Millions possibly overpaid to NParks, MOE contractors among lapses found by Auditor-General’s Office; Singaporean asks for death sentence in Malaysia: Singapore live news
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Singapore's government has pledged to take action in response to the Auditor-General's Office (AGO) audit report that found significant financial management lapses across multiple public sector agencies. REUTERS/Travis Teo
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The Wall Street Journal fired one of their journalists weeks after she was elected as the head of the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA). Celina Cheng says she refused demands from the paper's senior editors to cut ties with the union and to not advocate for media freedoms.
IKEA is recalling certain VARMFRONT power banks, due to fire hazard. The Swedish furniture giant says 36 affected units have been sold in Singapore and no incidents have been reported. Customers are advised to check their power bank product information to confirm if their unit is affected.
Malaysia will decide on the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore high-speed rail (HSR) project this year. The government is evaluating proposals from three shortlisted consortiums. Read more on how the HSR project can cut travel time between the two cities and enhance rail connectivity.
At least 14 students from a Tokyo high school have been admitted to hospital after eating extra spicy crisps during their morning break. The students experienced nausea and mouth pain after consuming "R 18+ curry chips". The children experienced nausea and mouth pain after consuming the extremely spicy crisps. Find out why the "R 18+ crisps" are not recommended for children.
SportSG introduces MyActiveSG+ platform and tighter controls to prevent misuse of member accounts and ensure compliance, following AGO report findings. Know more about the SportsSG's enhanced security here.
Grammy winner Adele recently shared that she’s taking a break from her music career. After her Las Vegas residency and upcoming Munich residency, she plans to focus on other creative endeavours. Find out why the queen of soulful heartbreak anthems wants to roll in the deep of relaxation.
Singaporean drivers can now enjoy a more convenient parking experience at 12 commercial carparks using the newly launched AXS Drive app. Here’s what you need to know about the cardless payment and supported car parks.
On the 10th anniversary of the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof reaffirmed his commitment to seeking justice for the victims, despite challenges posed by Russia’s refusal to extradite the convicted suspects. Read more on the elusive pursuit for justice for the MH17 victims.
Robert Irwin, son of famous "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin, recently took on the challenge of eating durian in Singapore. Known for its strong smell, durian left Robert with mixed reactions. Fans found his reactions hilarious and commented on his apparent struggle with the "king of fruits".
Malaysia has passed legislation to make Pulau Satu, part of the Forest City development, a duty-free zone. This move is intended to revitalise the troubled US$100 billion megacity project. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's administration also plans to develop a cross-border economic zone with Singapore to boost regional trade. Read more about the efforts to rejuvenate the troubled Forest City project here.
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Joel Balbin
Malaysia approves duty-free status for Forest City
Malaysia's Parliament has approved legislation to designate Pulau Satu as a duty-free zone, part of efforts to rejuvenate the troubled Forest City megaproject and enhance trade with Singapore. (Photo: Aparna Nori/Bloomberg)
Malaysia's Parliament has approved making Pulau Satu in Forest City a duty-free zone.
This move aims to rejuvenate the US$100 billion megaproject. The legislation now awaits the Senate's approval.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced last year plans to designate Forest City as a special financial zone.
The government is close to a deal with Singapore for a cross-border economic zone. This collaboration is expected to enhance trade between Johor and Singapore.
Forest City has faced many challenges since construction began a decade ago.
King Ibrahim Iskandar supports routing the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore high-speed rail through the development.
It said in a statement, "IKEA urges all customers who own a VARMFRONT power bank 10 400 mAh (model number E2038) with date stamp (YYWW) 2313, 2316, 2318 or 2319, or a VARMFRONT power bank 5 200 mAh (model number E2037) with date stamp (YYWW) 2318, 2319 or 2322, to immediately stop using it and contact IKEA for a full refund."
Malaysia to decide on Kuala Lumpur-Singapore HSR project this year
The Malaysia-Singapore high-speed rail (HSR) line seeks to cut travel time between the Kuala Lumpur and Singapore to 90 minutes from more than four hours by car. (Photo: Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua/Getty Images via Bloomberg)
Malaysia will decide on the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore high-speed rail (HSR) project in the coming months.
