- B E R I T A _ H A R I _ I N I _ 2 0 0 8 -

fatz2

March 21, 2008         
Help for Malays to get better pay
Job network shifts focus from job placement to skills upgrading
By Melissa Sim

A GOVERNMENT programme designed to help Malay job seekers will expand its reach this year, officials announced yesterday.

The four-year-old Employability Network plans to branch out to support professionals and managers, help more single mothers find jobs and aid low-wage workers in landing better-paying jobs. This was announced by labour MP and co-chairman of the Employability Network Halimah Yacob.

Since its launch in 2004, the network has been credited with placing 3,500 job seekers and creating 35,000 places in training and upgrading courses.

Madam Halimah said in a speech yesterday that a disproportionate number of Malays here are in low-skill, low-pay jobs.

'We want to help them move up,' she said. 'They should not remain there forever.'

So instead of emphasising job placement this year, the network will focus on helping workers find better jobs.

The Social Enterprise Network (Sense), the training arm of the Malay association Mendaki, runs the Employability Network. It will allocate 800 of its 8,000 training places this year to diploma courses, up from last year's 300 places.

'It's not a question of a paper chase. It will help them with career progression,' Madam Halimah said.

Sense aims to get 450 of the 1,500 job seekers it helps each year to go through upgrading courses. The network also aims to help 500 single mothers find jobs this year. To date, 463 have been assisted and nearly half have found jobs, officials said.

Madam Halimah said focusing on this area 'is important in helping low-income families be more resilient - to be able to provide better for themselves'.

Single mums will participate in workshops to help them re-integrate into the workforce.

Meanwhile, managers and professionals will get more help finding jobs through a new website, career seminars and career coaching workshops, officials said. In particular, this will help those who have been retrenched.

Mr Hamidi Ebi, 33, a father of three, can vouch for the importance of upgrading. After getting his Certificate in Logistics Operations, he became a supervisor in a food waste management company and received a pay rise of $800. Now, he is taking a diploma in logistics.

'At first, going back to school is difficult. You go to class and your mind is blank but, after a while, you make friends and it's worth it,' he said.

[email protected]

fatz

March 21, 2008         
Man dies in head-on crash


Mr Ong Chu Rui, 23, who was trapped in the wreck, had multiple injuries and
it took civil defence officers 20 minutes to free him. He died at the scene.
-- ST PHOTO: CHEW SENG KIM

A MOTORIST was killed when his car collided with a lorry along Sembawang Road.

Mr Ong Chu Rui, 23, was heading towards Upper Thomson Road on Thursday evening when the head-on crash happened. The lorry was heading towards Mandai Road.

Mr Ong, who was trapped in the wreck, had multiple injuries, said police spokesman Liu Xiangling. It took civil defence officers 20 minutes to free him. He died at the scene.

The 56-year-old lorry driver was taken to Tan Tock Seng Hospital. He complained of pains in his leg.

He is helping police with investigations.

Several of Mr Ong's relatives and friends gathered for the wake on Friday at the void deck of Block 376 Clementi Avenue 4, where his family lives.

His neighbours, who referred to him by his pet name Ah Boy, said he was a well-mannered young man.

His 44-year-old grief-stricken mother, who wished to be identified only as Madam Chiang, said he was on his way home after taking a friend home to Yishun when the accident happened.

Mr Ong was her only child.

She said he had been a car salesman for two years and that she last saw him on Thursday morning when he left for work.

She struggled to compose herself and declined to say more.

Police have appealed for eyewitnesses to contact 1800-5471818.

fatz2

March 23, 2008         
Trapped by lure of the high life
MPs seeing significant number of debt-ridden S'poreans who spend beyond their means
By Jamie Ee and Chen Meiyue

ONE was an unemployed woman who bought a $7,000 home theatre system on hire purchase.

Another a young executive who chalked up $5,000 on each of his five credit cards.

Then there was a couple with children who took a $100,000 bank loan to renovate their four-room flat.

Come crunch time, all could not pay.

MPs and social workers say they are seeing a significant number of residents turning to them for help to clear their debts.

This picture emerges despite, or perhaps because of, the booming economy and nearly full employment.

The issue was highlighted on March 15 by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at a Malay community event. He said that MPs 'often see families who have over-committed themselves financially' - for instance, those who had been 'extravagant in doing up their homes using renovation loans'.

Others had 'bought expensive furniture or large-screen TV sets on hire purchase'.

'Those with the most serious problems have bought homes which are larger than they can afford, and taken mortgages which they are then unable to pay,' he said.

In Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC, MP Charles Chong said he sees about three such cases each week at his Meet-The-People sessions.

Over in Tampines GRC, the number of such cases is about five to six each week, said MP Masagos Zulkifli.

The stories are often similar: The debtors had signed up for large house or car loans or hire-purchase agreements; or chalked up high credit-card debts. Sooner or later, they ended up unable to keep up with the monthly payments.

While such debtors cut across all races and income groups, more than half are Malays belonging to the lower-income group, said the 10 MPs and social workers interviewed.

While the problem is not new, MP Zainudin Nordin of Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC, who sees about five to six such cases each week, said it was 'definitely a worrying trend'.

MPs and social workers agree there will be the 'hard luck' cases - those who experience a sudden loss in income or have family members hit by major illnesses.

But they say there are others who simply cannot separate 'needs' from 'wants'.

In fact, the consumerist urge in a time of affluence could worsen the problem: the proverbial 'keeping up with the Joneses'.

Mr Zainudin, who is also mayor for Central Singapore District, said: 'There are those who expect to live as well as their peers.'

Ms Nur Hilyah Saparin, who is the centre head of Ang Mo Kio Family Service Centres (Sengkang), observed the same pressure.

'Their logic is that they must provide the best for their families. If they don't, they reason that they are not being responsible,' she said.

Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC's MrChong once met a man who bought a $4,000 bed for his family when he earned only $2,000 a month.

Jurong GRC MP Halimah Yacob recalled meeting an unemployed woman who bought a five-room flat that required a monthly payment of $1,500.

The situation is not yet alarming, the MPs and social workers say. But they worry that if the economy slows down and more jobs are lost, it could get worse.

The growth in credit card numbers and hire-purchase agreements is part of this nexus, especially when consumers lack discipline.

Credit card numbers have grown, according to the Monetary Authority of Singapore. In 2005, there were about 4.45 million cards. In January this year, the number jumped to 5.72million.

The average spending per month of credit card-holders is rising: from $3,755 in 2005 to $4,272 last year, figures from the Credit Bureau (Singapore) show.

Last December, the total amount of 'rollover' credit debt - when a card holder pays only the minimum allowed every month, carrying over the remainder to the following month - also hit a new high, crossing $3 billion for the first time.

Such numbers should be watched closely, said Mr Kuo How Nam, president of Credit Counselling Singapore, a non-profit organisation which gives advice to debtors who have trouble repaying credit card bills or bank loans.

He also worries about the effect of a downturn on people with rollover debts. He said the message that credit cards are a means of payment but not a means of borrowing should be drummed into the public.

Ms Anne Tay, OCBC Bank's vice-president for group wealth management, suggested that people should go for financial health checks.

She has this advice: 'Living within your means is not enough because it means you spend what you earn. Try to live a lifestyle below your means instead.'

Or as Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC MP Penny Low asked: 'Is it the high cost of living or the cost of high living that is leaving us breathless?'

fatz

Singapura : 24 Mac 2008         
  
SAMPAH SINGAPURA REZEKI PEDAGANG BATAM

Barang yang dibuang di sini dijual kepada penduduk dari serata Riau

Oleh
Saini Salleh

SELAIN di Pulau Semakau, sampah dari Singapura 'dibuang' di pulau-pulau serata Riau - dari Batam hingga ke Pulau Tujuh dekat Natuna.

Namun, tidak seperti sampah yang dilupus di Pulau Semakau, barangbarang buangan yang dihantar ke kepulauan Riau itu menjadi barang berguna penduduk di sana.

Pendek kata, apa saja yang dibuang di sini - dari kasut, pakaian, pinggan mangkuk, peralatan elektrik, tilam bantal hinggalah perabot rumah - laku di Riau.

Pemeriksaan Berita Harian mendapati terdapat sekitar 100 pedagang barang terpakai dari Batam yang menjalankan kegiatan perniagaan itu di sini.

Mereka membeli barang-barang tersebut, yang dikenali sebagai 'barang-barang second', dari karung guni yang datang dengan lori atau di kedai barang-barang terpakai yang banyak di sekitar Kampong Kapor di Serangoon Road.

'Maaf saya pakai perkataan sampah Singapura. Saya bukan menghina rakyat Singapura yang suka buang barangbarang yang masih baik atau menghina rakyat negara saya sendiri kerana menggunakan sampah dari Singapura.

