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New Paper
4 days ago
- New Paper
13 men arrested for being suspected members of secret societies
Thirteen men aged between 23 and 42 were arrested for being suspected members of secret societies during a two-day operation. On May 23 and 24, almost 90 people and more than 40 public entertainment outlets, nightlife establishments and food and beverage outlets were checked. The islandwide operation was led by the Secret Societies Branch of the Criminal Investigation Department, said the police in a statement on May 31. Investigations into all suspects are ongoing. The police said they will continue to conduct such operations and take firm action against those who associate with secret societies. They also advised the public to steer clear of secret society activities and make police reports against those who engage in such activities. Anyone found guilty of being a member of an unlawful society may face a jail term of up to three years, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. More than 1,300 suspected members of unlawful societies were arrested from 2022 to 2024. According to figures from the Singapore Prison Service, there has been an increase in the number of young people jailed for their involvement in secret society activities under the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act.
Straits Times
27-05-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
Prison programme helps elderly inmates with mobility issues reintegrate into society
The Singapore Prison Service's Throughcare Management Service for Elderly Offenders is a rehabilitation programme started in 2023 for seniors with mobility issues. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR SINGAPORE – For seniors who have been incarcerated, reintegrating into society after their release can be a daunting task. Some are estranged from their families, while others struggle to find accommodation or jobs. For John (not his real name), 75, who is currentl y serving a sentence of two years and six months, a challenge is finding a meaningful way to spend his free time after he returns to society. He is among a number of prisoners enrolled in the Singapore Prison Service's (SPS) Throughcare Management Service for Elderly Offenders (TMSEO), a rehabilitation programme started in 202 3 for seniors with mobility issues. It was launched in partnership with Care Community Services Society (CCSS), a social service organisation that provides programmes for individuals in need. As at April, 80 inmates have attended the programme. Senior inmates aged 60 and above who reside in the Assisted Living Correctional Unit (ALCU) qualify for the programme. The ALCU, launched in 2016, comprises cells fitted with amenities such as plastic beds, sitting toilets and grab bars, reserved for inmates with mobility issues. As at April, there are 65 inmates living in these cells, 35 of whom are aged 65 and above. Inmates in the TMSEO programme attend group sessions with social workers from CCSS, where they learn skills such as problem-solving through activities and learn to challenge patterns of negative thinking. The group sessions have an exercise component for senior inmates to encourage active ageing. Inmates also attend individual counselling sessions, where social workers help them come up with a plan for their release. 'The programme helped me identify what I need to work on when I am released, and it taught me the importance of taking care of my physical health,' John said. Inmate John in his cell in the assisted living correctional unit block at Changi Prison. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR He added that he has weak knees and is unable to walk long distances. In prison, he uses a wheelchair to move from his cell to the recreation yard twice a week, where he spends time exercising. Nowadays, he tries to keep himself busy with simple exercises in his cell or reading the newspapers. After his release in October, John hopes to go on a holiday with his wife. Inmate John says Singapore Service Prison's Throughcare Management Service for Elderly Offenders programme has helped him identify what he needs to work on upon release. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR The TMSEO programme ensures that senior inmates like John receive a specially tailored correctional programme while serving their sentences and aftercare services upon their release. These may include helping senior inmates find work or accommodation, or connecting them with active ageing centres to ensure they have adequate social support after release. Inmates using walking aid and wheelchairs at the recreation area inside Institution A5 at Changi Prison Complex. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR Assistant Superintendent Nor Yusdzaidie Bagio, who oversees the planning and delivery of rehabilitation programmes and reintegration services at the Changi Prison Complex, told the media that having extended community engagement with senior inmates helps build rapport with them. 