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New Paper
20-07-2025
- General
- New Paper
Smell of stinky tofu at Yishun pasar malam is 'unbearable'
Stinky tofu, with its pungent odour, is something you either love or hate - there is no in-between. The "unbearable" smell of the Chinese fermented tofu at a pasar malam (night market) next to Yishun MRT station has drawn the ire of a member of the public. When a Shin Min Daily News reporter visited the market, a slight odour could already be detected from the MRT station, which intensified with the breeze. There were two stinky tofu stalls located in opposite corners of the pasar malam, separated by 20 to 30 stalls. The pasar malam temporarily occupied the space next to the station. SCREENGRAB: GOOGLE MAPS Mr Huang, 40, does not enjoy the smell of stinky tofu, but felt that there was no need to complain: "Stinky tofu smells like this. After all, people are just trying to make a living." Another interviewee, 82-year-old Mr Huang, had a similar sentiment. He acknowledged the strong smell but pointed out that many enjoy eating it, and saw no issue with its sale. An employee at one of the stinky tofu stalls told the Chinese daily that they had taken measures to reduce the odour after receiving complaints. Ms Ouyang, 32, said that her boss has installed a pipe to vent fumes outside the pasar malam. The frying area is semi-enclosed, while an exhaust hood helps prevent the fumes from spreading to the surrounding area. "We know that stinky tofu has a strong smell and we don't want it to affect other stalls and customers, so the boss specially installed this big pipe to minimise the impact." The stall installed a pipe several metres long. PHOTO: SHIN MIN DAILY NEWS A patron of the store, 24-year-old Ms Zhuang, joked that stinky tofu is like durian - some adore it, others detest it. She believed that such stalls help to diversify the offerings at the pasar malam. The other stinky tofu store has also installed an exhaust hood and a pipe extending outside the market. However, a store employee declined to comment further as their boss was not present. The Yishun pasar malam, which operated from June 28 to July 13, will be relocated.
New Paper
15-07-2025
- General
- New Paper
'It's almost revolting': Singapore's durian craze is not for all
When wildlife advocate Robert Irwin tried durian for the first time in Singapore a year ago, he called it the "most polarising food in the world". He might have a point. As durian season, which typically occurs between June and September, hits its peak and Singaporeans flock to satisfy their durian cravings, not everyone is sold on the king of fruits. "I don't hate it but it's not something I will want to have," 19-year-old polytechnic student, Mr Seah, told The New Paper: "I used to be quite fond of it but as I grow older, I find the smell to be quite unpleasant. It's so strong that it's almost revolting, and when people have it, it just fills the entire space with that pungent smell." He added: "If you paid me to eat it I think I would, but durian is not something I'll squeeze with people in queues for." On a Reddit thread detailing different durian varieties with over a hundred comments, some netizens shared similar sentiments. "I swear, I really tried, but as soon as I had a piece in my mouth and it was all creamy and tasted like carrion, I just could not bring myself to have it," said one. "Am I missing something crucial here? Because it was as horrendous in taste as in smell." Operations executive Fu Jia, 24, echoed this sentiment. "I dislike the smell of it in general, it smells so foul. My instinct when I see a durian stall is to avoid it or walk really fast if I have no choice but to go near it," she said. A shared experience for all But durian fanatics could care less about such misgivings. At Block 964 Jurong West Street 91, prices dip as low as $2 per durian, amid the hustle and bustle of the afternoon crowds and stall owners. Durian lovers flock to stalls offering low prices. PHOTO: SHIN MIN DAILY NEWS Durian stall vendor Cai Ming Hong (transliterated) noted that this year's durians are of excellent quality. He expects an even larger harvest by mid-July. His stall receives at least 5,000kg of durians daily, most of which sell out. The 26-year-old told Shin Min Daily News: "For example, the B-grade Musang King durians are now going for $12 per kg, and we're using premium durians from Pahang for our promotions. "A-grade ones are priced at $20 per kg and are of even better quality. Earlier batches had some weather-related issues, but the current supply tastes great across all varieties." There are also durian delivery services like Durian Delivery, while others opt to visit durian cafes. Durian vending machines, installed by local durian retailer Kaki Kaki, have even popped up in Tampines. So why do so many Singaporeans have such a fondness for the pungent delight? One Reddit poster suggested that it serves as a form of community building, creating shared experiences that bring people together. "It's a seasonal thing, so getting together to eat it is a cultural/social thing that has developed over the years. It's just another way to chill with friends and family." Another Redditor suggested that it is inextricably tied to national identity: "For a country as small as Singapore and only 50 years old, there's not much solid items of culture to look forward to. Especially because it's an amalgamation of other cultures like Chinese, Malay and Indian heritage. "Other than the practices belonging to those races, there's not much physical things Singapore can attribute its original culture to. And that's why we cling to the things we can define as Singaporean." While reactions remain varied, and sometimes even extreme, the durian continues to unite Singaporeans in the common experience of rushing to buy it - or avoiding it completely.
