The head of neurosurgery at Singapore General Hospital (SGH) told a coroner’s inquiry that compassion for a patient’s family influenced his decision not to report her death to the coroner.

Jai Prashanth Rao, who heads the National Neuroscience Institute’s (NNI) neurosurgery department at SGH, is being investigated over his failure to report the death as required under the Coroners Act, CNA reported.

A coroner's inquiry on Oct. 14 revealed that 75-year-old Tan Suan Lin had died six days after undergoing surgery by Rao to remove a brain tumour.

An internal NNI review had flagged the case about a year after Tan's death and a police report was lodged. No autopsy was performed because of the delay.

Changed his mind about reporting death

Rao reportedly said he initially told Tan’s family that her death would need to be reported to the coroner.

However, he later changed his mind and issued a death certificate instead, reported CNA.

Explaining his decision, Rao said: “Probably my heart overruled my brain.”

Tan’s husband had initially been reluctant for an autopsy to be carried out, but had tried to accept the reasoning after it was explained to him.

Her daughter repeatedly expressed that she did not want her mother to undergo an autopsy and wanted her to retain “dignity in death”, Rao stated, according to CNA.

Rao said he did not press the family further, explaining that he wanted to show compassion and give them closure.

Tan's death certificate gave the cause of death as "malignant neoplasm – brain, unspecified", which Rao said was meant to show she died from the tumour. Rao said a junior doctor had signed it.

According to CNA, an HSA forensic pathologist indicated a possible cause was bleeding complications during surgery.

Thought only deaths within 24 hours of surgery had to be reported

Rao also reportedly claimed he had mistakenly believed that reporting to the coroner was mandatory only for deaths occurring within 24 hours of an operation.

He could not recall where that understanding had come from.

When State Coroner Adam Nakhoda asked whether he had undergone training on when deaths should be reported, Rao said such training was given when doctors were “very junior”.

According to CNA, the surgeon said he has since refreshed his understanding of the requirements and acknowledged that Tan’s death should have been reported.

Under the Coroners Act, anyone who becomes aware of a death that is, or appears to be, reportable must inform the police as soon as reasonably practicable.

This includes deaths linked directly or indirectly to medical treatment or care, as well as cases where the cause or circumstances of death are unknown.

Those who fail to report such a death without reasonable excuse may face up to one month’s jail, a fine of up to S$1,500, or both.

Surgery complicated by severe bleeding

Rao operated on Tan on Jan. 3, 2024.

The surgery was going as planned until the team reportedly struggled to control the bleeding.

Tan lost around three litres of blood, and her brain began to swell.

Rao ended the surgery and closed the skin before updating Tan’s husband and daughter on what had happened and telling them that her chances of recovery were poor.

Tan was then moved to the intensive care unit, where her condition worsened.

Tan died on Jan. 9, 2024.

Rao testified that he could not explain the cause of the swelling, but based on his medical expertise, it appeared to him to be a seizure, CNA reported.

Expert says case should have been reported

A state-appointed independent expert witness reportedly said Tan’s death should have been reported to the coroner.

The expert said reporting such deaths was something doctors were taught from the time they entered the speciality.

However, as a fellow surgeon, he said he could empathise with Rao’s decision-making, CNA reported.

The expert said the main surgeon carries “the most emotional burden” and that it was “entirely reasonable” for emotions to sometimes affect judgment.

The coroner will deliver his findings at a later date.

ActiveSG's outdoor and non-air-conditioned facilities have been closed temporarily due to worsening haze conditions.

According to ActiveSG's website, the closure affects ActiveSG's sports and recreation facilities in the East and Central regions, as of 2:30pm on Oct. 15.

The affected facilities include:

• ActiveSG Sport Park @ Teck Ghee Swimming Complex

• Bishan Clubhouse

• Bishan Stadium

• Bishan Swimming Complex

• Burghley Squash Centre

• Burghley Tennis Centre

• Hougang Stadium

• Hougang Swimming Complex

• Kallang Sport Centre

• Jalan Besar Stadium

• Jalan Besar Swimming Complex

Other facilities in the East region, such as Serangoon Stadium and Pasir Ris Swimming Complex are also affected.

Facilities in the North, South, and West regions remain open, but visitors are advised to check for the latest updates before heading down, ActiveSG added.

As of Oct. 15, 3pm, NEA's website showed that the East and Central regions had a 24-hour PSI reading of 165 and 188 respectively.

The North, South and West regions have a reading of 125, 158, and 196 respectively.

This places every region in Singapore in the Unhealthy scale.

In a similar move, SAFRA branches at Jurong and Choa Chu Kang have closed their outdoor facilities, according to Facebook posts on their respective accounts.

A petrol shortage in Indonesia's resort island of Bali left motorists waiting hours and in snaking queues just to fill up their gas tanks earlier this week.

Some petrol stations also ran out of fuel.

Officials explained that the shortage was the result of an unfortunate confluence of events that affected domestic distribution, but stressed that there was enough fuel to go around, as fuel deliveries have resumed.

Queues reported since Sunday

The queues were observed at multiple districts across the Indonesian island, including in the capital of Denpasar, South China Morning Post wrote.

According to the Associated Press, they have been reported since Sunday.

One motorist said he spent a morning visiting 10 petrol stations, only to find long lines at each of them, ABC Asia reported.

In another video by RT, a station attendant was seen handing out water to those in line.

At some stations, signs were put up informing motorists that fuel was not available, AP reported.

Delayed shipment of fuel

The shortage was not the result of disruptions in international fuel supplies, a director-general from Indonesia's energy ministry explained, according to AP.

Rather, a fuel tanker delivering fuel to the island suffered an anchor issue while preparing to unload at the island's port.

Inclement weather and rough seas also hampered deliveries to the resort island.

Panic-buying by motorists, in anticipation of a shortage, only made things worse.

The delayed fuel tanker has since arrived, and 24-hour deliveries to the island have been underway since Oct. 14.

The governor of Bali, I Wayan Koster, urged patience and reminded motorists that there was enough fuel to meet demand, South China Morning Post reported, citing Jakarta Globe.

A man and his friend solicited an older man in Geylang for oral sex, but assaulted him afterwards when he asked for payment.

Shakur Han Shaid, 23, was sentenced to seven years and four months’ jail and six strokes of the cane on Oct. 13.

He pleaded guilty to three charges of voluntarily causing grievous hurt by a dangerous weapon, voluntarily causing grievous hurt and theft in dwelling.

His accomplice, Richard M. Azhar, was previously sentenced to four and a half years' jail and 12 strokes of the cane on Sep. 29, 2025.

Court documents seen by Mothership stated that Shakur was released from reformative training under supervision on Jul. 3, 2024.

He was to remain under supervision until Jul. 5, 2026, but committed a slew of offences shortly after his release.

Solicited man for sex act

According to court documents, Shakur and Azhar decided to engage sexual services from prostitutes on Feb. 3, 2025.

They headed to Geylang, where they spotted the 44-year-old victim.

The victim agreed to provide sexual services to them both, and they headed to the back alley of Geylang Lorong 21 sometime after midnight.

Afterwards, he told them that it would cost S$50 per person.

Azhar told the victim that he did not have enough money and then snatched the victim’s bag to take his money.

However, the victim pulled his bag back.

Assaulted victim

Azhar then punched the victim in the face a few times.

Irritated that the victim had touched his body, Shakur punched the victim’s face, pulled the victim’s bag and shirt, and pinned him to the ground.

Shakur then punched and kicked the victim while he was on the floor while Azhar pulled the victim’s handbag to see what valuables were inside.

Later, Shakur spotted Azhar holding onto a brick weighing almost 2kg and took it from him.

He then used the brick to hit the victim.

Azhar also hit the victim with the brick and took his valuables, including a handphone, his NRIC card, a blue CHAS card, and cash amounting to S$40 from the floor.

After the assault, Shakur spotted the victim’s ATM card on the floor and handed it over to Azhar.

The two left the victim in the alley and fled.

Arrested

At around 9am on Feb. 4, 2025, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) was alerted to the assault.

The victim was found unconscious, lying in a pool of blood, with a bloodstained brick nearby.

He was taken to Changi General Hospital, where doctors found extensive injuries, including a skull fracture, traumatic brain injury, multiple facial fractures, and compartment syndrome in both legs.

He underwent several surgeries and required prolonged rehabilitation.

Medical fees at St Andrew's Community Hospital alone amounted to over S$37,000, according to court documents.

Shakur was arrested on the afternoon of Feb. 4 and subsequently charged in court.

Other offences

Shakur also committed other offences, including turning aggressive and pushing an auxiliary police officer's hand away during a body check in remand.

Before this, Shakur had also stolen money from a staff at a drinks stall in a Boon Lay coffee shop on Nov. 10, 2024.

On Dec. 26, 2024, he also assaulted a 58-year-old man at a void deck in Boon Lay.

The governor of East Kalimantan province in Indonesia was recently spotted at Marina Bay Sands having breakfast.

The scene of Rudy Mas'ud at the hotel sparked criticism and anger after going viral on Threads.

The photo, which has since amassed over 11,000 likes and 1,500 shares, was posted on Oct. 12.

It was not revealed when exactly the photo was taken.

Indonesian netizens lambasted the pair for going on "vacation" and "having a good time", while forest fires continue burning in Kalimantan.

Health check

However, East Kalimantan's communications and information agency clarified on Oct. 13 that Rudy had been in Singapore days earlier for a health check.

According to Indonesian media outlet Kompas, he had received permission from the minister of home affairs, and the trip was for "health reasons".

Rudy underwent a routine health check at Mount Elizabeth Hospital and left Singapore on Oct. 11, reported another Indonesian media outlet, Benua Kaltim.

He resumed his governmental duties and was in Jakarta the day after.

Fires

Fires in Kalimantan have been burning for the past three months.

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Mothership (@mothershipsg)

Indonesia's environment minister said on Oct. 13 that it aims to extinguish all forest and land fires in a month.

Regarding offers of assistance from other countries, the minister said that the government would assess potential aid based on its type and effectiveness in accelerating firefighting operations, Antara wrote.

Small deployments may have a limited impact, since Indonesia has already deployed large numbers of responders.

Thus far, over 60,000 personnel have been deployed to support ground operations.

Related stories

A group of women was seen brawling along the Clarke Quay riverfront on Oct. 11.

In a video shared online by Instagram page sgfollowsall, one woman in white can be seen being thrown to the ground.

Two women grappled with her hands and legs, while another yanked forcefully at her hair.

They fell and continued tussling on the ground.

The woman wearing white tried to stand up but was restrained and pinned to the ground.

Another assailant kicked at the woman while she was on the floor.

While the brawl was happening, one woman in black noticed the cameraman taking the video and told them to stop.

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by SgfollowsAll (@sgfollowsall)

Shin Min Daily News (Shin Min) reported that one worker at a nearby Thai restaurant witnessed and heard the group of women shouting loudly and fighting.

Another worker at a nearby restaurant told Shin Min that it was "common" to see drunken spats and fights in the area.

In response to Mothership's queries, the police and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) confirmed that they received a call for assistance around 9:55pm that day.

They assessed one person for minor injuries, who refused conveyance and declined to be sent to the hospital.

Police investigations are ongoing.

Parking fines which were received by a 66-year-old Singaporean woman who neither owned nor drove a car were sent erroneously, the Housing & Development Board (HDB) said in response to Mothership's queries.

Another motorist had mistakenly entered her old vehicle registration number to pay for his motorcycle parking fees, resulting in under-declared fees and the notices being sent, HDB explained.

The husband of the woman, surnamed Wang, said that they have received at least 19 fines since September last year.

The fines totalled S$1,320.

While Wang had last driven a car bearing the license plate number "4155" in 2024, the fines were for a car with the license plate "7965Y".

Why the parking offence notices were issued

In its response, HDB said that it is aware of the case.

