SINGAPORE: One year after winning again at Sengkang GRC during GE2025, the Workers’ Party’s MPs noted how they’ve focused on residents’ everyday issues, enumerating what they have pushed for.

The Sengkang 4—He Ting Ru, Louis Chua, Jamus Lim, and Abdul Muhaimin—won 56.31% of the votes cast in the constituency last year, besting a slate from the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) that included former Senior Minister of State Lam Pin Min.

While the PAP had undoubtedly hoped to wrest Sengkang from the WP, especially in light of the lengthy consequences of the scandal surrounding ex-WP MP Raeesah Khan, it ultimately fell short, with residents evidently feeling that the second time MPs—Ms He, Mr Chua, and Assoc Prof Lim— had done enough of a good job as to deserve reelection. The perception from residents is that their MPs certainly are hardworking, and the video from the Sengkang 4 outlined just what they’ve been working on.

Taking turns, the MPs said, “Whether in Parliament or here on the ground, our main focus has been the cost of living. We’ve pushed for transparency on the structural costs and housing prices hurting our young families, fighting for things money can’t buy, like better mental well-being and stronger support for our caregivers. We also pushed for better local transport because a crowded LRT or a 400-meter walk to the nearest bus stop is a barrier to independence for our seniors or persons with disabilities.”

Nevertheless, they added that “debates in Parliament will only make a difference if we deliver right here in our estates,” going on to talk about Sengkang’s five-year master plan, which includes such spaces as the recently-opened Anchorvale Butterfly Garden and the Rivervale Dog Run.

However, what the MPs count as their “true successes” is made up of the assistance that has been extended to one resident at a time, such as the help given to a single mother in obtaining a flat or matching a resident with a job to get them back on their feet.

“For us, no resident’s problem is too small. We don’t take your trust for granted,” the MPs said, thanking residents and adding they’re looking forward to “more good years.” /TISG

Read also: WP’s master plan for Sengkang plan ‘sets the stage for the next lap’

This article (1 year after GE2025, WP’s Sengkang MPs say they’ve focused on cost of living, everyday issues) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: The conflict in the Middle East has caused a global energy emergency, with countries in the Asia Pacific region particularly affected, and yet, nations have not been affected in the same way, depending on the resources each one has.

The war, which began just over two months ago when the United States and Israel began bombing Iran, resulted in the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint for 20% of the world’s fuel. Countries that are heavily dependent on oil and gas from the Middle East, as many in the Asia-Pacific region are, have had to scramble to secure enough supply for domestic use amid substantially higher prices.

Amid the crisis, a new trend of supply-chain security agreements is emerging. Beyond classic free trade deals, these are focused on critical minerals, energy, food, technology, and crisis resilience.

Singapore, for example, inked a pact in late March with Australia for energy supply chain resilience and with New Zealand on May 4 for the continuous flow of essentials, such as food and fuel, between the two countries.

This week, Japan and Australia also entered into agreements for boosting cooperation on critical minerals and energy. Japan has also been entering into deals with Indonesia and Vietnam.

However, while the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has been entering into agreements as a bloc, such as an upgraded free trade deal with China, its member countries with fewer resources may find themselves out in the cold.

With a number of recent agreements focusing on critical minerals, advanced manufacturing, and digital trade, the countries that lack capacity in these sectors are left out.

While Singapore is not a producer, it is an orchestrator when it comes to trade, finance, and supply chains. The city-state is a leader when it comes to “resilient trade” agreements, such as those dealing with essential goods and crisis supply. As such, Singapore stands to become a control centre for regional supply networks.

Vietnam, which has been attracting foreign investment and is emerging as an alternative to China for manufacturing, also has an edge in the region, as does Indonesia due to its mineral resources.

However, in other countries that are left out of these supply chains, such as Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and the smaller ASEAN economies, this is not the case, and it will have adverse effects.

“In countries such as New Zealand and Australia, the shock will be absorbed and passed through — higher fuel costs feeding into inflation, squeezing households, and slowing economic activity.