New Paper
15-07-2025
- New Paper
Sheng Siong suspended PayNow withdrawals over money laundering fears
A new money laundering scheme caused Sheng Siong to temporarily suspend PayNow cash withdrawals from its Simple Teller Machines ($TMs) recently. The withdrawal service allows users to scan a PayNow QR code at the machines to withdraw cash of up to $1,000 per transaction. But in early June, criminals appeared to have abused the service to launder illicit funds, causing the supermarket chain to temporarily suspend the service from June 19. It was restored on June 23. The scheme was discovered after Sheng Siong noticed large cash withdrawals were made simultaneously from multiple $TMs across Singapore by the same PayNow account on June 18. There are more than 60 $TMs at Sheng Siong outlets islandwide. When the same account was used to withdraw more cash on June 19, Sheng Siong staff detained the persons who had taken the cash and called the police. Four males, aged 16 to 23, were charged on June 21 in relation to the scheme. They are believed to have responded to "fast cash job" advertisements on Telegram. The supposed job required them to go to the $TMs and use it to generate PayNow QR codes, which they took photos of and sent back to the Telegram group. Shortly after, the machine would dispense the cash, which they were to take and hand over to another person. It is believed criminals in the Telegram group were using compromised bank accounts to make the PayNow payments remotely via the photos of the QR codes. On June 26, the police took two of the accused persons back to $TMs in Sengkang and Tampines. Muhammad Noraidilsahiq Muhammad Norasif, 20, allegedly withdrew $8,000 from the machine on June 19 at the Sheng Siong outlet in Sengkang West Avenue, where he was taken back during investigations. Muhammad Noraidilsahiq Muhammad Norasif allegedly withdrew $8,000 from the machine on June 19 at the Sheng Siong outlet in Sengkang West Avenue. PHOTO: SHIN MIN DAILY NEWS He faces one charge under the Penal Code for receiving the stolen property. Muhammad Izz Iryan Mod Ali, 23, was allegedly found with $20,300 that were benefits of criminal conduct. He was taken to the $TM at the Sheng Siong outlet in Tampines Street 86 and faces one charge under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act. Muhammad Izz Iryan Mod Ali was allegedly found with $20,300 that were benefits of criminal conduct. PHOTO: SHIN MIN DAILY NEWS His 18-year-old brother, Muhammad Izz Irshad Mod Ali, is also one of the accused persons. He allegedly took $4,000 of cash from the $TM at the Sheng Siong outlet in Jurong West Street 42 between June 9 and 13. He faces one charge under the Penal Code for receiving the stolen property. The fourth person charged is a 16-year-old who allegedly took $19,500 from the $TM at the Sheng Siong outlet in Serangoon North Avenue 5 on June 18 and 19. He also faces one charge under the Penal Code for receiving the stolen property. All four have been remanded and their cases are expected to be heard again on June 27. Sheng Siong's customer and operations director Lin Zikai told the media on June 26 that Sheng Siong had noticed the abnormal withdrawals on June 18 and suspended the service on June 19. The service was restored on June 23 after it implemented an additional safeguard limiting the maximum number of transactions per PayNow account to five. The withdrawal service allows users to scan a PayNow QR code at the machines to withdraw cash of up to $1,000 per transaction. PHOTO: SHIN MIN DAILY NEWS Mr Lin said before this, users could make cash withdrawals of up to $1,000 per transaction, but the number of transactions was limited only by the PayNow account's limit. While the default daily limit for PayNow transactions is $1,000, users were able to change it to a maximum of $200,000. This meant they could make up to 200 transactions of $1,000 each daily. With the new safeguard, the maximum withdrawal from a single PayNow account is now capped at $5,000. Mr Lin said: "This case was actually detected by our Sheng Siong HQ office. They realised there were multiple transactions from the same (PayNow) user at different outlets at the same time. "That's when we contacted the bank and made a police report." Those convicted of receiving stolen property can be jailed for up to five years and fined.
