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Singapore Law Watch
3 hours ago
- Singapore Law Watch
Judge asks prosecution for more information on Kpods in first case involving etomidate-laced vapes
Judge asks prosecution for more information on Kpods in first case involving etomidate-laced vapes Source: Straits Times Article Date: 24 Jul 2025 Author: Samuel Devaraj The court has directed the Health Sciences Authority to provide more information for sentencing, including a profile of end users. In the first prosecution involving etomidate-laced vapes, known as Kpods, the court has directed the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) to provide more information for sentencing, including a profile of end users. Mohammed Akil Abdul Rahim, 41, who is alleged to have made the Kpods at home with the intent to sell them, had been expected to plead guilty on July 23. The Singaporean, who is facing a total of eight charges, including two for selling and possession to sell etomidate under the Poisons Act in Yishun, is now scheduled to do so on Aug 11 after the case was adjourned for the prosecution to flesh out its sentencing submissions. In court on July 23, Deputy Principal District Judge Ong Chin Rhu noted that the prosecution had furnished a skeletal sentencing submission. She added that, given the novelty of the case and the fact that there are no precedents for the possession for sale of etomidate under the Poisons Act, time should be given for the prosecution to furnish a full version. This would include case law for a case of this nature, Judge Ong said. Apart from the profile of end users, she also asked for statistics on the rise of vapes containing etomidate in Singapore, which she said would better inform the court about their prevalence. She also asked for information about the effects of inhaling etomidate, noting that the prosecution had provided information on the consequences of its intravenous use. Etomidate is an anaesthetic agent used in clinical practice to induce sedation and is controlled under the Poisons Act. In a recent seizure of over 100 vapes, a third was found to contain etomidate. One of Akil's charges involved the possession for sale of 26.4g of white powder, which was analysed and found to contain etomidate. Judge Ong asked the prosecution about the significance of this amount of the substance. 'Is that a lot in the grand scheme of things,' she asked, in wanting to know how many vapes could be manufactured with this amount. The HSA prosecutor said the agency is proceeding on three of the seven charges under its purview and seeking between 12 and 15 months' jail for Akil. HSA is asking for eight to 10 months' jail for the charge involving the 26.4g white powder and four to five months' jail for a charge involving the possession for the purpose of sale of 2,588 components of items designed to resemble tobacco products. These included 569 pieces of empty pod casings, 534 pieces of pod components and 1,485 pieces of pod covers. The recommended sentences are to run consecutively, with two to three months' jail proposed for a third charge of selling 100 vape pods containing etomidate to run concurrently. Akil's eighth charge is under the Passports Act for making a false statement to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) while applying for a new Singapore passport. He allegedly lied on Jan 20 that he forgot his bag, which contained his NRIC and passport, at a coffee shop and that his passport was not returned to him. An ICA prosecutor said it would be seeking six to eight weeks' jail for the offence, which will run consecutively with HSA's proposed sentences. Akil maintained his wish to plead guilty, noting he did not want to waste anyone's time and wanted the matter to end so he could move on with his life. Questioning the prosecution's labelling of him as a flight risk, he said he had no intention of absconding and has two children and an ageing mother. He has been offered $20,000 bail, of which $5,000 needs to be in cash. Lowering the cash component would allow him to be released from remand so he can help his son prepare for his Primary School Leaving Examination, he said. The prosecution said it would not be seeking a variance in his bail amount. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said on July 20 that the authorities are working to list etomidate under the Misuse of Drugs Act, paving the way for abusers and traffickers of Kpods to be treated in the same way as those who abuse or traffic drugs like nimetazepam, also known as Erimin-5, with mandatory rehabilitation and jail time for repeat offenders. Those who need help to quit vaping can join the Health Promotion Board's I Quit programme by calling the QuitLine on 1800-438-2000. Participants need not worry about being prosecuted, as it does not presume they are using or have used vaping products. But those caught using or possessing such items will be prosecuted. From July 21, HSA has extended the operating hours for its hotline to report vaping-related offences. The hotline now operates from 9am to 9pm daily, including on public holidays. HSA has also launched a new online portal to report vaping-related offences at If you have a story to share about vapes, e-mail us at [email protected] Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction. Print