The government is evaluating proposals from three shortlisted consortiums.
The project aims to cut travel time to 90 minutes and has garnered support from Johor’s Sultan.
Cost concerns remain, and Malaysia seeks private investment without increasing national debt.
Singapore drivers can now pay for parking at 12 commercial carparks via new AXS app
AXS mobile app AXS Drive. (PHOTO: AXS)
AXS users can now use a mobile app for automatic payments at 12 commercial carparks in Singapore, including at Downtown East, Far East Plaza, The Heeren, and Wisma Atria.
AXS Drive can auto-deduct parking fees through the driver's credit card linked to their car details.
The mobile app uses licence plate recognition to record a vehicle's entry and exit times and processes payments after the vehicle leaves the car park.
MH17: World marks 10 years since downing of tragic Malaysian Airlines flight
Families of the victims of the downed MH17 flight in war-torn eastern Ukraine are commemorating ten years since the tragedy, with dwindling hopes of seeing those responsible behind bars. (Photo: Sem van der Wal / ANP / AFP News)
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof vowed to pursue justice for the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 on its 10th anniversary, despite Russia’s refusal to extradite three convicted men.
The flight, shot down by a Russian-made missile over Ukraine in 2014, killed all 298 on board.
Schoof emphasised the Netherlands' long-term commitment to justice during a ceremony near Schiphol airport, where the flight originated.
In November 2022, a Dutch court sentenced three men in absentia for their roles in transporting and deploying the missile.
However, Russia has denied involvement and refused to extradite the suspects.
SportSG enhances security measures after AGO report
The Auditor-General Office (AGO) reported significant misuse of ActiveSG member accounts, prompting SportSG to introduce a new platform with enhanced security features to prevent further abuse and ensure responsible use of facilities. (Photo: Yahoo News Singapore)
Sport Singapore (SportSG) has announced a series of measures to combat misuse of its facilities following an Auditor-General's Office (AGO) report highlighting significant breaches.
The AGO discovered that accounts of deceased members had been used for 283 admissions and identified widespread sharing and misuse of membership passes.
To address these issues, SportSG is implementing MyActiveSG+ with dynamic QR codes and SingPass Data Synchronisation, along with enhanced internal procedures and procurement processes, to prevent misuse of facilities and ensure compliance.
AGO audit report highlights issues in public sector financial management
The Auditor-General’s Office (AGO) has highlighted the importance of robust oversight in managing Singapore's public funds. (Photo: Getty Images)
The Auditor-General’s Office (AGO) has revealed significant financial management lapses across multiple public sector agencies in its latest audit report, highlighting the importance of robust oversight in managing public funds.
The issues include overpayments to contractors by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the National Parks Board (NParks).
MOE identified potential errors in school construction projects, while NParks paid for work that was not completed or used cheaper materials than specified in contracts.
Both agencies are taking steps to recover the overpaid funds and improve their oversight procedures.
Other agencies, including the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP), also faced criticism for weaknesses in their internal controls. MHA warehouses were found to have discrepancies in inventory records, while NYP was slow to issue bills for courses and collect outstanding fees.
The government has pledged to take action in response to the AGO report. This includes strengthening procurement and contract management practices, improving grant management controls, and enhancing revenue collection procedures.
Featured
Joel Balbin
Singaporean man asks for the death penalty in Johor Bahru court
Singaporean Quah Tee Keon asked a Johor Bahru court to uphold his death sentence for the 2013 murder of his wife’s boyfriend. (Photo: Malay Mail)
A Singaporean man asked a court in Johor Bahru in Malaysia to keep him in death row for a crime he committed in 2013, rejecting any plea for forgiveness.
Quah Tee Keon withdrew his application for a review of his death penalty, signalling his acceptance of the sentence.
A panel of judges decided to uphold the death sentence following Quah’s withdrawal of his application for review.
Quah was convicted of murdering his wife’s boyfriend and inflicting serious injuries on his wife using a knife on October 13, 2013, at a residence in Pahang.
Robert's Instagram video captured his hesitation and unique reactions as he tasted the fruit, eventually stating, "It's good," while struggling to chew.
Fans humorously commented on the discrepancy between his words and his expressions, with some Singaporeans jokingly calling out his bluff.
