tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66948341745660657352024-03-19T20:46:35.148+08:00Singapore, The FINE CitySingapore has been well-known as a "fine" city, which has been embedded with two different meanings.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16506853727917525452noreply@blogger.comBlogger107125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6694834174566065735.post-73414157000966774472017-02-03T01:48:00.003+08:002017-02-03T01:48:31.761+08:00Why is it wrong to ask your foreign workers to queue for Bak Kwa<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgan8Dpg8B5XxXTPuuxeo5IwnEZAa-MmZG7WnltVMVgyyXO-R6i1rzw7v7rznpfkGVv06fIRB13ImlWgEO0WQavd0jLk3kaJJ89ixbTdOgzYmgVgUYfryzatt7TIZU0fjFO5-4Ip-iNo2D-/s1600/SGFineCity-bakkwa-queue.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Foreign workers queuing for Bak Kwa" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgan8Dpg8B5XxXTPuuxeo5IwnEZAa-MmZG7WnltVMVgyyXO-R6i1rzw7v7rznpfkGVv06fIRB13ImlWgEO0WQavd0jLk3kaJJ89ixbTdOgzYmgVgUYfryzatt7TIZU0fjFO5-4Ip-iNo2D-/s1600/SGFineCity-bakkwa-queue.png" title="Why is it wrong to ask your foreign workers to queue for Bak Kwa" width="100%" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foreign workers happily queuing for Bak Kwa<br />
Image Credit: Today Online</td></tr>
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First of all, I would like to explain what is Bak Kwa for some who are not familiar with Singapore. <a href="https://chinesebakkwa.wikispaces.com/" target="_blank">Bak Kwa</a> is a kind of barbecue meat jerky that is usually made of pork or chicken. During Chinese New Year, it is consider a must-buy food for the celebration mostly for Chinese. But in Singapore, no matter what race or religion you are, most of the Singaporeans like it. (This links back to the early days when the Chinese are poor, having meat is considered a luxury item and hence only consumed during the festive season).<br />
<br />
Before Chinese New Year season, queuing for Bak Kwa from a famous Bak Kwa outlet (like <a href="http://www.limcheeguan.com.sg/" target="_blank">Lim Chee Guan</a>) is norm and time consuming process. Besides queuing hours for fresh grilled Bak Kwa, you have to withstand either the hot or rainy days. So came this idea of employers paying their foreign workers to queue early in the morning instead of queuing themselves.<br />
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<h3>
Wrong to Ask Foreign Workers to Run Non-work Related Errands</h3>
Foreign workers might be happy to queue for their employers instead of working under the sun, but <a href="http://worldjusticeproject.org/opportunity-fund/access-justice-migrant-workers-singapore" target="_blank">Singapore's Migrant Worker Rights Group</a> and Ministry of Manpower have different views of such actions.<br />
<br />
Deployment of these foreign workers for an activity other than stated in their work permit is against the law as these task are not officially permitted. While the conservative view is will these foreign workers be precluded from employment protections of accident happened during the course of action ?<br />
<br />
Opinions might be different for everyone, some might think this is over reacting, while some may oppose as it might not be really a good choice to do so. However, thinking back, if local Singaporeans employees are asked to queue for the Bak Kwa, is that also a wrong deployment in the employment scope of work ? I will leave you to ponder on this question.<br />
<br />
By the way, the employers are not fined for asking these foreign workers to queue for the Bak Kwa.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03334266089328443848noreply@blogger.com0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.8441055 103.174389 1.8600605 104.46528300000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6694834174566065735.post-11883403184426960212016-12-13T01:11:00.003+08:002016-12-13T01:11:54.452+08:00Get jailed for selling codeine-based cough syrup without proper customer records<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxy81rZcqoXW3zt7aZq3jQQZi232FzstpdIkeuVLXGdzsbMZY-LqzL6jSZO-Gk_RCCtcSwuZhzyQlGO3onkiI06FskR-Uz2ceqRmzHK60cToIqulSwz4uz3W-ca_ZUfLSy9_g6QZC1UNn3/s1600/codeine-hsa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bottles of codeine-based cough syrup " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxy81rZcqoXW3zt7aZq3jQQZi232FzstpdIkeuVLXGdzsbMZY-LqzL6jSZO-Gk_RCCtcSwuZhzyQlGO3onkiI06FskR-Uz2ceqRmzHK60cToIqulSwz4uz3W-ca_ZUfLSy9_g6QZC1UNn3/s1600/codeine-hsa.jpg" title="Get jailed for selling codeine-based cough syrup without proper customer records" width="100%" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Credit: Channel News Asia</td></tr>
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Singapore has been battling to keep drugs out of the country since independence and in 1973, the law is enacted to punish those that break these laws with heavy punishments including long term imprisonment, canes and capital punishments.<br />
<br />
So what does these drug addicts do ? They abused medication by taking them excessively to resemble the "kick" they have while taking drugs. Of course, when there is buyers, there will be sellers as well.<br />
<br />
Recent case that one register pharmacist, William Woo Tat Meng, sole proprietor of Community Pharmacy at Bukit Timah Plaza who illegally sold codeine-based cough syrup to customers with falsified records to keep his bad deed under the radar of the law enforcement. But soon his act is caught after HSA officers stopped a 42-year-old man on 23rd April 2015 at 3pm where he has procured 14 bottles of 120ml Dhasedyl syrup which he paid 20 dollars for each bottle.<br />
<h3>
What is Codeine ?</h3>
<i>"Codeine is a pain reliver and cough suppressant which is a relatively mild opiate. It is often found in prescription strength cough syrups, or in a combination formulation with various other analgesics (for example, with acetaminophen). However, it is also often abused due to its <b>euphoric side effects</b> and an addictive drug with potentially dangerous effects at <b>high dosages</b>."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
He sold 220,440 bottles containing more than 2,450 litres of Dhasedyl syrup to customers over a period of nearly two years, from May 2013 until April 2015 when he was caught red-handed. He has made a profit of at least S$ 244,529 from selling the syrup. However, he has admitted that he has been selling Dhasedyl syrup for about 10 years.<br />
<br />
Under Singapore Poisons Act, pharmacists are not allowed to sell more than 240ml of codeine cough syrup to a customer at any one time. They also have to record the name and identity card number of the customer, and the quantity of codeine cough syrup sold daily in a book that is kept solely for this purpose.<br />
<br />
The 58-year-old sole proprietor was jailed for eight months and three weeks, becoming the first pharmacist to be found guilty of improper selling of codeine under the law.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Under the Poisons Act, offenders could have faced up to two year's in jail and a fine of up to $5,000 per charge.</blockquote>
<h3>
Where Can Drug Addicts Seek Help ?</h3>
Usage of abusive drugs is not only about breaking the law but also destroy yourself and lives of your loved ones. You can save yourself or your loved one by winning the battle against drugs. It is never too late to seek help and recover from drug addiction.<br />
<br />
The following organisations can help you or your loved one to overcome the toxic influences of drugs and get you back to track with your normal life.<br />
<a href="http://www.sana.org.sg/" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<a href="http://www.sana.org.sg/" target="_blank">Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association (SANA)</a><br />
2 Sengkang Square, Sengkang Community Hub, #05-01<br />
Singapore 545025<br />
Tel: 6732 1122<br />
Fax: 6732 4564<br />
Email: sana@sana.org.sg<br />
Opening Hours: Mon to Fri from 8.30am to 10.00pm<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.nams.sg/" target="_blank">National Addictions Management Services (NAMS)</a><br />
Block 9 (Level 1), Buangkok Green Medical Park<br />
10 Buangkok View<br />
Singapore 539747<br />
Tel: 6-7326837 (6-RECOVER) (24 hours helpline), 6389 2000 (General Enquiries)<br />
Email: nams@imh.com.sg (general enquiries)<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03334266089328443848noreply@blogger.com0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.8441055 103.174389 1.8600605 104.46528300000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6694834174566065735.post-53811920562100792122016-09-06T01:42:00.001+08:002016-09-06T01:42:16.452+08:00What is the Fine for taking Upskirts Videos to "De-stress"Everyone know that life's is stress nowadays and it is not only to the adults, so are the students. In finding a way to "de-stress", <a href="http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/student-jailed-for-taking-upskirt-videos-to-de-stress" target="_blank">Malaysian Li Yaw Chung</a>, a student at <a href="http://www.unisim.edu.sg/" target="_blank">UniSIM</a> decided to record upskirt videos of various women on escalators at shopping malls and elsewhere.<br />
<br />
After he has been caught, he told the police that he enjoyed the thrill of taking upskirt videos and more so enjoyed the thrill at the possibility of being caught. He thought of it as a challenge and needed the thrill to de-stress.<br />
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He was caught at Lot One Shoppers' Mall at Choa Chu Kang Avenue 4 on 8th April 2015 after a Singaporean has witnessed him filming the upskirt videos of three unidentified women with his mobile phone.<br />
<br />
While there are also other occasions which he has took upskirt videos at various shopping centres and even at the train station nearby his school.<br />
<br />
He pleaded guilty to 12 counts of insulting the modesty of a woman, with 14 other charges taken into consideration. On 2nd Sep 2016, he was given a 16 weeks' jail term for the offences.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
He could have been jailed for up to one year and/or fined for each count of insulting modesty.</blockquote>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03334266089328443848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6694834174566065735.post-30239976989358660262016-07-15T02:43:00.000+08:002016-07-15T02:43:53.484+08:00Singapore stepped up enforcement against motorists on evasion of tolls fees at checkpointSingapore and Malaysia has been linked via two bridges across the straits, namely the Woodlands checkpoint and Tuas checkpoint.<br />