'Tapi hakikatnya ialah sampah Singapura diperlukan penduduk di pulau-pulau serata Riau,' kata Cik Irma, 50 tahun, yang berdagang barang terpakai di Batam sejak lebih tiga tahun lalu.

Beliau biasanya menghabiskan sekitar sebulan di sini untuk mencari dan mengumpulkan barang-barang terpakai serta menguruskan penghantaran dengan kontena ke Batam.

Sekitar $3,000 dibelanjakan untuk membeli barang-barang terpakai setiap kali beliau berkunjung ke Singapura.

'Untung boleh tahan. Sampai saja di Batam, barang-barang yang saya bawa sekejap habis.

'Saya juga bawa pulang barang-barang yang khusus dipesan pelanggan saya. Ada mahu permaidani, televisyen, radio dan ada mahu tilam yang masih baik, tak mahu yang sudah lusuh atau banyak 'peta',' tambah Cik Irma.

Seorang lagi pedagang, Encik Roland Nadhafatir, 32 tahun, berkata:

'Sebenarnya sampah Singapura menjadi pintu rezeki ramai pedagang barang-barang terpakai yang selalu berulang alik ke sini dan ramai lagi peniaga kedai barang terpakai di Batam.

'Dari sini barang-barang ini dibawa ke Batam untuk dijual. Bukan penduduk Batam saja yang beli, malah penduduk dari Pekan Baru, Tanjong Pinang, Kerimum dan Pulau Tujuh juga datang ke Batam untuk membelinya.

'Anda pergi rumah penduduk kampung, semua barang-barang mereka, dari di dapur dan bilik tidur hingga ke ruang tamu, adalah sampah dari Singapura.

'Deretan kedai barang terpakai di Batam, seperti di Batu Aji, dari Batu Ampar ke Tanjong Sengkuang dan di Jodoh, semuanya sampah dari Singapura,' katanya.



tajuk berita yg kurang sensitif.........

iansuryani

MAYAT LELAKI DITEMUI DI LAUT EAST COAST PARK

Mayat seorang lelaki ditemui di perairan sekitar jeti East Coast Park, dekat Fort Road, pagi semalam.

Polis dan pasukan pertahanan awam menerima laporan sekitar 5.10 pagi tentang seorang lelaki hilang di laut.

Penyelamat Pasukan Pertahanan Awam Singapura (SCDF) dan Unit Penyelam Angkatan Laut Republik Singapura (RSN) serta polis kemudian menjalankan gerakan mencari.

Dua kenderaan amfibia SCDF turut dikerah dalam usaha itu. Mayat lelaki tersebut, Encik Yeo Geok Siong, 25 tahun, ditemui sekitar 9.15 pagi.

Seorang bapa saudara mendiang Yeo berkata kali terakhir beliau berjumpanya semasa Tahun Baru Cina lalu.

Mendiang Yeo, yang belum berumah tangga, tinggal bersama beliau di flat di Marsiling Drive tetapi jarang berada di rumah.

Polis menyifatkan kes itu sebagai kematian luar biasa.

iansuryani

KES BERI MAKLUMAT PALSU TENTANG MAS SELAMAT

PEMANDU BAS DIPENJARA 21 BULAN

PEMANDU bas yang memberi laporan palsu tentang ketua Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) Singapura, Mas Selamat Kastari, dihukum penjara 21 bulan semalam.
Ng Hang Hai (gambar), 49 tahun, dikenakan hukuman penjara maksimum setahun kerana berbohong dengan mendakwa seorang penunggang motosikal membenarkan Mas Selamat membonceng motosikalnya pada 27 Februari selepas dia melarikan diri dari Pusat Tahanan Whitley Road.

Ng dipenjara lagi sembilan bulan kerana berbohong kepada polis bahawa dia melihat seorang menyerupai Mas Selamat menaiki bas dan turun di Lentor Avenue.

Hakim Daerah Hoo Sheau Peng mengarahkan hukuman dijalankan berturut-turut.

Satu lagi tuduhan diambil dalam pertimbangan. Dalam tuduhan itu, Ng mengaku memberitahu polis dia melihat Mas Selamat turun dari motosikal di luar Kelab Polo Singapura dan kemudian menaiki bas TIB sebelum turun di Lentor Avenue.

Maklumat itu menyebabkan polis menyiasat pelibatan penunggang motosikal itu dalam membantu Mas Selamat melarikan diri.
Ng membuat panggilan itu tiga hari selepas Mas Selamat melarikan diri.

