MALAYSIA: A Malaysian court has shut down a Singapore casino’s attempt to bankrupt a local businessman over a gambling debt worth RM26 million (S$8 million), reinforcing a long-standing legal stance: gambling debts aren’t enforceable in Malaysia.

The Ipoh High Court dismissed a petition filed by Resorts World at Sentosa Pte Ltd against restaurant owner Lee Fook Kheun. The casino had sought bankruptcy action after Lee allegedly failed to repay the RM26 million tied to gambling credit, Free Malaysia Today (FMT) reports (April 28).

Court draws a firm legal line

Justice Moses Susayan ruled that the debt couldn’t be recognised under Malaysian law because it arose from gambling, which is considered illegal and void.

The case leaned on a prior Federal Court decision that treats gambling debts as matters of honour, not law. In simple terms, even if someone owes money from gambling, the courts will not help recover it.

The casino had relied on a 2018 Singapore High Court judgment, later registered in Malaysia under the Reciprocal Enforcement of Judgments Act 1958, but the judge stated that foreign rulings don’t override Malaysian public policy.

He also stressed that local courts aren’t obliged to enforce overseas decisions that conflict with domestic laws.

Lee’s legal argument holds in the court

Lee challenged the claim, arguing that the debt, though framed as a credit, was still rooted in gambling. This made it invalid under Malaysian law and unsuitable for bankruptcy proceedings.

The court agreed and cited provisions under the Civil Law Act 1956 and the Contracts Act 1950, both of which render gambling-related agreements void.

Interestingly, while the casino lost the case, the court didn’t order it to pay legal costs.

Malaysia doesn’t allow legal recovery of casino debts

The court’s decision reinforces a sharp divide between jurisdictions, as Malaysia doesn’t allow legal recovery of casino debts. For such cross-border cases, this creates a limitation: a debt recognised in one country may carry no weight in another.

For Singapore-based operators, the takeaway is that legal wins at home don’t guarantee enforcement abroad.

For Malaysians, it confirms that local courts will prioritise national law over foreign judgments, especially on issues tied to public policy.

This article (Malaysia court rejects Singapore casino bankruptcy bid over S$8M gambling debt) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: The Singapore Police Force said in a statement on Tuesday (April 28) that a man who was caught entering Singapore via Tuas Checkpoint with nearly S$400,000 in cash in his car has been sentenced to jail. The money has also been forfeited and forfeited to the state.

The man, a 57-year-old Malaysian male named Diong Gin Ing, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of benefits from criminal conduct and one count of making an inaccurate declaration on the cross-border movement of cash on March 26. 

He was then convicted and sentenced to 10 months and 3 days’ imprisonment for offences under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act 1992.

After he was convicted, an application from the Prosecution for an order for the entire sum of seized cash to be turned over to the State was granted by the Court on April 16.

The case involving Diong came to light during a Cross-Border Cash Reporting Regime multi-agency joint operation on May 23, 2025. Officers from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and the Specialised Fraud Investigation Branch of the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) caught him with S$398,775 and RM1,621 (S$200,49) in a bag in the boot of his car as he was coming into Singapore using the Tuas Checkpoint.

SPF noted that he failed to make an accurate declaration of the cash carried and was unable to provide a satisfactory account of the source of funds that he was carrying.

It was then suspected that the money was from unlawful proceeds, and the authorities seized it as further investigations were carried out.

The investigations later showed that the money had been commissions paid to Diong as a runner for illegal betting and unlicensed moneylending activities in Malaysia.

“All travellers arriving and departing Singapore must make a report of the physical movement of any physical currency and bearer negotiable instruments (CBNI) exceeding S$20,000 (or its equivalent foreign currency) into or out of Singapore,” the Police said in its statement.

Failure to do so is a punishable offence, and individuals who are convicted face fines of up to S$50,000, a jail term of as much as three years, or both. Furthermore, a confiscation order may also be issued for any part of the cash in relation to the offence committed.

Peggy Pao, the Director of the CAD, underlined how seriously Singapore takes instances of criminals attempting to move proceeds from unlawful activity through its jurisdiction. /TISG

Read also: 3 Singaporeans arrested for money laundering in connection with Prince Holding Group; S$350 million in assets seized

This article (S$400K seized from Malaysian man at Tuas forfeited to Singapore) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: A supposed pamper day turned into a nightmare when a customer who visited J.C. Skin at Khatib claimed that a beautician scratched her face with a blade while doing an eyebrow touch-up and failed to apologise. 

