Malaysia’s long-awaited Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) enforcement has arrived, and it’s already making waves. From Tuesday (1 July), Singapore-registered vehicles without a valid or activated VEP tag face a RM300 ($90) fine. Within the first hour, 10 drivers were penalised, and roadblocks near the Causeway caused traffic snarls.

The rush to comply overwhelmed registration centres, with many motorists facing long waits and unclear instructions. Authorities say the move is about accountability, but for drivers, it’s a costly wake-up call. The grace period is over: compliance is now the only route forward. More on Malaysia's VEP crackdown here.

Hady Mirza, the soulful voice behind Singapore Idol and Asian Idol, has launched a new career as a real estate agent, according to Berita Harian. After four attempts and months of study, he passed his licensing exam in May 2025. His journey – from Grab driver to chilli tempeh seller, from drug rehab to a singing comeback – has been anything but ordinary.

Now, he’s blending his sales experience and public persona to help others navigate property deals. With his wife managing his schedule and his manager handling performances, Hady is balancing both worlds. His story is a testament to resilience, reinvention and the power of second chances.

Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates.

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Tue, 1 July 2025 at 9:39 am SGT

Joel Balbin

10 Singapore drivers fined as Malaysia's VEP enforcement begins

Missed your VEP? Malaysia’s new rule could cost you RM300 ($30), and a long wait. (Photo: ST)

Malaysia’s Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) enforcement kicked off at midnight Tuesday (1 July), and within the first hour, 10 Singapore-registered vehicles were fined RM300 ($90) each for non-compliance. Roadblocks near the Johor Causeway caught drivers without valid or activated VEP tags, ending a long grace period that began in October 2024. The fines must be paid before exiting Malaysia, and failure to comply could lead to court action and steeper penalties.

The sudden enforcement caused a surge in last-minute applications, with Singapore’s sole VEP office overwhelmed by demand. Appointment slots were fully booked through July, and many motorists showed up without bookings, hoping to beat the deadline. The process, plagued by unclear instructions and long waits, left many frustrated.

To ease congestion at checkpoints, Malaysia’s Road Transport Department (JPJ) deployed enforcement teams to strategic locations beyond the border. While the checks won’t run 24/7, Transport Minister Anthony Loke confirmed that operations will be ongoing at various times and places.

The VEP system, first proposed in 2017, uses RFID tags to track foreign vehicles and ensure compliance with road laws. It’s now mandatory for all Singapore-registered vehicles entering Malaysia, with a RM10 registration fee and RM20 road charge per entry.

With over 248,000 vehicles registered but many still untagged, Malaysia’s firm stance signals a new era of cross-border regulation. For Singapore drivers, the message is clear: get your VEP, or get ready to pay.

Read on Malaysia's VEP enforcement here.

Featured

Tue, 1 July 2025 at 9:39 am SGT

Joel Balbin

Police can now freeze accounts to stop scam losses

Singapore police can now freeze scam victims’ bank accounts to prevent further losses under the Protection from Scams Act. (Photo: Getty Images)

Singapore’s police now have sweeping powers to stop scam victims from losing their savings, thanks to the Protection from Scams Act. Effective Tuesday (1 July), the law allows authorities to freeze bank accounts if they believe someone is about to transfer money to a scammer.

The move follows a staggering rise in scam losses, with 2024 alone seeing over 51,000 cases and $1.1 billion in damages. Victims often ignore warnings from banks, police, and family, prompting the need for stronger intervention.

Restriction Orders can block most banking activity, including PayNow, ATM use, and credit facilities. They’re valid for 30 days at a time, extendable up to five times. Victims can still access funds for essentials, but only with police approval.

The law applies to scams conducted via digital or remote communication, not in-person fraud. It’s designed to prevent irreversible financial harm, especially in cases where victims are manipulated into acting against their own interests.

While the Act empowers police to act swiftly, it also raises questions about personal freedom and financial autonomy. Still, with scam tactics growing more sophisticated, many see it as a necessary shield.

Read on Singapore's new scam law here.

Tue, 1 July 2025 at 5:00 pm SGT

Joel Balbin

From Singapore Idol to real estate agent: Hady Mirza’s career pivot

From Grab wheels to property deals, former Singapore Idol winner Hady Mirza’s comeback story keeps evolving. (Photo: Hady Mirza/Instagram)

Hady Mirza, once crowned Singapore Idol and Asian Idol, is now a licensed real estate agent. After four attempts over two years, the 45-year-old singer announced his new career on Instagram, calling it a long-delayed but deeply personal milestone.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hady Mirza (@hadymirzaofficial)

Hady described the real estate exam as “not easy,” telling Berita Harian that it required months of disciplined study and support from his wife, who he credits as his pillar of strength. He passed in May and now operates under ERA Realty Network.

This isn’t his first career detour. Hady previously worked as a Grab driver, ran a chilli tempeh business, and even served as CEO of NHM Entertainment. His journey also included a public fall from grace – he was arrested for marijuana offences in 2018 and underwent rehabilitation.

But he bounced back. In 2019, he made a singing comeback and continues to perform, with upcoming shows in August. His manager handles his music bookings, while his wife manages his schedule.

Hady’s message to aspiring agents? “If you don’t try, you won’t know.” His story is one of grit, growth, and the courage to start over.

Tue, 1 July 2025 at 4:30 pm SGT

Joel Balbin

Singtel CEO Yuen Kuan Moon’s pay jumps 16.8% to $8.2 million

Singtel rewards CEO Yuen Kuan Moon with $8.2 million package after FY2025 net profit soars 400 per cent to $4.02 billion. (Photo: PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images)

Singtel CEO Yuen Kuan Moon saw his total remuneration rise 16.8 per cent to $8.2 million in FY2025, up from S7.02 million the year before. The boost comes on the back of a staggering 400 per cent surge in net profit, which hit $4.02 billion, thanks largely to a one-off $1.3 billion gain from the partial divestment of its Comcentre HQ.

Yuen’s compensation package includes a base salary of $1.3 million, $2.2 million in cash bonuses, and nearly $4.6 million in share-based awards. Singtel’s annual report credits his leadership for steering the company through a strategic reset and into a new growth phase.

That growth phase is branded as Singtel28, a multi-year plan focused on enhancing customer experience, scaling digital services, and delivering long-term shareholder value. The company says FY2025 marks a strong start to this initiative.

, Singtel’s underlying net profit rose 9 per cent to $2.47 billion, with contributions from regional associates and subsidiaries like Optus, NCS, and Nxera.

While the pay hike raised eyebrows, Singtel maintains it reflects performance-based rewards aligned with shareholder interests and long-term value creation.

Read on Singtel CEO’s pay hike amid profit boom here.

Tue, 1 July 2025 at 4:00 pm SGT

Joel Balbin

Creative’s $1 CEO Freddy Sim exits early due to health issues

Creative CEO Freddy Sim exits early due to health issues after less than 3 months at the helm with a token salary. (Photo: REUTERS)

Creative Technology’s CEO Freddy Sim is stepping down, citing health concerns, just weeks after taking on the role. His resignation is effective 11 July, with executive chairman Dr Tan Jok Tin stepping back in as interim CEO.

Sim’s appointment in May was met with optimism, especially after he announced he would draw only $1 per month in salary. The symbolic gesture mirrored that of his late brother, Sim Wong Hoo, who founded the company and passed away in 2023.

Sim brought decades of entrepreneurial experience, and was expected to steer Creative through a strategic revival. However, his early exit has prompted the board to begin a new CEO search.

He will remain involved in a non-executive capacity, ensuring some continuity during the leadership transition. The company has not disclosed further details about his health.

Creative’s stock reacted swiftly, closing lower on the day of the announcement, as investors digested the sudden change in leadership.

