Latest news with #MuhammadFaishalIbrahim
CNA
01-08-2025
- Business
- CNA
PM Lawrence Wong's National Day Message to be broadcast on Aug 8
SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's National Day Message will be broadcast on Aug 8, the Prime Minister's Office announced on Friday (Aug 1). Mr Wong, who is also finance minister, will deliver his message in English. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong will deliver the message in Mandarin, while Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs and Senior Minister of State for the Ministry of Home Affairs Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim will deliver it in Malay. Minister of State for the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth and Ministry of Manpower, Dinesh Vasu Dash will deliver the message in Tamil. The first broadcast in English will air on CNA and CNA938 at 6.40pm. The Malay broadcast will be at 8.30pm on Suria, followed by the Mandarin broadcast on Channel 8 and Capital 958 at 8.40pm. The Tamil broadcast will air at 9pm on Vasantham and Oli 968. The National Day Message in the four languages will also be available on the PMO website and its YouTube channel after the first broadcasts. In Mr Wong's first National Day Message, he spoke about the efforts being made to keep the cost of living stable, as well as support for families under the Forward Singapore initiative.
Straits Times
25-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
$15m upgrade for Masjid Alkaff Kampung Melayu; new mosque to be built in Tampines North from mid-2027
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim (right) visiting Masjid Alkaff Kampung Melayu, as part of his engagement with the community. SINGAPORE - Upgrading work on the Alkaff Kampung Melayu mosque in Bedok North has begun and is expected to last more than two years at a cost of $15 million. Separately, construction of a mosque in Tampines North is expected to start in mid-2027 and be completed in 2029. Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim made these announcements during a visit to Alkaff Kampung Melayu Mosque on July 25. The upgrading of Masjid Alkaff Kampung Melayu Mosque started in April and is expected to be completed in two phases over 26 months, said the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) in a statement on July 25. The works will improve accessibility with features such as barrier-free amenities, and optimise space in the 30-year-old mosque. 'The current layout and infrastructure need to be refreshed and optimised to better serve the needs of our growing congregants and the aged,' said Muis, adding that post-upgrade it will be able to accommodate up to 3,200 congregants, up from the current 3,000. The project will include expanding the main prayer hall on the first floor to include new wings with classrooms and administrative offices, as well as installing a new passenger lift and refreshing the building's facade. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore SMRT to pay lower fine of $2.4m for EWL disruption; must invest at least $600k to boost reliability Singapore MRT service changes needed to modify 3 East-West Line stations on Changi Airport stretch: LTA Asia Live: Thailand-Cambodia border clashes continue for second day Singapore Etomidate found in blood of 2 people involved in fatal Punggol Road accident in May: HSA Singapore More students to get Smart Buddy watches; most schools have gone cashless Singapore Vape disposal bins at 23 CCs for users to surrender e-vaporisers, without facing penalties Business Microsoft Singapore managing director Lee Hui Li dies while on sabbatical Singapore Kopi, care and conversation: How this 20-year-old helps improve the well-being of the elderly During the upgrading period, the mosque will still be operational for daily and Friday prayers, with a limited space for about 1,000 congregants, added Muis. An artist's impression of the main prayer hall of Masjid Alkaff Kampung Melayu. PHOTO: MUIS Masjid Alkaff Kampung Melayu is also actively raising funds for the $15 million project through multiple avenues, such as religious talks, charity drives and donation boxes placed in mosques islandwide. Meanwhile, the construction of a mosque in Tampines North that had been put on hold during the Covid-19 pandemic will begin in mid-2027. Prof Faishal announced that design development of the new mosque, located along Tampines North Drive 5, will kick off by the end of 2025. The larger project will be overseen by the management board of the nearby Darul Ghufran Mosque, he said. Former minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Masagos Zulkifli had said in March that the new Tampines North mosque will ease the load of Darul Ghufran – the only mosque in Tampines and Singapore's biggest. Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim (right) interacting with worshippers during his visit at Masjid Alkaff Kampung Melayu. PHOTO: BERITA HARIAN While the mosque, located next to Our Tampines Hub, can accommodate up to 5,500 worshippers, Mr Masagos said it was overstretched by having to conduct two to three sessions during Friday prayers and Hari Raya prayers. Muis said that Darul Ghuffran mosque's management board would lend their expertise and experience in mosque management, as well as their familiarity with the Tampines area. Speaking to the media after Friday prayers, Associate Professor Faishal said that mosques are vital institutions that play a central role in fulfilling the socio-religious needs of the Muslim community. Earlier in July, he had announced that Darussalam Mosque in Clementi will undergo a $10.3 million upgrade from September, while a site for the future mosque serving the new Tengah town has been reserved along Forest Drive. 'We welcome feedback and views from the community on how we can shape the two new upcoming mosques together,' said Prof Faishal, who is also Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs. 'This is an exciting chapter for Muslim residents in the Tampines area, and I look forward to building these mosques together – a space that will serve many generations to come.'
