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Articles by Ian Cheng
Rare, venomous blue-necked keelback snake spotted at MacRitchie Reservoir
A blue-necked keelback snake at MacRitchie Reservoir on Aug 1 with what appears to be two legs of an animal sticking out of its mouth. PHOTOS: MAT CHAY/FACEBOOK Ann Neo , Ian Cheng and Laura Chia A rare venomous blue-necked keelback snake, known for its distinctive orange-brown body and bluish neck, was spotted at MacRitchie Reservoir. The snake is locally vulnerable, feeds on frogs, and should only be handled by experts owing to its venomous nature.
Enhanced security around National Stadium for NDP 2026 Original
The National Day Parade, which will be held at the National Stadium on Aug 9, has been declared as an enhanced security special event. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI The National Day Parade 2026 at National Stadium will have enhanced security with strict checks on people and vehicles entering the special event area on August 9. Attendees must temporarily remove masks for security checks, with private rooms available for those uncomfortable doing so publicly.
F1 returns to Malaysia’s Sepang circuit after 9 years
[SINGAPORE] It’s official: Formula 1 racing will return to Malaysia’s Sepang circuit near Kuala Lumpur for the first time since 2017. The Sepang International Circuit will host the postponed Bahrain Grand Prix on Oct 4, F1 announced on Jul 26, between races in Azerbaijan (Sep 24-26) and Singapore (Oct 11-13).
F1时隔九年重返马来西亚雪邦赛道
【新加坡讯】官方消息：一级方程式（F1）赛车将重返位于吉隆坡附近的马来西亚雪邦赛道，这是自2017年以来的首次回归。 F1于7月26日宣布，雪邦国际赛道将于10月4日举办延期的巴林大奖赛，赛事时间介于阿塞拜疆大奖赛（9月24日至26日）和新加坡大奖赛（10月11日至13日）之间。 F1在X平台的一篇帖子中表示：“这场赛事安排在阿塞拜疆和新加坡大奖赛之间，在最终协议和官方批准后，将成为在马来西亚举行的一级方程式海湾航空巴林大奖赛。” 马来西亚上一次举办F1大奖赛是在2017年，但该赛道一直在世界摩托车锦标赛（MotoGP）的赛历上，并且其赛道等级符合管理机构国际汽车联合会（International Automobile Federation）的要求。 雪邦赛道于1999年至2017年期间举办马来西亚大奖赛，后因主办成本和授权费用不断上涨而被移出赛程。 自从雪邦将重返F1赛历的报道首次出现以来，马来西亚的赛车界一直兴奋不已。 Get insights into businesses across South-east Asia Get the free report...
F1 returns to Malaysia’s Sepang circuit after 9 years
It’s official: Formula One racing will return to Malaysia’s Sepang circuit near Kuala Lumpur for the first time since 2017. The Sepang International Circuit will host the postponed Bahrain Grand Prix on Oct 4, F1 announced on July 26, between races in Azerbaijan (Sept 24-26) and Singapore (Oct 11-13).
Over $8 million from wakaf-generated income to be given to beneficiaries: MUIS Original
Local beneficiaries will receive $4.5 million, and foreign beneficiaries will receive $3.98 million. ST PHOTO: ONG WEE JIN MUIS will disburse over $8 million in 2026 from wakaf income to support mosques, madrasahs, charities, and beneficiaries both locally and overseas. Local beneficiaries will receive $4.5 million, including $2.02 million for 18 mosques and $780,000 for seven madrasahs to enhance education and community programmes.
100 suspected drug offenders arrested in islandwide CNB operation Original
Suspected drug offenders arrested by CNB officers during an islandwide operation from July 12 to 17. PHOTOS: CNB 100 suspected drug offenders were arrested in a Singapore islandwide operation from July 12 to 17, with over $34,000 worth of drugs seized by the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB). Seized drugs included 859g of cannabis, 120g of heroin, 85g of Ice, and other substances, enough to feed 228 addicts for a week.
100 suspected drug offenders arrested in islandwide CNB operation
100 suspected drug offenders arrested in islandwide CNB operation Updated Fri, 17 July 2026 at 9:30 am UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Suspected drug offenders arrested by CNB officers during an islandwide operation from July 12 to 17. SINGAPORE – A total of 100 people were arrested in an islandwide anti-drug operation in July that also saw more than $34,000 worth of drugs seized, said the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB).