In a Facebook post, the customer shared that the incident occurred during the procedure when the blade came too close to her face. However, instead of owning up to the mistake, the beautician blamed the client, stating that it happened because she made ‘a big movement’. The customer admitted that she was lying on the bed throughout the procedure and did not do so. 

“I felt very disappointed with the attitude shown. Accidents can happen, but it is important to take responsibility and apologise to the customer,” the customer declared in the post. 

Netizens also shared their thoughts and opinions in the comments section of the post. One claimed that it was not an accident, and it was intentional because it is impossible to scratch a person’s cut in the mouth area. Others say that she was bullied. 

“Claim for compensation and engage legal assistance if required. Businesses need to have insurance to cover accidents,” a netizen suggested. 

Another netizen claimed: “Even if you move, she also can’t use this as an excuse. She was using a blade, and she had to be careful and responsible for the safety of the customer.” 

Other related news 

In other related news regarding customer complaints, there was a report where a woman was nearly burned when a fire broke out at their table at a Korean hot pot restaurant. 

“When I bent down to look, I found thick smoke and flames coming out of the hole under the dining table, which scared me so much that I ran away quickly,” the diner declared.

Read more about the news story here. 

This article (‘It is important to take responsibility and apologize’: Customer disappointed as beautician cuts a her face) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: Birds have once again become a problem in residential areas, this time in Bishan, where residents and businesses say the situation is getting harder to manage.

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.

According to Shin Min Daily News, the issue has persisted for years at Bishan North Shopping Centre, with little improvement. When reporters visited the area, pigeons, crows, and mynas were seen roaming freely, especially near fruit stalls and coffee shops.

The birds appear unfazed by human presence, often lingering near diners and scavenging around bins for food. Some have even been seen pecking at food offerings meant for worship.

A 47-year-old fruit stall worker said the problem has been ongoing for about a decade, with daily losses of $10 to $20 due to damaged produce.

“Once the fruit has been pecked at, it can no longer be sold, which is very frustrating… I cover up whatever isn’t on display to prevent further damage,” the worker said.

A 43-year-old coffee shop employee shared similar concerns, particularly around hygiene.

“We chase them away whenever we see them. They’re quite clever—they don’t go onto tables but stay on the ground looking for scraps. Even in small numbers, they’re still a nuisance,” the worker said.

Some businesses have taken matters into their own hands. One coffee shop has installed large nets to deter birds, but workers say the problem is returning.

“The number of birds is gradually increasing again. We hope authorities can step in and improve the situation,” said a 65-year-old employee.

Related

In a separate incident, crows near Chinatown Complex were reported to have attacked more than 10 people in a week, allegedly targeting individuals with bald or thinning hair.

Read more about the news story here. 

This article (Residents, businesses in Bishan stressed as birds target leftovers and more) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: After a recent photo of five schoolboys sitting one on top of the other on an MRT priority seat went viral and ignited a debate between netizens, one commenter implied that the photo is reflective of differing parenting styles between the East and the West.

The picture, shared on the @sgfollowsall Instagram account on Monday (April 27), showed five teenage boys from different nationalities, all dressed in the same football uniform, sharing one priority seat on the MRT as they were all stacked one on top of the other.

The person who shared the picture took a positive view, writing, “This scene somehow brightened and giggled up my MRT ride.”

Many agreed with this perspective, saying that the boys were just having a little harmless fun and urging others to “let kids be kids.”

As one put it, “Let them enjoy! They grow up too fast.”

Others, however, took a dimmer view, with some opining that the boys were an inconvenience to the woman beside them, who appeared to be frowning.

“You gotta feel sorry for the poor woman sitting beside them lol. Just look at her face,” an IG user pointed out. 

“Is your idea of fun getting into people’s faces? In that kind of situation, forcing the lady to be confined to that space,” wrote another.

Several commenters said that if it had been local teens who were sitting on each other’s laps, the comments would likely have been different.

“Apparently, it’s only funny when foreigners do it. I bet if it was a sec sch student surely Kena letter to school already,” one wrote.

“So when many international school teenage boys sit on one reserved seat, suddenly everyone is ok with it because it’s ‘fun’? Got it,” added another.

One wrote, “If it were local minority kids, the comments would be a lot different. Then again says a lot about upbringing if you can’t act right in public spaces. So Asian parenting is still top tier.”

Significant differences

There are key differences between how parents in Asia bring their children up, especially when compared to Western parents. 

