Phrases used by parrots: "We take such ______ very seriously and will not hesitate to take action"

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#37
In its statement, Surbana Jurong said: "We absolutely refute the allegations and will not hesitate to take legal action against any perpetrator who continues to make scurrilous attacks against our company."

Surbana Jurong rebuts talk of graft over Covid-19 facilities

Surbana Jurong said it was no mean feat for its team of 50 healthcare planners, architects, engineers, project managers and procurement staff to set up 10 halls with 8,000 beds at the Singapore Expo (above) in four weeks.ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO
PUBLISHED MAY 20, 2020, 5:00 AM SGT

Temasek-owned firm says allegations of profiteering false, disrespect staff who put health at risk
Rei Kurohi

Urban development and infrastructure consultancy Surbana Jurong has refuted what it called "unfounded accusations of profiteering and corruption" relating to its involvement in the setting up and operation of community care facilities (CCFs) for Covid-19 patients.
"These allegations are not only untrue, they are disrespectful of our colleagues who have made enormous sacrifices, including putting their health at risk, to deliver the projects under challenging conditions for the benefit of our community," the Temasek-owned company said in a statement yesterday.
Its statement comes on the heels of several posts circulating on social media and messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, alleging that Surbana Jurong's involvement in developing facilities like the one at Singapore Expo has led to conflicts of interest.
One such post concerned how Manpower Minister Josephine Teo's husband, Mr Teo Eng Cheong, is the international chief executive in charge of Singapore, South-east Asia and North Asia at Surbana Jurong.
Other posts questioned how the decision to involve Surbana Jurong was made, while noting that Members of Parliament Desmond Choo and Yaacob Ibrahim are Surbana Jurong board members.
In its statement, Surbana Jurong said: "We absolutely refute the allegations and will not hesitate to take legal action against any perpetrator who continues to make scurrilous attacks against our company."

The company also said it would continue to provide its expertise to projects related to managing the coronavirus pandemic on a "cost-recovery basis".

Surbana Jurong outlined how it got involved in setting up and running the facilities, adding that it has been providing technical services to various government agencies over the past two months.
It said its shareholder, Singapore's investment firm Temasek, had "engaged some of its portfolio companies that could provide specialist support" as there was an "urgent need for CCFs to house patients with early symptoms of Covid-19 and those recovering from it".
Surbana Jurong was called upon to help quickly develop these facilities, it added.
"In March 2020, we were asked to identify and study possible locations.
"We explored various sites and found Singapore Expo, with its existing mechanical and electrical infrastructure and extensive indoor space, to be large enough and fit for purpose," it said.
"As Singapore Expo is also a Temasek portfolio company and was already engaged to support this initiative, Surbana Jurong was immediately able to embark on converting Singapore Expo into the first CCF."
Surbana Jurong added that it was no mean feat for its team of 50 healthcare planners, architects, engineers, project managers and procurement staff to set up 10 halls with 8,000 beds in four weeks.
The team was led by Surbana Jurong's Singapore chief executive Yeo Choon Chong and its director Vincent Lee, under the supervision of its group chief executive, Mr Wong Heang Fine.
The company said its partners, including PSA, Woodlands Health Campus, Parkway Pantai, SingEx Venues, Resorts World Sentosa and other companies, have "also worked incredibly hard to get this urgent project up and running".
"At all times, Surbana Jurong is proud and happy to play a critical role in projects that serve the nation's interests," it added.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#38
PUB said on Friday that it takes a serious view on the pollution of Singapore's waterways and will not hesitate to take action against illegal discharge into public drains and canals.

PUB taking enforcement action against contractor over silty discharge in Hougang

A video posted on the Nature Society Singapore's Facebook page shows silt in a canal in Hougang.PHOTOS: SCREENGRABS FROM ED BKL/FACEBOOK
PUBLISHED DEC 13, 2019, 7:10 PM SGT

Clara Chong

SINGAPORE - Enforcement action will be taken by the national water agency PUB against the contractor responsible for silt that was discharged into a canal in Hougang.
PUB said on Friday (Dec 13) that the discharge into the canal along Hougang Avenue 2 was from a nearby construction site in which earth control measures on site were not adequate.
Earth control measures are implemented at construction sites to safeguard water resources here by ensuring that silt is not washed from exposed earth into the waterways after rain.
Under the Sewerage and Drainage Act, offenders can be fined up to $5,000 for each offence of silty water discharge, and up to $50,000 for inadequate earth control measures.
The contractor has since rectified the lapse.
The incident was first alerted to PUB on Sunday and the agency investigated the case.

A Facebook post by the Nature Society Singapore, with a video showing silt in the canal, said that the discharge came from the construction site of a condominium.

In May, two local contractors were fined for silty water discharge and inadequate earth control measures.
The offences, committed between October and December 2018, were uncovered during PUB's regular site inspections and after public feedback. Chye Joo Construction was fined $30,300 and The Builders (Hup Huat) was fined $14,400.

