Latest news with #Istana
The Star
13 hours ago
- The Star
Beware of fake ‘Datuk Seri' scammers, warns MCA complaints chief
KUALA LUMPUR: The public has been warned to remain vigilant against individuals falsely claiming to hold the title of 'Datuk Seri' to lure victims into investing in fraudulent schemes. MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Seri Michael Chong said his office has received six reports involving such scams, including one victim who claimed to have lost RM400,000. 'We received reports and a photo of a man claiming to be a Datuk Seri and an 'Ahli Istana Anak Angkat' written on top of his name. 'We've checked with the Palace and there is no such title. It's completely fabricated. 'The complainants lost so much money - the amount varies, with one person investing RM400,000. One of the complainants is herself a Datin,' he said during a press conference at Wisma MCA here on Friday (July 25). Chong said the scammer in question is soliciting investments in an illegal financial scheme. 'After we interviewed the victims, they admitted they were misled into trusting him because they thought his title was genuine. 'They've now come forward to seek advice from us,' Chong added. The scammer's state of origin remains unknown, but Chong confirmed that a police report has been lodged. There have also been dubious claims made about an alleged quota for such titles. 'As far as we know, no such quota exists,' he said. Chong urged the public to verify the legitimacy of honorific titles through the Bahagian Istiadat dan Urusetia Persidangan Antarabangsa website ( 'Key in the name and if the person truly holds a Datuk title, it will appear. If you're unsure, you can also contact us or the Majlis Datuk-Datuk Malaysia (MDDM) for verification.' He said the Majlis Datuk Persekutuan Malaysia (MDPM) and MDDM are actively addressing this issue, stressing that impersonating titleholders is a serious offence. 'People don't just misuse the 'Datuk' title, but also 'Datuk Seri' and 'Tan Sri'. So far, no scammer has claimed to be a 'Tun' yet,' Chong added. He said MDDM has been pushing for amendments to Act 787 to empower police to take swifter action against individuals using fraudulent titles. 'We've been advocating for this for years. We understand the proposed changes have gone through the Attorney General's Chambers, and though the process is slow, it is progressing.' Chong called on the public to be extra cautious when approached for business deals, particularly by individuals flaunting dubious titles. 'If someone claiming to be a Datuk Seri is asking for money, that's already a red flag.'
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
10 best stalls at Toa Payoh Palm Spring Market for a spring in your step
When we talk about hawker food in Toa Payoh, the big names at Lorong 8, Lorong 1, and maybe even the buzzing HDB Hub are often brought up. With multiple powerhouse hawker centres in the area, it's easy to overlook the quieter corners of this mature estate, like Toa Payoh Palm Spring Market at 93 Lorong 4 Toa Payoh. Tucked under a cluster of HDB blocks, this under-the-radar gem rarely makes the foodie headlines. Guess that's what I'm here for, then! With just 28 humble stalls, this cosy enclave is home to hawkers with loyal followings, from Singapore's best-rated kway chap to popiah served at the Istana. 1. Cai Ji Fishball Noodle (#01-59) Kicking this list off with a cult favourite amongst Toa Payoh residents, 58-year-old Cai Ji Fishball Noodle sees arguably the longest queues in the hawker centre throughout the day, from as early as their opening at 6am. The menu is delightfully straightforward, offering just 2 versions of Teochew-style fishball noodles, Dry and Soup. Prices start at S$4.50 for Small, but after queuing, you might as well pay the S$6 for the Big bowl. Regulars swear by the springy noodles, handmade fishballs and meatballs, tied together by that punchy chilli sauce. The dry version here is a real crowd-pleaser, featuring al dente mee pok tossed in a savoury, umami-laden sauce blend. Meanwhile, the soup version holds its own, with a cloudy, flavour-packed broth that hints at the long hours of simmering. Each bowl is comforting and packed with that old-school flavour that makes for a soulful breakfast or lunch fix (if you can brave the wait). Fri to Wed: 6am – 2pm Closed on Thu 2. Ping Xiang Wanton Mee (#01-46) Following closely behind Cai Ji (in terms of queue length) is Ping Xiang Wanton Mee, another hot favourite at Palm Spring Market. Run by a friendly husband-and-wife duo from Ipoh, this humble stall serves up Malaysian-style wanton mee, where the noodles come dressed in a darker, richer soy-based sauce than the typical Singaporean version. From just S$4 for Small and S$5 for a Big portion of Wanton Mee, you'll get springy mee kia topped with lean char siew and a side of plump, juicy wantons in a light broth. The sauce is robust without being too salty, and the noodles soak it all up beautifully. You can choose to add on Dumplings or Chicken Feet, which will set you back anywhere between S$2 to S$4. The lady boss is especially warm, greeting customers with a smile. That alone makes the queue feel a little less painful. +65 9755 7741 Tue to Sun: 4.30am – 1pm Closed on Mon 3. Kuey Chap 大佬粿汁 (#01-40) Kway chap lovers might already be in the loop, but this quiet hawker centre is home to the best-rated in Singapore, with a 4.5/5 rating and 169 reviews on Google Reviews (at the time of writing). Each bowl of (S$0.70) comes with silky rice noodle sheets that soak up the herbal, not-too-savoury broth without turning mushy. Diners can customise their spread with a variety of braised picks, including Big Intestine (S$1.50), Pork Stomach (S$1.50), Pork skin (S$0.60), (S$0.60 for 2 pieces), and Fried Fish Cake (S$0.80). Keep your eyes peeled for the hidden gem on the side menu — 粉肠 () or Pig Powder Intestine (S$3), scribbled on a small piece of paper beside the main board. This stall's rating is reflected in its rich, herbal broth that doesn't overpower, perfectly cleaned offal, and kway sheets that soak up flavour without falling apart. Just be sure to come early, as they sell out fast. Tue & Wed, Fri to Sun: 5.30pm – 11pm Closed on Mon & Thu 4. Western Boy (#01-58) Western Boy isn't just another hawker Western food stall. Well, technically it is, but here's the kicker: not a single dish is priced above S$8. Opened in Mar 2025, this new stall is a value-for-money Western fix with mains like their Chicken Cutlet w/ Rice & Coleslaw starting from just S$4. They're turning heads with highlights like their Signature Chicken Chop (S$6.90) and Chicken Schnitzel w/ Spaghetti & Coleslaw (S$7.90), which look just like the menu photos, might I add. The chicken schnitzel here is a STAR. This massive, well-seasoned fried cutlet is smothered in cheese sauce and mayo, delivering indulgent and comforting bites that taste like childhood. If you're undecided on what to get, take my advice and just go for this. Mon: 11am – 2.30pm Tue to Sat: 11am – 2.30pm, 4pm – 8.30pm Closed on Sun 5. Tea Inn Bak Kut Teh (#01-33) If you're longing for a Malaysian‑style herbal bak kut teh experience, look no further. Run by Jenere, a millennial hawker who has spent years honing his craft, Tea Inn Bak Kut Teh delivers aromatic claypot herbal BKT that stands out in a sea of Singapore's peppery versions. Their signature Claypot Herbal (S$6.50) comes steaming with fork‑tender pork ribs, enoki mushrooms, and paper‑thin beancurd skin swimming in a dark, fragrant broth infused with a plethora of herbs. Also on the menu are Braised Pork Trotters (S$6.50) and Braised Pork Rice (S$4). You'll never have to worry about consistency here, as Jenere discards anything that doesn't meet his standards, prepping fresh batches instead. With dedication this genuine to his craft, it's no wonder locals return time and time again. +65 9649 4175 Tue to Sun: 8am – 1.30pm Closed on Mon 11 hawker stalls at Blk 75 Lorong 5 Toa Payoh Food Centre to feast like a heartlander 6. Zhi Xiang Special Lor Mee 智翔特制滷麵 (#01-49) Zhi Xiang's lor mee sure lives up to its 'special' name with a thick, gooey gravy that clings to every strand of noodle. It's rich and deeply comforting, making it a consistent favourite among