Adele poses with her Grammy for Best Pop Solo Performance for "Easy On Me" during the 65th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California, U.S., February 5, 2023. REUTERS/Mike Blake
OMG! Adele, the queen of soulful heartbreak anthems, has decided to take a break from the music scene, finally ready to say "goodbye" to the studio and "turn tables" on work-life balance.
Adele is expected to be "rolling in the deep" of relaxation, swapping the mic for some serious R&R, saying, "rumour has it, I'm off to find myself, one sip of tea at a time!"
Adele admits she needs to "set fire to the rain" of endless touring and promotions, embracing her own advice from "someone like you".
If we go "easy on Adele" while she hits the pause button, we might greet the Grammy "hello" in no time!
Joel Balbin
Extremely spicy snack sends at least 14 Tokyo students to hospital
Fourteen high school students experienced nausea and mouth pain after consuming ‘R 18+ Curry chips’ in Tokyo, Japan on 16 July 2024 (Isoyama-shoji.co.jp)
At least fourteen students from a Tokyo high school were hospitalised after eating extremely spicy crisps branded "18+" for their spice level.
The crisps caused nausea and mouth pain, with one student needing a wheelchair.
Known as "R 18+ curry chips," the crisps contain ghost peppers, one of the hottest chilies.
The packaging clearly states that people under 18 and those sensitive to spice should avoid them.
Wall Street Journal fires new chair of Hong Kong Journalists Association
Selina Cheng, the newly elected chairperson of the Hong Kong Journalists Association, leaves office after her employment contract with the Wall Street Journal was terminated, in Hong Kong, China, 17 July 2024. (PHOTO: REUTERS/Tyrone Siu)
The new chair of the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA), Selina Cheng, said Wednesday (17 July) that she had been fired from her job at the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) after she refused demands from her boss to not run for the leadership post. She added that she was also asked not to advocate for media freedom.
Reuters reported that a spokesperson for Dow Jones, WSJ's parent company, responded to media queries that it had made some personnel changes and restructuring decisions on Wednesday.
Fernando, a hitman for a Swedish narcotics gang, checks his phone as it pings with his latest orders: collect the guns, go to the target’s front door and fire until he runs out of bullets.
Japan’s popular Princess Aiko turned 23 on Sunday, as she takes on more official duties even while her future in the imperial family remains in doubt. Aiko, the only child of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, graduated from university earlier this year and has since been participating in official duties and palace rituals while working at the Red Cross Society, according to the Imperial Household Agency. The vast majority of Japan’s public supports changing the law to allow her to remain a royal and become emperor, but conservatives in the governing party insist on keeping male-only succession.
Police harnessed the power of social media to help find Key’mydre Anderson’s alleged killers. Last week, Johnathan Pyle’s capital murder trial began, James Liddell writes
Investigators are trying to determine how a woman got past multiple security checkpoints this week at New York’s JFK International Airport and boarded a plane to Paris, apparently hiding in the aircraft’s bathrooms during the flight.
Kevin Desylva and Reah Palmer never imagined they would end up homeless. But after 32 years together, the couple found themselves trying anything to make it through each day."We've never experienced homelessness, we've never been around it," Desylva said. "Everything about it was new to us, the people, the atmosphere — it's rough."There was a time, he said, when the pair were living in Chipman area of what is now Grand Lake. Palmer was working three jobs, and Desylva stayed home to look after hi
Over 70 years ago, thousands of mixed-race boys and girls were torn from their mothers by order of the state. This week five survivors hope a court will censure Belgium for crimes against humanity
Margaret Wandia became pregnant after a week-long relationship with a British soldier training near her community in Kenya. Now that son is 26, and he is part of an effort by a Kenyan lawyer to take a number of such children to Britain. It is a long shot after years of attempts by human rights groups to hold the British military and its personnel accountable for their actions during weeks of training in Kenya — including alleged rapes — and the children they leave behind.
Indian billionaire Gautam Adani on Saturday said "attacks" on his company made it "stronger", days after US prosecutors accused him and other officials of fraud."What I can tell you is that every attack makes us stronger and every obstacle becomes a stepping stone for a more resilient Adani Group," he said at an awards ceremony in the northern Indian city of Jaipur.
