An SBS Transit employee who helped an elderly woman lying in the middle of a road in Jurong West was awarded the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) Community First Responder Award.

In addition to receiving SCDF's recognition of his outstanding act of compassion and public-spiritedness, Wong Chee Chuon was commended in a Facebook post on Jul. 3 by SBS Transit.

The incident took place in March 2026.

Woman lying on the road

On Mar. 25, Wong, who is an Assistant Interchange Supervisor, spotted an elderly woman lying across a two-lane road along Jurong West Avenue 3, just outside Boon Lay Bus Interchange.

In footage circulated on social media, she remained in the same position as the traffic light turned from green to red.

The clips also captured a man standing on the road directing traffic away from her; he was later identified as Wong.

According to Lianhe Zaobao, Wong rushed to the scene immediately after being alerted by the interchange's control centre.

Refusal to move

Though the elderly woman was emotionally distressed and initially refused to move, Wong, along with another individual, managed to help her to the side of the road.

Responding to Mothership's queries, the SCDF confirmed they received a call for assistance at around 3:50pm.

According to SBS Transit's post, while waiting for the ambulance to arrive, Wong stayed by the elderly woman's side, patiently comforting her and supporting her back with his hand.

Photo from SBS Transit Ltd/Facebook

Though the woman grew increasingly agitated and shouted at Wong and his colleagues to leave her alone, he remained calm.

Wong explained that they were only there to help and continued to soothe her until SCDF personnel arrived to take over.

Helping is a 'natural thing'

Reflecting on the incident, Wong said, "Helping those in need is a natural thing for me. I'm glad I was able to help at the time."

SBS Transit congratulated Wong on his award, adding that his actions demonstrated how one person's willingness to step forward can make a meaningful difference.

Have you noticed new grey plastic bags at a FairPrice store recently?

Checks by Mothership found that some outlets in Dawson, Toa Payoh, Chinatown Point and Jurong East started providing these grey bags about two weeks back.

Sustainability effort

Mothership understands these new carrier bags incorporate 30 per cent recycled plastics.

The bags will be rolled out gradually across all FairPrice stores to replace the current white plastic bags as part of an islandwide trial.

As part of its sustainability efforts, FairPrice Group also started a "No Plastic Bag" initiative in September 2019 to encourage consumers to bring their own reusable bags by charging for plastic bags.

In 2022, the initiative was implemented across all 178 Cheers and FairPrice Xpress convenience stores and 11 FairPrice supermarkets.

This was before it became compulsory under the National Environmental Agency (NEA)’s Resource Sustainability Act for major supermarket operators to charge at least 5 cents per disposable carrier bag.

The man, who allegedly spat at a police officer who was attending to a fire in Yishun, has been charged in court.

On Jul. 6, he was handed one count of using criminal force towards a public servant, intending to deter him from discharging his duties.

According to charge sheets, Mohamad Yazid bin Junaineh, 43, was under a remission order at the time.

He was previously in prison and placed under a remission order when released from Apr. 15, 2024, to Oct. 12, 2026.

During this time, he must not commit any offence as part of the remission order.

For breaching it, he could get an enhanced sentence of imprisonment for up to 102 days, which is the remaining duration of his order.

The charge sheets did not give details on his previous offence.

What happened

The police and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) were attending to a fire that broke out at Block 381 Yishun Ring Road around 5:10pm on Jul. 3.

In videos that circulated on social media, Yazid, wearing a red vest and red shoes, could be seen taunting the police officers.

He appeared to challenge an officer by saying, "I cannot hear, I cannot hear," then walked away shouting, "Don't talk to me!"

The police said he scolded vulgarities at the officers, continuously shouted, and created a disturbance, the police said.

Upon being engaged by officers, the man refused to cease his behaviour and spat on an officer.

This happened sometime between 7:30pm to 7:50pm, according to charge sheets.

He was arrested at the scene.

On Jul. 6, the court ordered for him to be remanded at the Institute of Mental Health for a medical examination.

His case was adjourned to Jul. 20 for a further mention.

People’s Power Party (PPP) secretary-general Goh Meng Seng has stepped down from his role.

The party made the announcement in a Jul. 6 Facebook post.

This is part of the opposition party's leadership renewal, it added.

William Lim Lian Chin will replace Goh after he was elected as PPP's new secretary-general.

He had contested Ang Mo Kio GRC for the party during GE2025.

The party has completed its central executive committee renewal plan, PPP said in a Facebook post.

Derrick Sim, who was part of the PPP's GE2025 Tampines GRC team, also stepped down as party chairman and from the central executive committee.

“The party thank them for their past contributions and leadership with great gratitude,” the PPP announced.

It added: "The Party under the new leadership will continue to strive on in providing Singaporeans a Real Voice of Truthful Concerns and contribute towards the robust development of Democracy for Singapore."

A 24-year-old Singaporean man died following a suspected lightning strike off Pasir Ris Beach on Jul. 5.

He has been identified as Mikhail Benyamin, a freelance sea sports instructor.

Tributes and condolences for the deceased remembered him as a dependable "big brother" figure who was deeply passionate about water sports.

What happened

Mikhail was having a picnic at Pasir Ris Park with his family and friends before the group went out to sea to paddle, it was previously reported.

As a freelance instructor with Outdoor Adventures and Kokomo Beach Club, he borrowed five kayaks and several paddles from the club, whose staff are permitted to use them outside of work hours.

Although it was an informal event, Mikhail had conducted a standard safety briefing for the group before heading out.

Mikhail and seven others aged between 13 and 54 were kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding within the designated area and were returning to shore when the lightning struck.

Police confirmed they were alerted to the incident at 131 Pasir Ris Road at about 4:50pm.

Mikhail was taken unconscious to the hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

Five others were taken to Sengkang General Hospital and two were conveyed to KK Women's and Children's Hospital.

Skies had been clear, no warning sirens

Outdoor Adventures Chief Operating Officer Berwin Tan told CNA on Jul. 6 that standard safety protocols dictate customers must return to shore immediately if a lightning alert is activated.

In severe weather, the company also deploys sirens, whistles, and direct calls to recall instructors.

However, staff and witnesses on-site reported that the skies were perfectly clear prior to the strike, and no lightning warning sirens had been triggered.

The rain only began after the lightning had already struck, prompting nearby fishermen to rush to the group's aid.

The area where the equipment was kept has since been cordoned off with police tape.

'A beacon of light'

Mikhail had reportedly studied Outdoor Education at Republic Polytechnic and was deeply passionate about water sports, reported 8world.

He also held a Ministry of Education (MOE) water sports instructor qualification and regularly conducted professional kayaking and coaching sessions.

Tan described Mikhail as a highly experienced, reliable instructor, and a "beacon of light" to his peers.

"He has always been like the big brother to many people and was a very reliable instructor," Tan said, adding that the sea sports community has been profoundly affected by the loss.

He added: "It is with a really heavy heart for a lot of us because Mikhail was a very nice person."

Out of respect for Mikhail and his family, Kokomo Beach Club has suspended all operations for two weeks.

Tan added that the company will review and step up its instructor training, focusing on weather awareness and navigating rapidly changing conditions at sea.

The company also extended its deepest condolences to Mikhail's family and committed to offering them full support.

A Singaporean chief executive officer (CEO) was charged with laundering S$38 million by purchasing a S$55 million Good Class Bungalow (GCB) on Jul. 6, 2026.

Aperia Group CEO Alan Wei Zhaolun, 50, pleaded not guilty to all 11 charges, the majority of which relate to an alleged conspiracy to commit fraud involving computer server purchases.

Wei's bail, set at S$1.25 million, was also revoked.

The charges are linked to an ongoing probe into the Aperia Group's alleged Nvidia chip fraud, in which U.S. officials are investigating whether Chinese AI company DeepSeek used intermediaries in Singapore to purchase Nvidia chips.

Bought GCB for S$55 million

According to charge sheets, Wei bought a bungalow at 12 Chee Hoon Avenue between Jul. 16 and Oct. 3, 2024, for S$55 million, of which around S$38 million was from alleged criminal conduct proceeds.

A prohibition of disposal order against the GCB was issued by the police on Jul. 1, 2026.

This means the GCB cannot be sold or transferred while the order is in force.

Allegedly acquired S$5.8 million in personal bank account

Wei also faces two new charges relating to money allegedly received in his bank account.

The first charge relates to approximately S$5.1 million allegedly credited to his bank account between Jul. 25 and Aug. 7, 2024, of which around S$2.6 million allegedly represented benefits from criminal conduct.

The second charge relates to S$698,712 allegedly credited to his bank account on Oct. 3, 2024, of which S$584,192 allegedly represented benefits from criminal conduct.

Accused of conspiring to commit fraud

It was previously reported that three companies under the Aperia Group — A-Speed Infotech, Aperia International and Aperia Cloud Services (II) — have also been charged with related fraud offences.

Wei's alleged co-conspirators are Aperia Group chief financial officer Jenny Lim, 51, and head of sales Aaron Woon Guo Jie, 41, both Singaporeans, reported CNA.

When the trio was first charged with fraud, Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam said investigations revealed that the servers involved may contain Nvidia chips.

Alleged Nvidia chip fraud

The U.S. banned the export of high-end Nvidia chips to China due to concerns that they could be used for military purposes, according to a Bloomberg report on Jan. 31, 2025.

According to a Mar. 3 CNA report, the chips were embedded in servers supplied by Dell and Supermicro to the Singapore-based companies before it was sent to Malaysia.

At the time, Shanmugam said: "The question is whether Malaysia was a final destination or from Malaysia, it went to somewhere else, which we do not know for certain at this point."

“But we assessed that there may have been false representation on the final destination of the servers.”

In January 2025, DeepSeek launched a free AI chatbot that wiped out US$1 trillion (S$1.35 trillion at the time) from tech stocks in a single day.

The company purportedly spent less than US$6 million on the chatbot and supposedly did not use Nvidia's most advanced chips.

Lawyer says charges 'misconceived'

Wei is represented by lawyers from WongPartnership including Melanie Ho, Tang Shangwei, Rachel Ong and Neo Yi Ling.

CNA reported that Ho told the court that Wei denies any wrongdoing and the charges are "misconceived".

Ho said that Wei and the three Aperia group companies have been cooperative and "running to the best of their ability despite these turbulent times".

A spokesperson for the Aperia Group told CNA: "It is unfortunate that despite their best efforts, the companies face these allegations of wrongdoing, which they deny."

Penalties

Those convicted of converting benefits from criminal conduct face up to 10 years' jail, a fine of up to S$500,000, or both.

An individual can face up to 20 years' jail and a fine for engaging in a conspiracy to commit fraud through false representation.

If convicted, the companies could be fined.

The ruling Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition has launched its manifesto for the Jul. 11 Johor state election, centred on transforming the southern state into the "Shenzhen of Southeast Asia."

The reference draws on Shenzhen's transformation from a small city into one of China's largest technology and manufacturing hubs, according to Free Malaysia Today.

PH is fielding 56 candidates for all 56 seats in the state election, which comes after some notable defections from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's government.

The election could be taken as an upcoming gauge of support for PH, some years after Anwar took power following the general election in 2022.

Bringing Johoreans back from Singapore

PH is targeting 20,000 professionals based in Singapore to return to Johor by 2031, with job opportunities and entrepreneurship incentives as the draw.

PH also plans to link up Johor's transport network with the JB-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link and ETS, while rolling out a network of RTS feeder buses across Skudai, Kulai, Kempas and Pasir Gudang.

The goal is to cut border crossing wait times by half.

The initiatives are targeted at benefitting more than 300,000 Johoreans who work in Singapore and endure long commutes.

Housing, healthcare & families

Young families would receive RM8,000 (S$2,536) to help with their first home downpayment, with 50,000 households set to benefit. PH also plans to build 80,000 affordable homes over five years, backed by easier financing and rent-to-own options.

On healthcare, the coalition plans to provide 500,000 Johoreans, particularly those in the B40 and M40 income groups as well as the disabled, with up to RM100,000 (S$31,699) in public health insurance coverage.

For families, PH plans to offer a RM1,000 (S$316.94) birth bonus for each child born in Johor.

The coalition also plans to open 250 Madani childcare centres to help women return to the workforce, and roll out a RM50 monthly public transport pass covering students, senior citizens and the disabled.

Youth, SMEs & jobs

Under a proposed RM500 million (approximately S$158 million) youth package, PH plans to fund technical and vocational education, AI training, entrepreneurship programmes and free tuition for B40 students.

Around 200,000 young Johoreans are expected to benefit, with English proficiency and digital skills among the areas targeted.

A separate RM1 billion (approximately S$317 million) fund is earmarked for small and medium-sized enterprises and entrepreneurs, covering new ventures, business digitalisation and boosting Johor's exports to the Asean market.

The coalition is targeting 250,000 new high-paying jobs and a roughly 30 per cent rise in Johor's median income over the next five years. This is set to be achieved by AI-based upskilling, automation and smart logistics.

"Johor for all"

PH's Puteri Wangsa candidate Maszlee Malik said at the launch that the manifesto was a realistic and achievable plan for all Johoreans, from those in Felda settlements to daily commuters crossing into Singapore.

He said: "The manifesto's theme is Johor for all. Because Johor is not for cronies alone. This manifesto is about shared prosperity and safeguarding Johor's future."

A fine jewellery store that has been operating in Singapore since 1999 will be closing its doors at the Raffles Hotel Arcade at the end of July.

Elliott & Carmen is a Singapore brand that specialises in diamonds and rare gems.

The store has been located at the Raffles Hotel Arcade for around 27 years, including a two-year stint at Raffles City while the hotel underwent restoration works.

In a TikTok post, Elliott Chu, son of the firm's founder, Leon Chu, said his father "built the business from the ground up and had the privilege to serve generations of customers".

In response to queries from Mothership, Leon said: "It has been the honour of our lifetime to be part of our clients' most precious moments, their engagements, their weddings, their heirlooms."

"We leave with nothing but gratitude."

'Time to move from Raffles Hotel'

Leon told Mothership that the decision to close their store at the Raffles Hotel did not come lightly.

"After 27 wonderful years, we have decided it’s time to move from Raffles Hotel."

Leon noted that "independent jewellers today face real pressures" such as rising retail rents and operating costs in prime locations, intense competition from large international houses and online retailers, and volatile gold and gemstone prices.

When asked about the brand's future, Leon said: "We are exploring the next chapter and will share more in due course".

50 per cent off sale

According to Leon, the store's final day of trading is Jul. 25, 2026.

In the video, Elliott announced that the store would be having a 50 per cent-off storewide sale in its final few weeks, while stocks last.

"This is a rare opportunity to own exceptional jewellery at incredible savings before we close," he said.

Elliot showcased different gemstones including blue sapphires, rubies, and emeralds.

"Many of these are one-of-a-kind pieces that won't be replaced once they're sold."

Thus far, the response to the sale has been "overwhelming", Elliott said.

According to its website, the store will also be conducting private viewings at its Raffles Hotel Arcade boutique from now to Jul. 25.

Clients who require after-sales service, repairs or warranty support can contact Elliott & Carmen via WhatsApp at 91371278 or Instagram.

