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Malay Mail
an hour ago
- General
- Malay Mail
‘What kind of person will do this?': Singapore's Yishun again under spotlight after new cat death
SINGAPORE, June 3 — Authorities are investigating after a cat was found dead with its legs unnaturally splayed at the foot of a staircase in Yishun, the National Parks Board (NParks) said today. The incident, which took place at Block 510A along Yishun Street 51, came to public attention on Sunday following a Facebook post that included photos of the animal's body, according to a report published in Channel News Asia. 'NParks received feedback on a cat found dead at the foot of a staircase at Yishun Street 51 and is looking into the matter,' the agency said in response to media queries. 'We urge the public not to speculate on the details of the case and allow investigations to run its proper course.' The Facebook post by the group Sayang Our Singapore's Community Cats claimed that a 24-hour hotline was contacted but no help was rendered, with a screenshot indicating the number belonged to a private veterinary clinic. The group also noted the discovery was made near a location where another cat had previously been found dead with serious injuries. Yishun has seen a series of similar incidents, with cats found either dead or injured under suspicious circumstances, raising concerns among animal welfare advocates and the public. Last month, Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam highlighted a particularly gruesome case in Yishun Street 51, where a cat was reportedly tortured, mutilated and left on the road. 'What kind of person will do this? This is not who we are as a people,' he wrote on Facebook. Sayang Our Singapore's Community Cats described the cat in that incident as having been 'brutally tortured and left on the road in a failed attempt to disguise this crime as an accident'. In a separate case in Punggol, another cat was found injured near the loading bay at Block 326B, Sumang Walk. NParks later said its injuries were likely from a traffic accident rather than intentional cruelty. According to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), reports of animal cruelty and welfare cases in Singapore hit a 12-year high last year, with 961 cases recorded in 2024.
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CNA
15 hours ago
- General
- CNA
NParks investigating after cat found dead with legs splayed in Yishun
SINGAPORE: The National Parks Board (NParks) is investigating after a cat was found dead in Yishun with its legs positioned in an unusual, splayed manner. "NParks received feedback on a cat found dead at the foot of a staircase at Yishun Street 51 and is looking into the matter," it said on Monday (Jun 2) in response to CNA queries. "We urge the public not to speculate on the details of the case and allow investigations to run its proper course." The incident first came to light on Sunday via a post in Facebook group Sayang Our Singapore's Community Cats, which included photos of a dead cat found at what appears to be a Housing and Development Board (HDB) staircase landing. According to the poster, the cat was found at Block 510A in Yishun. A screenshot of a text message stated that a 24-hour hotline was called, but no assistance was provided. CNA understands the 24-hour hotline was that of a private vet clinic. According to the post, this incident took place near the block where another cat was found dead in Yishun with severe injuries. RECENT INCIDENTS This is the latest in a spate of incidents in which cats in Yishun and Punggol were found dead with injuries. In a Facebook post last month, Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam drew attention to another similar incident that took place in Yishun Street 51, saying: "A community cat in Yishun had been tortured, eyes gouged out, body cut up and organs split. "What kind of person will do this? This is not who we are as a people." Facebook page Sayang Our Singapore's Community Cats said the cat had been found "brutally tortured and left on the road in a failed attempt to disguise this crime as an accident". In a separate incident, another cat was found injured at the loading and unloading bay near Block 326B, Sumang Walk in Punggol. NParks said investigations showed its injuries were likely result of a traffic accident, as opposed to a deliberate act of animal cruelty. In 2024, the number of cases involving animal cruelty and welfare in Singapore rose to a 12-year high of 961, according to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
CNA
6 days ago
- General
- CNA
At least 6 demerit points, S$200 fine for exceeding speed limit, with harsher penalties for speeding offences from Jan 1
SINGAPORE: Enhanced speeding penalties will take effect from Jan 1, 2026, with the penalties to come in the form of increased demerit points and composition sums, said the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday (May 28). A motorist exceeding the speed limit by less than or equal to 20kmh will face six demerit points instead of four from next January. They will also face either a S$200 or S$250 composition fine, depending on the vehicle that was driven. Those who exceed the speed limit by 50kmh or more will receive 24 demerit points, resulting in an immediate suspension of their licence, and face prosecution in court. Existing penalties will continue to apply till the end of the year. MHA said the enhanced penalties for speeding offences have been implemented to "better reflect" the severity of speeding offences and their potential consequences, as well as to deter dangerous driving. This was previously announced by Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam at the Traffic Police's Road Safety Day in February, but the details of the enhanced speeding penalties were not revealed then. The road safety situation remains a significant concern, said MHA. There has been an increase in the number of fatal and injury accidents every year for the past five years, it said. In 2024, there were 7,188 road accidents and 142 fatalities. The ministry cited speeding as a major cause of accidents. The number of speeding violations also reached a 10-year high in 2024. There were close to 192,000 speeding violations in 2024, an increase of 64.8 per cent compared to 2023. There was also a 43.8 per cent increase in speeding-related fatal accidents, from 32 cases in 2023 to 46 cases in 2024. "The enhanced penalties underscore MHA's commitment to maintaining road safety. Road safety is ultimately a shared responsibility," said the ministry. It also urged motorists to adhere to speed limits and drive safely for their own protection and that of other road users.
CNA
23-05-2025
- Politics
- CNA
Watch: Swearing-in ceremony for PM Lawrence Wong and Cabinet
SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and his new Cabinet were sworn into office at a ceremony at the Istana on Friday (May 23). Mr Wong had announced his Cabinet on Wednesday, with Mr Gan Kim Yong as his sole deputy prime minister. There are also three new coordinating ministers. Mr K Shanmugam will serve as coordinating minister for national security and continue as home affairs minister. Mr Chan Chun Sing will be coordinating minister for public services and take on a new portfolio as defence minister. And Mr Ong Ye Kung will take on the role of coordinating minister for social policies on top of being health minister.
Independent Singapore
22-05-2025
- Business
- Independent Singapore
PM Wong's New Cabinet: Masagos loses Muslim Affairs portfolio, first-term MP Jeffrey Siow and David Neo take Transport and MCCY roles
SINGAPORE: Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has unveiled his first full cabinet since the 2025 General Election, in which the ruling People's Action Party won 87 of the parliamentary seats with 65.57% of the national votes. Mr Gan Kim Yong, dubbed as the 'Taskforce Man' during the election, remained as the only Deputy Prime Minister (DPM). Mr Gan will continue to serve as the Minister for Trade and Industry, while Dr Tan See Leng, who is the Minister for Manpower, has been appointed as the Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology in the Ministry of Trade and Industry. 'He (DPM Gan) will continue to coordinate our efforts on the economy, including his role as Chairman of the Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce. He continues with his other responsibilities as Chairman of MAS, and the minister overseeing the Strategy Group in the Prime Minister's Office. He will take on additional duties, including overseeing our work on climate change and population,' said PM Wong during the unveiling of his cabinet on Wednesday, May 21. Although PM Wong did not name a second DPM, he has promoted three Ministers to the role of Coordinating Minister. PM Wong will continue as the Finance Minister, while Mr Lee Hsien Loong remains as Singapore's Senior Minister. Mr K Shanmugam is appointed as the Coordinating Minister for National Security, while Mr Chan Chun Sing, and Mr Ong Ye Kung are now Singapore's Coordinating Ministers for Public Services and Social Policies respectively. 'As I rejoin MINDEF, I am acutely aware of the changed world we are living in. It will require us to re-examine our fundamental operating assumptions, and evolve new capabilities to inspire a new generation to serve with grit and gumption. 'Regardless of MOE, MINDEF or the Public Service, we will work hard for Singapore to remain distinguished and to continue defying the odds of history. Together, we will keep building a Singapore which all Singaporeans can be proud of,' posted Mr Chan on his social media after PM Wong's announcement. NEW MINISTER-IN-CHARGE OF MUSLIM AFFAIRS One of the changes in the new cabinet by PM Wong is the Minister-in-Charge for Muslim Affairs portfolio, previously led by Mr Masagos Zulkifli since 2018. The Prime Minister has now appointed Associate Professor Faishal Ibrahim as the Acting Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs, in addition to his appointment as Senior Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs. Mr Zaqy Mohamad, who is currently the deputy chairman of MENDAKI, will take over from Masagos as chairman of the Malay / Muslim community self-help group which was founded in 1982 to uplift the academic performance of the community in Singapore through education and lifelong learning. 'Faishal and Zaqy, together with our other Malay / Muslim officeholders and MPs, will continue to engage the Malay / Muslim community closely – building on the strong foundations we have today, and working with the community to realise our shared goals. 'I will work closely with them too. Engaging the Malay / Muslim community was a priority for me in the last term; and it will continue to be a priority in this new term of government,' explained PM Wong. Assoc. Prof Faishal (extreme left) pictured with Marine Parade GRC MPs during Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong's 84th birthday celebration. (Photo: Facebook screengrab / This move was closely watched and anticipated by many political observers after Mr Masagos' Tampines GRC team faced a strong challenge from the Workers' Party, led by former Aljunied GRC MP Mr Faisal Manap, in the recent election. Despite securing 52.02% of the votes (71,589), the PAP's reduced margin highlighted shifting voter sentiments in the constituency. In the four-corner contest, WP's secured 47.37% (65,197), while the People's Power Party and the National Solidarity Party forfeited their election deposit as they received a paltry 0.43% and 0.18% of the votes. Online reactions were mixed with the new appointment for the Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs. While several commenters welcomed the move, some felt that Mr Masagos should not be blame entirely for the team's performance in the election and instead the move should be seen as a renewal process. '…the most consequential appointment from this election is Masagos losing his Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs portfolio. He has been proven to be extremely unpopular among the Malay Muslim community,' said one forum user on Reddit. See also Morning Digest, Apr 24 In another social media thread, a netizen commented, 'While the Tampines GRC was seen as a battle between Masagos and Faisal, his (Masagos) perceived declined popularity in Tampines should not be seen as a rejection by the entire Malay / Muslim community in Singapore. Is it timely that there is a leadership renewal for the post (Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs).' While Mr Masagos has been relieved of the Minister-in-Charge of Muslims Affairs, he retained the Minister for Social and Family Development post, which he was first appointed in 2020. Mr Masagos was first appointed as the Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs on May 1, 2018, taking over from Mr Yaacob Ibrahim (2002-2018). Prior to that, the portfolio was held by former Speaker of Parliament Mr Abdullah Tarmugi from 1993 to 2022 and Mr Ahmad Mattar from 1977 to 1993. FIRST-TERM MP PROMOTED AS MINISTERS As expected by many political observers, Mr Jeffrey Siow and former army chief Mr David Neo have been appointed as new political office holders. Mr Siow will replace Mr Chee Hong Tat as the Acting Transport Minister, while Mr Neo will take over from Mr Edwin Tong as the new Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth. Mr Tong is now the new Law Minister, replacing Mr Shanmugam who will remain as the Minister for Home Affairs. Mr Chee, will now helmed the Ministry for National Development, and Mr Desmond Lee moving to the Ministry of Education. 'Familiar with land transport policies from his past experience as a civil servant. Of course, there is much more to be done as a minister. He will be stretched and tested; but I am confident he will be able to step up,' mentioned PM Wong during the media conference. Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow at Brickland Green Festival at Chua Chu Kang GRC. (Photo: Facebook screengrab / jeffreysiowzx) Mr Siow was the most senior ranking civil servant to contest in the 2025 election. He previously served as a principal private secretary to then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong from 2017 to 2021. In his 24-year career in the public service, he had served in various ministries including in the Ministry of Transport from 2012 to 2017, before moving on to the Prime Minister's Office. In Jan 2024, he was the second permanent secretary in the Ministry of Manpower, before switching to the Ministry of Trade and Industry in Sept 2024. See also Young Democrats a pillar in Paul Tambyah's TikTok journey 'Jeffrey Seow trial by fire in his first term. He must be that good for LW to give him what is traditionally perceived as the most difficult ministry,' mentioned a Reddit forum user. Mr Siow took over the Transport portfolio from Mr Chee who was first appointed as the Acting Transport Minister in July 2023 after the resignation of former Minister S Iswaran. The swearing-in ceremony for the Ministers, Senior Ministers of State and Ministers of State will be on 23 May 2025, while the swearing-in ceremony for the Senior Parliamentary Secretaries will be held on another date. Singapore's New Cabinet (as announced on May 21, 2025) Lawrence Wong: Prime Minister and Minister for Finance. Lee Hsien Loong: Senior Minister Gan Kim Yong: Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister for Trade and Industry K Shanmugam: Coordinating Minister for National Security, and Minister for Home Affairs Chan Chun Sing: Coordinating Minister for Public Services, and Minister for Defence Ong Ye Kung: Coordinating Minister for Social Policies, Minister for Health Vivian Balakhrisnan: Minister for Foreign Affairs Indranee Rajah: Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, and Second Minister for Finance and National Development Grace Fu: Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, and Minister-in-Charge of Trade Relations Masagos Zulkifli: Minister for Social and Family Development Josephine Teo: Minister Digital Development and Information, and Minister-in-Charge of Cybersecurity and Smart Nation Group Desmond Lee: Minister for Education, and Minister-in-Charge of Social Services Integration Edwin Tong: Minister for Law, and Second Minister for Home Affairs Chee Hong Tat: Minister for Transport Tan See Leng: Minister for Manpower, and Minister-in-Charge of Energy, Science and Technology Jeffrey Siow: Acting Minister for Transport, and Senior Minister of State for Finance David Neo: Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, and Senior Minister of State for Education Faishal Ibrahim: Acting Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs, Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs
