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Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
A guide to claiming your SG60 vouchers, July BTO 2025: HDB launches 10,209 BTO and balance flats with perks for singles: Singapore live news
Singaporeans can start claiming their SG60 vouchers in July. Seniors aged 60 and above can claim them from 1 July, while those aged 21 to 59 can claim them starting from 22 July, 10am. The dates were split up to prioritise older Singaporeans to recognise their contributions to the country, and devote more resources in the first three weeks of July to support elderly Singaporeans who need help to claim the vouchers digitally or print them out, said Mayor of the South West District Low Yen Ling. The Housing Board on 23 July launched 5,547 Build-To-Order (BTO) flats across eight projects in various estates like Bukit Merah, Bukit Panjang, Tampines, Clementi, including the first units in the new Sembawang North estate. Additionally, 4,662 balance flats were made available, with 1,733 units from the Sale of Balance Flats scheme already completed and ready for move-in. Most balance flats are located in Kallang/Whampoa, Tengah, and Geylang. HDB also implemented several policy changes benefiting singles and families aiming to upgrade or right-size their homes with this exercise. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. A guide to claiming your SG60 vouchers Singaporeans can start claiming their SG60 vouchers in July. Seniors aged 60 and above can claim them from 1 July, while those aged 21 to 59 can claim them starting from 22 July, 10am. The dates were split up to prioritise older Singaporeans to recognise their contributions to the country, and devote more resources in the first three weeks of July to support elderly Singaporeans who need help to claim the vouchers digitally or print them out, said Mayor of the South West District Low Yen Ling. Singaporeans can visit to claim their vouchers. They will be required to log in with their Singpass account before receiving a link via SMS from SenderID ' to access their vouchers. No banking information or financial transactions are required to claim the vouchers. For more information on claiming SG60 vouchers, read here. HDB launches 10,209 BTO and balance flats, singles priority scheme begins The Housing Board on 23 July launched 5,547 Build-To-Order (BTO) flats across eight projects in various estates like Bukit Merah, Bukit Panjang, Tampines, Clementi, including the first units in the new Sembawang North estate. Additionally, 4,662 balance flats were made available, with 1,733 units from the Sale of Balance Flats scheme already completed and ready for move-in. Most balance flats are located in Kallang/Whampoa, Tengah, and Geylang. HDB also implemented several policy changes benefiting singles and families aiming to upgrade or right-size their homes with this exercise. Subsidies for four Prime projects in Bukit Merah, Toa Payoh, and Clementi were increased to enhance affordability. However, owners of these flats will face higher subsidy clawbacks upon resale – ranging from 11 to 12 per cent – reflecting the additional support received. These Prime flats also come with a 10-year minimum occupation period (MOP). The remaining four projects fall under the Standard classification, which do not have a subsidy clawback clause and come with a five-year MOP. HDB said that seven in 10 BTO flats from this exercise have waiting times of four years or less, signalling a relatively quicker path to homeownership for many applicants. For more on the HDB BTO and SBF July exercise, read here. Ozzy Osbourne dies at 76 Ozzy Osbourne, the frontman of Black Sabbath and a heavy metal legend, died on Tuesday (22 July) at 76 after a years-long struggle with Parkinson's disease. "It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time," read a statement by his family. Osbourne last performed two weeks ago at Black Sabbath's last concert in his and the band's hometown of Birmingham, England. The legendary musician announced in January 2020 that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, following two years of escalating health problems. For more on Ozzy Osbourne's life and achievements, read here. Woman evacuated from lift in Supreme Court building after falling glass triggers emergency stop A woman was evacuated from a lift in the Supreme Court building on 22 July after a glass panel from the building's facade fell and triggered a safety mechanism that halted the lift. The incident occurred around 2pm, when the falling panel cracked a secondary glass roof above the lift shaft, according to a Singapore Courts spokesperson. A few glass fragments landed on the lift car's roof, activating a safety feature that stopped the lift. A staff member of court was trapped inside the lift at the time. She was rescued by a lift technician and was unharmed, said the spokesperson. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said it received a call for assistance at 1 Supreme Court Lane, in the City Hall area, at about 2.40pm. One person was assessed for minor injuries but declined to be taken to the hospital "We have promptly cordoned off the affected area, including all lifts situated under the glass roof, to ensure public safety," said the Singapore courts. No other structural damage has been identified, and the overall structure remains intact, they added. For more on the falling glass at the Supreme Court building, read here. Singaporeans still hold the world's most powerful passport Singapore has once again tops the Henley Passport Index, allowing Singaporeans to continue being the holder of the world's most powerful passport. According to the latest Henley Passport Index released on 22 July, Singaporeans enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 193 out of 227 destinations worldwide. This is a slight dip from the 195 destinations recorded in the January 2025 edition of the index, but it was not enough to knock the Republic out of the top spot. Singapore lost visa-free or visa-on-arrival access after Pakistan and Mauritania, a West African nation, changed their visa policies, moving from visa-on-arrival to e-visa systems. Despite the change, Singapore's passport continues to offer its holders exceptional global mobility. Japan and South Korea came in second, with access to 190 destinations. Seven European Union countries – Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy and Spain – share third place with access to 189 destinations. The US slipped again to 10th place and is on the brink of dropping out from the top 10 ranking. This is the lowest position ever for the US in the 20-year history of the index. The Henley Passport Index is based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For more on the passport rankings, read here. 2 dead in Toa Payoh flat fire A man and a woman were found dead after a fire broke out in a flat at Block 173 Toa Payoh Lorong 1 on the evening of 22 July. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said on Facebook later that evening that it responded to the fire at around 7.30pm. The living room was on fire when firefighters arrived at the unit, located on the second floor. The flat was filled with smoke and they extinguished the fire using a water jet. "During the firefighting operation, firefighters found two unresponsive persons inside the unit and immediately carried them out," SCDF said. The police added that a man and a woman were found "lying motionless in a unit and were pronounced dead at the scene by an SCDF paramedic". Cai Yinzhou, an MP for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC, told reporters that three units on the same floor were affected and HDB has arranged alternative accommodation for the occupants. For more on the Toa Payoh flat fire, read here. Singaporeans can start claiming their SG60 vouchers in July. Seniors aged 60 and above can claim them from 1 July, while those aged 21 to 59 can claim them starting from 22 July, 10am. The dates were split up to prioritise older Singaporeans to recognise their contributions to the country, and devote more resources in the first three weeks of July to support elderly Singaporeans who need help to claim the vouchers digitally or print them out, said Mayor of the South West District Low Yen Ling. Singaporeans can visit to claim their vouchers. They will be required to log in with their Singpass account before receiving a link via SMS from SenderID ' to access their vouchers. No banking information or financial transactions are required to claim the vouchers. For more information on claiming SG60 vouchers, read here. The Housing Board on 23 July launched 5,547 Build-To-Order (BTO) flats across eight projects in various estates like Bukit Merah, Bukit Panjang, Tampines, Clementi, including the first units in the new Sembawang North estate. Additionally, 4,662 balance flats were made available, with 1,733 units from the Sale of Balance Flats scheme already completed and ready for move-in. Most balance flats are located in Kallang/Whampoa, Tengah, and Geylang. HDB also implemented several policy changes benefiting singles and families aiming to upgrade or right-size their homes with this exercise. Subsidies for four Prime projects in Bukit Merah, Toa Payoh, and Clementi were increased to enhance affordability. However, owners of these flats will face higher subsidy clawbacks upon resale – ranging from 11 to 12 per cent – reflecting the additional support received. These Prime flats also come with a 10-year minimum occupation period (MOP). The remaining four projects fall under the Standard classification, which do not have a subsidy clawback clause and come with a five-year MOP. HDB said that seven in 10 BTO flats from this exercise have waiting times of four years or less, signalling a relatively quicker path to homeownership for many applicants. For more on the HDB BTO and SBF July exercise, read here. Ozzy Osbourne dies at 76 Ozzy Osbourne, the frontman of Black Sabbath and a heavy metal legend, died on Tuesday (22 July) at 76 after a years-long struggle with Parkinson's disease. "It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time," read a statement by his family. Osbourne last performed two weeks ago at