Former Deputy Prime Minister S. Jayakumar launched a new book, Creating Three Unique Singapore Laws, on Aug. 12.

By unveiling the behind-the-scenes discussions that went into the enactment of three constitutional innovations—the Elected Presidency, Group Representation Constituencies (GRC), and Non-Constituency Members of Parliament (NCMP) schemes—Jayakumar hopes to lift the veil of secrecy surrounding how the Cabinet discusses important matters.

The 87-year-old also aims to open a window for more people to appreciate founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew's farsightedness, and to dispel the myth that Lee was someone who "brooked no dissent."

According to Jayakumar, all three schemes were initially proposed by Lee, but underwent alterations through Cabinet discussions before being included in the Singapore Constitution.

Lifting a veil of secrecy

First, it aims to "lift a veil of secrecy" surrounding the internal deliberations of the PAP government, which has always kept a tight lid on such discussions.

These discussions were "detailed, thorough and robust" and the book reveals the arguments, rebuttals, dynamics and personalities involved, as well as how compromise and consensus were achieved, "all with one thought in the mind of all levels of Cabinet: What will be in the interest of Singapore?"

It would be a pity if the public did not have this insight into the way Cabinet discusses important matters, Jayakumar said.

On Lee Kuan Yew's far-sightedness

Secondly, the book is intended to offer an insight into Lee's far-sightedness and leadership style when interacting with his leadership team.

Lee spent "all his waking hours" thinking about how to keep Singapore going, Jayakumar said.

His vision goes far beyond his lifetime and that is special, he added.

Using the GRC system as an example, which some criticised to be used to "fix the opposition", Jayakumar said that Lee came up with it to ensure the minority representation as far back as in the 70s.

"In the early 70s, he wrote a letter to all the PAP MPs expressing a deep concern for Malay PAP MPs, how they could effectively operate and function in a constituency which, at that time, was more predominantly Chinese-speaking than now, where many are English-speaking," he said.

Lee Kuan Yew was headstrong but willing to be persuaded

Lastly, the details in the book serve to dispel the misconception that Lee was an unyielding leader who refused to allow differing opinions.

"The first myth is about Mr Lee Kuan Yew – that he was such a towering figure with such strong views – some say fierce.

The myth was he brooks no dissent...and any proposal that he had, he will just ram through."

The book shows that while Lee was "very headstrong", he was willing to listen to contrary views, though with cogent arguments.

During the creation of these three laws, younger ministers at the time held their ground or proposed alternatives, contrary to beliefs that they were merely "yes-men".

According to the book, Lee had originally intended to vest the President with extensive executive powers, but this was later altered to grant custodial powers instead to prevent an abuse of power.

This came after then-younger ministers, including former president Tony Tan and former prime minister Goh Chok Tong, voiced concerns about an over-concentration of power in a single person.

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Three novel laws established in Singapore's Constitution, namely the Elected Presidency, the Group Representation Constituencies (GRC) and Non-Constituency Members of Parliament (NCMP), have "served Singapore well", said Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

SM Lee was speaking at the Aug. 12 launch of "Creating Three Unique Singapore Laws", a new book by former Deputy Prime Minister S. Jayakumar.

The book "sheds light on how the leadership team worked behind those doors. How open they were to radical, out-of-the-box ideas. How intensely but objectively they argued with one another. How Mr Lee Kuan Yew, as Prime Minister, put forth his views robustly, yet repeatedly and indeed obsessively sought alternative perspectives," SM Lee described.

The book launch, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was attended by a host of dignitaries, including all living former prime ministers as well as past and present Cabinet members.

Served Singapore well

In his speech, SM Lee said the true test of these institutions was in how they would work out in practice over the years and changes in governments.

"Looking back now after nearly half a century, we can safely say that these three institutions have indeed served Singapore well."

He further elaborated:

On the Elected Presidency, enacted in 1991, SM Lee said successive governments and elected presidents have continued operating this system of checks and balances.