STB suspends travel agency Vacanza Global Travels over failure to meet financial requirements Original
SINGAPORE – Travel agency Vacanza Global Travels has been suspended from conducting travel agent activities over its failure to meet the minimum financial requirements for a licence. To qualify for a general licence, a travel agent must maintain a net value of at least $100,000 at all times, said the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) in a June 15 statement announcing the suspension.
Pokemon fun run coming to Singapore in November as part of 30th anniversary celebrations Original
SINGAPORE - Another adventure awaits Pokemon fans in Singapore, with The Pokemon Company hosting a fun run here in November as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations. The Pokemon Run 30 event will be held at The Kallang on Nov 7 and 8, the Japanese media franchise announced on June 3. There will also be other editions of the event in six other locations in Asia: Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, Manila, Bangkok, Jakarta and Hong Kong.
PDPC investigating potential data breach involving PCF Sparkletots pupil information Original
SINGAPORE – The Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) is investigating a possible data breach involving PAP Community Foundation (PCF) Sparkletots, after a vendor informed the pre-school that information including details of pupils and parents was accessed without authorisation. The school’s management notified parents and guardians of the potential breach in a letter dated June 1, seen by The Straits Times.
DBS announces new app feature to turn Android phones into contactless payment terminals Original
SINGAPORE - Singaporeans and tourists can now find it easier to pay for goods with one tap following DBS Bank’s introduction of a new feature that will allow merchants to turn any Android smartphone into a contactless payment terminal. The “tap-to-phone” feature for businesses allows merchants to accept credit and debit card payments conveniently through their smartphones, via the bank’s digital cash collection app.
8 heavy vehicle drivers to be charged for speeding offences Original
Ian Cheng Mon, 1 June 2026 at 6:30 am UTC 5 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Traffic police have investigated and taken enforcement action against owners of 67 vehicles for speed limiter-related offences since Jan 1. (PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO FILE) SINGAPORE - Eight drivers of heavy vehicles will be charged on June 2 for exceeding the speed limits imposed on their vehicles, none of which was fitted with a speed limiter.
Looking for BTS concert tickets? Police warn public against scams ahead of group’s December shows Original
SINGAPORE - Ahead of K-pop boy band BTS’ upcoming Singapore shows in December, the police advised the public to watch out for concert ticket scams. Several neighbourhood police centres (NPCs) have cautioned fans against buying resold tickets in advisories on their Facebook pages between May 28 and May 29.
‘It was the right thing to do’: SBS bus driver finds and returns diamond ring worth $35,000 Original
Mr Teo had discovered the ring near the rear door of his bus while conducting a routine inspection at the end of his shift. SBS Transit bus driver Mr Teo Lai Huat dutifully returned a lost £35,000 diamond ring to its grateful owner, Ms Clarissa Tan. Mr Teo’s honest act earned widespread online praise and SBS Transit will recognise him for his integrity and professionalism.
‘It was the right thing to do’: SBS bus driver finds and returns diamond ring worth $35,000
Mr Teo Lai Huat discovered the ring near the rear door of his bus while conducting a routine inspection at the end of his shift. (PHOTO: SBS TRANSIT/FACEBOOK) SINGAPORE – Mr Teo Lai Huat, a 54-year-old bus driver, has drawn widespread praise online after helping to return a misplaced diamond ring worth about $35,000 to its worried owner.
Near and dear: Why one couple’s void deck wedding hit all the right spots Original
Mr Goo Kok Hwa and his bride, Ms Tina Lee held their wedding at the void deck of a Gangsa Road Housing Board block on May 23. SINGAPORE - In an age when destination weddings are all the rage, Mr Goo Kok Hwa and his bride, Ms Tina Lee, decided that what was most important to them was to be able to celebrate their nuptials in front of those near and dear to them. Their decision saw some 260 people gather at the void deck of a Gangsa Road Housing Board block on May 23 for the wedding.
Segar LRT death: LTA probe ongoing, will improve safety measures based on findings ‘as needed’ Original
SINGAPORE - An official probe is underway into safety measures and processes concerning responses to incidents, after a man fell onto the LRT tracks in Bukit Panjang and died. In a media reply late on May 21, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) said its investigation will “look into the adequacy and appropriateness of safety measures and incident response processes”.
More than 130 arrested in S’pore in transnational scam crackdown linked to $963m in losses Original
SINGAPORE - A two-month transnational scam crackdown involving law enforcement agencies from 10 territories led to the arrest of 3,018 people, with more than 130 of them nabbed in Singapore, said the police on May 20.
Over 130 arrested in Singapore in crackdown on transnational scams linked to $963m in losses
The multi-national operation was carried out in partnership with law enforcement agencies from Hong Kong, South Korea, Malaysia, the Maldives, Thailand, Macao, Indonesia, Brunei and Canada. (PHOTO: SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE) SINGAPORE – A two-month transnational scam crackdown involving law enforcement agencies from 10 territories led to the arrest of 3,018 people, with more than 130 of them nabbed in Singapore, said the police on May 20.
HSA warns public against consuming herbal remedy containing potent steroid Original
SINGAPORE - The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is warning members of the public against purchasing or consuming a herbal product containing a potent steroid, after an elderly woman who was taking it developed a serious medical condition. Tests by HSA found that the herbal product Huang Niu Mu Zhong Feng Qing Cao Yao contained dexamethasone, a prescription medication usually used to treat inflammation, and should be used only under strict medical supervision.
Police looking for driver of minibus involved in Holland Road accident with motorcycle Original
The accident involving a minibus and a motorcycle in Holland Road towards Ulu Pandan Road on May 18, 2026. SINGAPORE - The police are looking for the driver of a minibus, which was involved in an accident with a motorcycle in Holland Road on May 18. The driver left the scene before officers arrived, the police said on May 19, adding that they were alerted to the accident at about 4.15pm the day before.
Police looking for driver of minibus involved in Holland Road accident with motorcycle
The accident involving a minibus and a motorcycle in Holland Road towards Ulu Pandan Road on May 18, 2026. (PHOTOS: SG ROAD VIGILANTE/FACEBOOK) SINGAPORE – The police are looking for the driver of a minibus, which was involved in an accident with a motorcycle in Holland Road on May 18. The driver left the scene before officers arrived, the police said on May 19, adding that they were alerted to the accident at about 4.15pm the day before.
S’pore-exclusive Hello Kitty and friends merch available from May as part of tie-up with Coffee Bean Original
SINGAPORE - The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Singapore will be saying hello to Hello Kitty and friends from May, thanks to a Singapore-exclusive licensing partnership with Sanrio Southeast Asia. The coffee chain announced the collaboration on April 27, which will see a series of specially designed, limited-edition merchandise and drinkware inspired by Hello Kitty and her friends released in multiple phases across 2026 and 2027.
S’pore-exclusive Hello Kitty and friends merch available from May as part of tie-up with Coffee Bean
SINGAPORE - The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Singapore will be saying hello to Hello Kitty and friends from May, thanks to a Singapore-exclusive licensing partnership with Sanrio Southeast Asia. The coffee chain announced the collaboration on April 27, which will see a series of specially designed, limited-edition merchandise and drinkware inspired by Hello Kitty and her friends released in multiple phases across 2026 and 2027.
CNB busts transnational drug network in cross-border operation with British authorities Original
SINGAPORE - The Central Narcotics Bureau of Singapore (CNB) said on April 27 that it had successfully interdicted a transnational drug network in a cross-border operation alongside British authorities. On Jan 3, a 6m inbound container carrying 509kg of cannabis was detected at the Pasir Panjang Scanning Station. CNB’s investigation revealed that the drugs were transiting through Singapore and bound for Britain.
CNB busts transnational drug network in cross-border operation with British authorities
Bundles containing a total of about 412kg of cannabis were seized on Feb 25 during a joint operation between Singapore and British authorities. (PHOTO: HOIO, BORDER FORCE, WEST MIDLANDS REGIONAL ORGANISED CRIME UNIT) SINGAPORE – The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) said on April 27 that it had interdicted a transnational drug network in a cross-border operation alongside British authorities.