However, in poorer, more fuel-dependent economies, the consequences are more immediate and more severe. Those economies cannot simply pay more. They consume less, or not at all. And that’s why richer countries can keep getting supplies: They pay for it.

That is the unspoken edge of the current crisis: it is global, but its pain is highly uneven,” reads a May 4 analysis in New Zealand’s The Post.  /TISG

Read also: Poorest across Southeast Asia are the hardest hit by energy crisis due to Iran war

This article (In Asia, richer countries are inking deals amid energy crisis, but poorer ones are left out) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: Recently, a supermarket worker has captured the attention of a customer when he was seen cleaning grocery baskets before restocking them up. On Facebook, user Zoey Lim expressed her admiration to what she witnessed and declared: “This is the first time I’ve ever seen groceries basket been cleaned. I want to take this opportunity to share my appreciation & gratitude to this uncle who cleaned the groceries baskets before placing it back.” 

The simple yet impactful practice of hygiene highlights a commitment of some businesses to better cleanliness and services. With this, the user encouraged other supermarkets to do the same and remarked: “I hope others super market can follow such a good & hygiene practice.”

The post gained several reactions and comments from netizens. One netizen commended the user for posting such an inspiring post and stated: “We need more of this positive vibes! Thanks for sharing and appreciating!” 

Another comment suggested: “This should be the cleaning routine where baskets and trollley must go thru the Hygiene Safety Schedule on a monthly or quarterly routine. Thanks to uncle for the highlight… If the shop did not have this routine, it’s time for u to take up implementing the good practice.” 

For some, they believe that workers should not clean the baskets because items such as vegetables and fruits leave a stain that makes these baskets meticulously dirty. 

This small act of initiative has indeed started a conversation about hygiene. Some people think that it is normal for baskets to have stains and be smelly, and for some, cleaning them can make shopping a safer and nicer experience to many. At the end of the day, this post is can serve as a reminder to businesses to think about what’s best for their customers as they provide products and services to them. 

This article (Shopper praises uncle who cleans grocery baskets, says other markets should follow such good hygiene practice) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

MALAYSIA: Malaysians love their culinary dishes, praised by many as the best worldwide. With irresistible dishes available at nearly every corner, Malaysians often indulge without restraint, but such pride comes with a heavy price, including the obesity rate in the country.

Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad revealed that 30.9% of 1.2 million Malaysians screened this year were obese, while 30.8% were overweight. The 2023 survey showed 54.4% of adults were overweight or obese, a 22% rise since 2011.  He warned that obesity drives diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cancer, costing Malaysia RM64 billion annually. 

Dzulkefly urged early detection, integrated care, and stigma‑free support, stressing collective action through campaigns like My Best Me.

A viral post on X suggested pairing Malaysia’s beloved roti canai—known in Singapore as pratha—with condensed milk. While many agreed the combination would taste indulgent, social media users quickly pointed out the health implications, such as obesity. The user states that this is one of the reasons why Malaysia has the highest obesity rate in Southeast Asia. 

Some Malaysians who grew up in a strict household admitted they never knew roti canai could be eaten with condensed milk. For many born in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when family traditions were still conservative, such indulgent food practices may not have been common.

Another X user argued that roti canai tastes best with curry or dhal, calling condensed milk an odd pairing. After trying the viral suggestion, he concluded that the traditional combination remains superior. For Malaysians accustomed to enjoying roti canai with savoury sides, the sweet alternative may feel unusual. 

One noted that their generation often snacked on biscuits dipped in condensed milk. Now at 21, they see friends already diagnosed as pre‑diabetic. For many, this is alarmingly young to face such health risks.

Enjoying delicious meals is never wrong, but consuming unhealthy options daily can take a toll on health. Age is increasingly becoming irrelevant as serious conditions like diabetes strike younger Malaysians. 

The rapid rise of artisanal coffee shops, often serving sugar‑laden drinks, is compounding the problem, leaving youth more vulnerable to lifestyle‑related diseases and highlighting the urgent need for healthier choices and stronger public awareness.

