Car ownership in Singapore is an expensive luxury few can easily afford. The Island Nation is one of the most difficult places in the world if anyone is planning to own a new car. The right to own a private car in Singapore will need at least one hundred thousand Singapore dollars

Car ownership in Singapore is an expensive luxury only few can afford

In Singapore, not everyone has the right to own a car. Before buying a car, a person must buy the right. It costs nearly $99,999, which is almost the price of a car. What explains this bizarre rule? Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: In Singapore, not everyone has the right to own a car

Singapore is one of the world's costliest places to live and owning a car here is a costly affair. However, it has an extensive public transportation system.

The hefty cost of owning a car in Singapore

A&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;court on Friday sentenced an&nbsp;Australian&nbsp;man&nbsp;to five and a half years in prison for&nbsp;killing&nbsp;an elderly&nbsp;Singaporean&nbsp;man&nbsp;and hurting his wife with a thrown&nbsp;wine&nbsp;bottle, in what the judge called an act of religious hostility toward Muslims.

Andrew Gosling was convicted of "causing death and grievous hurt by a rash act" for throwing a&nbsp;wine&nbsp;bottle&nbsp;at a group of people two storeys below him, striking a 73-year-old&nbsp;man&nbsp;and&nbsp;killing&nbsp;him in 2019. The&nbsp;bottle&nbsp;ricocheted and injured the shoulder of the&nbsp;man's wife.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singaporean-man-hanged-for-drug-trafficking-activist-raise-alarm-over-more-executions-after-2-year-halt-467188">&nbsp;Singaporean man hanged for drug trafficking, activists raise alarm over more executions after 2-year halt</a>

"I agree with the prosecution that the present offence involves an element of demonstration of religious hostility towards Muslims," said judge Victor Yeo. "Such offences could seriously undermine&nbsp;Singapore's racial and religious harmony and must not be tolerated and must be firmly dealt with."

Singapore&nbsp;is a multiracial country of 5.5 million people, of whom about 16 per cent&nbsp;are Muslim, with bigger Buddhist and Christian communities. It has a predominantly ethnic Chinese population with sizeable Malay and Indian minorities, according to the 2020 census. The victims have been identified as ethnic Malay Muslims.

“It’s fate,”&nbsp;Manisah binte Sitri, the wife of the&nbsp;man&nbsp;Gosling killed, said after the sentencing. Her children added that only time will heal and that they wish to move on from the incident.

The court had been told that Gosling admitted during the investigation he was "angry and upset" over Islamic militant attacks in Bali and Melbourne in which&nbsp;many&nbsp;Australians had died, and wanted to "startle" the group after identifying them as Muslims.

Watch |&nbsp;The hefty cost of owning a car in Singapore

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Prosecutors said Gosling, who was 49 years old at the time of the crime, ran away, shouting "crude, religiously charged vulgarities" about Muslims.

His actions had the "wider impact of causing unease in&nbsp;Singapore, especially amongst the broader Muslim population" and demonstrated religious hostility, the prosecution said.

Gosling was in&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;to seek employment back in 2019.

Through most of Friday's hearing, Gosling, who had pleaded guilty, stared straight ahead but turned around briefly to look at his parents, who were present in court.

The maximum penalty for the first charge against Gosling - causing death by a rash act is five years imprisonment, a fine, or both, while the maximum penalty for the second charge - causing grievous hurt by the rash act is a jail term up to four years, a fine, or both.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-reopens-borders-after-two-year-covid-closure-467550">Singapore reopens borders after two-year Covid closure</a>

Gosling was given four years imprisonment under the first charge and 18 months for the second charge.

The judge said he accepted the mitigating factors such as Gosling being "genuinely remorseful" for his actions after turning himself in to the authorities, his guilty plea and his voluntary compensation payment to the victims' family.

Gosling's lawyers had said alcohol may have impaired his judgement, citing a psychiatric report, and argued that his act is unlikely to be religiously motivated. They added he intends to appeal the sentence.

The prison sentence will commence retroactively from August 2019, when Gosling was taken into custody.

A Singapore court on Friday sentenced an Australian man to five and a half years in prison for killing an elderly Singaporean man and hurting his wife with a thrown wine bottle, in what the judge called an act of religious hostility toward Muslims.

A Singapore court on Friday sentenced an Australian man to five and a half years in prison for killing an elderly Singaporean man and hurting his wife with a thrown wine bottle, in what the judge called an act of religious hostility toward Muslims. Andrew Gosling was convicted of "causing death and grievous hurt by a rash act" for throwing a wine bottle at a group of people two storeys below him, striking a 73-year-old man and killing him in 2019. The bottle ricocheted and injured the shoulder of the man's wife. Also read | Singaporean man hanged for drug trafficking, activists raise alarm over more executions after 2-year halt "I agree with the prosecution that the present offence involves an element of demonstration of religious hostility towards Muslims," said judge Victor Yeo. "Such offences could seriously undermine Singapore's racial and religious harmony and must not be tolerated and must be firmly dealt with." Singapore is a multiracial country of 5.5 million people, of whom about 16 per cent are Muslim, with bigger Buddhist and Christian communities. It has a predominantly ethnic Chinese population with sizeable Malay and Indian minorities, according to the 2020 census. The victims have been identified as ethnic Malay Muslims. “It’s fate,” Manisah binte Sitri, the wife of the man Gosling killed, said after the sentencing. Her children added that only time will heal and that they wish to move on from the incident. The court had been told that Gosling admitted during the investigation he was "angry and upset" over Islamic militant attacks in Bali and Melbourne in which many Australians had died, and wanted to "startle" the group after identifying them as Muslims. Watch | The hefty cost of owning a car in Singapore Prosecutors said Gosling, who was 49 years old at the time of the crime, ran away, shouting "crude, religiously charged vulgarities" about Muslims. His actions had the "wider impact of causing unease in Singapore, especially amongst the broader Muslim population" and demonstrated religious hostility, the prosecution said. Gosling was in Singapore to seek employment back in 2019. Through most of Friday's hearing, Gosling, who had pleaded guilty, stared straight ahead but turned around briefly to look at his parents, who were present in court. The maximum penalty for the first charge against Gosling - causing death by a rash act is five years imprisonment, a fine, or both, while the maximum penalty for the second charge - causing grievous hurt by the rash act is a jail term up to four years, a fine, or both. Also read | Singapore reopens borders after two-year Covid closure Gosling was given four years imprisonment under the first charge and 18 months for the second charge. The judge said he accepted the mitigating factors such as Gosling being "genuinely remorseful" for his actions after turning himself in to the authorities, his guilty plea and his voluntary compensation payment to the victims' family. Gosling's lawyers had said alcohol may have impaired his judgement, citing a psychiatric report, and argued that his act is unlikely to be religiously motivated. They added he intends to appeal the sentence. The prison sentence will commence retroactively from August 2019, when Gosling was taken into custody.

Singapore sentences Australian for hurling bottle, killing man in 'act of religious hostility toward Muslims'

Singapore&nbsp;fully reopened its borders to all vaccinated visitors Friday after a two-year coronavirus closure, with arrivals saying it felt "wonderful" to travel again without onerous restrictions.

The aviation hub, a key gateway for people arriving in Asia, joins other countries in the region that have recently dropped travel curbs as they shift to living with Covid-19.&nbsp;

Previously, only travellers from a handful of places could enter&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;without quarantining but from Friday all vaccinated arrivals just need a negative Covid test.

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The city-state's Changi Airport buzzed with activity as passengers streamed out of the arrival area, while hundreds were lining up in the departure zone to make trips outside&nbsp;Singapore.

"It's wonderful," Aldo Pizzini, a 63-year-old Italian businessman who had flown in from Milan, told AFP.&nbsp;

"I took the first opportunity to fly today, (now) that much of the restrictions are lifted... We are coming back to normality."

Diana Mathias, who is from French Guiana and lives in Abu Dhabi, was visiting&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;for a holiday with her mother.&nbsp;

"I feel really happy because it's a long time since I flew," she said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-health-minister-ong-ye-kung-says-30-of-coronavirus-deaths-last-year-were-fully-vaccinated-443600">Also read |&nbsp;Singapore: Health Minister Ong Ye Kung says 30% of coronavirus deaths last year were fully vaccinated</a>

The 38-year-old said she was a "bit stressed" at the prospect of doing a lot of paperwork to travel again but in the end found the process "really easy".

Borders also reopened fully in neighbouring Malaysia on Friday, and thousands of cars and motorcycles flooded across a one-kilometre (0.6 mile) causeway that separates it from&nbsp;Singapore.&nbsp;

The causeway, one of the world's busiest land borders, had already partially reopened last year although some curbs were still in place. &nbsp;

The main airport serving Kuala Lumpur was busy as foreign tourists arrived.&nbsp;

Previously tourists were barred from entering Malaysia, a popular destination due to its white-sand beaches and lush rainforests, but vaccinated travellers can now do so with only a negative Covid test.&nbsp;

Bo Lingam -- group CEO of leading regional carrier AirAsia, which is based in Malaysia -- predicted a "surge" in people flying.&nbsp;

The reopening of borders is "a joy for me and our AirAsia staff who had to face a lot of hardship during the pandemic", he told AFP.&nbsp;

"From today, it is all about flying the blue skies and an end to our planes sitting on the tarmac."

Singapore fully reopened its borders to all vaccinated visitors Friday after a two-year coronavirus closure, with arrivals saying it felt "wonderful" to travel again without onerous restrictions.

Singapore fully reopened its borders to all vaccinated visitors Friday after a two-year coronavirus closure, with arrivals saying it felt "wonderful" to travel again without onerous restrictions. The aviation hub, a key gateway for people arriving in Asia, joins other countries in the region that have recently dropped travel curbs as they shift to living with Covid-19. Previously, only travellers from a handful of places could enter Singapore without quarantining but from Friday all vaccinated arrivals just need a negative Covid test. The city-state's Changi Airport buzzed with activity as passengers streamed out of the arrival area, while hundreds were lining up in the departure zone to make trips outside Singapore. "It's wonderful," Aldo Pizzini, a 63-year-old Italian businessman who had flown in from Milan, told AFP. "I took the first opportunity to fly today, (now) that much of the restrictions are lifted... We are coming back to normality." Diana Mathias, who is from French Guiana and lives in Abu Dhabi, was visiting Singapore for a holiday with her mother. "I feel really happy because it's a long time since I flew," she said. Also read | Singapore: Health Minister Ong Ye Kung says 30% of coronavirus deaths last year were fully vaccinated The 38-year-old said she was a "bit stressed" at the prospect of doing a lot of paperwork to travel again but in the end found the process "really easy". Borders also reopened fully in neighbouring Malaysia on Friday, and thousands of cars and motorcycles flooded across a one-kilometre (0.6 mile) causeway that separates it from Singapore. The causeway, one of the world's busiest land borders, had already partially reopened last year although some curbs were still in place. The main airport serving Kuala Lumpur was busy as foreign tourists arrived. Previously tourists were barred from entering Malaysia, a popular destination due to its white-sand beaches and lush rainforests, but vaccinated travellers can now do so with only a negative Covid test. Bo Lingam -- group CEO of leading regional carrier AirAsia, which is based in Malaysia -- predicted a "surge" in people flying. The reopening of borders is "a joy for me and our AirAsia staff who had to face a lot of hardship during the pandemic", he told AFP. "From today, it is all about flying the blue skies and an end to our planes sitting on the tarmac."

Singapore reopens borders after two-year Covid closure

A 68-year-old man from Singapore charged for drug trafficking was hanged after the city-state resumed executions after a hiatus of two years during the pandemic.

Singapore, which has one of the most draconian rules against drug trafficking, conducted its last execution&nbsp;in November 2019.

Abdul Kahar bin Othman was hanged on Wednesday. The court had convicted him on two charges of trafficking 66.77 grams of diamorphine in 2013. He was sentenced to death in 2015.

According to reports, the execution occurred despite pleas from rights activists, including the UN Human Rights office, to commute Kahar's sentence to life imprisonment.

A group of anti-death penalty activists even held a candlelight vigil outside the prison compound in solidarity.

Kirsten Han, a member of the Transformative Justice Collective, a local activist group that campaigns for the abolishment of the death penalty in Singapore, was at the vigil.

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Abdul Kahar will be hanged at 6am — less than 4 hours away. I can’t begin to imagine how he must feel; his brother Mutalib said that during family visits today Kahar was talking about how he wants to live, and how he doesn’t understand why the state is so determined to kill him. <a href="https://t.co/nnzqzR5ozu">pic.twitter.com/nnzqzR5ozu</a>
— Kirsten Han 韩俐颖 (@kixes) <a href="https://twitter.com/kixes/status/1508878703756947458?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2022</a></blockquote>
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“The Singapore government regularly claims that the death penalty is an effective deterrent to drug trafficking. They talk about the harms that drugs can inflict upon people with addictions, and insist that the use of capital punishment will help protect people and save lives. But there is no clear evidence that the death penalty is more effective than any other punishment in deterring drug offences,” Han told The Guardian.

Abdul Kahar’s story showed the situation was far more complicated than the “bad” drug trafficker and “victim” drug user narrative, she added.

According to Han, Kahar came from a poor family and had struggled with drug addiction since he was a teenager.

He spent more time behind bars than as a free man. Kahar was released from prison in 2005 after a decade of preventive detention.

Han has expressed concerns that executions might be accelerated in the city-state after a two-year halt.

(With inputs from agencies)

A 68-year-old man from Singapore charged for drug trafficking was hanged after the city-state resumed executions after a hiatus of two years during the pandemic.

A 68-year-old man from Singapore charged for drug trafficking was hanged after the city-state resumed executions after a hiatus of two years during the pandemic. Singapore, which has one of the most draconian rules against drug trafficking, conducted its last execution in November 2019. Abdul Kahar bin Othman was hanged on Wednesday. The court had convicted him on two charges of trafficking 66.77 grams of diamorphine in 2013. He was sentenced to death in 2015. According to reports, the execution occurred despite pleas from rights activists, including the UN Human Rights office, to commute Kahar's sentence to life imprisonment. A group of anti-death penalty activists even held a candlelight vigil outside the prison compound in solidarity. Kirsten Han, a member of the Transformative Justice Collective, a local activist group that campaigns for the abolishment of the death penalty in Singapore, was at the vigil. Abdul Kahar will be hanged at 6am — less than 4 hours away. I can’t begin to imagine how he must feel; his brother Mutalib said that during family visits today Kahar was talking about how he wants to live, and how he doesn’t understand why the state is so determined to kill him. pic.twitter.com/nnzqzR5ozu — Kirsten Han 韩俐颖 (@kixes) March 29, 2022 × “The Singapore government regularly claims that the death penalty is an effective deterrent to drug trafficking. They talk about the harms that drugs can inflict upon people with addictions, and insist that the use of capital punishment will help protect people and save lives. But there is no clear evidence that the death penalty is more effective than any other punishment in deterring drug offences,” Han told The Guardian. Abdul Kahar’s story showed the situation was far more complicated than the “bad” drug trafficker and “victim” drug user narrative, she added. According to Han, Kahar came from a poor family and had struggled with drug addiction since he was a teenager. He spent more time behind bars than as a free man. Kahar was released from prison in 2005 after a decade of preventive detention. Han has expressed concerns that executions might be accelerated in the city-state after a two-year halt. (With inputs from agencies)

Singaporean man hanged for drug trafficking, activists raise alarm over more executions after 2-year halt

U.S. President Joe Biden has called the Asia-Pacific as he hosted Singapore PM Loong. Both U.S. and Singapore condemned Russia's war.

U.S. President Joe Biden says Asia-Pacific is still a priority as he hosts Singapore PM Loong

A 33-year-old Singapore doctor, linked to an anti-vaccination group, has been suspended after being accused of injecting patients with saline solution instead of a COVID-19 vaccine, and uploading false vaccination statuses to the Ministry of Health's National Immunisation Registry, local media reported.

Dr Jipson Quah's registration as a medical practitioner was suspended by the Singapore Medical Council (SMC) from March 23 for 18 months, or until the disciplinary proceedings are concluded, whichever is sooner, the council said on Monday.

Quah, a member of the anti-coronavirus vaccination Healing the Divide, has been charged in court with conspiring to defraud Ministry of Health (MOH) by submitting false vaccination data.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-to-further-relax-covid-19-restrictions-as-cases-decline-says-pm-465178">&nbsp;Singapore to further relax COVID-19 restrictions as cases decline, says PM</a>

SMC said on Monday that it received a complaint from MOH on January 23, which was referred to the Interim Orders Committee. The committee ruled that Quah's suspension was "necessary for the protection of members of the public and in the public interest".

Among other things, it was alleged that Quah had administered saline solution instead of a COVID-19 vaccine to patients and that he uploaded false vaccination statuses to the MOH's National Immunisation Registry to record that these patients have been vaccinated against the disease.

He allegedly "grossly overcharged" for giving these patients saline solution instead of the vaccine, the Channel News Asia reported , citing the council.

Quah is also accused of being involved in the creation of a fake patient account and uploading a false COVID-19 antigen rapid test (ART) result to MOH's portal for an unvaccinated patient.

He allegedly issued the patient with a letter so the patient could be exempted from vaccination-differentiated safe management measures, said SMC.

The doctor is also accused of facilitating the uploading of pre-event testing (PET) results, obtained through remote PET that was "not conducted in a manner in accordance" with the prevailing regulations, added the council.

Dr Quah's actions carry public health consequences and show his failure to maintain the highest standards of moral integrity and intellectual honesty and to protect and promote the health of individuals and the community, said SMC.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-otters-get-police-escort-in-singapore-to-cross-road-safely-461804">Watch: Otters get police escort in Singapore to cross road safely</a>

Investigations are ongoing, said the council, adding that an independent complaints committee has been appointed to look into the case.

Quah's assistant, Thomas Chua Cheng Soon, has also been charged with conspiring to defraud MOH.

Separately, Healing the Divide founder Iris Koh faces two charges one for conspiring with Quah and another for obstructing a police inspector by refusing to sign and tearing up a copy of her statement.

Quah was arrested on January 21 along with his assistant, Thomas Chua, 40, and Iris Koh.

He was charged in court, before being granted bail of SGD20,000 on January 31.

Preliminary investigations by the police revealed that Koh, 46, had allegedly referred clients to Quah and Chua.

According to court documents, Quah and Chua are said to have falsely represented to MOH that a woman named Mehrajunnisha was vaccinated with the Sinopharm vaccine, although she was not.

Four clinics owned or managed by Quah were issued notices of suspension and had their approvals to conduct rapid tests for COVID-19 revoked, according to a report by The Straits Times.

Following his arrest, Quah was also suspended from his part-time position as a laboratory director at the clinical diagnostics lab of Diagnostics Development Hub, which is funded by the National Research Foundation and led by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-planning-to-further-ease-restrictions-simplify-rules-461424">Singapore planning to further ease COVID-19 restrictions, simplify rules</a>

He was also placed on leave by Thermo Fisher Scientific, which owns biomedical company PPD Global Central Lab, where Quah was listed as a director, reported The Straits Times.

Meanwhile, Singapore reported 4,925 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, comprising 112 imported infections or those arriving here from abroad.

There were four fatalities, taking the death toll from coronavirus complications to 1,254.

Singapore has recorded 10,76,930 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.

Watch |&nbsp;India slams Singapore PM Loong after he targets Indian lawmakers

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A 33-year-old Singapore doctor, linked to an anti-vaccination group, has been suspended after being accused of injecting patients with saline solution instead of a COVID-19 vaccine, and uploading false vaccination statuses to the Ministry of Health's National Immunisation Registry, local media reported.

A 33-year-old Singapore doctor, linked to an anti-vaccination group, has been suspended after being accused of injecting patients with saline solution instead of a COVID-19 vaccine, and uploading false vaccination statuses to the Ministry of Health's National Immunisation Registry, local media reported. Dr Jipson Quah's registration as a medical practitioner was suspended by the Singapore Medical Council (SMC) from March 23 for 18 months, or until the disciplinary proceedings are concluded, whichever is sooner, the council said on Monday. Quah, a member of the anti-coronavirus vaccination Healing the Divide, has been charged in court with conspiring to defraud Ministry of Health (MOH) by submitting false vaccination data. Also read | Singapore to further relax COVID-19 restrictions as cases decline, says PM SMC said on Monday that it received a complaint from MOH on January 23, which was referred to the Interim Orders Committee. The committee ruled that Quah's suspension was "necessary for the protection of members of the public and in the public interest". Among other things, it was alleged that Quah had administered saline solution instead of a COVID-19 vaccine to patients and that he uploaded false vaccination statuses to the MOH's National Immunisation Registry to record that these patients have been vaccinated against the disease. He allegedly "grossly overcharged" for giving these patients saline solution instead of the vaccine, the Channel News Asia reported , citing the council. Quah is also accused of being involved in the creation of a fake patient account and uploading a false COVID-19 antigen rapid test (ART) result to MOH's portal for an unvaccinated patient. He allegedly issued the patient with a letter so the patient could be exempted from vaccination-differentiated safe management measures, said SMC. The doctor is also accused of facilitating the uploading of pre-event testing (PET) results, obtained through remote PET that was "not conducted in a manner in accordance" with the prevailing regulations, added the council. Dr Quah's actions carry public health consequences and show his failure to maintain the highest standards of moral integrity and intellectual honesty and to protect and promote the health of individuals and the community, said SMC. Also read | Watch: Otters get police escort in Singapore to cross road safely Investigations are ongoing, said the council, adding that an independent complaints committee has been appointed to look into the case. Quah's assistant, Thomas Chua Cheng Soon, has also been charged with conspiring to defraud MOH. Separately, Healing the Divide founder Iris Koh faces two charges one for conspiring with Quah and another for obstructing a police inspector by refusing to sign and tearing up a copy of her statement. Quah was arrested on January 21 along with his assistant, Thomas Chua, 40, and Iris Koh. He was charged in court, before being granted bail of SGD20,000 on January 31. Preliminary investigations by the police revealed that Koh, 46, had allegedly referred clients to Quah and Chua. According to court documents, Quah and Chua are said to have falsely represented to MOH that a woman named Mehrajunnisha was vaccinated with the Sinopharm vaccine, although she was not. Four clinics owned or managed by Quah were issued notices of suspension and had their approvals to conduct rapid tests for COVID-19 revoked, according to a report by The Straits Times. Following his arrest, Quah was also suspended from his part-time position as a laboratory director at the clinical diagnostics lab of Diagnostics Development Hub, which is funded by the National Research Foundation and led by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research. Also read | Singapore planning to further ease COVID-19 restrictions, simplify rules He was also placed on leave by Thermo Fisher Scientific, which owns biomedical company PPD Global Central Lab, where Quah was listed as a director, reported The Straits Times. Meanwhile, Singapore reported 4,925 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, comprising 112 imported infections or those arriving here from abroad. There were four fatalities, taking the death toll from coronavirus complications to 1,254. Singapore has recorded 10,76,930 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic. Watch | India slams Singapore PM Loong after he targets Indian lawmakers

Singapore suspends doctor for injecting patients with saline solutions in place of Covid vaccine

A&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;court&nbsp;rejected on Tuesday an&nbsp;appeal&nbsp;against the&nbsp;execution&nbsp;of a Malaysian convicted of drugs smuggling, dismissing an argument put forward by his legal team that he should be spared because he was mentally impaired.

Nagaenthran Dharmalingam has been on death row for more than a decade for trafficking about 42.7 grammes (1.5 oz) of heroin into&nbsp;Singapore, which has some of the world's toughest narcotics laws.

His plight has attracted international attention with a group of United Nations experts and British billionaire Richard Branson joining Malaysia's prime minister and human rights activists to urge&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;to commute his death sentence.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-suspends-doctor-for-injecting-patients-with-saline-solutions-in-place-of-covid-vaccine-466527">Singapore suspends doctor for injecting patients with saline solutions in place of Covid vaccine</a>

Dharmalingam's lawyer Violet Netto had objected to presenting her client's prison medical records at the last hearing, citing confidentiality, and instead requested an independent psychiatric review.

But at Tuesday's hearing Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon said the bid to prevent the disclosure of medical reports was unreasonable and there was no admissible evidence showing any decline in his mental condition.

The&nbsp;court&nbsp;also dismissed the request for an independent psychiatric review.

"The appellant has been afforded due process under law, and it is not open to him to challenge the outcome of that process when he has put nothing forward to suggest that he does have a&nbsp;case&nbsp;to be considered," the five-judge panel said in its ruling.

Dharmalingam, who was wearing a purple prison uniform, did not appear to show any reaction to the ruling.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-to-further-relax-covid-19-restrictions-as-cases-decline-says-pm-465178">Singapore to further relax COVID-19 restrictions as cases decline, says PM</a>

M Ravi, Dharmalingam's former lawyer who has continued to assist in the&nbsp;case, told reporters that the Malaysian had exhausted legal options to escape the death penalty.

Anti-death penalty group Reprieve said it believed Nagaenthran  is intellectually disabled and should be protected from the death penalty.

In a statement, Reprieve director Maya Foa called on&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;President Halimah Yacob "to listen to the cries for mercy within&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;and around the world."

It was not immediately clear when the&nbsp;execution&nbsp;would be carried out.

From 2016 to 2019,&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;hanged 25 people - the majority for drug-related offences, according to official data.

Watch |&nbsp;India slams Singapore PM Loong after he targets Indian lawmakers

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A Singapore court rejected on Tuesday an appeal against the execution of a Malaysian convicted of drugs smuggling, dismissing an argument put forward by his legal team that he should be spared because he was mentally impaired.

A Singapore court rejected on Tuesday an appeal against the execution of a Malaysian convicted of drugs smuggling, dismissing an argument put forward by his legal team that he should be spared because he was mentally impaired. Nagaenthran Dharmalingam has been on death row for more than a decade for trafficking about 42.7 grammes (1.5 oz) of heroin into Singapore, which has some of the world's toughest narcotics laws. His plight has attracted international attention with a group of United Nations experts and British billionaire Richard Branson joining Malaysia's prime minister and human rights activists to urge Singapore to commute his death sentence. Also read | Singapore suspends doctor for injecting patients with saline solutions in place of Covid vaccine Dharmalingam's lawyer Violet Netto had objected to presenting her client's prison medical records at the last hearing, citing confidentiality, and instead requested an independent psychiatric review. But at Tuesday's hearing Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon said the bid to prevent the disclosure of medical reports was unreasonable and there was no admissible evidence showing any decline in his mental condition. The court also dismissed the request for an independent psychiatric review. "The appellant has been afforded due process under law, and it is not open to him to challenge the outcome of that process when he has put nothing forward to suggest that he does have a case to be considered," the five-judge panel said in its ruling. Dharmalingam, who was wearing a purple prison uniform, did not appear to show any reaction to the ruling. Also read | Singapore to further relax COVID-19 restrictions as cases decline, says PM M Ravi, Dharmalingam's former lawyer who has continued to assist in the case, told reporters that the Malaysian had exhausted legal options to escape the death penalty. Anti-death penalty group Reprieve said it believed Nagaenthran  is intellectually disabled and should be protected from the death penalty. In a statement, Reprieve director Maya Foa called on Singapore President Halimah Yacob "to listen to the cries for mercy within Singapore and around the world." It was not immediately clear when the execution would be carried out. From 2016 to 2019, Singapore hanged 25 people - the majority for drug-related offences, according to official data. Watch | India slams Singapore PM Loong after he targets Indian lawmakers

Singapore court rejects Malaysian's appeal in high-profile execution case

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Thursday that the country will be further relaxing its COVID-19 restrictions as the number of infected cases continue to decline rapidly.<o:p></o:p>

"Our fight against Covid-19 has reached a major turning point and we will be making a decisive move towards living with Covid-19," Xinhua news agency quoted Lee as saying in a live address to the nation as reported by AFP.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rescue-team-find-human-remains-at-the-chinese-plane-crash-site-465135">Rescue teams find human remains at the Chinese plane crash site</a>

The prime minister added that new safety management measures will be implemented from March 29. It will include doubling the group size to 10 persons from five and increasing the capacity limit for larger events and settings. <o:p></o:p>

When it comes to workplaces, 75 per-cent of the total number of employees will be allowed to return while wearing masks outdoors will be made optional.<o:p></o:p>

As the Omicron variant of Covid-19 is "well under control," Singapore will "substantially" ease up cross-border travelling by streamlining testing and quarantine requirements and lifting "most of the restrictions for fully-vaccinated visitors entering Singapore", said Lee according to the report.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-half-of-ukrainian-children-displaced-by-war-says-un-465162">More than half of Ukrainian children displaced by war, says UN</a>

These changes will give a boost to businesses, particularly the tourism sector, and also help Singapore reclaim its position as a business and aviation hub, he added.<o:p></o:p>

While the infection rate has decreased in the recent past, countries like Israel, Cambodia and South Korea has seen increase in cases due to a sub-variant which is still under research. <o:p></o:p>

The Prime Minister said that a measured approach that has been in place for over two years, and further relaxation on restrictions will be considered if the epidemic situation keeps stabilising.

<o:p>(With inputs from agencies)</o:p>

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Thursday that the country will be further relaxing its COVID-19 restrictions as the number of infected cases continue to decline rapidly.