'A big issue is that (elderly inmates) do not have social support after their release, so having a community partner provide them this support really helps with their reintegration into society,' he said, adding that the main issues elderly inmates face are finding accommodation and financial stability. 'While these are common areas of concern for all inmates, what's different for the elderly is that their health might present a challenge when it comes to finding employment. This leads to a spillover effect of helplessness and loss of self-worth,' he said. Assistant Superintendent Nor Yusdzaidie Bagio says the main issues elderly inmates face are finding accommodation and financial stability. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR By undergoing counselling sessions, these inmates learn how to manage their expectations, and 'age gracefully ', he added. The assisted living correctional unit inside Institution A5 at Changi Prison Complex. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR For older inmates incarcerated for drug offences, ASP Yusdzaidie said part of the TMSEO programme involves creating a relapse plan, which helps inmates understand their triggers and motivations for drug use. The plan will also guide them on what to do if they face a situation where they are tempted to relapse. Although the programme is currently available only to elderly inmates residing in the ALCU, ASP Yusdzaidie said there are plans to expand it to older inmates occupying regular cells. Claudia Tan is a journalist at The Straits Times covering the crime and court beat. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
CNA
23-05-2025
- CNA
Two men charged over forging of documents to cheat Singapore Prison Service
SINGAPORE: Two men were charged on Friday (May 23) for their alleged role in forging documents to deceive the Singapore Prison Service (SPS) into thinking that their company's quotations for works were the lowest-priced. Kiew Khie Leong, 35, faces two counts of forgery, while Tan Sin Liang, 62, was handed on count of abetting forgery. According to the Singapore Police Force, the pair were employees of two different subcontractors engaged by a term contractor for mechanical and electrical works. This was for a development project under the SPS. Details of the project were not revealed in court documents. Kiew, a Malaysian, is said to have forged 11 quotations purportedly issued by two other contractors in 2019. Between Jan 23, 2019, and Dec 5, 2019, Kiew allegedly prepared five quotations under the letterheads of DRK Construction, and six quotations under the letterheads of Pro-Wire Engineering, without authorisation. Kiew did not enter any plea and his case was adjourned for him to engage a lawyer. His case will be mentioned again on Jun 6. As for Tan, the Singaporean is accused of instigating his administrative staff to forge three documents under the letterheads of Beryllus with the intent to commit fraud on SPS. This allegedly happened between Jan 24, 2018, and Dec 4, 2020. Tan told the court he was not guilty. His case has been fixed for a pre-trial conference on Jun 25.
CNA
16-05-2025
- CNA
Halfway house residents less likely to reoffend upon release: Singapore Prison Service
New data from the Singapore Prison Service shows drug offenders in halfway house programmes are less likely to reoffend after they are released. But, successful reintegration requires a combined effort from external employers, family and most importantly, the offenders themselves. In this CNA exclusive, Aslam Shah visits halfway houses across Singapore to uncover how these programmes are working on the ground.
Malay Mail
09-05-2025
- Malay Mail
Ex-Singapore prison officer fined S$300 for shoplifting four boxes of lozenges from supermarket
SINGAPORE, May 9 — A former prison officer was fined S$300 (RM995) for stealing four boxes of lozenges worth just over S$21 from a supermarket in Circuit Road, Singapore last year. The Straits Times reported that Eddie Tan Kyim Hiong, 47, pleaded guilty to a charge of theft and was sentenced on Wednesday. The incident took place on the evening of June 28, 2024, at a Sheng Siong outlet. According to the facts of the case, a retail assistant, suspicious of Tan's behaviour, kept an eye on him and later noticed he had placed the lozenges into a pouch without paying for them. After Tan paid for some apples and exited the store, the staff member confronted him and recovered the unpaid items. The police were called shortly before 7.50pm. At the time of the offence, Tan was employed by the Singapore Prison Service (SPS). He was subsequently redeployed to non-sensitive administrative duties during police investigations, before resigning on March 1 this year. In a statement issued on May 8, the SPS said it takes misconduct by its officers seriously: 'All prison officers are expected to uphold exemplary standards of integrity, discipline, and personal conduct. Those who commit offences will be dealt with in accordance with the law.' Tan could have faced up to three years' jail and a fine under Singapore's laws on theft.