This article (Malaysia has the highest obesity rate in Southeast Asia—netizens agree) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

The uneasy American truce in the Iran war seems broken after the US military said it sank several Iranian small boats that attempted to interfere with commercial shipping.

The situation is worsened after the United Arab Emirates said its air defences intercepted ballistic and cruise missiles fired from Iran, and a fire at an oil facility in Fujairah was reported after a drone attack.

Reports say the shooting spree started during a US forces attempt to escort vessels through the blockaded waterway.

US President Donald Trump said, “We’ve shot down seven small boats or, as they like to call them, ‘fast’ boats. It’s all they have left.” 

Helicopters were used in the strikes.

However, Iran has denied that any such attack took place, although it has yet to issue an official statement.

Al Jazeera’s correspondent in Tehran, however, reported that an Iranian military official told state media that Iran had no plan to attack the UAE. Nevertheless, the UAE reported that its key oil port at the Port of Fujairah was hit, causing a fire and injuring three people.

UAE officials said air defences intercepted missiles and drones during the incident.

Today’s shooting in the Gulf has sparked an oil rally.

Benchmark Brent crude futures surged early on Tuesday as they jumped 5.8% to $114.44 (S$146.14) a barrel. Murban, a benchmark for Gulf crude, also climbed, gaining 3.4% to $107.30 on Tuesday in Tokyo, reflecting market sentiment over challenges to the energy channel.

The United States is trying to move stranded ships out of the Strait of Hormuz under what Trump has called “Project Freedom.” An estimated 20,000 seafarers on 2,000 ships have been stuck since the US-Iran war began in February. 

A shipping company told the BBC that one of its US-flagged vessels safely exited the Gulf under American military support. Maersk said the transit was “completed without incident, and all crew members are safe and unharmed.”

On Sunday, Trump said the US would start helping stranded vessels out of the shipping lane as part of “Project Freedom,” also saying that the US had been asked by countries “from all over the World” to help free up their ships, which were “locked up in the Strait of Hormuz” and were “merely neutral and innocent bystanders!”

Iran has called the “Project Freedom” as “Project Deadlock.”

This article (US-Iran exchange fire in Hormuz, sparking fresh oil rally) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: Singapore has proven itself once again of being a country worth visiting as Gardens by the Bay proudly ranked third in TripAdvisor’s 2026 “Traveler’s Choice” list of attractions globally. 

As reported by Yan.sg, TripAdvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards was released on April 28, and the British Royal Yacht Britannia topped the list, followed by Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, ​​Spain, in second place, and Gardens by the Bay in third. Furthermore, the Empire State Building in New York ranked fourth, and the Cayman Crystal Caves in Cayman Islands ranked fifth. 

As described by TripAdvisor, Gardens by the Bay feels like a magical fairytale world, and tourists can take perfect photos through its iconic Flower Dome, Cloud Forest, and the Skyway. More so, the place also features special exhibits, and fun interactive activities that people from all ages would definitely enjoy. 

With this, Gardens by the Bay Director shared: “It is truly an honor for a small city like Singapore to be recognized as one of the world’s top three attractions by global travelers on TripAdvisor.” 

More news about Gardens by the Bay 

In recent news, it is reported that starting Q3 of 2023, visually impaired visitors of Gardens by the Bay’s Flower Dome can rent a robotic guide dog to navigate the park on their own, with no human guide needed.

This service is seen to be another step forward for Singapore to create a more inclusive environment for all. It is said that the robotic guide dog was pre-programmed with a complete tour route for the Flower Dome, and it covers all the main plant exhibits.

Moreover, during the tour, the robotic guide will provide audio guidance, introducing the varieties and characteristics of various plants. Additionally, when the robotic guide dog senses an obstacle, its sensing system will automatically stop or avoid the device, making it very safe to use.

Read more about the news story here.

This article (Gardens by the Bay claims global recognition as world’s #3 tourist attraction) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: After an unpleasant, not to mention expensive, encounter with a durian seller at Aljunied, a man in Singapore took to social media to warn others to avoid the vendor “at all costs” due to his “unethical sales tactics.”