Tue, 1 July 2025 at 3:30 pm SGT

Joel Balbin

Korban meat from Singapore to nourish Gaza families

Singapore’s Muslims channel Aidiladha spirit into global aid, donating 16 tonnes of Korban meat to Gaza. (Photo: Faisal Ibrahim/Facebook)

In a show of global solidarity, Singapore Muslims are donating 16 tonnes of Korban meat to Gaza, to be distributed later this year. The meat, sourced from overseas sacrifices, will be canned and delivered through humanitarian partners.

The initiative is part of the annual Hari Raya Haji observance, where Muslims perform the Korban ritual and share the meat with those in need. In Singapore, six mosques are approved to conduct the rites, while most sacrifices are done abroad.

This year’s Korban saw record participation, with a 20 per cent increase in overseas orders. Locally, 39 tonnes of meat will reach nearly 1,000 beneficiaries, including Sohibul Korban and zakat recipients.

Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affair Faishal Ibrahim praised the community’s generosity, calling the donation a “practical expression of worship” and a commitment to supporting those in crisis.

The effort complements earlier fundraising, where over $2.4 million was raised for Gaza through the SG60 Aid for Gaza campaign.

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A post shared by Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim (@muhammadfaishalibrahim)

Tue, 1 July 2025 at 3:00 pm SGT

Joel Balbin

Kryptonite twin holds key to clean energy

A rare mineral once compared to Superman’s kryptonite may hold the key to powering electric vehicles across Europe. (Photo: Associated Press via Natural history museum, Belgrade, Serbia)

It doesn’t glow green or weaken superheroes, but jadarite might just power the future. Scientists have finally figured out how this rare mineral forms, and the implications are electric.

Jadarite, discovered in 2004 in Serbia, is a white, nodular mineral rich in lithium. Its chemical makeup mirrors that of kryptonite from Superman lore, but its real-world value lies in its energy potential.

The Natural History Museum’s team found that jadarite requires a perfect storm of geological ingredients – alkaline lakes, volcanic glass, and clay-based crystal structures – to form.

Because it’s less energy-intensive to extract lithium from jadarite, it could offer a cleaner path to powering electric vehicles and renewable tech.

The discovery may help locate new deposits and reduce Europe’s reliance on imported lithium.

Read on the real-life kryptonite found in Serbia here.

Tue, 1 July 2025 at 2:30 pm SGT

Joel Balbin

India suspends 7 engineers, blacklists 2 firms over faulty bridge design

Guess where is this flyover? 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/CKb1Sq6O2M

— Gems (@gemsofbabus_) June 15, 2025

A newly built ₹18 crore ($2.7 million) bridge in Bhopal, India, has become an internet sensation, for all the wrong reasons. The rail overbridge, designed with a sharp 90-degree turn, drew widespread ridicule and safety concerns, prompting the Madhya Pradesh government to suspend seven engineers and blacklist two firms.

The bridge, located near Aishbagh Stadium, was meant to ease congestion and connect key neighbourhoods. Instead, it became a meme magnet, with critics comparing it to video game obstacle courses and calling it a “death trap”.

🚨 CM Mohan takes action over Bhopal's 90° turn bridge: 8 Engineers of PWD Suspended; Design & Construction Agencies Blacklisted. pic.twitter.com/BWUi5XFVG6

— Gems (@gemsofbabus_) June 28, 2025

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav ordered an inquiry, citing “serious negligence.” The suspended officials include two chief engineers, while architect firm M/s Puneet Chaddha and design consultant M/s Dynamic Consultant were blacklisted.

Officials blamed land constraints and a nearby metro station for the awkward design. However, after public backlash, the government announced the bridge would be redesigned before any inauguration.

A committee has been formed to rework the layout, with plans to widen the curve by three feet. Until then, the bridge remains a cautionary tale in urban planning gone awry.

Tue, 1 July 2025 at 2:00 pm SGT

Joel Balbin

China bat study finds 20 new viruses related to deadly human pathogens

Scientists have discovered 20 new viruses in bats from China’s Yunnan province, two of which are closely related to deadly human pathogens Nipah and Hendra. (Photo: Getty Images)

In a discovery that’s raising eyebrows in the scientific community, researchers have found 20 new viruses in bats from Yunnan, including two closely related to Nipah and Hendra – viruses known for their high fatality rates in humans.

The viruses were detected in fruit bats roosting near orchards close to villages, where human and animal exposure is more likely. Kidney tissue analysis revealed high viral loads, suggesting urine as a key transmission route.

This is the first time full genomes of such henipaviruses have been sequenced in Chinese bats. The study also uncovered a new parasite and bacterial species.

Experts caution that while the viruses’ ability to infect humans is still unknown, their genetic similarity to known pathogens warrants close monitoring.

The research highlights the need for expanded surveillance and ecological awareness in regions where wildlife and humans intersect.

Read on the discovery of 20 new China bat viruses here.

Tue, 1 July 2025 at 1:30 pm SGT

Joel Balbin

ERP 2.0 now warns drivers of flash floods

Singapore’s ERP 2.0 system now delivers real-time flood alerts to motorists via on-board units, enhancing road safety during heavy rain. (Photo: LTA/X)

Singapore motorists now receive real-time flood alerts directly on their ERP 2.0 on-board units (OBUs), thanks to a new feature rolled out by the on Monday (30 June). The alerts notify drivers when they’re approaching roads affected by flash floods, allowing them to take safer, alternative routes.

#OBUUpdates ✨ Introducing flash flood alerts on the #OBU from 30 June 2025! Motorists will receive alerts when approaching or travelling along affected roads. 📱Keep an eye out for more features on the #OBU to further benefit motorists! 🚘 pic.twitter.com/4ilQAUevOH

— LTA (@LTAsg) June 30, 2025

The update comes as part of broader enhancements to the satellite-based ERP 2.0 system, which already provides traffic updates, parking availability, and speed camera alerts. With over 500,000 vehicles already fitted with OBUs, the feature is expected to benefit a large portion of Singapore’s driving population.

Flash floods in Singapore typically subside within an hour, but can pose serious risks during intense downpours. The new alert system aims to reduce accidents and congestion by giving motorists timely, location-specific warnings.

Flood alerts are also available via the myENV app and PUB’s Telegram channel, but the OBU integration offers a hands-free, in-vehicle solution that doesn’t rely on mobile apps or GPS navigation.

LTA says more features are in the pipeline, including payment for missed ERP charges and parking fees via the OBU display.

Read on the ERP 2.0 flood warning roll out here.

Tue, 1 July 2025 at 1:00 pm SGT

Joel Balbin

Doctor used wife’s certs to forge credentials, fool MOH

Singapore doctor Bernard Tan Wen Sheng, who used his wife’s credentials to forge medical certificates and lied to the Ministry of Health (MOH), is now faces jail time. (Photo: Getty Images)

A Singapore doctor has pleaded guilty to forging four certificates of competence to obtain a Ministry of Health (MOH) licence for his aesthetic clinic. Dr Bernard Tan Wen Sheng used his wife’s credentials as templates, altering them to appear as his own. He submitted the doctored documents in February 2023 to support his application for Bay Aesthetics Clinic at Marina Bay Link Mall.

Two of the certificates were for workshops he never attended, while the other two were legitimate but lost. When MOH requested verification, Dr Tan doubled down, claiming the documents were damaged in a house fire and scanned by relatives. Despite warnings about legal consequences, he maintained the lie.

MOH approved the licence in March 2023, but limited his services to those he was verified to perform. He later completed the missing workshops in April. The deception was eventually uncovered, though court documents don’t reveal how.

Dr Tan pleaded guilty to two counts of forgery and one count of giving false information to a public servant. Two additional forgery charges will be considered during sentencing. The prosecution is seeking four to six months’ jail.

Tue, 1 July 2025 at 12:00 pm SGT

Joel Balbin

SAF halts NS FIT after NSman’s sudden death

SAF pauses NS FIT training after NSman collapses post-session and dies in hospital. (Photo: Yahoo News Singapore)

A 30-year-old NSman died after collapsing outside Maju Camp, just minutes after completing an NS FIT session on Monday (30 June). He had reported feeling fine and was allowed to leave the facility.

