Latest news with #Lam
Online Citizen
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Online Citizen
SMRT links July Bukit Panjang LRT disruptions to faults in newly installed Power Scada system
SINGAPORE: A nearly two-hour disruption to Bukit Panjang LRT (BPLRT) services on 19 July 2025 has been traced to a fault in the newly installed Power Scada system. Transport operator SMRT confirmed in a statement on 20 July 2025 that its initial investigations found the power fault 'shares a similar failure mode' with an earlier three-hour disruption on 3 July 2025. All 13 stations on the BPLRT were affected during both service interruptions. According to Lam Sheau Kai, president of Singapore's SMRT Trains, the repeated faults were linked to the Power Scada system installed under the Land Transport Authority (LTA) Power Renewal Project. This system, still under its Defects Liability Period, is designed to monitor and control power distribution across the LRT line to improve safety and reliability. On 19 July, the power fault occurred at around 2.45pm, causing four trains to stall between stations. Traction power was restored at approximately 4.00pm, with services gradually resuming from 4.15pm onwards. To reinstate traction power safely, the Emergency Trip System (ETS) was temporarily bypassed. However, the fault in the Power Scada system had affected the ETS, which triggered a network-wide traction power trip. The LTA project team is now carrying out a detailed investigation, including a full design review by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) contractor. Lam said this aims to strengthen network stability and prevent similar faults from occurring. A key priority is ensuring a stable traction power supply as the system continues commissioning. The BPLRT Power Renewal Project is scheduled for completion by end-2026. SMRT stated it will continue to monitor the system closely as renewal works progress. Lam also thanked commuters for their patience and understanding during both incidents. He emphasised that SMRT remains committed to keeping BPLRT services safe and reliable while the renewal project advances. Past faults and upgrades On 1 July, a signalling fault at Orchard station on the Thomson-East Coast Line caused service delays between Napier and Great World stations for two hours. The Bukit Panjang LRT, which spans 8km, has a history of operational issues. The most recent major disruption occurred on 22 October 2024, when service stalled during the evening peak between Bukit Panjang and Choa Chu Kang. Trains did not resume until the next morning. Initial investigations at the time pointed to a fault in one of the train's wheel assemblies. In response, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and SMRT announced reduced operating hours from Thursdays to Sundays, starting 14 November 2024 through to 31 October 2025, to accommodate renewal works. These efforts include upgrading the BPLRT's signalling system and testing both new and retrofitted light-rail vehicles. Since 2022, LTA has been progressively implementing a new communications-based train control system to enhance train speed regulation. The full system renewal is now slated for completion by end-2026, delayed by two years due to manpower shortages and supply chain issues stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2024, the LRT network, which includes the Sengkang-Punggol lines, recorded an average daily ridership of 210,000, reflecting a 4 per cent year-on-year increase.
RTHK
3 days ago
- Business
- RTHK
Book fair vendors expect drop in sales after typhoon
Book fair vendors expect drop in sales after typhoon Organisers extended the opening hours of the book fair on Monday, from 9am to 11pm. Photo: RTHK Book fair exhibitors say sales will be affected after Typhoon Wipha hit Hong Kong on Sunday, despite organisers extending opening hours on Monday. The fair at the Convention and Exhibition Centre was closed on Sunday due to the typhoon, but it opened earlier than usual on Monday with closing time pushed back to 11pm. The Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks, which take place alongside the book fair, also started earlier at 9am, and extended opening hours to 10pm. A publisher surnamed Ng told RTHK that Monday's extra opening hours would not make up for Sunday's closure. 'Without Sunday, I think it'd be definitely a bit affected so we hope to keep the same flow these two days,' she said. Ng said her company is going to offer more discounts to attract customers. A publisher surnamed Lam said this year's sales would drop by at least 10 percent. 'Our business will be affected for almost one day sales volume, but because we are looking forward today and tomorrow, so until now we cannot predict how much of a loss this year, but I think at least 10 percent,' she said. Lam said extending the opening hours helps, as some people can visit the fair after work. A visitor surnamed Cheng said extending the opening hours would benefit both publishers and customers. 'Definitely, because I think a lot of businesses lose the business opportunities yesterday and I think it's better for them to have that kind of compensation and also better for us as consumers to have extended hours,' she said. Another visitor, surnamed Wong, said she believed the arrangement would not be much help to exhibitors. 'Honestly, I'm not sure if this is helpful because it's a Monday, right? And people work, so I'm not sure if it would make a big change,' she said.
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Straits Times
Bukit Panjang LRT disruptions in July both linked to newly installed power system: SMRT
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Both incidents were linked to the newly installed Power Scada system, which is part of the ongoing LTA Power Renewal Project. SINGAPORE - Following a nearly two-hour disruption to Bukit Panjang LRT (BPLRT) services on July 19 , transport operator SMRT said that it had concluded on-site investigations the same evening. Its investigation revealed that the power fault 'shares a similar failure mode' to an earlier three-hour long service disruption on July 3 , said Mr Lam Sheau Kai, the president of SMRT Trains, in a July 20 statement on SMRT's Facebook page. All 13 BPLRT stations were affected during both service disruptions. 'Both incidents were linked to the newly installed Power Scada system, which is part of the ongoing LTA Power Renewal Project,' he said. The Power Scada system plays a key role in monitoring and controlling power distribution across the LRT line, enhancing the safety and reliability of train operations. The BPLRT Power Renewal Project is targeted for completion by end-2026. In both incidents, a fault in the system affected the Emergency Trip System (ETS), triggering a traction power trip across the entire network. 'The LTA project team is conducting a thorough investigation, including a full design review by the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) contractor to strengthen network stability and prevent further recurrence. A key focus is ensuring that the traction power supply remains stable, especially while the system is still being commissioned,' said Mr Lam. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Priority for singles, higher quota for second-timer families to kick in from HDB's July BTO exercise Singapore 1 in 3 vapes here laced with etomidate; MOH working with MHA to list it as illegal drug: Ong Ye Kung Asia Johor Bahru collision claims lives of e-hailing driver and Singapore passenger Sport Arsenal arrive in Singapore for pre-season matches with AC Milan and Newcastle Business Crypto exchange Tokenize to shut down Singapore operations Singapore More initiatives and support for migrant community announced at Racial Harmony Day event Singapore ComfortDelGro to discipline driver who flung relative's wheelchair out of taxi He added that SMRT would continue to monitor the system closely as works progress. 'We thank all affected commuters for their patience and understanding during the disruption. SMRT remains fully committed to keeping BPLRT services running safely while renewal works continue,' said Mr Lam.