@elliottncarmenjewelleryAfter 27 years, we're saying goodbye. 🤍 Elliott & Carmen is closing its doors at Raffles Hotel Arcade, and our entire collection of natural diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, rubies, jade and rare South-Sea pearls is now 50% off. The sale ends July 2026. Come find the piece that was always meant to be yours. ✨ 📍 Raffles Hotel Arcade · Fine jeweller since 1999 📩 DM us to book a private appointment♬ original sound - elliottncarmenjewellery

A 23-year-old man was sentenced to 23 months’ jail and a S$2,000 fine for requesting nude photos and videos from two underage girls, and having sexual intercourse with one of them whom he had met online.

The man faced a total of 18 charges, including sexual assault and offences under the Children and Young Persons Act.

He pleaded guilty to five of the charges on Jul. 3, Shin Min Daily News reported.

The accused cannot be named as he committed the offences when he was under 18.

A gag order was imposed under the Children and Young Persons Act.

15-year-old

In 2021, the youth met the girl, who was 15 at the time of the offence, via social media.

The pair communicated on Telegram.

He then started to ask the girl to have sexual relations with him.

She initially refused his requests, but he persisted.

At that time, the girl was also looking for someone to confide in due to her parents’ divorce.

She eventually agreed to his demands.

Between August and December 2021, both of them met up on five occasions to engage in sexual activities.

Although the girl reportedly said she wanted to save her virginity for someone "special", she eventually gave in to the accused's requests and had sexual intercourse with him.

The accused also requested her to send him nude photos and videos of herself.

The girl reportedly sent him 13 nude photos and four videos.

Secondary one student

In 2020, the man met another girl, who was a secondary one student aged between 12 and 13, through social media.

He later requested her to send him nude photos and videos of herself.

Unable to withstand his repeated demands, the girl sent him the photos and videos via Instagram Stories, which disappear after 24 hours.

However, the accused reportedly saved three videos and nine nude photos through screenshots or screen recordings without her knowledge.

A football player has reportedly died after a lightning strike during a friendly match in Melaka, Malaysia on Jul. 5.

A referee was also injured in the same incident, according to Malay Mail.

The victim, R Thanesh, 28, was taken unconscious to Alor Gajah Hospital in a private vehicle following the incident at the Lendu Rakan Muda Complex football field at around 5:40pm. He was later pronounced dead.

What happened

According to Malay Mail, the friendly match between Rembau Indian Veteran FC and Tanjung Minyak FC had been under way for about 10 minutes when a light rain began falling, followed by a loud clap of thunder.

Alor Gajah district police chief Superintendent Ahmad Abu Bakar told Malay Mail:

"About 10 minutes after kick-off, light rain began before a loud clap of thunder was heard. The victim's teammates then saw him and two other individuals collapse on the field immediately after the incident."

The match referee was transported by ambulance to hospital for treatment, while another person affected in the incident was reported to be in good condition and did not require hospitalisation.

Extent of injuries

Ahmad told Malay Mail that an initial examination of Thanesh's body found no signs of foul play.

He added that however, the victim suffered burn marks over his body.

Melaka Hospital is conducting a post-mortem to establish the exact cause of death, and police have classified the case as a sudden death.

FAM responds

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) said it would obtain a full report from the Melaka Football Association (MFA) and the match organiser, according to The Sun Malaysia.

FAM secretary-general Datuk Noor Azman Rahman said in a statement:

"FAM takes a serious view of this heartbreaking incident and hopes all parties will give authorities the space to conduct investigations to determine the actual cause of the incident."

Noor Azman added that choosing to stop or delay a match due to safety concerns is not a sign of poor management, but the right thing to do.

Noor Azman also urged state football associations, clubs, academies and match organisers to closely monitor weather conditions before, during and after games, and encouraged organisers to consider using a lightning detection system at competition venues.

He said:

"This system can detect lightning activity in real time and issue early warnings to match officials, enabling them to make timely decisions on safety.

The lightning detection system is used in many competitions, including professional leagues, as part of their risk management procedures."