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With strong businesses and employment linked between these two countries, there are more than 400,000 people and 130,000 vehicles crossing customs everyday. Do note that Woodlands checkpoint is one of the busiest checkpoint in the world, attributed be people staying in Johor Bahru and coming to Singapore for work purposes.<br />
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Though Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA) has stepped up enforcements and put up additional signages to remind motorist to pay the respective tolls and fees, there are still motorists that would take the risk of evading toll charges, Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) fees and fixed Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) fees when entering or leaving Singapore through both checkpoints.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Higher Composition Fines</h3>
<br />
Hence, LTA decided to introduced new fines for motorist from 1st August 2016 onwards that a composition fine of S$50 for motorists who evade the tolls and fees, while repeating offenders will have to pay S$100. This was five times more from the S$10 administrative fee payable currently.<br />
<br />
In addition, motorists who do not pay the composition sum and then charged for tolls and fees evasion are liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding S$1,000, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months for first offence.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Stricter Road Traffic Rules</h3>
<br />
On the other hand, LTA is exploring possibilities on amending the Road Traffic Act to prohibit the entry and exit of foreign vehicles with unpaid tolls, fees, taxes, penalties or composition sums payable or due.<br />
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<h3>
Who Needs To Pay Tolls & Fees</h3>
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Tolls are applicable to all Singapore and Malaysia registered vehicles and Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) fees are applicable to all foreign-registered cars and motorcycles while fixed ERP fees are applicable to foreign-registered cars that does not have a In-Vehicle Unit (IU) onboard and use an ERP-priced roads.<br />
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Confused ? Well, you can see in a clearer picture from the information published by the authority below.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG99dSBsFyjATLNIdORTPhpvN6VRtEAZbJpwq4eYomGaH_0ufVM_um_fggyNsiWnLOowF10JLqSr_7nWTxrVn1AG6OKt2Nd9gK62ObQuBi-unPVpjaBPHHsVVI-Q7xk6SILb1jY8GxXPDi/s1600/20160709_HeavierPenaltiesTollsVEP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="tolls and fees for entering Singapore checkpoints" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG99dSBsFyjATLNIdORTPhpvN6VRtEAZbJpwq4eYomGaH_0ufVM_um_fggyNsiWnLOowF10JLqSr_7nWTxrVn1AG6OKt2Nd9gK62ObQuBi-unPVpjaBPHHsVVI-Q7xk6SILb1jY8GxXPDi/s1600/20160709_HeavierPenaltiesTollsVEP.jpg" title="tolls and fees for entering Singapore checkpoints" width="100%" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tolls & Fees tables from LTA<br />Image: Land Transport Authority</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03334266089328443848noreply@blogger.com0Woodlands Crossing, Singapore1.4453314 103.768220899999961.4135839 103.72788039999996 1.4770789 103.80856139999996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6694834174566065735.post-32874999428178223692016-06-17T02:47:00.000+08:002017-02-03T02:16:41.614+08:00You cannot operate a massage parlour in Singapore without a valid licence<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjom0K2dd6VRyAGVNDHVurttivdu9O2OGU9moisF5h235yiXSZ3qUosjHxorC95QsOboA56tMoiayhCrd5AiPp76Dk0duqclGYis7uPdPU8j0yalXLVxwiqlgo1auMfcb0-agOR2SSml5OX/s1600/massage-parlour-without-valid-licence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;"><img alt="What is the fine for operating a massage parlour without valid licence ?" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjom0K2dd6VRyAGVNDHVurttivdu9O2OGU9moisF5h235yiXSZ3qUosjHxorC95QsOboA56tMoiayhCrd5AiPp76Dk0duqclGYis7uPdPU8j0yalXLVxwiqlgo1auMfcb0-agOR2SSml5OX/s1600/massage-parlour-without-valid-licence.jpg" title="What is the fine for operating a massage parlour without valid licence ?" width="100%" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jonsiegel/17017642241" target="_blank">Flickr</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In Singapore, it is always not difficult to locate a massage parlours as massage parlours has been popping up everywhere, from the city area till neighbourhood, operating from daytime till late night.<br />
However, this has make it extreme difficult for those looking for authentic, good massage as some of these parlours are out to offer "special services", some are triads controlled for money laundering purposes and some even operating without a valid licence.<br />
<br />
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) has conducted enforcement operations and <a href="http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/7-massage-parlours-in-singapore-in-trouble-for-operating-without-valid" target="_blank">caught seven massage parlours operating without valid licence</a>. Some of the massage parlours were also found providing "special services" to the clients as well.<br />
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In accordance to Singapore's Massage Establishment Act, anyone operating a massage parlour without a valid licence shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,000 and to a further fine not exceeding $50 for every day during which the offence continues after conviction.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Where to find authentic massage ?</h3>
<br />
Of course there are hotspots for massage parlours establishment are littered in areas like Chinatown, Little India, Jalan Besar, Middle Road, Jalan Sultan and Coleman Street. These areas provides a mixture of traditional massage and "special services" massage parlours. If you are not really sure, do ask before trying out the service.<br />
<br />
The other solutions, to check whether if the massage parlour establishment is legit, you can try searching through the <a href="https://www.casetrust.org.sg/accreditation-detail.aspx?id=5" target="_blank">CaseTrust Accredited Business</a>, <a href="http://www.spaandwellness.org/" target="_blank">Spa & Wellness Association Singapore</a> or <a href="http://www.spaassociation.org.sg/members.htm" target="_blank">Spa Association Singapore</a>.<br />
<br />
Last but not the least, you can check <a href="http://www.berishiok.com/search/label/Spa%20Reviews" target="_blank">massage / spa reviews from local bloggers</a> to gauge the services provided by these massage parlours.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03334266089328443848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6694834174566065735.post-11435704253540035362016-05-20T03:44:00.000+08:002016-05-20T03:44:59.143+08:00Singapore calls for stiffer fines on idling engines<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzznTkL8tVzuTAUuA8ggLfc3ullssGqAb0zwLoDlzPmY2NcIQxrb-Po7qQIk80qKenj1s1T5f2g6nXIzIfFPNW9WdSMlf4vGzZP4aR7d_l3CkNZ29V7x9NfTCdPMk1vyeIv6-4PLF5EOou/s1600/fine-for-idling-engine-in-singapore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Stiffer fines for repeat offenders who leave vehicle engines idling from June 1" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzznTkL8tVzuTAUuA8ggLfc3ullssGqAb0zwLoDlzPmY2NcIQxrb-Po7qQIk80qKenj1s1T5f2g6nXIzIfFPNW9WdSMlf4vGzZP4aR7d_l3CkNZ29V7x9NfTCdPMk1vyeIv6-4PLF5EOou/s1600/fine-for-idling-engine-in-singapore.jpg" title="Stiffer fines for repeat offenders who leave vehicle engines idling from June 1" width="100%" /></a></div>
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One of the increasing concerns in developed cities was the increasing air pollution from the emission of the vehicles. These emission contribute to the increase levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, not only leading to global warming, but also contribute to increasing health problems and cancers.<br />
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While many car manufacturers are working hard to invent cleaner and lesser emission car (<a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/business-34324772" target="_blank">though Volkswagen decides to cheat</a>) , the increasing number of cars in the cities will definitely fuelled air pollution further. As such, many countries' authorities are starting to create more awareness of emission and regulations to curb further damage to the environment. That is no exceptional for Singapore as well.<br />
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<h4>
Related: <a href="http://www.singapore-the-fine-city.com/2016/05/what-is-fine-for-driving-thru-road.html" target="_blank">What Is The Fine For "Driving Thru" A Police Road Block</a></h4>
<h3>
Stiffer Fines for Offenders</h3>
As early as in 2008, Singapore's <a href="http://www.nea.gov.sg/" target="_blank">National Environment Agency (NEA)</a> has been actively addressing this issue and passed a law under the <a href="http://www.nea.gov.sg/docs/default-source/anti-pollution-radiation-protection/air-pollution/environmental-protection-and-management-(vehicular-emissions)-regulations.pdf?sfvrsn=0" target="_blank">Environmental Protection and Management Act</a> to clamp down motorists who leaves their engine idling. However, there is was a sharp increase of engine idling offences over the years, <a href="http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/stiffer-fines-for-repeat-offenders-of-vehicle-engine-idling-from-june-1" target="_blank">NEA has imposed a stiffer fines for offenders</a>.<br />
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Starting from 1st June 2016, motorist caught leaving their vehicle's engine idling for a second or subsequent time shall be liable for a composition fine of $100, up from the current $70. If the composition sum is not paid, the offenders is liable to a maximum court fine of $5,000 upon conviction.<br />
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<h4>
Related: <a href="http://www.singapore-the-fine-city.com/2009/05/traveling-in-bus-lane-during-bus-lane.html" target="_blank">Fines For Driving On Bus Lane During Designated Hours</a></h4>
<h3>
Exception Cases</h3>
Though regulations apply to all motorist, but there are some scenarios which you will not be penalise.<br />
<ul>
<li>Vehicles that requires engines to be switched on and running to power onboard machinery such as refrigerated trucks, concrete mixers, etc.</li>
<li>taxis/buses in queue at their designated stops, stands or terminals waiting to pick up/drop off passengers.</li>
<li>Law enforcement or emergency vehicles such as ambulances and police cars.</li>
<li>Vehicles undergoing maintenance check and inspection</li>
</ul>
<h4>
Related: <a href="http://www.singapore-the-fine-city.com/2009/04/drink-driving.html" target="_blank">Drink Driving Will Revolve Your Licence In Singapore</a></h4>
<h3>
Reasons Why Turning Off Engine is Good for You</h3>
Staying inside the vehicle, idling the engine while enjoying the air condition ? It might be the best comfort at that point of time, but definitely not the best for your health and wallet. Find out why you should turn off the engine and how it benefits you.<br />
<ol>
<li>The vehicle emits carbon monoxide while it was idling and depending on the maintenance done, leak from the exhaust will caused accumulation of CO which reduces the amount of oxygen needed for breathing air. Switch off the engine and get out of the car. Step out of the vehicle to inhale some fresh air while doing some stretching. In this case, you minimise your exposure to harmful gases and release your body from a fixed posture that might cause backaches.</li>
<li>Though oil prices all over the world dipped dramatically over the months, apparently it is not happening in Singapore. With <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PetrolWatchSingapore/" target="_blank">Singapore's petrol and diesel prices</a> (est. $2.30 for petrol and $1.10 for diesel) stagnant without much adjustment and economy downturn, it is time to save a few pennies by using lesser fuel. You can have better usage on the money saved.</li>
<li>Mileage on the vehicles set only as a guideline on when you should carry out a maintenance, but excessive engine idling will increase wear and tear. By switching off the engine, you can lower your maintenance fees needed for the vehicle.</li>
</ol>
<div>
There is a great list of benefits that could help you and the environment, so why not give it a try ? Or you can get of <a href="https://www.teslamotors.com/" target="_blank">Alon Musk's electric car</a>.</div>
<h3>
Reporting Someone Idling Engine ?</h3>
If you have spotted vehicles with the engine idling, you can report to the NEA providing details such as vehicle number, location, date and time of the incidents via the following communication channels:<br />
<ul>
<li>NEA Hotline: 1800-CALL NEA (1800-2255 632)</li>
<li>Email: Contact_NEA@nea.gov.sg</li>
<li>myENV mobile app (iPhone and Android)</li>
</ul>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03334266089328443848noreply@blogger.com1Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.8441055 103.174389 1.8600605 104.46528300000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6694834174566065735.post-3916070656746864712016-05-12T02:23:00.000+08:002016-05-12T03:16:51.705+08:00What is the price to pay for Spitting in the Public in Singapore<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiauKcliER0UrgQBaRRs0nuNKk1I4pNMbsJgNVpxEvU-ht9dvgClOk5NHkYF6j8TvA9OZAAWkKDn9TaYNxVYGUyzRceStkYzdUfuUGvNYj1V86PW1BB_br2MJnbpTXNUyNZ5KKiSY8aCITg/s1600/no-spitting-in-singapore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Wayne Rooney spitting on the football field" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiauKcliER0UrgQBaRRs0nuNKk1I4pNMbsJgNVpxEvU-ht9dvgClOk5NHkYF6j8TvA9OZAAWkKDn9TaYNxVYGUyzRceStkYzdUfuUGvNYj1V86PW1BB_br2MJnbpTXNUyNZ5KKiSY8aCITg/s1600/no-spitting-in-singapore.jpg" title="What is the price to pay for spitting in the public in Singapore" width="100%" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hey Rooney, better not do that in Singapore publicly. Image: <a href="http://www.theweek.co.uk/uk-news/54284/spitting-banned-enfield-doncaster-delhi-be-next" target="_blank">The Week</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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In many countries in the world, spitting on the streets is a common sight. This is specially in countries like Myanmar or <a href="https://www.englishintaiwan.com/life-in-taiwan/culture-and-arts/betel-nut" target="_blank">Taiwan where chewing Betelnut are legal</a> and filling the streets with red stains from the "juice" of the Betelnut. That will be a total different story in Singapore.<br />
<br />
As to most of the foreigners, Singapore is well-known for its cleaness on the streets. That was also due to the strict enforcement by the government for such ungracious and unhygienic action. <a href="http://www.lawgazette.com.sg/2003-8/Aug03-feature.htm" target="_blank">The enforcement was implemented as early as mid-1980s</a> but it becomes more stringent after the 2003 SARs outbreak. <a href="http://news.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20121015-377807.html" target="_blank">National Envoirnment Agency (NEA) stiffened its stand against the spitting habit in public</a>.<br />
<h4>
<br />Related: <a href="http://www.singapore-the-fine-city.com/2009/04/littering-in-public.html" target="_blank">Corrective Work Order & Fines for Littering in Public in Singapore</a></h4>
<h3>
Spitting - A Health Threat</h3>
From a medical point of view, spitting is not only just a social issue, but poses harmful to the environment. A research was conducted and studies show that coronavirus that is present in phlegm, sputum (mucus) and saliva can survive up to 6 hours in the air and more than 24 hours if the environment condition is optimal for the virus.<br />
<br />
Hence, through spitting in the public, people are being exposed to virus that cannot be seen through naked eyes. It increases the risks of people being infected with the similar virus, for example SARs or <a href="http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/mers-cov/en/" target="_blank">MERS-CoV</a>.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Related: <a href="http://www.singapore-the-fine-city.com/2016/05/beware-being-fined-for-drinking-in-late.html" target="_blank">Get Ready to be Fined for Drinking Alcohol in Late Night in Public</a></h4>
<h3>
Stepping Up With The Enforcement</h3>
Since late 2012, a voluntary scheme was introduced, called "<a href="http://www.nea.gov.sg/events-programmes/programmes" target="_blank">Community Volunteer Programme</a>" that focus on catching litterbugs. 153 volunteers from five non-governmental organisations like the Public Hygiene Council, Waterways Watch Society, Cat Welfare Society and Singapore Kindness Movement has been trained and authorised to engage litterbugs.<br />
<br />
However, in 2014, the Singapore's authorities looks into increasing the authority not only to litterbugs, but also to offenders whom spit, urinate and smoke in prohibited places. Though there was ongoing discussion for the community volunteers to carry out such duties, the scheme has not yet been finalise.<br />
<br />
A similar programme was carried out in UK as well and they have successfully <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2430724/Fined-160-spitting-street-First-prosecutions-councils-tough-littering-laws.html" target="_blank">prosecuted two youngsters to pay up 300 pounds for spitting in public</a>.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Related: <a href="http://www.singapore-the-fine-city.com/2009/05/smokes-in-indoor-or-air-conditioned.html" target="_blank">Fined for Smoking Indoors or Air-conditioned Public Places</a></h4>
<h3>
What Is The Penalty ?</h3>
According to Environmental Public Health Act (Chapter 95, Section 113), spitting or expelling mucous from the nose, onto the street or floor which the public has access is liable of a fine not exceeding<br />
<ul>
<li>S$ 1,000 for first offence;</li>
<li>S$ 2,000 for second offence and;</li>
<li>S$ 5,000 for third and subsequent offence</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Related: <a href="http://www.singapore-the-fine-city.com/2009/05/possess-or-smoke-cigarettes-without.html" target="_blank">Fined for Smoke Cigarettes Without Health Warning Labels in Public</a></h4>
<h3>
So Where Should You Spit ?</h3>
If you need to spit, it is advisable to spit onto a piece of tissue and throw into the nearby rubbish bin or finding the nearest public toilet to do the dirty job. That will save you hundreds of dollars and why bother to take the risk ? However, spitting into one's face does not spare you from getting the fine as well, like what <a href="http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/man-in-spitting-case-jailed-5-weeks-fined-800-cried-when-judge-urged-him-to-be-good" target="_blank">Juraimi Kamaludin</a> did.<br />
<br />
<i>This article was updated on 12 May 2016.</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16506853727917525452noreply@blogger.com1Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.84135999999999989 103.1716425 1.862806 104.46802950000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6694834174566065735.post-56871788644007730472016-05-12T00:32:00.003+08:002016-05-12T00:32:43.897+08:00What is the fine for "driving thru" a road block in Singapore<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ8sWkXVIxTtuJk4uBX3w9CsBiiNaiuKsWh3FTitw_FSkXGyM0BLZXOMNlFgsiaZL3P0ljU-vRvw65VF5Jgs8i-jfypOdbj0Bl6-50KXzEBn9AWI_owZO_6lkoHxy2KikN-YW2t1ZFAWzv/s1600/dashing-road-block-singapore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="What is the fine for "driving thru" a road block in Singapore" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ8sWkXVIxTtuJk4uBX3w9CsBiiNaiuKsWh3FTitw_FSkXGyM0BLZXOMNlFgsiaZL3P0ljU-vRvw65VF5Jgs8i-jfypOdbj0Bl6-50KXzEBn9AWI_owZO_6lkoHxy2KikN-YW2t1ZFAWzv/s1600/dashing-road-block-singapore.jpg" title="What is the fine for "driving thru" a road block in Singapore" width="100%" /></a></div>
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In Singapore, there are regular road blocks being conducted in the night by the traffic police to check on drivers - especially those that are <a href="http://www.singapore-the-fine-city.com/2009/04/drink-driving.html" target="_blank">driving under alcohol influence</a> and suspected on <a href="http://www.singapore-the-fine-city.com/2013/05/10-drugs-not-to-possess-consume-in-singapore.html" target="_blank">drug trafficking</a>. The operations are normally conducted in the late night in islandwide scale and randomly without any fixed dates.<br />
<br />
If you are thinking of dashing across a road block in Singapore, you better think twice. A normal road block are usually conducted with a team of traffic police that consist of few units of police vehicles as well as motorcycles on standby. In case of evading a road block, there will be no qualms they will give you a chase, usually in pairs.<br />
<br />
Any person convicted of evading a road block shall be liable to a fine of up to S$5,000 or up to 12 months imprisonment, or both.<br />
<br />