Mahkamah diberitahu Ng sebenarnya marah akan penunggang motosikal itu yang menyekat perjalanan basnya di Victoria Street pada malam 27 Februari.
Dia mendakwa apabila dia membunyikan hon basnya, penunggang motosikal itu menunjukkan isyarat lucah.

Tiga setengah jam kemudian, Ng menelefon talian 999 dan mendakwa melihat seorang yang menyerupai Mas Selamat menaiki bas dan turun di Lentor Avenue.

Timbalan pendakwaraya berkata Ng memberi gambaran terperinci tentang pembonceng motosikal itu dalam kenyataannya kepada polis.

fatz

Singapura : 25 Mac 2008        
         
18 ORANG DIKEJARKAN KE HOSPITAL

# Siasatan polis dedahkan insiden berpunca daripada satu pergaduhan
# Seorang mangsa disembur dengan bahan yang tidak dikenali. Dua lelaki dicari polis untuk membantu siasatan


tak ke ini pun menggemparkan?...pakai gas beracun?...act of terrorism ?...

kenapa paper ST hanya mentioned kat muka dlm jer, tak mcm berita mas selamat?...


Oleh
Nazri Hadi Saparin

SERAMAI 18 orang dikejarkan ke hospital selepas mengadu sesak nafas menyusuli satu kejadian gas misteri di kompleks beli-belah Golden Landmark semalam.

Menurut kenyataan Pasukan Pertananan Awam Singapura (SCDF) malam tadi, seramai lapan orang dibawa ke Hospital Tan Tock Seng, sementara 10 lagi termasuk seorang kanak-kanak dihantar ke Hospital Besar Singapura (SGH).

Semua dalam keadaan stabil.

Selain mereka yang menerima rawatan di hospital, puluhan lagi penyewa kedai dan pekerja di bangunan itu turut mengadu mengalami masalah sesak nafas.

Siasatan awal polis mendedahkan insiden itu berpunca dari satu pergaduhan antara dua pihak di pusat membeli-belah itu.

Dalam kenyataan malam tadi, polis berkata dalam perkelahian itu, seorang lelaki Cina disembur dengan bahan yang tidak dikenali oleh dua lelaki tidak dikenali yang kemudian melarikan diri.

Mangsa dikejarkan ke Hospital Besar Singapura.

Polis kini mencari dua lelaki dipercayai berbangsa Cina untuk membantu siasatan.

Lelaki pertama memakai kep putih, baju gelap dan seluar jeans. Dia mempunyai parut di pipi kanan. Lelaki kedua bertubuh gempal dengan tatu di kedua-dua tangan. Dia memakai baju lengan pendek berwarna cerah dan seluar gelap.

Pengarah Operasi Pasukan Pertahanan Awam Singapura (SCDF), Kolonel Eric Yap, berkata pihaknya menerima panggilan sekitar 4.11 petang.

Setibanya pegawai SCDF di tempat kejadian, beberapa lagi orang tampil mengadu tentang masalah bernafas.

'Kami menerima laporan ada seseorang yang melepaskan gas yang tidak dikenali. Namun, pemeriksaan rapi menggunakan alat pengesan gagal mengesan adanya sebarang gas,' katanya.

Pihaknya diberitahu orang yang melepaskan gas itu dikatakan melakukannya di kawasan tangga pintu masuk kompleks itu, bertentangan North Bridge Road.

Namun, beliau berkata ini tidak dapat dipastikan dan pihak berkuasa masih menyiasat.

Saksi yang ditemui berkata seorang lelaki dilihat dengan segera menyimpan sebuah botol ke dalam beg berwarna coklat sejurus selepas seorang lelaki berhampirannya kelihatan terbatuk-batuk.

Penyelia di syarikat Shahidah Travel, Cik Norhayati Suhadi, berkata beliau dalam perjalanan ke tandas apabila tiba-tiba sesak nafas dan terasa loya. Semasa dihubungi, Cik Norhayati sedang dalam perjalanan ke hospital.

'Saya sesak nafas dan muntah-muntah,' katanya lemah dan tidak henti terbatuk.

Di tempat kejadian, para pegawai SCDF, lengkap dengan topeng dan alat mengesan gas, kelihatan sibuk memeriksa sekitar kawasan bangunan.

Beberapa pegawai berpakaian preman juga dilihat meletakkan beberapa barang, termasuk botol, ke dalam beg plastik.

Gas itu juga menjejas para pekerja di tingkat tiga kompleks tersebut.

Para penghuni dibenarkan memasuki semula bangunan sekitar 6 petang.

fatz

March 25, 2008         
Aussie pilot's bid to leave country rejected again
By Elena Chong, Court Correspondent


Thomas, 59, was charged late last month with flying a Cessna float plane into Singapore without a valid certificate of airworthiness. -- ST PHOTO: LIM SIN THAI

AUSTRALIAN pilot Rhys Henry Thomas has failed again to get the court's nod to leave Singapore to attend to personal matters.

His application for leave jurisdiction was made on Monday and dismissed on Tuesday by District Judge John Ng.

Thomas, 59, was charged late last month with flying a Cessna float plane into Singapore on Jan 22 without a duly issued and valid certificate of airworthiness.

Two Republic of Singapore Air Force fighter jets escorted his plane to Changi Airport, which had to close for 50 minutes amid security fears.

Thomas claimed trial after his representations were turned down by the prosecution.

A nine-day hearing is due to start on March 31.

Out on $10,000 bail, Thomas first applied to leave the country on Feb 28 to visit his 83-year-old mother in a medical centre in Australia. Judge Ng turned down his application.

He applied again on Monday, citing financial loss if he continues to remain here, besides compassionate grounds.

In rejecting the application, Judge Ng said that the parties were ready, and the trial was scheduled in less than a week.

'It would be in the interest of all parties that the case be resolved expeditiously,' he said.

'The accused clearly does not have any roots here. He does not have anything here that can be seen as a compelling reason for him to come back after returning home.'

fatz

March 25, 2008         
Serial snatch thief nabbed

POLICE have arrested a 19-year-old man who is said to have committed a series of snatch thefts in various HDB estates.

The suspect was caught at about 2.45am on Monday in a police operation at Whampoa estate.

Five cases of snatch thefts were reported in Whampoa Drive, Jalan Tenteram, Kim Keat, Toa Payoh and Anchorvale in early March.

The culprit targeted female victims and snatched their jewellery, handbags and handphones.

After a careful study of the cases and through extensive interviews, police obtained a lead when the suspect was captured on CCTV footage, and established his identity.

'The suspect, who was unemployed, had up till then remained elusive as he had no fixed place of abode,' said police on Thursday night.

'Undaunted, the officers persevered and mounted ambushes at places the culprit was known to frequent.'

Their persistence paid off when the cops spotted the suspect at one of his haunts on Monday.

The man later led the officers to a phone shop at Toa Payoh and a second-hand dealer shop at Balestier Plaza where he had disposed of his loot.

The suspect is expected to be charged in court on Tuesday for snatch thefts.

He can be jailed between one and seven years and caned, if convicted.

Police advised members of the public to watch over their values and avoid exposing them unnecessarily.

sesiapa yg penah kena copet kat area tu...cepat2 pegi balai...mana tau dapat balik ke barang2 yg dicopet tu...

fatz

Singapura : 25 Mac 2008         

BAYARAN KEDUA SKIM TAMBAHAN PENDAPATAN DAYA KERJA 1 APRIL INI

Pekerja informal dan bekerja sendiri bakal terima pada 1 Mei

BAYARAN kedua Skim Tambahan Pendapatan Daya Kerja (WIS) akan diberikan kepada para pekerja pada 1 April ini.

Sejumlah $149 juta akan diagihkan, menurut satu kenyataan Kementerian Tenaga Manusia (MOM) semalam.

Dicampurkan dengan bayaran WIS pertama pada Januari lalu, seramai 262,000 pekerja akan menerima WIS sebanyak $272 juta bagi kerja yang dilakukan tahun lalu.

Bayaran kedua WIS itu akan diberikan dalam bentuk tokokan pada Tabung Simpanan Pekerja (CPF) dan wang tunai.

Bahagian wang itu akan dimasukkan ke dalam akaun bank mereka sebagaimana yang dilakukan di bawah skim GST Credits.

Cek akan diberikan jika akaun bank tidak dinyatakan.

Pekerja informal dan mereka yang bekerja sendiri (SEP) akan menerima bayaran kedua WIS mereka pada 1 Mei ini.

Golongan pekerja itu yang telah bekerja tahun lalu tetapi belum lagi mendaftar atau membuat sumbangan Medisave masih boleh menerima jumlah penuh WIS pada Mei ini jika mereka mendaftar, mengisytiharkan pendapatan mereka dan membuat sumbangan Medisave selewat-lewatnya pada 31 Mac ini.