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Thursday that the country will be further relaxing its COVID-19 restrictions as the number of infected cases continue to decline rapidly. "Our fight against Covid-19 has reached a major turning point and we will be making a decisive move towards living with Covid-19," Xinhua news agency quoted Lee as saying in a live address to the nation as reported by AFP. Also read | Rescue teams find human remains at the Chinese plane crash site The prime minister added that new safety management measures will be implemented from March 29. It will include doubling the group size to 10 persons from five and increasing the capacity limit for larger events and settings. When it comes to workplaces, 75 per-cent of the total number of employees will be allowed to return while wearing masks outdoors will be made optional. As the Omicron variant of Covid-19 is "well under control," Singapore will "substantially" ease up cross-border travelling by streamlining testing and quarantine requirements and lifting "most of the restrictions for fully-vaccinated visitors entering Singapore", said Lee according to the report. Also read | More than half of Ukrainian children displaced by war, says UN These changes will give a boost to businesses, particularly the tourism sector, and also help Singapore reclaim its position as a business and aviation hub, he added. While the infection rate has decreased in the recent past, countries like Israel, Cambodia and South Korea has seen increase in cases due to a sub-variant which is still under research. The Prime Minister said that a measured approach that has been in place for over two years, and further relaxation on restrictions will be considered if the epidemic situation keeps stabilising. (With inputs from agencies)

Singapore to further relax COVID-19 restrictions as cases decline, says PM

In a noble gesture, police on duty stopped traffic to let a family of otters cross the busy Orchard Road safely at Singapore's presidential palace, Istana. &nbsp;

The incident was caught on camera. The one-minute clip, which was shared on social media, showed the family of up to 16 otters crossing the road, Mothership reported. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-worlds-longest-car-the-american-dream-gets-restored-in-us-whats-so-special-461569" hreflang="en">Watch: World's longest car "The American Dream" gets restored in US. What’s so special?</a>

The clip seems to have been shot by a commuter on a double-decker bus. In it, the otters outside the main Istana gate can be seen waiting to cross the road. &nbsp;

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Our otters 🦦 in Singapore 🇸🇬 are the most awesome… <a href="https://t.co/HBEiGMVmBV">https://t.co/HBEiGMVmBV</a>
— Jordan Dea-Mattson (@jdeamattson) <a href="https://twitter.com/jdeamattson/status/1502778291484127236?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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On seeing the otters, the Istana police guards promptly turned the traffic light red to allow the mammals to cross the road. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vice-president-kamala-harris-faces-flak-for-laughing-on-question-over-ukrainian-refugees-fate-461512" hreflang="en">US Vice-President Kamala Harris faces flak for laughing on question over Ukrainian refugees’ fate</a>

In the video, a guard was also forced to stand in the middle of the road to hold the traffic as some otters were trailing behind. The clip has been widely shared on social media. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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Our otters 🦦 in Singapore 🇸🇬 are the most awesome… <a href="https://t.co/HBEiGMVmBV">https://t.co/HBEiGMVmBV</a>
— Jordan Dea-Mattson (@jdeamattson) <a href="https://twitter.com/jdeamattson/status/1502778291484127236?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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In January last year, a family of otters were almost run over by a taxi on the same road. At that time, there were no wardens to regulate vehicles. The otters also made their way across the road in haste, as per the portal. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a noble gesture, police on duty stopped traffic to let a family of otters cross the busy Orchard Road safely at Singapore's presidential palace, Istana. The incident was caught on camera.

In a noble gesture, police on duty stopped traffic to let a family of otters cross the busy Orchard Road safely at Singapore's presidential palace, Istana. The incident was caught on camera. The one-minute clip, which was shared on social media, showed the family of up to 16 otters crossing the road, Mothership reported. Also Read | Watch: World's longest car "The American Dream" gets restored in US. What’s so special? The clip seems to have been shot by a commuter on a double-decker bus. In it, the otters outside the main Istana gate can be seen waiting to cross the road. Our otters 🦦 in Singapore 🇸🇬 are the most awesome… https://t.co/HBEiGMVmBV — Jordan Dea-Mattson (@jdeamattson) March 12, 2022 × On seeing the otters, the Istana police guards promptly turned the traffic light red to allow the mammals to cross the road. Also Read: US Vice-President Kamala Harris faces flak for laughing on question over Ukrainian refugees’ fate In the video, a guard was also forced to stand in the middle of the road to hold the traffic as some otters were trailing behind. The clip has been widely shared on social media. Our otters 🦦 in Singapore 🇸🇬 are the most awesome… https://t.co/HBEiGMVmBV — Jordan Dea-Mattson (@jdeamattson) March 12, 2022 × In January last year, a family of otters were almost run over by a taxi on the same road. At that time, there were no wardens to regulate vehicles. The otters also made their way across the road in haste, as per the portal. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Otters get police escort in Singapore to cross road safely

Singapore's Health Minister Ong Ye Kung has said that the island is planning to further ease COVID-19 restrictions.

He said this “is not an easing of measures, but a streamlining of the many rules that have accumulated over two years, which made the rules difficult to understand.”

“So, there will be a few steps and exactly when along the way do we ease on alcohol consumption rule, live performance, singing and nightlife activities, that’s something we are studying very carefully and as I said when we are ready, we will provide further details,” he added.

Measures will only take place “when conditions are right and the healthcare workload has eased, which we expect in the coming weeks,” the health ministry said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-health-minister-ong-ye-kung-says-30-of-coronavirus-deaths-last-year-were-fully-vaccinated-443600">Also read |&nbsp;Singapore: Health Minister Ong Ye Kung says 30% of coronavirus deaths last year were fully vaccinated</a>

Singapore will streamline border measures for all travellers, and remove an entry approval requirement for eligible residents who are long-term pass holders, the ministry said, making it easier for expatriates to travel.

When Singapore embarked upon its strategy of living with COVID-19, backed by one of the world’s leading vaccine programs, the wealthy city-state saw a spike in its rate of infections, leading many to question whether the time was right.

But with the numbers now dropping as rapidly as they rose, there’s cautious optimism that the widely watched plan has helped Singapore turn the corner in the pandemic, even with the discovery of the new worrisome omicron variant, and provide a better understanding of what is effective, and what isn’t.

94 per cent of its eligible population is fully vaccinated and another 26 per cent already inoculated with booster shots.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-singapores-pm-cites-jawaharlal-nehrus-legacy-during-a-parliamentary-debate-on-democracy-454039">Also read |&nbsp;India pushes back on Singapore PM's 'criminal, rapists' remarks about Indian MPs</a>

Singapore was able to succeed in getting so many people vaccinated by ensuring there were few barriers to getting the shot, increasing difficulties for the unvaccinated,&nbsp;such as prohibiting them from dining in restaurants or going to malls,&nbsp;and a general confidence in the government and its approach, said Alex Cook, a specialist on infectious disease modelling and statistics at the National University of Singapore’s Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health.

“Perhaps the main lesson to draw from Singapore is to make it easy go get vaccinated, and hard not to be,” he said.

Singapore saw daily cases top 10,000 in the past month and hit a record of about 26,000 on February 22, led to delays in the implementation of some easing measures.

"While the number of patients needing oxygen supplementation and intensive care unit (ICU) care is not high, there is a surge in demand for hospital beds, mostly for patients with underlying chronic illnesses to recover," the health ministry said in a statement.

It reiterated that people with mild or no symptoms who had tested positive should consider self-recovery at home to reduce the pressure on healthcare workers.

Early in the pandemic, the major Southeast Asian business and trade hub kept the spread of coronavirus cases to the single or low double-digits for nearly a year by imposing a hard-line “circuit-breaker” lockdown.

With its vaccination rollout in full swing, an aggressive testing and tracking regimen, and strict health and safety guidelines, the nation of 5.5 million felt confident as it embarked last August upon what it called a “transition journey to a COVID-19 resilient nation.”

It was part of a decision to start treating COVID-19 as an endemic disease, conceding that in the long-term reducing cases to zero would not be possible and that it was time to slowly allow people and businesses again to resume their normal lives.

In addition to a widely vaccinated population, Singapore calculated that its testing was comprehensive enough that it would be able to identify and isolate new outbreak clusters rapidly, and that its health care system had the capacity to deal with any more serious cases.

(With inputs from agencies)

Singapore's Health Minister Ong Ye Kung has said that the island is planning to further ease COVID-19 restrictions. He said this “is not an easing of measures, but a streamlining of the many rules that have accumulated over two years, which made the rules difficult to understand.

Singapore's Health Minister Ong Ye Kung has said that the island is planning to further ease COVID-19 restrictions. He said this “is not an easing of measures, but a streamlining of the many rules that have accumulated over two years, which made the rules difficult to understand.” “So, there will be a few steps and exactly when along the way do we ease on alcohol consumption rule, live performance, singing and nightlife activities, that’s something we are studying very carefully and as I said when we are ready, we will provide further details,” he added. Measures will only take place “when conditions are right and the healthcare workload has eased, which we expect in the coming weeks,” the health ministry said in a statement. Also read | Singapore: Health Minister Ong Ye Kung says 30% of coronavirus deaths last year were fully vaccinated Singapore will streamline border measures for all travellers, and remove an entry approval requirement for eligible residents who are long-term pass holders, the ministry said, making it easier for expatriates to travel. When Singapore embarked upon its strategy of living with COVID-19, backed by one of the world’s leading vaccine programs, the wealthy city-state saw a spike in its rate of infections, leading many to question whether the time was right. But with the numbers now dropping as rapidly as they rose, there’s cautious optimism that the widely watched plan has helped Singapore turn the corner in the pandemic, even with the discovery of the new worrisome omicron variant, and provide a better understanding of what is effective, and what isn’t. 94 per cent of its eligible population is fully vaccinated and another 26 per cent already inoculated with booster shots. Also read | India pushes back on Singapore PM's 'criminal, rapists' remarks about Indian MPs Singapore was able to succeed in getting so many people vaccinated by ensuring there were few barriers to getting the shot, increasing difficulties for the unvaccinated, such as prohibiting them from dining in restaurants or going to malls, and a general confidence in the government and its approach, said Alex Cook, a specialist on infectious disease modelling and statistics at the National University of Singapore’s Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health. “Perhaps the main lesson to draw from Singapore is to make it easy go get vaccinated, and hard not to be,” he said. Singapore saw daily cases top 10,000 in the past month and hit a record of about 26,000 on February 22, led to delays in the implementation of some easing measures. "While the number of patients needing oxygen supplementation and intensive care unit (ICU) care is not high, there is a surge in demand for hospital beds, mostly for patients with underlying chronic illnesses to recover," the health ministry said in a statement. It reiterated that people with mild or no symptoms who had tested positive should consider self-recovery at home to reduce the pressure on healthcare workers. Early in the pandemic, the major Southeast Asian business and trade hub kept the spread of coronavirus cases to the single or low double-digits for nearly a year by imposing a hard-line “circuit-breaker” lockdown. With its vaccination rollout in full swing, an aggressive testing and tracking regimen, and strict health and safety guidelines, the nation of 5.5 million felt confident as it embarked last August upon what it called a “transition journey to a COVID-19 resilient nation.” It was part of a decision to start treating COVID-19 as an endemic disease, conceding that in the long-term reducing cases to zero would not be possible and that it was time to slowly allow people and businesses again to resume their normal lives. In addition to a widely vaccinated population, Singapore calculated that its testing was comprehensive enough that it would be able to identify and isolate new outbreak clusters rapidly, and that its health care system had the capacity to deal with any more serious cases. (With inputs from agencies)

Singapore planning to further ease COVID-19 restrictions, simplify rules

After Singapore PM Loong uses parliament to target world leaders including Indian lawmakers, India slammed the PM for his remarks.

