logo
Singapore NSman, 30, dies after collapsing outside Maju Camp post-fitness training; SAF halts NS FIT sessions

Singapore NSman, 30, dies after collapsing outside Maju Camp post-fitness training; SAF halts NS FIT sessions

Malay Mail01-07-2025
SINGAPORE, July 1 — A 30-year-old operationally ready national serviceman (NSman) died in hospital after collapsing outside Maju Camp on the evening of June 30, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said today.
The NSman had completed a National Service Fitness Improvement Training (NS FIT) session at the Maju Fitness Conditioning Centre between 6.50pm and 8pm and was cleared to leave after reporting he felt well, according to a report in The Straits Times.
He booked out of Maju Camp at 8.11pm but collapsed shortly after, just outside the camp premises.
A passer-by witnessed the incident and called for an ambulance, which was dispatched at 8.16pm and arrived on site at 8.25pm.
Resuscitation efforts began on-site and continued as he was transported to the National University Hospital.
He arrived at the hospital around 9pm, but despite emergency treatment, he was pronounced dead at 9.54pm.
In response, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has implemented a safety pause on NS FIT training until July 4 to review protocols and reinforce safety measures.
NS FIT is a 10-session programme introduced in 2021 to replace remedial and preparatory training for the individual physical proficiency test, encouraging NSmen to maintain regular fitness.
'The SAF is rendering support to the family in their time of grief. We extend our deepest condolences to the family,' Mindef said.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of death.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Matcha latte: healthy beverage or calorie bomb?
Matcha latte: healthy beverage or calorie bomb?

Free Malaysia Today

time29 minutes ago

  • Free Malaysia Today

Matcha latte: healthy beverage or calorie bomb?

Favoured the world over, the health benefits of a matcha latte depends on how the beverage is prepared and how much of it is consumed. (Envato Elements pic) KUALA LUMPUR : It's a guilty pleasure among foodies all over the world – matcha latte, the soft green-hued beverage made from finely ground Japanese green tea powder and combined with milk. Its vibrant, photogenic presentation makes it a hit on social media, and its association with an active and 'healthier' lifestyle makes it appear to be the preferred choice for many over coffee. But just how beneficial is this beverage, whose base ingredient hails from the Land of the Rising Sun and is currently facing global shortages? According to dietitian Nur Adilah Muhammadun Basar, the finely ground powder made from high-quality green-tea leaves may contain plenty of antioxidants, but its effects still depend on how the beverage is prepared and how much of it is consumed. 'Matcha is indeed rich in antioxidants compared to regular green tea, but when it's made into a latte with sweetened milk, syrups and whipped cream, it reduces the health benefits. 'In fact, it could even encourage unhealthy eating habits and higher calorie intake,' she told Bernama. Nur Adilah Muhammadun Basar. She said a glass of latte without added sweeteners contains 90 to 200 calories depending on the type of milk used. Loaded with syrups and flavourings such as caramel drizzle, this can easily spike to about 400 calories – the equivalent of about 1.5 bowls of white rice. As such, regular consumption could lead to health issues such as obesity, diabetes, heart problems and fatigue. These, of course, go against the very benefits matcha is supposed to offer, such as increased energy and mental focus, and support for the immune and metabolic systems. Nur Adilah also pointed out that a cup of matcha latte is estimated to contain more than twice the caffeine content of regular green tea, reaching up to 70mg. This is still less than the 120mg of caffeine found in a serving of coffee. Nevertheless, the combination of L-theanine and caffeine in matcha makes it a more suitable option for those who wish to stay focused without the jitters or post-caffeine crash associated with drinking coffee. 'The type of milk used in matcha lattes also plays a role. Cow's milk, for instance, can interfere with the absorption of antioxidants, compared with plant-based milks like soy, oat or almond, which are more matcha-friendly,' Nur Adilah added. Real, high-grade matcha has a unique identity – a subtle umami taste, slightly bitter but refreshing, with an earthy aroma. (Andrea Rhiannon Edmonds @ FMT Lifestyle) Meanwhile, academic Hairi Jalis agrees that the use of sugary syrups and additional flavourings not only drowns out the benefits of matcha but can also ruin its authentic taste. 'Real, high-grade matcha has its own unique identity: a subtle umami taste, slightly bitter but refreshing, with a naturally earthy aroma. 'In Malaysia, however, our palates tend to favour sweetness, especially among those who are accustomed to drinks like teh tarik, frappés and boba desserts,' said the senior lecturer from UiTM's department of gastronomy and culinary arts, . He noted that oat milk goes well with matcha lattes owing to its natural sweetness and texture: it doesn't overpower the taste of the green tea and makes it easier to create latte foam 'art', resulting in more visually appealing presentations. Hairi added that the challenge in preparing the beverage lies in ensuring it is neither too bitter nor too flat, which depends on the quality of the matcha powder and proper mixing techniques. 'The ideal water temperature must be between 70°C and 80°C, and the milk should not be too hot to preserve its natural sweetness. It's best to use a bamboo whisk, or chasen, to achieve a smooth mixture without clumps,' he concluded.

