Latest news with #LIANHEZAOBAO
New Paper
20-07-2025
- New Paper
Dispute between Yishun neighbours leaves 1 dead, another injured
A man died and another man was conscious when taken to the hospital on July 19, with preliminary investigations pointing to a dispute between two neighbours at a Yishun HDB block. The police and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said they were contacted about an incident at Block 334B Yishun Street 31 at about 5.20pm. "When officers arrived, they found an injured 53-year-old man in his residential unit and a 44-year-old man lying motionless at the foot of the block," police said. "Preliminary investigations revealed that the men, who are neighbours residing at the said block, were involved in a prior dispute along the corridor. Arising from the dispute, the 44-year-old man allegedly injured the 53-year-old man with a knife." The 44-year-old man was subsequently found lying motionless at the foot of the block and was pronounced dead at the scene by an SCDF paramedic. The police said they do not suspect foul play, based on preliminary investigations. In photos of the incident, a blue police tent is seen erected on a grass patch on the first floor of the block, with the surrounding area cordoned off with police tape. Chinese daily Lianhe Zaobao reported a female resident on the fourth floor saying that she heard a loud noise, and then saw an elderly man with abdominal injuries when she peered out of her flat. The 53-year-old man was conscious when taken to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital. Police investigations are ongoing. The police said they do not suspect foul play, based on preliminary investigations. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO Helplines Mental well-being National helpline: 1771 (24 hours) / 6669-1771 (via WhatsApp) Samaritans of Singapore: 1-767 (24 hours) / 9151-1767 (24 hours CareText via WhatsApp) Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019 Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928 Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1 Women's Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm) The Seniors Helpline: 1800-555-5555 (weekdays, 9am to 5pm) Counselling Touchline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252 Touch Care Line (for caregivers): 6804-6555 Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366 We Care Community Services: 3165-8017 Shan You Counselling Centre: 6741-9293 Clarity Singapore: 6757-7990 Online resources
New Paper
07-07-2025
- Business
- New Paper
Revamped *Scape to reopen in Nov with more spaces for youth, eyes 2 million annual visitors
The revamped *Scape will officially be relaunched in November with more dedicated spaces for young people, aiming to reach more than two million people in footfall within a year. The youth-centric hub, which was established in 2007, underwent redevelopment in the past few years as part of the rejuvenation of the Somerset Belt. Some spaces in the five-storey building, like dance spaces, are already open for use, while others are still undergoing renovation. Among the changes after renovation works is the almost doubling of capacity at The Ground Theatre, an event space within *Scape that opened in 2013. It will now be able to host 870 guests, up from 450. Mr Ethen Ong, deputy executive director of *Scape, said around 20 per cent of the building will be dedicated to free spaces and seating that young people can use freely for hanging out. Some spaces in the five-storey building, like dance spaces, are already open for use. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO "Since the Covid pandemic, we noticed that there is a need for youth to find common spaces for them to connect and build friendships. We want that community to be built in *Scape," he added. The remaining space in the building will be occupied by organisations and businesses, most of which are catered to young people. Around 30 per cent of the businesses in the building are up and running, with the rest progressively finishing renovation works before November. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO One of them is Access Singapore, a charity that aims to help students facing academic, financial or social challenges. The Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health (Chat), a mental health service for young people, will continue with its lease at *Scape. It has been running its services there since 2010. SM Universe, a subsidiary group of SM Entertainment that specialises in training programmes related to K-pop, will also house its Singapore campus at *Scape. This will be SM Entertainment's first K-pop training academy in South-east Asia. Dance lessons will be held for trainees on the fourth level of the building. Around 30 per cent of the businesses in the building are up and running, with the rest progressively finishing renovation works before November. The first and second floors of the building will be occupied by Innovate 360, an organisation that supports start-ups. It will bring together youth-run businesses like cafes and photo booths. The outdoor courtyard of *Scape, which was long occupied by tenants like McDonald's and The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, has been redeveloped into an open space where young people can hold performances or sit with their friends. A seating deck that overlooks Grange Road has also been extended to fit more seats. "We got feedback from youth that they would like to have more seating capacity and more open spaces for them to catch up with friends and connect. It is also designed in such a way that allows these youth to run their events and performances here," said Mr Ong. Mr David Chua, chairman of *Scape, said the hub will be the key node in the Somerset Belt precinct from which partnerships and new programmes can be made to provide more opportunities for young people. For example, *Scape will be collaborating with its neighbour Cineleisure to develop design programmes for young people, and with Youth Corps Singapore across the road to tap volunteering opportunities.