regulars of the hawker centre. No MSG? No problem. This health-conscious stall stands out with its MSG-free bowls of (S$4/S$5/S$6) that still deliver a hearty and robust flavour. Instead of the typical fried fish, they use fried shredded yam (that only comes with the S$5 version and above), adding a crispy edge and creamy centre that brings a surprising texture to each bite. This one's a wholesome twist on a hawker classic, and a favourite among those who like their indulgence a little lighter. +65 8233 0721 Tue to Sun: 5am – 2pm Closed on Mon 7. ABC Popiah (#01-34) ABC Popiah is a true Toa Payoh icon. Known for its S$2 and nostalgic charm, the stall helmed by 80-year-old hawker Tay Chen Boon has even been featured on Minister Ng Eng Hen's socials and invited to serve at Istana events! Surely, not every hawker can boast that. What sets their popiah apart is the surprise mix of textures and flavours. Alongside the usual juicy turnip, egg, and garlicky-sweet sauce, you'll find crunchy fried fish crumbs and crabstick tucked inside, giving each bite a savoury boost. The skin is soft yet chewy, and the filling is light while still packed with just enough flavour, making this a satisfying snack for any time of the day. Tue to Sun: 8am – 7pm Closed on Mon 8. Hong Kong Style Kitchen (#01-44) Hong Kong Style Kitchen 港式小炒 brings authentic Cantonese-style zi char to the hawker centre, courtesy of a Hong Kong couple led by the husband, who is an ex–5-star chef. Fun Fact, the Bitter Gourd w/ Fish Slices (S$10) is my favourite cai fan/zi char dish to get no matter the stall, and this one does it stunningly. Crisp, lightly battered fish slices are stir-fried with crunchy gourd in a fermented black bean sauce for the perfect balance. Pair this with dishes like the Steamed Pork Patties w/ Salted Fish (S$10) and Garlic Fried Seasonal Vege (S$10) for a balanced variety. Portions here are generous and prices remain wallet-friendly — all dishes fall between S$10 and S$15, except the HK Style Steamed fish that varies based on size. Service can get busy during its short opening hours, so be prepared to wait or head down for an earlier dinner. P.S. They only accept cash! Tue to Sun: 4.30pm – 8pm Closed on Mon 9. Ren Ren Chicken Rice (#01-51) It's not a hawker centre without a chicken rice stall, is it? At Palm Spring Market, that title goes to Ren Ren Chicken Rice. Offering only steamed chicken, this stall delivers a solid plate of the beloved classic — no gimmicks, just ol' good chicken rice. Priced at just S$4, the Chicken Rice offers a generous portion of tender, juicy chicken served over fragrant, fluffy rice. For just S$0.50 more, you can upgrade to the Drumstick, a worthy splurge for more succulent bites. Each plate is best topped off with the essential sauce trio of chilli, ginger paste, and dark soy sauce, perfectly rounding out the experience. They also serve Curry Chicken Noodles (S$4/S$5), featuring a rich, lemak broth that's comforting and aromatic. Daily: 730am – 2pm 10. New Ocean 新海 (#01-38) If you're craving a noodle dish but want to branch out from the usual suspects, look no further than New Ocean 新海. They're known for their KL-style Signature Pork Noodles (S$6.80). Think silky noodles drenched in dark sauce, topped with a generous mix of minced pork, pork slices, liver, intestines, and pork balls. Steeped in a rich, lardy broth that packs serious umami, it's a dish that'll linger in your mind even after weeks of trying it. New Ocean also serves a clean-tasting Red Grouper Sliced Fish Soup (S$8), though the pork noodles remain the fan favourite. +65 8758 5131 Daily: 8.30am – 2.30pm 11 best hawker stalls to visit at Toa Payoh Lorong 8 Market & Food Centre The post 10 best stalls at Toa Payoh Palm Spring Market for a spring in your step appeared first on
Malay Mail
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
‘Letters for Palestine' trial about public order, not views — respect differences, says Singapore's acting Muslim affairs minister