India slams Singapore PM Loong after he targets Indian lawmakers

Singapore will increase the personal income tax rate for high-income individuals, as well as make changes to property taxes and impose a new fee on luxury cars.

These new taxes are part of Finance Minister Lawrence Wong's "significant upgrades" to Singapore's tax framework, which he outlined in his Budget 2022 statement on Friday (Feb 18).&nbsp;

In his speech, Wong outlined a number of short- and long-term actions to continue investing in the economy and workers while also strengthening the social contract.

As a result, he said, tax adjustments are required to satisfy the demand for greater income to bring these projects to fruition.&nbsp;

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<h5>Those with chargeable income in excess of S$500,000 and up to S$1 million will be taxed at 23 per cent, up from the current 22 per cent levied on income in excess of S$320,000.For chargeable income in excess of S$1 million, the personal income tax rate will go up to 24 per cent from the existing 22 per cent.</h5>
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Among the measures, the government plans to raise the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to 9 per cent.

The moves come as Singapore emerges from a pandemic-induced economic slump, but walks a tight rope in maintaining its attractiveness as a global financial hub while guarding against local concerns about rising wealth inequality and rising costs of living.

Singapore has been seeking to raise revenues to fund future spending that it estimates could reach more than 20% of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030, especially as its ramps up spending on healthcare in one of the fastest ageing countries.

The government has spent about S$100 billion in the last two years to protect its people, businesses, and economy against the effects of the COVID-19 epidemic.

As part of his budget recommendations, Wong unveiled a further S$500 million ($372 million) package to boost jobs and businesses, as well as a proposal to set aside S$560 million to help Singaporeans cope with growing living costs.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Singapore will increase the personal income tax rate for high-income individuals, as well as make changes to property taxes and impose a new fee on luxury cars. These new taxes are part of Finance Minister Lawrence Wong's "significant upgrades" to Singapore's tax framework, which he outlined in his Budget 2022 statement on Friday (Feb 18).

Singapore will increase the personal income tax rate for high-income individuals, as well as make changes to property taxes and impose a new fee on luxury cars. These new taxes are part of Finance Minister Lawrence Wong's "significant upgrades" to Singapore's tax framework, which he outlined in his Budget 2022 statement on Friday (Feb 18). In his speech, Wong outlined a number of short- and long-term actions to continue investing in the economy and workers while also strengthening the social contract. As a result, he said, tax adjustments are required to satisfy the demand for greater income to bring these projects to fruition. Those with chargeable income in excess of S$500,000 and up to S$1 million will be taxed at 23 per cent, up from the current 22 per cent levied on income in excess of S$320,000.For chargeable income in excess of S$1 million, the personal income tax rate will go up to 24 per cent from the existing 22 per cent. × Among the measures, the government plans to raise the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to 9 per cent. The moves come as Singapore emerges from a pandemic-induced economic slump, but walks a tight rope in maintaining its attractiveness as a global financial hub while guarding against local concerns about rising wealth inequality and rising costs of living. Singapore has been seeking to raise revenues to fund future spending that it estimates could reach more than 20% of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030, especially as its ramps up spending on healthcare in one of the fastest ageing countries. The government has spent about S$100 billion in the last two years to protect its people, businesses, and economy against the effects of the COVID-19 epidemic. As part of his budget recommendations, Wong unveiled a further S$500 million ($372 million) package to boost jobs and businesses, as well as a proposal to set aside S$560 million to help Singaporeans cope with growing living costs. (With inputs from agencies)

Singapore to hike taxes on ultra-rich to raise revenue for post-COVID future

Asia's biggest airshow Singapore Asia takes off today with the aviation sector hoping that 2022 will mark a turning point. As covid-19 curbs in some countries is still going on, airlines are struggling to recover, there is a hope that Singapore air show which takes place every two years brings together hundreds of airlines.

Singapore Airshow returns with smaller expected attendance

Samsung was forced to withdraw an advertisement featuring a Muslim woman supporting her cross-dresser son after facing&nbsp;backlash from conservative sections of the society in Singapore.

The ad, which was part of a campaign called “Listen to Your Heart”, was meant to promote the South Korean tech giant’s new wearable products, like noise-cancelling earbuds and a smart watch with a heart rate monitor.

It filmed several participants’ reactions as they listened to heartfelt recorded messages from their loved ones.

One of the pairs of participants featured a Muslim woman wearing a headscarf as she heard a message from her son, who was a drag performer.

You are just unbothered having people looking or judging you differently, having a son that does drag,” he tells her in his message.

However, soon after the ad gained traction on social media, several users accused Samsung of attempting to push “LGBTQ ideology”.

“We are against the ideology of mainstreaming homosexuality and transgenderism into a conservative society," said “We are Against Pinkdot”, a group that opposes Singapore's gay rights movement.

Following the negative response, Samsung in a Facebook post on Wednesday said that it is taking down the ad as the video “may be perceived as insensitive and offensive”.

Meanwhile, in a video posted on Instagram on Thursday, the son featured in the video assured the followers that he and his mother were “doing well.”

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“I'm not going to talk about the comments that [were] said in [that video],” the drag performer known as Vyla Virus said.

"It was all about a mother's love in that video, nothing else was mentioned.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Samsung was forced to withdraw an advertisement featuring a Muslim woman supporting her cross-dresser son after facing backlash from conservative sections of the society in Singapore.

Samsung was forced to withdraw an advertisement featuring a Muslim woman supporting her cross-dresser son after facing backlash from conservative sections of the society in Singapore. The ad, which was part of a campaign called “Listen to Your Heart”, was meant to promote the South Korean tech giant’s new wearable products, like noise-cancelling earbuds and a smart watch with a heart rate monitor. It filmed several participants’ reactions as they listened to heartfelt recorded messages from their loved ones. One of the pairs of participants featured a Muslim woman wearing a headscarf as she heard a message from her son, who was a drag performer. You are just unbothered having people looking or judging you differently, having a son that does drag,” he tells her in his message. However, soon after the ad gained traction on social media, several users accused Samsung of attempting to push “LGBTQ ideology”. “We are against the ideology of mainstreaming homosexuality and transgenderism into a conservative society," said “We are Against Pinkdot”, a group that opposes Singapore's gay rights movement. Following the negative response, Samsung in a Facebook post on Wednesday said that it is taking down the ad as the video “may be perceived as insensitive and offensive”. Meanwhile, in a video posted on Instagram on Thursday, the son featured in the video assured the followers that he and his mother were “doing well.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by ☣️ snɹıΛ ɐlʎΛ ☣️ (@vylavirus) × “I'm not going to talk about the comments that [were] said in [that video],” the drag performer known as Vyla Virus said. "It was all about a mother's love in that video, nothing else was mentioned.” (With inputs from agencies)

Samsung takes down ad featuring Muslim woman supporting drag queen son after backlash in Singapore

Singapore lender United Overseas Bank has agreed to buy Citigroup's consumer businesses in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam for about 3.65 billion American dollars.

Singapore lender United Overseas Bank has agreed to buy Citigroup's retail operations

Singapore has made COVID-19 vaccination a mandatory condition for the approval of new applications for work passes, long-term passes and permanent residence in the country from February 1 next year.

COVID-19 vaccination mandatory in Singapore for pass approvals from February 2022

A relatively docile animal, with sparse history of violent behaviour, has caused trauma for a British man who claimed that he was attacked by a “swarm of” otters when he was out for a morning walk in a botanical garden in Singapore.

Graham George Spencer, a British citizen living in Singapore, told The Straits Times newspaper that he was chased, pinned down and bitten “26 times in 10 seconds” by a family of 20 otters.

“I actually thought I was going to die,” said Spencer, who lives in Singapore and is reportedly in his sixties.

He claimed that the animals were provoked by a runner, who may not have spotted them as it was still early morning.

“Because it was very dark, he never saw them. And he just ran straight into them. And he was treading on them," Spencer told a local outlet, Mothership.sg.

Spencer said the otters bit his ankles and he fell to the ground. They then started biting his legs and buttocks, and one bit his finger as he put his hands up to shield his face.

His friend managed to ward the creatures off by screaming at them, he said. The pair were then chased by the otters as they tried to seek help from a visitors' centre.

Spencer said that he needed stitches for some of his 26 wounds and was given a tetanus injection and antibiotics.

Staff at the park where Spencer was attacked told him that the incident is “under investigation”, he said.

The island is believed to be home to 10 families of otters, or about 90 in total, according to reports.

Although they seem benign, they do have a history of attacking people. As recently as May, a 77-year-old man was reportedly bitten by an otter on the leg while exercising near the Kallang River in Singapore.

According to the Washington Post, river otters were once driven away by pollution in the 1970s, but have since returned as the country’s waterways have been cleaned up in recent years.

The animals are common sights in hospital lobbies and condominium pools, and have even been seen drinking from public fountains.

(With inputs from agencies)

A relatively docile animal, with sparse history of violent behaviour, has caused trauma for a British man who claimed that he was attacked by a “swarm of” otters when he was out for a morning walk in a botanical garden in Singapore.

A relatively docile animal, with sparse history of violent behaviour, has caused trauma for a British man who claimed that he was attacked by a “swarm of” otters when he was out for a morning walk in a botanical garden in Singapore. Graham George Spencer, a British citizen living in Singapore, told The Straits Times newspaper that he was chased, pinned down and bitten “26 times in 10 seconds” by a family of 20 otters. “I actually thought I was going to die,” said Spencer, who lives in Singapore and is reportedly in his sixties. He claimed that the animals were provoked by a runner, who may not have spotted them as it was still early morning. “Because it was very dark, he never saw them. And he just ran straight into them. And he was treading on them," Spencer told a local outlet, Mothership.sg. Spencer said the otters bit his ankles and he fell to the ground. They then started biting his legs and buttocks, and one bit his finger as he put his hands up to shield his face. His friend managed to ward the creatures off by screaming at them, he said. The pair were then chased by the otters as they tried to seek help from a visitors' centre. Spencer said that he needed stitches for some of his 26 wounds and was given a tetanus injection and antibiotics. Staff at the park where Spencer was attacked told him that the incident is “under investigation”, he said. The island is believed to be home to 10 families of otters, or about 90 in total, according to reports. Although they seem benign, they do have a history of attacking people. As recently as May, a 77-year-old man was reportedly bitten by an otter on the leg while exercising near the Kallang River in Singapore. According to the Washington Post, river otters were once driven away by pollution in the 1970s, but have since returned as the country’s waterways have been cleaned up in recent years. The animals are common sights in hospital lobbies and condominium pools, and have even been seen drinking from public fountains. (With inputs from agencies)

‘I thought I was going to die’: Man claims he was attacked by otters in Singapore

Two people from Singapore have tested positive for the Omicron variant even after receiving the booster jab, reports Bloomberg. This includes a 24-year-old female airport passenger service worker a person who had returned from Germany. 
Both of them have been isolated at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases. Also, all close contacts will be placed in 10-day quarantine at designated facilities.

Singapore's health ministry was quoted by Bloomberg as saying, "Given its high transmissibility and spread to many parts of the world, we should expect to find more omicron cases at our borders and also within our community."

The airport worker was tested as part of weekly testing for frontline border workers. She was asymptomatic when detected.

In the second case, the person had tested negative with a polymerase chain reaction test on arrival. However, the next day, she developed a runny nose after which she tested positive.

Meanwhile, earlier, a British scientist had warned that the emergence and spread of the Omicron variant of coronavirus shows that the world is closer to the start of a pandemic than the end.

Sir Jeremy Farrar, the director of the Wellcome Trust, has claimed that leaders around the globe have been assuming that the worst of this pandemic is behind us. However, this is not the truth.

Experts are still working on determining the efficacy of vaccines against this variant.

In contrast to this, Top US epidemiologist Anthony Fauci has said that there were early indications that the Omicron variant was not more severe than strains encountered before.&nbsp;

Speaking to AFP, he said, Omicron was "clearly highly transmissible," very likely more so than Delta. He called Omicron to be currently the dominant strain in the world.

(With inputs from agencies)

Two people from Singapore have tested positive for the Omicron variant even after receiving the booster jab, reports Bloomberg. This includes a 24-year-old female airport passenger service worker a person who had returned from Germany.

Two people from Singapore have tested positive for the Omicron variant even after receiving the booster jab, reports Bloomberg. This includes a 24-year-old female airport passenger service worker a person who had returned from Germany. Both of them have been isolated at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases. Also, all close contacts will be placed in 10-day quarantine at designated facilities. Singapore's health ministry was quoted by Bloomberg as saying, "Given its high transmissibility and spread to many parts of the world, we should expect to find more omicron cases at our borders and also within our community." The airport worker was tested as part of weekly testing for frontline border workers. She was asymptomatic when detected. In the second case, the person had tested negative with a polymerase chain reaction test on arrival. However, the next day, she developed a runny nose after which she tested positive. Meanwhile, earlier, a British scientist had warned that the emergence and spread of the Omicron variant of coronavirus shows that the world is closer to the start of a pandemic than the end. Sir Jeremy Farrar, the director of the Wellcome Trust, has claimed that leaders around the globe have been assuming that the worst of this pandemic is behind us. However, this is not the truth. Experts are still working on determining the efficacy of vaccines against this variant. In contrast to this, Top US epidemiologist Anthony Fauci has said that there were early indications that the Omicron variant was not more severe than strains encountered before. Speaking to AFP, he said, Omicron was "clearly highly transmissible," very likely more so than Delta. He called Omicron to be currently the dominant strain in the world. (With inputs from agencies)

Two people, who had taken booster shots test positive for Omicron, in Singapore

International flights arriving in Tamil Nadu from Singapore and the UK have been put under close watch after two passengers tested positive for COVID-19. The two passengers have been isolated and admitted to the hospital.&nbsp;

According to the Tamil Nadu government, samples for genome sequencing and identifying the COVID-19 variant are also being tested. This comes a day after two cases of the new variant of concern Omicron were detected in the neighbouring state Karnataka.&nbsp;

Elaborating on this, Tamil Nadu Health Minister Subramanian said that the Singapore returnee had tested positive at the Trichy airport and the 10-year old boy, returning from the UK had&nbsp;tested positive at Chennai. He also added that the passengers who sat in adjoining rows, air attendants, other close contacts, and families of the two travellers were being tested and monitored.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-in-india-dont-need-fear-says-health-ministry-as-first-2-cases-found-one-patient-fully-vaccinated-433526">Also read |&nbsp;Omicron in India: Don't need fear, says health ministry as first 2 cases found; one patient fully vaccinated</a>

Currently, passengers from 21 high-risk countries including the UK, South Africa, Hong Kong, Botswana, Israel, Singapore etc, are undergoing mass fever screening, after landing in Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

Following the fever screening, the passengers undergo RTPCR tests. Those who test positive are admitted and isolated in government hospitals, while those testing negative would have to undergo 7-day home quarantine and monitoring.&nbsp;

Requesting the public to not panic, the Minister assured that the Tamil Nadu government would immediately announce if an Omicron case is detected.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-free-covid-treatment-if-not-vaccinated-in-this-southern-indian-state-433657">Also read |&nbsp;No free Covid treatment if not vaccinated in this southern Indian state</a>

He also urged the public to follow standard COVID-19 protocols and ensure that all eligible people had taken both jabs of the COVID-19 vaccines.&nbsp;

In terms of daily RTPCR testing, he said that Tamil Nadu was performing over one lakh tests, of which only around 700 persons were testing positive.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

International flights arriving in Tamil Nadu from Singapore and the UK have been put under close watch after two passengers tested positive for COVID-19. The two passengers have been isolated and admitted to the hospital.

International flights arriving in Tamil Nadu from Singapore and the UK have been put under close watch after two passengers tested positive for COVID-19. The two passengers have been isolated and admitted to the hospital. According to the Tamil Nadu government, samples for genome sequencing and identifying the COVID-19 variant are also being tested. This comes a day after two cases of the new variant of concern Omicron were detected in the neighbouring state Karnataka. Elaborating on this, Tamil Nadu Health Minister Subramanian said that the Singapore returnee had tested positive at the Trichy airport and the 10-year old boy, returning from the UK had tested positive at Chennai. He also added that the passengers who sat in adjoining rows, air attendants, other close contacts, and families of the two travellers were being tested and monitored. Also read | Omicron in India: Don't need fear, says health ministry as first 2 cases found; one patient fully vaccinated Currently, passengers from 21 high-risk countries including the UK, South Africa, Hong Kong, Botswana, Israel, Singapore etc, are undergoing mass fever screening, after landing in Tamil Nadu. Following the fever screening, the passengers undergo RTPCR tests. Those who test positive are admitted and isolated in government hospitals, while those testing negative would have to undergo 7-day home quarantine and monitoring. Requesting the public to not panic, the Minister assured that the Tamil Nadu government would immediately announce if an Omicron case is detected. Also read | No free Covid treatment if not vaccinated in this southern Indian state He also urged the public to follow standard COVID-19 protocols and ensure that all eligible people had taken both jabs of the COVID-19 vaccines. In terms of daily RTPCR testing, he said that Tamil Nadu was performing over one lakh tests, of which only around 700 persons were testing positive.

Two people from UK and Singapore test positive for Covid in South India; further tests underway

Singapore&nbsp;and Malaysia will next week launch a quarantine-free travel lane at their land border crossing, one of the world's busiest, for people vaccinated against COVID-19, the two countries said on Wednesday.

The plan, effective Nov. 29, expands an already announced move to start a travel lane for flights&nbsp;between Changi Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport from next week.

The land travel lane in the first phase will apply to citizens, permanent residents or long-term pass holders of the country they are entering, to allow people to visit families on the other side of the border, the office of&nbsp;Singapore's prime minister said in a statement.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iaea-chief-says-time-running-out-to-end-stand-off-over-iran-workshop-431695">IAEA chief says time running out to end stand-off over Iran workshop</a>

The lane will be progressively expanded.

Malaysia announced the creation of the land border travel lane separately on Wednesday.

Singapore, with a population of 5.45 million, relies heavily on Malaysians living in the southern state of Johor to staff businesses ranging from restaurants to semiconductor manufacturing.

Many Malaysians used to commute daily from across the border prior to the pandemic.

Singapore and Malaysia will next week launch a quarantine-free travel lane at their land border crossing, one of the world's busiest, for people vaccinated against COVID-19, the two countries said on Wednesday.

Singapore and Malaysia will next week launch a quarantine-free travel lane at their land border crossing, one of the world's busiest, for people vaccinated against COVID-19, the two countries said on Wednesday. The plan, effective Nov. 29, expands an already announced move to start a travel lane for flights between Changi Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport from next week. The land travel lane in the first phase will apply to citizens, permanent residents or long-term pass holders of the country they are entering, to allow people to visit families on the other side of the border, the office of Singapore's prime minister said in a statement. ALSO READ | IAEA chief says time running out to end stand-off over Iran workshop The lane will be progressively expanded. Malaysia announced the creation of the land border travel lane separately on Wednesday. Singapore, with a population of 5.45 million, relies heavily on Malaysians living in the southern state of Johor to staff businesses ranging from restaurants to semiconductor manufacturing. Many Malaysians used to commute daily from across the border prior to the pandemic.

