<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
    <rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" xmlns:georss="http://www.georss.org/georss" xmlns:geo="http://www.w3.org/2003/01/geo/wgs84_pos#">

        <channel>
            <title>Mothership.SG - News from Singapore, Asia and around the world</title>
            <atom:link href="https://mothership.sg/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
            <link>https://mothership.sg</link>
            <description>Mothership.SG - News from Singapore, Asia and around the world</description>
            <lastBuildDate>2026-07-14T15:49:41+00:00</lastBuildDate>
            <language>en-US</language>
            <sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
            <sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
            <generator>StaticEngine</generator>
            <site xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">60045542</site>

                <item>
                    <title>S'pore man 'retired' by company at 63 without notice or payment, wins S$26,350 for wrongful dismissal</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/07/man-retired-by-company-wins-case-wrongful-dismissal/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-07-14T16:31:39</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Xueting Wu ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/07/man-retired-by-company-wins-case-wrongful-dismissal/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ The judge ruled that the company breached the employment contract as it gave the notice of termination after the man passed the statutory retirement age of 63. ]]>
                    </description>

                    <content:encoded>
                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/07/retired_coverimage.png"/> <p><a href="https://bit.ly/3qgqzHg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/07/telegram-button.png" alt="Telegram" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872229" /></a></p><p><a href="https://bit.ly/3KjTj94" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/08/wa-button.png" alt="Whatsapp" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872230" /></a></p><p>A man took the company that employed him to court recently, claiming wrongful dismissal for terminating his employment about three months after he turned 63, without notice or payment in lieu.</p><p>The company contended that the termination was lawful as it was "retiring" the man, and no notice or salary in lieu was required in such circumstances, according to a judgement dated Jul. 13.</p>
<p>It also argued that it offered re-employment to the man, but he had turned the offer down, which meant that it was not required to give him an employment assistance payment.</p><p>The man sought S$11,600 (about his two months' basic salary) in damages, and an employment assistance payment of S$14,750.</p><p>The full sum was ultimately granted to him by the judge at the Employment Claims Tribunals, who ruled that the company was lawfully required to give the man <span>two months' notice or salary in lieu, and that it did not reasonably engage or consult him regarding re-employment.</span></p><p><h2>Wrongful dismissal</h2></p><p>The man was let go on Jun. 18, 2025, when the statutory retirement age was 63 years old.</p><p>In the notice of termination, the company informed him that it would "process [his] retirement" on Jun. 18, 2025, as his last working day, and his "retirement" would take effect from the following day.</p><p>It added that because this "retirement marks the natural end of [the] employment", it could let him go without giving the two months’ notice or salary in lieu as stated in his employment contract.</p><p>The judge said that the company breached the employment contract.</p><p>Under the Employment Act, a company was required to give two months’ notice or salary in lieu if it were to terminate the contract after the employee attained the statutory retirement age.</p><p>The judge also noted that the man was seeking only S$11,600 in damages, a sum less than two months of his gross salary, which was S$6,428 a month.</p><p>Thus, this claim fell within what he was "properly entitled to recover", the judge said.</p><p><h2>The re-employment offer</h2></p><p>The man argued that the company did not fulfil its obligations to offer re-employment to him, and thus it was required to compensate him with an employment assistance payment.</p><p>The judge pointed out that the company did not make any offer of re-employment to the man before he turned 63.</p><p>Re-employment discussions were initiated by the man himself over email on Jun. 8, 2025, and the company replied with an offer two days later.</p><p>In this offer, the man's salary would be cut from S$6,428 to S$4,000, and he would be under a six-month fixed-term contract.</p><p>His role would also be adjusted from area manager to training executive, due to a restructuring exercise that would render the man's original role redundant, according to the company.</p><p>The company gave him a firm deadline to decide and accept the offer by Jun. 17, 2025 — about a week after it was first made.</p><p>His request for a short extension, also because he was on medical leave, was declined.</p><p>The man ultimately rejected the offer, saying that it was drastically different in scope from his existing role, offered little employment stability, and involved a substantial reduction in salary.</p><p>The day after receiving this rejection, the company sent the notice of termination.</p><p><h2>Was it 'unreasonable'?</h2></p><p>The man contended that the terms of the proposed re-employment and the manner the company offered it were unreasonable.</p><p>Under the Retirement and Re-employment Act, the employer must offer re-employment for at least one year unless otherwise agreed by both parties.</p><p>The man highlighted this in his claim, and the judge acknowledged it as well.</p><p>He argued that since the company gave an offer confined to six months, which was not accepted by the man, the offer did not suffice to discharge the company's re-employment obligations.</p><p>On the points about the change in job role and reduction in salary, the judge said that these factors alone do not render a re-employment offer unreasonable.</p><p>However, he believed the company did not engage with the man early on the offer — a process that would have allowed "meaningful discussion" about salary, possible re-employment arrangements, and more.</p><p>"Where engagement is perfunctory or opaque, employees may feel that their past contributions have been overlooked, or that the terms proposed are imposed rather than fairly negotiated," the judge said.</p><p>He noted that the Tripartite Guidelines on the Re-Employment of Older Employees recommends that consultations on re-employment should ordinarily begin at least six months before retirement.</p><p>On why the company began discussions only three months after the man turned 63, the human resources executive who had liaised with him accepted that these requirements had been overlooked and expressed regret that the matter had not been addressed earlier.</p><p>She also explained she declined the man's request for a deadline extension due to "her own disposition and a desire to conclude the matter expeditiously".</p><p><h2>Judgement</h2></p><p>The judge believed it was "unsurprising" that the man came to view the re-employment offer process as unfair.</p><p>The way it was conducted "fell short of the standard of reasonableness", and thus the judge ruled that the company was required to pay an employment assistance payment.</p><p>He allowed the man's total claims for S$26,350 in full, and also ordered that the company pay S$250 in costs and S$70 in disbursements.</p></p> ]]>
                    </content:encoded>
                    <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1158855</post-id>
                </item>

                <item>
                    <title>Vivian Balakrishnan pays respects to late Princess Bajrakitiyabha & meets Thai PM Anutin in Bangkok</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/07/vivian-pays-respects-bajrakitiyabha/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-07-14T16:09:20</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Tan Min-Wei ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/07/vivian-pays-respects-bajrakitiyabha/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ The foreign minister was in Bangkok to attend an informal meeting on the situation in Myanmar.  ]]>
                    </description>

                    <content:encoded>
                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/07/photo_2026-07-14_16-03-18.jpg"/> <p><a href="https://bit.ly/3qgqzHg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/07/telegram-button.png" alt="Telegram" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872229" /></a> <a href="https://bit.ly/3KjTj94" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/07/whatsapp-button.png" alt="Whatsapp" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872230" /></a></p><p>Singapore Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan paid his respects to Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, the eldest daughter of Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn, on Jul. 14 while on a working visit to Bangkok.</p><p><h2>Paying respects</h2></p><p>Bajrakitiyabha passed away on Jun. 11 after being in a coma for almost three years, after being hospitalised for a cardiac condition in 2022.</p>
<p>Vivian, accompanied by MFA officials, presented a wreath to the late princess, and in a social media post, paid tribute to her.</p><p>He called her a steadfast champion of the vulnerable and disadvantaged, noting her initiatives to uplift underprivileged children and support female inmates.</p><p>He also credited her as an accomplished diplomat, saying she had represented Thailand on the international stage with distinction and grace, citing her advocacy for justice, the rule of law, and women's rights, which had earned her recognition from the United Nations and the international community.</p><p>Vivian said that Singapore extended its deepest condolences to the King, the royal family and the people of Thailand, as well as a book of condolence.</p><p><h2>Highest honors</h2></p><p>Bajrakitiyabha was hospitalised in December 2022 after experiencing heart problems while training her pet dogs for the Thailand Working Dog Championship.</p><p>Her condition worsened, and she eventually fell into a coma.</p><iframe class='post-embed title='Vivian Balakrishnan pays respects to late Princess Bajrakitiyabha & meets Thai PM Anutin in Bangkok' style='min-height: 350px;' clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);' src='/2022/12/thai-princess-life-support/embed/' width='600' frameborder='0' marginwidth='0' marginheight='0' scrolling='no'></iframe><p>On Jun. 11, 2026, the Bureau of the Royal Household reported that she had passed away, after her condition had worsened.</p><p>Her father issued a royal command ordering the Bureau of the Royal Household to arrange royal funeral rites with the highest honours according to royal traditions, as well as to enshrine her at the Phiman Rattaya Hall in the Grand Palace.</p><p><h2>Informal Myanmar meeting</h2></p><p>Vivian was in Bangkok to attend the Informal Meeting of Asean Foreign Ministers with Myanmar and the Extended Informal Consultation on Myanmar.</p><p>There he received a briefing by a senior representative of the Myanmar authorities, Tin Maung Swe, on developments in Myanmar.</p><p>Myanmar has been fighting a civil war between the military-backed government, sometimes referred to as the Junta, and a number of Ethnic Armed Organisations (EAOs) as well the the People's Defence Force (PDF), ever since the military seized power in February 2021.</p><p>The Junta had initialled agreed with Asean to conform to the Five-Point Consensus, which included the cessation of hostilities and giving the bloc access to political prisoners, amongst other things, but has thus far failed to comply, instead holding elections in December 2025 in attempt to legitimise the government.</p><iframe class='post-embed title='Vivian Balakrishnan pays respects to late Princess Bajrakitiyabha & meets Thai PM Anutin in Bangkok' style='min-height: 350px;' clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);' src='/2025/12/myanmar-election-2025/embed/' width='600' frameborder='0' marginwidth='0' marginheight='0' scrolling='no'></iframe><p>Speaking to the press after the meeting, Vivian stressed that all Asean countries reaffirmed the central importance of the Five-Point Consensus, saying that it was and it remains valid.</p><p><h2>Three areas for progress</h2></p><p>Vivian then said that Asean wanted to see demonstrable progress in three specific areas. First, an end to violence, especially against civilians. Second, the release of political detainees, including Aung San Suu Kyi.</p><p>And finally, for the Asean Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management to be able to deliver assistance across Myanmar, regardless of political allegiance.</p><p>Replying to a question about inviting Myanmar back to Asean before progress had been shown, Vivian said that Asean was trying to engage with all stakeholders, including military authorities .</p><p>He said that they were also engaging with a wide variety of EAOs and the PDF, who were opposed to the Myanmar junta.</p><p>"The key point is Asean wants to engage across the board, widely and in an inclusive manner."</p><p>While in Bangkok, Vivian was also <a href="https://www.facebook.com/reel/1503923114837879" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">hosted</a> to lunch by Thai prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul.</p><p>Vivian said that both countries had enjoyed a "close and enduring friendship", and said he looked forward to working with Anutin to "further strengthen the Singapore-Thailand partnership and advance Asean's shared interests."</p></p> ]]>
                    </content:encoded>
                    <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1158782</post-id>
                </item>

                <item>
                    <title>Lorry causes S$1.4 million of damages to CTE tunnel ceiling: Driver, a Chinese national, 56, gets 13 months’ jail & S$1,000 fine</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/07/lorry-damaged-cte-tunnel-ceiling-jailed/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-07-14T15:04:16</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Rafael See Toh ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/07/lorry-damaged-cte-tunnel-ceiling-jailed/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ He was also disqualified from holding all classes of driving licenses for 24 months. ]]>
                    </description>

                    <content:encoded>
                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/07/cte-tunnel-ceiling-lorry.jpg"/> <p><a href="https://bit.ly/3qgqzHg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/07/telegram-button.png" alt="Telegram" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872229" /></a></p><p><a href="https://bit.ly/3KjTj94" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/08/wa-button.png" alt="Whatsapp" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872230" /></a></p><p>A 56-year-old Chinese national was sentenced to 13 months’ jail and fined S$1,000 after driving an over-height lorry with a high crane affixed to it and <a href="https://mothership.sg/2024/11/lorry-driver-arrested-cte-tunnel-ceiling/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">hitting</a> the Central Expressway (CTE) tunnel ceiling.</p><p>He was also disqualified from holding all classes of driving licences for 24 months.</p>
<p>Lai Daohong (transliterated) pleaded guilty to two charges under the Road Traffic Act on Jul. 13, <a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/singapore/story20260713-9357820" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Lianhe Zaobao</em></a> reported.</p><p><h2>Incident</h2></p><p>The incident occurred on Nov. 8, 2024, at about 12:10pm, at the CTE entrance along Cairnhill Road towards the Seletar Expressway (SLE).</p><p>In a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1FPGMirpta/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">video</a> circulated online, the crane attached to the truck first struck a tree branch</p><p><iframe width="560" height="314" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F100075980665461%2Fvideos%2F1581034256182612%2F%3Fidorvanity%3D327646567382859&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=560&amp;t=0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p><p>It then hit a height restriction bar before striking the CTE tunnel entrance.</p><p>The ceiling became visibly damaged with hanging exposed wires visible.</p><p>The road was reportedly closed for about 10 hours, and repair costs amounted to about <a href="https://mothership.sg/2025/07/lorry-driver-charge-cte-tunnel-damage/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">S$1.45 million</a>.</p><p><h2>Failure</h2></p><p>According to court documents, the driver failed to check if the crane had been lowered before driving the truck.</p><p>At about 11:50am to 12:10pm on the day of the incident, he travelled approximately 3.1km along Nassim Road, Tanglin Road, Orchard Road, Pit Building Road, and Cairnhill Road before hitting the tunnel entrance.</p><p>The height limit for the tunnel was 4.5m.</p><p>After noticing he had struck the tunnel ceiling, he stopped the truck and lowered the crane.</p><p>He was then arrested for illegally driving a heavy motor vehicle over a height of 4.5m without being escorted by a police officer or an auxiliary police officer.</p><p>According to the Land Transport Authority (LTA), the slip road only reopened at about 10:35pm on the same day, following recovery works.</p><p><h2>Second conviction</h2></p><p>The driver had previously been fined S$3,500 and disqualified from driving for nine months on Jan. 25, 2017, for driving a heavy vehicle that struck a building or structure.</p><p>This is his second conviction for a similar offence.</p><p>The prosecution argued that drivers of heavy vehicles ought to exercise greater caution.</p><p>They cited the damage caused, such as cables in the tunnel ceiling coming loose, and the substantial repair costs.</p><p>The prosecution further argued that this caused traffic congestion in the tunnel at the time.</p><p>While no one was injured, they cited the incident’s high-risk nature and the inconvenience caused to other motorists.</p><p>The accused reportedly said through an interpreter that an alarm had malfunctioned at the time of the incident.</p><p>He claimed that if the warning sound had gone off, he would not have forgotten to lower the crane.</p><p>The prosecution argued that the heavy vehicle driver did not merely make a momentary error, but had failed to notice that the crane was not lowered throughout the entire journey.</p><p>They also said he did not mention the alarm malfunction during the investigation, and even if the alarm was not working as usual, it was his duty to check it before driving.</p><p>Given his prior similar record, the driver should have been all the more aware of the need to do so.</p><p>The defence lawyers stated that he stopped his vehicle after the incident, cooperated with the investigations, and expressed remorse.</p><p>The accused was apparently his family's sole breadwinner, it was argued.</p><iframe class='post-embed title='Lorry causes S$1.4 million of damages to CTE tunnel ceiling: Driver, a Chinese national, 56, gets 13 months’ jail & S$1,000 fine' style='min-height: 350px;' clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);' src='/2025/07/lorry-driver-charge-cte-tunnel-damage/embed/' width='600' frameborder='0' marginwidth='0' marginheight='0' scrolling='no'></iframe></p> ]]>
                    </content:encoded>
                    <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1158772</post-id>
                </item>

                <item>
                    <title>‘Am I still beautiful?’: Injured Bangkok nightclub fire survivor asks boyfriend after escaping deadly blaze</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/07/am-i-still-beautiful-bangkok-fire-victim-said-to-boyfriend/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-07-14T14:12:59</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Izza Sofia ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/07/am-i-still-beautiful-bangkok-fire-victim-said-to-boyfriend/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ “I told her: 'It doesn't matter if anything was lost. I only want you to be safe'." ]]>
                    </description>

                    <content:encoded>
                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/07/Untitled-design-12-1.png"/> <p><a href="https://bit.ly/3qgqzHg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/07/telegram-button.png" alt="Telegram" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872229" /></a></p><p><a href="https://bit.ly/3KjTj94" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/08/wa-button.png" alt="Whatsapp" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872230" /></a></p><p>As Tatsanai, 31, lay outside the burning Na Ladprao pub in Bangkok waiting for rescue workers, she turned to her boyfriend and asked: "Am I still beautiful?"</p><p>Her boyfriend, Phitsanu Nim-mian, 31, recounted the moment to reporters on Jul. 13 after accompanying her family to Phahon Yothin Police Station to file an official report, according to <a href="https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/2026/07/13/am-i-still-beautiful-fire-victims-words-before-hospitalisation/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Khaosod English</em></a>.</p>
<p>Tatsanai had told him earlier: "I can't take it anymore. I'm in so much pain. Am I still beautiful?"</p><p>He told reporters what he said to her:</p><p><blockquote><p>"It's all right. Focus on getting treatment first. No matter what happens to you, I accept everything.</p><p>Just come home and be with the children. It doesn't matter if anything was lost. I only want you to be safe."</p></blockquote></p><p><h2>What happened that night</h2></p><p>The fire broke out at the Na Ladprao pub in Chatuchak, Bangkok, at around 12:02am on Jul. 13, killing at least 27 people and injuring 63 others, as <a href="https://mothership.sg/2026/07/bangkok-fire-27-dead/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Mothership</em></a> reported.</p><p>Most fatalities resulted from smoke inhalation. Flames reportedly spread rapidly through ceiling decorations, and many victims had rushed to the toilets at the back of the pub, where rescuers had difficulty reaching them.</p><p>Tatsanai had gone to the venue that night with colleagues from the cosmetic clinic where she worked. She had invited Phitsanu to join them, but he stayed home to care for her two children.</p><p>He drove her there around 9pm and planned to fetch her later. On his way home, one of his tyres burst, forcing him to call a mechanic.</p><p>He only learned about the fire when he received a call asking if he was Tatsanai's boyfriend.</p><p>The caller initially said her phone had been lost, then told him she had been severely burned.</p><p>When Phitsanu arrived at the scene, he found flames and thick black smoke engulfing the building. Tatsanai had managed to escape, but had to run through the flames to do so because the exit was narrow.</p><p>Bystanders used a cloth to extinguish the fire on her hair and head before she lay outside waiting for rescue workers.</p><p><h2>Critical condition</h2></p><p>According to the doctors, Tatsanai remained in critical condition with burns to her arms, legs, face and back. Doctors also sought permission from the family to shave her head and clean her wounds.</p><p>Hospital visits have since been suspended to reduce the risk of infection.</p><p>Tatsanai's father, Thuan Manpraphan, 61, told Khaosod English his daughter was being treated in the intensive care unit at Paolo Hospital Chokchai 4.</p><p>Though she had begun regaining consciousness, he said burns covered most of her body except her face.</p><p>The hospital told the family she would need to be transferred eventually, though no receiving hospital had been confirmed yet.</p><p><h2>Calls for accountability</h2></p><p>Phitsanu called for entertainment venues to have more emergency exits and clearly marked evacuation signs, saying Tatsanai had told him the venue's entrance and exit were both narrow.</p><p>He also weighed in on reports that an emergency exit had allegedly been locked to stop customers from leaving without settling their bills.</p><p>He told <em>Khaosod English</em>:</p><p><blockquote><p>"If that is true, it is completely unacceptable. Money should never be considered more important than people's lives. If something like this happens again, how many more people will die, and who will take responsibility?"</p></blockquote></p><p>Phitsanu claimed that official coordinator had reached out to the family with information or assistance.</p><p>He added that he had met Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt at the scene on the night of the fire, and was advised to register at Phahon Yothin Police Station.</p><p>He was told that government agencies would step in to help and that those affected would not be left without support.</p><p>Thuan said he believed the venue's negligence had contributed to the tragedy, and urged authorities to hold those responsible accountable.</p><p>Back home, Phitsanu said her two children continued asking where their mother was.</p><p>He told <em>Khaosod English</em>: "I can only tell them, 'Mum hasn't finished work yet. Dad will go and bring her home soon.'"</p></p> ]]>
                    </content:encoded>
                    <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1158774</post-id>
                </item>

                <item>
                    <title>S'porean man, 23, among 6 who went on CTE midnight joyride that ended in major accident, gets 4 months' jail</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/07/cte-midnight-joyride-jail/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-07-14T13:54:00</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Gracia Yap ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/07/cte-midnight-joyride-jail/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ Three others had earlier been sentenced to jail. ]]>
                    </description>

                    <content:encoded>
                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/07/cars-stamford-accident-joyride.jpg"/> <p><a href="https://bit.ly/3qgqzHg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/07/telegram-button.png" alt="Telegram" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872229" /></a></p><p><a href="https://bit.ly/3KjTj94" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/08/wa-button.png" alt="Whatsapp" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872230" /></a></p><p>A 23-year-old Singaporean man, who went on a midnight joyride on the Central Expressway (CTE) towards Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE) with five other people in 2024, was sentenced to four months' jail on Jul. 13, 2026.</p><iframe class='post-embed title='S'porean man, 23, among 6 who went on CTE midnight joyride that ended in major accident, gets 4 months' jail' style='min-height: 350px;' clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);' src='/2026/03/6-motorosts-charged-dangerous-driving-stamford-rd-accident/embed/' width='600' frameborder='0' marginwidth='0' marginheight='0' scrolling='no'></iframe>
<p>Lee Jun En Gilviz, who was the fourth driver in the group of six, will be disqualified from driving for three years from his prison release date.</p><p>He had pleaded guilty to one charge of dangerous driving, <em><a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/driver-who-sped-on-cte-and-overturned-car-in-stamford-road-crash-gets-4-months-jail" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Straits</a> <a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/jail-for-2-men-who-drove-up-to-203kmh-along-cte-leading-to-crash-along-stamford-rd" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Times</a></em> reported.</p><p>Court documents seen by <em>Mothership</em> stated that in the early hours of Oct. 27, 2024, six drivers, including Lee, had been involved in a major road traffic accident. </p><p>There were two collisions.</p><p><h2>Other sentences</h2></p><p>Damien Chia Hwa Chuan, 29, and Sherman Quah Kok Rong, 22, had earlier been sentenced on Jun. 29 to four months and two weeks' jail and two months and three weeks' jail, respectively.</p><p>They were also disqualified from driving for three years from their release date.</p><p>After pleading guilty to dangerous driving, Marcus Lau Yong Wei, 35, had previously been sentenced on Jun. 26 to four months' jail and disqualified from driving for three years.</p><p><em>ST</em> reported that the other alleged drivers, Goh Jared-Kane, 26, and Kong Jia Quan, 24, are also facing charges.</p><p><h2>Speeding</h2></p><p>According to court documents, at about 1am on Oct. 27, 2024, the group of six met at a Stadium Boulevard car park before going on a joyride to the downtown area.</p><p>They trailed one another at high speeds towards the town area via the Pan Island Expressway (PIE) towards Tuas, the CTE, before exiting at Buyong Road and continuing along Orchard Road, Bras Basah Road, and Raffles Boulevard, until the accident occurred in front of the Fort Canning Tunnel.</p><p>The drivers of all six vehicles confirmed that they had been travelling at high speed at the time of the incident.</p><p>Lee had been travelling at speeds of between 141km/h and 181km/h along the CTE near the Rangoon Road exit, despite the speed limit being 90km/h.</p><p><h2>Collisions</h2></p><p>According to surveillance footage, Goh was observed to be speeding along Stamford Road towards Fort Canning Link, where Kong and Lee followed closely behind in separate cars.</p><p>Goh then had to brake hard to avoid a collision while making a right turn into Queen Street from Stamford Road.</p><p>Kong's vehicle then rear-ended Goh's due to the sudden braking, after which Lee swerved sharply to the right, where his car mounted the adjacent grass verge and overturned.</p><p>This resulted in damage to the roadside vegetation, a road sign and a traffic light signal, where the total cost of repairing the damaged property amounted to over S$2,900, <em>ST</em> reported the prosecutor as saying.</p><p>In addition, Lau and Chia were also approaching the accident site at high speed.</p><p>Lau then braked as debris from the first collision flew across the far-right lane, which caused Chia's car to rear-end Lau’s vehicle.</p><p><h2>Aftermath</h2></p><p>Quah's, Goh's and Kong's cars did not stop at the accident scene.</p><p>They drove away after the collisions to a nearby building.</p><p>Lee, who was taken to Singapore General Hospital for treatment, suffered a neck sprain, chest and abdominal contusions, and abrasions on his right hand, while his 22-year-old passenger was not injured.</p><p>The accident also caused the front of Lee's car to be dented and ripped off, with the left side mirror shattered, and the windscreen cracked.</p><p>Lee was arrested on Mar. 2.</p><p>The prosecutor sought a sentence of between four and six months' jail and a driving disqualification of three to four years.</p><p><em>ST</em> reported that Lee had previously been convicted in 2023 for using a communication device while driving.</p><p><h2>Dangerous, reckless driving: Prosecutor</h2></p><p>In light of this incident, the prosecutor said that rather than a momentary or transient lapse in judgment, Lee's dangerous and reckless driving was sustained and deliberate.</p><p>"The most egregious instance occurred at the junction of Stamford Road and Victoria Street, where the accused had entered the junction at an estimated speed of 122km/h to 144km/h in a 50km/h zone, more than twice the legal limit."</p><p>Noting that this was not an isolated incident but a prolonged course of dangerous and reckless conduct, he added that Lee's car overturning further demonstrated the dangerous manner of driving that the accused had adopted at the time of the offence.</p><p>Following the accident, Lee had made full restitution for the damage he caused, <em>ST</em> reported that his lawyer told the court.</p><p>For dangerous driving, an offender can be fined up to S$5,000, jailed for up to one year, or both.</p></p> ]]>
                    </content:encoded>
                    <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1158784</post-id>
                </item>

                <item>
                    <title>S'pore influencer Mangobossku's cat grooming service probed after 'rough' handling claims, denies wrongdoing</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/07/mangobossku-cat-grooming-service-rough-handling/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-07-14T12:57:43</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Nurshahiylia Sidin ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/07/mangobossku-cat-grooming-service-rough-handling/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ He said that the clip was taken out of context and viewers only saw a short portion of the video. ]]>
                    </description>

                    <content:encoded>
                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/07/mangobosskucatgrooming.jpg"/> <p><a href="https://bit.ly/3qgqzHg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/07/telegram-button.png" alt="Telegram" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872229" /></a></p><p><a href="https://bit.ly/3KjTj94" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/08/wa-button.png" alt="Whatsapp" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872230" /></a></p><p>Singapore influencer Mangobossku's new cat grooming venture is under investigation after viewers of a TikTok livestream accused him of handling a cat "roughly" during a session.</p><p>Mangobossku, whose real name is Mohamad Hussin Said, has denied any intention to hurt or abuse the cat, telling <em>Mothership</em> that the clip circulating online only showed "a short portion" of a longer livestream.</p>
<p><h2>What sparked the backlash</h2></p><p>The controversy began after clips from a livestreamed grooming session showed Hussin handling a cat in a manner that some viewers found troubling.</p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 519px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
  <figcaption id="caption-attachment-468423" class="wp-caption-text">
    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/07/mbk1.jpg" alt="" width="519" height="860" class="wp-image-1158789 " /> Image via appypipit/Threads
  </figcaption>
</figure>
</p><p>On Threads, cat owners and self-described cat lovers weighed in, with some saying they would think twice about sending their pets to Hussin's premises after watching the video.</p><p>One user urged business owners to educate themselves before entering the pet industry, and pet owners to do their due diligence before engaging one.</p><p><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-14-at-11.44.33 AM.png" alt="" width="711" height="263" class="alignnone wp-image-1158793 " /></p><p>She added:</p><p><blockquote><p>"Simply taking them out of their familiar environment is already stressful enough, let alone having them aggressively restrained and literally hung while being groomed by someone who was even VAPING."</p></blockquote></p><p>Another user said she had raised concerns with Hussin directly and claimed she had been blocked as a result.</p><p>Others raised questions about Hussin's qualifications.</p><p>One user pointed out that cat groomers typically spend years training in salons and sitting for courses before being certified, and asked whether Hussin's certificate was authentic or simply "AI-verified" — noting that his grooming premises reportedly shared an address with his car wash business.</p><p>Separately, another user raised concerns after coming across footage of Hussin grooming two cats with what appeared to be skin conditions, including redness around the neck and tail that she worried could be ringworm.</p><p><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/07/mbk4.jpg" alt="" width="599" height="1065" class="alignnone wp-image-1158796 " /></p><p>She noted he had not worn gloves while handling either cat, and questioned whether tools and surfaces had been disinfected between sessions to prevent cross-contamination.</p><p><h2>Authorities confirm investigations are underway</h2></p><p>The SPCA confirmed to <em>Mothership</em> that it was aware of the case and had escalated it to other authorities.</p><p>"The SPCA is aware of the case, and our Inspectors have escalated it to the authorities at NParks/AVS for further investigation and any enforcement action. If called upon to assist in investigations, we will do our best to support every effort."</p><p>NParks similarly confirmed that the matter was being looked into.</p><p>"The National Parks Board (NParks) is aware of the alleged mishandling of a cat that happened during a livestreamed grooming session. Investigations are ongoing."</p><p><h2>Mangobossku says handling was for the cat's safety</h2></p><p>Responding to queries from <em>Mothership</em>, Hussin said the clips circulating online did not tell the full story.</p><p>"We are aware of the clips circulating from our TikTok livestream. We understand the concern from viewers who only saw a short portion of the video," he said.</p><p>He explained that the cat had been placed in a grooming hammock, a method he described as industry-recognised, to keep it secure during the session.</p><p>He added: "The handling seen was to ensure the cat's safety. The full livestream shows the full context.”</p><p>He struck a similar tone in an Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Daoh5aRo-cb/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">post</a> on Jul. 11, defending his approach publicly for the first time since the backlash began.</p><p>"Whatever people want to say, let them. What matters is we know what we're doing isn't to hurt the cat or abuse the cat, we do all this for the cat's own good and cleanliness. "</p><p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Daoh5aRo-cb/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);"></p><p><div style="padding: 16px;"></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Daoh5aRo-cb/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> </a></p><p><div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"></p><p><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div></p><p><div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"></p><p><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div></p><p><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></p><p></div></p><p></div></p><p><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div></p><p><div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewbox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div></p><p><div style="padding-top: 8px;"></p><p><div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></p><p></div></p><p><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div></p><p><div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"></p><p><div></p><p><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div></p><p><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div></p><p><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></p><p></div></p><p><div style="margin-left: 8px;"></p><p><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div></p><p><div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"></div></p><p></div></p><p><div style="margin-left: auto;"></p><p><div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div></p><p><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div></p><p><div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></p><p></div></p><p></div></p><p><div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"></p><p><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div></p><p><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></p><p></div></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Daoh5aRo-cb/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">A post shared by Mangobossku (@the_godfather_mangobossku)</a></p></p><p></div></p></blockquote></p><p><script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></p><p>Hussin also told <em>Mothership</em> that NParks had since visited his premises to review his procedures, adding that the welfare of the cats in his care remains his top priority.</p><p>He has expanded to offer both in-house and home grooming services as well, so paw parents can be present from start to finish.</p><p>"This makes the process more transparent and less stressful for the cats. We remain committed to providing safe, low-stress grooming for all pets in our care."</p><p><h2>Planning to upskill</h2></p><p>Despite the ongoing scrutiny, Hussin has continued to advertise his grooming services on social media, including offering fur-styling options such as the Lion Cut and Bear Cut.</p><p>Hussin is reportedly planning to enrol in the Universal Cat Association (UCA) Cat Grooming Programme, an internationally recognised certification course, according to <a href="https://www.beritaharian.sg/mata-mata/3060249/mangobossku-teruskan-khidmat-dandanan-kucing-bakal-tingkat-kemahiran-diri" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Berita Harian</em></a>.</p><p>Investigations into the case remain ongoing.</p></p> ]]>
                    </content:encoded>
                    <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1158770</post-id>
                </item>

                <item>
                    <title>Trump announces US formally at war with Iran again, 60 days to use military force without Congress approval</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/07/trump-us-congress-war-iran-resumed/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-07-14T12:40:54</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Erina Hazira ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/07/trump-us-congress-war-iran-resumed/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ The move comes amid recent strikes between the U.S. and Iran. ]]>
                    </description>

                    <content:encoded>
                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/07/photo_2026-07-14-12.30.43.jpeg"/> <p><a href="https://bit.ly/3qgqzHg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/07/telegram-button.png" alt="Telegram" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872229" /></a></p><p><a href="https://bit.ly/3KjTj94" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/08/wa-button.png" alt="Whatsapp" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872230" /></a></p><p>U.S. President Donald Trump has formally announced that the country is back at war with Iran.</p><p>According to<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2026/07/13/trump-notifies-congress-of-new-war-against-iran-00995170" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em> Politico</em>,</a> Trump formally notified Congress that the conflict had resumed, giving his administration another 60 days to use military force in the region without congressional approval.</p>
<p><h2>Strait of Hormuz</h2></p><p>The move comes amid recent strikes between the U.S. and Iran and the ongoing struggle over the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global energy supplies.</p><iframe class='post-embed title='Trump announces US formally at war with Iran again, 60 days to use military force without Congress approval' style='min-height: 350px;' clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);' src='/2026/06/us-attacks-targets-spore-flagged/embed/' width='600' frameborder='0' marginwidth='0' marginheight='0' scrolling='no'></iframe><p><a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/116913091653271692" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">In a Truth Social post on Jul. 13,</a> Trump said that the Strait of Hormuz is open "with or without Iran", while reinstating a blockade on Iranian vessels.</p><p><iframe width="600" style="max-width: 100%; border: 0;" src="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/116913091653271692/embed" class="truthsocial-embed" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><script src="https://truthsocial.com/embed.js" async="async"></script></p><p>In his post, Trump also noted that countries would be required to reimburse the U.S. 20 per cent on all cargoes shipped, supposedly to cover the costs of providing safety and security.</p><p><h2>Ceasefire over</h2></p><p>The letter came after Trump announced that the <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2026/07/10/donald-trump-iran-ceasefire-over-00993123" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ceasefire with Iran had ended.</a></p><p>Previously on Jun. 17, Trump signed a 60-day ceasefire with Iran, along with a 14-point framework outlining the terms for further negotiations.</p><iframe class='post-embed title='Trump announces US formally at war with Iran again, 60 days to use military force without Congress approval' style='min-height: 350px;' clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);' src='/2026/07/did-trump-lose-the-war-in-iran/embed/' width='600' frameborder='0' marginwidth='0' marginheight='0' scrolling='no'></iframe><p>According to a letter to Congress obtained by <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2026/07/13/trump-notifies-congress-of-new-war-against-iran-00995170" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Politico,</em> </a>Trump said the strikes, which started on Jul. 7, were "military action consistent with my responsibility to protect Americans and United States' interests both at home and abroad."</p></p> ]]>
                    </content:encoded>
                    <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1158806</post-id>
                </item>

                <item>
                    <title>Cyclist who fought with bus driver in Punggol appeals after serving 7-day sentence</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/07/cyclist-fight-bus-driver-punggol-east-appeals-sentence/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-07-14T12:08:36</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Erina Hazira ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/07/cyclist-fight-bus-driver-punggol-east-appeals-sentence/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ Seven days. ]]>
                    </description>

                    <content:encoded>
                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/07/Mothership-Cover-1.png"/> <p><a href="https://bit.ly/3qgqzHg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/07/telegram-button.png" alt="Telegram" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872229" /></a></p><p><a href="https://bit.ly/3KjTj94" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/08/wa-button.png" alt="Whatsapp" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872230" /></a></p><p>The cyclist who was given a seven-day short detention order (SDO) for fighting with a bus driver over a lane dispute is appealing against his conviction and sentence.</p><p>The 49-year-old cyclist, Chia Meng Chiang, filed the appeal after completing his sentence.</p>
<p>Chia was given the SDO after being convicted of committing an affray, an offence in which two or more people disturb the public peace by fighting in a public place.</p><p><h2>What is an SDO?</h2></p><p>According to the <a href="https://www.judiciary.gov.sg/criminal/community-based-sentences" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Singapore Courts,</a> an SDO is a type of community-based sentence (CBS) intended to act as a "deterrent by allowing the offender to experience prison life".</p><p>Upon successfully completing a CBS, the offence for which an offender was convicted is removed from their criminal record.</p><p><h2>What happened</h2></p><p>According to court documents seen by <em>Mothership</em>, the incident occurred at Punggol East on<a href="https://mothership.sg/2024/12/cyclist-bicycle-block-bus-punggol/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Nov. 25, 2024</a>, at about 6:41pm.</p><p>Chia and Khong Heng Chuen, the driver for bus service 85, were at a red light at the junction of Punggol East and Punggol Field Walk.</p><p>When the traffic light turned green, both men moved forward, with Chia making a sharp left lane change, cutting in front of the bus and subsequently towards the leftmost lane.</p><p>The bus driver honked at Chia, who then slowed down and caused the bus driver to step onto his emergency brake.</p><p>An altercation ensued, with both men confronting each other verbally and filming each other on their phones, before things got physical.</p><p>Both men sustained injuries as a result of the fight.</p><p>For voluntarily causing hurt, Khong was also given a seven-day SDO.</p><iframe class='post-embed title='Cyclist who fought with bus driver in Punggol appeals after serving 7-day sentence' style='min-height: 350px;' clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);' src='/2026/03/bus-driver-cyclist-fight-punggol/embed/' width='600' frameborder='0' marginwidth='0' marginheight='0' scrolling='no'></iframe><p><h2>During the three-day trial</h2></p><p>Chia claimed a trial on the charge.</p><p>Chia, who was self-represented, admitted that he had committed some acts of violence against the bus driver.</p><p>However, the question was whether Chia had acted in self-defence.</p><p>In the judgment, District Judge Cheng Yuxi said that she did not accept that Chia's actions were a result of self-defence for several reasons.</p><p>In summary, she did not think Chia acted in self-defence as there was "no reasonable apprehension" of force from Khong at the junctures when Chia charged towards him with his head bent towards his stomach, and when he ran towards Khong and kicked after Khong had already retreated.</p><p>In the end, District Judge Cheng Yuxi found that the prosecution had proven the charge against Chia beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted him of the charge accordingly.</p><p><h2>Served his sentence</h2></p><p>Chia indicated that he was ready to begin serving the SDO on the same day the district judge sentenced him to the seven-day order.</p><p>However, according to court documents seen by <em>Mothership,</em> Chia filed an appeal against the conviction and sentence.</p><p>This was after he had served his seven-day order.</p><p>According to <a href="https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/cyclist-fight-bus-driver-punggol-appeal-6250001" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>CNA</em></a>, the appeal will be heard at a later date.</p></p> ]]>
                    </content:encoded>
                    <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1158744</post-id>
                </item>

