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Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Yahoo
Singaporean man gets 72 years' jail in Malaysia for murder of wife and stepson; 'I vaped when I woke up until I slept': Singapore live news
A Singaporean man who murdered his 27-year-old wife and her 11-year-old son has been sentenced by a Malaysian court to 72 years in prison and 24 strokes of the cane, reports Bernama. Shahrul Nizam Zuraimy reportedly dismembered the bodies and disposed of the body parts in different locations, in an bid to prevent future identification of his victims. More than 30 clients have sought help at We Care Community Services to quit vaping in 2025, reports ST. Social agencies said that they are seeing more young people vaping, with some starting as young as 10 years old. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates: Singaporean man gets 72 years' jail in Malaysia for grisly murder of wife and stepson A 36-year-old Singaporean man found guilty of murdering his wife and stepson has been sentenced by a Malaysian court to 72 years in prison and 24 strokes of the cane, reports Bernama. Shahrul Nizam Zuraimy – who was spared the death penalty – had killed his 27-year-old wife, Norfazera Bidin, and her 11-year-old son, Muhammad Iman Ashraf, in October 2019. The New Straits Times reports that the man dismembered the bodies of his two victims and disposed of the body parts in different locations, in an effort to prevent identification. "The heads of both victims were carefully wrapped and hidden in the ceiling to prevent the smell and blood from being detected," Melaka High Court judge, Anselm Charles Fernandis was quoted by NST as saying. The Melaka High Court has ordered Shahrul to serve 36 years in prison and receive 12 strokes of the cane for each of the two charges – with his sentences to run consecutively starting from his date of arrest on 11 October 2019. 'I vaped when I woke up until I slept': Youth turning to vapes to cope with stress Malcolm (not his real name) turned to etomidate-laced vapes, or Kpods, after he failed his O-level exams. The 18-year-old, in an interview with the Straits Times, recalled how he used Kpods to cope with the stress and disappointment of his O-level setback. A schoolmate had introduced him to them. "My friend said [Kpods] would help with the depression, but it made it worse." Malcolm revealed he would vape from the time he woke up until he slept. Within months, he would start to black out every day. Concerned, his parents contacted an addiction recovery centre, We Care Community Services, for help. He has been attending daily weekday counselling sessions – and is now clean of Kpods for three months. The young man is set to start a PSB Academy course in life sciences in September. Malcom is just one of over 30 clients who sought help at We Care to quit vaping in 2025, reports ST. Social agencies, quoted in the report, said that they are seeing more young people vaping, with some starting as young as 10 years old. You can read more insights from the social workers in the full article, here. Local indie theatre The Projector ceases operations after a decade The Projector, a beloved spot in Singapore's independent cinema scene since 2014, has ceased operations today (19 August). The indie theatre announced the sad news in an Instagram post which stated it "will enter voluntary liquidation after a decade of championing alternative films, local creativity, and community-led programming." "Rising operational costs, shifting audience habits, and the global decline in cinema attendance have made sustaining an independent model in Singapore especially challenging," The Projector explained. You can read the full announcement from The Projector, here. FairPrice warns customers of scam questionnaire claiming $4,000 giveaway FairPrice has warned the public about a fake online questionnaire which claims the company is giving away $4,000. The supermarket chain, in an e-mail alert to customers, said the questionnaire is not linked to FairPrice or endorsed by it. The scam questionnaire is making the rounds on WhatsApp and appears to be an attempt by criminals to gain access to sensitive data. "We will never send SMS, WhatsApp or other messages asking for your username, password or financial information," said FairPrice. More on this story, here. Shein HQ weighs China relocation: Report Online fashion retailer Shein Group is considering relocating its headquarters from Singapore back to China, according to a Bloomberg News report. The report, citing sources, sees the relocation as an effort to gain Beijing authorities' approval for its planned Hong Kong IPO. Shein has reportedly consulted lawyers on setting up a parent company in mainland China but discussions were only preliminary with no guarantee of Shein finalising the move. Shein was founded in China in 2008 by entrepreneur Xu Yangtian and started out selling wedding dresses online. It has since grown into global fashion giant, especially among the Gen Z base who are drawn to the brand's fashion appeal and its pricing. 81-year-old woman taken to hospital after her car turns turtle in accident An 81-year-old woman was taken to the hospital after an accident involving a car and a minibus in Upper Thomson Road on the morning of 18 August. The police were alerted at about 8.55am to the accident which resulted in a car overturning. The woman, who was the driver of the red car, was taken conscious to Tan Tock Seng Hospital. A 55-year-old male minibus driver is assisting with investigations, which are ongoing, said police. More details of the accident can be found here. Around 20,000 children taken from Ukraine by Russia, Zelensky says Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked US first lady Melania Trump for her "compassion" and advocacy for children amid Russia's war with Ukraine. Melania had penned a letter to Vladimir Putin that spoke about the need to protect children – it was hand-delivered by US President Donald Trump to the Russian leader in Alaska. The letter did not specifically mention Ukrainian children. Zelensky, who