Latest news with #CrossIslandLine
CNA
07-07-2025
- General
- CNA
Construction of Phase 2 of Cross Island Line begins
Construction has officially begun for Phase 2 of the Cross Island Line. Environmental impact assessments conducted in two phases were carried out, leading to changes such as fewer boreholes, to reduce impact. The new stretch will run across the western part of the island and is expected to ease commutes for about 40,000 households when completed by 2032. Kate Low with this report.
Straits Times
07-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Shell heist: Second mastermind gets more than 25 years' jail for siphoning $100m of fuel
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox The authorities have seized nearly $7.7 million in assets from him, including $4.7 million in cash from a safe that was moved around various locations. SINGAPORE – One of the two masterminds of a long-running scheme to misappropriate marine gas oil out of Shell's Pulau Bukom facility was sentenced to a jail term of 25 years and two months on July 7. Abdul Latif Ibrahim, 67, admitted he led a group of rogue employees that siphoned $100 million worth of fuel between August 2014 and January 2018, which was then sold to local and foreign vessels. Latif, whose salary was $3,700, received at least $7 million in illicit gains, which he spent on luxury watches, expensive cars and property. The authorities have seized nearly $7.7 million in assets from him, including $4.7 million in cash from a safe that was moved around various locations. He pleaded guilty to 20 charges of criminal breach of trust and 10 charges of money laundering. Another 34 charges were considered by the High Court during sentencing. The other mastermind, Juandi Pungot, who was then 45 years old, was sentenced to 29 years' jail in 2022 for his role in the largest marine fuel heist in Singapore's history. Juandi had pleaded guilty to 20 charges of criminal breach of trust, 10 money laundering charges and six corruption charges. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Eligible S'poreans to get up to $850 in GSTV cash, up to $450 in MediSave top-ups in August Singapore Four golf courses to close by 2035, leaving Singapore with 12 courses Singapore Fewer marriages in Singapore in 2024; greater marital stability for recent unions Singapore Construction starts on Cross Island Line Phase 2; 6 MRT stations in S'pore's west ready by 2032 Asia 72-year-old man on diving trip to Pulau Tioman in Malaysia found dead on the beach Singapore Jail for ex-auxiliary police officer who loaded one bullet and accidentally discharged revolver Singapore $1.46b nickel scam: Ng Yu Zhi opts to remain silent after judge calls for his defence Latif and Juandi both admitted that they began misappropriating fuel in 2007, when they were working in the same team. The stolen oil was loaded onto a bunker ship, in deals brokered through a middleman. The two men went on to expand the criminal enterprise by recruiting other members for their team. In early 2013, Latif left the team after a falling-out with the other syndicate members. That year, Latif accepted Shell's offer of re-employment, and was transferred to another team. Latif then started a new syndicate by recruiting Richard Goh Chee Keong, who planned the illegal loadings with him. Goh then recruited Ng Chee Seng. Ng later decided to stop the criminal activities, and was replaced in May 2015 by Mohd Ibrahim K. Abdul Majid. Latif continued his illegal operations, separate from Juandi, until their arrests in 2018. Each illegal loading began with the brokering of a deal to sell misappropriated fuel. The vessels that received the stolen oil included those owned by Singaporean companies Sentek Marine & Trading and Sirius Marine, and Vietnamese entity Prime Shipping Corporation. Using various methods to evade detection, the rogue employees worked together to route the gas oil from tanks onto the vessels. They carefully planned routes in the pipelines to bypass meters, and activated pumps at the same time to mask the theft. Where the meters could not be avoided, they temporarily tampered with them so that the illegal outflow would not be recorded. Team members not involved in the illicit activities were encouraged to take longer breaks, and bribes were paid to bunker surveyors to not accurately report the amount of cargo loaded onto the vessels. In early 2015, Shell began observing significant unidentified oil loss at Pulau Bukom. After investigations, the company made a police report on Aug 1, 2017. Between 2014 and 2018, Juandi's syndicate siphoned 203,403 tonnes of gas oil worth nearly $128 million. Latif's group misappropriated 153,996 tonnes of gas oil, valued at about $100 million. He spent his ill-gotten gains on a condominium unit in Braddell Road and two properties in Indonesia. Latif bought at least three cars: a Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG S sedan, a Mercedes-Benz AMG E43M and a BMW 435I Gran Coupe M Sport. He also invested money in a few businesses and funded the education for his two nephews in Australia. Deputy Public Prosecutor Ben Tan proposed a sentence of 25 to 27 years' jail for Latif, arguing that his culpability was similar to that of Juandi. Latif's lawyer, Mr Justin Ng, sought 22 years' jail, arguing that the scale of the scheme carried out by his client was significantly smaller than that carried out by Juandi. The lawyer added that his client will be consenting to the forfeiture of his seized properties to the state. Latif was allowed to defer the start of his sentence to Sept 30. Goh's and Ibrahim's cases are pending. The other rogue employees have been sentenced to jail terms ranging from one year and four months to 26½ years.
Straits Times
07-07-2025
- Straits Times
Five ways to beat the summer heat when travelling
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox People walking through artificial mist to cool down on a hot day in Tokyo. SINGAPORE – Heatwaves are no longer seasonal spikes. They are fast becoming a defining feature of summer travel. In 2025 so far , countries such as France, Italy and Spain have reported fatalities linked to the heat, while thousands more suffer from heat-related illnesses. Closer to home, popular holiday spots such as Japan, China and South Korea are also battling sweltering conditions, with record temperatures making headlines. According to a June report by the World Meteorological Organisation, Asia is warming at a rate nearly twice the global average, driven by its vast land mass and rapid urbanisation. With global heat records shattered in 2023, 2024 and now 2025, the heat is no longer just a travel nuisance – it is also a health hazard. Experts caution that travelling in high temperatures, especially in crowded cities or with a packed itinerary, can take a toll on the body. They dole out five tips to beat the heat while on vacation in summer. 1. Check humidity levels Instead of just checking the local temperature, Dr Heng Kiang Soon, a nutrition scientist and senior lecturer at Republic Polytechnic, suggests referencing the temperature-humidity index to better prepare for the heat. The index is a measure that combines air temperature and relative humidity to assess how hot it feels. For instance, if the temperature is 32 deg C and the humidity is at 70 per cent, it might feel like it is 41 deg C. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Eligible S'poreans to get up to $850 in GSTV cash, up to $450 in MediSave top-ups in August Singapore Four golf courses to close by 2035, leaving Singapore with 12 courses Singapore Fewer marriages and births in Singapore in 2024; greater stability for later cohorts Singapore Paternity leave take-up in S'pore rises to 56% in 2023; experts hope for further boost after extension Singapore Construction starts on Cross Island Line Phase 2; 6 MRT stations in S'pore's west ready by 2032 Singapore $1.46b nickel scam: Ng Yu Zhi opts to remain silent after judge calls for his defence Singapore More nurses to anchor care in community settings as Singapore's population ages Dr Heng says that when humidity is high, it is harder for perspiration – a means for the body to remove heat – to evaporate. As a result, the body cannot cool down efficiently as sweat clings to the skin, creating a higher risk of heat stroke. Weather apps often provide temperature and humidity readings. Apps like AccuWeather and Weather Underground come with additional features like radar maps and customised alerts. Both are available on the Android and Apple app stores. 2. Optimise your travel healthcare Make appointments for vaccinations early, ahead of peak travel seasons. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES Dr Ammar Angullia, family physician and managing director of travel health services provider ST&T International, advises travellers to get appropriate travel health insurance coverage and the necessary vaccinations for their trips. Those who suffer from cardiovascular issues or asthma, for instance, should look into travel insurance policies that cover pre-existing medical conditions. 'It is costly, but having insurance gives you the assurance that you have access to healthcare in a foreign place , if needed ,' he says. He adds that one of the first things travellers should do when planning a trip is to note the emergency medical services hotlines in their travel destination. Common vaccines , such as those for seasonal influenza and Hepatitis A or B, may not directly prevent dehydration or heat-related illness. However, getting vaccinated helps reduce your risk of falling sick while abroad, says Dr Ammar . 