                <item>
                    <title>2 workers injured after fire breaks out in Pioneer while replacing manhole cover, employer instructed to stop similar works</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/07/workers-injured-mahole-fire/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-07-14T12:05:11</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Gawain Pek ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/07/workers-injured-mahole-fire/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ One worker has been discharged, one remains warded for observation. ]]>
                    </description>

                    <content:encoded>
                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/07/manhole-cover-fire.png"/> <p><a href="https://bit.ly/3qgqzHg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/07/telegram-button.png" alt="Telegram" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872229" /></a></p><p><a href="https://bit.ly/3KjTj94" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/08/wa-button.png" alt="Whatsapp" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872230" /></a></p><p>Two workers were injured after a fire broke out as they were replacing a manhole cover in Pioneer on Jul. 10.</p><p>Both suffered burn injuries and were taken to the hospital.</p>
<p>One has been discharged, while the other remains warded for observation.</p><p>Their employer, Hong Hock Global Pte Ltd, has been instructed to stop all similar manhole cover replacements works until the cause of the incident has been established, the Minister of Manpower (MOM) said in response to <em>Mothership</em>'s queries.</p><p><h2>Fire breaks out while hacking cement</h2></p><p>According to MOM's spokesperson, the incident took place at about 10:50am on Jul. 10 along the pavement near the junction of Jalan Buroh and Pioneer Road.</p><p>Two workers from Hong Hock Global were carrying out the manhole cover replacement works.</p><p>While hacking the cement around the manhole, a flash fire occurred.</p><p><h2>Underground infrastructure known to produce flammable gas</h2></p><p>MOM's spokesperson explained that underground infrastructure such as sewerage and waste pipes are known to produce flammable gases.</p><p>"Hence employers carrying out works on such infrastructure must conduct comprehensive risk assessments before work commences and implement appropriate risk control measures to protect workers against fire and explosion hazards," the spokesperson also said.</p><p>"Workers should also be adequately briefed on the hazards and safe work procedures and be provided with the necessary supervision," they continued.</p><p><h2>Investigation ongoing</h2></p><p>MOM is investigating the incident.</p><p>The employer has been instructed by MOM to stop similar works until the cause of the incident has been established and the necessary measures have been implemented to prevent a recurrence.</p><p>MOM has also directed the employer to "review and strengthen its risk assessment and safe work procedures" for such works before they resume.</p></p> ]]>
                    </content:encoded>
                    <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1158777</post-id>
                </item>

                <item>
                    <title>Grab driver allegedly asks passenger for S$2 after offering her wet tissue, locks doors until she pays</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/07/grab-driver-ask-money-tissues/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-07-14T12:02:34</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Khine Zin Htet ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/07/grab-driver-ask-money-tissues/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ Grab is looking into the matter. ]]>
                    </description>

                    <content:encoded>
                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/07/Article-Cover-Pic-2000-x-1050-2026-07-14T111308.145.jpg"/> <p><a href="https://bit.ly/3qgqzHg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/07/telegram-button.png" alt="Telegram" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872229" /></a></p><p><a href="https://bit.ly/3KjTj94" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/08/wa-button.png" alt="Whatsapp" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872230" /></a></p><p>A Grab passenger was left stunned after her driver allegedly asked her to pay S$2 for a wet tissue that he offered.</p><p>Singaporean model Fiona Fussi took to <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@fionafussi/video/7660773142960327956" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">TikTok</a> to share what she described as "one of her worst Grab experiences" ever.</p>
<p><h2>Snapped at initially</h2></p><p>Fussi, who explained that she had a runny nose during the ride, asked the driver if he had any tissues.</p><p>The driver allegedly snapped "No" in response, and Fussi left it at that.</p><p>However, about five minutes later, he suddenly told her that he had wet tissues.</p><p>Thinking it was a kind gesture, Fussi accepted them.</p><p>However, when they arrived at her destination, the driver apparently turned around and said, "S$2 for the wet tissue."</p><p>Fussi said she was taken aback, as she had not been told that the tissues would cost money.</p><p>"It's not about the S$2; it's not expensive. But it's the principle that he never told me he was charging me money," Fussi said in her video.</p><p>"I thought he was just being nice."</p><p><h2>Driver allegedly locked the doors</h2></p><p>Fussi also alleged that the driver locked the car doors and refused to let her leave until she paid him for the tissue, which was an incredibly stressful situation for her.</p><p>"Is it just me, or that is not right?" she questioned.</p><p><h2>Grab responds publicly</h2></p><p>Grab has since responded in the comments section of her TikTok video, apologising and requesting that Fussi DM them with her booking number.</p><p>The model has liked the comment.</p><p><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-12-at-8.00.40-PM.png" alt="" width="1196" height="556" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1158587" /></p></p> ]]>
                    </content:encoded>
                    <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1158310</post-id>
                </item>

        </channel>
    </rss>