Chye Joo Construction had built undersized silty water treatment plants and holding ponds at two work sites in Jalan Gali Batu and Jurong Road, which were up to six times and 22 times undersized respectively. This caused silty water to overflow into the roadside drains and waterways.
PUB said on Friday that it takes a serious view on the pollution of Singapore's waterways and will not hesitate to take action against illegal discharge into public drains and canals.
The public can contact PUB on 1800-2255-782 to report any suspected water pollution.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#39
The agency said that it conducts regular inspections of food retail establishments to ensure compliance with hygiene standards, and it will not hesitate to take enforcement action if necessary.

No trace of salmonella found in food samples taken from Itacho, but SFA taking action on unregistered food handler

Facebook user Marc Wong wrote that his wife was admitted to Mount Alvernia Hospital on Dec 15, 2019, and she was diagnosed with salmonella.PHOTO: MARC WONG/FACEBOOK
PUBLISHED DEC 26, 2019, 9:40 PM SGT

Jean Iau

SINGAPORE - An unregistered food handler was found working at Itacho Sushi at Jewel Changi Airport, but salmonella was not detected in food samples from the restaurant, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said on Thursday (Dec 26).
This was after the food safety agency conducted an inspection at the restaurant on Dec 18 following an incident on Dec 13 where a woman was alleged to have fallen ill with salmonella after she dined at the restaurant.
Salmonella bacteria can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and typhoid fever very soon after it enters the body.
The SFA said it will be taking enforcement action against the restaurant on the lapse over the unlicensed food handler.
The agency's statement on Thursday came after Facebook user Marc Wong listed a timeline of the events leading up to his wife's diagnosis of salmonella and warned other users not to eat at the restaurant.
He wrote that the couple ate at the restaurant on Dec 13 and his wife had a fever and stomach pains the next day.

In the same post, he wrote that his wife was then admitted to Mount Alvernia Hospital on Dec 15 and she was diagnosed with salmonella. He added that he had contacted the restaurant about the incident.

"Even when my wife has (been) discharged (on Dec 22), she is in the weakest physical condition I have ever seen her in... So please, my friends, do not spoil your Christmas and New Year holidays by dining in at Itacho Sushi at Jewel Changi Airport or other outlets - at least until reassurance have been given that incidents such as my wife's will not happen again," he wrote.
The Straits Times has contacted Itacho Sushi for comment.

Chinese daily evening paper Lianhe Wanbao reported on Thursday that in response to their queries, Itacho said that closed-circuit television footage revealed no sanitary issues and that 436 people ate at the restaurant on the evening of the incident and no other complaints were filed.
A spokesman from the restaurant told Lianhe Wanbao that it has more than 10 years of business experience and has always been in the "A" grade in terms of hygiene standards.
The spokesman said that hygiene is very important to the restaurant, and that the ingredients sold in the restaurant are checked. The chef is also required to inspect the ingredients twice a day and clean the workplace every hour.
The SFA said that it received feedback on an alleged food poisoning incident at Itacho Sushi's Ion Orchard outlet, but an inspection did not detect any hygiene lapses and no enforcement action was taken.
The SFA reminded food operators to adhere to good food hygiene and preparation practices.
The agency said that it conducts regular inspections of food retail establishments to ensure compliance with hygiene standards, and it will not hesitate to take enforcement action if necessary.
Members of the public who come across poor hygiene practices in food establishments should provide feedback to the SFA via its online feedback form www.sfa.gov.sg/feedback or call its contact centre on 6805-2871.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#40
"We will not hesitate to use the powers under the law to take action against any party that spreads such falsehoods," he said at a press conference chaired by Health Minister Gan Kim Yong.

Wuhan virus: Swift action on any falsehoods on virus to prevent panic, says Iswaran

Minister for Communications and Information S. Iswaran at a press conference on Jan 27, 2020.PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO
PUBLISHED JAN 28, 2020, 5:00 AM SGT

Clement Yong


Swift action will be taken against falsehoods about the Wuhan virus as there is otherwise a grave risk they will spread and cause panic among Singaporeans, Minister for Communications and Information S. Iswaran said yesterday.
That is the reason there is Pofma, or the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act, he added.
"We will not hesitate to use the powers under the law to take action against any party that spreads such falsehoods," he said at a press conference chaired by Health Minister Gan Kim Yong.
He noted that on Sunday night, the Pofma Office issued a correction direction to online forum fuckwarezone to correct a fake post that someone had died in Singapore from the virus.
Even though the post was eventually taken down, more than 4,600 unique visitors viewed it in the 21/2 hours it was up, he said.
"Some who viewed the post would have shared it with others and been misled by it," Mr Iswaran said.

While information can help to inform, educate and build trust, it can be abused to spread falsehoods and create anxiety, alarm and panic, and this was being seen in the Wuhan virus situation, he added.

Several other posts alleging unverified information in recent days have prompted the authorities to issue clarifications.
Last Saturday, a thread of messages on fuckwarezone said Singapore repatriated more than 100 Wuhan tourists to China, leading to Facebook clarifications by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority that roundly refuted this as untrue.
Last Friday, a message circulating on WhatsApp also told recipients to avoid going to Tan Tock Seng Hospital and KK Women's and Children's Hospital as patients from China were being sent there.


MOH on the same day clarified on Facebook that people need not do this because all public hospitals "have strict protocols to handle and manage suspect cases", including their immediate isolation and further assessment.
Also on Friday, a separate Whats-App message and video told people to avoid Eastpoint Mall in Simei because the first suspected case had been reported there. MOH said there is no need to do so, as protocol had been followed in transporting the patient in an ambulance to hospital for further investigation.
The patient had visited Raffles Medical clinic at Eastpoint Mall the day before.
Mr Iswaran said the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) and MOH are working together to keep Singaporeans informed on multiple platforms, including the MOH website, the Gov.sg website, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and government fact-checking website Factually.
Television, radio, newspapers, as well as digital display panels in Housing Board blocks are also being used so that all segments of society can be reached, he said.
The Gov.sg WhatsApp broadcast list has seen more than 56,000 new subscribers since Sunday, a surge which saw it experiencing some delays. Mr Iswaran said the Government is working with Facebook and WhatsApp on possible solutions to such lags, and said information continues to be available on the other listed platforms.
"Please rely on information only from trusted sources," he said.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#41
The agency added that it will not hesitate to take action if they surface on local e-commerce platforms, or are found in physical premises.

HSA warns about 2 'health' products that contain steroids, dangerous dose of erectile dysfunction drug

The two products are Candy B+ Coffee Extra Power (left) and Lung Tan Tsao (right).PHOTOS: HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY
PUBLISHED MAY 27, 2020, 3:05 PM SGT

Cheryl Tan


SINGAPORE - The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has warned the public to avoid buying or consuming two products as they contain potent medicinal ingredients that should not be used without medical supervision.
It said on Wednesday (May 27) that tests on Lung Tan Tsao found that it contained a steroid and an antihistamine, while Candy B+ Coffee Extra Power had dangerously high levels of a medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction.
Lung Tan Tsao, touted as a health tonic containing a variety of natural herbs, is labelled as a relief of various conditions including eczema, allergies and pain.
A woman in her 40s experienced weight gain and swelling of the face after taking Lung Tan Tsao, which she obtained from a friend who had purchased it in Malaysia.
Her doctor became suspicious of the product after it cleared the woman's eczema as rapidly as prescription medicine would.
HSA detected two medicinal ingredients in the product: chlorpheniramine, an antihistamine, and dexmethasone, a steroid. Both can cause serious adverse effects when used without medical supervision.

Long-term unsupervised use of steroids can cause increased blood glucose levels, which may lead to diabetes. It can also cause Cushing's syndrome, characterised by a round or "moon face" appearance and upper body obesity with thin limbs.

Anyone who has taken Lung Tan Tsao should stop consuming it and see a doctor as soon as possible, HSA advised. Discontinuation of steroids without proper medical supervision can cause serious withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, confusion and low blood pressure.
HSA also issued a warning about Candy B+ Coffee Extra Power, which is labelled as a superfood but was found to contain over 50 times the usual daily dose of tadalafil, an erectile dysfunction medicine.
When used without medical supervision, tadalafil can increase risk of stroke and heart attack.

Candy B+ Coffee Extra Power is not sold here, but was detected by Immigration and Checkpoint Authority (ICA) officers from Air Cargo Command in an online purchase from an overseas seller.

ICA referred the parcel with 15 boxes of the product to HSA for further investigation.
The product was labelled as a "superfood" and a "fountain of youth", and claimed that it contains known herbal ingredients such as tongkat ali extract, sky fruit extract and maca powder.
It also carried Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and NSF International logos on its packaging.
HSA said the misuse of quality certification logos on the product was aimed to mislead consumers into thinking that the product was safe and manufactured under high quality standards, but there is no way of verifying the authenticity of these logos.
Illegal and adulterated products can resurface under a different name or packaging to evade checks by authorities and trick consumers into buying them.
In September 2017, HSA had previously the public to a similar product named Candy B+ Complex, which was also tested to contain tadalafil. Both products were labelled to be manufactured by California Pure.
Users are advised to stop taking Candy B+ Coffee Extra Power immediately and consult a doctor if they feel unwell or are concerned about their health, HSA said.

The agency also advised consumers to be wary of health products that carry exaggerated claims or deliver unexpectedly quick and miraculous results. People should also avoid buying health products from unfamiliar sources, and exercise caution when purchasing them online or from well-meaning friends.
It is illegal to sell both Lung Tan Tsao and Candy B+ Coffee Extra Power in Singapore as they contain potent medicinal ingredients, HSA said. The agency added that it will not hesitate to take action if they surface on local e-commerce platforms, or are found in physical premises. Anyone convicted of doing so can be jailed for up to two years, fined up to $10,000, or both.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#42
The police said that they "will not hesitate to take tough enforcement action against errant motorists who blatantly flout traffic rules causing danger to other road users".

15 bikers arrested for dangerous riding, illegal racing; police investigating them for breaching safe distancing rules

The men were in a clip that surfaced online earlier this week showing bikers with their vehicles socialising despite circuit breaker rules prohibiting this.PHOTO: SGRVIGILANTE/FACEBOOK
PUBLISHED MAY 28, 2020, 12:40 PM SGT

Jean Iau


SINGAPORE - The police have arrested 15 motorcyclists, aged between 20 and 30, for allegedly being involved in dangerous riding and illegal racing.
The bikers also had their motorcycles impounded.
The 15, all men, are also being investigated for breaching safe distancing measures, the police said in a statement on Thursday (May 28).
At least some of them were seen in a clip that surfaced online earlier this week, showing bikers with their vehicles socialising despite circuit breaker rules prohibiting this.
The arrests were made between Tuesday and Wednesday after the police were alerted on Monday to an illegal race believed to have taken place along Marina South Drive at about 1.25am the day before.
Officers from the Traffic Police were able to establish the identities of the 15 suspects through inquiries and closed-circuit television footage.

If found guilty, motorists who promote or take part in any competition or trial of speed can be jailed for up to six months and fined between $1,000 and $2,000. Repeat offenders can be jailed for up to 12 months and fined between $2,000 and $3,000.

Those being investigated for this offence may also have to forfeit their vehicles and have their driving licences disqualified.
For dangerous riding or driving, those found guilty can be jailed for up to 12 months, fined up to $5,000, or both. Repeat offenders can be jailed for up to two years, fined up to $10,000, or both.

The police said that they "will not hesitate to take tough enforcement action against errant motorists who blatantly flout traffic rules causing danger to other road users".
On Wednesday, The Straits Times reported that about 10 bikers, who had been captured on video congregating at a petrol kiosk over the Hari Raya Aidilfitri weekend, were under police investigation for possible traffic offences and breaching safe distancing rules.
A 2½ minute video posted on Facebook page SG Road Vigilante on Monday showed some riders, masked and unmasked, greeting one another and talking among themselves at a petrol station.
The video then cuts to several of them racing on the road.
ST understands that the first part of the video showing the bikers socialising was taken recently this year, and the later part of the clip showing bikers riding down a road was taken in 2018.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#43
"Contact tracing is an essential step in containing the virus," wrote Mr Shanmugam. "During this period, we need everyone to cooperate. People need to know that we will not hesitate to take strong action," he said.

Singapore won't hesitate to act against those who flout measures to curb coronavirus: Shanmugam

The deliberate breaking of the rules, in the current situation, calls for swift and decisive response, said Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam.PHOTO: ST FILE
PUBLISHED FEB 28, 2020, 5:00 AM SGT

Timothy Goh


The authorities will not hesitate to take strong action against those who break the rules meant to contain the spread of the coronavirus here, Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam said yesterday.
His comments come a day after it was announced that action has been taken against three Chinese nationals who flouted coronavirus containment measures here.
The first of the trio, a 45-year-old Singapore permanent resident (PR), breached his stay-home notice (SHN) requirements while he was here from Feb 20 to 23.
As a result, he was stripped of his PR status and barred from re-entering Singapore.
In a Facebook post yesterday, Mr Shanmugam said: "He wilfully disregarded his SHN, which required him to remain at home at all times for 14 days. He was served with the SHN because he had travelled to China recently.
"He did not respond to phone calls and was also not at his declared residence when ICA officers conducted checks. He later insisted on leaving Singapore before the SHN was completed."

He added: "Some people said that this may be a bit harsh. But the deliberate breaking of the rules, in the current situation, calls for swift and decisive response."

The other two people, a couple from China, had been accused of giving false information to Ministry of Health (MOH) officials and obstructing contact tracing.
The man, a 38-year-old Chinese national from Wuhan known as Hu Jun, is case 16 here.

His wife, Shi Sha, is a 36-year-old Chinese national who lives here.
She was identified as a close contact and was issued a quarantine order on Feb 1 after MOH initiated contact tracing to identify those who may have been exposed to the infected person while he was symptomatic.
But the couple allegedly gave false information about their movements and whereabouts from Jan 22 to 29 when they were contacted for contact tracing, with Shi also providing false information while under quarantine.
However, detailed investiga-tions uncovered the couple's true movements. They are due to be charged today under the Infectious Diseases Act.
"Contact tracing is an essential step in containing the virus," wrote Mr Shanmugam. "During this period, we need everyone to cooperate. People need to know that we will not hesitate to take strong action," he said.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#44
"Muis will not hesitate to take the appropriate actions should there be any evidence of wrongdoing by its officers, or if the allegations being propagated are found to be untrue."

Muis refutes allegations of corruption in halal certification process

Muis said it was reviewing the complaints but stood by its "robust" process.PHOTO: ST FILE
PUBLISHED MAY 29, 2020, 8:20 PM SGT

Clement Yong



SINGAPORE - The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) has said that it has not been approached by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) in connection with any investigations, refuting allegations published in different foreign media.
In a statement reiterating the integrity of its halal certification process on Friday (May 29) after several articles were published alleging corruption, Muis said it was reviewing the complaints but stood by its "robust" process.
Muis said: "As a statutory board, we take all complaints seriously and will carefully review the various allegations raised... Thus far, Muis has not been approached by the writers of the articles or posts for comments before they were published.
"Muis will not hesitate to take the appropriate actions should there be any evidence of wrongdoing by its officers, or if the allegations being propagated are found to be untrue."
Friday's public statement followed another by Muis on April 25, which was in response to allegations by Hong Kong-based news outlet Asia Sentinel that the council showed favouritism in its recognition of foreign halal certification bodies (FCBs).
Since then, other articles have been published repeating and furthering the accusations.

Muis said on Friday that a team, led by a senior-ranking officer from Muis and comprising officers who are not involved in the Halal Unit or its matters, has been set up, reporting directly to Muis' chief executive.

An independent review panel chaired by a Muis Council member has also been established to review the process and findings of the investigation. Muis did not name the senior-ranking officer or the Council member.
FCBs are organisations Muis deems to have similar standards to its own halal certification system, and whose products imported into Singapore are certified as halal, or fit for the consumption of Muslims. These organisations can earn thousands of dollars monthly by selling exported products to Singapore.
In April, Asia Sentinel alleged that the assistant director of the council's Halal Certification Strategic Unit, Mr Munir Hussain, is being investigated for corruption by the CPIB, a claim a CPIB spokesman would not confirm or deny, citing confidentiality issues.
According to Asia Sentinel, Mr Munir had caused Muis' delisting of a certifying body in Australia as an FCB, although it did not specify how this was done.
The article, reproduced on other outlets such as news site Halal Focus, also said that Mr Munir had interfered with and undermined the Australian body's attempt to be re-certified as an FCB, supposedly through actions like divulging its sensitive information to a competitor and forcing it to hire certain staff.
Muis has said that key decisions on halal certification are not made by one person, but by an independent panel and that the certification of FCBs are held to the same rigorous standards as local certification processes.
Muis urged the public not to speculate on or spread unproved allegations. It said those with "conclusive information and evidence" can e-mail it by June 15 at [email protected].

 

[JohnTan]

#44
"Muis will not hesitate to take the appropriate actions should there be any evidence of wrongdoing by its officers, or if the allegations being propagated are found to be untrue."

Muis refutes allegations of corruption in halal certification process

Muis said it was reviewing the complaints but stood by its "robust" process.PHOTO: ST FILE
PUBLISHED MAY 29, 2020, 8:20 PM SGT

Clement Yong



SINGAPORE - The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) has said that it has not been approached by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) in connection with any investigations, refuting allegations published in different foreign media.
In a statement reiterating the integrity of its halal certification process on Friday (May 29) after several articles were published alleging corruption, Muis said it was reviewing the complaints but stood by its "robust" process.
Muis said: "As a statutory board, we take all complaints seriously and will carefully review the various allegations raised... Thus far, Muis has not been approached by the writers of the articles or posts for comments before they were published.
"Muis will not hesitate to take the appropriate actions should there be any evidence of wrongdoing by its officers, or if the allegations being propagated are found to be untrue."
Friday's public statement followed another by Muis on April 25, which was in response to allegations by Hong Kong-based news outlet Asia Sentinel that the council showed favouritism in its recognition of foreign halal certification bodies (FCBs).
Since then, other articles have been published repeating and furthering the accusations.

Muis said on Friday that a team, led by a senior-ranking officer from Muis and comprising officers who are not involved in the Halal Unit or its matters, has been set up, reporting directly to Muis' chief executive.

An independent review panel chaired by a Muis Council member has also been established to review the process and findings of the investigation. Muis did not name the senior-ranking officer or the Council member.
FCBs are organisations Muis deems to have similar standards to its own halal certification system, and whose products imported into Singapore are certified as halal, or fit for the consumption of Muslims. These organisations can earn thousands of dollars monthly by selling exported products to Singapore.
In April, Asia Sentinel alleged that the assistant director of the council's Halal Certification Strategic Unit, Mr Munir Hussain, is being investigated for corruption by the CPIB, a claim a CPIB spokesman would not confirm or deny, citing confidentiality issues.
According to Asia Sentinel, Mr Munir had caused Muis' delisting of a certifying body in Australia as an FCB, although it did not specify how this was done.
The article, reproduced on other outlets such as news site Halal Focus, also said that Mr Munir had interfered with and undermined the Australian body's attempt to be re-certified as an FCB, supposedly through actions like divulging its sensitive information to a competitor and forcing it to hire certain staff.
Muis has said that key decisions on halal certification are not made by one person, but by an independent panel and that the certification of FCBs are held to the same rigorous standards as local certification processes.
Muis urged the public not to speculate on or spread unproved allegations. It said those with "conclusive information and evidence" can e-mail it by June 15 at [email protected].

Issuing of halal certs can be a lucrative business. I can see why in recent years, mosques have been harping on the importance of halal dining to impressionable moslems. To not eat halal is to make allah very very angry. It's not about holiness or heaven. It's about the commercial value of the halal cert and halal industry.

 

[steffychun]

Truly Ang Mohs and top Indians thinking I am sovereign.

 

[steffychun]

#43
"Contact tracing is an essential step in containing the virus," wrote Mr Shanmugam. "During this period, we need everyone to cooperate. People need to know that we will not hesitate to take strong action," he said.

Singapore won't hesitate to act against those who flout measures to curb coronavirus: Shanmugam

The deliberate breaking of the rules, in the current situation, calls for swift and decisive response, said Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam.PHOTO: ST FILE
PUBLISHED FEB 28, 2020, 5:00 AM SGT

Timothy Goh


The authorities will not hesitate to take strong action against those who break the rules meant to contain the spread of the coronavirus here, Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam said yesterday.
His comments come a day after it was announced that action has been taken against three Chinese nationals who flouted coronavirus containment measures here.
The first of the trio, a 45-year-old Singapore permanent resident (PR), breached his stay-home notice (SHN) requirements while he was here from Feb 20 to 23.
As a result, he was stripped of his PR status and barred from re-entering Singapore.
In a Facebook post yesterday, Mr Shanmugam said: "He wilfully disregarded his SHN, which required him to remain at home at all times for 14 days. He was served with the SHN because he had travelled to China recently.
"He did not respond to phone calls and was also not at his declared residence when ICA officers conducted checks. He later insisted on leaving Singapore before the SHN was completed."

He added: "Some people said that this may be a bit harsh. But the deliberate breaking of the rules, in the current situation, calls for swift and decisive response."


The other two people, a couple from China, had been accused of giving false information to Ministry of Health (MOH) officials and obstructing contact tracing.
The man, a 38-year-old Chinese national from Wuhan known as Hu Jun, is case 16 here.

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His wife, Shi Sha, is a 36-year-old Chinese national who lives here.
She was identified as a close contact and was issued a quarantine order on Feb 1 after MOH initiated contact tracing to identify those who may have been exposed to the infected person while he was symptomatic.
But the couple allegedly gave false information about their movements and whereabouts from Jan 22 to 29 when they were contacted for contact tracing, with Shi also providing false information while under quarantine.
However, detailed investiga-tions uncovered the couple's true movements. They are due to be charged today under the Infectious Diseases Act.
"Contact tracing is an essential step in containing the virus," wrote Mr Shanmugam. "During this period, we need everyone to cooperate. People need to know that we will not hesitate to take strong action," he said.

Says the Minister without a mask.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#45
BCA takes a serious view of the safety of buildings and facades, and will not hesitate to take enforcement action against parties that fail to carry out their duties.

Building owners, home owners play a part in building safety

BCA takes a serious view of the safety of buildings and facades, and will not hesitate to take enforcement action against parties that fail to carry out their duties. ST PHOTO: JASMINE CHOONG
PUBLISHED APR 27, 2019, 2:36 AM SGT

We thank Mr Andrew Seow Chwee Guan and Mr Paul Chan Poh Hoi for their feedback (Building owners must step up maintenance checks, April 13; and Pre-emptive measures urgently needed to curb falling objects, April 17; respectively).

Building owners and home owners have a duty to regularly inspect and maintain their building facades. For windows of residential units which are subject to wear and tear from opening and closing, it is the home owners' responsibility to check them regularly and repair them if necessary, to ensure that the windows are always safe and secure.

The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and Housing Board have been running the window safety campaign in June and December every year to remind home owners to check and maintain their windows regularly, and to play their part in ensuring a safer living environment for all.

Under the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act, building owners also have a duty to ensure that other exterior features of a building, such as claddings, curtain walls and brackets, are properly maintained so as to prevent them from falling off.

There are also regulations in place to ensure that buildings and their facades are designed by a qualified person and constructed by a builder in accordance with performance and safety requirements.

BCA takes a serious view of the safety of buildings and facades, and will not hesitate to take enforcement action against parties that fail to carry out their duties.

Mr Seow said that it is usually not the building's structural integrity that is of concern when there are incidents involving falling facades.

However, there may be public concerns over structural integrity when such incidents occur.

Therefore, besides requiring immediate measures to be taken, such as cordoning off the affected area and checking the building's other similar exterior features, BCA also assesses whether the structural integrity of the building may have contributed to the incident.

To enhance our building control framework, BCA is working to introduce a periodic facade-inspection regime that requires building owners to engage professionals to regularly inspect buildings' facades.

This will enable early detection of telltale signs of deteriorating facades or exterior features, and allow building owners to carry out necessary maintenance work and repairs to ensure the safety of their building facades.

Lim Beng Kwee
Director, Enforcement and Structural Inspection Department
Building and Construction Authority

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#46
"MOE takes a serious view of staff misconduct and will not hesitate to take disciplinary action against those who fail to adhere to our standards of conduct and discipline, including dismissal from service."

Teacher allegedly took 168 upskirt videos at secondary school where he taught

PUBLISHED 26 MIN AGO

Shaffiq Alkhatib
Court Correspondent


SINGAPORE - A male teacher was charged in court on Tuesday (June 23) over allegations that he had recorded 168 upskirt videos at the secondary school where he taught.

The man is accused of committing the offences between April 2015 and July 2018.

He was charged with six counts of insulting a woman's modesty. Court documents did not state if the videos were of his students or colleagues.

The 47-year-old's name, and details surrounding the school, cannot be revealed due to a gag order to protect the identities of the women involved.

The Singaporean man is also accused of insulting the modesty of two other women, including a relative, away from the school.
On Feb 1, 2017, he allegedly took an upskirt video of a relative before targeting an unknown woman at Tiong Bahru Plaza shopping mall on March 20 that year.

The Ministry of Education (MOE) told The Straits Times that the man has been suspended from service since July 2018 and is no longer teaching in any school.

"MOE takes a serious view of staff misconduct and will not hesitate to take disciplinary action against those who fail to adhere to our standards of conduct and discipline, including dismissal from service."

The man's case has been adjourned to July 14.


He was not the first man to appear in court this month over upskirt videos taken in schools.

On June 15, a former lecturer pleaded guilty to having recorded videos of a student at a post-secondary institution where he worked.

The man had admitted to police that he took two upskirt videos of her before deleting them, and had recorded upskirt videos of other students.