Explaining the discrepancy, HDB said that its checks found that the resident was the last registered owner of the vehicle, which was deregistered in October 2000.

However, starting from September 2025, the vehicle's registration number was used to pay motorcycle charges instead of car parking charges, thus resulting in under-declared parking charges.

Another motorist had keyed in the resident's former vehicle registration number instead of his own motorcycle registration number, according to HDB.

"As the resident was the last registered owner of the vehicle, parking offence notices were automatically issued to her," HDB explained.

Upon discovering the discrepancy, HDB said it immediately stopped issuing new parking offence notices to the resident.

However, some of the reminders for earlier offence notices continued to be automatically sent to her.

"We have since cancelled all outstanding notices of this vehicle registration number that may be sent to the resident, and informed her that she may disregard the notices and reminders received," HDB said.

"We have also apologised to the resident," HDB added.

'Honest mistake' by other motorist

HDB said it has since reached out to the motorist and assisted to correct the error.

"We have also ascertained that it was an honest mistake and he paid for his usual parking sessions based on motorcycle parking rates," HDB clarified.

An aesthetic doctor in Singapore has been temporarily prohibited from administering dermal fillers after a patient complained that he had administered three times the recommended dosage during a treatment. The doctor disputes the allegations and has appealed.

The overdosage resulted in the patient experiencing chronic facial pain for at least 19 months, which eventually required a nerve surgery to alleviate.

The patient also lost her job as she dealt with the medical issues.

Details of the case and the temporary restrictions on the aesthetic doctor were laid out in a grounds of decision published on Oct. 7 by an Interim Orders Committee (IOC).

What happened

On Apr. 1, 2023, the patient visited the doctor, Wong Kai Jie Isaac, at his clinic, The Artisan Clinic.

This was her first visit.

Wong is listed on the clinic's website as its founder.

During the visit, Wong recommended a procedure involving the injection of dermal fillers.

The patient consented, and Wong proceeded.

The label on the packaging stated that the maximum annual dosage is 2ml, according to the grounds of decision.

The patient said Wong administered a total dosage of 7ml in one sitting.

Side effects and treatment

Following this, the patient reported to Wong that she suffered pain on the left side of her face.

Wong diagnosed a vascular occlusion, and proceeded to inject hyaluronidase into the patient's face multiple times in an attempt to reduce the effects caused by the dermal fillers.

Vascular occlusion refers to a blood vessel blockage.

Hyaluronidase is an enzyme to dissolve hyaluronic acid.

From Apr. 2, 2023, to Oct. 8, 2024, the patient made repeated visits to see Wong regarding the side effects or complications as a result of the dermal fillers injection.

These side effects include persistent left facial pain, blocked blood vessels and nerve pain.

From Apr. 2 to Jun. 21, 2023, Wong continued to inject hyaluronidase into the patient's face at multiple consultations.

On Jun. 22, 2023, Wong brought in another doctor to help check for temporomandibular joint dysfunction, a jaw condition.

After this consultation, the doctor messaged Wong and informed him that he was not sure if continued injection of hyaluronidase would be helpful.

Following this and until May 3, 2024, Wong continued with injections of hyaluronidase and steroids, among others.

19 months of pain

The patient ultimately experienced chronic facial pain lasting at least 19 months, according to the grounds of decision.

The pain resulted in high blood pressure and weight loss of over 20kg arising from changes in appetite.

The patient also lost her job as she dealt with the medical issues and suffered a negative impact on her mental health.

During the course of the medical episode, the patient sought medical attention from other doctors and underwent a nerve surgery to alleviate the pain in the left side of her face.

She filed a complaint against Wong with the Singapore Medical Council (SMC) on Nov. 4, 2024.

SMC's position

According to the grounds of decision, the SMC disclosed five other complaints against Wong that similarly allege over-dosing. Wong’s counsel said none of them involved vascular occlusion and that no disciplinary finding has been made on any of them.

The SMC recommended that an interim order be issued to make Wong's continued registration as a medical practitioner conditional for a period of 18 months, pending the conclusion of investigations.

The conditions include not offering or administering dermal fillers.

SMC posited that such an interim order is necessary to protect the public, given that Wong had failed to provide the "requisite standard of care" when administering the dermal fillers or in managing the side effects or complications.

It argued that Wong ought to have known that the maximum annual dosage was clearly stated on the packaging.

SMC pointed out that Wong's treatment of the side effects using hyaluronidase was inappropriate, given that the dermal filler used was a non-hyaluronic acid filler.

Wong's case

Arguing against such an order, Wong said that no prima facie case had been made out against him and that there was no risk to the public if he practised without conditions.

Wong pointed out that the 2ml maximum dosage label was printed by the dermal filler's manufacturer to comply with local regulatory requirements.

In fact, Wong claimed the manufacturer does not specify a maximum dosage in many countries where the dermal filler is distributed.

The manufacturer had also indicated that a maximum dosage of 12ml per session is safe.

On this, SMC noted that the change in maximum dosage only occurred in March 2026.

Hence, whether 7ml was clinically safe was a separate question to whether Wong had knowingly exceeded "clearly stated regulatory limit".

Wong also contested the SMC's point that his treatment of the side effects was inappropriate.

Wong argued that the hyaluronidase injections were to treat the blood vessel blockage rather than dissolve the injected dermal fillers.

Furthermore, Wong highlighted that he has administered a total of 19,667 dermal fillers from 2018 to 2026.

Out of these injections, he said this was the only occurrence of a blocked blood vessel.

Wong also submitted that he had met the standard of care and informed his patients of the potential risks, side effects and complications before treatment.

While SMC pointed out that Wong was not proactive in referring the patient to a specialist to treat the side effects, Wong countered that he immediately arranged another doctor for the patient for hyperbaric oxygen therapy on Apr. 1, 2023.

Conditions imposed on Wong's practice

After considering the facts and circumstances submitted by both the SMC and Wong, the IOC sided with the SMC's recommendations and conditions were imposed on Wong's practice.

The conditions will be in place for a period of 18 months or until the conclusion of the proceedings against him, whichever is sooner.

Apart from not offering or administering dermal fillers, Wong must also not treat any patient in relation to any side effects or complications arising from the administration of dermal fillers.

He shall only administer products within the dosage or indications permitted by the Health Sciences Authority or in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.

He must also inform SMC of all the places where he practises or intends to practise.

He must also inform any organisation or person employing him for medical work about the conditions imposed on his medical registration.

Wong has submitted an appeal to the high court to revoke the interim orders.

His appeal is scheduled to be heard on Oct. 28.

Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong collected N95 masks from Teck Ghee Community Club (CC) on Oct. 14 amid Singapore’s worsening haze situation.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) announced on Oct. 14 that community clubs across Singapore would distribute N95 masks to eligible Singaporeans in response to the deteriorating haze conditions.

In an Instagram post, SM Lee shared a photo of himself collecting a set of masks at the Teck Ghee community club. He also reminded Singaporeans to take care of themselves and their loved ones.

“With the haze affecting Singapore, do take care of yourself and your loved ones,” he wrote.

SM Lee also urged residents to take precautions, including wearing a mask when necessary, staying indoors when haze conditions worsen, and keeping up with the latest updates through official sources and news channels.

“Do stay safe and well,” he added.

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Lee Hsien Loong (@leehsienloong)

N95 masks collection

Eligible recipients for the masks include Pioneer and Merdeka Generation seniors, CHAS Orange and Blue cardholders, Medical Fee Exemption Card holders, and ComCare Assistance recipients.

Pregnant women, children aged seven to 16, and people with medical conditions such as asthma may also collect masks at People's Association (PA) venues by presenting their NRICs.

Family members or friends can also collect the masks on their behalf using the eligible person’s NRIC.

Residents can find their nearest collection point at gowhere.gov.sg/hazemask.

SM Lee added in his post that Teck Ghee residents can also collect masks at Teck Ghee CC and Ang Mo Kio CC from 10am to 6pm from Oct. 15 onwards.