In a post on the COMPLAINT SINGAPORE Facebook page from earlier this month, the man wrote that the stall is located opposite the Geylang East Market & Food Centre.

When the post author first approached the vendor, he asked him if it would be okay for the vendor to open a particular fruit first and then added that if the durian was not to his liking, he could choose another one.

The vendor assured him this would be all right.

The man then chose a fruit, and when it was opened, he saw it was ripe and soft. He said he would take it and told the vendor he wanted two more.

The man then chose a small one and asked the vendor to open it. The vendor, however, put it back into the durian pile and pushed for one he chose instead, which looked bigger than the durian the man chose.

The post author wrote that he was somewhat skeptical, but the vendor told him that a bigger durian means more meat, which the post author knows is not necessarily true. The vendor then proceeded to open the bigger fruit that he chose, which the post author described as  “super hard with very big seeds.”

The man told the vendor that he did not want that durian.

“That’s when he started raising his voice and forcing me to buy it, saying in Chinese, ‘I opened it already, you don’t want? You think what?”

The post author’s mother then asked the vendor to try the durian, since he had said earlier that a durian with hard meat would be given to them for free. However, the vendor refused to do so, saying he does not eat “customer’s food.”

Although she felt that the vendor, who kept raising his voice, was being very unreasonable toward them, she did not want the situation to escalate and decided to just pay the man S$100 and leave.

The post seems to have resonated with many commenters and has been shared almost 200 times. Netizens felt the same way that the post author did, and encouraged him to report the vendor to the authorities.

Others warned against the tactics that some vendors use.

“When durian sellers insist on picking the fruits for you instead of you picking the fruits already is a red flag to walk away,” wrote one.

“If the vendor threatens you, just walk away,” advised another.

“Let’s normalize walking away and not paying if we feel threatened. Else they will just do this over and over again,” added a third.

Some commenters wrote that they have had similar experiences with this particular vendor. /TISG

Read also: Dispute over $5 durian at Bedok ends with buyer calling the police

This article (Singaporean man warns against Aljunied durian vendor with ‘unethical’ sales tactics) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: It is illegal to feed pigeons and wildlife in Singapore, and a man who saw a woman doing so just wanted to stop her. However, the woman became angry in return, gave him the middle finger, and tried to attack him with her shopping bag. 

As reported by 8world News, the incident happened at the Choa Chu Kang area. On TikTok, user @halalchickenstripz shared: “Aunty you know you’re not supposed to feed pigeons right?” 

The man who posted the video admitted that after telling the woman to stop, she reacted aggressively. The man, not wanting to fight back, said that he chose to leave, but the woman followed him closely, threw the object in her hand at him, and splashed the liquid from a bottle at him. 

For context, the man claimed that he approached the woman to tell her that feeding the pigeons is not allowed. “Her response was to attack me. Then I started recording. I wasn’t going to let her slide for attacking me so I followed her for a bit so I could report to the police her last known location,” the man further declared. 

With this, the man immediately reported the incident to the police. Police confirmed that they have received the report and that the investigation is ongoing. 

Netizens shared their thoughts and opinions on what happened in the comments section. Many people made a joke out of the situation. One claimed: “She’s so kind, not only did she feed the birds, she also hydrated you.”

Another netizen joked: “I want free food too.” 

For some, they commended the man for stopping the woman and said: “Bro you did a good job.” 

More so, many people shared that the woman always does this, and suggested just letting her be. One netizen concluded: “Some people think that they get good karma for feeding birds and other animals.” 

Other related news 

In related news about Singapore birds, there was a recent report where birds have once again become a problem in residential areas. 

In Bishan, different types of birds have been spotted targeting food across the area. Mynas have been pecking at fruits, while pigeons go after leftovers, creating ongoing frustration for both stallholders and customers.

Read more about the news story here. 

This article (Man tries to stop woman feeding pigeons, receives a middle finger instead) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: A 37-year-old Chinese national has been charged in court after allegedly causing a string of automated teller machine (ATM) malfunctions across multiple locations by inserting tissue paper into card readers.