The 39-year-old will be sentenced next month.

For each count of insulting a woman's modesty, an offender can be jailed for up to a year and fined.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#47
"The police warned that they will not hesitate to take action against anyone who does not comply with safe distancing measures or shows blatant disregard the law."

Coronavirus: 18 people at social gathering in Compassvale home to be charged with flouting circuit breaker rules

The couple living in Compassvale Crescent had invited eight men and eight women to their home for a social gathering.PHOTO: SCREENGRAB FROM GOOGLE MAPS


Ng Keng Gene


SINGAPORE - Eighteen people will be charged in court for flouting circuit breaker regulations by holding and attending a social gathering, said the police in a statement on Tuesday (July 21).

The 18, comprising 17 Singaporeans and a permanent resident aged 19 to 37, will be charged in court between Wednesday and Friday.

On May 8, a couple living in Compassvale Crescent invited eight men and eight women to their home for a social gathering, said the police.

The 16 guests, who visited the couple's home between 9.30pm on May 8 and 1am on May 9, will be charged with violating the restrictions by leaving their place of residence without a valid reason, said the police.

The couple will be charged with violating the restrictions on permitting other individuals to enter their place of residence without a valid reason.

All 18 will also be charged with violating the prohibition on social gatherings under the Covid-19 regulations.

The police warned that they will not hesitate to take action against anyone who does not comply with safe distancing measures or shows blatant disregard the law.

 

[laksaboy]

I think they follow a standard template as advised by their PR team.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#48
Masagos is #1 parrot. Two cliches in one post.

"Our Safe Distancing Ambassadors and Enforcement Officers will continue to walk the ground to advise members of the public to adhere to these measures, and will not hesitate to issue fines on violations."

"Let’s all do our part to keep Singapore safe."


Masagos Zulkifli is

sharing a COVID-19 update.
23h ·
Many of us enjoy meeting and hanging out with friends and family members, and we miss how we used to be able to do this freely. But we are still in the midst of a long battle with the COVID-19 pandemic. We must be mindful, and continue being vigilant. This is critical, for us to protect one another.

I have been concerned that some complacency may be setting in, at a time when we must keep our guard up. For example, the beaches at East Coast Park and Sentosa were extremely crowded over the past weekend. Our Safe Distancing Ambassadors and Enforcement Officers encountered many groups comprising more than 10 people who were from extended families, or were friends congregating. A good number didn't wear masks even when reminded saying they were eating or drinking.

Extended exposure to one another without masks and in packed crowds place those involved and others around them at greater risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus.
To control the crowds, NParks has since early July segmented the more popular beachfronts at East Coast Park. They have also temporarily closed selected sections when these get too crowded.

We will be stepping up our enforcement. This week, 18 people will be charged in court for gathering at a place of residence for social reasons during the Circuit Breaker. Another 10 individuals will be charged in court for holding a social gathering at a fitness corner with portable tables and chairs, and bottles of liquor in Phase 2. These actions are not acceptable, and a clear violation of the safe distancing measures. We take such breaches seriously because they can potentially lead to the formation of large clusters.

COVID-19 remains a threat and we must continue to be socially responsible. Remember to wear a mask at all times except when eating or drinking, or engaging in sports. Keep within a group size of no more than 5 people and maintain a safe distance of at least 1 metre from other groups. Do not intermix between groups at parks, beaches and other public spaces. To help with contact tracing efforts, please do scan the SafeEntry QR codes set up at designated entry points at parks and along beachfronts before entering these spaces.

I seek everyone’s cooperation in continuing to observe these safe distancing measures during Phase 2. Our Safe Distancing Ambassadors and Enforcement Officers will continue to walk the ground to advise members of the public to adhere to these measures, and will not hesitate to issue fines on violations.
Let’s all do our part to keep Singapore safe.

 

[Confuseous]

Masagos has never been in management before. All they need is to
make a few good examples of the covidiots, publicise the incidents.
And wait for the results. Now that the erections are over, Masagos,
just get on with it. In all likelihood, you will be tasked with taking care
of the longkangs again, the lack of information on the new kitchen
cabinet notwithstanding.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#49
In a statement on Tuesday, police said: "The police have zero tolerance towards such acts of violence, and will not hesitate to take action against those who blatantly disregard the law."


Man charged with assault after video clip shows dispute involving cleaner at hawker centre

Phua Meng Wee, 44, was also charged with using criminal force on the cleaner.ST PHOTO: WONG KWAI CHOW


Shaffiq Alkhatib
Court Correspondent


SINGAPORE - A man was charged on Wednesday (Aug 5) with one count of assault following the release of a video clip that showed a dispute involving a female cleaner at a hawker centre.

Phua Meng Wee, 44, was also charged with using criminal force on the cleaner, Ms Ho Gek Yeow.

The Singaporean is accused of throwing a plate of rice at her back at Quality Road Food Centre in Quality Road, near Jalan Boon Lay, at 11.02am on Feb 5.

He allegedly pushed Ms Ho three minutes later, causing her to fall.

Court documents did not reveal the reasons behind the dispute.

Another man, known only as Andy, sent a video of the incident to citizen journalism website Stomp.

The approximately 10-second clip shows a woman falling onto the floor of a hawker centre as several diners look on.

