Local News

A rare sambar deer died in an accident on Tuesday night at Mandai Road. The deer was hit by a motorcyclist, and according to police reports, the biker suffered a a few minor abrasions, and refused to be taken to hospital.

The deer was not so lucky though. Photos of the accident showed a deer lying on the road, with blood near the animal's face. The Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres) was also informed about the accident, but when its officers arrived at the scene, the deer had already died. 

The exact number of sambar deer in Singapore is not known, although a figure of about 20 or more have been mentioned. This is the third sambar deer accident this year.

How has 2018 been for Singaporeans? 

Some of us will be wrapping up the year with significant achievements and milestones. Some, however, are not that lucky.

As the year draws to a close, historian Thum Ping Tjin confessed on Facebook that 2018 has been an "unrelentingly difficult year". He blamed the "government and its proxies" for harassing him and smearing his reputation. 

All he wanted to do was to do his research, uncover truths, fight for justice and freedom. Although it has been a challenging year, Thum found consolation in making a positive difference in people's lives. 

Not surprisingly, he was not the only one who felt like he was badgered by elites. Artist Sonny Liew was also disappointed with the government for taking action against TOC editor Terry Xu and blogger Leong Sze Hian even though they already removed the articles in question.

In his words: "Everyone is someone's son, daughter, brother, sister, father or mother, after all. And though few of us would be joined by ties of blood, we are still bound by our common nationality and humanity. Snide to each other at times, for sure. Boisterous, argumentative, contrary, perhaps - but ultimately all human beings who have variously by fate, choice or circumstance found ourselves on this island, hopefully all deserving of the the same empathy and kindness the Prime Minister showed towards his brother and sister."

So, is there any heart left in our rigid, petty country? Given the looks of 2018, will 2019 be something to look forward to?

Don't be too optimistic. We may not be that lucky.

Following the outrageous theft of supermarket trolleys at Holland Rd, a group of youths were seen setting a trolley on fire.

They were casually hanging out and might have thought it fun to destroy public property. They showed no guilt in recording their antics and were even heard saying: "Your birthday got fireworks!"

Unfortunately for them, Singaporeans did not take well to it. A few netizens were so angry they said the youths did not deserve Singapore citizenship. 

Is this how our younger generation have fun nowadays? If it is, we are in serious trouble.

Credits to Stomp

NTUC Fairprice have confirmed that the police are currently investigating after all the supermarket trolleys went missing from their store at Holland Drive. They had lodged a police report on Friday after they found all the trolleys missing from block 35 Holland Drive.

NTUC Fairprice also indicated that they will not comment more on the case, as it is currently under police investigation. The stolen trolleys came under spotlight when a photo was spread online, which showed NTUC informing customers that all their trolleys had been stolen. 

It's official. Ang Mo Kio is a slum.

Some residents have found worms in tap water at Blk 472 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10. A maid was reportedly washing milk bottles when she saw a worm come out from the running tap. The worm was about 4 to 5 cm long. 

This was not the only wriggly encounter. Another Ang Mo Kio resident recalled seeing worms in the toilet bowl a few weeks ago. 

In response, the Public Utilities Board (PUB) and Ang Mo Kio Town Council said that they have checked the water tanks and found them to be clean of worms. They presumed it to be an earthworm that could have appeared from the surrounding area. Nevertheless, they will send officers to clean the tanks and pump rooms.

Is drinking water with worms the Swiss standard of living we have been chasing after? Whose ward is it anyway? Are the elites too busy checking themselves instead of maintaining the cleanliness of our homes?

Main photo credit: Shin Min Daily News

Mandarin Orchard Singapore has stepped up to assure people that they have thoroughly cleaned and disinfected the Grand Mandarin ballroom. The site is closed and under investigation for causing food poisoning. The gastroenteritis outbreak affected more than 170 customers. 

The supposedly reputable hotel apologised for those who were affected and promised collaborate with relevant authorities to address hygiene issues relating to the outbreak.

"Meanwhile, our team continues to step up efforts to ensure that all relevant personnel are trained in and observe proper personal hygiene and food handling practices, in addition to enforcing stringent standards of cleanliness and sanitation across all our food and beverage premises."

Authorities are conducting further inspections and swabs of its premises. Till then, will people dare to visit Mandarin Orchard again?