Despite the strict regulations and fines, there are still <a href="http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/17-cases-of-road-block-evasions-in-first-three-months-of-2016" target="_blank">17 cases of road block evasions in the first quarter of 2016</a>.<br />
<br />
Related: <a href="http://www.singapore-the-fine-city.com/2009/05/your-fuel-tanks-is-not-three-quarter.html" target="_blank">Get ready to be fined for driving car into Singapore's custom without a three quarter full tank</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03334266089328443848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6694834174566065735.post-41147245979536930822016-05-06T04:00:00.001+08:002016-05-09T22:32:41.242+08:00Beware being fined for drinking in late night hours in the public<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhijDyRi9CklKqk3ts-8-jea_xCENHIPQ5XuCLgxFRuvSnI1_v7xkxaJ8rDNd0kTiEGwMohVOdmjZbyclSz_y_icRDMUCrx4KIWOSAarw-Oyp8phESXq17CcYA8H4OSp2flm3woBZk-GD_e/s1600/Alcohol-banned-in-public-places.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Alcohol banned in late night in public places in singapore" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhijDyRi9CklKqk3ts-8-jea_xCENHIPQ5XuCLgxFRuvSnI1_v7xkxaJ8rDNd0kTiEGwMohVOdmjZbyclSz_y_icRDMUCrx4KIWOSAarw-Oyp8phESXq17CcYA8H4OSp2flm3woBZk-GD_e/s1600/Alcohol-banned-in-public-places.jpg" title="Alcohol banned in late night in public places in singapore" width="100%" /></a></div>
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It was no questions that drinking in the public is definitely not flouting the law, unless you are being a nuisance to the public which enforcers will come into pictures. However, it paints a different picture in Singapore.<br />
<br />
A new law has passed on 1st April 2015 under the <a href="https://www.parliament.gov.sg/sites/default/files/Liquor%20Control%20(Supply%20and%20Consumption)%20Bill%201-2015.pdf" target="_blank">Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act</a> which drinking alcohol is banned in all public places from 10.30pm to 7am. Retail shops are also not allowed to sell takeaway alcohol from 10.30pm to 7am as well.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Related: <a href="http://www.singapore-the-fine-city.com/2009/04/drink-driving.html" target="_blank">Drive drinking in Singapore will cost you your driving licence</a></h4>
<h3>
What is the reason behind the ban ?</h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAMYIDm61weX27LB-y6UbKBEbYyd03syllharG6HK1XyaIJa_OtI7xWzYoW1zdELW17YlIUZA3gFGgnFTZiOGioM8-t6N4x6OZRdHt9y1sm0LjWHq01sc6UdQ16fqWEaBlxPVYHKn_-RT/s1600/30175745_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Foreign workers hurling objects at emergency vehicles at little india on 2013" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAMYIDm61weX27LB-y6UbKBEbYyd03syllharG6HK1XyaIJa_OtI7xWzYoW1zdELW17YlIUZA3gFGgnFTZiOGioM8-t6N4x6OZRdHt9y1sm0LjWHq01sc6UdQ16fqWEaBlxPVYHKn_-RT/s1600/30175745_0.jpg" title="The Little India Riot 2013 #LittleIndiaRiot" width="100%" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foreign workers seen hurling objects at emergency vehicles which they have overturned earlier.<br />
Image: TNP.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Although there are already looming concerns over teenagers buying booze and seating in public areas, drinking and chatting away, there wasn't a strict enforcement until the <a href="http://backstage.tnp.sg/content/little-india-riot" target="_blank">riot that broke out in Little India on 8th December 2013</a> - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1969_race_riots_of_Singapore" target="_blank">44 years after the major communal riots in 1969</a>.<br />
<br />
The riot was sparked by a fatal accident when a Indian foreign worker, Sakthivel Kumarvelu, was run over by a private bus and was instantly killed. It angered the crowd (mostly foreign workers) which gathered more than 300 of them. Though the police, ambulance, <a href="https://www.scdf.gov.sg/content/scdf_internet/en.html" target="_blank">Singapore Civil Defence Force</a> have arrived at scene, they are being attacked by the mob, damaging 23 emergency vehicles, which 5 were torched. There was also 8 civilians that were injured in the riot as well.<br />
<br />
The government took action immediately to mitigate the issues by setting up a Committee of Inquiry (COI) which Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong called upon to examined the testimonies of more than 300 witness.<br />
<br />
In order to minimise public disorder, a banned was being imposed on the consumption and sales of alcohol in public places.<br />
<h4>
<br />Related: <a href="http://www.singapore-the-fine-city.com/2009/04/littering-in-public.html" target="_blank">Corrective Work Order and Fines for littering in Public in Singapore</a></h4>
<h3>
Geylang and Little India designated as "Liquor Control Zones"</h3>
<div>
<a href="http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/alcohol-consumption-in-public-areas-of-little-india-remains-banned-on-weekends" target="_blank">An immediate ban was imposed at Little India in 2013</a> starting from 6am on Saturdays and end at 6am on Monday, while on public holidays and the eve of public holidays, it starts at 6am on the eve and end at 6am the day after the public holiday.</div>
<br />
In 1st April 2015, the Parliament has passed a revised law, zoning Geylang and Little India as Liquor Control Zones, which both areas are flooded with foreign workers during the weekend.<br />
<br />
The law banned these two places from public drinking from 7am on Saturday to 7am on Monday every week. It also applies from 7pm of the eve of a public holiday to 7am of the day after public holiday.<br />
<br />
Shops in Geylang and Little India are also prohibited to sell takeaway alcohol from 7pm on weekends, eve of public holidays, and public holidays.<br />
<br />
<div>
Except for the two zones above, drinking is banned in all public places and retail shop are prohibited to sell takeaway alcohol from 10.30pm to 7am.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You can find out more extensive information of the ban <a href="http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/what-you-can-or-cannot-do-under-the-new-alcohol-law" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
<div>
<br />
<h4>
Related: <a href="http://www.singapore-the-fine-city.com/2009/04/handphone-driving.html" target="_blank">Heavy Penalties for using Handphones while driving on the road in Singapore</a></h4>
</div>
<h3>
What are the penalty for flouting the ban ?</h3>
<div>
It is stated that anyone drinking illegally can be fined up to S$1,000 and repeat offenders may be fined up to S$2,000 and jailed for up to three months. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A shop selling alcohol after the permitted hours could be fined up to S$10,000.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh5dFriu7usCXIMbvscQvPn8tyC15REjr9QOOxvdSreWjbtHVE0F_kzG6WBNv0rg3VAteGtxzbQD95JD33CbmTZExgcjLv9oAi3suN1a5msMqwRIEKNyLC-9xrCYVmfEkcgTJ7g3esD426/s1600/tan050516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tan Gak Hin slapped with S$1,000 fine for consuming alcohol after prohibited hours in public" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh5dFriu7usCXIMbvscQvPn8tyC15REjr9QOOxvdSreWjbtHVE0F_kzG6WBNv0rg3VAteGtxzbQD95JD33CbmTZExgcjLv9oAi3suN1a5msMqwRIEKNyLC-9xrCYVmfEkcgTJ7g3esD426/s320/tan050516.jpg" title="First prosecution in Singapore for public drinking offence." width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: The Straits Time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In addition, a stricter penalty was imposed in Liquor Control Zone which offenders could be fine up to 1.5 times of the penalty above if caught breaking the law.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The first prosecution took place on 5th May 2016 which a <a href="http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/man-fined-1000-for-consuming-alcohol-in-public-after-1030-pm" target="_blank">52-year-old man, Tan Gak Hin, pleaded guilty consuming liquor during prohibited hours</a> on 22nd February 2016. He was slapped with a S$1,000 fine subsequently for the offence.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03334266089328443848noreply@blogger.com0Little India, Singapore1.3063483 103.849678499999981.2945478 103.82950849999999 1.3181488000000001 103.86984849999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6694834174566065735.post-66480191996755302602016-04-06T02:26:00.000+08:002016-04-06T02:26:34.241+08:00Traffic Police and LTA reviewing measure to curb heavy vehicles speeding issuesTwo transport authorities in Singapore, Traffic Police and Land Transport Authority aka LTA has announced on the review of current measures to curb speeding by heavy vehicles.<br />
<br />
Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Desmond Lee said this in Parliament on Tuesday (5th April), in reply to a question filed by Mr. Louis Ng (Nee Soon GRC).<br />
<br />
The proposed measure was to install speed counters on heavy vehicles, which allows it to register each time the speed limit is exceeded for a prolonged period - A existing device that is retrofitted onto Singapore's military vehicles to prevent personnel from speeding.<br />
<br />
It is understood at the present moment that goods vehicles with a maximum laden weight exceeding 12 tonnes or public service vehicles exceeding 10 tonnes are speed-restricted with speed limiter during the initial usage of the vehicles.<br />
<br />
In addition, vehicles are to be sent for annual inspection to ensure the speed limiters are working and if these heavy vehicles are caught speeding, there will be additional inspections requested at shorter timeframe intervals to check on these drivers.<br />
<h3>
<br />Tampering of Speed Limiters</h3>
<br />
While some vehicle owners / drivers tend to tamper with the speed limiter in order to drive at a faster speed.<br />
<br />
Those found tampering with the speed limiting device can be fined up to $1,000 or imprisonment up to three months, while repeat offenders can be find up to $2,000 or imprisonment up to six months.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Demerit Point System For Offenders</h3>
<br />
