With the possibility of haze conditions worsening in the upcoming days, the Singaporean government's Haze Task Force (HTF) has convened and stands ready to roll out the next tier of action plans and advisories to protect the health and well-being of the public.

In a press release issued on Oct. 9, the HTF outlined the measures it was preparing to take to ensure public health, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, children, and those with chronic lung and heart diseases.

The HTF is led by the National Environment Agency (NEA) and comprises 28 government agencies.

As of 7pm on Oct. 9, the 1-hour PM2.5 concentration readings were 69 – 123µg/m3, in Band 2, Elevated, and the 24-hr Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) was 136 – 192, in the Unhealthy range.

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Deteriorating haze situation

NEA said that the 24-hour PSI may exceed 200 and enter the very unhealthy range as the haze situation had deteriorated over the past week due to an increase in hotspots in southern and central Sumatra, as well as unfavourable wind conditions.

It advised the avoidance or minimisation of outdoor activities, particularly for the elderly, pregnant women and children, and especially for those with chronic lung or heart conditions, advising those who felt unwell to seek medical attention.

Healthcare institutions such as public hospitals, polyclinics, and nursing homes have activated their haze preparedness measures, closing windows in wards and corridors, using air purifiers, and reducing ambient temperature through portable air coolers where appropriate.

Mask distribution

Should the PSI enter the very unhealthy range, the People's Association (PA) grassroots organisations will start distributing N95 masks to eligible Singaporeans, such as those who may be more vulnerable to the effects of the haze or may have limited means of obtaining N95 masks.

Mask vending machines will also be made available at selected public transport hubs and social services offices.

Eligible Singaporeans can collect N95 masks or ask family members or friends to collect masks on their behalf using the eligible person’s NRIC at vending machines at selected public transport hubs, Social Service Offices and PA venues.

Eligible persons include:

• Pioneer Generation (PG)
• Merdeka Generation (MG)
• CHAS Orange card holder
• CHAS Blue card holder
• Medical Fee Exemption Card (MFEC) holder
• Recipients of ComCare Assistance

Pregnant women, children (seven to 16 years old), and individuals with medical conditions such as asthma may collect masks at PA venues with their NRICs.

NEA said N95 masks are generally not required for short outdoor exposure, such as commuting between home and school or work, or when indoors.

It advised vulnerable persons to consider wearing an N95 mask when the air quality forecast is in the very unhealthy range (PSI > 200) and if they have to be outdoors for several hours.

However, vulnerable persons with difficulty breathing at rest or on exertion should consult their doctor before using an N95 mask. Any person who feels discomfort when using a mask should take a break from using it.

NEA reassured the public that there are sufficient stocks of N95 masks in retailers' warehouses and government stockpiles.

Preschools and schools

While the PSI is in the very unhealthy range, the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) requires preschools to cease all outdoor activities and strenuous indoor activities.

Preschools are required to ensure that all children remain in enclosed and well-ventilated indoor spaces with doors and windows closed, as well as with fans and air conditioners switched on.

Preschools are to prepare at least one enclosed room with air purifiers turned on to temporarily accommodate children who may be unwell or develop respiratory problems due to the haze.

Likewise, the Ministry of Education and schools have plans to ensure the well-being of staff and students during haze, and all students will be kept in well-ventilated, indoor, enclosed spaces with air purifiers turned on.

Teachers have also been instructed to be on the lookout for students who are unwell or have pre-existing conditions.

Classroom lessons will continue but may be modified where appropriate, such as students being assigned work confined to sit-down classroom settings and avoiding outdoor activities.

Schools will monitor the 1-hour PM2.5 readings throughout the day and adjust activities as needed.

National examinations

Arrangements have been made by schools for students sitting for national examinations to take their papers in enclosed spaces and for air purifiers to be provided, allowing examinations to continue should haze conditions unexpectedly worsen.

Should school closures be necessary and coincide with national examinations, the affected examination papers will be rescheduled, and the examination period extended.

As was the case in 2015, MOE will consider closing schools when the air quality forecast for the next day is Hazardous (24-hour PSI>300).

In making any decision to close schools, MOE is mindful of the disruptions to families’ care arrangements for their children, and will take into consideration all available information, health advisories and forecasts from the relevant authorities regarding the next day’s haze situation.

Announcements on the rescheduling of examinations will be made together with the announcement on school closure, and school and private candidates will be informed through their schools and the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board, respectively.

Should a candidate be unable to sit or continue with the examination, their health must take priority. Schools can escalate the situation to the SEAB in accordance with existing procedures for special consideration, so the candidate will not be penalised.

Employees working outdoors

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) reminded employers not to compromise on the health and safety of their employees, especially employees involved in outdoor work, referring employees to the haze guidelines and tripartite advisories.

It advised employers to adopt the following risk-mitigating measures when the 24-hour PSI enters the very unhealthy range.

• Avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor work for healthy employees.
• Minimise outdoor work for vulnerable workers, especially the elderly and pregnant women.
• Avoid outdoor work for workers with chronic heart and lung conditions.
• Use mechanical aids, implement job rotation, schedule indoor rest breaks and ensure adequate hydration.
• If prolonged or strenuous outdoor work is not avoidable, and an employer still requires an employee to work due to extenuating circumstances, the employer is strongly urged to provide suitable masks (e.g., N95 masks or equivalent).

Haze shelters

Air-conditioned rooms in community clubs (CC), selected residents' committees, and Residents' Network Centres will be set up as haze shelters, allowing members of the public to seek respite from the haze when PSI enters the very unhealthy range.

Residents may contact their nearest CCs for the haze shelter locations and operating hours. If the 24-hour PSI crosses into the hazardous range (PSI > 300), the opening hours of the shelters will extend to 10 pm.

Five Myanmar nationals have been given 21 years' jail over the death of a Belarusian model who was trafficked to a scam compound in Myanmar under the guise of a modelling gig in October 2025.

Vera Kravtsova, a 26-year-old singer and aspiring model, thought that she was meeting modelling recruiters in Bangkok, but ended up being trafficked across the Thai-Myanmar border.

She was reportedly made to work at a scam compound in Myanmar.

Her family lost contact with her in early October 2025, and they were told her body had been "cremated" after they did not meet ransom demands to repatriate her body.

Arrest warrants issued

According to Burmese news outlet DVB, the five individuals were sentenced to 21 years in prison.

Arrest warrants were also issued for three other Myanmar and two Tajkistanis nationals in relation to the case.

It is not known how the local police tracked and arrested the five suspects.

Background

Kravtsova reportedly left Minsk around early September 2025 for a purported modelling gig in Bangkok.

She later ended up in Myanmar and was forced to carry out scam work at a compound.

Sometime in early October 2025, her family stopped hearing from her.

They were later told that the 26-year-old had died.

The family received messages demanding US$500,000 (S$646,400) for the return of her body.

They refused to pay, and were told her body had been "cremated".

Russian outlets claimed that her organs had been sold because she failed to bring in enough earnings for the syndicate.

Myanmar recently passed an anti-scam law, punishing those found guilty of being involved in forced labour, torture and cyber-fraud operations with life imprisonment or capital punishment.

The court has fined catering company Gourmetz S$13,000 for food safety offences in connection with the gastroenteritis outbreak in River Valley Primary School.

In mid-January 2026, students reported experiencing gastroenteritis symptoms after eating lunch from the school's central kitchen, which was supplied by Gourmetz.

According to the Singapore Food Agency (SFA)'s Oct. 9 media release, 45 students were affected. One was hospitalised and has since recovered.

Together with the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA), the SFA conducted a joint inspection at Gourmetz’s premises on Jan. 16 and identified multiple food safety lapses.

These included storing food in dirty containers and trolleys, according to charge sheets.

When SFA followed up with another inspection on Jan. 28, it found further food storage violations as well as false food labelling.

On Oct. 9, the company pleaded guilty to three charges for failing to ensure its food establishment is properly maintained and kept clean, labelling food falsely, and failing to ensure that food was stored in a way that was protected from contamination.

Another three similar charges were taken into consideration for sentencing.

The company was fined S$13,000 and paid it that same day.

First inspection

During the Jan. 16 inspection, CDA and SFA found that several chiller rooms at Gourmetz's premises were not clean and well maintained.

The rubber gasket of door at the meat chiller room was damaged.

In the seafood chiller room, the built-in rack was dirty with accumulated scum, while in the processed vegetable chiller room, the ceiling was dirty with black spots.

Some food was also found stored in ways that could risk contamination.

In the processed vegetable chiller room, there was sauce kept in a dirty thermal tub with accumulated stains on its exterior.

Marinated chicken was also stored on a dirty trolley with accumulated food stains in the meat chiller room.

Furthermore, the authorities assessed that two ready-to-eat sets (steam chicken rice and garlic fried rice) produced by Gourmetz contained Bacillus cereus, a bacteria that can cause food poisoning, exceeding the permissible limit.

Follow-up inspection

During the Jan. 28 inspection, SFA discovered additional food storage violations.

Two trays of frozen pastries were left uncovered in the raw material freezer.

In the meat chiller room, four trays of raw marinated chicken were kept on dirty plastic pallets in the meat chiller room, and more on two dirty trolleys that had food stains at the bottom and side.

There were also bento meal sets prepared for sale and labelled “Ready by: 830AM”, which was false, SFA said.

These sets were actually packed and ready earlier, at about 6:48am, therefore giving a false impression that the food would last till a later hour.

The prosecution sought a fine of S$13,000, which the court imposed, CNA reported.

At court, Gourmetz's representative was asked for the company's mitigation, and he replied that he had nothing to say.

There’s no mistaking it: Formula 1 season has returned to Singapore. Jerseys are appearing around the city, while conversations among friends have turned to lap times, race strategies, concerts, and of course, the perennial question: “Who do you think will win?”

For 189 fans, however, the days leading up to the race turned into an experience they will never forget.

As Shell GO+ and Shell Fleet members, these lucky fans were invited to a chance to get up close with Scuderia Ferrari HP drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc at an exclusive driver event, all thanks to pumping Shell V-Power in August 2026.

Held on a Thursday afternoon on Oct. 8, at Wakuda Restaurant and Bar at Marina Bay Sands, Shell’s Beyond the Track event brought fans closer to the action ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix.

“We’ll be rooting for you!”

Dressed in their best Scuderia Ferrari HP jerseys, the fans arrived brimming with excitement and anticipation for the chance to see two of the biggest names in Formula 1 in person.

The afternoon kicked off with Shell-themed drinks and delicious canapés courtesy of Wakuda, and fans were also given the opportunity to take part in a Reaction Wall challenge where they could put their agility to the test.

For husband-and-wife pair Yuszairi, 40, and Humaira, 38, the invitation came as a complete surprise to them.

When Yuszairi first received the email informing him that he had been selected, he was “at a loss for words” — so much so that he initially thought it might be a scam.

For the couple, there was one simple message they wanted to share with Hamilton and Leclerc ahead of the race.

“We’ll be rooting for you, Lewis and Leclerc,” said Humaira.

Chloe, 48, was equally thrilled to be part of the experience.

She said she and her son, Dylan, a young go-karter and huge Lewis Hamilton fan, were overjoyed when they received the email informing them they had been selected.

Unfortunately, Dylan was unable to attend due to exams.

As such, he left Chloe with an important mission: to pass a photo and message from him to Lewis Hamilton.

Getting up close with the drivers

After a 13-question trivia game tested just how well the fans knew their favourite drivers, the moment everyone had been waiting for finally arrived.

The room erupted in cheers as Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc walked in, greeting the fans with smiles before taking part in a series of activities and conversations.