hand-delivered a letter to Trump from his own wife for Melania, posted today (19 August) on X that at least 20,000 Ukrainian children have been abducted by Russia. "We are working tirelessly to bring every child home," he said. I want to thank @FLOTUS Melania Trump for her attention to one of the most painful and difficult issues of this war – the abduction of Ukrainian children by Russia. We deeply appreciate her compassion and her letter to issue lies at the heart of the war's… — Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) August 19, 2025 You can read Zelensky's full post in the link. Yahoo readers worried about PMD-linked fires A recent poll by Yahoo asking readers if they felt worried about the number of PMD-linked fires this year has returned an overwhelming response of 'Yes'. Results showed that 98% of the 523 votes – at press time – were troubled by fires resulting from overheated PMD batteries, especially given the personal mobility devices are typically stored in homes. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said there have already been 20 such PMD-related fires in the first half of 2025, up from 10 in the same period in 2024. Earlier this month, a blaze at a Bukit Merah HDB that killed two people is believed to have started from a PMD battery pack. Trump's meeting with Zelensky: Key takeaways US President Donald Trump's meeting on Monday (18 August) with Volodymyr Zelensky went drastically different than six months ago, when the Ukrainian leader was reprimanded for not wearing a suit and not being thankful enough for US military support. Here are key takeaways from this latest attempt to end the Ukraine war: Trump tells Zelensky US will be involved in security guarantees for Ukraine. European leaders praise Trump but say tough work is still ahead More formal attire and far different reception for Zelensky. Next steps in the negotiations turn back to Putin. Follow the links for more details on each topic. Controversial Singapore athlete Soh Rui Yong has no regrets Soh Rui Yong says he has no regrets after the controversial runner was left out of a preliminary list for the upcoming SEA Games. The 34-year-old, in an in-depth interview with CNA, believes there is no point in regretting decisions from the past as "you cannot go back and change it." Soh is considered by many to be Singapore's greatest marathoner but lawsuits and public spats have tarnished the public's perception of him. However, Soh said in the interview that he has grown as a person, especially after getting married in 2023. He revealed to CNA plans to compete in the 2029 SEA Games hosted in Singapore. "You won't see the end of me anytime soon," he said. You can read the full Soh Rui Yong article, here. Jet Li reportedly had surgery to remove benign tumour Legendary martial arts star Jet Li has reassured fans that he is doing fine after an operation. The 62-year-old had worried fans after he shared a video, on 17 August, of himself lying in bed in hospital with his eyes closed. "I've recently faced another unexpected challenge," he said in the post. Li posted another video later that night of himself being wheeled into the operating theatre. He explained that: "A few days ago, my hardware broke down, so I sent it back to the manufacturer for repair." The actor did not specify what his medical condition was but a close friend was quoted in Taiwanese newspaper China Times as saying the surgery was to remove a small benign tumour. Li has posted a video of himself after the surgery, where he said: "I feel much better now. Let's tell the others that I'm fine." A 36-year-old Singaporean man found guilty of murdering his wife and stepson has been sentenced by a Malaysian court to 72 years in prison and 24 strokes of the cane, reports Bernama. Shahrul Nizam Zuraimy – who was spared the death penalty – had killed his 27-year-old wife, Norfazera Bidin, and her 11-year-old son, Muhammad Iman Ashraf, in October 2019. The New Straits Times reports that the man dismembered the bodies of his two victims and disposed of the body parts in different locations, in an effort to prevent identification. "The heads of both victims were carefully wrapped and hidden in the ceiling to prevent the smell and blood from being detected," Melaka High Court judge, Anselm Charles Fernandis was quoted by NST as saying. The Melaka High Court has ordered Shahrul to serve 36 years in prison and receive 12 strokes of the cane for each of the two charges – with his sentences to run consecutively starting from his date of arrest on 11 October 2019. Malcolm (not his real name) turned to etomidate-laced vapes, or Kpods, after he failed his O-level exams. The 18-year-old, in an interview with the Straits Times, recalled how he used Kpods to cope with the stress and disappointment of his O-level setback. A schoolmate had introduced him to them. "My friend said [Kpods] would help with the depression, but it made it worse." Malcolm revealed he would vape from the time he woke up until he slept. Within months, he would start to black out every day. Concerned, his parents contacted an addiction recovery centre, We Care Community Services, for help. He has been attending daily weekday counselling sessions – and is now clean of Kpods for three months. The young man is set to start a PSB Academy course in life sciences in September. Malcom is just one of over 30 clients who sought help at We Care to quit vaping in 2025, reports ST. Social agencies, quoted in the report, said that they are seeing more young people vaping, with some starting as young as 10 years old. You can read more insights from the social workers in the full article, here. Local indie theatre The Projector ceases operations after a decade The Projector, a beloved spot in Singapore's independent cinema scene since 2014, has ceased operations today (19 August). The indie theatre announced the sad news in an Instagram post which stated it "will enter voluntary liquidation after a decade of championing alternative films, local creativity, and community-led programming." "Rising operational costs, shifting audience habits, and the