Straits Times
02-07-2025
- Straits Times
TikTok shopper spends $2,300 on jade bracelets that are actually fake -- and that's not the worst part
A woman bought jade bracelets advertised on a TikTok livestream and discovered they were fake. PHOTO: SHIN MIN DAILY NEWS TikTok shopper spends $2,300 on jade bracelets that are actually fake -- and that's not the worst part A woman bought jade bracelets advertised on a TikTok livestream and discovered they were fake. Mdm Xie Meijun, 48, saw an account selling jade bracelets on TikTok live on May 19. The livestreamer claimed he was selling bracelets made out of Burmese jade for low prices. "The seller said that he was selling high-quality Burmese jade and even showed a certificate of authenticity," Xie told Shin Min Daily News. "The goods in the livestream looked high quality, so I believed him and bought seven jade bracelets for $2,300." She purchased the bracelets for herself, as gifts to friends and relatives, and also to resell them. Xie said that the seven jade bracelets were sold at prices ranging from $100 to over $600, with the most expensive one being $688. "After one of the $500 jade bracelets arrived, I immediately sent it for authentication, which cost $70," she explained. "Unexpectedly, the inspection found that the bracelets were made of fake jade which had been dyed and injected with polymer, and the material was harmful to health when worn." PHOTO: SHIN MIN DAILY NEWS Xie said she could not wear, give or sell away the bracelets, and that her money has gone down the drain. She added: "I questioned the merchant, who claimed that there was a problem with the inspection service and questioned whether I truly knew the goods." After Xie reported the account on TikTok, she found that the merchant had changed his account and started a new livestream to continue selling jade bracelets. She also sent direct messages warning those who expressed interest in buying the bracelets during the livestream, but they ignored her and continued to place orders. Xie speculated that these enthusiastic customers were 'shills' who lured others into being deceived by livening up the broadcast to influence others into placing orders. She also reported the incident to the police. In response to a media query, the police confirmed that a report was lodged. "I no longer expect to get a refund, but I hope to warn others," Xie said. Shin Min Daily News attempted to contact the seller but did not receive a response. Click here to contribute a story or submit it to our WhatsApp Get more of Stomp's latest updates by following us on:
Straits Times
30-06-2025
- Straits Times
Jail for driver who showed no remorse for causing death of teen in ECP race: 'What she deserved'
Jail for driver who showed no remorse for causing death of teen in ECP race: 'What she deserved' Nadine Chua The Straits Times June 30, 2025 A driver who played blocking and braking games with a motorcycle and went at speeds of up to 160kmh on the expressway showed no remorse despite causing the death of the 18-year-old pillion rider on the motorcycle. When his friend said he was crazy to play with someone's life, the driver replied that the victim "deserved it" as she pushed his limits. Jarrett Tee Lee Kiat, 30, was sentenced to five years and eight months' jail on June 27 after he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of Ms Leann Lim Jia Le. Ms Lim, an 18-year-old student, was the pillion rider on the motorcycle when Tee swerved into it, causing Ms Lim to be flung onto the road. The collision also left the motorcycle rider, Mr Kovan Tan, 27, injured with multiple abrasions and a right-hand laceration. PHOTO: SHIN MIN DAILY NEWS Apart from his jail term, Tee was handed a 10-year driving ban for his offence. He was a student at the National University of Singapore at the time of the incident, as well as a part-time chef and social media influencer. On the night of Feb 23, 2024, Tee contacted a man identified in court documents as Vincent Loh via Telegram and asked if he was interested to go "grounding" with two girls. Deputy Public Prosecutor Paul Chia said "grounding" was a slang understood as the act of driving around aimlessly. Mr Loh agreed to Tee's suggestion, and the men and two 16-year-old girls met at Sembawang for supper before driving around separately in Tee's and Mr Loh's cars. Sometime during the night, Ms Lim and her boyfriend, 16, met up with the group. At one point, a 16-year-old girl and Ms Lim's boyfriend ended up with Tee in his rented Mercedes-Benz car, while Mr Tan rode his motorcycle with Ms Lim as pillion. The two vehicles travelled along the East Coast Parkway (ECP) to meet Mr Loh and another 16-year-old girl at East Coast Park. On their way there, Tee and Mr Tan raced one another with Tee's car going at speeds of up to 160kmh. Tee then sped up, overtook Mr Tan's motorcycle and began to play "blocking and braking games". Tee then told his passengers: "Do you want to see motorcycle fly?" to which Ms Lim's boyfriend pleaded with him not to. When Tee saw the motorcycle about to overtake him, he immediately swerved his car to block it. His car swiped the motorcycle, causing both Mr Tan and Ms Lim to be flung about 5m to 8m away. PHOTOS: SHIN MIN DAILY NEWS Before the police or ambulance arrived, Tee called Mr Loh and said the motorcycle had collided with him. When Mr Loh asked how it happened, Tee said Mr Tan kept revving the motorcycle at him and that Ms Lim had pointed her middle finger at him so he "played with the motorcycle". Following the collision, Ms Lim was found to have suffered significant brain injury and died in hospital. Tee was arrested at the scene and lied to the police that the motorcycle was "tailgating (him) and was high-beaming (him)". He was later released on bail. After his release from police custody, Tee met up with Mr Loh, who asked if he was afraid following the incident. Tee replied "why scared", and said: "Who ask her to pissed me off? The accident (that) caused her death is what she deserved." In his submissions, DPP Chia said the facts surrounding this case set out "one of the worst examples of dangerous driving possible". "The way which the accused drove which resulted in the collision and the death of Leann was extremely dangerous. His level of culpability is on the extreme end of high," the prosecutor added. Those convicted of dangerous driving causing death can be jailed for between two and eight years, and can be disqualified from driving. Click here to contribute a story or submit it to our WhatsApp Get more of Stomp's latest updates by following us on:
