Singapore
Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower calls for increased vigilance amid fatalities spike in 2023
The Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM) appeals in its latest statement for increased workplace safety vigilance, following a rise in fatal injuries in 2022. MOM, citing deficient risk control and negligence, warns against a recurrence and plans stricter enforcement of safety measures.
SINGAPORE: In an urgent appeal to employers on Monday (7 August), the Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM) demanded increased vigilance to ensure workplace safety.
This comes after an increase in workplace fatalities in 2022 compared to the previous year. MOM pointed to negligent risk control measures and individual negligence as the main culprits for these tragedies.
“We must not have a repeat of the spate of accidents in 2022,” Mr Silas Sng, Commissioner for Workplace Safety and Health, Ministry of Manpower, warned sternly. “MOM will hold responsible parties fully accountable if they fail to protect the safety and well-being of workers.”
MOM has recently introduced stricter penalties for safety breaches, including a doubling of the fines for each lapse, mandating Chief Executives to be personally responsible for lapses resulting in serious or fatal incidents, and requiring companies with significant injuries and Stop Work Orders to hire external auditors for a thorough review of their safety procedures. The ministry will continue to strictly enforce these measures.
The Ministry cited two recent cases as a chilling reminder of what happens when safety is ignored.
On 15 June, a 20-year-old Indian national worker was tragically killed when a wall at a demolition site in Tanjong Pagar collapsed on him. Despite strenuous efforts by the elite Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (DART) and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) personnel, the man was found trapped under the wreckage and was declared dead at the scene.
In another incident on 11 July, a 33-year-old worker at a worksite in Jurong West was killed when he was struck by a reversing wheel loader. Despite immediate attention from SCDF paramedics, the man died at the scene.
“Had the right safety measures been in place, and had greater care been taken to ensure a safe work environment, these fatalities could have been prevented.” said MOM in its statement.
In 2022, the MOM recorded 46 fatal workplace injuries, nine more than in 2021. The workplace fatal injury rate also rose to 1.3 fatal injuries per 100,000 workers.
Following the tragic incident that occurred at the Tuas Port Phase 2 construction worksite on 29 July, Singapore recorded 17 workplace deaths in 2023.
The Ministry pledged to enforce stricter safety measures, in an attempt to reverse the worrying trend.
Crime
Singaporean fugitive deported from Thailand, to be charged with drug trafficking
A Singaporean fugitive arrested in Thailand, was deported to Singapore on 19 September 2024 and faces drug trafficking charges. Authorities expect him to face the death penalty under Singapore’s tough drug laws for running a smuggling operation between Thailand, Australia, and Singapore.
A 31-year-old Singaporean man, wanted for drug trafficking offences, was arrested in Thailand and deported to Singapore on 19 September 2024.
The fugitive, identified as Benny Kee Soon Chuan, was apprehended by Thai police at his residence near Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport and will face charges in court on 20 September.
Kee, described as a high-level trafficker, ran a smuggling operation that trafficked crystal methamphetamine, ketamine, and Ecstasy to Australia and Singapore using Thailand as a transit hub, according to Pol Lt Gen Panurat Lakboon, secretary-general of Thailand’s Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB).
Cross-Border Investigation and Arrest
The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) of Singapore had issued an arrest warrant for Kee following investigations into two drug trafficking cases in December 2020 and November 2022.
He had been on the run since 11 April 2016, prompting CNB to collaborate with its international counterparts, including the ONCB. Thai authorities were tipped off by CNB on 12 August 2024, and after weeks of investigation, Kee was apprehended on 17 September.
Thai immigration officials revealed that Kee had entered Thailand earlier in 2024 using a Vanuatu passport.
Following his arrest, Kee’s Thai visa was cancelled, and assets worth 15 million baht (S$585,000), including luxury watches, gold pieces, and a luxury car, were seized during a raid on his residence in Samut Prakan.
Lt Gen Panurat confirmed that the fugitive had been living an affluent lifestyle in Thailand despite lacking legitimate employment.
Links to Broader Drug Network
Kee is believed to be linked to other Singaporean traffickers involved in the smuggling of drugs from Thailand.
In March 2021, Thailand’s Anti-Trafficking in Persons Task Force (AITF) intercepted packages containing Ecstasy and ketamine destined for Singapore, as well as crystal methamphetamine bound for Australia.