A man, who stands nearby, gesticulates at her before walking away.
The woman gets up and tries to go after him but is stopped by an onlooker.

The approximately 10-second clip shows a woman falling onto the floor of a hawker centre as several diners look on. PHOTOS: STOMP

In a statement on Tuesday, police said: "The police have zero tolerance towards such acts of violence, and will not hesitate to take action against those who blatantly disregard the law."

Phua's pre-trial conference will be held on Sept 2.

If convicted of assault, he can be jailed for up to three years and fined up to $5,000.

Anyone convicted of using criminal force on another person can be jailed for up to three months and fined up to $1,500.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#50
In its earlier statement, the ministry said that it takes a serious view of staff misconduct. Its spokesman added that the ministry will not hesitate to take disciplinary action against those who fail to adhere to its standards of conduct and discipline, including dismissal from service.


Former principal admits to molesting boys in his secondary school

Shaffiq Alkhatib
Court Correspondent


SINGAPORE - The principal of a secondary school molested seven teenage boys on separate occasions at his workplace in 2017, a district court heard on Friday (Aug 28).

The boys, who were between 13 and 15 years old at the time, were at-risk youths who had family problems. They also had disciplinary records both in school and outside.

The school's operations manager often called them to the general office to either serve their detention or to counsel and inform them of the disciplinary action they faced .

Deputy Public Prosecutor Mark Yeo said: "Upon noticing a student... the accused would call him into his room to speak to the student. At times, the accused would also inform the students' teachers of his intention to speak with them and fix a suitable time for them to meet him at his office on the pretext of discussing their disciplinary issues."

The man would then molest the boys in his office.

In an earlier statement, the Ministry of Education (MOE) said that the man is no longer employed by the ministry as of Jan 1, 2018.

The 48-year-old Singaporean pleaded guilty on Friday to three counts of molestation involving three boys.

Eight other charges for similar offences, including those linked to the other four boys, will be taken into consideration during sentencing.
Both the man and the school cannot be named due to a gag order to protect the boys' identities.

Sometime before Aug 20, 2017, the operations manager was talking to one of the victims, then 13 years old, about his disciplinary issues when the accused intervened and said that he would take over the matter.

He then molested the boy after they entered his office.

The DPP said: "(The boy) did not disclose the incident to anyone in its immediate aftermath. Given his disciplinary issues, he felt that no one would believe him if he were to disclose what the accused had done to him."

By using a similar ruse, the man molested a 14-year-old boy in September 2017 and a 13-year-old boy the following month.

In late October that year, the man molested another 14-year-old boy, who told another victim, a 15-year-old student, about his ordeal.

On Oct 25, 2017, the two teenagers told the operations manager about what had happened and the matter was reported to the MOE.

An MOE officer alerted the police on Nov 6 that year, the court heard.

In its earlier statement, the ministry said that it takes a serious view of staff misconduct.

Its spokesman added that the ministry will not hesitate to take disciplinary action against those who fail to adhere to its standards of conduct and discipline, including dismissal from service.

The former principal is now out on bail of $15,000 and he will be sentenced on Oct 6.

For each count of molesting a child below 14 years old, an offender can be jailed for up to five years and fined or caned.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#51
""Travellers found without the required valid documents will be refused entry into Singapore. We will not hesitate to take action against those who present forged documents to seek entry into Singapore, including barring them from entry to Singapore in the future," warned the ministry."

Travellers entering Singapore from India told to produce Covid-19 test results from recognised labs

Staff at Changi Airport Terminal 3 arrival hall assign returning passengers which hotel to serve their stay home notices on May 10, 2020.PHOTO: ST FILE

Clara Chong


All Covid-19 pre-departure test results for travellers from India entering Singapore must come from recognised labs which are internationally accredited or endorsed by the Indian government, said Singapore's Ministry of Health (MOH).

Those without the required valid documents will not be allowed into the country.

Additionally, from today, all travellers - including Singapore citizens and permanent residents - with a recent travel history to India within the last 14 days before coming to Singapore will have to take a serology test. The test detects the presence of antibodies and can show if the person might have been infected.

Those who test positive will be exempted from taking the polymerase chain reaction swab test - which detects the presence of viral genetic material - before the end of their two-week stay-home notice (SHN) period.

The latest directive to produce valid pre-departure test results from recognised labs comes as faked test results are becoming increasingly common in India, with reports of agents and doctors taking bribes to produce them.

This requirement also follows a significant jump in imported cases from India, with the gradual easing of travel rules and loosening of the country's border restrictions.

In the five days from last Thursday to Monday, two-thirds of Singapore's imported cases, or 61 per cent of them, had visited India.

MOH said last Friday that there will be two levels of checks - one at the airport in India before boarding, and the other at the arrival immigration in Singapore.

"Travellers found without the required valid documents will be refused entry into Singapore. We will not hesitate to take action against those who present forged documents to seek entry into Singapore, including barring them from entry to Singapore in the future," warned the ministry.

This new and more stringent border restriction comes in addition to existing requirements - a two-week SHN period at dedicated SHN facilities and a further negative Covid-19 test before the end of the SHN period.

"This covers the full incubation period of Covid-19, and has been effective in preventing spread into our local community," MOH assured.