Black Sabbath's last concert in his and the band's hometown of Birmingham, England. The legendary musician announced in January 2020 that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, following two years of escalating health problems. For more on Ozzy Osbourne's life and achievements, read here. Ozzy Osbourne, the frontman of Black Sabbath and a heavy metal legend, died on Tuesday (22 July) at 76 after a years-long struggle with Parkinson's disease. "It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time," read a statement by his family. Osbourne last performed two weeks ago at Black Sabbath's last concert in his and the band's hometown of Birmingham, England. The legendary musician announced in January 2020 that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, following two years of escalating health problems. For more on Ozzy Osbourne's life and achievements, read here. Woman evacuated from lift in Supreme Court building after falling glass triggers emergency stop A woman was evacuated from a lift in the Supreme Court building on 22 July after a glass panel from the building's facade fell and triggered a safety mechanism that halted the lift. The incident occurred around 2pm, when the falling panel cracked a secondary glass roof above the lift shaft, according to a Singapore Courts spokesperson. A few glass fragments landed on the lift car's roof, activating a safety feature that stopped the lift. A staff member of court was trapped inside the lift at the time. She was rescued by a lift technician and was unharmed, said the spokesperson. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said it received a call for assistance at 1 Supreme Court Lane, in the City Hall area, at about 2.40pm. One person was assessed for minor injuries but declined to be taken to the hospital "We have promptly cordoned off the affected area, including all lifts situated under the glass roof, to ensure public safety," said the Singapore courts. No other structural damage has been identified, and the overall structure remains intact, they added. For more on the falling glass at the Supreme Court building, read here. A woman was evacuated from a lift in the Supreme Court building on 22 July after a glass panel from the building's facade fell and triggered a safety mechanism that halted the lift. The incident occurred around 2pm, when the falling panel cracked a secondary glass roof above the lift shaft, according to a Singapore Courts spokesperson. A few glass fragments landed on the lift car's roof, activating a safety feature that stopped the lift. A staff member of court was trapped inside the lift at the time. She was rescued by a lift technician and was unharmed, said the spokesperson. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said it received a call for assistance at 1 Supreme Court Lane, in the City Hall area, at about 2.40pm. One person was assessed for minor injuries but declined to be taken to the hospital "We have promptly cordoned off the affected area, including all lifts situated under the glass roof, to ensure public safety," said the Singapore courts. No other structural damage has been identified, and the overall structure remains intact, they added. For more on the falling glass at the Supreme Court building, read here. Singaporeans still hold the world's most powerful passport Singapore has once again tops the Henley Passport Index, allowing Singaporeans to continue being the holder of the world's most powerful passport. According to the latest Henley Passport Index released on 22 July, Singaporeans enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 193 out of 227 destinations worldwide. This is a slight dip from the 195 destinations recorded in the January 2025 edition of the index, but it was not enough to knock the Republic out of the top spot. Singapore lost visa-free or visa-on-arrival access after Pakistan and Mauritania, a West African nation, changed their visa policies, moving from visa-on-arrival to e-visa systems. Despite the change, Singapore's passport continues to offer its holders exceptional global mobility. Japan and South Korea came in second, with access to 190 destinations. Seven European Union countries – Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy and Spain – share third place with access to 189 destinations. The US slipped again to 10th place and is on the brink of dropping out from the top 10 ranking. This is the lowest position ever for the US in the 20-year history of the index. The Henley Passport Index is based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For more on the passport rankings, read here. Singapore has once again tops the Henley Passport Index, allowing Singaporeans to continue being the holder of the world's most powerful passport. According to the latest Henley Passport Index released on 22 July, Singaporeans enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 193 out of 227 destinations worldwide. This is a slight dip from the 195 destinations recorded in the January 2025 edition of the index, but it was not enough to knock the Republic out of the top spot. Singapore lost visa-free