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Borneo Post
Transformers-themed muscle car, tuned-up vehicles ignite Apoclaypse Auto Show
Kong (left) and Lam (right) take a look at the engine of a tuned-up car. KUCHING (July 20): From a Transformers-inspired Camaro to a Spy Family-themed four-wheel drive (4WD), the Apoclaypse Auto Show Vol 3 shifted into high gear today. Car enthusiasts and participants rolled into CityOne Megamall basement carpark as early as 8am today to proudly showcase their heavily tuned-up machines, with the revs of roaring engines could be heard from a distance. Among the show-stopping cars was a yellow Chevrolet Camaro with black stripes, clearly drawing inspiration from the 2007 'Transformers' film. Under the hood, it sported an Autbots logo on the engine block, with stacks of miniature Camaros and a Volkswagen Beetle placed on it — a nod to the beloved Autobot character Bumblebee. Also turning heads was a 4WD decorated with three anime action figures and a plushie of Yor Forger — one of the iconic leads from hit anime series Spy Family — adding a playful touch of pop culture. Other eye-catching entries included a sleek Lotus Elise, a Toyota GR86, and a fleet of meticulously modded Subarus. The event was officiated by Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) Sarawak chairman Michael Kong, who represented DAP Sarawak chairman and Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen; as well as Democratic Action Party Socialist Youth (Dapsy) Sarawak secretary George Lam, who represented Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii. Kong said: 'While we celebrate this passion for the automotive world, it is equally important that this hobby is pursued responsibly and within the bounds of the law. 'As we all try to enjoy our hobby and explore the limitations of creativity, let us always be reminded of public safety.' Highlights from the event included 32 competition categories and a lucky draw with prizes such as car accessories and audio systems. Tickets were sold at RM10 each at the organiser's booth, with limited edition event stickers available at RM5 each. In the spirit of giving back, event organiser Apoclaypse Car Club of Kuching announced that 30 per cent of proceeds from ticket and sticker sales would be donated to charity. Apoclaypse Auto Show Vol. 3 car show cityone megamall lead
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Borneo Post
Residents plead for action as man's unruly behaviour sparks fear in Tabuan Dusun
An image showing the man shaking the gate of a house in the residential area. KUCHING (July 19): Residents of Tabuan Dusun are calling for urgent action from authorities after enduring years of disturbances and threats allegedly caused by a man believed to be the son of a prominent local figure. Democratic Action Party Socialist Youth (Dapsy) Sarawak secretary George Lam claimed that he was informed during a site visit that the man, who allegedly has a history of drug abuse and mental health issues, lives alone in a terraced house in the neighbourhood. 'Residents have told me that they have pleaded many times with this Dato to commit the man to psychiatric care. Sadly, instead of taking responsibility, neighbours were asked to 'assist' by sending him food or looking after him — a completely unreasonable demand that has caused tremendous stress and fear in the community,' he said in a statement following a site visit today. The situation escalated yesterday, when the man allegedly broke into a neighbour's renovated home, damaged property, attempted assault, shook another neighbour's gate, threw stones, and was eventually seen wandering naked in the neighbourhood before being apprehended by police. According to him, the Bandar Kuching parliamentary service centre has been handling this case since October last year. He said they had assisted affected residents in filing police reports and mediating the issue on multiple occasions but the man's mental condition is highly unpredictable, having allegedly committed numerous offences, threatening neighbours repeatedly, and continues to return to the neighbourhood after brief police involvement. Residents claimed that the man would frequently shout and bang on walls at night, disrupting public peace and was only issued warnings despite repeated police reports. In January this year, the man allegedly threw stones and damaged four cars in the neighbourhood, and although was charged in court, the case was withdrawn after a private settlement, claimed Lam. In April this year, it was alleged that the man set fire to a mattress in his bedroom, prompting firefighters to rush in to contain the blaze. He was then reportedly sent to Sentosa Hospital for one month of psychiatric treatment and later returned to the neighbourhood. Last month, it was alleged that he was convicted for drug abuse, fined RM3,300 or 11 months in jail, and placed under a three-year good behaviour bond, requiring weekly check-ins at the police station. 'Since he did not serve jail time, it is presumed the fine was paid on his behalf. Yesterday, the situation escalated dramatically. 'Residents of Tabuan Dusun have lived under constant stress and danger for years. Enough is enough. They now demand firm and immediate action from the authorities,' Lam further claimed. He added that regardless of who the man's father is, the law must be enforced given that the safety of the community is above all. 'The residents — particularly those living next to him — are fully prepared to cooperate with police by providing statements and evidence.' George Lam lead prominent figures Tabuan Dusun unruly behaviour