Straits Times
23-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Singapore supports calls for immediate end to Gaza war, full and unimpeded flow of aid: Faishal
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim said he was "deeply saddened" by the continuing loss of innocent lives in Gaza. SINGAPORE - Several countries have jointly called for an immediate end to the war in Gaza, and to lift restrictions on humanitarian aid there, a stance Singapore supports, said Acting Minister for Muslim Affairs Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim. 'I fully share their urgency for the sake of humanity,' said Assoc Prof Faishal in a Facebook post early on July 23. He added that the Republic has consistently called for the full and unimpeded flow of humanitarian assistance into Gaza, and has been supporting efforts to alleviate the suffering of people in Gaza. 'At the same time, we also continue to call for the immediate release of all remaining hostages. Every life matters. I hope the relevant parties will come to an agreement quickly, because every day this war continues, more lives are lost and more families are broken,' Assoc Prof Faishal said in his post. 'The violence cannot go on. It's time to stop the suffering and work towards peace and dignity for everyone.' Assoc Prof Faishal's post comes after a group of largely European nations issued a statement on July 21 calling for Israel to immediately end its war in Gaza. The group of nations, including Japan, Britain and France, condemned the 'inhumane killing' of Palestinians there and what they called the 'drip feeding of aid' to these people. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore S'pore's domestic recycling rate drops to all time low of 11% Singapore HDB launches 10,209 BTO and balance flats, as priority scheme for singles kick in Business Singapore's digital banks finding their niche in areas like SMEs as they narrow losses in 2024 Asia Japan Prime Minister Ishiba to resign by August, Mainichi newspaper reports World Trump says US will charge 19% tariff on goods from Philippines, down from 20% Singapore Two found dead after fire in Toa Payoh flat Singapore 2 foreigners arrested for shop theft at Changi Airport Singapore Ports and planes: The 2 Singapore firms helping to keep the world moving More than 800 civilians have been killed while seeking aid, the majority near Gaza Humanitarian Foundation sites backed by the United States and Israel. The foundation largely bypasses the UN-led system that Israel says has let Hamas-affiliated militants to loot aid shipments. The countries behind the July 21 joint statement said Israel was denying essential humanitarian aid and called on the country to fulfil its obligations under international humanitarian law. Israel's Foreign Ministry said the statement was 'disconnected from reality' and it would send the wrong message to Hamas. Separately, MP Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim said in a Facebook post on July 23 that 'such atrocities' need to be investigated, sharing screengrabs on a media article on the joint statement, as well as Assoc Prof Faishal's Facebook post. The lawyer reiterated that Singapore supports an investigation into breaches of international law, in the conflict between Israel and Hamas since Hamas' Oct 7, 2023 attack on Israel, referencing a reply by Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan to his parliamentary question in November 2023. Then, Dr Balakrishnan said: 'Any alleged violation of international humanitarian law in this conflict should therefore be investigated in accordance with international law... Yes, we would support that investigation into all allegations, in accordance with international law. 'We hope that all parties will cooperate in the investigations.'