Namun, jika mereka mengisytiharkan pendapatan mereka dan membuat sumbangan bagi kerja yang dilakukan tahun lalu selepas 31 Mac ini, bayaran WIS akan diberikan selepas Mei.

Demi memudahkan pendaftaran dan sumbangan Medisave oleh golongan pekerja itu, MOM dan CPF menganjurkan acara- acara mendekati masyarakat.

Pendaftaran WIS yang seterusnya akan berlangsung di kelab-kelab masyarakat Kallang pada Jumaat dan Sabtu ini dan Toa Payoh Central pada Ahad ini dan Isnin depan.

'Kami menggalak SEP dan pekerja informal yang meraih gaji kurang $1,500 sebulan untuk mendaftar bagi WIS dan menikmati faedahnya.

'SEP hanya perlu membayar ke Medisave bagi tahun 2007 untuk menerima WIS,' menurut kenyataan MOM.

Orang ramai boleh menghubungi talian segera CPF di 1800-2222-888 atau e-mel [email protected] bagi mendapatkan keterangan lanjut.

fatz

One suspect arrested for gas attack at Golden Landmark Shopping Complex
By Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 25 March 2008 1826 hrs


SINGAPORE: Police have arrested a 40-year-old man in connection with the incident at the Golden Landmark Shopping Complex yesterday on Monday.

He is one of two men suspected to have used what Police now believe to be 'pepper spray' to attack another man.

A total of 19 people were taken to hospital after inhaling the substance sprayed by the assailants.

Of the 19, two women are still warded at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) and are in a stable condition.

They are believed to be recovering slower than other patients due to underlying medical conditions.


The others have been discharged - seven from Tan Tock Seng Hospital, and 10 from Singapore General Hospital.

A two-year-old girl who was transferred to KK Women's and Children's Hospital has also been discharged.

Police are still on the search for the other man involved in the attack. - CNA/vm

fatz

The man who was attacked with an unknown substance outside Golden Landmark Shopping Complex on Monday went on a rampage at a Geylang coffeeshop on Tuesday morning. Video footage (above) shows him holding a fruit knife and a papaya - both stolen from the fruit stall. -- PHOTO:

March 25, 2008          
Man attacked by mystery gas at shopping centre goes on rampage at coffeeshop
By Sujin Thomas and Diana Othman

THE man who was attacked with an unknown substance outside Golden Landmark Shopping Complex on Monday went on a rampage at a Geylang coffeeshop on Tuesday.

He had refused to be warded after the attack, which had left 17 others gasping for breath, was questioned by police and then released.

But at about 7am on Tuesday, he created a scene in front of about 10 people patrons and stallholders at the Victoria Food Court coffeeshop where he was having breakfast.

Coffeeshop manager Mr Ng Ket Geap, 66, said the man who had ordered a bowl of fish soup and a drink, refused to pay.

The man then grabbed a fruit knife and a slice of papaya from a fruit stall and kicked chairs onto the adjacent road before sitting down to cut the fruit.

Mr Ng, who was at home at the time, received a call from his staff about the incident. He advised them not to go near him and asked them to call the police.

The man's actions were caught on a closed-circuit camera installed in the coffeeshop. The man was arrested about 10 mins later and is still under police custody.

Police confirm that this was the same man who had been attacked with a substance at about 4pm on Monday at the entrance of Golden Landmark Shopping Complex after a dispute with two other men.

The substance which wafted into the North Bridge Road building caused about 100 tenants and shoppers to be evacuated.

fatz

One suspect arrested for gas attack at Golden Landmark Shopping Complex

Singapura : 26 Mac 2008         
         
GAS MISTERI DI GOLDEN LANDMARK

SEORANG LELAKI DITANGKAP

Oleh
Hisham Hasim

SALAH seorang daripada dua lelaki yang dipercayai terlibat dalam kejadian menyembur apa yang pada awalnya dipercayai gas di kompleks membeli-belah Golden Landmark kelmarin dijangka didakwa di mahkamah hari ini.

Bahan yang menyebabkan sehingga 18 orang dikejarkan ke hospital itu kini dipercayai lada hitam.

Menurut satu kenyataan polis semalam, lelaki Cina berumur 40 tahun itu ditangkap pagi semalam, dan bakal didakwa di bawah Seksyen 324 dan Seksyen 34 Kanun Keseksaan.

Jika didapati bersalah, dia boleh dikenakan hukuman penjara sehingga tujuh tahun, atau denda dan sebat.