AsiaOne
6 hours ago
- AsiaOne
Judge asks prosecution for more information on Kpods in first case involving etomidate-laced vapes, Singapore News
SINGAPORE – In the first prosecution involving etomidate-laced vapes, known as Kpods, the court has directed the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) to provide more information for sentencing, including a profile of end users. Mohammed Akil Abdul Rahim, 41, who is alleged to have made the Kpods at home with the intent to sell them, had been expected to plead guilty on July 23. The Singaporean, who is facing a total of eight charges, including two for selling and possession to sell etomidate under the Poisons Act in Yishun, is now scheduled to do so on Aug 11 after the case was adjourned for the prosecution to flesh out its sentencing submissions. In court on July 23, Deputy Principal District Judge Ong Chin Rhu noted that the prosecution had furnished a skeletal sentencing submission. She added that, given the novelty of the case and the fact that there are no precedents for the possession for sale of etomidate under the Poisons Act, time should be given for the prosecution to furnish a full version. This would include case law for a case of this nature, Judge Ong said. Apart from the profile of end users, she also asked for statistics on the rise of vapes containing etomidate in Singapore, which she said would better inform the court about their prevalence. She also asked for information about the effects of inhaling etomidate, noting that the prosecution had provided information on the consequences of its intravenous use. Etomidate is an anaesthetic agent used in clinical practice to induce sedation and is controlled under the Poisons Act. In a recent seizure of over 100 vapes, a third was found to contain etomidate. One of Akil's charges involved the possession for sale of 26.4g of white powder, which was analysed and found to contain etomidate. Judge Ong asked the prosecution about the significance of this amount of the substance. 'Is that a lot in the grand scheme of things,' she asked, in wanting to know how many vapes could be manufactured with this amount. The HSA prosecutor said the agency is proceeding on three of the seven charges under its purview and seeking between 12 and 15 months' jail for Akil. HSA is asking for eight to 10 months' jail for the charge involving the 26.4g white powder and four to five months' jail for a charge involving the possession for the purpose of sale of 2,588 components of items designed to resemble tobacco products. These included 569 pieces of empty pod casings, 534 pieces of pod components and 1,485 pieces of pod covers. The recommended sentences are to run consecutively, with two to three months' jail proposed for a third charge of selling 100 vape pods containing etomidate to run concurrently. [[nid:720141]] Akil's eighth charge is under the Passports Act for making a false statement to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) while applying for a new Singapore passport. He allegedly lied on Jan 20 that he forgot his bag, which contained his NRIC and passport, at a coffee shop and that his passport was not returned to him. An ICA prosecutor said it would be seeking six to eight weeks' jail for the offence, which will run consecutively with HSA's proposed sentences. Akil maintained his wish to plead guilty, noting he did not want to waste anyone's time and wanted the matter to end so he could move on with his life. Questioning the prosecution's labelling of him as a flight risk, he said he had no intention of absconding and has two children and an ageing mother. He has been offered $20,000 bail, of which $5,000 needs to be in cash. Lowering the cash component would allow him to be released from remand so he can help his son prepare for his Primary School Leaving Examination, he said. The prosecution said it would not be seeking a variance in his bail amount. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said on July 20 that the authorities are working to list etomidate under the Misuse of Drugs Act, paving the way for abusers and traffickers of Kpods to be treated in the same way as those who abuse or traffic drugs like nimetazepam, also known as Erimin-5, with mandatory rehabilitation and jail time for repeat offenders. Those who need help to quit vaping can join the Health Promotion Board's I Quit programme by calling the QuitLine on 1800-438-2000. Participants need not worry about being prosecuted, as it does not presume they are using or have used vaping products. But those caught using or possessing such items will be prosecuted. From July 21, HSA has extended the operating hours for its hotline to report vaping-related offences. The hotline now operates from 9am to 9pm daily, including on public holidays. HSA has also launched a new online portal to report vaping-related offences at [[nid:720480]] This article was first published in The Straits Times . Permission required for reproduction.
