Gaza ceasefire proposal in 'a positive spirit' Asia Surviving 40 deg C summer in Chongqing, one of China's hottest cities Singapore PAP has begun search for new candidates; PM Wong hopes to deploy them earlier ahead of next GE Singapore 20 retired MPs spoke up on many issues in Parliament, helped successors prepare for new role: PM Wong Singapore $3b money laundering case: 9 financial institutions handed $27.45m in MAS penalties over breaches Asia JB petrol station shooting: Dead man with bullet wounds dumped at hospital 'We're anticipating a summit with a cautious tone: it will be difficult to mention the United States by name in the final declaration,' Adjunct Professor Marta Fernandez, director of the Brics Policy Centre at Rio's Pontifical Catholic University said. This is particularly the case for China, which has only recently negotiated with the US to lower steep tit-for-tat levies. 'This doesn't seem to be the right time to provoke further friction' between the world's two leading economies, Prof Fernandez said. Conceived two decades ago as a forum for fast-growing economies, the Brics have come to be seen as a Chinese-driven counterbalance to Western power. But the summit's political punch will be depleted by the absence of China's Xi Jinping, who is skipping the annual meeting for the first time in his 12 years as president. 'I expect there will be speculation about the reasons for Xi's absence,' said Mr Ryan Hass, a former China director at the US National Security Council who is now with the Brookings Institution think tank. 'The simplest explanation may hold the most explanatory power. Xi recently hosted Lula in Beijing,' said Mr Hass. The Chinese leader will not be the only notable absentee. War crime-indicted Russian President Vladimir Putin is also opting to stay away, but will participate via video link, according to the Kremlin. Mr Hass said Mr Putin's non-attendance and the fact that India's prime minister will be a guest of honour in Brazil could also be factors in Mr Xi's absence. 'Xi does not want to appear upstaged by Modi,' who will receive a state lunch, he said. 'I expect Xi's decision to delegate attendance to Premier Li (Qiang) rests amidst these factors.' Still, the Mr Xi no-show is a blow to host President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who wants Brazil to play a bigger role on the world stage. In the year to November 2025, Brazil will have hosted a G-20 summit, a Brics summit, and COP30 international climate talks, all before heading into fiercely contested presidential elections in 2026, in which he is expected to run. Middle path Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, whose nation is still reeling from a 12-day conflict with Israel is also skipping the meeting. A source familiar with the negotiations said the Brics countries were still in disagreement over how to respond to the wars in Gaza and between Iran and Israel. Iranian negotiators are pushing for a tougher collective stance that goes beyond referencing the need for the creation of a Palestinian state and for disputes to be resolved peacefully. Artificial intelligence and health will also be on the agenda at the summit. Original members of the bloc Brazil, Russia, India, and China have been joined by South Africa and, more recently, by Saudi Arabia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Ethiopia and Indonesia. Analysts say that it has given the grouping more potential international punch. But it has also opened many new fault lines. Brazil hopes that countries can take a common stand at the summit, including on the most sensitive issues. 'Brics (countries), throughout their history, have managed to speak with one voice on major international issues, and there's no reason why that shouldn't be the case this time on the subject of the Middle East,' Brazil's Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira told AFP. AFP
Straits Times
21 hours ago
- Automotive
- Straits Times
Dream wheels, Malaysian deals: Singaporean car lovers find affordable indulgence across the border
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox A group of Singaporean off-road enthusiasts using Malaysia and Singapore registered four-wheel drives during an overlanding tour at the Salur Gajah campsite in Segamat, Johor in Oct 2024. JOHOR BAHRU - On weekdays, Singaporean e-commerce entrepreneur Iylia Kwan relies on a reliable, roomy Toyota Corolla Altis for his regular commute from his family home in Yishun. But come the weekend, the 36-year-old bachelor who rents a semi-detached house in Pasir Gudang city, a half-hour drive to Johor Bahru, cruises across Malaysia's long winding highways and off-road trails in a sporty Malaysian-registered 4.8 litre Porsche Cayenne SUV. 'Some people may say, 'Oh it's not a Singapore Porsche', but a Porsche is a Porsche and I've always wanted to own one,' said Mr Kwan , noting that the chance to drive and purchase such luxury cars in Malaysia is, for him, an affordable indulgence too good to resist . He paid RM50,000 (S$15,000) for a secondhand 2009 model three years ago, compared with the more than $60,000 he would have had to fork out for a similar used model in Singapore including COE. The V8-powered Cayenne isn't his only indulgence. For his birthday t his year, he bought a used Malaysian-registered Mercedes-Benz E-Class saloon with a number plate bearing his birth year and age, calling it a 'fated' purchase, he told The Straits Times. Mr Kwan is among a small but growing number of Singaporeans living out their weekend driving dreams by purchasing sports and luxury vehicles in Malaysia – acquisitions that would be very costly back in the Republic. This is a post-pandemic trend, which industry observers and participants attribute to Singapore's sky-high Certificate of Entitlement (COE) prices and the Republic's move towards a 'car-lite' society. Some are even leasing landed homes or 'renting' season parking lots at condominiums in state capital Johor Bahru from RM200 to RM400 per month for the space to leave their vehicles, car owners told ST. With COE prices in Singapore climbing steadily since the start of Covid-19, little wonder that some car enthusiasts are looking across the border to fulfil their motoring dreams without wringing their wallets dry. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore From temples to towers: Old memories collide with new money in Geylang Singapore Clans of Geylang: The fight for survival and revival World Hamas says it responds to Gaza ceasefire proposal in 'a positive spirit' Asia Surviving 40 deg C summer in Chongqing, one of China's hottest cities Singapore PAP has begun search for new candidates; PM Wong hopes to deploy them earlier ahead of next GE Singapore 20 retired MPs spoke up on many issues in Parliament, helped successors prepare for new role: PM Wong Singapore $3b money laundering case: 9 financial institutions handed $27.45m in MAS penalties over breaches Asia JB petrol station shooting: Dead man with bullet wounds dumped at hospital While Mr Kwan isn't able to drive his Porsche or Mercedes in Singapore according to local laws, he is not fussed about that. According to Singapore's Land Transport Authority, Singaporean citizens, Permanent Residents and long-term pass holders, are not allowed to 'keep or use' foreign-registered vehicles in Singapore. In Singapore, the price of COEs – mandatory permits that must be purchased on top of the actual price of the vehicle and allowing ownership for 10 years – can significantly impact the overall cost of a car. COE prices, which are determined via a bidding process twice a month, can potentially account for 50 per cent or more of the vehicle's sale price, especially for the larger, higher-performance models. In October 2023, COE prices hit a record high with premiums for smaller cars reaching $106,000 and open category vehicles touching $158,004 . Mr Iylia Kwan, posing with his Malaysian-registered 2009 Porsche Cayenne SUV right after he purchased it from a car dealer in Selangor on X 2022. PHOTO: COURTESY OF IYLIA KWAN Foreigners are allowed to own Malaysian-registered cars, said Road Transport Department (JPJ) director-general Aedy Fadly Ramli who spoke to ST recently, noting that the process is relatively similar to that for locals. They can register ownership of a vehicle by going in person to any JPJ counter – there is one in most districts in every state – with their passports, and will also have to undergo biometric thumb-print verification, according to the JPJ website . Malaysian citizens and permanent residents can opt to do this via JPJ's online portal mySIKAP . Also, used vehicles must pass a mandatory inspection before ownership is transferred. Un der Malaysia's road laws, Singaporeans with a Singapore-issued driving licence are legally allowed to drive in Malaysia. Malaysian-registered vehicles in the country must have valid road tax and third-party insurance at a minimum to be driven on public roads. Car dealers in Johor say many foreigners, including Singaporeans, typically pay for their new and secondhand purchases in full, with cash. Made-in-Malaysia cars like a 1990s Proton Wira can be had for as low as RM2,500 in the used market, while popular family SUVs like the 2013 model Honda CR-V assembled in Thailand start from RM31,000. 'A 2018 BMW 3 Series 330e, popular among my Singaporean clients, can be had for around RM80,000,' said Johor-based Mr Luis Pradeeb, a sales adviser at Sime Darby Auto Selection who specialises in used Continental and new BMW cars. A similar second-hand model in Singapore would be priced from $71,000, inclusive of COE. 'I sold six cars to Singaporeans between January and May this year, compared with eight throughout 2024,' he add ed . While it's possible for a Singaporean to obtain a car loan from a Malaysian bank to purchase a Malaysian-registered car, the loan terms may differ from those offered to locals – such as requiring a local guarantor and a larger down payment, or offering a lower amount of financing. Once the dream cars have become a reality, the owners must find a place to park their Malaysian-registered vehicles. Enter Singaporeans Heeraj Sharma, 36 and Regis Tia, 28, who just launched their 24,000 sq ft warehouse facility in Skudai – about 15 minutes from Johor Bahru city centre – that offers storage for luxury and sports vehicles. The duo , who also own and operate Trilogy Auto Detailing, which offers car detailing services in Singapore, said that 10 Singaporean drivers have signed up for storage with 'hundreds more' enquiring online. Mr Heeraj Sharma (left) and Mr Regis Tia, founders of Carlogy, at their 24,000sq ft warehouse facility in Skudai that offers storage for luxury and sports vehicles pictured together with Mr Heeraj's Malaysia-registered Mini Countryman. ST PHOTO: HARITH MUSTAFFA The Carlogy facility , which also has an event space for motoring meet-ups, charges RM1,000 per month for an air-conditioned lot with space for up to 38 vehicles, and RM700 monthly for its 25 non-air-conditioned lots. The fee includes 24-hour security, weekly engine warm-ups and monthly car washes. 