For the current penalties for heavy vehicle drivers caught speeding, the fines ranging from $160 to $200 and four to eight points demerit points for exceeding the speed limit by up to 40 km/h. Those exceeded the speed limit by more than 40 km/h will be charged in court and given 12 to 24 demerit points - which literally means revoke of driving licence.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03334266089328443848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6694834174566065735.post-87268486075550902682016-02-29T03:32:00.002+08:002016-05-12T03:14:52.436+08:00Banning of Electronic Smoking Devices (E-Cigarette) in Singapore<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCNUL6CH_XsZh7b0zMR79WUH855EKafG-7CmRQWEQ65YuKGJQncGohQptHifjed-W-BM2D8MePDhxI9kQY73zQDOVxWAWtAUtIQy52B71i8CcprTsq1eOlhi3jDmOtfXdw3uxqR-rEcXh/s1600/e-cigs-harmful.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="An overview of e-cigarette designs" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCNUL6CH_XsZh7b0zMR79WUH855EKafG-7CmRQWEQ65YuKGJQncGohQptHifjed-W-BM2D8MePDhxI9kQY73zQDOVxWAWtAUtIQy52B71i8CcprTsq1eOlhi3jDmOtfXdw3uxqR-rEcXh/s1600/e-cigs-harmful.jpg" title="Ban of Electronic Smoking Devices (E-Cigarette) in Singapore" width="100%" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are a great variety of electronic smoking devices in the market. <i class="fa fa-camera-retro fa-lg"></i> <a href="http://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2015/06/british-tobacco-policy-experts-say-singapore-ban-on-e-cigarettes-and-low-risk-tobacco-products-unscientific-unethical-and-harmful-to-health/" target="_blank">The Online Citizen</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The electronic smoking devices, also known as e-cigarette has started a new trend among teenagers in Singapore, gaining it's popularity of its ease to access and without the need to undergo checks for legal age requirements.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgS_X4xnxoFQG3qkP9xnV2TxF9_1XJTAhvkkKJdVvwxmB6NRsEaeKphl1WmrSUMFV7ZnGz9dOL5m-lpaKR_rJLwEcjkPpN_GRks4XT-dX6ooXHC0xv_PI0qP1tOn1NQ8BpbPGxoxWZbiQx/s1600/4402060_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Illustration on how an e-cigarette works." border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgS_X4xnxoFQG3qkP9xnV2TxF9_1XJTAhvkkKJdVvwxmB6NRsEaeKphl1WmrSUMFV7ZnGz9dOL5m-lpaKR_rJLwEcjkPpN_GRks4XT-dX6ooXHC0xv_PI0qP1tOn1NQ8BpbPGxoxWZbiQx/s320/4402060_orig.jpg" title="Ban of Electronic Smoking Devices (E-Cigarette) in Singapore" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Illustration on how an e-cigarette works. <i class="fa fa-camera-retro fa-lg"></i> <a href="http://e-cigsforbeginners.weebly.com/" target="_blank">E-cigs For Beginners</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
These e-cigarettes or vaporisers an e-liquids can be purchased from online marketplace like Carousell, Gumtree and Qoo10, as well as social media like Instagram and Singapore-based online forums.<br />
<br />
On Carousell, there are as much as 30 such posts selling e-liquids under vague search terms like"juice". E-liquid refills are sold for about $13 Singapore dollars for a 10ml bottle and $25 Singapore dollars for a 30ml bottle. It comes with different flavours such as bandung, root beer float and caramel macchiato which maybe laced with nicotine.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Related: <a href="http://www.singapore-the-fine-city.com/2010/01/sent-from-my-iphone.html" target="_blank">Fines For Selling Cigarettes To Youth Under 18 Years Old</a></h4>
<h3>
E-cigarette Banned in Singapore</h3>
Singapore government has banned the use or importation of these electronic cigarettes, cigars and pipes. While according to the <a href="http://www.hsa.gov.sg/" target="_blank">Health Sciences Authority (HSA)</a>, there were more than 15,000 cases involving people bringing vaporisers into Singapore illegally between 2012 and September 2015. In the same period, 39 peddlers were caught for selling vaporisers in Singapore.HSA said the vaporisers were found in parcels, most purchased online and on people caught hand carrying into Singapore.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Related: <a href="http://www.singapore-the-fine-city.com/2009/05/possess-or-smoke-cigarettes-without.html" target="_blank">Fines For Cigarettes Box Without Health Warning Labels</a></h4>
<h3>
What is the Fines / Penalties ?</h3>
The Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act in Singapore prohibits the importation, distribution, sale or offer for sales of any item designed to resemble a tobacco product, including vaporisers. Thus, buying these vaporisers or e-cigarettes from overseas websites or hand carrying in hand luggage is also considered as importing.<br />
<br />
Offenders may be fined up to <b><span style="color: red;">S$5,000</span></b> for the first offence and up to <b><span style="color: red;">S$10,000</span></b> for subsequent offences.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Vaporisers May Cause Health Hazards</h3>
Though the invention of the vaporisers were to aid smokers from getting a puff out of a cigarette, but there are concerns raised on the reliability and usability of these electronic devices.<br />
<br />
Dr Wong Seng Weng, medical director of <a href="http://tcc.sg/" target="_blank">The Cancer Centre</a>, said these e-cigarettes users are exposed to nicotine, which is addictive, as well as heated and aerosolised propylene glycol and glycerol, which may turn into carcinogens. <a href="http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/othercarcinogens/generalinformationaboutcarcinogens/known-and-probable-human-carcinogens" target="_blank">Carcinogen</a> is a substance that has cancer-causing agents and toxicants, in same cases, as much as those in conventional cigarettes.<br />
<br />
In addition, there are also cases that e-cigarette explodes and caused bodily injury to the users. You may want to check out the man in Kentucky, US that <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/global/video/2016/feb/26/man-catches-fire-after-e-cigarette-explodes-in-his-pocket-at-petrol-station-video" target="_blank">suffered second-degree burns after his faulty e-cigarette set his trousers on fire</a>.<br />
<br />
After all, there are still no in-depth studies that e-cigarette could be as smoking-cessation aids and the industry safety standards for manufacturing such devices are not being laid out and widely accepted by countries.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Quitting Smoking Once and For All ?</h3>
If you are looking at some help for quit smoking, you may join the <a href="http://www.iquitclub.sg/" target="_blank">iQuit Club</a> in Singapore.<br />
<br />
<h3>
References</h3>
<ol>
<li><a href="http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/banned-e-smoking-devices-sold-online" target="_blank">Banned e-smoking devices sold online</a>, The Straits Time, 11 November 2015. Retrieved 2016-02-29</li>
<li><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/sep/02/e-cigarette-manufacturers-california-health-watchdog" target="_blank">Man catches fire after e-cigarette explodes in his pocket at petrol station</a>, The Guardian, 26 February 2016. Retrieved 2016-02-29.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/sep/02/e-cigarette-manufacturers-california-health-watchdog" target="_blank">US health watchdog to take legal action against e-cigarette makers</a>e, The Guardian, 2 September 2015. Retrieved 2016-02-29.</li>
</ol>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03334266089328443848noreply@blogger.com2Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000011.352083 103.81983600000001 1.352083 103.81983600000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6694834174566065735.post-23145254832252492362015-05-25T03:42:00.002+08:002016-02-29T01:58:57.288+08:00Driving Car In Singapore Without Valid Road Tax And Insurance<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMSwR1-42hEMVDvLxmrIt1a2LnGGNWtFyPUo4X6oIgdg1zOfZ22uCcseSzxfOcWyVb6wDaeEg0jq4PaJGnW2BTX0-maPOCMfCONe7nnT3o3RKtmECDLb21Oq-pp1-fSWZoBAMaqJZGWuA/s1600/road-tax.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
<b><i>Above is a sample letter from LTA for the renewal of the road tax. It comes with an detachable paper disc which has to be displayed on the vehicle after tax is paid. </i></b><br />
<br />
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</script>In Singapore, all the cars has to be registered before it can be used on the road. Prior to that, it is mandatory that you have to purchase insurance cover and road tax before going on the road. The road tax is payable to the Land Transport Authority in either a bi-annual or annual basis and each different car categories are being charged in different tax amount .<br />
<br />
If you did not to renew the road tax after it expires, it becomes an offence for keeping or using an unlicensed vehicle. <b>Any person who uses or keeps an unlicensed vehicle is liable to a fine of up to $2,000 upon conviction in court</b>. If you are late for renewal after valid date, late renewal fee(s) will be imposed on top of the fine. In normal cases, the letter itself will state the fine amount based on the duration lapsed from the date of expiry.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, having just the road tax does not really qualify a vehicle to travel on the road. It is noted to be a serious offence to use the vehicle without a valid road tax and the <b>penalty is a fine up to $1,000 or to imprisonment of up to 3 months or both. In addition, a mandatory disqualification from holding a driving licence for at least 12 months, upon conviction in court</b>.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Where Can You Renew Your Vehicle Licence ?</h3>
Fortunately in Singapore, the LTA has provided multiple source of channels for you to renew your vehicle licence with ease. Most of the payment modes has been printed on the back page of the letter that has been sent to you, but I will list them out in case someone is looking for the links.<br />
<ol>
<li><b><a href="http://www.onemotoring.com.sg/renewroadtax" target="_blank">Internet via Onemotoring</a> </b>- The payment is through using Internet Banking to deduct the fees from your account via eNets Debit). Possible banks are Citibank, DBS, POSB, OCBC, OCBC Plus!, Standard Chartered and UOB. Service available daily from 6am to midnight.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.axs.com.sg/" target="_blank"><b>AXS Station</b></a> - These stations are scatter all around Singapore and can be easily in petrol kiosk and shopping centres. Service available daily from 6am to midnight.(Note that AXS e-Station is not possible)</li>
<li><b>iNETS Kiosk </b>- These kiosk are also scattered around in Singapore. I tried looking for the locations in <a href="https://www.nets.com.sg/" target="_blank">NETS website</a>, but it is not being published. AXS Stations are much easier to locate. Service available daily from 6am to midnight.</li>
<li><b>Authorised Road Tax Collection Centres</b> - There are over dozens of these collection centres also scattered in different parts of Singapore. Click <a href="http://www.onemotoring.com.sg/publish/content/onemotoring/en/lta_information_guidelines/faqs/faq_-_road_tax/Collection_Centres_.popup.html?null" target="_blank">here</a> to see the updated list of authorised collection centres and their operating hours.</li>