The interactive segment kicked off with two rounds of a blind box activity, where the drivers had to reach their hands into a box and guess the object inside.

During a virtual fan Q&A, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were asked which tracks they considered their favourites.

Lewis Hamilton picked Silverstone Circuit in England, while Charles Leclerc chose the Circuit de Monaco — their respective home races, for those less familiar with the F1 calendar.

“We’re biased in that respect,” Lewis Hamilton said.

“Both of those tracks are iconic and amazing to drive,” he added. “The experience that you get to have with the fans… plus you’re home with your family, you get home-cooked food.”

Leclerc also highlighted that Singapore “is one of my favourite tracks”.

“I’m a big fan of city tracks in general, so I’m looking forward to [the race],” he said.

Chloe also got the opportunity to ask the drivers a question, this time on behalf of her son.

“My son Dylan is a young karter, and karting has helped him through some personal challenges and given him purpose. What advice would you give kids like him about believing in themselves and never giving up when times get tough?”

Lewis Hamilton’s answer was simple but heartfelt.

“The best thing I can say to him is just never give up… It’s probably one of the most important things that my dad told me when I was a kid,” he said.

“And always believe in yourself.”

Another fan asked the drivers what their dream car livery might look like if they had the chance to design their own.

For Charles Leclerc, the answer was inspired by a childhood favourite.

“I quite liked Lightning McQueen when I was a kid,” he said, adding that he would probably put the number 95 on his car.

The event was also graced by local celebrity radio DJ Sonia Chew and Mediacorp actor Desmond Tan.

A partnership that goes beyond the track

Shell has had a long-standing relationship with Scuderia Ferrari HP, with an Innovation Partnership focused on fuels and lubricants.

Besides the exclusive driver experience, Shell customers also had the chance to get their hands on Scuderia Ferrari HP merchandise.

Throughout September 2026, every litre of Shell V-Power pumped gave Shell GO+ and Shell Fleet customers one chance to win limited-edition merch, including signed caps, driver T-shirts, racing jackets and mini helmets.

Shell V-Power is also the only fuel used, trusted, and recommended by Ferrari.

100 per cent of the performance-boosting technology used in Shell V-Power road fuel is used by Scuderia Ferrari HP on the track.*

It cleans critical engine parts fully and helps to remove the build-up of performance-robbing deposits, to help keep the engine going.

“I also want to highlight the importance of the partnership between Shell and Ferrari. What you have been experiencing over the years is us having the products and the services on the ground, and thank you for all the support, especially the V-Power community for supporting us,” said Tan Min Yih, Senior Vice President of Shell Mobility Asia.

And for Shell customers, the experience extends to bringing selected Shell GO+ and Shell Fleet members closer to the Innovation Partnership between Shell and Scuderia Ferrari HP.

A race-week experience to remember

“It is not just about bringing products, it is not just about services. It is also the moments, and this moment is one that we will definitely enjoy,” Tan said.

For more on the celebration, check out Shell Singapore’s social media pages for event highlights and moments with the drivers.

This branded article by Shell has this writer all pumped up for race weekend.

*The Shell V-Power Race fuel which is supplied to Scuderia Ferrari HP for the FIA Formula One World Championship is not a product which is available for purchase at Shell stations. "Performance Boosting Technology" is the gasoline fuel additive. Actual effects and benefits may vary according to vehicle type, vehicle age, vehicle condition and driving style. No guarantees provided.

The family of the man who was killed in his Sengkang flat by his adopted daughter has gone to the courts to prevent the jailed murderer from inheriting his estate.

It was previously reported that on Nov. 3, 2022, Tan Qiu Yan, 35, hacked her adoptive father, Tan Ah Bang, 67, to death with a chopper.

The killing was motivated by an asset dispute between the two, and she was sentenced to 18 years' jail for culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

Shin Min Daily News has now reported that the family of Tan Ah Bang has gone to the courts to prevent Tan Qiu Yan from inheriting her adoptive father's estate, including the Sengkang flat that was the subject of the dispute.