'When your body is already coping with extreme heat and the risk of dehydration, the last thing you want is to be fighting off another infection at the same time. Vaccinations reduce the risk of infection during travel . This is especially important when your body is already coping with stressors like extreme heat or long, tiring journeys ,' he says. 'You want to fortify your health before going overseas so you can enjoy your trip as much as possible.' 3. Pace yourself If you are going from an air-conditioned office in Singapore to a heatwave in Rome, your body will need time to catch up. When travelling between different climates, give your body time to adjust to new temperatures. PHOTO: AFP Dr Heng advises travellers to take it slow in the first few days of their trip. That means avoiding overly ambitious itineraries and planning strenuous activities, like hiking or long walking tours, during cooler hours, such as early mornings or evenings. 'When we participate in physically demanding activities, we metabolise energy and that internal process also generates heat,' he says. 'If the external temperature is already high, your body will struggle to cool itself down.' W hen heading outdoors, w ear light, breathable fabrics like linen, or sweat-wicking materials such as nylon or bamboo fabric. Protect yourself with a hat and sunglasses, and take along a refillable water bottle. Dr Ammar says travellers typically try to adhere closely to their itineraries – even when it is jam-packed – because tickets may already have been booked. 'Sometimes, travellers brush off small symptoms of heat-related issues, like dizziness or nausea, as side effects of jet lag or discomfort caused by new foods they've eaten, and try to power through,' he says. 'If necessary, don't hesitate to adjust or cancel some plans, and seek medical attention if you're feeling unwell. 'The attractions you want to visit will likely still be there, but if you don't listen to your body, it might lead to more serious health consequences.' 4. Hydrate before leaving your accommodation Dr Heng recommends drinking at least a full glass ( 250ml ) of water 30 minutes before leaving your accommodation, especially when transitioning from cool, air-conditioned spaces to sweltering outdoor heat, which can sometimes differ in temperature by more than 10 deg C. Take along a refillable bottle and top it up at hotels, restaurants or public water fountains. PHOTO: AFP While it is tempting to rely on convenience stores or cafes to grab water on the go, plan ahead. Carry a refillable water bottle and top it up at safe sources, such as drinking water dispensers located at hotels, airport terminals or restaurants. Set alerts on your phone to remind you to drink water every one to two hours, even if you are not thirsty. Boost hydration with foods that are high in water content, such as watermelons, oranges, grapes, cucumbers, tomatoes and clear soups. Adding electrolyte tablets or powders to drinking water can also help replenish lost minerals. And while coffee is a mild diuretic, which promotes urination, Dr Heng notes it is not necessarily harmful in the heat – as long as you drink more water to compensate for fluid loss. 5. Keep a small towel handy Heat stroke can creep up quickly, especially when your body temperature rises above 37 deg C – essentially mimicking a fever. Common warning signs include light-headedness, headaches and nausea. If you experience any of these, stop, find shade, hydrate and cool your body down immediately, says Dr Ammar. A small towel is a simple but effective tool. It can be used to wipe off accumulated sweat, which allows your body's natural cooling system – perspiration – to work more efficiently. For an extra cooling boost, dampen the towel with water and place it on your neck or wrists to bring your core temperature down.