<li><b>Payment by Cheque</b> - If you are making payment over <a href="https://www.singpost.com/" target="_blank">Singapore Post's counters</a>, the cheque has to be made payable to "Singapore Post Limited". If you are making payment over authorised road tax collection centres, the cheque has to be made payable to "LTA". <b>Two items to note - cheque should be crossed "A/C Payee only" and no post-dated cheque</b>.</li>
<li>GIRO - GIRO is an automated services for deducting of money from your account should a payment or bill has to be paid. You can obtain an application form from <a href="http://www.onemotoring.com.sg/publish/onemotoring/en/lta_information_guidelines/forms_download0.MainPar.17128.collapsePar.61607.File.tmp/GIRO.pdf" target="_blank">here</a> and send it to "VRL Service Operations Division, Land Transport Authority, 10 Sin Ming Drive, Singapore 575701". A letter will be sent to you about four weeks later whether the GIRO application is successful or rejected and they will also advise the next step as well.</li>
</ol>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16506853727917525452noreply@blogger.com0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.8441055 103.174389 1.8600605 104.46528300000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6694834174566065735.post-87259527736281461732015-03-16T04:51:00.003+08:002016-02-29T02:00:29.360+08:00Man Fined $19,800 And Corrective Work Order For High-rise Littering<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ytYuWgfc2Xo/VQXwrEOPgMI/AAAAAAAAZIg/pJdNCJu0KqM/s1600/21263085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ytYuWgfc2Xo/VQXwrEOPgMI/AAAAAAAAZIg/pJdNCJu0KqM/s400/21263085.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
A 38 year-old man was fined on 22nd Jan 2015 for repeatedly flicking cigarettes butts out of his flats. He was fined $600 per charge for 33 charges and sentenced to five hours of <a href="http://www.singapore-the-fine-city.com/2009/04/littering-in-public.html" target="_blank">Corrective Work Order (CWO)</a> for one charge. This was the highest fine meted out for high-rise littering to date.<br />
<br />
He was caught after National Environment Agency (NEA) deployed a surveillance camera in between November 2014 and March 2014, which captured images of him throwing cigarette butts out of his windows 34 times. The NEA has received five complaints earlier on about high-rise littering at Block 224C Compassvale Walk over a period of 12 months beginning in June 2013 which though town councils and grassroots organisation serving the area reach out to residents to educate them but the problem persisted.<br />
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<br />
<h3>
NEA Deployed Cameras To Curb High-rise Littering Acts</h3>
In 2014, NEA deployed cameras at close to 600 such locations and took 206 enforcement actions including fines and CWOs against offenders caught on action.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Heavier Penalties For Offenders (Revised in 2014)</h3>
Environmental Public Health Act amended the law in 2014, doubling the maximum penalty for littering-related offences to S$2,000 for first time offenders. Fines were also increase to $4,000 for second time offenders and S$10,000 for third and subsequent convictions.<br />
<br />
Those who encounter high-rise littering problems can call the NEA's 24 hours hotline at 1800-CALL-NEA (1800-2255-632)<br />
<br />
Source from <a href="http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/s19800-fine-cwo-high-rise-littering" target="_blank">Today Online.</a><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16506853727917525452noreply@blogger.com0Compassvale Walk, Singapore1.3896204 103.898715999999921.3856519 103.89367349999992 1.3935889000000001 103.90375849999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6694834174566065735.post-17766603755002982352015-03-16T04:06:00.000+08:002016-02-29T03:39:51.491+08:00Chewing Gum Banned in Singapore (Since 1992)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-h1KV3mo3wicK4xjft7imAshSo3EByknUndIyf6MfL1gJBIyZEWf2glt0Q8kOVluj40OF_H4Mtdvs56fALpCSivkAyprsw9TKK9R0LEG__ixv65VU_jWxhkA7Wq2vAP8Nnu2ZbfP4JkU/s1600/chewing_gum_pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-h1KV3mo3wicK4xjft7imAshSo3EByknUndIyf6MfL1gJBIyZEWf2glt0Q8kOVluj40OF_H4Mtdvs56fALpCSivkAyprsw9TKK9R0LEG__ixv65VU_jWxhkA7Wq2vAP8Nnu2ZbfP4JkU/s400/chewing_gum_pic.jpg" width="100%" /></a></div>
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One of the popular questions among tourist to Singapore, "No chewing gum in Singapore ?" It might not be surprising to Singapore as the banned has been implemented more than two decades back.<br />
<br />
What could have prompt the government to take such extreme measures ? That was because of the increasing inconsiderate people eating chewing gum, spitting and sticking them almost everywhere. It has been such a big hassle to clean up chewing gums stain left on the streets floors, public transport seats and other areas. Cleaning costs for clearing the chewing gums are getting enormous and Singapore, trying to portray itself as a clean and green country, banned chewing gum which came into effect in 1992.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Related: <a href="http://www.singapore-the-fine-city.com/2009/04/spits-anywhere-in-public.html" target="_blank">Fines In Singapore For Spitting In Public</a></h4>
<br />
The law prohibits the personal use of chewing gum and also any kinds of way to bring the gum into Singapore. However, the government loosen the ban in 2004, where chewing gum of therapeutic value was allowed in Singapore under United-States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Related: <a href="http://www.singapore-the-fine-city.com/2009/04/littering-in-public.html" target="_blank">Corrective Work Order And Fines For Littering In Public</a></h4>
<br />
If it was the public issues that are causing the ban in Singapore, how about non-stick chewing gum ? In an article which I saw last year, <a href="http://worldmostamazingrecords.blogspot.com/2010/07/world-first-non-stick-chewing-gum.html">Revolymer has developed the world's 1st non-stick chewing gum</a> and would that helps to lift the ban in Singapore which was been effected for more than 2 decades from now ?<br />
<br />
Under the law, no gum is allowed to be bought or sold inside Singapore and there is a $500 fine for spitting out gum on the streets.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16506853727917525452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6694834174566065735.post-27615662199351258022015-03-16T03:48:00.001+08:002016-02-29T02:04:04.265+08:00Woman Fined $12,000 For Failing To Pay Fares To 10 Taxi Drivers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tY7s_nqo0Gs/VQXhwZfcreI/AAAAAAAAZIA/fN8IhBILbTU/s1600/liumeiqi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tY7s_nqo0Gs/VQXhwZfcreI/AAAAAAAAZIA/fN8IhBILbTU/s1600/liumeiqi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Ms. Liu Meiqi, 33, was fined a total of $12,000 or five days' jail on each charge after admitting to 10 counts of failure to pay taxi fares between 5th October 2014 and 8th March last year. The fares ranged from $6 to $35, amounted to a mere $133. The cases happened on eight incidents with Comfort and two other on CityCab.<br />
<br />
<h3>
How She Avoid Payment</h3>
<br />
She had used her Maybank credit card to pay for the cab fare but the transactions were not successful. Subsequently, she would say that she does not have any cash and will transfer the cab fares via bank transfer to the taxi drivers. She provided her identity card and mobile phone number to the taxi drivers which she would either not answer the calls or says she was busy or switch off her mobile phone when contacted for the requested of delayed payment.<br />
<br />
She had a similar conviction in 2014 when she was fined a total of $2,400 for failing to pay four taxi drivers.<br />
<br />
She could have been fined up to $2,000 per charge.
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</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16506853727917525452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6694834174566065735.post-20574055260241960222014-12-25T08:10:00.000+08:002016-02-29T01:46:44.275+08:00Singapore Raise Penalty to 10 Year Imprisonment for Money LaunderingDuring one of my previous posts on being <a href="http://www.singapore-the-fine-city.com/2014/06/being-money-mule-in-singapore-command.html" target="_blank">money mule to carry out money laundering activities</a>, the Singapore's Government has once again came with amendments in the law to increase punishment for those involved in money laundering. Some changes are also been made to quicken the process to determine the offence committed by individual(s) as well.<br />
<br />
As an effort to break down syndicates and individuals on transnational money laundering activities, Singapore's Parliament has passed down amendment to the law on 7th July 2014, allowing the Government to deal more quickly with criminal operations and deprive offenders of their illicit gains.<br />
<br />
One of the changes will be to the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act which <b>maximum penalty for money laundering has been increased to 10 years imprisonment from the previous 7 years and reducing the threshold by a third for cross-border cash reporting</b>.<br />
<br />
In addition, amendments were also made that enforcement agencies could accept evidence, such as court judgement and statements by experts even if offences escalated from a foreign country. The amendments will smoothen the process of investigation and prosecute foreign predicate offences.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Precious Stones and Metal Dealers Sector Added to the Act</h3>
<br />
Another changes to the Act is inclusion of precious stones and metal dealers, such that dealers are required to verify a customer's identity and file a report with Suspicious Transaction Reporting Office for cash sales exceeding S$ 20,000. Transaction records shall be kept for five years from the date of filing.<br />
<br />
Furthermore, the dual criminality requirement for foreign tax evasion offences will also be removed, as long as the offence is criminalised in the foreign jurisdiction and is committed "wilfully" with the intent to evade tax.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Property and Jewellery Susceptible to Money Laundering Activities.</h3>
<br />
Few Members of Parliament (MPs) has rose their support for the amendments and raised that there was also a need to monitor non-finance sector such as high-end property and jewellery markets, which are just as susceptible to money laundering activities. It is also questionable out how virtual currency, such as <a href="https://bitcoin.org/en/" target="_blank">bitcoin</a> could be monitored as well.<br />