Background

During sentencing, Tan Qiu Yan was found to suffer from a delusional disorder and believed that her adoptive father would kick her out of their flat.

Her adoptive mother, Koh Li Hua, had previously promised to leave her share of the Sengkang flat to her adopted daughter.

After Koh passed away, Tan Qiu Yan and Tan Ah Bang began to argue over the assets, leading her to purchase a chopper in September 2022 and plan the act.

She killed him two months later after he denied sharing ownership of the flat with her.

She hacked at his neck more than 45 times with the blade.

Afterwards, she called the police.

New developments

According to Shin Min, a woman named Tan Ya He (transliteration) filed an application to the courts to block Tan Qiu Yan as the inheritor of the estate.

She confirmed that she was Tan Ah Bang's second sister and said the deceased's other sisters jointly shared S$30,000 in legal fees to file the suit.

"We will not forgive her," Tan Ya He told Shin Min.

"Those are my younger brother's things, and we would definitely want to get it back. We will not touch [Tan Qiu Yan's] things, such as what her adoptive mother left to her – she probably has S$60,000 with her."

She shared that her brother and his wife had raised Tan Qiu Yan since she was little and supported her through her university education.

However, Tan Qiu Yan was never able to hold a job for long.

She also wondered why she had to kill her adoptive father, saying, "If she just waited a while until her father passed away, all his assets would eventually be hers."

She further lamented:

"She has already killed my younger brother, why would we give her his things? Is that right? Can anyone just kill their parents and take away their assets?"

Assets in question

Tan Ya He also revealed to Shin Min that her brother's estate included Central Provident Fund (CPF) savings, his bank account, and the four-room flat.

However, she said she did not know the exact amount or value of the assets.

If the family members of the deceased man are able to recover his assets, they will divide it among themselves, she added.

When asked about her brother's reluctance to hand over ownership of the flat to his adopted daughter, Tan Ya He said he had once shared that he had plans for his retirement.

He was preparing to sell his flat and move into a smaller one in the event that he needed money, and believed his daughter could still work or marry.

According to legal experts who spoke to Shin Min, the convicted murderer may have automatically forfeited her right to inherit the property as a prisoner given that she had committed the murder.

In such a case, if Tan Ah Bang left a will, the estate will go to the other beneficiaries.

If he did not, his assets will be returned to the state.

Tan Qiu Yan is also still able to hire a lawyer to represent her in this inheritance dispute, it was reported.

The aftermath

Tan Ah Bang was the seventh of eight siblings, according to Tan Ya He.

He had one older brother, five older sisters, and one younger sister.

Tan Ya He claimed that she had a good relationship with her siblings, and occasionally met for meals or holidays.

Whenever she visited her brother, Tan Qiu Yan would stay in the room.

Tan Ya He added that the door to her brother's flat is still locked to this day, and that they are unable to enter to retrieve his belongings.

Shin Min reporters visited the flat and confirmed that the door was locked and covered in dust.

The nearby electricity meter box contained some of Tan Qiu Yan's belongings, including a parcel box, slippers, and a broom.

Tan Ya He also tearfully shared that her brother's remains were mutilated as Tan Qiu Yan had hacked his body to pieces.

The police did not let his family see his body, as they thought they would be too upset.

His body was subsequently cremated.

"We will never see her again. Even after she is released from prison, we will not help her. She will have to follow fate," Tan Ya He said.

An online loan scam reportedly led to a single mother in Thailand allegedly killing herself and her two children.

On Oct. 6, the local police station was alerted to three bodies being found in a low rent housing unit in Bang Khuwa.

The school that the two children had attended had alerted the police after the children did not attend school.

Officers found a suicide note at the scene, alongside other records related to loans.

Investigations revealed a possible motive stemming from the mother falling victim to an online scam.