or visa-on-arrival access after Pakistan and Mauritania, a West African nation, changed their visa policies, moving from visa-on-arrival to e-visa systems. Despite the change, Singapore's passport continues to offer its holders exceptional global mobility. Japan and South Korea came in second, with access to 190 destinations. Seven European Union countries – Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy and Spain – share third place with access to 189 destinations. The US slipped again to 10th place and is on the brink of dropping out from the top 10 ranking. This is the lowest position ever for the US in the 20-year history of the index. The Henley Passport Index is based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For more on the passport rankings, read here. 2 dead in Toa Payoh flat fire A man and a woman were found dead after a fire broke out in a flat at Block 173 Toa Payoh Lorong 1 on the evening of 22 July. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said on Facebook later that evening that it responded to the fire at around 7.30pm. The living room was on fire when firefighters arrived at the unit, located on the second floor. The flat was filled with smoke and they extinguished the fire using a water jet. "During the firefighting operation, firefighters found two unresponsive persons inside the unit and immediately carried them out," SCDF said. The police added that a man and a woman were found "lying motionless in a unit and were pronounced dead at the scene by an SCDF paramedic". Cai Yinzhou, an MP for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC, told reporters that three units on the same floor were affected and HDB has arranged alternative accommodation for the occupants. For more on the Toa Payoh flat fire, read here. A man and a woman were found dead after a fire broke out in a flat at Block 173 Toa Payoh Lorong 1 on the evening of 22 July. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said on Facebook later that evening that it responded to the fire at around 7.30pm. The living room was on fire when firefighters arrived at the unit, located on the second floor. The flat was filled with smoke and they extinguished the fire using a water jet. "During the firefighting operation, firefighters found two unresponsive persons inside the unit and immediately carried them out," SCDF said. The police added that a man and a woman were found "lying motionless in a unit and were pronounced dead at the scene by an SCDF paramedic". Cai Yinzhou, an MP for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC, told reporters that three units on the same floor were affected and HDB has arranged alternative accommodation for the occupants. For more on the Toa Payoh flat fire, read here.
Malay Mail
21-07-2025
- Climate
- Malay Mail
Unpredictable winds rule out cloud seeding for Bukit Merah lake, other fixes sought to address low water levels
IPOH, July 21 — Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said it is not the right time to carry out cloud seeding despite the rapidly falling water level at Bukit Merah Dam, which now threatens nearby padi fields due to the prolonged dry weather. Saarani said that the current wind conditions are too unpredictable, which could result in rainfall missing the targeted area. 'I've been informed that the Meteorological Department has advised against conducting cloud seeding at this time because the wind direction is uncertain. 'They cannot confirm whether the rain will fall into Bukit Merah Lake. If it doesn't, the effort would be in vain,' he said at a press conference after attending the Meet the Customers' Day programme at Stadium Indera Mulia here. Saarani added that the state government is cautious not to repeat the mistake made in 2022, when cloud seeding resulted in rainfall over residential areas instead of the Bukit Merah reservoir, leading to public dissatisfaction. 'For that reason, we can't simply proceed with cloud seeding without expert advice from technical departments and relevant ministries, including the Meteorological Department. 'I was also informed that the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) has taken the initiative to assess whether cloud seeding is currently feasible,' he said. Saarani said the state government is now focusing on alternative measures, such as channeling water from nearby rivers that have not yet dried up. He also expressed hope that the Federal Government would expedite the project to divert water directly from the Perak River to Bukit Merah Lake. 'This is a very technical issue, and the problem of drying dams and rivers occurs almost every year. We sincerely hope the Federal Government can accelerate the project. 'Initially, the request was solely to resolve irrigation issues in northern Perak. But after Penang submitted a similar request, the entire initiative was bundled together. 'So now, it's not just about diverting water from the Perak River to Bukit Merah, but also about establishing a Water Treatment Plant to provide clean water to residents in northern Perak, with the surplus to be sold as treated water to Penang,' he said. It was reported that persistent heat and lack of consistent rainfall over the past few months has caused the areas surrounding the dam to become dry and barren. The situation has also affected padi fields, which have dried up due to the drought, while local inland fishermen have been forced to halt operations as their boats are now stranded and unable to reach open water.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Yahoo