global decline in cinema attendance have made sustaining an independent model in Singapore especially challenging," The Projector explained. You can read the full announcement from The Projector, here. The Projector, a beloved spot in Singapore's independent cinema scene since 2014, has ceased operations today (19 August). The indie theatre announced the sad news in an Instagram post which stated it "will enter voluntary liquidation after a decade of championing alternative films, local creativity, and community-led programming." "Rising operational costs, shifting audience habits, and the global decline in cinema attendance have made sustaining an independent model in Singapore especially challenging," The Projector explained. You can read the full announcement from The Projector, here. FairPrice warns customers of scam questionnaire claiming $4,000 giveaway FairPrice has warned the public about a fake online questionnaire which claims the company is giving away $4,000. The supermarket chain, in an e-mail alert to customers, said the questionnaire is not linked to FairPrice or endorsed by it. The scam questionnaire is making the rounds on WhatsApp and appears to be an attempt by criminals to gain access to sensitive data. "We will never send SMS, WhatsApp or other messages asking for your username, password or financial information," said FairPrice. More on this story, here. FairPrice has warned the public about a fake online questionnaire which claims the company is giving away $4,000. The supermarket chain, in an e-mail alert to customers, said the questionnaire is not linked to FairPrice or endorsed by it. The scam questionnaire is making the rounds on WhatsApp and appears to be an attempt by criminals to gain access to sensitive data. "We will never send SMS, WhatsApp or other messages asking for your username, password or financial information," said FairPrice. More on this story, here. Shein HQ weighs China relocation: Report Online fashion retailer Shein Group is considering relocating its headquarters from Singapore back to China, according to a Bloomberg News report. The report, citing sources, sees the relocation as an effort to gain Beijing authorities' approval for its planned Hong Kong IPO. Shein has reportedly consulted lawyers on setting up a parent company in mainland China but discussions were only preliminary with no guarantee of Shein finalising the move. Shein was founded in China in 2008 by entrepreneur Xu Yangtian and started out selling wedding dresses online. It has since grown into global fashion giant, especially among the Gen Z base who are drawn to the brand's fashion appeal and its pricing. Online fashion retailer Shein Group is considering relocating its headquarters from Singapore back to China, according to a Bloomberg News report. The report, citing sources, sees the relocation as an effort to gain Beijing authorities' approval for its planned Hong Kong IPO. Shein has reportedly consulted lawyers on setting up a parent company in mainland China but discussions were only preliminary with no guarantee of Shein finalising the move. Shein was founded in China in 2008 by entrepreneur Xu Yangtian and started out selling wedding dresses online. It has since grown into global fashion giant, especially among the Gen Z base who are drawn to the brand's fashion appeal and its pricing. 81-year-old woman taken to hospital after her car turns turtle in accident An 81-year-old woman was taken to the hospital after an accident involving a car and a minibus in Upper Thomson Road on the morning of 18 August. The police were alerted at about 8.55am to the accident which resulted in a car overturning. The woman, who was the driver of the red car, was taken conscious to Tan Tock Seng Hospital. A 55-year-old male minibus driver is assisting with investigations, which are ongoing, said police. More details of the accident can be found here. An 81-year-old woman was taken to the hospital after an accident involving a car and a minibus in Upper Thomson Road on the morning of 18 August. The police were alerted at about 8.55am to the accident which resulted in a car overturning. The woman, who was the driver of the red car, was taken conscious to Tan Tock Seng Hospital. A 55-year-old male minibus driver is assisting with investigations, which are ongoing, said police. More details of the accident can be found here. Around 20,000 children taken from Ukraine by Russia, Zelensky says Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked US first lady Melania Trump for her "compassion" and advocacy for children amid Russia's war with Ukraine. Melania had penned a letter to Vladimir Putin that spoke about the need to protect children – it was hand-delivered by US President Donald Trump to the Russian leader in Alaska. The letter did not specifically mention Ukrainian children. Zelensky, who hand-delivered a letter to Trump from his own wife for Melania, posted today (19 August) on X that at least 20,000 Ukrainian children have been abducted by Russia. "We are working tirelessly to bring every child home," he said. I want to thank @FLOTUS Melania Trump for her attention to one of the most painful and difficult issues of this war – the abduction of Ukrainian children by Russia. We deeply appreciate her compassion and her letter to issue lies at the heart of the war's… — Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) August 19, 2025 You can read Zelensky's full post in the link. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked US first lady Melania Trump for her "compassion" and advocacy for children amid Russia's war with Ukraine. Melania had penned a letter to Vladimir Putin that spoke about the need to protect children – it was hand-delivered by US President Donald Trump to the Russian leader in Alaska. The letter did not specifically mention Ukrainian children. Zelensky, who hand-delivered a letter to Trump from his own wife for Melania, posted today (19 August) on X that at least 20,000 Ukrainian children have been abducted by Russia. "We are working tirelessly to bring every child home," he said. I want to thank @FLOTUS Melania Trump for her attention to one of the most painful and difficult issues of this war – the abduction of Ukrainian children by Russia. We deeply appreciate her compassion and her letter to issue lies at the heart of the war's… — Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) August 19, 2025 You can read Zelensky's full post in the link. Yahoo readers worried about PMD-linked fires A recent poll by Yahoo asking readers if they felt worried about the number of PMD-linked fires this year has returned an overwhelming response of 'Yes'. Results showed that 98% of the 523 votes – at press time – were troubled by fires resulting from overheated PMD batteries, especially given the personal mobility devices are typically stored in homes. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said there have already been 20 such PMD-related fires in the first half of 2025, up from 10 in the same period in 2024. Earlier this month, a blaze at a Bukit Merah HDB that killed two people is believed to have started from a PMD battery pack. A recent poll by Yahoo asking readers if they felt worried about the number of PMD-linked fires this year has returned an overwhelming response of 'Yes'. Results showed that 98% of the 523 votes – at press time – were troubled by fires resulting from overheated PMD batteries, especially given the personal mobility devices are typically stored in homes. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said there have already been 20 such PMD-related fires in the first half of 2025, up from 10 in the same period in 2024. Earlier this month, a blaze at a Bukit Merah HDB that killed two people is believed to have started from a PMD battery pack. Trump's meeting with Zelensky: Key takeaways US President Donald Trump's meeting on Monday (18 August) with Volodymyr Zelensky went drastically different than six months ago, when the Ukrainian leader was reprimanded for not wearing a suit and not being thankful enough for US military support. Here are key takeaways from this latest attempt to end the Ukraine war: Trump tells Zelensky US will be involved in security guarantees for Ukraine. European leaders praise Trump but say tough work is still ahead More formal attire and far different reception for Zelensky. Next steps in the negotiations turn back to Putin. Follow the links for more details on each topic. US President Donald Trump's meeting on Monday (18 August) with Volodymyr Zelensky went drastically different than six months ago, when the Ukrainian leader was reprimanded for not wearing a suit and not being thankful enough for US military support. Here are key takeaways from this latest attempt to end the Ukraine war: Trump tells Zelensky US will be involved in security guarantees for Ukraine. European leaders praise Trump but say tough work is still ahead More formal attire and far different reception for Zelensky. Next steps in the negotiations turn back to Putin. Follow the links for more details on each topic. Controversial Singapore athlete Soh Rui Yong has no regrets Soh Rui Yong says he has no regrets after the controversial runner was left out of a preliminary list for the upcoming SEA Games. The 34-year-old, in an in-depth interview with CNA, believes there is no point in regretting decisions from the past as "you cannot go back and change it." Soh is considered by many to be Singapore's greatest marathoner but lawsuits and public spats have tarnished the public's perception of him. However, Soh said in the interview that he has grown as a person, especially after getting married in 2023. He revealed to CNA plans to compete in the 2029 SEA Games hosted in Singapore. "You won't see the end of me anytime soon," he said. You can read the full Soh Rui Yong article, here. Soh Rui Yong says he has no regrets after the controversial runner was left out of a preliminary list for the upcoming SEA Games. The 34-year-old, in an in-depth interview with CNA, believes there is no point in regretting decisions from the past as "you cannot go back and change it." Soh is considered by many to be Singapore's greatest marathoner but lawsuits and public spats have tarnished the public's perception of him. However, Soh said in the interview that he has grown as a person, especially after getting married in 2023. He revealed to CNA plans to compete in the 2029 SEA Games hosted in Singapore. "You won't see the end of me anytime soon," he said. You can read the full Soh Rui Yong article, here. Jet Li reportedly had surgery to remove benign tumour Legendary martial arts star Jet Li has reassured fans that he is doing fine after an operation. The 62-year-old had worried fans after he shared a video, on 17 August, of himself lying in bed in hospital with his eyes closed. "I've recently faced another unexpected challenge," he said in the post. Li posted another video later that night of himself being wheeled into the operating theatre. He explained that: "A few days ago, my hardware broke down, so I sent it back to the manufacturer for repair." The actor did not specify what his medical condition was but a close friend was quoted in Taiwanese newspaper China Times as saying the surgery was to remove a small benign tumour. Li has posted a video of himself after the surgery, where he said: "I feel much better now. Let's tell the others that I'm fine." Legendary martial arts star Jet Li has reassured fans that he is doing fine after an operation. The 62-year-old had worried fans after he shared a video, on 17 August, of himself lying in bed in hospital with his eyes closed. "I've recently faced another unexpected challenge," he said in the post. Li posted another video later that night of himself being wheeled into the operating theatre. He explained that: "A few days ago, my hardware broke down, so I sent it back to the manufacturer for repair." The actor did not specify what his medical condition was but a close friend was quoted in Taiwanese newspaper China Times as saying the surgery was to remove a small benign tumour. Li has posted a video of himself after the surgery, where he said: "I feel much better now. Let's tell the others that I'm fine."