<br />
Amidst of all these changes, the MPs are also concerned about the monetary and administrative costs of compliance.<br />
<br />
Source: <a href="http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/maximum-jail-term-money-laundering-raised-10-years" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Maximum jail term for money laundering raised to 10 years</a>. Today Online, 8th July 2014.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16506853727917525452noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6694834174566065735.post-41843279484809956242014-12-25T07:38:00.000+08:002016-02-29T04:06:13.383+08:00LTA to Implement a Tiered Fines Regime for Repeat Illegal Parking OffendersThe Land Transport Authority (LTA) has announced higher fines for repeat offenders for illegal parking. Starting from 1st Jan 2015, a new tiered fines regime, such that motorists who receive second Notice of Traffic Offence (NTO) within 12 months will need to pay a higher tier of fines.<br />
<br />
<b>A motorist caught parking a light vehicle along unbroken double yellow lines will be fined S$110, instead of S$70 if it is the second NTO he has been issued within 12 months.</b><br />
<br />
The number of demerit points, which are meted out for more serious illegal parking offences, will remain unchanged. NTOs issues prior to 1st Jan 2015 will not be taken into consideration when applying the tiered fines regime.<br />
<br />
This is the first adjustment to illegal parking in twenty years. LTA commented that about half of all illegal parking traffic notices issued between 2011 and 2014 were committed by repeat offenders and the latest revision is to reduce the number of repeat offenders and hence decrease in the numbers of illegal parking offences.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Example of New Tiered System Implementation.</h3>
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NJOvX8_0fwo/VJtKdu3tIOI/AAAAAAAAYQ0/yBykqKIO7uU/s1600/illegalpark-table1-data.png" width="100%" />
<br />
<h3>
Addition of Second Tier Fines Amount for Illegal Parking Offences.</h3>
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U4IiKBAjqkk/VJtK4BsolII/AAAAAAAAYQ8/bhWIqZ4lnk4/s1600/illegalpark-table2-data.png" width="100%" />
<br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sFmxtmDkj8k/VJtLIwY8sXI/AAAAAAAAYRE/kH8Je_Ultp8/s1600/illegal-parking-3-data.png" width="100%" />
<br />
In addition, LTA has planned to install CCTV surveillance cameras at 40 more locations to deter illegal parking. It had installed CCTV cameras at 30 locations earlier this year which has "resulted in significantly smoother traffic."<br />
<br />
As mentioned by Dr Chin Kian Keong, LTA's Group Director for Transportation and Road Operations, that after the new implementation of CCTV cameras, there were signs of improved traffic conditions in stretches of roads that used to suffer from obstruction caused by indiscriminately parked vehicles, such as Beach Road, Bishan Road and Pasir Panjang Road.<br />
<br />
<h3>
New Locations For CCTV Cameras in 2015.</h3>
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RiICr764JDc/VJtMq5L1TbI/AAAAAAAAYRQ/NCIA9KfILxs/s1600/illegalpark-table4-data.png" with="100%" /><br />
<br />
Source: <a href="http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/lta-raises-fines-for/1543560.html" target="_blank">LTA raises fines for illegal parking</a>. Channel News Asia, 22 Dec 2014.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16506853727917525452noreply@blogger.com0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.8441055 103.174389 1.8600605 104.46528300000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6694834174566065735.post-16077131887178629322014-12-15T20:03:00.000+08:002016-02-29T02:04:44.204+08:00Fine for Public Nudity in Singapore ? Oww, No Nude Beaches Here...Looking out for a nice beach in Singapore for a nude sun tan ? You might want to re-consider your option.Under Singapore's Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act, one maybe be charged guilty of public nudity and face up to three months in jail, and a fine up to $2,000.<br />
<br />
One of the recent case was one couple has allegedly stripped naked and had sex in a Jacuzzi at <a href="http://www.agoda.com/resorts-world-sentosa-beach-villas/hotel/singapore-sg.html?cid=1658813" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Resorts World Sentosa's Beach Villas</a>. Although the Jacuzzi was meant only for the couple's villa, it sat within a larger pool being enjoyed by other guests which some among them was just children. The couple may be also charge for committing an obscene act in public as well.<br />
<br />
Source: <a href="http://www.straitstimes.com/news/singapore/more-singapore-stories/story/couple-causes-stir-resorts-world-sentosa-jacuzzi-2014121" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Couple cause stir in Resorts World Sentosa Jacuzzi</a>, Straits Times, 13 Dec 2014.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16506853727917525452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6694834174566065735.post-2695387622901164472014-12-15T19:36:00.001+08:002016-02-29T01:50:03.041+08:00Singapore Implements New Regulations for Bus Touting<a href="http://www.lta.gov.sg/" target="_blank">Land Transport Authority (LTA)</a> will be kicking off the new regulations on Jan 1, 2015 to punish those private bus drivers caught touting their transport services. If convicted under the Road Traffic Rules, errant drivers can be fined up to $1,000 or sentenced up to three months in jail.<br />
<br />
LTA mentioned that holders of the <a href="http://www.bbdc.sg/bbweb/CoursesAvailable/OtherCourses/BusDriverVocationalLicenceCourse.aspx" target="_blank">Bus Driver's Vocational Licence (BDVL)</a> will be informed in writing of the new regulations and penalty framework. BDVL is a mandatory license for those who drive either private hires buses, excursion buses and school buses.<br />
<br />
<h3>
What Is Bus Touting ?</h3>
<br />
Bus touting refers to a kind of illegal bus operation which involves bus drivers (or their operator) attracting potential passengers by illegal means - for instance, calling out people to take on their bus while traveling along the route.<br />
<br />
Public can call 1800-CALL LTA (1800-2255 582) or give feedback to LTA at <a href="http://www.lta.gov.sg/" target="_blank">www.lta.gov.sg</a> if they notice any bus touting activities.<br />
<br />
Source: <a href="http://www.straitstimes.com/news/singapore/transport/story/private-bus-drivers-face-fines-jail-touting-their-services-20141215" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Private bus drivers to face fines, jail for touting their services</a>. The Straits Time, 15 Dec 2014.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16506853727917525452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6694834174566065735.post-90028422627190029552014-09-23T05:13:00.000+08:002016-05-12T03:15:31.081+08:00Corrective Work Order and Fines for Littering in Public in Singapore<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-82C_LcrgaMA/VCCijPxKOOI/AAAAAAAAXWU/_JfKPSB54L8/s1600/singapore-the-fine-city-littering.jpg" width="100%" /></div>
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Singapore has a very good reputation as a clean and green city and this cannot be achieve without strict enforcement on littering. While getting a fine is just part of the penalty, the government have passed down laws to tackle these litterbugs by hurting their pride as well. By just casual throwing rubbish onto the ground in the public, not only you could be <u>fined $300 as a first time offender</u>, you may also face a court hearing which earn you a "chance" for public cleaning. That is the Corrective Work Order.<br />
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<b>Related: <a href="http://singapore-the-fine-city.blogspot.com/2009/04/eat-or-possess-chewing-gum.html" target="_blank">Chewing Gums Banned In Singapore</a></b><br />
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<h3>
What is Corrective Work Order (CWO) Scheme ?</h3>
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Corrective Work Order was first introduced in November 1992 to reform litterbugs. This act was considered as a form of counseling, reflecting to them the hardship cleaners faced while cleaning up the public places. Litterbugs would be required to accomphlish a certain amount of service hours picking up rubbish in public places. To make things worse, offenders are required to wear a bright orange jersey, identifying themselves as the litterbugs while cleaning up the areas. This bring shame to them and hopes that they would not repeat their acts again.<br />
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<h3>
Harsher Penalties For Litterbugs</h3>
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To tackle litterbugs rising in recent years, the Environmental Public Health Act has been amended to discourage those that behave irresponsibly. The courtroom fines for littering offenders was doubled since April 2014 to $2,000 for first offence, $4,,000 for second offence and $10,000 for third and subsequent offences.<br />
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<i>Updated on 23 September 2014</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16506853727917525452noreply@blogger.com3Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.84135999999999989 103.1716425 1.862806 104.46802950000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6694834174566065735.post-31269610905722655672014-09-10T04:25:00.000+08:002016-02-29T01:50:55.049+08:00Stricter Laws for Using Handphone While Driving in Singapore, Constitute Fines and Jail Terms<script async="" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>
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<br />
<ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-2302449225375024" data-ad-slot="0217344242" style="display: inline-block; float: left; height: 280px; padding-right: 10px; width: 336px;"></ins>Singapore Parliament has just passed amended laws governing the use of mobile devices while driving on Monday, 8 September 2014. The changes to the Road Traffic Act now governs handphone driving as a criminal offence and will impose fines and jail term.<br />
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Holding and using mobile devices while driving, be it a phone or tablet will be constitute as an offence as it is seen as an act that not only endangers oneself's life, but as well passengers and other road users. However, these apply only if the device is held in one hand while the vehicle is moving.