While the detailed working have continued to be refined, the core concept – that each elected government should spend within its means, and only draw on past reserves with the consent of the Elected President – remains unchanged.

The results are evident even in the modern day, he explained.

A 'custom-made' Constitution for Singapore

Singapore's Constitution has been shaped over the years to suit our needs, said SM Lee.

Unlike other countries like India and the U.S., where constitutional architecture was designed from the ground-up, a newly-independent Singapore did not have the luxury of time.

Instead, the nation cobbled together a "patchwork Constitution" in a hurry, he said.

He cited Lee Kuan Yew's rejection of a theoretically redrafted Constitution over his belief "it would not work in practice", in favour of a "custom-made" one.

In the elder Lee's words in Parliament in 1984,

"Constitutions have to be custom-made, tailored to suit the peculiarities of the person wearing the suit.

Perhaps... like shoes, the older they are, the better they fit. Stretch them, soften them, resole them, repair them.

They are always better than a brand new pair of shoes."

The redrafted Constitution, drafted by British legal experts, lacked an intimate understanding of Singapore’s society and ground realities, SM Lee said.

"Elegant as their draft was, [Lee Kuan Yew] judged it ill-suited to the local context."

In Jayakumar's book, this was vividly described through the amendments to include the three institutions, he added.

After more than three decades of refinements and revisions, these institutions are no longer "recent alterations to our old shoes, but have themselves been stretched, softened, smoothed, and re-patched, to become essential parts of the whole", SM Lee said.

Fans slammed the ticketing system after failing to get tickets to the Asean Championship semi-final between Singapore and Thailand at Jalan Besar Stadium.

Tickets for the Aug. 15 football game went on sale at 11am on Aug. 12 exclusively through the online platform Tickethotline.

More than 4,000 home-supporter tickets were released, according to The Straits Times.

Due to overwhelming demand, they were snapped up almost immediately after sales started.

Soon after, tickets popped up on Carousell, offered for resale at as much as S$1,500 for a pair of Cat 1 tickets.

That is about 15 times more than their original price at S$49 each along with a S$3.49 booking fee.

Like 'playing whack-a-mole'

A Mothership reader said she was on the website waiting to snag tickets from 10:45am that morning.

After joining a virtual queue, she had to wait again until around 11:20am when she finally entered the page to select her seats.

There, it was a fight to get one.

When a section of tickets became available, it would light up on the page. But when she clicked on it, the light would disappear quickly as the seats got suddenly taken.

She likened the experience to "playing whack-a-mole", which was echoed by several other fans on Instagram.

She spent the next 40 minutes chasing for a seat to no avail.

By 11:45am, the platform informed her that all seats were "currently reserved by customers completing their purchases".

'Extremely frustrating'

When the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) thanked fans on Instagram for their support in purchasing tickets, many expressed their frustration in the comments.

A user claimed they entered the ticketing page at 10:50am that morning and was not able to select any seat.

Another shared that they were waiting on the platform since 10:30am, but all the tickets were gone when it got to their turn.

Many speculated that people were using bots to grab tickets fast and then resell at high prices later.

They called for FAS to improve the ticketing system to clamp down on bots and scalpers.

"We understand that demand is high, but it is really frustrating for genuine Singapore fans who make the effort to queue early and still cannot secure tickets," an Instagram user commented.

"Could FAS please look into the ticket allocation, queue system and measures to prevent scalping/reselling at inflated prices?"

Those who did not manage to grab tickets can still watch the game live on MeWatch, and at community screenings at venues across Singapore, including Bishan Community Club, Our Tampines Hub, and One Punggol.

Grab has launched a new safety programme designed specifically for food delivery riders, developed together with the Riding Safety Association of Singapore (RSAS) and the National Delivery Champions Association (NDCA).

GrabAcademy RideSafe 2026 was launched on Aug. 12, which was officiated by Minister of State for Manpower and for Culture, Community and Youth Dinesh Vasu Dash.

A course built around delivery work

At the centre of the programme is the Advanced Riding Development Programme (ARDP): Urban Rider Safety Course, co-developed by GrabAcademy and RSAS.

The two-hour course covers defensive riding techniques, hazard awareness and risk anticipation, motorcycle handling and low-speed control, and emergency braking and vehicle stability while carrying delivery loads.

Riders complete the practical exercises using their own delivery bags, so instructors can coach them under conditions closer to their actual work.

Grab said that while all licensed motorcyclists learn the fundamentals of safe riding, delivery riders operate in a different environment from most road users. They carry loaded bags, make frequent stops, and squeeze through tight spaces.

4 fatalities in the first half of this year

Speaking at the launch, Dinesh said there were four fatalities involving platform workers in the first half of 2026, compared to two for the whole of 2025.

Dinesh said the government's approach rests on three things: putting the right protections in place, giving clearer guidance, and bringing the right partners together.

He also noted that since Jan. 1, 2025, the Platform Workers Act has brought platform workers under work injury compensation coverage and introduced workplace safety and health duties for both operators and workers.

The Ministry of Manpower and the Workplace Safety and Health Council have also issued an approved code of practice for platform services, covering road risks, fatigue and heat.

A platform worker safety group has been set up, bringing together government agencies, platform operators and platform work associations.

Customers have a part to play too

Dinesh also had a message for the people ordering the food.

He said that during heavy rain, extreme heat or difficult traffic conditions, giving riders a few more minutes can make a real difference.

He said: "A short wait is a small price to pay when it helps someone avoid taking unnecessary risks on the road."

He added: "A strong safety culture can only be built when people do the right thing, when no one is watching, and when all of us care enough to look out for one another."

Riders need judgement, not just rules

Yeo Wan Ling, adviser to NDCA and assistant secretary-general of NTUC, said workplace safety numbers show riders continue to face real risks at work.

She said: "Knowing the traffic rules is important, but delivery riders need the skills and judgement to respond safely when traffic closes in, the road turns slippery, or a heavy bag shifts unexpectedly."

She also urged other platform operators to make safety training a regular part of the job.

Grab's other safety measures

Grab said delivery partners are not penalised for taking longer to complete deliveries, and that during heavy rain it proactively tells customers to expect longer waits.

It also uses telematics to give riders feedback on behaviours such as hard braking and speeding, and in-app fatigue prompts encouraging them to take breaks.

GrabAcademy has been working with training partners since 2020 to give delivery partners road safety knowledge and riding skills, covering motorcycles, bicycles and power-assisted bicycles.

RSAS will run the new course and handle registration and payment.

The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) has directed the removal of online listings selling Trader Joe’s Everything But The Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend.

The seasoning blend contains poppy seeds, a prohibited good, CNA and The Straits Times reported.

South Korea

This comes after South Korean authorities blocked the sale of the seasoning blend, The Korea Herald reported.

Local authorities found that the product contained poppy seeds.

The seasoning blend also tested positive for morphine and codeine, which are controlled narcotic substances in South Korea and Singapore.

Investigating

In response to queries, CNB said it is investigating reports of the product being sold online.

It will take necessary actions accordingly, including removing the items from sale.

Poppy seeds are a prohibited good as they come from the opium poppy.

They can also contain traces of controlled drugs.

Any company or person intending to import poppy seeds or foods containing poppy seeds into Singapore must apply to CNB and submit samples to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) for analysis.

If cleared of any controlled substances such as morphine or codeine, CNB will give its endorsement and allow the product to be imported.

"CNB would like to remind importers and retailers that any product or foodstuff containing controlled drugs, even in trace amounts, should not be imported for sale," it said.

Members of the public who bought the seasoning blend are advised not to consume it and should dispose of it.

