Latest news with #K.Shanmugam
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
MHA to conduct social experiments in June to test public's response to terror threats
MHA said the authorities will be around to ensure public safety. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH MHA to conduct social experiments in June to test public's response to terror threats SINGAPORE – Several social experiments will be conducted in the heartland from early to mid-June to test how the public responds to terror incidents. These planned scenarios will involve actors and realistic props, said the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on May 29. Declining to publicise details about the experiments, it said precautions will be taken to ensure that they cause minimal disruption to the public. MHA said the authorities will be around to ensure public safety. Reactions from members of the public will be recorded, and the footage will be used to create an educational web series to raise awareness about key SGSecure advisories, such as 'Run, Hide, Tell' and 'Press, Tie, Tell'. The first episode will premiere on July 30. SGSecure is a national movement launched in 2016 to prepare Singaporeans to deal with terrorist attacks and equip them with skills to handle a crisis. Run, Hide, Tell involves moving away from danger, staying out of sight, and informing the authorities. When dealing with casualties during emergency situations, members of the public can stop a victim from bleeding by applying pressure to the wound (press), securing it with a strip of cloth (tie), and calling 995 for help (tell). In its statement, MHA advised members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. During an SGSecure roadshow at Suntec City in July 2024, Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam had said: 'We have kept Singapore safe and secure so far. So as a result, people don't think that there will be a terror attack. 'It's not in people's minds. But that doesn't mean an attack won't happen here.' In 2024, the Internal Security Department (ISD) said in its annual report that terrorism threats here have increased since the Gaza war began. Said ISD: 'While there is no indication of an imminent attack, the terrorism threat to Singapore remains high. Global developments and conflicts have generated emotive responses worldwide, including acts of violence, and terrorist elements have leveraged such conflicts to call for attacks. These developments have impacted Singapore's internal security.' A 2023 report by the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) found that lone wolves were the main terror threat to Singapore. In October 2024, a 17-year-old boy was arrested before he could carry out an attack on non-Muslims in Tampines during the September school holidays. Lone wolves have also been responsible for violent incidents abroad, using everyday objects as weapons. On May 23, a German woman was arrested after stabbing 18 people at a train station in Hamburg. In October 2023, a 14-year-old boy with a handgun opened fire at Siam Paragon in Bangkok, killing a Chinese tourist and a Myanmar national. Five others were injured. And in the latest incident involving a public security threat on May 26, a 53-year-old British man drove his vehicle into a crowd of Liverpool fans during a parade celebrating the football club's Premier League title, injuring around 50 people. Claudia Tan is a journalist at The Straits Times covering the crime and court beat. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Straits Times
Speed limiters for heavy vehicles offer chance for ‘mindset change'
SINGAPORE – Lucky Joint Construction (LJC) has enjoyed savings on fuel and maintenance costs since installing speed limiters on most of its heavy vehicles. That is on top of the devices' main benefit – preventing speeding. Mr Calvin Yeow, chief executive of LJC, a telecommunication infrastructure provider, said: 'We do believe that with the enhancement of these speed limiters, they can actually ensure real-time prevention (against speeding).' He was speaking at an event on May 27 where the media got to see the speed limiter up close for the first time since the device – roughly twice the size of a wallet – was made mandatory for heavy vehicles in Singapore. When a driver of a vehicle fitted with a speed limiter tries to rev beyond 60kmh, the engine does not respond – the vehicle maintains a speed of 60kmh. Since January 2024 , companies with heavy vehicles with a maximum laden weight of between 3,501kg and 12,000kg began installing speed limiters. Vehicle owners have been given two to three years to install the device. From Jan 1, 2026, newly imported vehicles of that capacity must be equipped with speed limiters in order to be approved for use in Singapore. As at the end of 2024, around 50 lorries which are required to install the speed limiters have done so, said Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam in a written Parliamentary reply on Jan 7 . About 17,000 eligible lorries are required to install the mandatory speed limiters. 'Speed limiters are really going to help drivers plan their journey,' said Mr Tony Lugg, chief executive of Project Argus, which brings in the AutoKontrol speed limiter showcased at the media event. 'They should slow them down, so they have more time to make decisions before they encounter an incident, as well as (save on) the wear and tear factors on the vehicle and, obviously, overall fuel savings.' Mr Lugg told the media that speed limiters offer a mindset change and a calming effect for heavy vehicle drivers – drivers would be forced to readjust their driving style, rather than driving too fast. But Mr Moses Lim, a director of NLT Vehicle Service, which installs speed limiters, said some heavy vehicle companies appear to be holding back on the installation of the devices. 