Don't go to these markets & food centres scheduled for spring cleaning in July 2025
The June school holidays have just ended and I'm back for the 7th instalment of our hawker spring cleaning series. With a whopping 79 markets & hawker centres involved last month, it's a good thing that the cleaners can take a breather in July with just 12 places affected. Let's all take a moment to be grateful for those who spend their time and effort to make our makan places clean and spotless. And with that, here's my list of markets and hawker centres scheduled for spring cleaning in July 2025. Though there isn't much, do make a mental note just in case! 115 Bukit Merah View Market & Hawker Centre (115 Bukit Merah View) Hong Lim Market & Food Centre (531A Upper Cross Street) Yuhua Place Market & Hawker Centre (347 Jurong East Avenue 1) Those working around Chinatown might need to head over to Chinatown Complex Market instead during lunchtime. Sembawang Hills Food Centre (590 Upper Thomson Road) East Coast Lagoon Food Village (1220 ECP) For those windsurfing nearby or cycling along the beach during this 2-day spring cleaning, you'll need to find dinner elsewhere. Changi Village Market & Hawker Centre (2/3 Changi Village Road) If you're planning to enjoy some nasi lemak for breakfast or snack on the delicious curry puffs from !, don't make a wasted trip down in the course of these 3 days. Circuit Road Market & Food Centre (80 Circuit Road) Golden Mile Food Centre (505 Beach Road) Toa Payoh Lorong 8 Market & Food Centre (210 Lorong 8 Toa Payoh) Haig Road Market & Food Centre (14 Haig Road) Fans of and , don't head down during the 4-day spring cleaning in July 2025— you've been warned! Dunman Food Centre (271 Onan Road) Telok Blangah Rise Market & Food Centre (36 Telok Blangah Rise) Those who love the Dunman Road , do take note! The char kway teow queue war: Outram Park vs Ang Mo Kio The post Don't go to these markets & food centres scheduled for spring cleaning in July 2025 appeared first on
South China Morning Post
26-06-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Move over, Musang King? Durian scene spikes in Malaysia as it savours markets beyond China
In the world of durians, Malaysia 's Musang King may reign supreme, but a new wave of contenders is emerging. From the creamy Black Thorn and Red Prawn to the sweet Hajah Hasmah, the government is championing lesser-known premium varieties to capture growing international demand. Other established types like Sultan and Tekka are also seeing interest, offering the fruit at a more accessible price and broadening Malaysia's footprint in the global durian market. Agriculture Department director general Nor Sam Alwi said Musang King and Bukit Merah are the main varieties recommended for export due to their rich, creamy texture and strong flavour, but efforts are under way to highlight other premium types such as Black Thorn, Red Prawn and Hajah Hasmah. 'These varieties are being evaluated for future certification and export readiness, based on their potential in terms of taste, texture, shelf life and suitability for long-distance shipping,' she said. Nor Sam said that Chinese nationals, in particular, are willing to pay premium prices for these varieties.
South China Morning Post
26-05-2025
- General
- South China Morning Post
In Singapore, ‘third places' tap into yearning for deeper physical connection in digital age
When Rebecca Toh posted on social media in May 2024 to gauge interest in a community-run library in Singapore , she was surprised by the overwhelming response. It quickly became clear that the idea resonated not just because of a love for books, but because it tapped into a deeper yearning among Singaporeans for connection. Advertisement Less than three months later, Casual Poet Library opened at the void deck of a neighbourhood estate in Bukit Merah, fully funded by the community and run by volunteers. The cosy 450 sq ft space is lined with bookshelves, where people rent shelf space to share their personal collections. Many include handwritten notes or self-introductions, inviting visitors to connect and strike up conversations. 'It's a kind of community centre slash living room,' Toh said. 'You find something or someone that you connect with here.' Casual Poet Library, which is open to the public and hosts regular events from book clubs to craft markets, is a prime example of a third place in Singapore. Photo: Rebecca Toh In Singapore, a growing number of millennials and Gen Zs are actively seeking out and creating their own communities to meet new people. Across the island, such 'third places' – locations for informal socialising beyond work and home – are on the rise. Advertisement