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<blockquote class="pullquote">
First-time offenders may be fined up to S$1,000 and/or jailed for up to six months. The penalty is doubled for repeat offenders.</blockquote>
The amended laws, will come into effect in February 2015 which calling, sending text message, internet surfing, playing games, checking emails or social media and download content with a mobile device while driving is considered as an offence.<br />
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<b>Mixed Feelings Among Members of Parliament</b><br />
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While the stricter laws is implemented for handphone driving, there are still some devices that mounted on the dashboards, gaming devices and other IT gadgets such as Google Glass that are not covered under the law which are equally distracting while driving.<br />
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Some mentioned that it should also be an offence to hold and use these devices even when the vehicle is not moving, e.g. stopping at traffic lights or in a traffic jam.<br />
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Hri Kumar, MP for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC has commented that even though through the usage of hands-free devices, it is still equally dangerous as using handheld devices as showed in many studies. Reason behind because the real distraction is the phone conversation and not having both hands not on the steering wheel. He has suggested that restrictions should be apply to the entire driving process and should be lifted off till the car is safely parked.<br />
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<b>The Summons Numbers </b><br />
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Reports shows that using mobile phone while driving has increased over the years, from 2,817 cases in 2011 to 3,572 cases in 2013. In the first six months of 2014, there has already been a case of 1,761 summonses were issued. The increase number in summonses was extreme measured approach in tightening the rules on handphone driving as mentioned by Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Masagos Zulkifli.<br />
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<b>Other Changes To Road Traffic Act</b><br />
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<ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-2302449225375024" data-ad-slot="9665568326" style="display: inline-block; height: 90px; width: 728px;"></ins>Some other changes to the Road Traffic Act as below:<br />
<ul>
<li>Drivers of light goods vehicles and small buses will need to take the Practical Driving Test when renewing licences. They will then be issued with a full Class 3 licence.</li>
<li>Vehicle owners need to give Traffic Police details of a traffic offence within 14 days of receiving notice, extended from seven days. Otherwise, owner will be charged with failing to furnish the information on top of the traffic offence.</li>
<li>Motorists involved in accidents that have caused damage or injury are to provide their particulars to the owner of the vehicle or property, even when no one is around to ask for information. For example, if a motorist hits a parked car, he should leave a note on the damaged car with his particulars.</li>
<li>Unless contacted by the owner, all motorists must report the accident to the police within 24 hours or the motorist will be liable to be charged under the offence of hit-and-run.</li>
</ul>
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</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16506853727917525452noreply@blogger.com0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.84135999999999989 103.1716425 1.862806 104.46802950000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6694834174566065735.post-10488224321917840952014-06-13T03:57:00.000+08:002016-02-29T01:50:40.392+08:00What Is The Fine Penalty For Internet Hacking In Singapore ?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
While countries are developed, they tends to rely heavily on technology and computerised process to fasten and provide better security. However, hidden in the backstage was a group of hackers that will be ready anytime to take down the basic internet infrastructure that every citizen are enjoying. <br />
<blockquote class="pullquote">
Under the Computer Misuse Act, first-time offenders who are found guilty can be fined up to S$10,000 and/or jailed up to three years.</blockquote>
That applies to Singapore as well. To deal with new potential abuses of computer systems, the Parliament introduced Computer Misuse (Amendment) Bill on 1st June 1998. The bill passed on 29th June 1998 and came into force on 1st August 1998. The Computer Misuse Act was renamed the Computer Misuse and Cybersecurity Act in 2013.<br />
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<b>Case Studies</b><br />
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In 2013, hacktivist organisation, Anonymous, represented by a member known as "The Messiah" carried out ongoing cyber attacks since October 2013, partly in response to web censorship regulations in Singapore, specifically on news websites. Wearing the signature Guy Fawkes mask, "The Messiah" aka Mr. James Raj threatened to "bring down key infrastructure in Singapore".<br />
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In afternoon of 2nd November, he took down 19 government websites simultaneously and alleged used a government agency use Twitter to announce that sites were down due to "planned maintenance". Mr. James Raj was charged in the Subordinate Courts on 12th November 2013. Despite his high-profile hacking activities, 13 schools website hosted on a single server was hacked and reportedly defaced between 3.30pm to 5pm on 20th November 2013.<br />
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<i>Source: Wikipedia</i><br />
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Delson Moo Hiang Kng was fined $8,000 on 5th June 2014 for hacking of Istana website. The 43-year-old pleaded guilty to one charge of unauthorised access to the server hosting the Istana website, carrying out a cross-site scripting attack on Google search function embedded in the website. With the embedded script, he could cause the search function to display text and images that he had specified.<br />
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The businessman was charged last November with two counts of unauthorised modification of computer material under the Computer Misuse and Cybersecurity Act.<br />
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<i>Source: ChannelNewsAsia, 5th June 2014.</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16506853727917525452noreply@blogger.com0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.84410649999999987 103.174389 1.8600595 104.46528300000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6694834174566065735.post-76093753707087912472014-06-12T20:00:00.000+08:002016-02-29T02:06:02.683+08:00Heavy Penalties for Late or Non-payment for Employee Salary in Singapore<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbKOZJthkxRJ62K3tIWcqVzp3ckew1-VUjXYR9ayUoy0Ot4iZGU4KYSzCsSZWAwpf2TzyjUqtOG-sWBOkD9CaZAX54RJEPcEYdDEEOV3pXIuZ6s26CdQrEPBCrtJ2Eq5p9aENIUp49yKg/s1600/did-not-pay-salary.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="employer did not pay my salary" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbKOZJthkxRJ62K3tIWcqVzp3ckew1-VUjXYR9ayUoy0Ot4iZGU4KYSzCsSZWAwpf2TzyjUqtOG-sWBOkD9CaZAX54RJEPcEYdDEEOV3pXIuZ6s26CdQrEPBCrtJ2Eq5p9aENIUp49yKg/s1600/did-not-pay-salary.png" title="singapore the fine city" /></a></div>
Singapore is a country that focuses much on human resources for its economical growth while the country's itself does not have much of natural resources to boost the economy. As such, the Singapore's government has taken serious measures to protect the local labour workforce, ensuring that they are being protected by unfair practices engaged by companies.<br />
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A law was enacted in 1968 called The Employment Act by one of the ministries, Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to ensure that reasonable employment standards is practice throughout the industry while still helping businesses' to achieve competitiveness in the market.<br />
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<blockquote class="pullquote">
First time offender will be liable to a fine between S$3,000.00 and S$15,000.00 and/or 6 months' jail term while a subsequent offence will be liable to a fine between S$6,000.00 and S$30,000.00 and/or 12 months' jail term. </blockquote>
One of the protection was the payment of salary to the employees are to be on time and without unreasonable deductions of the salary to be make by the employers. Their main aim is to ensure that individuals such as directors or partners of the companies are made liable for the offences, whom has failed to exercise reasonable supervision or negligence of their part.<br />
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As stipulated under the Employment Act the payment of salary to the employees shall be:<br />
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Paid before the expiry of the 7th day after the last day of salary period</li>
<li>Additional payments for overtime work shall be paid not later than 14 days after the last day of salary period</li>
<li>Salary due to an employee on completion of his contract of service upon completion of the contract.</li>
<li>Any employee dismissed by the company to be paid on the day of dismissal or within 3 days of the dismissal (excluding rest day or public holidays)</li>
</ul>
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<blockquote class="pullquote">
The maximum composition fine for employers has been increased from the previous S$1,000.00 to S$5,000.00.</blockquote>
Penalties has been imposed for flouting of the late or non-payment for employee salary while an revision has been made much recently for heavier penalties for the non-compliance of the Employment Act. Government inspectors are also granted the power to arrest any person whom he believes to be guilty of failure to pay the salary and allowed to enter and workplace to conducts checks. Though the law, employers are still able to rebut the presumption by proving evidence that he has exercised reasonable supervision or oversight to avoid penalties by the MOM.<br />
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<b>Case Studies</b><br />
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Five Companies in the construction sector are charged for a series of employment-related offences, including late salary payments and workers exceeding lawful overtime hours. In a statement by MOM, JK Integrated, Ng Brother Scaffolding, Shanghai Tunnel Engineering, Shanghai Tunnel Engineering (Singapore) and Straits Construction (Singapore) where charged in the State Courts for failure to comply with Employment Act, each firm facing between 26 to 47 charges each.<br />
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<i>Source: ChannelNewsAsia, 5th June 2014.</i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Article updated on 10th June 2014</span></i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16506853727917525452noreply@blogger.com2Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.84136099999999991 103.1716425 1.8628049999999998 104.46802950000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6694834174566065735.post-6332625082187842062014-06-10T02:58:00.001+08:002016-02-29T02:05:45.801+08:00Penalties For Flouting "Do-Not-Call" Laws in Singapore<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The Personal Data Protection Act 2012 (PDPA), the Do Not Call (DNC) Registry came into effect on 2nd January 2014. This is to give individual will have more control how personal data is collected, used and disclosed.<br />
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The Do Not Call (DNC) Registry allow individual to opt out of unsolicited marketing calls, message and faxes. This allows individual to have more control over the kind of message receive on telephone, mobile phone or fax machine.<br />
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The DNC regime prohibits organisations from sending message to Singapore telephone numbers, including mobile, fixed-line, residential and business numbers.<br />
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<ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-2302449225375024" data-ad-slot="9665568326" style="display: inline-block; height: 90px; width: 728px;"></ins><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XLZI4MPSt-s/U5YCgeSnQPI/AAAAAAAAWyE/mUJtIL3HcGY/s1600/star-zest-tuition-agency.png" style="text-align: center;" /></div>
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<br />
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The tuition agency's director, Law Han Wei, similarly faces 37 charges for authorising sending of the unsolicited messages. Law intends to plead guilty to the charges.<br />
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<i>Source: ChannelNewsAsia, 4th June 2014.</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16506853727917525452noreply@blogger.com0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000011.352083 103.81983600000001 1.352083 103.81983600000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6694834174566065735.post-63612930311851182102014-06-10T02:27:00.000+08:002016-02-29T02:06:34.406+08:00Being a Money Mule In Singapore Command Heavy Penalty<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-is3uJR04xTw/VJtWsz_O3tI/AAAAAAAAYRg/3O_qfQdp1pc/s1600/moneymule-resized-600.png" />
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Money mules are believed to have responded to online advertisement offering them jobs to transfer money using their own bank accounts, sending monies for a non-existent overseas company operated by the scam syndicate and getting a percentage of commission. In most cases, a fraudster befriends a potential money mule online, establishes a relationship and convinces him or her to accept funds through their bank account from an unknown source, and either transfer it to another account or withdraw it to hand to another person unknown to the mule.<br />
<blockquote class="pullquote">
The offence of Money Laundering carries a punishment of a fine not exceeding $500,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years or to both. Non-individual could risk a fine of up to $1,000,000.</blockquote>
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<ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-2302449225375024" data-ad-slot="9665568326" style="display: inline-block; height: 90px; width: 728px;"></ins>The money mules then provided their bank account details to the scam syndicate. The amount of money, typically ranges between S$50,000 to S$200,000 is quickly withdrawn or transferred out of the mule's account. For every inflow of funds to the money mule's account, a transaction fee and commission from the principal amount will be deducted before the remaining amount is transferred to an overseas bank account provided by the scam syndicate.
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Some syndicates are even more sophisticated, setting up "companies" and inviting unwitting mules to take on the role of a "Singapore representative" or "Singapore-based agent", whose sole job is to open a new personal bank account and receive funds from similarly-unknown sources.<br />
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There has been a rise in such cases in Singapore, from 93 cases reported in 2012 and 133 cases reported in first three quarter of 2013.
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Source: Photo by <a href="http://jornale.pt/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/moneymule-resized-600.png" target="_blank">Jornale</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16506853727917525452noreply@blogger.com0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.84410649999999987 103.174389 1.8600595 104.46528300000001