The Star
9 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Furniture's tough outlook
Industry in crisis: Workers assembling furniture at a furniture manufacturing plant. Industry players say sector faces domestic, global pressures JOHOR BARU: The furniture sector is struggling under mounting global and domestic pressures, leading to some long-standing manufacturers shutting down after decades of operations, say industry players. Muar Furniture Association (MFA) president Steve Ong said some businesses had ceased operations over the past two years, including several original equipment manufacturers, as they felt the future of the industry was not promising. 'The situation has become increasingly tough for local furniture makers who are already grappling with policies that burden businesses. 'Aside from having to deal with the expanded sales and service tax (SST), the US-imposed tariffs on Malaysian exports are also an added burden for those focused on the American market,' he said in an interview. Ong, whose association represents more than 800 members, pointed out that the higher electricity tariffs and mandatory Employees Provident Fund (EPF) contributions for foreign workers are also adding to the pressure. He said MFA has continued to call for a temporary suspension of the SST, electricity tariff hike and EPF contribution for foreigners. Ong also urged the government to provide financial incentives or assistance to help companies transition better. He said that while the government is encouraging automation, many industry players are hesitant to make the change. 'If local furniture makers are forced to shut down or relocate overseas, it will not only affect jobs but the entire supply chain will suffer,' he said, adding that the MFA held a dialogue session with industry players last week to listen to their concerns. Many participants, including a furniture maker who has been in the business for over four decades, lamented about the 'policies that are not business-friendly' which are hurting the economy. Malaysian Furniture Council president Desmond Tan, who is also MFA executive adviser, said the council received over 180 petitions from industry players about the untimely policies. He added that the council had submitted a petition to Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Ghani and met with his deputy Datuk Chan Foong Hin over the matter. 'We have expressed our concerns and requested their help to convey the message to the Prime Minister. 'During the meeting, the deputy minister told us that he would speak to the Finance Ministry about the SST, which we take as a positive step,' he added. Johor, particularly Muar, produces the majority of Malaysia's furniture. The United States was the top destination for Malaysia's furniture last year, followed by Singapore, Australia, Japan and the United Kingdom.
Straits Times
19 hours ago
- Straits Times
Judge asks prosecution for more information on Kpods in first case involving etomidate-laced vapes
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Mohammed Akil Abdul Rahim was found with vapes and various related components in a Housing Board flat at Block 269B Yishun Street 22 on Dec 11, 2024. SINGAPORE – In the first prosecution involving etomidate-laced vapes, known as Kpods, the court has directed the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) to provide more information for sentencing, including a profile of end users. Mohammed Akil Abdul Rahim, 41, who is alleged to have made the Kpods at home with the intent to sell them, was expected to plead guilty on July 23. The Singaporean, who is facing a total of eight charges, including two for selling and possession to sell etomidate under the Poisons Act in Yishun, is now scheduled to do so on Aug 11 after the case was adjourned for the prosecution to flesh out its sentencing submissions. In court on July 23, Deputy Principal District Judge Ong Chin Rhu noted that the prosecution had furnished a skeletal sentencing submission. She added that given the novelty of the case and the fact that there are no precedents for the possession for sale of etomidate under the Poisons Act, time should be given for the prosecution to furnish a full version. This would include case law for a case of this nature, Judge Ong said. Apart from the profile of end users, she also asked for statistics on the rise of vapes containing etomidate in Singapore, which she said would better inform the court about their prevalence. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. 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Etomidate is an anaesthetic agent used in clinical practice to induce sedation and is controlled under the Poisons Act. In a recent seizure of over 100 vapes, a third was found to contain etomidate. One of Akil's charges involved the possession for sale of 26.4g of white powder, which was analysed and found to contain etomidate. Judge Ong asked the prosecution about the significance of this amount of the substance. 'Is that a lot in the grand scheme of things?' she asked in wanting to know how many vapes could be manufactured with this amount. The HSA prosecutor said the agency is proceeding on three of the seven charges under its purview and seeking between 12 and 15 months' jail for Akil. HSA is asking for eight to 10 months' jail for the charge involving the 26.4g white powder and four to five months' jail for a charge involving the possession for the purpose of sale of 2,588 components of items designed to resemble tobacco products. These included 569 pieces of empty pod casings, 534 pieces of pod components and 1,485 pieces of pod covers. The recommended sentences are to run consecutively, with two to three months' jail proposed for a third charge of selling 100 vape pods containing etomidate to run concurrently. Akil's eighth charge is under the Passports Act for making a false statement to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) while applying for a new Singapore passport. He allegedly lied on Jan 20 that he forgot his bag – which contained his NRIC and passport – at a coffee shop and his passport was not returned to him. An ICA prosecutor said it would be seeking six to eight weeks' jail for the offence, which will run consecutively with HSA's proposed sentences. Akil maintained his wish to plead guilty, noting he did not want to waste anyone's time and wanted the matter to end so he could move on with his life. Questioning the prosecution's labelling of him as a flight risk, he said he has no intention of absconding and has two children and an ageing mother. He has been offered $20,000 bail, of which $5,000 needs to be in cash. Lowering the cash component would allow him to be released from remand so he can help his son prepare for his Primary School Leaving Examination, he said. The prosecution said it would not be seeking a variance in his bail amount. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said on July 20 that the authorities are working to list etomidate under the Misuse of Drugs Act , paving the way for abusers and traffickers of Kpods to be treated in the same way as those who abuse or traffic drugs like nimetazepam, also known as Erimin-5, with mandatory rehabilitation and jail time for repeat offenders. Vaping - The invisible crisis. The Straits Times Those who need help to quit vaping can join the Health Promotion Board's I Quit programme by calling the QuitLine on 1800-438-2000. Participants need not worry about being prosecuted as it does not presume they are using or have used vaping products. But those caught using or possessing such items will be prosecuted. From July 21, HSA has also extended the operating hours for its hotline to report vaping-related offences. The hotline now operates from 9am to 9pm daily, including on public holidays. HSA has also launched a new online portal to report vaping-related offences at If you have a story to share about vapes, e-mail us at stnewsdesk@
Business Times
a day ago
- Sport
- Business Times
Chinese travellers make the rounds in Asia for high-profile events
[SINGAPORE] Star-studded concerts and international sporting events have gained importance as critical drivers of tourist revenue in South-east Asia and Greater China, as the Chinese travel wave returns in 2025. Cities such as Singapore, Bangkok and Jakarta have emerged as prominent hotspots for large-scale events, owing to their accessibility to international travellers and suitable infrastructure for such events, said senior regional director for South-east Asia, Edmund Ong. Visits centring around such events have become increasingly common in the region, with a notable rise in tourists from mainland China choosing to travel to attend concerts, festivals and sports games. 'As the Chinese outbound wave gains speed, expect events to be the engine driving it,' Ong added. BT takes a look at some of the region's largest events in 2025. Sports events World Artistic Gymnastics Championships 2025 Where and when: A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 8.30 am Asean Business Business insights centering on South-east Asia's fast-growing economies. Sign Up Sign Up Jakarta, Indonesia: Oct 19-25 According to bookings on the platform to the Indonesian capital during this period have surged over 150 per cent year on year as sports fans seek to cheer on gymnasts. The event is likely to attract fans from Asian giants Japan and China, who finished second and third in overall medal counts, respectively, during the games' 2023 iteration. 33rd South-east Asian Games Where and when: Bangkok, Chonburi and Songkhla, Thailand: Dec 9-20 With events spanning several cities, the 33rd South-east Asian Games is expected to attract over 500,000 spectators, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Tourists bookings are expected to surge by 93 per cent year on year, noted in a report, as Thailand hopes for a strong end for its tourism sector's quiet year. World Aquatics Championships 2025 Where and when: Singapore: Jul 11 - Aug 3 Inbound travel bookings increased by 31 per cent to Singapore during the period, report noted. The most demand was from Indonesian travellers, with a 36 per cent year on year rise from the previous year, while Chinese visitors surged 24 per cent. Concerts High-profile international musicians have also become large draws for tourists in markets across Asia. 'Exclusive experiences such as live events provide compelling reasons to travel, often with extended stays and premium bookings,' said Ong. Last March, pop superstar Taylor Swift's six concerts in Singapore were estimated to have boosted the country's tourist revenues by up to S$500 million. Ong noted that the agency had seen a sizeable uptick in interest from China, with events such as Lady Gaga's Singapore concert in May drawing strong international bookings from China. G-Dragon's 'Ubermensch' world tour Where and when: Jakarta, Indonesia: Jul 26 Hong Kong, China: Aug 9 and 10 The K-pop megastar has already held sold-out concerts across the region, with stops in Macau, the Philippines, Taipei, and Kuala Lumpur. However, a planned show in Bangkok in August was cancelled, with organisers citing concerns about a 'heat wave' in the intended open-air stadium. This adds to the continuing wave of struggles that Thailand's tourism sector has experienced in 2025, after an earthquake and the kidnapping of a Chinese actor spooked tourists earlier this year. Tyler, the Creator's 'Chromakopia' world tour Where and when: Bangkok, Thailand: Sep 16 Manila, the Philippines: Sep 20 and 21 Blackpink's 'Deadline' world tour Where and when: Bangkok, Thailand: Oct 24-26 Jakarta, Indonesia: Nov 1-2 Bulacan, the Philippines: Nov 22-23 Singapore: Nov 29-30 Popular K-pop group Blackpink and American rapper Tyler, the Creator's concerts are expected to bring a significant boost in tourism revenues to the four South-east Asian countries they will visit as part of ongoing world tours. In Singapore, OCBC chief economist Selena Ling said in a June note that Blackpink's November concert is likely to 'brighten the tourism landscape' in the country. Such trends in tourism reflect a 'broader evolution in consumer preferences', noted Ong. 'Travel is no longer just about the destination, but also about why they're travelling, and events play a big part in that,' he added. This has further influenced the manner in which tourism boards, travel platforms and event organisers fine-tune their business strategies. 'For example, they are bundling packages, syncing calendars, and strategically placing events in cities like Singapore, Bangkok, and Jakarta,' Ong said.