The scam, according to Chiang Rai Times, would involve the scammers luring victims in by offering quick online cash.

They would then ask for their personal information before asking them to make upfront payments.

The scammers would ask the victims to read certain sentences out loud while recording themselves. Any mistake made doing so would incur “penalty fees”.

The scammers were able to scam about 1,000 Baht (S$38.16) from the single mother. Money she desperately needed to tide her over until the end of the month.

She was able to file a report through an online police reporting system. However, she reportedly remained burdened by financial debt and emotional distress, leading to the suspected murder-suicide of the family.

On Oct. 8, the police were able to arrest two suspects related to the case, a 20-year-old and a 29-year-old. The 29-year-old woman is believed to be the mastermind behind the operation.

Police investigations are ongoing.

In a drunken stupor, a 49-year-old Singaporean woman forcefully kissed two brothers, then 16 and 23, on their cheeks and lips at Boon Lay Shopping Centre.

According to court documents seen by Mothership, the woman, Goh Mei Chi, faced two charges for outrage of modesty.

She pleaded guilty and was sentenced on Oct. 9, 2026, to a total of 21 weeks in jail, according to The Straits Times.

She also faced other charges for separate offences.

Did not know the two brothers

On the night of the incident at around 11:10pm on Feb. 12, 2024, Goh had noticed the duo, walked towards them, and grabbed one brother's collar.

She then kissed him on the cheek and lips.

Goh then ran towards the other brother and did the same. Goh and the brothers did not know each other.

As the brothers walked away in shock, Goh shouted towards them in a mix of English and Mandarin.

When they tried to walk past her towards the exit of the shopping centre, Goh grabbed the bag of groceries one of the brothers' was holding and threw it onto the floor.

The brothers contacted the police afterwards.

Had drunk quite a bit

Goh was arrested around 1:35am on Feb. 13, 2024, and was released on a personal bond the next day.

Investigations revealed Goh had drank around 10 cups of beer prior to the offence.

A personal bond allows an accused to be released from remand, without requiring a surety or bailor, by providing his or her own property or money to the court as security to ensure that he or she will continue to attend all Court hearings as required, according to the Singapore Courts website.

A personal bond is also conditional on the accused not committing an offence, among others.

Smashed bottles on ground at coffee shop

However, on Mar. 5, 2024, Goh again got into trouble at a coffee shop in Jurong West after drinking.

At about 10:31pm that evening, Goh approached a table of friends and grabbed a bottle off the table.

She later threw beer bottles onto the ground, causing them to shatter. A man at the table later stepped on a glass shard by accident.

Goh was arrested at around 11:20pm on Mar. 5, 2024. She was released on a personal bond on Mar. 7.

Drunk, refused to go home

Goh went on to re-offend again while on personal bond, this time on Sep. 8, 2024, at around 1:14am.

Police received a call regarding a drunken woman in the vicinity of Block 186 Boon Lay Avenue that evening.

Goh refused the responding officer's request to return home and also raised her voice at the officers attending to the call.

She was arrested at around 2:55am.

Investigations revealed she had consumed alcohol, including at least one bottle of beer, one can of beer and one bottle of soju.

ST reported that Goh pleaded guilty to one count each of molestation, behaving in a disorderly manner and causing annoyance to others while drunk in a public place.

Three other charges were taken into consideration during sentencing, ST wrote.

The American burger chain Five Guys has shut down its outlet at ION Orchard, leaving only one outlet left in Singapore.

The restaurant outlet has been closed since Sep. 6, 2026, with the restaurant facade blocked by hoardings.

There was no indication as to what might replace the burger chain.

Mothership reached out to Zouk Group, Five Guys's franchisee in Singapore for comment.

It confirmed that the outlet has closed down and is not relocating elsewhere. It also encouraged customers to visit the outlet at Plaza Singapura.

Five Guys first opened in Singapore in 2019.

It had three outlets in Singapore, at Plaza Singapure, ION Orchard and Nex at Serangoon, but is now down to one.