AsiaOne
13 hours ago
- Health
- AsiaOne
'I vaped when I woke up until I slept': More youth vaping to cope with stress, say social workers, Singapore News
SINGAPORE — After he failed his O-level exams, which he took as a private candidate, Malcolm (not his real name) used etomidate-laced vapes, or Kpods, to cope with the disappointment. His friend from school had introduced him to them, and Malcolm, 18, was soon diagnosed with depression and anxiety. He would vape from the time he woke up until he slept. Vaping in his friend's home at first, Malcolm subsequently vaped blatantly in malls, public smoking areas and on the streets. A few months later, he would black out every day. He said: "My friend said (Kpods) would help with the depression, but it made it worse." His parents contacted an addiction recovery centre, We Care Community Services, for help. Over two months, Malcolm attended a drop-in centre daily from 10.30am to 7pm, where he received regular counselling. He has been clean of Kpods for three months, and will start a PSB Academy course in life sciences in September. He is one of over 30 clients who sought help at We Care to quit vaping in 2025. Seven social service agencies said that they are seeing more young people vaping, with some noting a spike in the first quarter of 2025. We Care, along with Allkin Singapore, The Salvation Army, Youth Guidance Outreach Services, the Methodist Welfare Services' (MWS) Girls' Residence, Care Corner Singapore, and Care Singapore, reported an increase in youth vapers or inquiries on quitting vaping, which is banned here. Some started vaping as young as 10 years old. On Aug 17, during the National Day Rally, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said vaping is affecting young people in Singapore. He said the authorities will be taking tougher action against those who sell vapes laced with addictive substances like etomidate. Etomidate is meant for use only during medical procedures. When vaped, it enters the lungs directly, potentially triggering spasms, breathing difficulties, seizures and even psychosis. Lena Teo, director of programmes and services at charity Care Singapore, said a primary school contacted her organisation for help in October 2024, and again in April. Care Singapore is working with a group of about 25 upper primary girls from this school with behavioural challenges such as vaping, bullying, defiance and truancy issues. Alvin Seng, a counsellor at We Care, said referrals were mostly from concerned parents. But We Care has gradually seen individuals in their 20s and 30s coming forward too. Seng said helpline staff have reported up to three to five Kpod-related inquiries daily in the past month. He added: "Risk-taking behaviour is not new and is something that has been presenting itself differently throughout generations of adolescents. "It's just that regulation and control measures have not caught up with the proliferation among Singapore's youth, which has now escalated their access to drug-laced vapes." Allkin has seen more youth using vapes since 2023, prompting it to start vaping-related programmes in 2024. Its senior social worker of youth service, Chua Hui Zhen, said around 60 of the 300 young people it served in the last year reported they had vaped before or were currently vaping. Chua said vaping affects both genders. "The profiles of these young people vary quite widely, from those who present other at-risk behaviours to youth who are performing well academically," she said, adding that this makes targeted intervention less effective. Normalised behaviour Social workers said vaping is normalised and perceived as acceptable in peer groups. Flora Tan, senior social worker at Care Corner Youth Services, said almost all the 300-odd young people in its street outreach programme are vaping. Around August 2024, Care Corner noticed about a third of them abusing Kpods. And half of the 20 to 30 residents at MWS Girls' Residence, which cares for vulnerable young women aged 15 to 21, said they vaped or tried to do so in 2025, up from 35 per cent in 2024. Audrey Rajalingam, who heads MWS Girls' Residence, said many view vaping as a safer alternative to smoking. She added: "They are also drawn to the variety of flavours. Most were introduced to vaping through friends at school or by their boyfriends." A survey conducted with youth who have attended Allkin's vaping-related programmes found that common reasons for continued vaping included coping with stress and boredom. And over 75 per cent reported having more than five people in their social circles who vape. Where do young people vape? We Care's Seng said any space that provides momentary privacy or concealment, such as staircases, fire escapes, toilets or multi-storey carparks, is where young people sneak away to for a quick puff. He said: "Given the normalisation of vape use and the lack of enforcement, it is also not uncommon to see individuals sneaking a puff in public, such as on public transport or on the streets." In July, enforcement officers conducted checks outside five institutes of higher learning, issuing fines and confiscating vapes. Some young people said they vaped in and around shopping malls. A spokesperson for Frasers Property, which owns malls like Nex and Waterway Point, said: "We take the safety and comfort of our shoppers seriously and are stepping up vigilance across our malls through enhanced security patrols and CCTV surveillance. "Any possible criminal issues will be referred to the authorities for further action." CapitaLand Investment, which manages Ion Orchard, Plaza Singapura, Bugis Junction and Bugis+, said security personnel at its malls conduct regular patrols to deter errant smoking and vaping. "We are working closely with the authorities to monitor the situation. We remain committed to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all our shoppers," said CapitaLand Investment's spokesperson. *Scape, a youth-centric hub which will officially be relaunched in November with more dedicated spaces for young people, said it does not condone or support the use of illegal substances, including vapes. Its spokesperson said: "While we have not received reports of vaping within our premises, we remain vigilant and take the matter seriously. "As *Scape prepares for its full reopening as a dedicated youth hub in November, we remain committed to fostering a safe and healthy environment for all youth." Images of young people vaping on public transport have also flooded social media. A video was posted online of a 19-year-old who allegedly used a vape at Lakeside MRT station and pushed a train staff member. SMRT Trains president Lam Sheau Kai said the incident happened on Aug 10, and a commuter informed station staff about the teen allegedly vaping. Lam said staff escorted him off the train, and handed him over to the authorities. He added: "During the process, the individual acted aggressively towards our staff, pushing them and attempting to retrieve the vaping device. Our staff responded appropriately in self-defence while maintaining public order and ensuring the safety of other commuters." A notice of offence was issued to the teen for his inappropriate conduct and for breaching network regulations, said Lam. He added that SMRT encourages commuters who spot similar incidents to immediately report them to staff. The police said the teen is assisting with investigations on the use of criminal force. An e-vaporiser found on him was handed to the Health Sciences Authority. On Aug 18, the Land Transport Authority warned that commuters caught vaping will be removed from public transport premises, and the police may be called in for those found to be intoxicated. Allkin's Chua said it is committed to helping young people quit vaping. She said: "When they are open to change, we work closely with them through our programmes or connect them to appropriate resources for additional support." Samaritans of Singapore: 1800-221-4444 Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019 Care Corner Counselling Centre (Mandarin): 1800-353-5800 Institute of Mental Health's national mindline: 1771 (24 hours) / 6669-1771 (via WhatsApp) Silver Ribbon: 6386-1928 Shan You Counselling Centre (Mandarin): 6741-0078 Fei Yue's Online Counselling Service: Tinkle Friend (for primary school children): 1800-2744-788 [[nid:721474]] This article was first published in The Straits Times . Permission required for reproduction.