Polis menyatakan bahawa dalam kejadian yang berlaku sekitar 4 petang itu, seorang lelaki Cina telah disembur dengan bahan yang dipercayai serbuk lada hitam oleh dua lelaki yang kemudian melarikan diri.

Akibat kejadian itu, sekitar 100 orang telah diarah meninggalkan bangunan tersebut, sementara 18 lagi dikejarkan ke hospital untuk mendapatkan rawatan lanjut.

Polis menyatakan ia masih menjalankan siasatan ke atas lelaki kedua berhubung kejadian itu.

Tinjauan Berita Harian ke kompleks beli-belah itu semalam mendapati ramai pekedai telah menjalankan perniagaan seperti biasa.

Namun ada pekedai yang ditemui masih trauma akibat daripada kejadian tersebut.

'Waktu itu sekitar 4.15 petang. Saya ingin ke tandas tetapi tekak terasa perit dan saya mula batukbatuk. Orang di sekeliling saya juga batuk-batuk.

'Oleh kerana tidak mengesyaki apa-apa, saya bergegas ke lapangan terbang Changi untuk urusan jemaah umrah,' ujar penyelia di syarikat pelancongan Shahidah Travel, Cik Norhayati Suhadi.

Perjalanan menuju ke Lapangan Terbang Changi itu merupakan pengalaman pahit bagi Cik Norhayati sehingga beliau terpaksa menukar arah dan menuju ke Hospital Besar Changi (CGH).

'Dalam perjalanan itu saya muntah lapan kali,' kata Cik Norhayati.

Seorang kakitangan butik RH Fashion, Cik Rahimah Mohamed, pula berkata pada waktu kejadian beliau sedang melayan pelanggan.

Dengan tiba-tiba beliau mula batuk-batuk dan matanya berair, kata Cik Rahimah.

'Tekak kemudian rasa gatal dan mual dan saya terus termuntah. Muka saya pun mula bertukar merah dan tangan rasa gatal-gatal,' tambah beliau.

Dalam satu kenyataan yang diedarkan kepada para pekedai di situ semalam, pihak pengurusan Golden Landmark mempertahan tindakan mereka tidak membunyikan semboyan amaran kecemasan untuk memberitahu orang ramai mengenai kejadian tersebut.

'Pihak SCDF telah menyarankan agar kawasan terjejas dikosongkan sebagai langkah berjaga-jaga.

'Oleh kerana sistem semboyan kecemasan dihubungkan dengan bangunan hotel, maka ia tidak dihidupkan kerana kami tidak mahu menimbulkan rasa panik di kalangan tetamu hotel dan orang awam,' kata kenyataan itu.

fatz

Brunei chooses S'pore's model for first national IT start-up centre
By Valarie Tan, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 26 March 2008 1806 hrs


iCentre Brunei

BRUNEI: Brunei has chosen to adopt Singapore's model for its first national start-up centre in infocomm technology.

The iCentre is a partnership between National University of Singapore (NUS) and the Brunei Economic Development Board.

The four-storey building will house 16 start-ups and five virtual companies, with ready office space, meeting rooms and an auditorium.

Launched on Wednesday by Brunei's Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, iCentre will be managed by NUS's business unit, KR Consulting, while Brunei will provide the funding and staff for the centre.

Global investors and businessmen are expected to conduct workshops for entrepreneurs at this centre.


- CNA/so

fatz

Documentary evidence must be produced to change NRIC address
Posted: 25 March 2008 2037 hrs

SINGAPORE: From 1 April, those who need to change their home address on their NRIC would need to produce documentary evidence.

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said the new requirement is a security measure to guard against the use of false addresses, and to help protect genuine residents.

To change the address on your NRIC, all you need to do is to bring a document such as a phone bill addressed to you at the new address to the ICA building or any Neighbourhood Police Post or Neighbourhood Police Centre. Your full name should be reflected on this document.

If you do not have such a document, you could apply online for an ICA letter at www.ica.gov.sg. This ICA letter will be sent to your new address within seven working days.

Under the One-Stop Change of Address Reporting Service (OSCARS), when you report a change in address, participating government agencies will be informed of your new address.

ICA has warned that if you do not report a change in your home address within 28 days or falsely report an address, you could be fined up to S$5,000 or even jailed up to five years, or both.


- CNA/so

fatz

Golden Village to increase ticket price by 50 cents
Posted: 26 March 2008 1944 hrs

SINGAPORE: Starting on Thursday, there will be a 50 cents increase for movie tickets at Golden Village cinemas.