Straits Times
12-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Singapore charity raises $200k in donations for victims of Myanmar quake
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox The funds will go towards Singapore Red Cross relief efforts, which include distributing essentials to quake victims. SINGAPORE - Singaporeans raised $200,000 in humanitarian aid for the victims of the March earthquake that struck Myanmar , with tremors that were felt in neighbouring Thailand. In a statement on July 12, Singapore charity Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation (RLAF) said the amount was raised between April 2 and April 30 in a tie up with the Singapore Red Cross (SRC). The funds will go towards SRC relief efforts, which include distributing essentials such as food, water, and blankets, to quake victims. RLAF handed over the donations to SRC on July 12, and Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim attended the ceremony. Associate Professor Faishal, who is also Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs, said: 'This campaign is a testament to the power of collaboration, compassion, and shared responsibility.' He added that he was heartened by how Singaporeans came together to chip in for a common cause. He said: 'RLAF and SRC's partnership reflects our national ethos of being a caring and outward-looking society - one that responds not only to local needs but also steps up for its neighbours in need.' Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Asia Air India crash report shows pilot confusion over engine switch movement Singapore More NSFs may be recruited to tackle scams: Police Singapore $3 cashback for hawker centre meals and shopping at heartland stores with DBS PayLah initiative Singapore 40% more sign-ups to programmes for adult learners at institutes of higher learning in last 5 years Singapore Wegovy, injectable drug used to treat obesity, now available via prescription in Singapore Business NTT DC Reit's Singapore public offer 9.8 times oversubscribed Multimedia Which floor is this? Chongqing's maze-like environment powers its rise as a megacity Singapore Over 20 motorists caught offering illegal ride-hailing services at Changi Airport and Gardens by the Bay On March 28, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit the Sagaing region of Myanmar.
Singapore Law Watch
12-06-2025
- Singapore Law Watch
Removal of mandatory minimum sentences for some dangerous driving offences to kick in from June 12
Removal of mandatory minimum sentences for some dangerous driving offences to kick in from June 12 Source: Straits Times Article Date: 12 Jun 2025 Author: Andrew Wong Annual statistics released by the Traffic Police on Feb 21 showed a five-year high in the number of people killed or injured in accidents across 2024. Updated legislation covering dangerous and careless driving offences, with mandatory minimum sentences for first-time offenders removed, will take effect on June 12. The first tranche of amendments in the Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act will lower the mandatory minimum jail terms for repeat offenders of dangerous driving causing death or grievous hurt to two years' jail and one year's jail, respectively. The mandatory minimum jail term and disqualification period for first-time offenders will also be removed. No changes will be made to the maximum penalties for repeat offenders. Those convicted of dangerous driving causing death can face up to 15 years' jail, while those who cause grievous hurt can be jailed for up to 10 years. In a June 11 statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said: 'The courts will have the flexibility to decide on the appropriate sentence in every case, and MHA expects egregious offenders to continue to be subject to stiff penalties.' Annual statistics released by the Traffic Police (TP) on Feb 21 showed a five-year high in the number of people killed or injured in accidents across 2024. The figures showed that of the 139 fatal accidents in 2024, a total of 46 cases – or one in three – were related to speeding. A total of 142 people died in road accidents in 2024. 'MHA continues to be concerned about the road safety situation in Singapore. TP has intensified its enforcement efforts against egregious driving behaviour, including drink driving,' MHA said. 'We recently announced increases in the penalties for speeding offences, and are reviewing other laws and policies to promote a culture of responsible driving and ensure sufficient penalties for offenders.' Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim had said in Parliament on Jan 7 that the amendments do not mean the Government is signalling a more lenient stance towards repeat offenders. Rather, the changes were made to recalibrate the balance between deterrence and proportionality. Prosecutors will also be given more flexibility to proceed on a 'hurt' charge even when 'grievous hurt' is caused, he said. This is to enable the prosecution to take into account other circumstances that could have been involved. They include the nature of the victim's injury and whether other road users were partly responsible for the accident. The refreshed Act will also adjust how motorists' track records affect their classification as repeat offenders for dangerous or careless driving offences. Under the new Act, motorists will be classified as repeat offenders only if they have at least two prior speeding convictions in excess of 40kmh of the road or vehicle's speed limit. At least two of the speeding convictions will also need to have occurred within five years of the dangerous or careless driving offence they are currently facing. Motorists with previous convictions for dangerous or careless driving, or found to have conducted illegal speed trials, will continue to be classified as repeat offenders if found to have committed another similar offence. Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction. Print