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
'I vaped when I woke up until I slept'; Jet Li reportedly had surgery to remove benign tumour: Singapore live news
More than 30 clients have sought help at We Care Community Services to quit vaping in 2025, reports ST. Social agencies said that they are seeing more young people vaping, with some starting as young as 10 years old. China-born Singapore action star Jet Li has told fans he is doing fine after an operation. The martial arts legend had caused concern after sharing videos on social media from hospital. The 62-year-old is believed to have had the surgery to remove a small benign tumour. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates: 'I vaped when I woke up until I slept': Youth turning to vapes to cope with stress Malcolm (not his real name) turned to etomidate-laced vapes, or Kpods, after he failed his O-level exams. The 18-year-old, in an interview with the Straits Times, recalled how he used Kpods to cope with the stress and disappointment of his O-level setback. A schoolmate had introduced him to them. "My friend said [Kpods] would help with the depression, but it made it worse." Malcolm revealed he would vape from the time he woke up until he slept. Within months, he would start to black out every day. Concerned, his parents contacted an addiction recovery centre, We Care Community Services, for help. He has been attending daily weekday counselling sessions – and is now clean of Kpods for three months. The young man is set to start a PSB Academy course in life sciences in September. Malcom is just one of over 30 clients who sought help at We Care to quit vaping in 2025, reports ST. Social agencies, quoted in the report, said that they are seeing more young people vaping, with some starting as young as 10 years old. You can read more insights from the social workers in the full article, here. Jet Li reportedly had surgery to remove benign tumour Legendary martial arts star Jet Li has reassured fans that he is doing fine after an operation. The 62-year-old had worried fans after he shared a video, on 17 August, of himself lying in bed in hospital with his eyes closed. "I've recently faced another unexpected challenge," he said in the post. Li posted another video later that night of himself being wheeled into the operating theatre. He explained that: "A few days ago, my hardware broke down, so I sent it back to the manufacturer for repair." The actor did not specify what his medical condition was but a close friend was quoted in Taiwanese newspaper China Times as saying the surgery was to remove a small benign tumour. Li has posted a video of himself after the surgery, where he said: "I feel much better now. Let's tell the others that I'm fine." 81-year-old woman taken to hospital after her car turns turtle in accident An 81-year-old woman was taken to the hospital after an accident involving a car and a minibus in Upper Thomson Road on the morning of 18 August. The police were alerted at about 8.55am to the accident which resulted in a car overturning. The woman, who was the driver of the red car, was taken conscious to Tan Tock Seng Hospital. A 55-year-old male minibus driver is assisting with investigations, which are ongoing, said police. More details of the accident can be found here. Around 20,000 children taken from Ukraine by Russia, Zelensky says Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked US first lady Melania Trump for her "compassion" and advocacy for children amid Russia's war with Ukraine. Melania had penned a letter to Vladimir Putin that spoke about the need to protect children – it was hand-delivered by US President Donald Trump to the Russian leader in Alaska. The letter did not specifically mention Ukrainian children. Zelensky, who hand-delivered a letter to Trump from his own wife for Melania, posted today (19 August) on X that at least 20,000 Ukrainian children have been abducted by Russia. "We are working tirelessly to bring every child home," he said. I want to thank @FLOTUS Melania Trump for her attention to one of the most painful and difficult issues of this war – the abduction of Ukrainian children by Russia. We deeply appreciate her compassion and her letter to issue lies at the heart of the war's… — Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) August 19, 2025 You can read Zelensky's full post in the link. Yahoo readers worried about PMD-linked fires A recent poll by Yahoo asking readers if they felt worried about the number of PMD-linked fires this year has returned an overwhelming response of 'Yes'. Results showed that 98% of the 523 votes – at press time – were troubled by fires resulting from overheated PMD batteries, especially given the personal mobility devices are typically stored in homes. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said there have already been 20 such PMD-related fires in the first half of 2025, up from 10 in the same period in 2024. Earlier this month, a blaze at a Bukit Merah HDB that killed two people is believed to have started from a PMD battery pack. Trump's meeting with Zelensky: Key takeaways US President Donald Trump's meeting on Monday (18 August) with Volodymyr Zelensky went drastically different than six months ago, when the Ukrainian leader was reprimanded for not wearing a suit and not being thankful enough for US military support. Here are key takeaways from this latest attempt to end the Ukraine war: Trump tells Zelensky US will be involved in security guarantees for Ukraine. European leaders praise Trump but say tough work is still ahead More formal attire and far different reception for Zelensky. Next steps in the negotiations turn back to Putin. Follow the links for more details on each topic. Controversial Singapore athlete Soh Rui Yong has no regrets Soh Rui Yong says he has no regrets after the controversial runner was left out of a preliminary list for the upcoming SEA Games. The 34-year-old, in an in-depth interview with CNA, believes there is no point in regretting decisions from the past as "you cannot go back and change it." Soh is considered by many to be Singapore's greatest marathoner but lawsuits and public spats have tarnished the public's perception of him. However, Soh said in the interview that he has grown as a person, especially after getting married in 2023. He revealed to CNA plans to compete in the 2029 SEA Games hosted in Singapore. "You won't see the end of me anytime soon," he said. You can read the full Soh Rui Yong article, here. Malcolm (not his real name) turned to etomidate-laced vapes, or Kpods, after he failed his O-level exams. The 18-year-old, in an interview with the Straits Times, recalled how he used Kpods to cope with the stress and disappointment of his O-level setback. A