In a statement issued on May 1, police said the man is believed to be linked to several cases of mischief that disrupted essential banking services over a three-day period.

Authorities were first alerted between April 27 and April 29 after a bank reported repeated ATM disruptions. The police did not disclose the identity of the bank involved.

Investigations, including a review of CCTV footage, revealed that the man had allegedly placed tissue paper beneath his bank card before inserting both into the ATM’s card slot. When the card was withdrawn, the tissue would remain lodged inside the reader, interfering with the machine’s operation.

The reported incidents affected ATMs in several areas, including Battery Road, Chinatown, Tanjong Katong, Woodlands, Toa Payoh, Marina Bay and Paya Lebar. Police said the affected machines required repairs following the incidents.

The suspect was arrested on April 30 and faces charges of mischief resulting in the disruption of key services. If convicted, he could face a jail term of up to 10 years, a fine, or both.

This article (Chinese man charged after inserting tissue into ATM) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: Point-to-point car-sharing operator BlueSG has officially relaunched as Flexar, marking a significant shift in business strategy as the company moves away from its original fully electric, fully owned fleet model.

The rebrand was unveiled on Monday (4 May) and follows what the company described as a “strategic pause” of BlueSG’s earlier operations. In its new form, Flexar is adopting an asset-light approach, relying on third-party fleet management providers to supply vehicles instead of owning them outright in order to reduce capital expenditure while enabling faster expansion.

In a notable departure from BlueSG’s identity as an all-electric car-sharing service, Flexar’s fleet will now include both internal combustion engine vehicles and electric cars. The company said this hybrid approach is intended to improve operational flexibility, particularly in light of limitations posed by Singapore’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

At launch, Flexar’s network comprises around 200 vehicles distributed across 100 stations. While the current footprint remains relatively small, the company said it is working towards building a comprehensive islandwide presence.

Early interest in the service appears strong, with the platform recording close to 10,000 user sign-ups during a two-week beta phase. To attract users, Flexar has removed membership fees and security deposits, opting instead to onboard customers through Singpass.

At the same time, the company is taking steps to manage cost pressures. Fuel expenses will be passed directly to users through a temporary surcharge, which will be adjusted weekly in response to global oil price movements.

This article (BlueSG relaunches car-sharing company under new name) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: A growing number of Singaporeans online are pushing back against takeaway charges imposed by some hawkers, arguing that such fees are increasingly being used to boost profits rather than simply cover costs.

The issue has gained traction in recent weeks after diners reported being charged up to 30 cents for takeaway packaging. In one case highlighted by Stomp, a customer who visited a coffeeshop in Bidadari said he was billed close to $1 for three takeaway bags.

“I had expected plastic containers, even though 30 cents is on the high side, as it’s usually 20 cents—unless it’s for bigger containers that cost 40 to 50 cents, which I understand,” he said.

“I was shocked when they gave me my food in plastic bags. When I queried it, the stall pointed to a notice stating takeaway costs 30 cents. I replied that such charges are typically for containers—this was the first time I’d encountered this.”

He added that while he did not mind paying for proper packaging, a flat fee for minimal wrapping felt unreasonable. “It doesn’t make sense to charge 30 cents when the food is simply packed in plastic bags,” he said.

The stallholders defended the practice, telling Stomp that packaging charges are now commonplace, regardless of whether bags or containers are used.

When Stomp canvassed opinions on the street, responses were mixed. Some diners felt the charges were justified, while others said such costs should be absorbed by stallholders.

Online, however, sentiment skewed more critical. One commenter argued that even small increases were unjustified given economies of scale, saying, “From a cost accounting perspective, I think even a 10-cent increase is too much to pass to the consumer. You are buying in bulk; your costs for dabao only go up a fraction of a cent per packet. This is just price gouging.”

Another commenter pointed out, “Stalls are now not only profiting from their products, they are now profiting from their containers. Don’t tell me it’s reasonable, as they need to pay for it because it’s not.