A consumer complained that he was unable to receive a 10-cent refund as the Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS) sticker on his drink container was not legitimate.

He took to Facebook to share his issue on Sep. 29, 2026.

Paid 10 cents more per can

He said he bought two cans of Red Bull from a shop in Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10 on Sep. 29.

He was charged 10 cents more per can.

On his receipt, the extra 20 cents was listed as "BCRS deposit".

However, he could not get a refund from the Return Right machine subsequently.

He wrote on social media: "I discovered that the container/ deposit mark was not registered or recognised, which meant I could not get my deposit back."

He added: "If a retailer is collecting the $0.10 deposit, consumers should reasonably expect that the container is eligible for a refund under the official deposit return system."

According to a photo of the beverage cans he took, a 10-cent refund logo was present, but there was no deposit mark or barcode.

The man informed the National Environment Agency (NEA) about the issue.

He also urged consumers to always ask for a receipt when making purchases.

BCRS Ltd response

In response to media queries, a BCRS Ltd spokesperson told Mothership that the drinks in this case have not been registered and carried an unapproved sticker.

They are not approved for a deposit refund as a result.

"We have contacted the producer concerned to take the necessary corrective actions, including requesting a recall of the unregistered stock," the spokesperson added.

Stickers on cans allowed

Under the scheme, BCRS-approved deposit mark stickers are an accepted form of labelling for registered products.

The sticker can be pasted on beverages with packaging artwork that cannot be modified to include the deposit mark and/ or a new barcode.

However, stickers must be procured through BCRS-appointed vendors and comply with the applicable deposit mark and barcode requirements, the spokesperson said.

A Return Right machine will reject a stickered container if the product does not carry the required deposit mark and a barcode registered with BCRS Ltd.

Consumers who encounter an uncrushed container carrying a deposit mark and intact barcode that is rejected by the Return Right machine can contact hi@returnright.sg for assistance.

A clear photo of the product, barcode, and purchase location should be provided.

A Chinese family visiting Singapore was alarmed when their two-year-old girl was bitten by a snake near the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) on the night of Oct. 4.

The family had been taking a stroll along a pavement outside the ACM, the girl's mother recounted in a Xiaohongshu post that has since been deleted.

They did not walk on the grass nor disturb any wildlife, she said.

Then, all of a sudden, the girl's ankle was bitten hard by a snake.

The wound immediately turned red and swelled up, and the girl kept crying in pain.

The family quickly called an ambulance, and later contacted the National Parks Board (NParks) to alert them about the snake.

In response to Mothership's queries, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said they received a call for assistance at 1 Empress Place at about 10:25pm that night.

They conveyed one person to KK Women's and Children's Hospital.

Condition has improved

After the girl was brought to the hospital, the family paid for the medical bills themselves, the girl's mother said.

According to HK01, she updated in the comments section on Oct. 6 that her daughter's condition had improved significantly.

In her post, the mother added that a friend of hers has lived in Singapore for over 20 years and has never seen a snake there before.

She warned families travelling in Singapore not to take the safety around tourist attractions as guaranteed, and to watch their step closely when they bring children out at night.

No snake found by NParks

NParks was alerted to the snake bite incident, confirmed NParks' group director for wildlife management How Choon Beng.

In a statement, he said that NParks carried out a survey of the area immediately, but no snake was located.

NParks will continue to monitor the area and relocate any snakes sighted.

How added that based on photos, the snake is likely to be a reticulated python.

The species, native to Singapore, can occasionally be encountered in urban areas.

"It is non-venomous and generally poses little threat to humans, especially if undisturbed," he said.

He also reminded members of public who encounter a snake in a public area to observe from a safe distance, stay calm, and back away slowly to give it space to retreat.

If bitten by a snake, they should seek medical attention immediately.

The snake should also be left alone, especially if it is in its natural habitat.

If assistance is required, members of the public can call the Animal Response Centre helpline at 1800-476-1600.