In Asia, discipline, academic excellence, and high expectations are often taught and emphasised, whereas in Western countries, parents tend to encourage independence and self-discovery.

In comments to a video from the Malaysian comic Harith Iskander about how “Asian parents and ang moh parents are different,” a netizen wrote, “Asian parents just need to stare, or call their child’s name… trust me that’s enough.” /TISG

Read also: Singapore Instagram users suspected to be under 18 to face more restrictive features

This article (‘Asian parenting is still top tier’: Commenter says after seeing uniformed boys sharing priority seat on MRT) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: Electric vehicles (EVs) accounted for about 58%, or 7,679 of the 13,322 new cars registered in Singapore in the first quarter, according to the Land Transport Authority (LTA), marking the first time EV registrations outnumbered combustion engine and hybrid models. This was a sharp increase from last year’s record-high 45% share of EV registrations.

In terms of EV brands, Chinese automaker BYD led the market with 3,239 units, or nearly one in four new car registrations. Of these, 3,073 were fully electric, while 166 were petrol-electric (plug-in hybrid) models.

While an EY survey in January found charging concerns had dampened buyer interest in purchasing EVs, some industry players said rising fuel prices amid the Middle East war are now pushing buyers already considering EVs to act sooner, Channel News Asia reported.

EV players in Singapore have seen sales surge, with Chinese automaker Dongfeng reporting a jump of up to 80% in March.

However, some industry players noted that the recent revision of the Preferential Additional Registration Fee (PARF) rebate, which affects new car registrations this year, is a key driver of the rising interest in EVs.

In February, the LTA announced that the PARF rebate has been lowered by 45 percentage points.

The PARF rebate is the amount car owners receive when they deregister their vehicle, and it is calculated as a percentage of the Additional Registration Fee (ARF) paid. The ARF itself is based on a car’s Open Market Value (OMV), which is its estimated price before taxes. The rebate is tiered depending on the age of the vehicle when it is deregistered, with newer cars receiving a higher percentage.

With the revision, the gap in PARF rebates between EVs and non-EVs has narrowed.

Dongfeng Singapore founder and CEO Soh Ming told Channel News Asia that this helps level the playing field between EVs and non-EVs. Meanwhile, automotive industry consultant Say Kwee Neng told The Straits Times that with the reduced gap in PARF rebates between EVs and non-EVs, consumers have fewer reasons to stick with petrol engine models. /TISG

Read also: Singaporeans may have to pay more for celebrations as helium costs rise up to 40% amid Middle East conflict

This article (Singapore sees higher EV registrations in first quarter as rising petrol prices drive urgency among buyers already considering EVs, experts say) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: Travellers heading across the land checkpoints this Labour Day weekend should brace for long waits, with congestion expected to build at both Tuas and Woodlands.

The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said traffic is likely to surge from April 30 to May 3, based on recent traffic flow. During the Good Friday weekend earlier this month, more than 1.4 million travellers crossed the two checkpoints, with nearly 500,000 in a single day. At peak hours, some drivers waited up to three hours due to tailbacks from Malaysia.

ICA advised travellers should plan ahead, avoid peak periods, and check traffic conditions before setting off.

Enhanced security checks linked to global security concerns

The expected congestion comes as ICA continues enhanced security checks introduced in late February. These measures, linked to global security concerns, including developments in the Middle East, have increased processing times at checkpoints.

At the same time, authorities have tried to ease the flow with new systems, such as QR code clearance and facial recognition for motorcyclists, which are part of ICA’s updated clearance process. These upgrades have increased throughput by over 35 per cent during peak departure hours, allowing about 7,600 more travellers per hour compared to pre-pandemic levels.

The message is that technology helps, but volume still wins.

Queue-cutters will be forced to turn back and rejoin the queue line from the end

ICA has also taken a firm stance on road behaviour. During the Good Friday weekend, 18 motorists were caught for traffic offences, including dangerous driving and cutting queues.

Offenders faced strict action. Some were made to turn back and rejoin the queue line from the end. Others were referred to the Traffic Police or barred from entering Singapore.

The authority warned again that queue-cutting disrupts traffic flow and will not be tolerated.

What travellers should take note of

Travellers are reminded once again to keep documents in order and follow procedures closely:

• Passports must have at least six months’ validity

• Short-term visitors must submit the Singapore Arrival Card via the MyICA app

• Permanent residents should update their passport details after renewal

• Long-term pass holders must report any passport changes

Motorists, especially those driving foreign-registered vehicles, need valid Vehicle Entry Permits (VEP), insurance, and Autopass cards. Those with unpaid fines risk being turned away.