'We always have this pool of companies that will just sit back and look at how others are doing,' said Mr Lim when describing the slow take-up rate of speed limiters. About 17,000 eligible lorries are required to install the mandatory speed limiters. ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN Mr Yeow said companies should not delay in getting speed limiters installed. 'If you... have the 'wait-and-see' approach, it'll be like a VEP (Malaysia's Vehicle Entry Permit) rush. You won't have time to do your operational planning,' he added. LJC started installing speed limiters in its heavy vehicles in March , providing another preventive measure against speeding in addition to other initiatives the company has implemented, such as a network operations centre. LJC's senior manager Jeyaraj Jenkin said speed limiters have helped his company save on fuel bills and vehicle maintenance for 67 of its 79 heavy vehicles installed with the device, which costs about $900 each. LJC's senior manager Jeyaraj Jenkin said speed limiters have helped his company save on fuel bills and vehicle maintenance. ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN He added: 'In the past two years, I could see there were no speed-related accidents (with vehicles fitted with speed limiters and other internal preventive measures).' Emphasising the importance of installing speed limiters, a police spokesman at the event said 'there are still heavy vehicle drivers always in a hurry'. On Jan 21 , two people were killed in a morning accident on the Bukit Timah Expressway involving a lorry. The aftermath of the accident showed a stationary white lorry on the first lane of the expressway with a motorcycle near its rear. On March 24 , a 27-year-old motorcyclist died after he was involved in a collision with a lorry on the Seletar Expressway. In May , a total of 81 errant drivers of heavy vehicles were issued summonses following a three-day islandwide enforcement blitz, for offences such as speeding, using a mobile communication device while driving, failing to keep left and failing to visibly display a speed limiter label. Project Argus said the AutoKontrol speed limiter takes around 30 minutes to install and is sealed and tamper-proof. When there are signs of tampering during an annual inspection, the installer will inform the police. During the installation of the speed limiter, which comes with a three-year warranty, the vehicle will be road-tested and its speed calibrated. Installation can be done wherever the vehicles are located. The Traffic Police will be reviewing laws to strengthen deterrence against speed limiter offences such as tampering and non-compliant speed limiters, and against unauthorised speed limiter works. More details will be announced later. Zaihan Mohamed Yusof is senior crime correspondent at The Straits Times. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
The Hindu
23-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Keep Tamil language vibrant for next 50 years: Singapore Minister Shanmugam
A Singapore Minister has called on the next generation to keep the Tamil language vibrant for the next 50 years. Calling on the cosmopolitan city's next generation to take charge, Law Minister K. Shanmugam said: 'To keep Tamil vibrant for the next 50 years, we need young pioneers like you to lead the way.' The Minister, who speaks fluent Tamil shared his views as the National University of Singapore Tamil Language (NUS TLS) Society celebrated its 50th anniversary on May 17, reflecting on five decades of language promotion, student leadership and cultural innovation. Mr. Shanmugam, who was guest-of-honour and NUS TLS alumnus, commended the society's contributions over the past five decades but also voiced concern about the future of Tamil in public life, a Singapore weekly reported on Friday (May 23, 2025). 'We have to ask ourselves if, in 20 or 30 years, we'll still have Ministers who can speak fluent Tamil on stage,' he said, noting a broader decline in Tamil usage, even beyond Parliament. Tamil is one of the four official languages in Singapore, the other being English, Chinese and Malay, and was spoken widely in the island state, with some of the Parliamentarians in the 1960s-70s debating in Tamil in the house. Mr. Shanmugam pointed out that many young people speak primarily English, a trend that affects not only Tamil but also other mother tongue languages such as Mandarin (Chinese) and Malay. Currently, there is one Tamil language newspaper, Tamil Murasu, that has been in circulation since it was launched in May 1936. 'We also need to ask ourselves whether Tamil can continue to be regarded as a respected language by those who do not speak it,' the Minister was quoted as saying by Friday weekly Tabla! He stressed the need to make Tamil accessible and engaging, even for non-speakers, and highlighted the importance of hearing the language in informal spaces beyond classrooms and community centres. Stalin congratulates Singapore PM on poll victory Held at the Serangoon Gardens Country Club in the suburb housing conclave, the celebration brought together past and present members of the society, many of whom reunited after years. The evening featured student performances and nostalgic recollections of landmark programmes that shaped Tamil cultural engagement on campus and beyond. Founded in 1975 with only a handful of members, the society has since grown significantly, with the current 46th executive committee continuing its tradition of combining language advocacy with student-led community initiatives. Multi-national Singapore's six million population has 75% Chinese, mostly speaking Mandarin, over 15% Malays, and more than 7% Indians as well as others.