Golden Village Multiplex has announced that it will revise its ticket prices at its nine outlets.

The organisation said the price increase is a result of the current market situation and rising costs.

However, Gold Class and Cinema Europa ticket prices, movie promotional packages and rates with banks, students and other promotional partners will remain unchanged.

Other organisations like Cathay Cineplex and Eng Wah Organisation have no plans to increase ticket prices.


- CNA/so



[ Last edited by  fatz at 26-3-2008 09:13 PM ]

fatz

March 26, 2008         
Indon maid falls to death
THE body of a maid was found amid scattered and broken bamboo poles after she apparently plunged 23 floors to her death on Tuesday evening.

The Indonesian woman, in her 20s, was found dead at the foot of Block 28 Marine Crescent, according to Shin Min Daily.

It is believed she was either bringing in or putting out clothes at the time.

Neighbours said the maid came to Singapore about eight months ago, and worked for a young couple with a five-year old daughter.

The police are investigating the case as unnatural death.

fatz

March 26, 2008         
SIA grounded A380 plane for fuel pump problem


In another incident in January, an A380 jet sustained superficial damage when it rolled off the tarmac ahead of a flight to Sydney. -- AFP

SINGAPORE Airlines grounded a second Airbus A380 aircraft for a fuel pump problem on Monday night, delaying Sydney-bound passengers who had to switch to smaller planes.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, airline spokesman Stephen Forshaw said the plane is now back in service.

'We regret the inconvenience caused to customers who incurred delays on Monday night,' he said. The problem with the fuel pump was similar to a problem that grounded another of Singapore Air's A380s in February, Mr Forshaw said.

'It is important to mention, it is not the same problem, and not the same aircraft,' he said.

In another incident in January, an A380 jet sustained superficial damage when it rolled off the tarmac ahead of a flight to Sydney. A truck that was pushing the plane failed and disconnected from the plane. No injuries have resulted from any of the incidents.

Singapore Airlines is the only carrier operating the world's largest passenger jet. Last week, it flew the plane for the first time on its Singapore-London route, after having first introduced the plane on regular Singapore-Sydney flights in October. It currently operates three A380s and has another 16 on order.

Singapore Airlines will use its fourth A380, yet to be delivered, on its Singapore-Tokyo route from May 20.

The first A380 was delivered to Singapore Airlines on Oct 15, some 18 months behind schedule because of wiring problems and after billions of dollars in cost overruns for Airbus.

Dubai-based Emirates will become the second airline with the plane when it takes its first delivery in August. -- AP

fatz

March 26, 2008         
Businessman charged with spray attack
By Elena Chong
A BUSINESSMAN was charged in court on Wednesday in connection with a spray attack at Golden Landmark Shopping Centre, which forced about 100 tenants and shoppers to be evacuated on Monday.

Seow Min Fu, 40, is alleged, together with a man, to have caused hurt to the victim by spraying the contents of a spray can into Mr Goh Chin Hock's eyes at a stairway of the complex at Victoria Street at about 4pm that day.

Mr Goh, 45, and 17 others were taken to hospital with breathing difficulties, skin irritation and nausea.

The charge did not say what the contents were, but police believe the substance to be pepper spray.

The prosecution applied for Seow to be remanded for further investigation as he is believed to be involved in 'similar offences'.

Seow, who was remanded until Wednesday, said through an interpreter that he wanted to engage a lawyer. If convicted, he can be jailed up to seven years or fined or caned.

fatz

March 26, 2008         
Trio charged with faking accident
By Elena Chong, Court Correspondent
THREE men have been charged with faking a traffic accident to cheat a motorist.

Muhammad Rafee Abdullah, 32, Mohamad Iswadi Ismail, 23, both unemployed, and Pang Cheng Jea, 39, an odd-job worker, are accused of cheating contractor Beh Chin Hock of $50 at a carpark in Bedok North on March 17.

Mr Beh was allegedly deceived into believing that one of the rear tyres of his car had accidentally run over Pang's foot as he was driving out of the carpark.

Pang also faced a separate charge on Wednesday of stealing a $200 mobile phone from Mr Goh Seng Hai on a bus along Punggol Central on March 20.

Separately, Rafee was also charged with four counts of having uncensored and obscene VCDs and films under the Films Act.

Iswadi and Pang were released on $10,000 bail each, but Rafee was remanded as he allegedly committed the offence while on court bail.

All three will be back in court again on April 2.