Construction works near Woodlands Checkpoint also mean drivers should expect diversions and follow on-site instructions.

Plan ahead, leave earlier

The steady rise in cross-border travel shows that weekend trips between Singapore and Malaysia have returned to full strength, and that infrastructure and enforcement are catching up with that demand.

For Singaporeans, this is no longer just a holiday inconvenience as it demonstrates how tightly connected both sides remain, and how easily delays on one side can spill over to the other.

Planning ahead is no longer optional. It is the difference between a smooth crossing and hours stuck in a queue.

If there’s one practical takeaway, it’s this: leave earlier than you think you should. The checkpoint is one place where time lost is rarely gained back.

This article (ICA: Heavy traffic in Singapore expected at Tuas and Woodlands checkpoints over Labour Day weekend) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s Immigration Department has uncovered a migrant smuggling syndicate from Indonesia that brought people in through sea crossings and then routes in Singapore and Thailand.

A raid was conducted by the authorities in the early morning hours on April 25 (Saturday) at two key transport terminals in Kuala Lumpur. This resulted in the arrest of 10 Indonesian nationals, along with two transporters, all of whom are between the ages of 27 and 60, the New Straits Times reported. 

Two men and two women from Indonesia, together with a transporter, were detained by officers at Terminal Bersepadu Gombak. At Terminal Bersepadu Selatan, meanwhile, three men and three women from Indonesia who are likely to be part of the same migrant-smuggling syndicate were caught.

A Mazda CX-5, allegedly used to bring the migrants to where they needed to go next, was also seized.

Officers from the Immigration Headquarters in Putrajaya, specifically those from the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (Atipsom) and Anti-Migrant Labour Abuse (Amla) Prevention Division, carried out the operations. 

“Officers tracked the arrival of a group of Indonesian nationals travelling to the Klang Valley from Kelantan via express buses,” Immigration director general Zakaria Shaaban said in a statement. The Indonesians were said to have been brought into Malaysia illegally from the Thai border.

The statement added that, whereas before, sea routes in Selangor waters had been used to transport migrants, initial investigations have shown that “a more complex, layered approach” is now in use, involving both air and land routes to throw off enforcement agencies.

Direct flights into Malaysia are also being avoided, since “many” of the migrants who were smuggled in are said to be blacklisted from entry. 

The route that smugglers took the migrants on began in Indonesia, and from there, they were either flown into Kuala Lumpur International Airport or brought to Singapore, and then further to Hat Yai, Thailand. From there, the migrants were brought to transit houses. The transporters then used illegal routes in Bukit Bunga, Tanah Merah, to bring the migrants to Kelantan. In Kelantan, they were put on different overnight express bus services to evade being detected, which were bound for Kuala Lumpur.

Each migrant was charged between RM3,500 (S$1,130) and RM4,000 (S$1,290) for the services that the migrant-smuggling syndicate rendered. According to the immigration department, “This layered network structure is designed to separate and isolate information links between migrants and syndicate members, making detection more difficult.”

Some Malaysians are also believed to be part of the syndicate. They may have helped with buying bus tickets and logistics, and are currently being tracked down. /TISG

Read also: 843 undocumented migrants detained in major Selayang Baru crackdown

This article (Malaysia uncovers new Indonesian migrant-smuggling syndicate through Singapore & Thailand) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: A spokeswoman for the government of Thailand said that Singapore has shown interest in the country’s project to build a land bridge connecting ports on the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, bypassing the Strait of Malacca.

She said that Singapore did not commit to a particular role in the development of the land bridge, with a report in the Bangkok Post as saying, “They recognise the project’s potential and the opportunities it could create for Thailand and the wider region if it proceeds.”

On April 20, Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn told members of the media that it is going ahead with the long-planned project that will connect the Indian and Pacific oceans and will reportedly cost 1 trillion baht (S$40 billion).

The spokeswoman, Rachada Dhnadirek, made these remarks after a meeting between Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Singapore’s Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing, who is on a working visit to Thailand from April 26 to 28.

The report added that she said that talks concerning the land bridge are still in their early stages. Mr Anutin and Mr Chan discussed a number of other issues, most of which concerned defence. However, energy security, particularly developing fossil and renewable energy for greater regional resilience, was an important topic that was also talked about.