'We want to make it (the experience) as seamless as possible so we got security here... we have CCTV cameras and guards, and we also have a 24-hour concierge service for you to check on your car any time,' said Mr Heeraj, whose company also helps Singaporeans source and purchase cars in Malaysia through local dealers. Malaysian-registered cars are a post-pandemic thrill for Singapore motoring fans . Mr Vincent Goh, vice-president of the Jeep Owners Club Singapore (JOCS) that was set up in January, said more Singaporean motorists are now more 'open' to the idea of purchasing cars in Malaysia and driving them in-country. Currently, Mr Goh says about 10 per cent of the club's 90 or so members use Malaysian-registered four-wheel drive vehicles to partake in weekend, off-road trips in Malaysia – a trend which have become increasingly popular in recent years – and he expects the number to gro w . Singaporean performance car enthusiasts like Mr Kelvin Kok, 51 are also snapping up sports cars in Malaysia. In October 2024, he purchased a Malaysian-registered Toyota GR Yaris hot hatch for RM230,000. The reconditioned, second-hand model from Japan was financed with a bank loan and is parked at a friend's landed property in Johor Bahru. Singaporean car enthusiast Kelvin Kok, 51, with his Malaysian-registered Toyota GR Yaris hot hatch at his friend's home in Johor Bahru, before driving up to Selangor for motoring event SuperGT on June 27. PHOTO: COURTESY OF KELVIN KOK Mr Kok, who works in the finance industry, uses the car for leisurely drives and motoring events in Malaysia, including track days at the Sepang International Circuit, for up to six times each month. 'Right now, I specifically do my grocery runs in JB on a weekly basis so that I can drive the 'little mistress' around,' said the father of two, referring fondly to the hatchback. 'It really feels liberating to be able to drive this car... I should have done this earlier in life,' he added. S ome motor enthusiasts are even contemplating buying cars for the women in their lives. Mr Kwan, who is not stopping at two, is considering getting a 20-year-old Volkswagen Beetle for about RM13,000 for his 71-year-old mother. 'My mother said it was her dream to own a Beetle, so I thought I'd get it for her to go shopping in JB (with) her friends. It's a small, cute and easy car to drive too,' he said. Still, owning Malaysian-registered vehicles in absentia isn't without its challenges, as Singaporean motorists lament the limited amount of secure parking facilities in Johor Bahru. Not to mention the hassle of additional costs and time spent on car maintenance and repairs. 'Singaporean drivers with Malaysian-registered cars rely on friends owning property in JB, to park at their condos or landed homes,' said Mr Heeraj. Events manager Afeeq Anwar parks his Malaysian-registered 1990s Toyota Altezza sporty sedan in the front porch of a relative's house in Gelang Patah town about 25km from the state capital . 'Ideally, I'd prefer parking in a place that's secure and nearer to the (border) checkpoint,' said the 30-year-old Singaporean. Mr Afeeq Anwar bought this Malaysia-registered 90s Toyota Altezza to fulfill his dream of collecting retro Japanese cars. PHOTO: COURTESY OF AFEEQ ANWAR In dustry experts advise Singaporeans bent on purchasing cars in Malaysia to be sure that everything is done properly and by the book. Mr Wan Agyl Wan Hassan, analyst and founder of transport think-tank MY Mobility Vision, pointed out that insurance claims could turn gnarly if a vehicle isn't properly registered. 'Owning a car across the border seems like a smarter and cheaper option, but you're not just buying a car, you're also buying a cross-border responsibility,' he told ST.
Straits Times
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Australia police search for suspect in arson attack on Melbourne synagogue
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox SYDNEY - Australian police said late on Friday they were looking for a man suspected of deliberately starting a fire at a Melbourne synagogue filled with worshippers. The fire at the synagogue in the east of Victoria's state capital was sparked on Friday night, police said in a statement. Firefighters extinguished the blaze at the entrance and there were no injuries. "There were approximately 20 people inside the synagogue at the time of the incident," police said, adding that an arson specialist was investigating the scene. Police said of the attack there was "no place in our society for antisemitic or hate-based behaviour". Alex Ryvchin, co-CEO of Executive Council of Australian Jewry, an umbrella group for Australia's Jews, said in a statement the arson took place as those inside sat down to Shabbat dinner. "These events are a severe escalation directed towards our community," Ryvchin said. Australia has suffered several antisemitic incidents in recent years, with homes, schools, synagogues and vehicles targeted by vandalism and arson, drawing the ire of the country's traditional ally Israel. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore From temples to towers: Old memories collide with new money in Geylang Singapore Clans of Geylang: The fight for survival and revival World Hamas says it responds to Gaza ceasefire proposal in 'a positive spirit' Asia Surviving 40 deg C summer in Chongqing, one of China's hottest cities Singapore PAP has begun search for new candidates; PM Wong hopes to deploy them earlier ahead of next GE Singapore 20 retired MPs spoke up on many issues in Parliament, helped successors prepare for new role: PM Wong Singapore $3b money laundering case: 9 financial institutions handed $27.45m in MAS penalties over breaches Asia JB petrol station shooting: Dead man with bullet wounds dumped at hospital The incidents have included a fake plan set up by organised crime to attack a Sydney synagogue using a caravan of explosives in order to divert police resources, police said in March. REUTERS
