Protection insurance scheme to roll out for Gojek drivers
With effect from 1 Apr, Gojek drivers will be covered by a protection insurance scheme, as a result of the partnership between Gojek and Gigacover – a Singapore-based insurance company, which focuses on freelancers. The scheme was designed in close consultation with the National Private Hire Vehicles Association of Singapore – an affiliate of the […]
Do not be afraid to talk about mental health: President Halimah
To show support and raise awareness for mental health, President Halimah Yacob visited the Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH)’s Creative SAY! Center for a special forum theatre performance on 25 Feb. The center offers sports, outdoor and art activities to help spark conversations and promote mental well-being and to help prevent young people from […]
HSA warns against 2 products containing erectile dysfunction medicine
On 26 Feb, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) warned the public to not purchase or consume two products sold online as candies – Hickel and Solomon Island Soloco Traditional Candy. Both candies were misleadingly marketed as “100% natural”, with exaggerated claims to “improve cardiovascular and kidney health, diabetic conditions, vitality, fertility and immunity”. Very high […]
Burning smell in parts of Singapore due to fire in Johor
A fire in southern Johor had caused a burning smell in parts of Singapore the National Environment Agency (NEA) said on 25 Feb. The authorities were first alerted to the burning smell in the eastern part of Singapore on 24 Feb. Singapore could experience a slight haze if the wind direction were to change, NEA […]
Rise in drug abusers, Central Narcotics Bureau raises concern
In its annual report on 25 Feb, the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) reported that there was an overall increase of drug abusers in 2018 as compared to 2017. 3,438 drug abusers were arrested in 2018, an 11 percent increase from 3,091 in 2017. Of which, those aged 20 to 29 continue to form the largest […]
Crocodile caught at Lower Seletar Reservoir
With the help of the National Parks Board (NParks), Singapore national water agency PUB caught a crocodile at Lower Seletar Reservoir on 23 Feb. The crocodile was first spotted by a PUB contractor on 14 Feb, putting a halt in all water and fishing activities there. Officers from PUB and NParks had been conducting daily […]
More support for freelance coaches and instructors
In a media release on 20 Feb, the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) announced that the National Instructors and Coaches Association (NICA) is officially registered with the Registry of Societies and has also become an affiliate of the Labour Movement. The association aims to represent the interests of some 5,000 full-time freelance coaches and instructors […]
Ben Davis may face imprisonment for defaulting National Service
Fulham footballer Benjamin Davis has defaulted on his national service commitments, The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) said in a statement on 18 Feb. The announcement was made after Mr. Davis failed to report for enlistment on 14 Feb. He is also staying overseas without a valid exit permit, MINDEF added. Mr. Davis may be fined […]
Government to lower foreign worker quota in services sector
To keep Singapore’s services sector competitive, some measures will be enforced so that Singaporeans will continue to have “good jobs and opportunities,” said Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat in his Budget 2019 speech on 18 Feb. The Dependency Ratio Ceiling (DRC) – the maximum ratio of foreign workers to the total workforce in a company […]
WHAT?! OFO’S BIKES TO BE REMOVED?!
On 14 Feb, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has suspended ofo’s operating license in Singapore. Their bikes are ordered to be removed from public places by 13 Mar. This was a result of failed compliance with Singapore’s regulations despite previous communications to comply with these requirements by 13 Feb, LTA said. The suspension will be […]