Thailand’s land bridge  

Significantly, the long-planned bridge will bypass the Strait of Malacca, which has been in the news lately in the context of the war in the Middle East and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has caused a global fuel crisis. 

In announcing that the project will be pushing through, Mr Phiphat, who also oversees the Ministry of Transport, said the current situation has underscored the importance of key shipping routes. 

Bloomberg quoted him as saying, “The Middle East conflict has demonstrated the advantage of controlling a transport route. Thailand will have a great advantage by operating the link between the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean.” 

Mr Phiphat noted that other countries, including the United Arab Emirates, have shown interest in the project, which needs the private sector, given its high cost. DP World and Hong Kong’s New World Development are also interested, Thai officials have said.

There have been concerns raised over the project, including ones from provinces in Thailand’s southern region. Mr Phiphat is scheduled to make a visit to the areas where the infrastructure will be built to gather feedback from locals.

Additionally, there are concerns over the cost and environmental consequences of the land bridge, with a Thai Senator asking if impact assessments on health and the environment have been completed. /TISG

Read also: Thailand to build S$40 billion land bridge to bypass Malacca Strait

This article (Singapore shows interest in Thailand’s land bridge project) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: A Singapore nurse has sparked an online debate after calling out what she described as “entitled old people” over the use of reserved seats on the MRT.

In a post on Reddit, the nurse recounted boarding a train at Botanic Gardens after a long and exhausting shift. She described her job as “physically and mentally taxing,” adding that she had not had the chance to “eat, drink, sit, pee, sh*t, etc., for >8 hours.”

Hoping to rest during the journey, she took an empty reserved seat, noting that she had a heart condition. However, an older commuter soon approached her, tapped her shoulder, and repeatedly insisted that the seat was meant “for seniors only.”

The Redditor shared that the woman came “SWOOPING IN, tapping my shoulder and repeatedly saying ‘this seat is for seniors only’,” adding that the woman continued pointing at the priority seat sticker even after sitting down herself.

The nurse expressed frustration that the commuter appeared to ignore the broader intent of the reserved seating scheme. Describing herself as being in her early 20s and looking even younger, she suggested that her condition may not have been taken seriously because it is not visible.

“This is just a rant because I’m tired and pissed off with old, rude people acting all high and mighty,” she added, inviting others with similar experiences to share.

The post drew a wide range of responses, with some commenters offering tongue-in-cheek advice on how to handle similar encounters in future.

Some felt she should stand her ground more firmly. “Your problem is you got up. Just tell her u got heart condition point to sign and sleep. If she keep nagging, just ignore,” one comment read.

Another commenter said, “Ah you see. Your problem is you didnt wayan for hong xing da jiang. You said you got heart problem. Just take out your meds and act like you ate and drink water. Make sure you look like you suffering.”

Others reflected on what they saw as a wider cultural issue. “That’s the part of this first-world life we’ve honed into. No more ‘caring’ attitude with kind gesture or communication. Yes, the older generation can be quite ‘cruel’… Welcome to the first world ugliness,” one wrote.

Several users shared similar encounters. One Redditor recounted, “I WAS JUST COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS YESTERDAY. There was this aunty she legit swooped across the crowd… She came to me used her bag to hit my leg then smiled… BRO SHE HIT MY LEG HARDER WITH HER BAG THEN GIGGLE and directed my eyes to the poster.”

Another commenter pointed to the issue of invisible conditions. “A lot of older generation like that one, they don’t see people with invisible disabilities…Most of them entitled, thinking the reserved seats are for them and them only,” they wrote, adding that “a seemingly healthy and young person may need the seat more than the old person.”

Practical advice also featured prominently in the discussion. “Just stay seated next time… and just go to bed the moment you get the seat.” one netizen suggested.

Others criticised the broader system rather than individuals. “As much as I want to side with you.. don’t hate the player, hate the game. The ‘reserve seat’ culture had cultivated this behaviour,” a commenter wrote, adding, “This kind you should just tell her you not feeling well. Now you flip the sympathy game back to her.”

Another netizen offered practical advice, saying, “Don’t wear uniform in public transport. Always change before leaving work. So if someone mess with you, and it goes viral, you won’t immediately lose your job.”

Some responses were more blunt. “Life sucks, next time, don’t give the seat to anyone,” one commenter said.

This article (Nurse with heart problem rebukes ‘entitled old people’ for hogging reserved MRT seats) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: After 15 years as a fixture in Serangoon, Japanese department store Isetan has closed its outlet at NEX mall for good, with staff bidding an emotional farewell to customers as shutters came down on Sunday (26 Apr).