Vaping in military uniform: Lessons from across the Causeway — Hakim Idris
Vaping in military uniform: Lessons from across the Causeway — Hakim Idris

Malay Mail

time2 hours ago

  • Malay Mail

Vaping in military uniform: Lessons from across the Causeway — Hakim Idris

AUG 5 — The Straits Times recently reported that a man in Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) uniform was caught allegedly vaping on a public bus, prompting investigations by both military and civilian authorities. This happened in Singapore, a country known for strict laws and firm enforcement. Yet even someone in uniform was willing to break the rules. If such defiance can happen in a tightly regulated environment like Singapore, what more in Malaysia, where enforcement is often inconsistent and black-market activity is already widespread? This should serve as a wake-up call: a blanket vape ban may backfire. I write this not as a scientist or policymaker, but as a concerned Malaysian who wants to see practical solutions that truly improve public health. Like many others, I've been following the recent news about a potential nationwide ban on vapes and e-cigarettes. While I understand the concerns, especially about youth vaping and illegal products, I believe a full ban is not the answer. In fact, it may make things worse. Many smokers want to quit, but find it incredibly difficult. That's where properly regulated vape products can help. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin Let's be honest. Smoking remains one of the biggest health issues in Malaysia. Every year, thousands of Malaysians die from diseases caused by cigarettes. Many smokers want to quit, but find it incredibly difficult. That's where properly regulated vape products can help. They are not risk-free, but studies have shown they are significantly less harmful than cigarettes because they don't involve combustion or tobacco smoke. If the government bans these products completely, it doesn't mean people will stop using them. Instead, it will drive consumers to the black market. Unregulated sellers will continue to operate under the radar, offering low-quality or even drug-laced products with no oversight. Just look at the headlines: the real problem lies with illicit, unregulated products, not the legal, registered ones. If we're serious about protecting our children, then enforcement not prohibition should be the priority. Let's learn from Singapore's missteps. We should go after illegal retailers, strengthen age-verification laws, and ensure that products in the market meet strict safety standards. We already have the legal framework to do that through the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852). The question is: why aren't we enforcing it more effectively? A total ban would also send the wrong message to adult smokers. We would be telling them that all nicotine products are equally harmful, even though science clearly shows that's not true. By ignoring the difference between combustible cigarettes and smoke-free alternatives, we're missing a major opportunity to reduce the national burden of smoking-related diseases. Here's an analogy to consider: banning vapes because they can be abused is like banning knives because they can cause harm. Knives, when misused, are dangerous. But when used correctly, they are essential tools in every household and kitchen. The same applies to vapes. If regulated properly, they can be a powerful tool for better public health — helping smokers transition away from far more harmful cigarettes. The answer isn't to throw the knife away — it's to teach people how to use it safely and responsibly. We should also consider the people who will be directly affected by this ban. Thousands of small business owners, many of them Bumiputera and youth entrepreneurs, have invested in vape shops and legitimate distribution channels. They followed the rules and registered with the authorities. Now, their livelihoods are on the line. How is that fair? And let's not forget the economics involved. Banning legal vape products won't stop demand, but instead shift demand to the black market, where no taxes are paid and no safety standards are enforced. Malaysia already loses billions each year due to the illicit cigarette trade. Are we about to repeat that mistake with vapes? There is another way. Countries like the UK, Japan and New Zealand have taken a harm reduction approach. They still discourage youth use and regulate marketing strictly — but they also recognise that giving adult smokers access to less harmful alternatives can lead to real public health gains. Malaysia can do the same. Let's focus on educating the public, enforcing existing laws, and ensuring products are safe and accessible only to adults. Let's treat the root of the problem, not just the symptoms. We all want a healthier Malaysia. But we must be realistic about what works and what doesn't. A blanket ban may sound decisive but in practice, it will only push the problem underground, punish responsible users and businesses, and deny smokers a better alternative. ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.

