Latest news with #Faishal
Straits Times
7 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Over 8,000kg of korban meat to be distributed to 4,232 low-income households in Singapore
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox SINGAPORE – A total of 8,464kg of korban meat will be distributed to low-income residents in Singapore in July and August. The first meat distribution exercise took place at the void deck of Block 12 Eunos Crescent on July 13, where Acting Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim handed out packets of frozen mutton to 120 residents. The meat, which came from Australia, was donated by participants of 2025's Ibadah Korban, organised by Jamiyah Singapore with the help of the People's Association and Residents' Network. Korban refers to the Islamic ritual of slaughtering farm animals such as sheep and lambs, followed by the distribution of the meat to worshippers and the needy. A total of 4,232 low-income households will each receive 2kg of frozen meat, which will be distributed at 28 constituencies across the island from July to August. Speaking to The Straits Times on the sidelines of the event, Associate Professor Faishal said he has received feedback from members of the Muslim community about opening more mosques for korban to be conducted locally. In 2025, six mosques in Singapore were used as sites for the local korban ritual. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Govt will continue to support families, including growing group of seniors: PM Wong at PCF Family Day Singapore From Normal stream to Parliament: 3 Singapore politicians share their journeys Business 29 Jollibean workers get help from MOM, other agencies, over unpaid salaries Singapore Segregated recycling bins found to lower contamination rate as more spring up Asia Dr Mahathir resting in hospital after feeling fatigued during birthday gathering Singapore Government looking at enhancing laws around vaping to tackle issue of drug-laced vapes in Singapore Singapore Why the vape scourge in Singapore concerns everyone Singapore I lost my daughter to Kpod addiction: Father of 19-year-old shares heartbreak and lessons Another 52 mosques offered overseas korban services, where the livestock is slaughtered overseas and the meat is chilled, packed and sent to Singapore. Prof Faishal said that he is discussing the matter with the relevant authorities. He said: 'Please give us time to look further into the feasibility with our local agencies as we have to be mindful of the important factors such as animal welfare, public hygiene, safety as well as cost.' Since he became Acting Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs, Prof Faishal said, he has been walking the ground to understand the concerns of the Muslim community in Singapore. These include concerns about the long waiting times to obtain visas to perform the haj in Saudi Arabia and increasing the quota for haj pilgrims . Since 2018, Singapore has been allocated 900 slots for Singaporeans to perform the haj pilgrimage. The number of haj slots each year depends on Saudi Arabia's allocation, with 2018 being the last time the quota was increased, up from 800. Amid the volatile geopolitical situation in the Middle East, Prof Faishal said he recently reached out to local students studying in Egypt and Jordan over Zoom to hear their concerns. 'Many of them are back in Singapore for their break, and I welcomed them back at the airport,' he said. 'Together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Muis (the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore), through our student liaison offices in Jeddah and Cairo, we'll continue to work closely with them to monitor developments in the region. 'I want to assure them that their safety and well-being are foremost in our minds.'
Straits Times
12-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Singapore charity raises $200k in donations for victims of Myanmar quake
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox The funds will go towards Singapore Red Cross relief efforts, which include distributing essentials to quake victims. SINGAPORE - Singaporeans raised $200,000 in humanitarian aid for the victims of the March earthquake that struck Myanmar , with tremors that were felt in neighbouring Thailand. In a statement on July 12, Singapore charity Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation (RLAF) said the amount was raised between April 2 and April 30 in a tie up with the Singapore Red Cross (SRC). The funds will go towards SRC relief efforts, which include distributing essentials such as food, water, and blankets, to quake victims. RLAF handed over the donations to SRC on July 12, and Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim attended the ceremony. Associate Professor Faishal, who is also Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs, said: 'This campaign is a testament to the power of collaboration, compassion, and shared responsibility.' He added that he was heartened by how Singaporeans came together to chip in for a common cause. He said: 'RLAF and SRC's partnership reflects our national ethos of being a caring and outward-looking society - one that responds not only to local needs but also steps up for its neighbours in need.' Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Asia Air India crash report shows pilot confusion over engine switch movement Singapore More NSFs may be recruited to tackle scams: Police Singapore $3 cashback for hawker centre meals and shopping at heartland stores with DBS PayLah initiative Singapore 40% more sign-ups to programmes for adult learners at institutes of higher learning in last 5 years Singapore Wegovy, injectable drug used to treat obesity, now available via prescription in Singapore Business NTT DC Reit's Singapore public offer 9.8 times oversubscribed Multimedia Which floor is this? Chongqing's maze-like environment powers its rise as a megacity Singapore Over 20 motorists caught offering illegal ride-hailing services at Changi Airport and Gardens by the Bay On March 28, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit the Sagaing region of Myanmar.
Straits Times
11-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
$10.3m upgrading for Darussalam Mosque; new Tengah mosque to be built along Forest Drive
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Upgrading for the Darussalam Mosque will be conducted over a two-year period. SINGAPORE – From September, Darussalam Mosque in Clementi will undergo a $10.3 million upgrading, which will enhance accessibility in the 37-year-old place of worship. Meanwhile, a site for the future mosque serving the new Tengah town has been reserved along Forest Drive. These developments were announced by Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim during a visit to the Darussalam Mosque on July 11. Speaking to the media after Friday prayers, Associate Professor Faishal said that the Darussalam Mosque is the latest to undergo improvements under the Mosque Upgrading Programme of the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis). The most recent was the Darul Makmur Mosque in Yishun , which reopened on Hari Raya Haji in June after a two-year, $15 million renovation. Upgrading for the Darussalam Mosque will take place over two years. 'During this period, the mosque will remain operational,' said Prof Faishal, who is also Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore S'pore boosts nuclear viability, safety research with new institute and $66m in additional funding Singapore Man who killed 5-year-old daughter gets life sentence after he appeals against 35-year jail term Singapore More than 14,300 people checked during 7-week-long anti-crime ops Singapore Over 150 e-bikes and other non-compliant mobility devices impounded in last 2 months: LTA Singapore S'porean who defaulted on NS obligations used fake Malaysian passports at checkpoints over 800 times Singapore Over 12,000 lower-income households to receive $60 in transport vouchers by end-July Business CEO salaries: At Singapore's top companies, whose pay went up and whose saw a drop? Singapore NDP 2025: Leopard tank transmission fault identified, vehicle to resume role in mobile column He said he had a 'close attachment' to Darussalam Mosque, having previously volunteered there and served on the management board between 2001 and 2005. 'This is a significant milestone for the jemaah (congregation) in Clementi and the surrounding neighbourhoods,' he added. Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim participating in Friday prayers on July 11. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO Located along Commonwealth Avenue West, Darussalam Mosque is known for its distinctive cuboid-like architecture. It was officially opened in 1988, having been built under the second phase of the Mosque Building Fund. The upgrading works will include a new two-storey space for the atrium, as well as a lift and a central staircase to improve crowd flow. The mosque's ventilation systems will also be enhanced, while its facade will be refreshed. In addition, there will be advanced mechanical and electrical systems that meet the Building and Construction Authority's Green Mark 2021 Super Low Energy Building standards. The construction will be in two phases, with the first phase involving the main prayer hall. The second phase will include the annex building, which has an auditorium and other facilities. The upgrading works will include a new two-storey space for the atrium, as well as a lift and a central staircase to improve crowd flow. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO After the upgrading, Darussalam Mosque is expected to have up to 3,300 prayer spaces, up from around 3,000 currently. As part of fundraising efforts, the mosque will hold religious talks and charity drives, and place donation boxes in various mosques throughout the island. Details about the fundraising and other key initiatives will be shared at a later date, Muis said. Meanwhile, design development for the new mosque in Tengah, which has yet to be named, is expected to begin in 2027, said Prof Faishal, describing it as an 'exciting chapter' for Muslim residents in the area. 'I look forward to the support from the community as we shape this new mosque together,' he added. Prof Faishal noted that the development of mosques in Singapore has been made possible because of the Mosque Building and Mendaki Fund, which working Muslims contribute to. 'We must plan these projects carefully to ensure their long-term financial sustainability in the midst of rising costs,' he said. In 2021, it was announced that plans to build new mosques were deferred in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. In March, however, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced that a new mosque would be built in Tengah , with Muis working with the relevant agencies to identify a suitable site. A new mosque in Tampines North, whose construction was suspended during the pandemic, will also see construction resume in 2027, PM Wong said then.