New Paper
03-07-2025
- New Paper
Three hair salons raided in crackdown on illegal massage and vice services in Geylang and Joo Chiat
Hair salons and public entertainment outlets in Geylang and Joo Chiat were targeted in recent enforcement operations that saw 20 people arrested and six others being investigated. The police had raided three salons in Geylang on June 27. At one outlet, plainclothes officers caught women offering unlicensed massage services. There were four men receiving such services in this salon during the raid - the first operation at such outlets that the media has been allowed to observe. The men sat on massage beds at the back of the shop while the police questioned the women. Although they were allowed to leave, the men stayed behind, hoping to get a refund. Based on identity checks, several of the women appeared to be Singapore permanent residents. Shops like this one often present a typical salon set-up at the front, while the back contains massage stations with beds separated by thin dividers. The shop where the media observed the police raid had four massage beds, six hair washing beds, and two foot massage recliners. At least seven women were working there at the time. The Straits Times had visited this same shop in 2024, as part of reporting for an article on how hair salons in Geylang were suspected to be fronts for vice, exploiting a gap in existing regulations. Under the massage establishment licensing system, at least 80 per cent of employees at massage parlours and spas must be certified in beauty therapy services. Under the massage establishment licensing system, at least 80 per cent of employees at massage parlours and spas must be certified in beauty therapy services. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO Some vice operators have tried to sidestep these rules by branding their outlets as beauty, and hair salons. Following ST's report in December 2024, the hair salon operator had posted on TikTok offering a $20,000 reward to anyone who could find illegal activity inside their shop. The salon, along with the two others found to be providing massage services beyond stipulated operating hours, are now being investigated for offences under the Massage Establishments Act. The police also raided public entertainment outlets in Geylang and Joo Chiat on June 20 and June 27 to clamp down on activities like touting, vice and drug-related activities. A total of 12 women, aged between 32 and 50, were arrested for working without valid work passes. On June 27, the media was also taken to a KTV lounge in Geylang where 10 women were arrested. All were Chinese nationals. Customers continued partying even as the police raid unfolded. The police said one of the outlets in Geylang had fire safety violations such as obstructions to emergency escape routes. As part of the wider enforcement operations, the Traffic Police conducted anti-drink driving checks in the area. Seven motorists, aged between 24 and 55, were arrested for drink driving, including a 26-year-old man who did not have a valid driving licence. More people were caught drink driving with 1,778 such arrests in 2024, up 6.9 per cent from 2023. Drink driving-related accidents dropped from 180 to 166 cases in the same time period, but the number of fatal accidents linked to drink driving increased from 11 cases in 2023 to 12 in 2024. During the enforcement operation, a 48-year-old male motorcyclist was arrested for suspected drug-related offences. He had duty-unpaid cigarettes and e-vaporisers in his possession. Those convicted of running a business providing unlicensed massages can be jailed for up to two years and fined up to $10,000. Repeat offenders can be jailed for up to five years and fined up to $20,000. Those convicted of working without a valid work pass can be jailed for up to two years and fined up to $20,000.
New Paper
02-07-2025
- New Paper
3 hair salons raided in crackdown on illegal massage and vice services in Geylang and Joo Chiat
Hair salons and public entertainment outlets in Geylang and Joo Chiat were targeted in recent enforcement operations that saw 20 people arrested and six others being investigated. The police had raided three salons in Geylang on June 27. At one outlet, plainclothes officers caught women offering unlicensed massage services. There were four men receiving such services in this salon during the raid - the first operation at such outlets that the media has been allowed to observe. The men sat on massage beds at the back of the shop while the police questioned the women. Although they were allowed to leave, the men stayed behind, hoping to get a refund. Based on identity checks, several of the women appeared to be Singapore permanent residents. Shops like this one often present a typical salon set-up at the front, while the back contains massage stations with beds separated by thin dividers. The shop where the media observed the police raid had four massage beds, six hair washing beds, and two foot massage recliners. At least seven women were working there at the time. The Straits Times had visited this same shop in 2024, as part of reporting for an article on how hair salons in Geylang were suspected to be fronts for vice, exploiting a gap in existing regulations. Under the massage establishment licensing system, at least 80 per cent of employees at massage parlours and spas must be certified in beauty therapy services. Under the massage establishment licensing system, at least 80 per cent of employees at massage parlours and spas must be certified in beauty therapy services. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO Some vice operators have tried to sidestep these rules by branding their outlets as beauty, and hair salons. Following ST's report in December 2024, the hair salon operator had posted on TikTok offering a $20,000 reward to anyone who could find illegal activity inside their shop. The salon, along with the two others found to be providing massage services beyond stipulated operating hours, are now being investigated for offences under the Massage Establishments Act. The police also raided public entertainment outlets in Geylang and Joo Chiat on June 20 and June 27 to clamp down on activities like touting, vice and drug-related activities. A total of 12 women, aged between 32 and 50, were arrested for working without valid work passes. On June 27, the media was also taken to a KTV lounge in Geylang where 10 women were arrested. All were Chinese nationals. Customers continued partying even as the police raid unfolded. The police said one of the outlets in Geylang had fire safety violations such as obstructions to emergency escape routes. As part of the wider enforcement operations, the Traffic Police conducted anti-drink driving checks in the area. Seven motorists, aged between 24 and 55, were arrested for drink driving, including a 26-year-old man who did not have a valid driving licence. More people were caught drink driving with 1,778 such arrests in 2024, up 6.9 per cent from 2023. Drink driving-related accidents dropped from 180 to 166 cases in the same time period, but the number of fatal accidents linked to drink driving increased from 11 cases in 2023 to 12 in 2024. During the enforcement operation, a 48-year-old male motorcyclist was arrested for suspected drug-related offences. He had duty-unpaid cigarettes and e-vaporisers in his possession. Those convicted of running a business providing unlicensed massages can be jailed for up to two years and fined up to $10,000. Repeat offenders can be jailed for up to five years and fined up to $20,000. Those convicted of working without a valid work pass can be jailed for up to two years and fined up to $20,000.
Straits Times
01-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Certis to stop tracking live location of frontline officers on MC after union intervention
Certis acknowledged the need to work with its union partners to review its current processes for home visits. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO SINGAPORE - Security company Certis has agreed to stop asking officers to share their live location if they are not home while on medical leave, following intervention by the Union of Security Employees (USE). 'Certis, which is unionised under USE, has agreed to do so, and there will be no location tracking of officers on medical leave,' Ms Shirley Loo, USE's executive secretary said in response to The Straits Times' queries. The decision came days after Certis' medical leave policy drew criticism after an employee's tip-off to the media. The Singapore-headquartered company, which also has operations in Australia and Qatar, recently mandated that employees on medical leave must remain in their declared residential addresses in Singapore. If found to be elsewhere during unannounced house visits, they would be asked to share their live location via Whatsapp, or attend video calls, said a current officer in his letter to the media. Requesting anonymity, the officer said: 'I personally experienced this policy when I was on sick leave and asked to share my live location... This created immense psychological stress and violated my right to privacy. I complied under fear of reprisal.' The officer added that he was at his parents' home when asked to share his location. An internal employee memo seen by ST showed that two Certis officers were dismissed in April 2025 for 'malingering', a term referring to the falsification of illness. Both officers were found to be overseas during a house visit, according to the memo. It added that Certis maintains a resolute stance when addressing disciplinary matters such as 'falsification of records, misconduct, sleeping on duty and cases of absent without leave'. In a statement to The Straits Times earlier on July 1, Certis clarified that these employees were not dismissed solely because they were not at home while on medical leave. 'Termination of employment is decided upon the severity of an officer's misconduct, such as proven malingering, and only taken as a last resort after an extensive and fair process,' said the company spokesperson. He added that Certis visits officers at their homes or the hospital only when they are on frequent or extended medical leave. 'In rare instances, we have asked officers to share their live location, but this is only done where necessary to ensure their well-being, purely voluntary and is always handled with care for privacy,' said the spokesperson. 'The intent of such follow-ups is not punitive. Rather, it is to understand if our officers require further support and also to help manage our manpower planning more effectively,' he added. Certis said the policy was also necessary to help maintain operational readiness and ensure fairness, especially as it faces challenges in recruiting and retaining officers 'The policy is not designed to penalise employees but to address instances of system misuse,' the spokesperson said, adding that a very small number of frontline officers were found to have misused their medical leave. 'There have been situations where officers took MCs to travel overseas. These irresponsible behaviours affect overall team resourcing and are unfair to colleagues who need to cover additional shifts,' said the spokesperson. But Certis also acknowledged the need to work with its union partners to review its current processes, and confirmed that it would stop the controversial policy of requesting live locations from officers on medical leave. Ms Loo from USE, an affiliate of the National Trades Union Congress, said the union is working with Certis to improve their internal communication so that its policies are clearly explained to officers. She added that the union does not condone any abuse of medical leave, which undermines trust and affects the wellbeing of other officers. 'We will work with Certis to manage any alleged abuse of medical leave cases through fair and proper processes,' she said. Both Certis and USE also agreed to co-organise regular monthly engagement sessions, providing a platform for ongoing dialogue with frontline officers. In response to ST's query, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) on June 30 said there could be legitimate reasons as to why an employee might not be at home when ill, and this should not be taken as conclusive evidence of misconduct. The ministry said employers must not discourage employees from taking sick leave, a statutory entitlement. Employees should be able to take sick leave to address their health needs and use it responsibly. MOM also encouraged employers to regularly engage their employees to address concerns and ensure that their policies are well-communicated. 'This will help to build trust between employers and employees, and create a positive workplace culture.' Sharon Salim is a business correspondent at The Straits Times, with a focus on jobs, workplace culture and trends. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