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
Madurai lashed by rain, winds; trees uprooted, roads damaged
Madurai: Heavy rain and strong winds on Friday night uprooted around 20 trees across Madurai city, disrupting traffic and damaging property. Intermittent showers continued into Saturday morning, compounding residents' woes. Tallakulam, Pudur, Narimedu, Bibi Kulam, Vandiyur, and Sellur were among the worst-hit areas. In Bharathiyar Nagar, Melapongaram, a 50-year-old Indian Beech tree fell and partially blocked a road, prompting fire and rescue services to intervene. In Anaiyur, near the Koodalnagar police station, a tree collapsed on a parked auto-rickshaw. No injuries were reported. Tree falls in Karimedu and Bharathi Nagar caused minor property damage and traffic delays. Fire and rescue teams were deployed citywide to clear debris and restore access. Beyond fallen trees, poor road conditions in the suburbs became a major concern. Residents of Bibi Kulam, Vandiyur, and Sellur complained that several roads, left unrestored after Mullaperiyar drinking water pipeline work, had turned muddy and slippery due to the rain. Locals said incomplete or substandard repairs had worsened the situation. "The road was dug up months ago for pipeline work but never relaid. Even light rain makes it impossible to walk or drive without getting stuck," said Selva Rani, a resident of Vandiyur. K. Shanmugam from Narimedu added, "There's no proper drainage. The dug-up roads have made daily commuting a struggle." Strong winds also brought down several advertisement hoardings, especially along Bypass Road and parts of Sellur. While there were no casualties, ongoing construction projects took a hit, with roads under repair turning slushy. KK Nagar Road, being dug up for the Apollo grade separator, was among the worst affected. MSID:: 121237090 413 |
Straits Times
16-05-2025
- Straits Times
Two teens died of overdoses in January 2025: Shanmugam
Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam giving a speech at the second Drug Victims Remembrance Day observance ceremony on May 16. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI SINGAPORE - Two teenagers aged 16 and 18 died of suspected drug overdoses in January, as Singapore continues its battle against drug abuse, a growing problem among young people. Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam told the audience at the second Drug Victims Remembrance Day observance ceremony on May 16 that methamphetamine, also known as Ice, was likely to have been involved. 'There are many other tragic cases, but thankfully they remain small in number,' he said at the event at the Suntec City Convention and Exhibition Centre. Mr Shanmugam added: 'We are finding that we are arresting younger and younger abusers. Last year, the youngest was 13 years old. Over the last two years, more than half of new abusers arrested were below 30 years old.' A 2016 study by the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) found the cost to Singapore society of dealing with drug crimes was more than $1.2 billion in 2015 , said Mr Shanmugam. The financial impact of drug abuse on individuals is equally staggering. A 2020 NTU study found drug consumption significantly impacts the abusers' income and income growth even after they quit the habit. An abuser can stand to lose close to $620,000 through spending on drugs and potential lost income. The Drug Victims Remembrance Day campaign is an initiative by the Inter-Ministry Committee on Drug Prevention for Youths to highlight the impact of drugs on abusers and their loved ones. This year's campaign is at the Suntec City Level 1 Atrium until May 18. It features an interactive Museum of Us exhibition, inspired by the personal stories of real-life drug victims, who are the families and friends of abusers. Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam at the 'Museum of Us' exhibition during the second Drug Victims Remembrance Day observance ceremony on May 16. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI The campaign also features five short films titled Remember Us, seen from the perspectives of the loved ones of a fictional drug abuser, John. While the characters in the films are played by actors, the experiences portrayed are based on research and interviews with Singaporeans affected by drug abuse, said Ms Tan Hui Er, the films' director. Ms Tan, 29, said: 'The very important thing for me was making sure that the pain and the love that they (characters in the short films) feel and their experiences, are felt and seen.' The pain of drug abuse on families is something that former abuser Shaun Yeo, who has three children, knows too well. Mr Yeo, 41, a delivery driver, said he cannot forget the 'countless times' his seven-year-old daughter saw him dragged away to the police station while he was high on drugs. Said Mr Yeo, who was first arrested for drug abuse at age 15: 'I couldn't fulfil my responsibility as a father because I was constantly broke. Even when I had money, the first thing I thought of was my family.' Mr Yeo, who has been drug-free since 2020, is trying to rebuild his relationship with his children, now aged 12 to 18 . He had spent a total of four years in prison for drug crimes over a 20-year period. Former drug abuser and gang leader Kim Whye Kee, 49, is grateful for his mother, who never gave up on him during his 10-year sentence for drug abuse and extortion. Said Mr Kim, who was released from prison in 2008: 'Her love is unconditional, something that I realised during my years of drug addiction... She always stood by me even when I relapsed or got arrested.' Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam (right) with (from left) DrugFreeSG Advocate Gopal Mahey, Mr Kim Whye Kee and Mr Shaun Yeo on May 16. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI Mr Kim, who began learning pottery in his final months in prison, held his first solo exhibition in 2019. He is scheduled for another exhibition in Suzhou, China in a few weeks. He said he could not imagine what he had put his mother through, especially during occasions like Chinese New Year (CNY), when relatives would discuss what their children were doing. A lot of that time, he was in prison. Added Mr Kim: 'It was a bit strange when I saw my mother tearing (at my solo exhibition)... she was not sad but very happy when Mr Shanmugam came and visitors asked if I was her son. For me (seeing that) was enough.' Showing support and caring for drug abusers is vital to their reintegration into society said Ms Amy Ronshausen, executive director of Drug Free America Foundation, Inc. and Save Our Society From Drugs. Events such as the Drug Victims Remembrance Day brings families together in support of recovering drug abusers. Mr Ronshausen, 51, who was at the ceremony, told The Straits Times: 'It reminds them why recovery is important and why they need to stay (clear of drugs) and have their families around them. It's not an individual thing but a community thing.' Zaihan Mohamed Yusof is senior crime correspondent at The Straits Times. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