COVID-19: Singapore and Malaysia to open land border for vaccinated travellers

Four endangered Asiatic lions in Singapore have tested positive for COVID-19.

They had started exhibiting symptoms including coughing and sneezing after coming into contact with infected zookeepers.

According to Sonja Luz, from Mandai Wildlife Group, ''All the lions remain bright, alert and active.''

''We expect that the lions will make a full recovery with minor supportive treatment.''

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-covid-19-in-animal-world-here-is-a-list-of-the-infected-species-408990">In Pics | COVID-19 in animal world, here is a list of the infected species</a>

All the infected lions have been placed in isolation in their den. Other animals in the zoo were also tested for coronavirus.

The Mandai Wildlife Group said that three keepers from the Night Safari Carnivore section have tested positive for COVID-19.

The park is an open-air zoo home to hundreds of animals, which welcomes visitors at night.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seoul-to-give-free-covid-19-tests-to-pets-362173">Also read |&nbsp;Seoul to give free COVID-19 tests to pets</a>

Meanwhile, the country also reported 3,397 fresh COVID-19 cases, including 169 from dormitories for migrant workers. With this, the total number of cases in the country has increased to 2,24,200.

The Ministry of Health reported 12 deaths due to coronavirus-related complications that pushed the death toll to 523.

Animals have become infected with the virus on previous occasions. Lions, tigers, and gorillas have tested positive at US zoos, while domestic cats and dogs have also been hit. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Four endangered Asiatic lions in Singapore have tested positive for COVID-19. They had started exhibiting symptoms including coughing and sneezing after coming into contact with infected zookeepers.

Four endangered Asiatic lions in Singapore have tested positive for COVID-19. They had started exhibiting symptoms including coughing and sneezing after coming into contact with infected zookeepers. According to Sonja Luz, from Mandai Wildlife Group, ''All the lions remain bright, alert and active.'' ''We expect that the lions will make a full recovery with minor supportive treatment.'' In Pics | COVID-19 in animal world, here is a list of the infected species All the infected lions have been placed in isolation in their den. Other animals in the zoo were also tested for coronavirus. The Mandai Wildlife Group said that three keepers from the Night Safari Carnivore section have tested positive for COVID-19. The park is an open-air zoo home to hundreds of animals, which welcomes visitors at night. Also read | Seoul to give free COVID-19 tests to pets Meanwhile, the country also reported 3,397 fresh COVID-19 cases, including 169 from dormitories for migrant workers. With this, the total number of cases in the country has increased to 2,24,200. The Ministry of Health reported 12 deaths due to coronavirus-related complications that pushed the death toll to 523. Animals have become infected with the virus on previous occasions. Lions, tigers, and gorillas have tested positive at US zoos, while domestic cats and dogs have also been hit. (With inputs from agencies)

Endangered Asiatic lions test positive for COVID-19 in Singapore

COVID-19 patients in Singapore who do not get vaccinated by choice will have to pay their hospitalisation bills, starting from December 8, the government has said. As of now, the government completely funds the COVID-19 medical bills of all Singaporeans, permanent residents and even the&nbsp;long-term pass holders.&nbsp;

The government excludes those who have tested positive soon after returning from overseas travel. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung has described this decision as an "important signal" to those who are not getting jabbed.

"Currently, unvaccinated persons make up a sizeable majority of those who require intensive inpatient care, and disproportionately contribute to the strain on our healthcare resources," the Ministry of Health said.

MediSave and MediShield are both linked to compulsory savings under the Central Provident Fund covering all employees.

"Billing will still be based on our current subsidy framework, subject to MediSave use and MediShield Life claims, so it will still be highly supported and highly subsidised," Ong Ye Kung said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-approves-foreign-interference-bill-critics-slam-move-418323">Also read |&nbsp;Singapore approves 'foreign interference' bill, critics slam move</a>

However, those who are ineligible for vaccination, including children under 12 years of age, and those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons will continue to have their bills covered by the government. People who are partially vaccinated will not be charged for COVID-19 bills until December 31.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Singapore recently opened its borders to more countries for quarantine-free travel. This comes as the city-state seeks to rebuild its status as an international aviation hub, and prepares to reach a "new normal" to adapt to COVID-19.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-normal-singapore-expands-quarantine-free-travel-to-adapt-to-covid-19-419401">Also read |&nbsp;'New normal': Singapore expands quarantine-free travel to adapt to COVID-19</a>

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said Singapore will reach a new normal and can lighten restrictions when cases stabilise, even if they stay in the hundreds. "It will take us at least three months, and perhaps as long as six months, to get there," Lee said in an address to the nation.

He added, "After this surge stabilises, we may still see future surges, especially if new variants emerge. We may have to tap on the brakes again if cases again grow too fast, to protect our healthcare system and healthcare workers."

(With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19 patients in Singapore who do not get vaccinated by choice will have to pay their hospitalisation bills, starting from December 8, the government has said.

COVID-19 patients in Singapore who do not get vaccinated by choice will have to pay their hospitalisation bills, starting from December 8, the government has said. As of now, the government completely funds the COVID-19 medical bills of all Singaporeans, permanent residents and even the long-term pass holders. The government excludes those who have tested positive soon after returning from overseas travel. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung has described this decision as an "important signal" to those who are not getting jabbed. "Currently, unvaccinated persons make up a sizeable majority of those who require intensive inpatient care, and disproportionately contribute to the strain on our healthcare resources," the Ministry of Health said. MediSave and MediShield are both linked to compulsory savings under the Central Provident Fund covering all employees. "Billing will still be based on our current subsidy framework, subject to MediSave use and MediShield Life claims, so it will still be highly supported and highly subsidised," Ong Ye Kung said. Also read | Singapore approves 'foreign interference' bill, critics slam move However, those who are ineligible for vaccination, including children under 12 years of age, and those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons will continue to have their bills covered by the government. People who are partially vaccinated will not be charged for COVID-19 bills until December 31. Meanwhile, Singapore recently opened its borders to more countries for quarantine-free travel. This comes as the city-state seeks to rebuild its status as an international aviation hub, and prepares to reach a "new normal" to adapt to COVID-19. Also read | 'New normal': Singapore expands quarantine-free travel to adapt to COVID-19 Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said Singapore will reach a new normal and can lighten restrictions when cases stabilise, even if they stay in the hundreds. "It will take us at least three months, and perhaps as long as six months, to get there," Lee said in an address to the nation. He added, "After this surge stabilises, we may still see future surges, especially if new variants emerge. We may have to tap on the brakes again if cases again grow too fast, to protect our healthcare system and healthcare workers." (With inputs from agencies)

'Important signal': Unvaccinated COVID-19 patients in Singapore to now pay their hospital bills

Following outrage among public and human rights activists, Singapore high court has temporarily stayed the execution of an intellectually disabled Malaysian man who was accused of smuggling heroin into the country.

Nagaenthran Dharmalingam was arrested in April 2009 when he was 21, for attempting to smuggle 43 grams of heroin into Singapore.

In 2010, he was sentenced to death and was scheduled to be hanged on November 10.

The court’s order was widely criticised by the human rights activists who claimed that Dharmalingam has limited mental capacity.

On Monday, the high court ordered a stay of execution following a last-minute constitutional challenge&nbsp;by his lawyer M. Ravi.

The court dismissed the lawyer's application to declare the execution unconstitutional, but granted a stay of execution until an appeal on its decision can be heard.

Ravi said his client was a victim of drug trafficking and should be released.

"He has been gamed. He is a victim of the [drug-trafficking] operation. He needs treatment and help,” BBC quoted Ravi as saying.

According to campaigners, it was disclosed during the trial that Dharmalingam has an IQ of 69 and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. His supporters say there is evidence that Dharmalingam was forced to courier drugs as a victim of human trafficking.

But the Singapore authorities have repeatedly stressed that Dharmalingam is of sound mind and was fully aware of his actions.

The Malaysian Prime Minister, Ismail Sabri Yaakob, has even written to Singapore’s Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong, seeking leniency in his case, according to Malaysian media.&nbsp;

Singapore has one of the world’s toughest drug laws. Anyone found guilty of importing over 15 grams of drugs is sentenced to death.

(With inputs from agencies)

Following outrage among public and human rights activists, Singapore high court has temporarily stayed the execution of an intellectually disabled Malaysian man who was accused of smuggling heroin into the country.

Following outrage among public and human rights activists, Singapore high court has temporarily stayed the execution of an intellectually disabled Malaysian man who was accused of smuggling heroin into the country. Nagaenthran Dharmalingam was arrested in April 2009 when he was 21, for attempting to smuggle 43 grams of heroin into Singapore. In 2010, he was sentenced to death and was scheduled to be hanged on November 10. The court’s order was widely criticised by the human rights activists who claimed that Dharmalingam has limited mental capacity. On Monday, the high court ordered a stay of execution following a last-minute constitutional challenge by his lawyer M. Ravi. The court dismissed the lawyer's application to declare the execution unconstitutional, but granted a stay of execution until an appeal on its decision can be heard. Ravi said his client was a victim of drug trafficking and should be released. "He has been gamed. He is a victim of the [drug-trafficking] operation. He needs treatment and help,” BBC quoted Ravi as saying. According to campaigners, it was disclosed during the trial that Dharmalingam has an IQ of 69 and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. His supporters say there is evidence that Dharmalingam was forced to courier drugs as a victim of human trafficking. But the Singapore authorities have repeatedly stressed that Dharmalingam is of sound mind and was fully aware of his actions. The Malaysian Prime Minister, Ismail Sabri Yaakob, has even written to Singapore’s Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong, seeking leniency in his case, according to Malaysian media. Singapore has one of the world’s toughest drug laws. Anyone found guilty of importing over 15 grams of drugs is sentenced to death. (With inputs from agencies)

Singapore court stays execution of man with learning disabilities accused of drug smuggling

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Singapore counterpart Lee Hsien Loong to bolster ties on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rome on Saturday (October 30).