"Singapore adopts a strict policy of zero tolerance towards controlled drugs. The possession, consumption, importation, exportation, manufacturing and trafficking of any controlled drug, even in trace amounts, is an offence under the Misuse of Drugs Act," it added.

Trader Joe’s

According to checks by Mothership on Trader Joe’s website, the seasoning blend ingredient list comprises poppy seeds, sesame seeds, sea salt flakes, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion and black sesame seeds.

“This is the only Everything Seasoning you'll ever need for decorating and yummifying the tops of bagels-but that's not everything. This simple (yet exemplary) blend of sesame seeds (white and black), poppy seeds, dried garlic & onion, and sea salt flakes is all you need for bringing that crunchy, roasted, savory flavor to grilled chicken, buttered popcorn, baked potatoes, creamy dips, pizza dough, salad dressings, pasta, mac & cheese, or panko-breaded anything,” the product description read.

The product is only available in its physical stores in the United States, and it is sold for US$1.99 (S$2.55).

According to The Korea Herald, South Korean police noted that some sellers had brought the seasoning into South Korea as a souvenir from overseas before listing it for sale.

The product had also been previously listed in Singapore on platforms, such as Lazada and Carousell.

As of writing, these listings have been taken down.

The apartment where Singaporean lawyer and politician Lim Tean hid in Johor Bahru is reportedly the Southkey Mosaic Condominium.

According to Shin Min Daily News, Lim had hidden in a rental apartment before he was arrested by the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) in Johor Bahru on Aug. 6.

The apartment, Southkey Mosaic Condominium, is reportedly popular with Singaporeans, with many staying over the weekends or holidays, Shin Min reported.

Deported and arrested

Lim was deported from Malaysia to Singapore and arrested by the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) of the Singapore Police Force (SPF) on Aug. 11, 2026.

The 61-year-old was supposed to begin serving a sentence of three months and one week on Aug. 3 for practising law without a valid practising certificate.

However, he did not surrender as required, prompting the court to issue a warrant for his arrest.

Lim reportedly crossed into Malaysia by land, according to a tip-off to Shin Min.

He then hid in the rental apartment, where he was subsequently arrested by local police on Aug. 6.

The apartment, which had 34 floors, had some units used as guesthouses, Shin Min reported.

On the day of the arrest, Malaysian police went to the guesthouse where Lim was.

However, he allegedly locked himself inside for two hours, refusing to open the door even when officers called his name.

Police eventually contacted the landlord through the apartment management, who then opened the door, allowing them to arrest him, Shin Min reported.

Some residents and Singaporeans guest reportedly witnessed Lim being taken away.

Apartment popular with Singaporeans

According to sources who spoke with Shin Min, the apartment is popular with Singaporean tourists, many of whom stay there on weekends or holidays.

It is about a 20-minute drive away from the checkpoint.

The apartment is also listed on major rental platforms like Airbnb, where Singaporean travellers have praised its close proximity to malls like Mid Valley Southkey.

A 36-year-old doctor and his 29-year-old friend, who were among 49 men arrested during a police raid at a Sentosa hotel in August 2023, were sentenced to one year jail each on Aug. 12, 2026.

CNA reported that both Rayson Lee Rui Sheng and Tan Li Ming intend to appeal against their convictions.

Earlier reports mentioned that Lee had been caught at a villa at the Sofitel Singapore Sentosa hotel, where a party was held.

The Straits Times (ST) reported that on Jun. 30, 2026, Lee and Tan had each been convicted of one count of drug consumption.

Witnesses testified

CNA reported that a witness who was previously at the party testified seeing a foreigner crushing a green ecstasy pill and placing it into a cup filled with liquid, which was then passed around.

Another witness testified that American offered him a pill in the master bedroom.

Lee had said that he would not have expected a "benign birthday celebration", believing it to be a "safe space" to have drugs.

Despite saying in a statement that he felt light-headed and euphoric after consuming his first drink, he accepted two more drinks, CNA reported.

Accounts during trial not credible: Judge

Charge sheets and court documents seen by Mothership stated that their urine and hair samples showed traces of MDMA, or ecstasy, and ketamine.

Though they contested the charges and claimed their drinks at the party had been spiked, the district judge noted that they continued to take more drinks.

Their accounts during the trial were not credible, ST reported that the judge previously found, adding that there was prior drug use based on their hair samples.

"Neither man was a stranger to drug use," said the judge.

Consumed drugs at villa

Court documents stated that sometime between 8pm on Aug. 8, 2023, and the early hours of Aug. 9, 2023, Lee and Tan attended the party where they each consumed various drinks.

The party saw a total of 49 men aged between 21 and 46 in attendance.

At about 5:39am on Aug. 9, 2023, police raided the location after receiving information of drug-related activity taking place there.

Lee and Tan were then arrested on the same day, along with others who attended the party.

Police also found substances believed to be controlled drugs including Ecstasy and ketamine, as well as drug paraphernalia, after which the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) was called to the scene.

Trial strategy

After Lee and Tan provided their hair and urine samples to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) for analysis, HSA found traces of MDMA in their urine samples.

They were also found to have consumed both Ecstasy and ketamine based on their hair samples.

ST reported that while Lee and Tan did not dispute HSA's findings, they claimed their drinks were spiked.

Noting that the pair did not have credible evidence to back up their claims, the deputy public prosecutors (DPPs) said their trial strategy involved introducing various hypothetical scenarios and unexplored possibilities.

This included claims about unidentified foreign nationals who allegedly mixed drinks but were never arrested, and assertions that police failed to seize "plastic silver cups" that might have contained drug residue.

"These contentions amount to bare allegations that serve more as distractions than substantive evidence," said the DPPs.

"Critically, they have produced no credible evidence identifying any specific individual who allegedly spiked their drinks," the DPPs added.

"Even accepting their case at its highest – that cups, if seized, might have tested positive for drugs – this would merely confirm that they consumed drug-laced beverages, not that such consumption was unknowing."

Most generic, unhelpful descriptions: DPPs

Lee previously said at trial that while he was in Thailand in June 2023, he had "popped a pill", given to him by a stranger, on two occasions.

According to the DPPs, if Lee and Tan had truly been victims of spiked drinks, they should have been able to provide at least some concrete details about their alleged perpetrators.

The pair, however, had provided "only the most generic and unhelpful descriptions", the DPPs said, adding that this included vague physical characteristics that could apply to numerous individuals.

In arguing that they had shown a lack of remorse, one DPP had earlier urged the court to sentence each of them to up to a year and three months' jail.

CNA reported that for consuming MDMA, they could have been jailed for between one year and 10 years, and fined up to S$20,000.

The man, who intervened to stop another man from allegedly stabbing himself in Clementi on Aug. 10 by restraining and disarming him, has received a sum of cash contributed by 22 residents.

The Good Samaritan was previously identified as 56-year-old Osman Sidin.

According to a report by The Straits Times, residents raised the money to help cover Osman's living expenses should he need to take time off work to recover from injuries sustained during the incident.

"I didn't want to him to hurt (people)"

Speaking to ST, Osman recounted that he had been on his way to a medical appointment with his wife when they heard people shouting outside The Clementi Mall on Aug. 10.

The man, who works as a cleaner, said he heard people yelling, "Run!".

He then spotted a man armed with a knife, who appeared to be stabbing himself.

It was previously reported that the man ran into a durian stall, grabbed a durian knife from the vendor, and began inflicting wounds on himself.

Fearing for the safety of nearby members of the public, Osman immediately rushed forward to intervene.

He said there were so many people running, including children, and he did not want anyone to get hurt.

He managed to restrain the man from behind and pinned him to the ground, causing the knife to fall a short distance away.