Two children rescued from 90m in air after Spanish slingshot ride cable snaps
What should have been a fun evening at a fair soon took a sudden turn for the worse for two young thrill-seekers in Spain after a fairground ride malfunctioned on April 24. The incident, which took place during a week-long fair in Seville, left the children dangling more than 90m in the air on a slingshot ride named Steel Max, according to Spanish media reports.
In deep doodoo: Woman in Australia trapped in waist-high waste for hours after toilet floor caves in
A woman visiting the Australian outback with her family endured a revolting wait for rescue after she plunged into a pit full of human excrement when the toilet floor beneath her gave way. According to media reports, she was trapped for three hours – literally deep in doodoo – while her family sought help. The woman, who hails from Canberra, was travelling on April 19 with her partner and two children, reported The Guardian Australia.
Police warn against phishing scams via Google Meet video calls involving fake cops Original
Total losses from 13 cases of phishing scams reported since April 1, 2026, amounted to at least $32,000. SINGAPORE - There have been 13 cases of phishing scams reported since April 1 involving Google Meet video calls by individuals impersonating police officers. In an advisory on April 19, the police said total losses during this period amounted to at least $32,000.
Police warn against phishing scams via Google Meet video calls involving fake cops
The police advised members of the public to be wary of unsolicited video calls received from unknown sources. (ST PHOTO: GIN TAY) SINGAPORE – There have been 13 cases of phishing scams reported since April 1 that involve Google Meet video calls by individuals impersonating police officers. In an advisory on April 19, the police said the total losses during this period amounted to at least $32,000.
Singapore has experience to explore more underground spaces for fuel reserves: Tan See Leng Original
The Jurong Rock Caverns, which was opened in 2014, are part of how the Government plans ahead for Singapore’s future, said Coordinating Minister for Public Services Chan Chun Sing. SINGAPORE - The Jurong Rock Caverns facility has been in operation for more than a decade, and Singapore now has the experience to explore more underground spaces as options to boost its fuel reserves, said Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology Tan See Leng.
Man to be charged after allegedly scratching police vehicle in Redhill Close Original
SINGAPORE - A 53-year-old man will be charged on April 6 after allegedly scratching a police vehicle. The police said on April 5 that they were alerted on April 2 at about 7.40pm to a case of vandalism at Block 83 Redhill Close. A member of the public reported that a man had allegedly used an object to scratch a parked police vehicle and had left the scene before the police arrived. The police then established the man’s identity and arrested him on April 4.
Man to be charged after allegedly scratching police vehicle in Redhill Close
The suspect in the case allegedly used his key to scratch the doors of a police vehicle. (ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG) SINGAPORE – A 53-year-old man will be charged on April 6 after allegedly scratching a police vehicle. The police said on April 5 that they were alerted on April 2 at about 7.40pm to a case of vandalism at Block 83 Redhill Close. A member of the public reported that a man had allegedly used an object to scratch a parked police vehicle and had left the scene before the police arrived.
Flap, flap: One of S’pore’s newest peregrine falcon chicks caught on camera taking flight Original
Ian Cheng Fri, 3 April 2026 at 3:21 am UTC 3 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. At about 8.19am on March 4, one of the falcon chicks can be seen flapping its wings, before briefly taking to the air as it flies off-camera. (PHOTO: NPARKS/YOUTUBE) SINGAPORE - One of the second batch of chicks hatched by Singapore’s only known pair of breeding peregrine falcons has been caught on camera taking flight.
Tada, Gojek to temporarily raise surcharge to defray higher fuel expenses Original
Follow our live coverage here. SINGAPORE - Rides on Tada and Gojek will soon cost more as the two ride-hailing operators announced an increase in a surcharge to defray fuel expenses for their drivers. This follows a similar move by Grab on March 31, when the platform announced an increase of its current 50-cent fee to 90 cents effective from April 7, spurred by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Tada, Gojek to temporarily raise surcharge to defray higher fuel expenses
Both Tada and Gojek will temporarily increase the surcharge from 50 cents to at least 90 cents for all trips, which will kick in from April 10 to May 31. (ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM) Follow our live coverage here. SINGAPORE - Rides on Tada and Gojek will soon cost more as the two ride-hailing operators announced an increase in a surcharge to defray fuel expenses for their drivers.