schoolmate had introduced him to them. "My friend said [Kpods] would help with the depression, but it made it worse." Malcolm revealed he would vape from the time he woke up until he slept. Within months, he would start to black out every day. Concerned, his parents contacted an addiction recovery centre, We Care Community Services, for help. He has been attending daily weekday counselling sessions – and is now clean of Kpods for three months. The young man is set to start a PSB Academy course in life sciences in September. Malcom is just one of over 30 clients who sought help at We Care to quit vaping in 2025, reports ST. Social agencies, quoted in the report, said that they are seeing more young people vaping, with some starting as young as 10 years old. You can read more insights from the social workers in the full article, here. Legendary martial arts star Jet Li has reassured fans that he is doing fine after an operation. The 62-year-old had worried fans after he shared a video, on 17 August, of himself lying in bed in hospital with his eyes closed. "I've recently faced another unexpected challenge," he said in the post. Li posted another video later that night of himself being wheeled into the operating theatre. He explained that: "A few days ago, my hardware broke down, so I sent it back to the manufacturer for repair." The actor did not specify what his medical condition was but a close friend was quoted in Taiwanese newspaper China Times as saying the surgery was to remove a small benign tumour. Li has posted a video of himself after the surgery, where he said: "I feel much better now. Let's tell the others that I'm fine." 81-year-old woman taken to hospital after her car turns turtle in accident An 81-year-old woman was taken to the hospital after an accident involving a car and a minibus in Upper Thomson Road on the morning of 18 August. The police were alerted at about 8.55am to the accident which resulted in a car overturning. The woman, who was the driver of the red car, was taken conscious to Tan Tock Seng Hospital. A 55-year-old male minibus driver is assisting with investigations, which are ongoing, said police. More details of the accident can be found here. An 81-year-old woman was taken to the hospital after an accident involving a car and a minibus in Upper Thomson Road on the morning of 18 August. The police were alerted at about 8.55am to the accident which resulted in a car overturning. The woman, who was the driver of the red car, was taken conscious to Tan Tock Seng Hospital. A 55-year-old male minibus driver is assisting with investigations, which are ongoing, said police. More details of the accident can be found here. Around 20,000 children taken from Ukraine by Russia, Zelensky says Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked US first lady Melania Trump for her "compassion" and advocacy for children amid Russia's war with Ukraine. Melania had penned a letter to Vladimir Putin that spoke about the need to protect children – it was hand-delivered by US President Donald Trump to the Russian leader in Alaska. The letter did not specifically mention Ukrainian children. Zelensky, who hand-delivered a letter to Trump from his own wife for Melania, posted today (19 August) on X that at least 20,000 Ukrainian children have been abducted by Russia. "We are working tirelessly to bring every child home," he said. I want to thank @FLOTUS Melania Trump for her attention to one of the most painful and difficult issues of this war – the abduction of Ukrainian children by Russia. We deeply appreciate her compassion and her letter to issue lies at the heart of the war's… — Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) August 19, 2025 You can read Zelensky's full post in the link. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked US first lady Melania Trump for her "compassion" and advocacy for children amid Russia's war with Ukraine. Melania had penned a letter to Vladimir Putin that spoke about the need to protect children – it was hand-delivered by US President Donald Trump to the Russian leader in Alaska. The letter did not specifically mention Ukrainian children. Zelensky, who hand-delivered a letter to Trump from his own wife for Melania, posted today (19 August) on X that at least 20,000 Ukrainian children have been abducted by Russia. "We are working tirelessly to bring every child home," he said. I want to thank @FLOTUS Melania Trump for her attention to one of the most painful and difficult issues of this war – the abduction of Ukrainian children by Russia. We deeply appreciate her compassion and her letter to issue lies at the heart of the war's… — Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) August 19, 2025 You can read Zelensky's full post in the link. Yahoo readers worried about PMD-linked fires A recent poll by Yahoo asking readers if they felt worried about the number of PMD-linked fires this year has returned an overwhelming response of 'Yes'. Results showed that 98% of the 523 votes – at press time – were troubled by fires resulting from overheated PMD batteries, especially given the personal mobility devices are typically stored in homes. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said there have already been 20 such PMD-related fires in the first half of 2025, up from 10 in the same period in 2024. Earlier this month, a blaze at a Bukit Merah HDB that killed two people is believed to have started from a PMD battery pack. A recent poll by Yahoo asking readers if they felt worried about the number of PMD-linked fires this year has returned an overwhelming response of 'Yes'. Results showed that 98% of the 523 votes – at press time – were troubled by fires resulting from overheated PMD batteries, especially given the personal mobility devices are typically stored in homes. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said there have already been 20 such PMD-related fires in the first half of 2025, up from 10 in the same period in 2024. Earlier this month, a blaze at a Bukit Merah HDB that killed two people is believed to have started from a PMD battery pack. Trump's meeting with Zelensky: Key takeaways US President Donald Trump's meeting on Monday (18 August) with Volodymyr Zelensky went drastically different than six months ago, when the Ukrainian leader was reprimanded for not wearing a suit and not being thankful enough for US military support. Here are key takeaways from this latest attempt to end the Ukraine war: Trump tells Zelensky US will be involved in security guarantees for Ukraine. European leaders praise Trump but say tough work is still ahead More formal attire and far different reception for Zelensky. Next steps in the negotiations turn back to Putin. Follow the links for more details on each topic. US President Donald Trump's meeting on Monday (18 August) with Volodymyr Zelensky went drastically different than six months ago, when the Ukrainian leader was reprimanded for not wearing a suit and not being thankful enough for US military support. Here are key takeaways from this latest attempt to end the Ukraine war: Trump tells Zelensky US will be involved in security guarantees for Ukraine. European leaders praise Trump but say tough work is still ahead More formal attire and far different reception for Zelensky. Next steps in the negotiations turn back to Putin. Follow the links for more details on each topic. Controversial Singapore athlete Soh Rui Yong has no regrets Soh Rui Yong says he has no regrets after the controversial runner was left out of a preliminary list for the upcoming SEA Games. The 34-year-old, in an in-depth interview with CNA, believes there is no point in regretting decisions from the past as "you cannot go back and change it." Soh is considered by many to be Singapore's greatest marathoner but lawsuits and public spats have tarnished the public's perception of him. However, Soh said in the interview that he has grown as a person, especially after getting married in 2023. He revealed to CNA plans to compete in the 2029 SEA Games hosted in Singapore. "You won't see the end of me anytime soon," he said. You can read the full Soh Rui Yong article, here. Soh Rui Yong says he has no regrets after the controversial runner was left out of a preliminary list for the upcoming SEA Games. The 34-year-old, in an in-depth interview with CNA, believes there is no point in regretting decisions from the past as "you cannot go back and change it." Soh is considered by many to be Singapore's greatest marathoner but lawsuits and public spats have tarnished the public's perception of him. However, Soh said in the interview that he has grown as a person, especially after getting married in 2023. He revealed to CNA plans to compete in the 2029 SEA Games hosted in Singapore. "You won't see the end of me anytime soon," he said. You can read the full Soh Rui Yong article, here.
CNA
17-06-2025
- Health
- CNA
Rise in youth gaming addiction due to more enticing games and smart devices, say counsellors
SINGAPORE: Therapists and counsellors said more enticing games developed in recent years and the prevalence of smart devices have led to a rise in gaming addiction cases. Mr Chai Binhua, a counsellor at addiction recovery centre We Care Community Services, told CNA he has seen a 30 per cent increase in people seeking help for video game and device addictions since 2019. He added that youths make up more than 80 per cent of the cases the centre is receiving. Mr Chai noted that many of these games encourage players to log on frequently with daily missions, which provide them with a sense of progression and achievement by performing easy but time-consuming tasks. He added that many cases of such addiction involve games featuring micro-transactions such as loot boxes or other mechanics that tempt players to make in-game purchases to receive random virtual items. Experts said loot boxes have similar addictive qualities to gambling as they provide players chance-based outcomes of receiving varying virtual items – including highly coveted ones – at a seemingly reasonable price. Dr Geraldine Tan, principal psychologist at The Therapy Room, has likewise noted an increase in cases of device addiction at her clinic. 'Pre-COVID, we've had probably five to six out of 10 parents coming in complaining about their kids on their devices. Now, (we) have almost seven to eight out of 10 parents,' she said. GAMING ADDICTION CAN LEAD TO SELF-ISOLATION Those with serious gaming addiction often show signs of self-isolation, neglecting school or work, and refusing to participate in social and family activities, said Dr Tan. "One of these cases that I have – he was on the computer for an extensive amount of time … that he even failed college. He bought … different gadgets … to facilitate his playing," she said. Psychotherapist Narasimman Tivasiha Mani said parents should regulate their children's screen time rather than taking their devices away, as the latter could worsen their feelings of isolation. 'I've had clients that (turned) aggressive because the parents turned off the device,' said the co-founder and executive director of Impart, a community-based youth mental health charity. He added that gaming served as a coping mechanism during the pandemic for 70 per cent of the youths he works with, who used the virtual world for social interaction during periods of lockdown. Experts said many such youths continued fulfilling their social needs online after the pandemic instead of returning to offline engagements. 'Gaming addiction … makes them stuck in some way,' said Mr Tom Maniatis, a senior addictions therapist at Promises Healthcare, adding that social isolation could have implications on an ageing society like Singapore. OVERCOMING GAMING ADDICTION Mr Maniatis said that many gaming addicts treated by his clinic had undiagnosed conditions including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, depression and anxiety, leading them to use games as a coping mechanism. Mental health advocates said that addressing underlying issues faced by patients is important to overcoming gaming addiction. For example, family therapy could be helpful for those who turned to gaming as a means of escape from dealing with family issues, they said. Dr Tan noted parents should set boundaries on their children's gaming activities and advised them to seek help early if they suspect excessive behaviour. This is because gaming addiction, beyond affecting a child's development, can have lasting effects that extend well into adulthood that could continue to interfere with employment, and social and mental well-being. 'A child, teen or even young adult may not know how to cope with (trauma) and (they) take to the device, and lose themselves in the device,' Dr Tan said. Youths who require help with gaming addiction can speak to various organisations such as REACH, a community-based service consisting of professionals who work with school counsellors to address students' mental health needs. Counselling centres are also working on virtual platforms for youths to seek help from therapists. Some are even gamifying such apps – in line with their target audience's interests. Mr Narasimman said that Impart has used the Minecraft sandbox game to create a virtual setting where healthcare workers can interact with gaming addicts to teach them life skills. 'What we want to do is to create healthy spaces in the metaverse for these young people … we don't want to deprive them of that opportunity of connection and community,' he said.