SINGAPORE, July 7 — Singapore's Acting Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim has urged the public to stay respectful in the face of differing views, as three pro-Palestinian activists stand trial for allegedly organising an unauthorised procession outside the Istana last year. Speaking after Friday prayers at the Muhajirin Mosque on July 4, Faishal emphasised that the women involved were not charged for their beliefs but for carrying out a procession in a prohibited area. 'In Singapore, everyone has the right to hold and express their views, including on humanitarian issues,' he said, as reported by Mothership today. 'They would have been charged even if the procession was organised to support any other cause.' Faishal was referring to Mossammad Sobikun Nahar, 26, Siti Amirah Mohamed Asrori, 30, and Annamalai Kokila Parvathi, 36. The three are accused of organising an event in Singapore on February 2, 2024, without a police permit — a requirement under the Public Order Act, which designates the Istana's perimeter a protected area. That day, some 70 participants reportedly gathered outside Plaza Singapura and walked towards the Istana, holding umbrellas bearing watermelon motifs — a widely recognised symbol of support for the Palestinian cause. The procession was part of a 'Letters for Palestine' event, during which letters addressed to then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong were delivered. The group had allegedly promoted the event online, calling for public participation. The trial for the trio began on July 1, with all three contesting a single charge each under the Public Order Act. If convicted, they could face a jail term of up to six months, a fine of up to S$10,000 (RM33,180), or both. Faishal also addressed the online and public reactions the women have faced since their case went to court. 'I've seen some strong words and even personal attacks directed at these individuals. I feel this is unnecessary,' he reportedly said. 'We can disagree, but we should not lose our adab (decorum). Let us choose to be kind and measured, even when we hold different views.' He added that Singapore's social fabric depends not just on shared values but also on how citizens engage with one another, especially when views differ. 'We may have different points of view, but we do not let these differences divide us,' he was quoted as saying. 'Our strength as a community is not just in what we stand for, but in how we treat those with whom we disagree. That includes respecting one another's perspectives and upholding the laws that maintain our society's peace and unity.' Under Singapore's laws, organising or participating in public assemblies in protected areas without a permit is an offence, regardless of the cause being championed.
Malay Mail
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Three women on trial in Singapore over pro-Palestine procession near Istana
SINGAPORE, July 2 — Three women are on trial in the city-state after denying charges of organising a procession without a police permit around the Istana. Mossammad Sobikun Nahar, 26; Siti Amirah Mohamed Asrori, 30; and Annamalai Kokila Parvathi, 36, each face one charge under the Public Order Act for allegedly leading a procession in a prohibited area on 2 February 2024. Prosecutors said the event aimed to publicise support for Palestine and took place along the perimeter of the Istana, The Straits Times reported. Investigation Officer Muhammad Faizal testified that he was assigned to investigate the event, named Letters for Palestine. He presented CCTV footage showing around 70 people gathering at Plaza Singapura before walking towards the Istana with umbrellas painted with watermelon graphics. The footage showed Sobikun leading the group along Orchard Road, Buyong Road and Cavenagh Road to the Istana's rear gate. At the rear gate, the group posed for photographs while displaying the watermelon umbrellas, with Amirah seen fanning out a stack of letters. During cross-examination, defence lawyer Surian Sidambaram argued that the group believed they were acting lawfully based on similar past events. The judge rejected the defence's attempt to cite those events as precedent, saying a previous lack of enforcement did not justify breaking the law.
CNA
01-07-2025
- Politics
- CNA
Trial begins for 3 women charged over pro-Palestinian 'procession' to Istana
SINGAPORE: The trial of three woman accused of organising a pro-Palestinian procession to the Istana last year began on Tuesday (Jul 1), with the defence flagging its intention to rely on similar events that had taken place previously without prosecution. Siti Amirah Mohamed Asrori, 30, and Mossammad Sobikun Nahar, 26, and Annamalai Kokila Parvathi, 36, are each accused of organising a procession that took place between 2pm and 3pm on Feb 2, 2024 along the perimeter of the Istana, a prohibited area. All three Singaporeans appeared in a joint trial to contest one charge each under the Public Order Act. Their lawyer Uthayasurian Sidambaram told the court that his clients were not aware that using the route to hand deliver letters to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) - located in the Istana - was prohibited. This was based on a similar event of a smaller scale that had occurred weeks before his clients' alleged offences without prosecution, he said. INVESTIGATION OFFICER TESTIFIES On Feb 2, 2024, a group consisting of about 70 people - according to information earlier provided by the police - assembled outside Plaza Singapura before making their way to the Istana. Their intention, according to the defence, was to deliver letters on the Palestinian cause to the PMO, which had a mail drop-off point located at the rear gate of the Istana. Without any opening remarks, the prosecution opened its case before District Judge John Ng by calling its first witness, investigation officer Muhammad Faizal. The prosecution then played four closed-circuit television camera (CCTV) clips of footage capturing the movement of the group as it proceeded to the Istana. The first recording showed the group gathering outside the main entrance of Plaza Singapura from 1.51pm on Feb 2, 2024. The three women were seen interacting with members of the group, with Mossamad and another woman seen taking out umbrellas with watermelon designs from a box. The watermelon colours are the same as those on the Palestinian flag, and the fruit has become a symbol of Palestinian solidarity. Members of the group are then seen walking with the umbrellas open. Questioned by the prosecution, Mr Faizal said that the area outside Plaza Singapura where the group gathered was not part of the prohibited zone. However he noted that other areas immediately outside the Istana where the group was seen moving along their route were prohibited areas. These included paths and grass verges along Buyong Road, Cavenagh Road, and the space outside the main gate of the Istana, along Orchard Road. DEFENCE ARGUES ABOUT PREVIOUS INCIDENTS Part of the defence will hinge on previous alleged instances of people delivering letters to the Istana, Mr Uthayasurian told the court. During his cross-examination of Mr Faizal, the defence lawyer sought to admit evidence related to five such incidents. He highlighted one of the incidents, on Jan 11, 2024, where he said a group of 17 had hand-delivered letters also relating to the Palestinian cause to the PMO. No action had been taken against them, he said. Based on this event, his clients believed that delivering letters in a group was legal, Mr Uthayasurian said. The prosecution, represented by Deputy Public Prosecutor Sunil Nair, objected to the evidence being admitted. Mr Nair said there was insufficient evidence of these past incidents to make meaningful comparisons. He added that knowledge of a previous offence where action was not taken could not be a defence for committing a crime. Taking the prosecution's point, Judge Ng rejected the defence's application to admit the evidence. In his cross examination of Mr Faizal, Mr Uthayasurian also asked the police officer if there were alternative routes to deliver letters to the rear gate of the Istana without using the prohibited zone. Mr Faizal replied no. Mr Uthayasurian then asked how Mr Faizal had come to the conclusion that the group constituted a procession. He replied that the group was proceeding with a cause and had common elements that were visible to the public, such as the watermelon umbrellas. Asked if the group had displayed placards or had shouted slogans, Mr Faizal said no. The defence then put it to Mr Faizal that all the individuals walking on the route had a letter to hand deliver to the PMO. IO Faizal agreed. Mr Uthayasurian asked him if anyone involved in the group had been given a warning that the event could not go on without a permit, and Mr Faizal responded that no application or permit had been applied for. The trial will resume on Wednesday with the prosecution expected to call more witnesses. A person convicted of organising a procession that is prohibited can be jailed for up to six months, or fined up to S$10,000 (US$7,900), or both.
