Oil spill clean-up to take around 3 months before affected beaches progressively reopen: Grace Fu

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According to Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu, oil spill clean-up operations are expected to last for three months before beaches are gradually reopened to the public on Monday ( Jun 24 ). &nbsp,

In a joint press conference with Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat and Minister for National Development Desmond Lee, she provided an upgrade on the clean-up activity.

Oil from a broken goods container on the ship’s side drew into the water on the evening of Jun 14 after a Netherlands-flagged dredger hit a fixed bunker vessel.

Over the next few weeks, fuel washed up along several shores including Sentosa, East Coast Park, and Labrador Nature Reserve, as well as shores at St John’s, Lazarus and Kusu islands. At Marina South Pier, you can also see fuel slicks.

According to Ms. Fu, more than 700 washing staff members have been dispatched, and a significant portion of the beachfront fuel has been removed. &nbsp,

” About 550 tonnes of oil- washed sand and dirt from the damaged beaches has been removed”, she added. &nbsp,

To stop crude from being washed ashore or into interior rivers, more than 3,400m of surges have also been deployed.

Without the indefatigable and coordinated work of our cleaning staff from organizations and their service providers, Ms. Fu said. &nbsp,

UP AFTER THE NEXT Step OF CLEANING

According to Ms. Fu, the second stage of clean-up work will be under way.

She said that the first phase of the clean-up focused on removing oil slicks and contaminated dust from the affected beaches ‘ floor and using booms to prevent further contamination. &nbsp,

” This is making good progress and approaching completion” .&nbsp,

Seven organizations involved in the oil clean-up effort, including the Maritime and Port Authority ( MPA ) and the National Environment Agency ( NEA ), jointly stated in a statement on Monday that no oil slick along East Coast and Changi has been observed since Jun 18 based on satellite and drone images.

With the exception of Tanjong and Palawan beach in Sentosa, the authorities reported that the majority of the oil-soaked dust had been sanded out of the majority of the damaged open beaches. &nbsp,

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Government agencies have done well in oil spill clean-up, SOPs effective: Chee Hong Tat

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BOOMS COULD NOT HAVE INTERRUPTED OIL SPREAD.

Mr Chee said that there is” some misunderstanding” that the boom could have prevented the fuel from floating away and going onto Singapore’s coasts.

According to the secretary, spilling caffeine onto the surface is different from spilling oil.

” If you spill caffeine on the floor, the caffeine may be that, you can go get a broom and clean”, he said. ” Oil that spills into the sea, specially if it’s a sudden release, a large amount, like what happened on Jun 14, the fuel will not be stable.

We must anticipate that a considerable amount of oil that is sloshed in the water will be transported by coastal currents and waves to other places because it would take several hours to deploy the containment growth around the oil flow.

Therefore, the main goal of the confinement around the broken vessel is not to “fence” the spilled oil but as a preventative measure to prevent further leaks from the ruined vessel.

Some of the oil flow that is still floating in the vicinity of the incident site may be aided by the containment growth. Because the coastal currents and waves allow the oil to flow both below and above the booms, he said,” this is also not 100 percent flawless.”

He questioned why the boom were n’t strategically placed to stop oil from entering beaches because it was just unfavorable to place them along Singapore’s entire coastline.

He said,” It would require more than 46 kilometers of booms if you were going to deploy booms along the entire southern coastline from Pasir Panjang to the East Coast.”

Because some booms you jump and are content to the elements, maintenance and replacement would also be required.

Before deploying the surges, MPA may first check the oil’s activity.

He claimed that MPA had thus dispatched crew and vessels to monitor oil-stained surroundings while urging other agencies to increase their coastal monitoring.

Additionally, it used satellite imagery and coastal forecasting to predict where the crude would move in addition to forecasting using real-time weather data and satellite imagery.

This targeted strategy is in line with international training and places the booms available where they can be most useful, he said.

About 3.4 kilometers of boom have been constructed since Jun 14 to prevent oil from returning to the ocean and from being washed into interior canals.

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Singapore still assessing visa application of shipping CEO who claimed he was denied one over Russia sanctions

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The Ministry of Manpower ( MOM) clarified on Monday ( Jun 24 ) that the chief executive officer of a shipping company’s visa application was rejected because supporting documents were not provided by the deadline.

After the United States discovered Red Box Energy Services ‘ CEO Philip Adkins had violated sanctions against Russia, Singapore “refused” to renew his work card earlier this month, according to The Financial Times.

The unwillingness to renew his card “in effect forces him to move over,” Mr. Adkins told the Financial Times. Red Box’s headquarters are in Singapore. &nbsp,

” I accept the consequences of the sanctions, even though I do n’t agree with them” ,&nbsp, he added.

In response to CNA questions, the Manpower Ministry reported that Red Box requested Mr. Adkins ‘ employment pass ( EP ) renewal application in December of last year.

However, the application was turned down in February of this year because the “necessary supporting documents” were n’t provided by the deadline set forth in the application process, according to MOM.

On March 6, 2024, Red Box Energy Services submitted a subsequent EP registration request to Philip Adkins along with the necessary paperwork. This program is already being assessed”.

According to the Financial Times, Red Box was subject to US sanctions in May for allegedly delivering materials for a Russian-led venture in the Arctic Circle.

Red Box was added to the United Kingdom’s punishment list earlier this month, the company claimed.

According to the post, Mr Adkins, who is himself not under any restrictions, argued at that time that the building material were” plain steel images” and therefore the company did not breach restrictions.

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COVID-19 cases down but remain elevated, MOH calls for more to get booster jabs

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MOBILE Immunization

Before moving to new places, portable vaccination teams are stationed at each location for a few days. They operate from 9am to 5pm, with a crack between 11.30am and 1pm.

People can move in without making an appointment, with casinos allocated on a first come first served basis, content to place and vaccine supply. Seniors over the age of 60 may receive goal.

Patients were able to get a shot in the arm in less than ten minutes when CNA visited one smart vaccination place in Bedok over the weekend.

” I saw the page nearby, so I thought why not just cut by? It’s convenient, I do n’t need to travel further out. One shot is one part of defence”, 76- yr- ancient native Lau Hang Sia, who received his boost shot, told CNA.

Another native Ng Choi Meng, 74, who was waiting in line for her move, said:” I got COVID- 19 two days now. Because I’m old, maybe if I get another day, ( it’ll be ) major already. That’s why I need ( the ) protection”.

Minmed Group, a chain of clinics that currently operates two mobile teams, reported that each area can take in about 75 patients per day. If there is a rise in demand, it may set up additional booths and train more personnel correctly.

The facilities ‘ productions of Moderna and Pfizer are up-to-date. A dentist is available to assist with inquiries at each location.

Both Pfizer and Moderna have comparable levels of efficacy for mRNA vaccines. People who have questions about the vaccines may speak with our on-site doctor for more discussion, according to Dr. Lock Jing Zhan.

They might want to talk about their medical history or previous interactions with past mRNA vaccines, where our on-site doctors can produce additional suggestions.

In order to meet demand, MOH stated that clubs will continue to be stationed at more locations in the coming days.

EXTENDED Days

The five Singaporean Joint Testing and Vaccination Centres ‘ working time have also been extended until the end of the month.

The facilities at Bukit Merah, Jurong East, Kaki Bukit, Sengkang and Woodlands today run from 9am to 7pm, instead of the usual final day of 1pm.

During the recent wave of infection, MOH reported that more people have gotten their photos.

About 49, 000 persons received jabs between May 20 and Jun 16, five times more than the month before.

Dr Lock said that keeping up with vaccinations is essential, as COVID- 19 – like all viruses&nbsp, – mutates and generates novel variants.

Regular boost pictures “help to stimulate the immune system,” he said, which may lessen transmission and a person who is infected.

This is even more so for the defenseless people including the elderly, those with serious problems and the immunocompromised.

HOSPITAL Power

In comparison to earlier this year, the number of COVID- 19 situations in Singapore is still what MOH refers to as “elevated.”

The health department said it will remain to closely monitor the situation as many Singaporeans leave for foreign countries for the summer.

People hospital ability also remains sparse.

The National University Health System, which runs three facilities, said it has seen more people at its emergency agencies, although ICU power remains firm. &nbsp,

The heath grouping added that it is attempting to maximize resources and is reviewing the options available for inpatient care.

It advised patients to attend general practitioners and even explore hospitals if they are suffering from serious or life-threatening conditions and that an extended waiting period might be expected in its emergency departments.

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South Korea lithium battery factory fire kills several workers

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Numerous employees have lost their lives in a massive fire at a North Korean lithium battery manufacturer.

The blaze broke out on Monday morning at the Aricell plant in Hwaseong city, about 45km ( 28 miles ) south of the capital Seoul.

Local television images showed little bombs occurring as rescuers attempted to extinguish the flames.

South Korea is a leading manufacturer of sodium batteries, which are used in a variety of products, including laptops and electric cars.

According to a fireplace official, a fire official and Reuters reported that at least 16 people have died in the fire so much, though the death toll may be higher. Around 20 systems have been discovered, according to the Yonhap news agency.

The Aricell stock housed an estimated 35, 000 cell cell on its second floor, where the batteries were inspected and packaged, with more stored elsewhere.

The fire’s source is still unknown. Around the time the fire broke out, authorities claimed witness had heard a number of explosions on the next surface.

At the time, there were about 100 employees waiting.

Local fire national Kim Ji-young said initial apprehensions led to “furore of bombs.” He continued, noting that the fire’s quick disperse was caused by the numerous power cell explosions.

Due to the intense water-reaction of lithium fires, firefighters had to use dried dust to put an end to the fire, which erupted after several hours.

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Mother admits splashing hot water on her 4 children

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A 33-year-old single mother admitted to splashing hot water on her four children in Singapore on Monday ( Jun 24 ) because she thought one of them had stolen her money.

The Singaporean woman admitted to one count of neglecting a baby in her attention, with additional three counts of neglecting her other kids taking into account when punishment.

According to gag orders to protect the identities of her children, she may be identified.

The court heard that the person’s children were aged eight, nine, 10 and 11 at the time of the crimes in July 2022.

On the day of Jul 2, 2022, she asked her oldest kid, an 11- yr- old woman, to fetch S$ 20 ( US$ 14.70 ) from her pocket to buy bread for breakfast.

The woman informed her mom that the budget just contained S$ 5.

The girl was surprised, as she recalled having S$ 60 in her bag the night before.

She suspected that one of her kids had robbed them and had given them instructions to go looking for the money.

THE Pouring

If they could n’t find the money, the woman waited for them and threatened to splash hot water on them.

The girl boiled water in the kitchen while the children were searching for the money. She went to the room where her children were after filling a third of a cup with the popular liquid.

They were instructed to return the money by her to turn the hot liquid in their path.

The children’s mothers refilled the glass with warm water and splashed it at them once more, but they continued to deny the kids.

She repeated this until she had previously splashed each child. The youngsters cried and yelled out in the hallway before being scalded by the water.

The girl noticed that her nine-year-old boy had burned on his body when the kids stopped the research to get ready for school.

She observed the traumas of her other children, who also had related injuries.

Before calling her girlfriend to come over, she began to cry and massaged the girls with medical crude. &nbsp,

Singapore Civil Defence Force officers called an ambulance after that.

Only one of the kids, the 10-year-old woman, who was the second oldest, was named in court records for her injury.

Over 10 % of this girl’s body, including her left arm, stomach area, and thighs, were burnt to a superficial partial thickness.

She had to go for chronic wound examinations and dressing changes as well as general anesthesia while receiving care and wound dressing.

The lady was past reviewed in October 2022 by the KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital’s Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery.

Her left arm had a smooth wound that was likely to last for a lifetime, measuring about 2 cm by 1 cm.

Parole REPORT TO Get CALLED

The defense requested a parole eligibility report, but the prosecution refused to do so.

Despite the victims ‘ vulnerability and severe offending, deputy public prosecutor Tin Shu Min noted that the accused has made efforts to improve her situation.

According to Ms. Tin, any statement will also affect her family.

The defendant’s lawyer, from the Public Defender’s Office, said his client had individual- decisively raised the four children after overcoming a weak family background, an aggressive ex- husband and persistent melancholy disorder.

” She has overcome all of that to offer for her children, notwithstanding that she was a waiter with only PSLE training”, said the lawyer.

He claimed the girl put in long hours and sought assistance from social media to improve her self-care and support for her children.

While juggling her finances and constitutional battles with her ex- partner, the woman also “found time to love and maintenance” for her children, said the attorney.

He added that this was the first day this had happened, that the person has since experienced severe sadness, low spirits, and has been treated for major depressive disorder.

The attorneys claimed that the children adore their family and want to be reunited with her, and that the appropriate social organizations are also working toward reconciliation.

According to him, the children were taken from their mothers and placed in three different homes as a result of the latest allegations.

The Child Protective Service has indicated that it would “move towards reconciliation” if the person is sentenced to supervision, said the solicitor, pushing for supervision as it is in the children’s best interests.

A record was requested by District Judge Tan Jen Tse to determine whether the woman was fit for supervision.

Nevertheless, he stressed that even if it was recommended, he was certainly bound to follow the advice in punishment.

He told the woman,” He does not agree with them, even if the prosecution and defense decided that supervision is the right sentence.”

She nodded.

The prosecutor urged the judge to keep working to improve and take good care of your kids.

Sentencing was adjourned to August.

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Woman fined for refusing to wear mask during COVID-19 pandemic

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SINGAPORE: A woman was fined S$ 9, 200 ( US$ 6, 800 ) on Monday ( Jun 24 ) for failing to wear a mask and using criminal force on a safe- distancing ambassador during the COVID- 19 pandemic.

Clariel Griffin, a 49- year- ancient Singaporean, violated COVID- 19 restrictions in September 2021 at Marina Bay Sands ( MBS ), along with her father, &nbsp, American national Clive Ainsley Griffin.

A second offense of public nuisance was taken into account as she entered a guilty plea to one count of not using a mask, one count of unlawful force against a public servant, and one count of not using a mask.

On September 11, 2021, Griffin and her father and a group of friends ate breakfast and drank beer at the Dallas Bar in MBS.

Despite receiving two reminders to do so, the party continued drinking because alcohol consumption was never permitted past 10.30pm.

The pub landlord informed one of the officers about the problem he was facing when they saw safe-distancing ministers patrolling the area to make sure no booze was being consumed past the permitted time at about 10.30pm.

The Griffins exited the table, but safe-distancing diplomats in MBS saw them walking without masks through the area. &nbsp,

Despite being asked to set their faces on, the pair refused. At the time, wearing faces in public places was necessary due to the COVID- 19 crisis.

The affair was then captured on one of the ministers ‘ phones. Numerous video recordings were captured of Griffin’s following activities, the jury heard.

Griffin responded to the ambassador saying that she “did n’t give a f*** ( about the regulations )”, and that she would not live her life like this.

She then made fun of the ambassador by recording her and” catching ( her )” for not wearing a mask.

During this event, Griffin pulled down the president’s face without her assent.

Griffin allegedly walked so close to the adviser that she was forced to backtrack in order to avoid getting entered, according to the court.

The prosecutors sought a great of S$ 1, 200 and one to two months ‘ prison. Griffin’s father had also been fined S$ 1, 200 for his role in the case.

Instead, Griffin’s defense attorneys, Invictus Law’s Silas Siew, Cory Wong, and Josephus Tan, requested supervision.

In the option, they asked for a good to be imposed.

Following receiving treatment for cancer, Griffin’s attorneys claimed he had been dealing with feelings alterations and anger management problems. &nbsp,

They added that Griffin was unconcerned and unlikely to reoffend.

For failing to wear a mask in open without reasonable excuse, she could have been jailed up to six months, fined up to S$ 10, 000, or both.

For using legal power on a common servant, she could have been jailed for up to four years, fined, or both.

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Man on trial for false religious teachings allowing gambling and ‘spiritual marriage’ for Muslims

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A man who has never been recognized as a Muslim or Quranic teacher was charged on Monday ( Jun 24 ) with abusing the incorrect doctrine that made it illegal for Muslims to gamble and “marry in the spirit of the religion.”

Mohd Razif Radi, a 66-year-old Singaporean, is contesting a charge under the Administration of Muslim Law Act for exchanging a belief that is incompatible with Muslim rules.

He is accused of doing so from 2004 to 2020 by delivering three fake teachings: That playing can be made acceptable, that a man and a woman can be lawfully married by way of a religious marriage, and that he was able to conjure the spirit of” Mbah”.

” Mbah” is apparently the “last messiah” or from the pope’s lineage.

In accordance with a declaration of information that the prosecution and the defense agreed, Razif and a girl named Marlinah Ahmad established Lina’s Cafe at 7 Jalan Pisang in 2017.

In the cafe, Razif reportedly ran an unlicensed theological school, according to earlier reports.

THE GAG ORDER APPLICATIONS

Deputy Public Prosecutor Hidayat Amir filed two requests before the trial began on Monday: second, for three trial testimony to give evidence in private and not in common view, and second, for all prosecution witnesses to be protected by a gag purchase.

According to Mr. Hidayat, the prosecution’s witnesses had “feelings of stress” when they testified in public because their statements “went beyond issues of religion and culture which are already vulnerable to begin with.”

This includes the discussion of moral unions and their descendants.

” They are innocents”, said Mr Hidayat. ” Their evidence, if heard in public, will cause re- traumatisation ( and ) embarrassment”.

Razif’s solicitor, Mr Simon Tan from Attorneys Inc, asked for a related gag order to be extended to the defence witnesses.

He said these are “very, very delicate matters” which did “invariably effect on their position in the Arab society”.

Mr. Tan added that the majority of the witnesses are women, and that if their evidence is “openly bandied in court,” including in front of their former spouses, they might experience a” sense of trepidation and fear.”

According to Mr. Tan, the Muslim community has treated the defense witnesses with resentment.

The defense witnesses ‘ gag orders were objected to by the prosecution.

The judge first granted the prosecution’s twin requests for gag orders for its witnesses and the recording of some of the evidence.

He informed the defense that the defense could file the appropriate applications at the appropriate time to avoid the gag order for defense witnesses.

The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore ( MUIS ) reported Razif on August 24, 2021, and the police said in a previous statement that they had begun looking into the matter.

District Judge Shaiffudin Saruwan continues the trial.

If convicted of teaching a doctrine that is contrary to Muslim law, Razif could be jailed for up to 12 months, fined up to S$ 2, 000, or both.

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Temporary hike in Changi Airport, Mandai Wildlife Reserve taxi surcharge to be made permanent from Jul 1

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SINGAPORE: Starting on July 1, the momentary increase to the car surcharge for travel to Mandai Wildlife Reserve and Changi Airport will become permanent.

ComfortDelGro and&nbsp, Strides Premier&nbsp, announced the impending permanent fare hikes on their Facebook pages&nbsp, on Monday ( Jun 24 ). &nbsp, ComfortDelGro added that “location taxes are imposed by the individual sites”.

CNA has contacted Singapore’s two different car firms, Trans- taxicab and Prime Taxi, on whether they will pursue match. &nbsp,

The S$ 8 ( US$ 6) daily surcharge for taxi trips from Changi Airport from 5pm to 11.59pm, and S$ 6 at all other times was first introduced in May 2022, before being extended. &nbsp,

Changi Airport said in 2022 that this was to “ensure a better source of cars” to the aircraft for&nbsp, people.

Starting on July 1, the temporary location fee will go from S$ 3 to S$ 5 for journeys between 1pm and 11.59pm at the Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, Night Safari, and Bird Paradise. &nbsp,

The temporary area surcharges were introduced more than two years ago to lessen the impact of the current price increase in gas and improve the availability of taxis for passengers. &nbsp,

The updated lasting fine changes, according to ComfortDelgro and Strides Premier, will only be visible on their respective websites starting July 1. &nbsp,

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Late Singaporean ballet trailblazer honoured at US festival

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Motivation FOR Performers

Goh is an inspiration to many dancing, yet now, according to Singapore Ballet Principal Dancer Kwok Min Yi.

” His tone, his dance, that’s the core of our business. Every performer who has walked through (our ) windows may have learned his dance”, she told CNA.

It’s really important for me because of the leader in our society because I’ve been watching his dance since I was a young child.

Goh was his best friend, according to Singapore Ballet creative producer Janek Schergen, and he would have been delighted to see what his reputation has produced.

” I’m very pleased that ( the tribute ) is happening because he was the person who broke the race barrier. Nothing can change that. He was the first Asian dancer in traditional ballet”, he said. &nbsp,

The creation of Singapore Ballet was inspired by Goh’s profession, and his dance are a wealth, Schergen said recently. &nbsp,

ASIAN REPRESENTATION&nbsp,

The event aims to provide an outlet for Asians and Asian-Americans who represent nations in nations like Singapore, Japan, and the Philippines.

” I thought it was truly wonderful to view a variety of different cultures on stage, and to learn from Asians themselves, Eastern choreographers themselves, how fascinating it is to them to feel represented. I thought it was great”, said one crowd part.

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