The New York Times severs ties with book critic over AI use in review
A freelance journalist who wrote a book review for The New York Times has been dropped by the broadsheet, after he admitted to using artificial intelligence (AI) to help write the piece, British daily The Guardian reported. Six-time author Alex Preston’s review of the novel Watching Over Her by Jean-Baptiste Andrea was published online in January and in print the following month, and appeared to lift elements from a review of the same book in The Guardian.
Electricity, gas tariffs to go up from April to June, sharper increases expected later in 2026: EMA Original
SINGAPORE - Electricity and gas tariffs will increase from April to June on the back of rising fuel prices, and are likely to further spike in the coming months. In a statement on March 31, grid operator SP Group said the electricity tariffs for homes will go up by 2.1 per cent from the previous quarter, to 27.27 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) before GST.
Man to be charged with rash act after allegedly driving with 2 children seated atop car boot Original
SINGAPORE - A 40-year-old man is set to be charged on March 26 after he was filmed in October 2025 allegedly driving a car with his two children sitting on the boot of the vehicle. The police said in a statement on March 25 that the man was arrested over a case of rash act which endangered the safety of people below 14 years old. They had received a report on Oct 20, 2025 about the incident.
Man to be charged with rash act after allegedly driving with 2 children seated atop car boot
SINGAPORE – A 40-year-old man is set to be charged on March 26 after he was filmed in October 2025 allegedly driving a car with his two children sitting on the boot of the vehicle. The police said in a statement on March 25 that the man was arrested over a case of rash act that endangered the safety of people under 14 years old. They received a report about the incident on Oct 20, 2025.
Seven taken to hospital after car catches fire in Buangkok Crescent Original
SINGAPORE – Seven people were taken to hospital on March 23 after a car caught fire in Buangkok Crescent. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said it was alerted at about 8pm to a fire involving a car on the ground floor of Block 980D Buangkok Crescent. About 20 people had evacuated from the block before SCDF arrived and extinguished the fire using a water jet. SCDF said it took four people to Singapore General Hospital and three to KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital for smoke inhalation.
Trio arrested for allegedly setting off fireworks in Ghim Moh Original
SINGAPORE - Two men and a teenager have been arrested in connection with the illegal setting off of fireworks in Ghim Moh on March 20. The police said on March 23 that they were alerted to the case, which allegedly happened at a multi-storey car park at Block 16A Ghim Moh Road. The men, aged 25 and 33, and a 16-year-old male teenager, were then identified and arrested on March 22 and 23.
Selected bus, train services to be extended on eve of Good Friday Original
SINGAPORE – Services on selected train lines and bus routes will be extended on the eve of Good Friday for those eyeing a longer night out. On April 2, the day before Good Friday, train services on the North-South, East-West, Circle and Thomson-East Coast lines, as well as the Downtown and North-East lines, will run till about half an hour later than usual, operators SMRT and SBS Transit said in separate statements on March 23.
Otterly fearless: Romp of otters face off crocodile in Sungei Buloh Original
Ian Cheng Sun, 22 March 2026 at 12:27 pm UTC 3 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. The crocodile was seen snapping at the otters several times, but the semi-aquatic creatures were able to deftly flee from its huge jaws. (PHOTO: DAN WALSH) SINGAPORE – A video of six otters facing off against a crocodile many times their size in the waters of the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve caught the attention of Facebook users on March 22.
Sixth Malaysian arrested in S’pore in 2 weeks over government official impersonation scams Original
SINGAPORE - A Malaysian man was arrested on March 19 for his suspected involvement in scams involving the impersonation of government officials, with a total of six Malaysians nabbed for similar ruses in two weeks. The 21-year-old man is due to be charged on March 20 with assisting another to retain benefits from criminal conduct.
Woman who allegedly impersonated police officers, used abusive words on one to be charged
Ian Cheng Thu, 19 March 2026 at 1:09 pm UTC 1 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. The identity of the woman who allegedly impersonated a police officer was uncovered through police investigations, and she was arrested on March 19. (ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG) SINGAPORE - A 41-year-old woman will be charged on March 20 for her suspected involvement in two cases of impersonating police officers, said the police on March 19.
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