The closure marks the end of an era for the store, which had been an anchor tenant since NEX first opened in 2010. On its final day, employees gathered to thank shoppers who had supported the outlet over the years, before lowering the shutters for the last time.

Store manager Gladys Kan addressed the crowd in a farewell speech, expressing gratitude for the support and kindness shown by customers over the past 15 years. She wished them well and encouraged them to patronise Isetan’s last remaining outlet at Shaw House along Scotts Road. Staff then bowed and waved goodbye as the store closed its doors.

In a Facebook post published on Monday (27 Apr), Isetan Singapore confirmed the closure, attributing it to the expiry of its lease. The company thanked its stakeholders and customers, while inviting the public to “continue creating new memories” at its final remaining branch.

Isetan’s presence in Singapore dates back to 1972, when it became the country’s first Japanese department store. At its peak, the retailer operated seven outlets across the island, including a prominent location at Wisma Atria.

In recent years, however, it has steadily scaled down its footprint. Its Westgate branch in Jurong East closed in 2020, followed by its Parkway Parade outlet in January 2022. The NEX closure comes just over five months after its Tampines Mall store shut on 9 November 2025, ending a 30-year run there.

News of the impending closure had been announced by NEX in December last year, with the mall hinting at “new and exciting offerings” set to replace the long-standing tenant.

In the lead-up to its final day, Isetan NEX drew large crowds with moving-out sales offering discounts of up to 70 per cent on a wide range of items. Shoppers flocked to the store in its final weeks, eager to pick up bargains and revisit a familiar retail space one last time.

The closure has also sparked an outpouring of nostalgia online, with many sharing personal memories of the store.

One Redditor posted, “Goodbye Nex isetan. We will miss you. I remembered when I had just moved to serangoon maybe 11 years ago, You were here for the first time. You sold everything, and encompassing 3 levels you might have been the biggest shop in this mall. Goodbye.”

“Sadly the end of the era of department stores. Have so many childhood memories of following my mom around,” a commenter agreed.

One netizen who was there on the final day observed, “The end indeed. I was at Isetan around 7pm and some of the aunties were like ‘可以收工了’ （we can pack up now) jokingly cos it was still so crowded and the others just laughed along. But I can sense that it was bittersweet for them.”

While acknowledging e-commerce has taken over most people’s shopping patterns today, some netizens said the closure of brick and mortar stores still hits hard. One commenter said, “I know there are better deals online but I really like shopping in department stores. It’s really sad to see for me the eventual closures of these stores.”

Another netizen said, “Goodbye Isetan Nex, thank you for all the good memories.”

This article (“The end of an era” – Singaporeans lament closure of Isetan megastore at Nex) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: A photo of five schoolboys sharing a single seat on an MRT train has sparked mixed reactions online, with some amused by the boys’ creativity and others less impressed by their behaviour.

The image, which has been circulating on social media, shows five international school students in their physical education uniforms, all carrying backpacks, stacked on top of one another on a single seat. An Indian boy is seated on the actual seat, with a boy of African descent sitting on his lap, while three European-looking boys balance on top of them in a precarious pile.

Seated next to them is a Chinese woman, whose expression appears visibly disapproving. According to the individual who shared the photo, her reaction was hard to miss.

“This scene somehow brightened and giggled up my MRT ride,” the OP said on Reddit.

Another Redditor who was on the same train and got another shot of the boys added in a comment, “I have to add on that the lady kept glancing at me as if to show her disapproval of their actions. She kept remarking ‘cant you see that this is a seat for one person.’”

The unusual sight quickly drew attention online, with netizens divided between those who found the moment lighthearted and nostalgic and those who viewed it as inappropriate behaviour in a public space.

Some commenters expressed amusement, with one writing, “No seats on MRT? be the change you want to see in the world..” Another joked, “Later got new sign that says not allowed to 5man sit on each other like that.”

Others took a more sentimental view, reflecting on the carefree nature of youth. “Those were the days that we all missed and it will never come back again,” one comment read.

At the same time, there were voices urging tolerance, with one netizen simply saying, “Let them have fun.”

The photo continues to circulate online, drawing both laughter and criticism as viewers weigh in on whether the boys’ antics were harmless fun or a step too far for public transport etiquette.

This article (Photo of five schoolboys sharing single MRT seat raises eyebrows) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.