Other collection points, including vending machines, are also available, he shared.

SM Lee also said that CCs and selected Residents’ Network (RN) Centres will be open from 10am to 6pm for residents to seek respite from the haze.

The owner of Simba, a 1½-year-old male goldendoodle, said he planned to euthanise the dog after being unable to find someone willing to adopt it, attributing the difficulty in rehoming it to its behaviour.

A reader alerted Mothership to Simba’s situation after another member of a group chat called “furball siblings” shared an appeal to find it a home.

Screenshots seen by Mothership show the owner discussing plans to euthanise it in a separate Bukit Batok residents’ group chat.

Responding to Mothership’s queries, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) said its inspectors were told by the owner and a rescuer that Simba is now in foster care and will undergo training before being rehomed.

According to SPCA, the rescuer caring for Simba said its owner had cited euthanasia out of desperation.

Family allegedly pressed for euthanasia

In the residents’ group chat, Simba’s owner said the dog would need to be euthanised because “nobody want him”, adding that his family was pressing for this to happen.

Another participant asked when he intended to do so, explaining that they were reaching out to people who might be able to give Simba a home. The owner replied that he was planning to euthanise it “after 7 days”.

SPCA said the rescuer subsequently told its inspectors that the owner had limited experience with dogs and had cared for Simba for only a week.

Owner claims shelters would not take Simba in

When another participant in the residents’ group chat suggested approaching SPCA, Simba’s owner claimed that shelters did not want to take it in. He later attributed the difficulty in finding someone to take the dog to its behaviour.

Asked by Mothership about Simba’s behaviour and the shelters approached, the owner declined to provide further details. He did not identify which shelters had been contacted or explain the behavioural issues involved.

SPCA’s response did not establish which shelters had been approached or whether they had declined to accept Simba.

Simba reportedly rehomed

Speaking to Mothership, Simba’s owner said he was the dog’s third owner and had originally found it through Facebook adoption groups.

He said Simba had been picked up by a new caregiver on Sunday (Oct. 4) at 7pm, but declined to explain how the caregiver had been found.

The reader also shared a screenshot of an update in “furball siblings” by the same member who had circulated the appeal. The member said Simba had been adopted by “someone from a shelter”, alongside a photo appearing to show the dog being walked on a leash by a woman.

Mothership initially attempted to verify the reported adoption but was unable to independently confirm it.

SPCA subsequently clarified that Simba was handed over to a rescuer for fostering and subsequent rehoming. Its inspectors contacted the owner after being alerted to the chat messages, then spoke to the rescuer, who said Simba was settling into its foster home and would undergo training before being rehomed.

SPCA cautions against casually mentioning euthanasia

While SPCA said it sympathised with the owner’s situation, it cautioned against casually presenting euthanasia as a potential solution.

“Euthanasia is not the answer to a healthy but simply unwanted pet,” it said.

Speaking generally, SPCA said such mentions can prompt people to quickly offer to take over a pet’s care, creating false urgency and adding pressure to rescuers already handling genuine emergencies.

“For every healthy animal they accept, they have one less space for an animal whose life hangs in the balance,” it added.

SPCA advised owners to explore responsible rehoming options, including its rehoming noticeboard, or engage a professional trainer who uses force-free, positive reinforcement methods where behavioural challenges are the main concern.

It also urged prospective owners to consider the lifelong commitment carefully and plan for behavioural training from the outset, even before problems arise.

Singapore’s veterinary guidelines on euthanasia

According to the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS), veterinarians must comply with the Code of Ethics for Veterinarians as part of their licensing conditions.

The code provides for euthanasia to prevent unnecessary suffering, but requires appropriate treatment options to be considered first. It also allows veterinarians to refuse a request for euthanasia if they do not deem it necessary. Decisions about treatment or animal care should be guided by the animal’s welfare, the owner’s commitment to treatment and public safety.

Separately, dog training and behaviour rehabilitation guidelines supported by AVS recommend professional assessment of aggression issues, early behavioural intervention and veterinary advice to rule out health-related causes.