Singapore: Driver arrested after elderly woman dies in car crash at Geylang pasar malam
SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/ANN): A man was arrested after the car he was allegedly driving crashed into a pasar malam (night market) stall in Geylang on July 11.
A 66-year-old woman died in the accident.
The police said they were alerted to the incident at Block 52A Circuit Road at about 11.45pm.
The woman was pronounced dead at the scene by a Singapore Civil Defence Force paramedic.
The car's driver, a 40-year-old man, was arrested for dangerous driving causing death and driving without a licence and insurance.
Police investigations are ongoing.
In photos posted on Facebook page SGRV Front Man on July 12, showing the aftermath of the accident, a GetGo car is seen to have rammed into the side of a flight of stairs.
The car appears to have crashed into a pasar malam stall. - The Straits Times/ANN
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sinar Daily
an hour ago
- Sinar Daily
'The Malaysian Diddy freak-offs'? Marriage programme under fire for nude rituals
SHAH ALAM – What was marketed as a women's self-empowerment and marital motivation programme turned into something deeply disturbing. Held here in September 2024, this 'marriage motivation' event, spearheaded by a husband-and-wife team, has triggered national outrage following allegations of nude rituals, sexually charged activities and spiritual practices resembling religious deviance. Now, the authorities are stepping in. The event was alleged to have involved indecent displays and elements deemed un-Islamic. Photo: Masyitah Asyari's Facebook page The Malaysian Diddy freak-offs The core of the four-day event was a session known as the Queen Session, which attracted around 50 women. According to a former participant, the atmosphere became unsettling when the room was dimmed and the facilitators entered with romantic music playing. Several women dressed as 'Cleopatra' took the stage, followed by the programme's founder (the wife), who eventually danced naked in front of attendees. 'She invited others to join in. Many were stunned and uncomfortable,' the former participant wrote in a now-viral Facebook post. What followed was a sequence of events that reportedly resembled a cult-like initiation: Female facilitators danced provocatively and simulated intimate acts. Participants were allegedly given a strange beverage called 'Piya', said to invoke feelings of courage and desire. A symbolic ritual called 'Sacred Bath' or 'Rebirth' involved a nude woman being wiped with wet towels, allegedly representing spiritual cleansing. Attendees were instructed to discard symbolic burdens by throwing underwear and clothing onto the stage. Some participants stripped completely nude. The former participant described the ritual as a dangerous blend of New Age spiritualism and religious deviation, especially shocking in Selangor, a state with strict religious regulations. She stated that an official report with evidence had been submitted and this issue had been raised previously by education activist Cikgu Fadli Salleh, but without prior action. Police and religious authorities begin investigation Following a complaint filed in February by the husband of a participant, Shah Alam district police confirmed that an investigation was underway. Shah Alam district police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Iqbal Ibrahim revealed that witnesses and the complainant's wife had been interviewed. Representatives from Jais (Selangor Islamic Religious Department) were present during questioning. 'We recorded statements from several witnesses who were at the scene. Anyone with information is urged to contact Shah Alam Police,' Iqbal urged. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, stated that he is aware of the public concerns. 'The approach used in the programme has caused considerable unease. I have instructed Jakim's Director-General to work closely with Jais to address this matter,' he said. Were these rituals rooted in other faiths? Some former participants claim the programme drew references from non-Islamic religious texts, including Hindu scriptures and that teachings were distributed through private Telegram channels. These allegations further fueled speculation that the programme was spreading deviant doctrines under the guise of women's self-help and marriage counselling. Reports indicated that the mysterious drink called, 'Piya' was given to participants before the bizarre rituals commenced. The drink allegedly caused altered emotional states and made attendees more vulnerable to suggestion. Politicians and religious leaders respond The programme's activities have received harsh criticism from both religious and political figures. Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari confirmed that the event had no affiliation with any state agency. 'I am concerned about the allegations. I have instructed Jais to conduct a full investigation and to take firm action if the allegations are found to be true,' he said. Jakim Director-General Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee said that this joint investigation is part of an ongoing effort to curb deviant practices and the spread of harmful ideologies that contradict Islamic teachings. He added that Jakim views this matter seriously and will work with state authorities to protect morality, family harmony and the sanctity of Islamic teachings. Offers of help for affected women In a more supportive response, the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry has offered counselling services to women affected by the incident. Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad said that their Social Welfare Department and Women's Development Division are prepared to assist. 'In cases like this, we usually mobilise counsellors. We advise women to thoroughly verify the credibility of any programme before joining,' she said. Repercussions and public outrage Public sentiment has been unforgiving. Many on social media are questioning how such a programme with nudity, ritualistic elements and sexual content could have taken place without prior scrutiny from local authorities. The fact that the event occurred at a public convention centre in Shah Alam, so close to Jais headquarters, only intensified criticism. Calls are now mounting for criminal charges, a ban on similar self-help movements and a crackdown on unregulated motivational programmes masquerading as spiritual healing or family therapy. What is Next? The founders of the event allegedly a husband-and-wife team will soon be summoned by Jais for formal questioning. Investigators are also looking into potential violations of religious law, public decency laws and whether any psychoactive substances were used. Religious authorities have urged the public to report any suspicious programmes and avoid groups not recognised by Jakim or state Islamic departments. The case also serves as a cautionary tale, especially for those seeking help for marital or emotional issues. Always verify the legitimacy of any programme, especially those involving closed-door activities, unregulated rituals, or unverified claims of transformation. As of now, no arrests have been made, but authorities assure the public that appropriate action will follow once investigations conclude.
The Star
4 hours ago
- The Star
Meta faces backlash in South Korea over mysterious account bans
SEOUL: A growing number of South Korean users are demanding answers from Meta after their Facebook and Instagram accounts were suspended without clear reason. Some were even flagged for violating policies related to sexual exploitation of minors, allegations users say are not only false but deeply damaging to their personal reputations. Meta Korea has acknowledged a technical error, but frustration continues to grow. Accounts remain locked, and users say there is no direct way to appeal or receive help. 'I never uploaded anything illegal,' said one user during a recent closed-door session with lawmakers. 'But now people around me are suspicious. It's humiliating.' In response, Representative Choi Min-hee, head of the South Korean National Assembly's Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee organised a private meeting last week with affected users, legal experts and regulators. 'We need real solutions, not vague apologies,' she said, urging Meta to take responsibility and act swiftly. Heo Ouk, Meta Korea's director of public policy who attended the meeting, apologised for the 'frustration' and pledged to 'escalate the cases to headquarters for urgent review'. The session included testimony from users whose accounts were banned after seemingly routine activity. A college student had their account suspended after uploading an illustration for a class project. Another user, who runs a wildlife-themed page, said they were banned without explanation. One user reactivated their account after a study break, only to be locked out immediately. Attorney Kim Si-eun, representing several of the victims, said Meta must comply with South Korea's Telecommunications Business Act, which requires companies to prove that any service suspension is justified. 'If they can't show cause, they must restore the accounts immediately,' she said. She also called on Meta to speed up the launch of its promised South Korea-based customer service centre, which is currently scheduled for February 2026. Shin Seung-han, director of market surveillance at the Korea Communications Commission, confirmed that the agency has submitted a formal request to Meta for written clarification. He warned that if Meta is found to have violated the law, 'we will take legal measures under existing regulations'. Choi emphasised that the situation reflects a broader problem. 'There's no local customer support. Users are left in the dark,' she said. She plans to compile user testimonies and follow up with another meeting once Meta responds. - The Korea Herald/ANN
The Star
15 hours ago
- The Star
Singapore: Driver arrested after elderly woman dies in car crash at Geylang pasar malam
A photo posted on Facebook page SGRV Front Man showing the aftermath of the accident. -- PHOTO: SGRV FRONT MAN/FACEBOOK SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/ANN): A man was arrested after the car he was allegedly driving crashed into a pasar malam (night market) stall in Geylang on July 11. A 66-year-old woman died in the accident. The police said they were alerted to the incident at Block 52A Circuit Road at about 11.45pm. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene by a Singapore Civil Defence Force paramedic. The car's driver, a 40-year-old man, was arrested for dangerous driving causing death and driving without a licence and insurance. Police investigations are ongoing. In photos posted on Facebook page SGRV Front Man on July 12, showing the aftermath of the accident, a GetGo car is seen to have rammed into the side of a flight of stairs. The car appears to have crashed into a pasar malam stall. - The Straits Times/ANN