“Which stall owner pays 30 cents for a container? They probably buy in bulk from some China online shop at say 5 cents each (could be less) and mark up. If each container earns them 25 cents, it becomes a profit centre. e.g.100 containers a month sold 25 cents profit x 100 daily x 30 days/month = extra SGD750 profit/month from containers.”

Others said they immediately boycott hawkers who try to impose hefty takeaway charges. One netizen said, “The worst is actually stalls who charge the extra fee even when you bring your own container & yes, before you say anything, I do vote with my wallet and boycott these stalls once they hit me with this rubbish.”

“NO. No reason to charge consumer for takeaway box, plastic box, etc. It should be part of their costs,” another commenter said emphatically, “Can use wrapper, plastic bag or styrofoam box , they don’t use than they use plastic box to charge $0.30-0.50, it’s really wastage of plastic box, eat already the plastic box, throw away. Now even box also want make money.”

Hawkers, however, maintain that rising costs leave them little choice. One stallholder noted that, without bulk purchasing, packaging expenses can add up, averaging about 15 cents for styrofoam boxes with cutlery and bags, and up to 25 cents for plastic containers.

Even so, he added that he personally does not believe customers should be charged for simpler packaging, such as food bags or styrofoam boxes.

This article (‘This is price gouging,’ diners say as hawkers defend takeaway charge) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: Images circulating online of destroyed Mahan Air aircraft amid the ongoing conflict in Iran have drawn attention from observers in Singapore, after it emerged that several of the planes were once operated by Singapore Airlines (SIA) before being covertly transferred to Iran.

The aircraft in question are five Boeing 777-200ERs that were first delivered to SIA between 2001 and 2003. They remained part of the airline’s fleet until being retired in 2018 and 2019, after which they were passed on to NokScoot, a Thai low-cost carrier that has since ceased operations.

Following NokScoot’s closure, the jets were left in storage for several years. Their status remained unchanged until May 2025, when they were reactivated under circumstances that now appear to point to an illicit transfer.

Records show that all five aircraft were parked at Siem Reap Angkor International Airport in Cambodia between July 4 and July 15. Data from flight tracking service Flightradar24 indicates that one of the jets, registered 5R-HER, departed on July 15 and was later stored at Mashhad International Airport in Iran.

During that journey, the aircraft’s ADS-B transponder was switched off while flying over Afghanistan, effectively masking the remainder of its route. This method has been observed in previous transfers involving aircraft entering Iran, where planes disappear from tracking systems before resurfacing in Iranian airspace.

Recent images believed to be from within Iran suggest that these aircraft may have since been destroyed. One photograph shows a Mahan Air plane with its upper fuselage torn away as thick smoke rises from the wreckage, while another depicts a separate aircraft split into two sections.

The incident comes against the backdrop of longstanding United States sanctions on Iran, which restrict the country’s ability to procure commercial aircraft. The measures bar the sale of planes containing more than 10 per cent US-made components, effectively preventing Iran from acquiring Boeing jets and most Airbus models.

As a result, Iran’s aviation sector has faced significant constraints. Much of its fleet is considered outdated, with limited access to spare parts and certified maintenance. Estimates from last year suggested that fewer than 200 of the country’s approximately 330 registered aircraft were operational.

To work around these restrictions, Iran has relied on indirect and often opaque methods to obtain aircraft. In recent years, this has included reactivating grounded planes and using complex ownership changes and flight routes designed to avoid detection.

In April, two Airbus A330-200 aircraft previously operated by Hong Kong Airlines were flown from Oman to Tehran without interference. A similar pattern was seen in May 2023, when two Airbus A340-200s formerly used by the French Air and Space Force were transferred after a period of storage in Indonesia. Those aircraft were re-registered in Mali and disappeared from radar near India before eventually arriving at Chabahar.

Reports have also pointed to other cases, including two Airbus A340s linked to a Gambian leasing company that departed Lithuania in 2024. Originally bound for the Philippines, the planes diverted mid-journey, ceased transmitting tracking data, and later surfaced in Iran, landing in Tehran and Chabahar, respectively.

This article (Ex-SIA planes that were smuggled into Iran destroyed in war) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.