AsiaOne
29-06-2025
- Business
- AsiaOne
Tanjong Katong Complex to reopen in 2029, winning tender bid includes rooftop deck and food garden, Singapore News
Tanjong Katong Complex, a historical landmark in Geylang Serai, will be redeveloped and is set to reopen in 2029, after the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) awarded a tender for the site's 30-year lease. In a statement on Saturday (June 28), SLA said that the tender was awarded to Jun Jie Development at a bid price of $90,000,888. Jun Jie Development is a subsidiary of Elegant Group, which was involved in the development of Grantral Mall @ Clementi and Changi City Point shopping mall. Jun Jie Development was the winner of three submissions in the Concept and Price Revenue Tender process which began in October 2024. According to SLA, the evaluation process placed "significant emphasis on how well proposals could retain and enhance the complex's identity as a community and cultural landmark, while delivering a high-quality, future-ready development". The first phase of assessment evaluated the quality of design and development concepts, while the second phase evaluated shortlisted proposals based on price. Jun Jie Development was eventually selected for "its strong, community-centric proposal that reflects a sensitive yet forward-looking approach to placemaking and heritage integration", said SLA. The winning proposal included the concept of a "community spine", it added, with features such as a multipurpose rooftop community deck, food garden and various art and heritage installations. Besides preserving the building's historical architectural identity, the new complex can also hold creative markets, wellness activities, and cultural showcases, in collaboration with local partners. Speaking at a Wisma Geylang Serai community event on Saturday, Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim said that the complex will reopen in 2029. "Jun Jie Development's proposal stands out with its vision to transform TKC into a community heartbeat, where Malay traditions and heritage are upheld while creating an inclusive space for all segments of our diverse community," said Assoc Prof Faishal. According to SLA, the redevelopment aims to reinforce Tanjong Katong Complex as a key gathering point for the Malay-Muslim community and the wider public. Additionally, the complex will also house the Yayasan Mendaki headquarters, a MUIS office and the Geylang East Public Library, which is currently located near Aljunied MRT station. [[nid:718702]]
Straits Times
28-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Refurbished Tanjong Katong Complex to re-open by 2029, as tender for site awarded
An artist impression of the main frontage of Tanjong Katong Complex in the evening, after it is refurbished. PHOTO: JUN JIE DEVELOPMENT Refurbished Tanjong Katong Complex to re-open by 2029, as tender for site awarded SINGAPORE – Tanjong Katong Complex, a landmark in the Geylang Serai Cultural Belt, is set to re-open fully by 2029, after a tender for the site was awarded on a 30-year lease. The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) on June 28 said that it awarded a tender for the site to Jun Jie Development, a company associated with The Elegant Group that runs Grantral Mall @ MacPherson and Changi City Point. SLA said in a statement that the winning concept for Tanjong Katong Complex features a multipurpose rooftop community deck and food garden, as well as art and heritage installations that showcase the history of the Geylang Serai precinct. In its submission, Jun Jie Development also proposed that the complex will host programmes put up with local partners, such as creative markets, wellness activities and cultural showcases. The company's winning bid for the state property was $90,000,888, and topped two other submissions in a concept and price tender, which first assessed the quality of tenderers' development concepts, before evaluating price. 'Jun Jie Development was selected for its strong, community-centric proposal that reflects a sensitive yet forward-looking approach to placemaking and heritage integration,' said SLA. It said the evaluation process 'placed significant emphasis on how well proposals could retain and enhance Tanjong Katong Complex's identity as a community and cultural landmark, while delivering a high-quality, future-ready development'. At a Wisma Geylang Serai community event celebrating the dikir barat art form on June 28, Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim said that the complex – including a planned extension – could re-open by 2029. 'Jun Jie Development's proposal stands out with its vision to transform Tanjong Katong Complex into a community heartbeat, where Malay traditions and heritage are upheld while creating an inclusive space for all segments of our diverse community,' said Associate Professor Faishal, who is Wisma Geylang Serai's lead adviser. Speaking in Malay, he added that the complex will become a space to celebrate the arts, strengthen identity, and create memories for future generations. An artist impression of the interior of Tanjong Katong Complex after it is rejuvenated. PHOTO: JUN JIE DEVELOPMENT When contacted, Mr David Cheong, managing director of Jun Jie Development, said the firm aims to re-open the mall in phases from mid-2026. Under the conditions of the tender, which was launched in October 2024, the winning developer is allowed to build an annex of up to five storeys tall, bringing the gross floor area of the entire rejuvenated complex to 30,166 sq m, including the existing building's 19,000 sq m. Jun Jie Development has to set aside 3,600 sq m for the offices of community self-help group Mendaki and the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore, as well as 2,400 sq m for Geylang East Public Library, which will be relocated to the refreshed complex. The library is currently at a site near Aljunied MRT station. A further 1,500 sq m will have to be used for Malay cultural trades or Malay entrepreneurial incubation spaces, as part of efforts to preserve the cultural flavour that Tanjong Katong Complex has long been associated with. Mr Cheong said that Jun Jie Development is working with the Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry to identify suitable tenants for this space, adding that it will likely be used to promote young Malay entrepreneurs. He added that the firm also hopes to support the needs of the surrounding community by setting aside a unit for low-cost clinic, which will be charged a token rental – possibly $1, he said. Mr Cheong said that while the refreshed space will showcase Malay culture and heritage, he hopes it will also bring together people of all races. 'We would like people to mix. Having a 'Malay mall' defeats the purpose of Singapore's multiracial society,' he said. Ng Keng Gene is a correspondent at The Straits Times, reporting on issues relating to land use, urban planning and heritage. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