Two other Singaporean men, aged 21 and 29 at the time of their arrests, were later sentenced to imprisonment and caning in Singapore for their involvement in these operations, which were connected to Kee’s trafficking network.
Death Penalty Under Singaporean Law
Kee’s deportation to Singapore brings him under the jurisdiction of Singapore’s severe drug laws, which prescribe the death penalty for those convicted of trafficking substantial amounts of controlled substances.
Singaporean authorities have indicated that he could face the death penalty under the country’s strict drug trafficking laws. Pol Lt Gen Panurat indicated that Singaporean authorities are expected to seek the maximum penalty for Kee’s alleged offences.
Arts & Culture
Epigram Books to close SAM bookshop amid low sales and footfall
Epigram Books will shut down its bookshop at the Singapore Art Museum on 26 January 2025, citing low sales and foot traffic. The independent bookstore, known for supporting local authors, will continue to operate its online store, but its future in brick-and-mortar retail is uncertain.
Epigram Books, a major supporter of Singaporean literature, will close its Epigram Coffee Bookshop at the Singapore Art Museum (SAM) on 26 January 2025.
The decision comes after years of struggling with low sales and foot traffic at the Tanjong Pagar Distripark location, marking the end of the bookstore’s three-year lease.
The announcement on 19 September follows Times Bookstores’ closure of its final outlet in Holland Road, highlighting the growing challenges faced by brick-and-mortar bookstores in Singapore.
Edmund Wee, publisher at Epigram Books, expressed disappointment, stating: “We tried everything to make this work. Over the past three years, we’ve often asked ourselves, how many people even knew our bookstore existed here, let alone visited?”
Despite efforts to boost traffic, including operating shuttles to increase accessibility, the bookstore struggled to attract visitors consistently.
Epigram Coffee Bookshop, previously located at the Urban Redevelopment Authority Centre on Maxwell Road and later in a pop-up at Beach Road, relocated to SAM in May 2022 in partnership with Balestier Market Collective.
The 20-seater store featured towering shelves showcasing local and Southeast Asian titles, including books from other independent publishers like Ethos Books and Math Paper Press.
However, the location’s industrial setting, which only saw spikes in visitors during major exhibitions like Olafur Eliasson’s, limited consistent footfall.
The closure coincides with the end of Eliasson’s exhibit on 22 September 2024. Although the exhibition provided a temporary boost to the bookshop’s sales, Epigram noted that the increased traffic was short-lived.
Epigram’s future in physical retail remains uncertain. Mr Wee indicated that high rental costs make reopening a physical store unlikely: “Unless rent prices relent, it’s unlikely we’ll move into another space.”
Epigram Books has been a significant presence in Singapore’s independent book scene, promoting local authors and holding literary events.
The bookshop was also a community hub for the literary arts, hosting numerous book launches and events supporting local writers. “These spaces are special to our literary arts community. They’re where book lovers gather, where literary events and book launches happen in support of our writers,” said Mr Wee.
Despite the closure of the SAM store, Epigram will continue to operate its online store. The publisher emphasized the need for continued support from readers: “We’ve come this far with everyone’s support, and we look forward to continued support from our readers as we transition to focus on online sales.”
-
Singapore1 week ago
Minister K Shanmugam transfers Astrid Hill GCB to UBS Trustees for S$88 Million following Ridout Road controversy
-
Politics5 days ago
Dr Tan Cheng Bock questions S$335 million Founders’ Memorial cost, citing Lee Kuan Yew’s stance
-
Singapore2 weeks ago
Singapore woman’s suicide amidst legal battle raises concerns over legal system
-
Parliament1 week ago
Minister Shanmugam rejects request for detailed information on visa-free visitor offences: Cites bilateral considerations
-
Politics2 days ago
Lee Hsien Loong warns of limited political space if election margins narrow
-
Parliament1 week ago
PAP MPs attack WP Gerald Giam in Parliament over NTUC independence from ruling party
-
Politics2 weeks ago
PAP adopts SDP policies after criticizing them: Dr Chee urges Singaporeans to see through tactics
-
Politics1 week ago
11 former or current PAP MPs & Ministers underscore heavy presence in NTUC leadership