Vaping in military uniform: Lessons from across the Causeway
Vaping in military uniform: Lessons from across the Causeway

Focus Malaysia

time15 hours ago

  • Focus Malaysia

Vaping in military uniform: Lessons from across the Causeway

Letter to Editor THE Straits Times recently reported that a man in Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) uniform was caught allegedly vaping on a public bus, prompting investigations by both military and civilian authorities. This happened in Singapore, a country known for strict laws and firm enforcement. Yet even someone in uniform was willing to break the rules. If such defiance can happen in a tightly regulated environment like Singapore, what more in Malaysia, where enforcement is often inconsistent and black-market activity is already widespread? This should serve as a wake-up call: a blanket vape ban may backfire. I write this letter not as a scientist or policymaker, but as a concerned Malaysian who wants to see practical solutions that truly improve public health. Like many others, I've been following the recent news about a potential nationwide ban on vapes and e-cigarettes. While I understand the concerns, especially about youth vaping and illegal products, I believe a full ban is not the answer. In fact, it may make things worse. Let's be honest. Smoking remains one of the biggest health issues in Malaysia. Every year, thousands of Malaysians die from diseases caused by cigarettes. Many smokers want to quit, but find it incredibly difficult. That's where properly regulated vape products can help. They are not risk-free, but studies have shown they are significantly less harmful than cigarettes because they don't involve combustion or tobacco smoke. If the government bans these products completely, it doesn't mean people will stop using them. Instead, it will drive consumers to the black market. Unregulated sellers will continue to operate under the radar, offering low-quality or even drug-laced products with no oversight. Just look at the headlines: the real problem lies with illicit, unregulated products, not the legal, registered ones. If we're serious about protecting our children, then enforcement not prohibition should be the priority. Let's learn from Singapore's missteps. We should go after illegal retailers, strengthen age-verification laws, and ensure that products in the market meet strict safety standards. We already have the legal framework to do that through the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852). The question is: why aren't we enforcing it more effectively? A total ban would also send the wrong message to adult smokers. We would be telling them that all nicotine products are equally harmful, even though science clearly shows that's not true. By ignoring the difference between combustible cigarettes and smoke-free alternatives, we're missing a major opportunity to reduce the national burden of smoking-related diseases. Here's an analogy to consider: banning vapes because they can be abused is like banning knives because they can cause harm. Knives, when misused, are dangerous. But when used correctly, they are essential tools in every household and kitchen. The same applies to vapes. If regulated properly, they can be a powerful tool for better public health—helping smokers transition away from far more harmful cigarettes. The answer isn't to throw the knife away—it's to teach people how to use it safely and responsibly. We should also consider the people who will be directly affected by this ban. Thousands of small business owners, many of them Bumiputera and youth entrepreneurs, have invested in vape shops and legitimate distribution channels. They followed the rules and registered with the authorities. Now, their livelihoods are on the line. How is that fair? And let's not forget the economics. Banning legal vape products won't stop demand, but instead shift demand to the black market, where no taxes are paid and no safety standards are enforced. Malaysia already loses billions each year due to the illicit cigarette trade. Are we about to repeat that mistake with vapes? There is another way. Countries like the UK, Japan and New Zealand have taken a harm reduction approach. They still discourage youth use and regulate marketing strictly but they also recognise that giving adult smokers access to less harmful alternatives can lead to real public health gains. Malaysia can do the same. Let's focus on educating the public, enforcing existing laws, and ensuring products are safe and accessible only to adults. Let's treat the root of the problem, not just the symptoms. We all want a healthier Malaysia. But we must be realistic about what works and what doesn't. A blanket ban may sound decisive but in practice, it will only push the problem underground, punish responsible users and businesses, and deny smokers a better alternative. ‒ Aug 5, 2025 Hakim Idris Kuala Lumpur The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: South China Morning Post

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store