Osman recalled repeatedly shouting for bystanders to push the knife further away.

In response to Mothership's queries, the police said they received a call for assistance at Block 441B Clementi Avenue 3 at around 12:20pm on Aug. 10.

When the police arrived, officers found a 34-year-old man lying conscious with injuries believed to have been self-inflicted.

Separately, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said the man was subsequently conveyed to the hospital and is currently undergoing treatment.

Osman sustained an injury to his right wrist during the incident, while his clothes were stained with blood, ST reported.

Bystanders later provided him with a fresh change of clothes.

Martial arts training helped during incident

Osman was visited by Jurong East–Bukit Batok GRC MP David Hoe at his rental flat in Clementi on the night of Aug. 10.

In a social media post, Hoe said Osman is part of the Yellow Ribbon Singapore community and had turned over a new leaf after serving time in prison.

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A post shared by David Hoe 许德财 (@davidhoesg)

In a separate interview with CNA, Osman shared that he had fallen into bad company in his youth and committed offences that led to his imprisonment about two decades ago, although he declined to elaborate on the offences.

He added that he learnt silat, a form of martial arts, from a cellmate while in prison, and he drew on these skills to restrain the man and push the knife away during the incident.

Wife was proud of him

Speaking to ST, Osman's wife said she was proud of her husband and did not stop him when he decided to intervene.

The couple, who both work as daily-wage cleaners, are currently living in their rental flat in Clementi as they wait to move into their HDB flat.

She added that she hopes Osman will rest and recover fully before returning to work.

Although there was no official award, Hoe and his team presented Osman with a small yellow star plush toy as a token of appreciation during their visit on Aug. 10.

"A star because today, he is a shining star to us. And yellow, because it reminds us that second chances can become new beginnings."

Cash raised by residents

On Aug. 11, Osman and his wife were also presented with the cash contribution raised by 22 residents, ST reported.

The donation was handed over by Hoe and a grassroots volunteer.

According to Hoe, the contribution was their way of thanking Osman and supporting the couple while he recovers.

He added that further assistance would be arranged, including a follow-up medical appointment for Osman's injuries.

A driver who stopped to help a foreign worker who had cycled along the Seletar Expressway (SLE) has been commended for his kindness.

Wilson Foong, 45, told Mothership he felt worried for the cyclist's safety when he spotted him riding on the expressway towards Woodlands.

Foong overtook him, then found a safe spot to pull over and wait for him.

The encounter was filmed on video, which shows Foong asking the cyclist where he was going.

The cyclist explained that he was trying to get from Ang Mo Kio to Woodlands, but his ATM card had stopped working, so he was unable to take public transport.

He decided to rent a shared bicycle instead and used Google Maps on his phone to navigate.

However, his navigation was set to "two-wheeler" mode, which is meant for motorcycles, and the route took him onto the SLE.

He did not know that bicycles are not allowed on the expressway, Foong said.

To help him get off the SLE safely, Foong loaded the bicycle onto the bike rack on his car and drove the cyclist to Mandai Road.

There, he could enter the Ulu Sembawang Park Connector and continue towards Woodlands.

Before they parted ways, Foong also showed him how to toggle the bicycle mode on Google Maps to avoid getting directed onto an expressway again.

As they say goodbye, the cyclist thanked Foong for his help.

Recounting what happened, Foong told Mothership that as a cyclist himself, he always keeps a look out for other cyclists’ safety.

On Aug. 2, Toa Payoh was raided by Italian marines.

It’s about as bonkers a headline as you can get, leading to a bevvy of questions like what happened, and why the very localised name?

What actually happened?

On Aug. 2, as part of a joint EU mission led by the Italian Navy, supported by Greek and Polish vessels, Italian military personnel boarded an oil tanker named “Toa Payoh” in the Mediterranean.

The EU naval mission, named EUNAVFOR MED Irini, comes as the EU is attempting to intensify checks on vessels suspected of aiding Russia to evade oil sanctions, according to Reuters.

The Toa Payoh was in the Mediterranean, west of Sicily, while making its way from the African nation of Benin to Turkey, when it was intercepted by the EU naval mission.

The ship had changed the nation of its registration to Cameroon only the week before, having, according to vesselfinder.com, previously flown the Panamanian flag.

Helicopter boarding

The EU mission said that the Toa Payoh’s captain had initially failed to cooperate, which resulted in the Italian navy launching a team of military personnel to board the ship via helicopter from the Thaon di Revel, an Italian frigate.

The EU mission lacked the authority to seize the ship, but instead boarded the ship to check if it was legally allowed to fly the Cameroonian flag, as well as to check its registration documents.

The ship was not detained, but Reuters said that documents gathered during the boarding could be used by national authorities at a later time if needed.

The mission took just over two hours and was completed safely.

Why was it raided?

In July, the Toa Payoh changed its country of registration from Panama to Cameroon.

But while countries may grant ships the right to fly their flag, AP notes the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) Article 91, which states that while nations may choose to let ships fly their flag, “there must exist a genuine link between the State and the ship.”

This is likely what the EU was checking for.

But this explanation belies the deeper reason: the Toa Payoh is suspected to be part of the Russian “shadow fleet” that it uses to circumvent EU and United States sanctions placed on it due to its invasion of Ukraine.

This was the second such boarding of a vessel linked to Russia’s “shadow fleet” in the past month.

EU sanctions

The EU has heavily sanctioned Russia and its energy exports after its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, resulting in a “shadow fleet” of vessels used to evade those sanctions.

The so-called “Shadow Fleet” comprises “hundreds” of vessels which Russia uses to move oil without Western Companies, who refuse to do so for fear of contravening U.S. and European sanctions.

The vessels are usually older ships that are difficult to operate normally in the West, sometimes raising safety and therefore insurance concerns.

In order to circumvent some of the rules, these ships are registered with other countries where oversight of concerns like safety and cargo is more lax.

Who’s responsible

The Toa Payoh is alleged to be part of that fleet, and is owned by what appears to be a shell company, Toa Payoh Lines Inc, based out of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

That shell company appears to be part of a network of ships owned by Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, an Iranian businessman.

It should be noted that while the fleet is often called “Russian”, it is usually “Russia-friendly” rather than directly Russian-owned.

Iran and Russia are close allies, with the Iranian regime going as far as to provide Shaheed drones for Russia to use in its invasion and occupation of Ukraine.

Al Jazeera and a 2025 United States treasury department report said Hossein and the Shamkhani family are thought to be heavily involved in the export of Russian oil and petroleum products.

Al Jazeera reports that the network is known for taking sanctioned oil products and transferring them at sea, and for mixing those products with output from other countries, so that determining its precise origin is more difficult.

So what’s the connection?

In July 2025, the U.S. Treasury Department announced new sanctions related to Hossein which mentions the Toa Payoh and some companies registered in Singapore.

These companies are accused of being part of a network being used to launder money and hide the origins of the cargo carried by ships in the network.

Do those companies tell us anything about why the Toa Payoh is named what it is?

Sadly, no.

Shadow fleet vessels are notorious for changing their names often, and also their nation under which they're flagged.

It is a roughly 21-year-old chemical and oil products tanker that began its life as an Italian-flagged vessel named North Point.

It was renamed the Northern Ocean in 2011 and the Toa Payoh in November 2022.

So it might very well be that the naming is coincidental, merely one of the oddities of the world’s oceans, allowing for a humorous (in Singapore) headline.

Only in Yishun

Bonus info because some postulated the presence of a SS Yishun in the comments of the original post: There is also a ship named Yishun.

It’s a Taiwanese-flagged fishing vessel that operates in the seas around Japan and South Korea.

Nice.