Emergency services were called at 8:16pm, and the NSman was rushed to National University Hospital. Despite medical efforts, he was pronounced dead less than two hours later.

The SAF has paused all NS FIT training until 4 July, pending a review of safety protocols. The move is described as a precautionary measure to ensure the health and safety of all servicemen.

The NS FIT programme was introduced to encourage regular fitness habits among NSmen, replacing older training schemes with a more flexible structure.

MINDEF has extended its condolences and is providing support to the family. The cause of death remains under investigation.

Read on the NSman's death after an NS FIT session here.

Tue, 1 July 2025 at 11:30 am SGT

Joel Balbin

Lower utility bills ahead as Singapore cuts tariffs

Singapore households to enjoy lower electricity and gas bills from July to September 2025, thanks to falling fuel costs. (Photo: Getty Images)

Good news for Singaporean households: utility bills are going down. SP Group and City Energy have both announced tariff reductions for the third quarter of 2025, citing lower energy and fuel costs. Electricity tariffs will fall by 2.3 per cent, while town gas prices will drop by 0.44 cent per kWh.

Source: SP Group

The average household will save about $2.36 monthly on electricity alone, based on a four-room HDB flat. The new electricity rate is 27.47 cents per kWh before GST, down from 28.12 cents. SP Group attributes the drop to lower natural gas prices, which are used to set energy costs each quarter.

SP Group emphasised that tariffs may continue to fluctuate, depending on global fuel markets. The tariff comprises four components: energy costs, network costs, market support services, and system operation fees.

Source: City Energy

City Energy’s revised gas tariff reflects a similar trend, with the new rate set at 22.28 cents per kWh before GST. The company reviews its rates quarterly, using fuel price data from the preceding months.

City Energy, meanwhile, reaffirmed its commitment to affordability, noting that over 900,000 customers rely on its piped gas services. The company is also exploring green hydrogen to future-proof its energy mix.

These changes come amid easing global energy prices, which had previously surged due to geopolitical instability. The EMA mandates quarterly reviews to ensure tariffs reflect real-time market conditions.

While the savings may seem modest, they offer welcome relief for households navigating inflation and rising living costs.

Read on Singapore's utility rates drop here.

Tue, 1 July 2025 at 11:07 am SGT

Joel Balbin

Certis slammed for intrusive sick leave policy

Certis' live-location sick leave rule ignites privacy, legal, and morale concerns among Singapore’s workforce. (Photos: Paya Lebar Green/EdgeProp; Inset – Certis/Facebook)

Certis, one of Singapore’s leading security firms, is under fire for a controversial sick leave policy that compels employees to either remain at home or share their live location during medical leave. The approach, revealed through internal communications, has fuelled widespread concern about workplace privacy, with HR professionals, legal experts and unions warning of long-term impacts on trust and morale.

A human resource expert criticised the rule as invasive and counterproductive, stating it could cultivate a toxic culture of “presenteeism”, where employees feel obligated to work even when unwell. The expert noted that such policies could increase stress, drive disengagement, and even pose health risks by encouraging sick employees to stay online or visible instead of resting.

Legal experts also cautioned that the live-tracking element may violate the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). According to current legal frameworks, any monitoring must be reasonable, and employees must be informed and consent clearly. Critics argue that mandatory GPS tracking treads a fine line, with potential lawsuits looming if workers perceive the measure as coercive.

Certis has defended its stance, citing the operational sensitivity of the security sector and the strain caused by unplanned absenteeism. With contractual obligations and manpower crunches, management claims the policy is a preventive measure to ensure accountability. However, analysts argue that the real issue may be deeper systemic challenges like poor job satisfaction, overwork, or inadequate staffing structures.

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has responded cautiously, emphasising that while managing absenteeism is important, companies should prioritise trust and transparency. Experts recommend alternatives such as clear sick leave protocols, supervisor training, and regular wellness checks.

Read on Certis' sick leave rule that's triggering controversy here.