Straits Times
07-07-2025
- General
- Straits Times
‘Guard geese' becoming more common in South Korea: Report
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Several agricultural and industrial facilities in rural areas in South Korea are using domestic geese as a guard animal. – The so-called 'goose agents', which made headlines recently after their use at a Brazilian prison, appear to be increasingly deployed at farms and factories in South Korea in recent months. Several cases have emerged of agricultural and industrial facilities in rural areas using domestic geese as guard animals. One example, reported by the Korean-language daily Chosun Ilbo, is a steel factory in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, which reportedly bought four geese for night-time security. 'Repeated thefts were giving me headaches, and an acquaintance suggested I should get geese. They cost less than jindo dogs (indigenous species in Korea known for their loyalty and ferocity), and are easier to manage,' factory owner Jeong Tae-ho was quoted as saying. A farm in Yangju, in the same province, reportedly saw its guard geese chase away a trespasser in a car, with male geese's loud honking and aggression being 'beyond imagination'. In 2023 and 2024, several international media outlets reported that a prison in the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina replaced patrol dogs with geese. The birds were said to patrol the space between the inner fence and outer walls, showing aggression towards out-of-line inmates. The reports also quoted affordability as the main appeal for using guard geese. While not generally considered a particularly intimidating animal, geese have actually been used for security throughout history. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Four golf courses to close by 2035, leaving Singapore with 12 courses Singapore Eligible S'poreans to get up to $850 in cash, up to $450 in MediSave top-ups in August Singapore Construction starts on Cross Island Line Phase 2; 6 MRT stations in S'pore's west ready by 2032 Singapore New SkillsFuture requirements from April 2026 to mandate regular training for adult educators Singapore MPs should not ask questions to 'clock numbers'; focus should be improving S'poreans' lives: Seah Kian Peng Singapore Sequencing and standards: Indranee on role of Leader of the House Asia Australian woman found guilty of all counts in mushroom murders case Singapore Life After... blazing biomedical research trail in S'pore: Renowned scientist breaks new ground at 59 A record shows that geese alerted the Romans during the Battle of the Allia in 387 BCE, and there have been cases of the birds being used to supplement dogs, drones or humans at warehouses and even military and police facilities worldwide. Geese tend to make loud noises when approached by strangers, and are deceptively strong due to their large size. They are known to be loyal and friendly to a human they perceive as a pack leader. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
Straits Times
07-07-2025
- Straits Times
Sweet-smelling fungi with sinister name at centre of Australia's mushroom murders
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox A death cap mushroom is easily mistaken for other edible varieties, and has a pleasant taste when used in cooking. SYDNEY – An innocuous-looking mushroom with a sweet smell and a sinister name lay at the centre of Australian Erin Patterson's triple-murder conviction on July 7. Patterson was found guilty of killing her husband's parents and aunt in 2023, and attempting to kill a fourth guest, by lacing their beef Wellington lunch with highly toxic death cap mushrooms. The 50-year-old denied the accusations, saying the hearty meal was contaminated by accident . Throughout a headline-grabbing trial spanning more than two months, experts have dissected the brown-and-white fungi in forensic detail. Death caps – or Amanita phalloides – are responsible for around 90 per cent of all fungus-related fatalities, making them the deadliest mushrooms in the world. The brown-and-white sporing bodies are easily mistaken for other edible varieties, and reportedly possess a pleasant taste when used in cooking. But they are saturated with deadly chemicals known as amatoxins, toxicologist Dimitri Gerostamoulos told Patterson's trial. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Construction starts on Cross Island Line Phase 2; 6 MRT stations in S'pore's west ready by 2032 Singapore New SkillsFuture requirements from April 2026 to mandate regular training for adult educators Singapore MPs should not ask questions to 'clock numbers'; focus should be improving S'poreans' lives: Seah Kian Peng Singapore Sequencing and standards: Indranee on role of Leader of the House Asia Australian woman found guilty of all counts in mushroom murders case Singapore askST Jobs: Facing intrusive demands from your employer? Here's what you can do Singapore NUS College draws 10,000 applications for 400 places, showing strong liberal arts interest Singapore Life After... blazing biomedical research trail in S'pore: Renowned scientist breaks new ground at 59 'They can lead to someone experiencing symptoms of diarrhoea, vomiting, feeling really unwell,' Dr Gerostamoulos told the jury. 'And they progressively get worse if the toxins are not removed.' 'They progress to tissue necrosis, organ failure and can obviously lead to death if not treated appropriately,' he added. Three of Patterson's guests died of organ failure a week after unknowingly eating death cap mushrooms baked into individual portions of beef Wellington. 'It was very apparent that this was not survivable,' intensive care specialist Stephen Warrillow told the jury. A fourth guest fell gravely ill but survived after weeks in hospital. Death cap mushrooms are native to Europe but have spread to the United States, Australia and New Zealand, fungi expert Tom May said during Patterson's trial. He said the mushrooms had a 'slightly sweet' odour when fresh. 'In Australia, it is an exotic species and it was accidentally introduced,' Dr May said in his testimony. They sprout during warm and wet autumn weather and are typically found growing in the shade of oak trees. 'From time to time, every year, usually under suitable conditions, it produces a sporing body, which is the mushroom that we see,' Dr May said. 'They're quite fleshy and they decay quite readily, so they would not last longer than a couple of weeks when they're sitting in the field.' Patterson will be sentenced at a later date. AFP