"Had an excellent meeting with PM @leehsienloong on ways to further scale-up the friendship between India and Singapore. Our talks focused on trade, culture and other subjects," said Modi in a tweet.

Earlier, Modi also met Pope Francis and invited him to visit India in a turnaround in relations with the Vatican following the failure of negotiations for a papal trip to the predominantly Hindu nation in 2017.

Modi is on a three-day visit to Rome to take part in the 16 th G20 Summit, where he is scheduled to hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit before leaving for the United Kingdom.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Singapore counterpart Lee Hsien Loong to bolster ties on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rome on Saturday (October 30).

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Singapore counterpart Lee Hsien Loong to bolster ties on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rome on Saturday (October 30). "Had an excellent meeting with PM @leehsienloong on ways to further scale-up the friendship between India and Singapore. Our talks focused on trade, culture and other subjects," said Modi in a tweet. Earlier, Modi also met Pope Francis and invited him to visit India in a turnaround in relations with the Vatican following the failure of negotiations for a papal trip to the predominantly Hindu nation in 2017. Modi is on a three-day visit to Rome to take part in the 16 th G20 Summit, where he is scheduled to hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit before leaving for the United Kingdom.

India’s Modi meets Singapore counterpart in Rome on sidelines of G20 Summit

According to data released by enterprise Singapore, country's non-oil domestic exports have been increased by 12 percent amid a rise in global demand.

Singapore's non-oil domestic exports increased by 12 percent amid rise in demand

Fully vaccinated travellers from eight countries will be able to enter Singapore without quarantine from Tuesday, as the business hub eases restrictions and gears up to live with the coronavirus.

The city-state initially fought the pandemic by shutting borders, lockdowns of varying intensity and aggressive contact tracing but with more than 80 percent of the population fully vaccinated, authorities in the global aviation hub are keen to revive the economy.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sydney-eases-more-covid-19-curbs-as-vaccinations-pass-milestone-421652">Sydney eases more COVID-19 curbs as vaccinations pass milestone</a>

They opened travel lanes for vaccinated passengers from Brunei and Germany in September, and will expand the scheme from Tuesday to another eight countries -- Britain, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and the United States.

The lane with South Korea will start November 15.

Under the policy, passengers will not have to quarantine if they have been fully vaccinated and tested negative for the coronavirus before they depart and on arrival.

"Singapore cannot stay locked down and closed off indefinitely," Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said October 9, when he announced a raft of measures under the "Living with Covid-19" strategy.

Lee pointed to the Delta coronavirus variant as a factor.

"The Delta variant is highly infectious, and has spread all over the world. Even with the whole population vaccinated, we still will not be able to stamp it out," he said.

"Almost every country has accepted this reality."

In addition to focusing on home care for mild and asymptomatic domestic cases, Lee said Singapore needed to resume international travel.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-lift-canada-mexico-land-border-restrictions-in-november-for-vaccinated-visitors-420306">US to lift Canada, Mexico land border restrictions in November for vaccinated visitors</a>

The city-state is home to the regional offices of thousands of multi-national corporations, which rely on Singapore's status as a business and aviation hub for their operations.

"We must continue to re-open our borders safely," Lee said. "Companies and investors need to carry out regional and global business from Singapore. People working for them need to travel to earn a living."

And the success of the city-state's vaccinated lanes project may boost the recovery in the global aviation industry, which was hammered by the pandemic.

"We hope the positive actions taken by Singapore will spur other markets to similarly navigate their pathways towards restarting air travel," said Philip Goh, Asia-Pacific vice president at aviation industry group IATA.

Fully vaccinated travellers from eight countries will be able to enter Singapore without quarantine from Tuesday, as the business hub eases restrictions and gears up to live with the coronavirus.

Fully vaccinated travellers from eight countries will be able to enter Singapore without quarantine from Tuesday, as the business hub eases restrictions and gears up to live with the coronavirus. The city-state initially fought the pandemic by shutting borders, lockdowns of varying intensity and aggressive contact tracing but with more than 80 percent of the population fully vaccinated, authorities in the global aviation hub are keen to revive the economy. Also Read | Sydney eases more COVID-19 curbs as vaccinations pass milestone They opened travel lanes for vaccinated passengers from Brunei and Germany in September, and will expand the scheme from Tuesday to another eight countries -- Britain, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and the United States. The lane with South Korea will start November 15. Under the policy, passengers will not have to quarantine if they have been fully vaccinated and tested negative for the coronavirus before they depart and on arrival. "Singapore cannot stay locked down and closed off indefinitely," Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said October 9, when he announced a raft of measures under the "Living with Covid-19" strategy. Lee pointed to the Delta coronavirus variant as a factor. "The Delta variant is highly infectious, and has spread all over the world. Even with the whole population vaccinated, we still will not be able to stamp it out," he said. "Almost every country has accepted this reality." In addition to focusing on home care for mild and asymptomatic domestic cases, Lee said Singapore needed to resume international travel. Also Read | US to lift Canada, Mexico land border restrictions in November for vaccinated visitors The city-state is home to the regional offices of thousands of multi-national corporations, which rely on Singapore's status as a business and aviation hub for their operations. "We must continue to re-open our borders safely," Lee said. "Companies and investors need to carry out regional and global business from Singapore. People working for them need to travel to earn a living." And the success of the city-state's vaccinated lanes project may boost the recovery in the global aviation industry, which was hammered by the pandemic. "We hope the positive actions taken by Singapore will spur other markets to similarly navigate their pathways towards restarting air travel," said Philip Goh, Asia-Pacific vice president at aviation industry group IATA.

Singapore to expand no-quarantine scheme for vaccinated travellers

On Tuesday, Singapore's highest court denied an appeal against a man's conviction and death sentence for allegedly smuggling cannabis weighing at least 2.2 pounds into the city-state from neighbouring Malaysia.

Omar Yacob Bamadhaj, 41, was detained in 2018 during a routine border checkpoint encounter when officials discovered three bundles of the narcotic in his car.

He was tried and condemned to death by hanging in February.

A court heard that his father, who was also in the car, was unaware of the narcotics and was not charged with any crime.&nbsp;

Omar's defence at trial was that he had no idea what the bundles were at the time.

He stated that his friends, Din and Latif, had put the packages in his luggage without his knowledge.

Singapore maintains a zero-tolerance stance on illegal narcotics and has executed hundreds of individuals, including dozens of foreign citizens, for drug charges in recent decades.&nbsp;

Another Singaporean was condemned to death by hanging in a narcotics case only last year—via Zoom call.

Singaporeans appear to believe that the country's harsh regulations make it one of the safest in the world.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

On Tuesday, Singapore's highest court denied an appeal against a man's conviction and death sentence for allegedly smuggling cannabis weighing at least 2.2 pounds into the city-state from neighbouring Malaysia.

On Tuesday, Singapore's highest court denied an appeal against a man's conviction and death sentence for allegedly smuggling cannabis weighing at least 2.2 pounds into the city-state from neighbouring Malaysia. Omar Yacob Bamadhaj, 41, was detained in 2018 during a routine border checkpoint encounter when officials discovered three bundles of the narcotic in his car. He was tried and condemned to death by hanging in February. A court heard that his father, who was also in the car, was unaware of the narcotics and was not charged with any crime. Omar's defence at trial was that he had no idea what the bundles were at the time. He stated that his friends, Din and Latif, had put the packages in his luggage without his knowledge. Singapore maintains a zero-tolerance stance on illegal narcotics and has executed hundreds of individuals, including dozens of foreign citizens, for drug charges in recent decades. Another Singaporean was condemned to death by hanging in a narcotics case only last year—via Zoom call. Singaporeans appear to believe that the country's harsh regulations make it one of the safest in the world. (With inputs from agencies)

Man to be hanged for bringing 1 kilogram of cannabis in Singapore

Singapore is opening its borders to more countries for quarantine-free travel. This comes as the city-state seeks to rebuild its status as an international aviation hub, and prepares to reach a "new normal" to adapt to COVID-19.

From October 19, fully vaccinated people from eight countries, including Britain, France, Spain and the United States, will be able to enter the island without quarantining if they pass their COVID-19 tests, said the government.

The country of 5.45 million people has been reporting record daily COVID-19 infections of more than 3,000 over the past few days, though almost all the cases are asymptomatic or mild.&nbsp;

Also, about 83 per cent of the population is fully vaccinated, one of the world's highest rates.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said Singapore will reach a new normal and can lighten restrictions when cases stabilise, even if they stay in the hundreds.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-approves-foreign-interference-bill-critics-slam-move-418323">Also read |&nbsp;Singapore approves 'foreign interference' bill, critics slam move</a>

"It will take us at least three months, and perhaps as long as six months, to get there," Lee said in an address to the nation.

He added, "After this surge stabilises, we may still see future surges, especially if new variants emerge. We may have to tap on the brakes again if cases again grow too fast, to protect our healthcare system and healthcare workers."

The government will tighten rules for those who remain unvaccinated from Wednesday. The rules will prohibit them from entering malls and eating at the country's ubiquitous hawker centres.&nbsp;

Singapore's travel programme for fully vaccinated people began in September with Germany and Brunei. It will include South Korea from next month.

Up to 3,000 travellers will be able to enter daily through the vaccinated travel lanes.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-to-ease-virus-curbs-for-migrant-workers-411907">Also read |&nbsp;Singapore to ease virus curbs for migrant workers</a>

Philip Goh, Asia-Pacific vice president for the International Air Transport Association said, "We hope this further easing of measures and expansion of Singapore's border reopening will spur other markets to similarly navigate their pathways towards restarting air travel."

Singapore's Changi airport was among the world's busiest in 2019, with more than 68 million passengers.

Singapore is opening its borders to more countries for quarantine-free travel. This comes as the city-state seeks to rebuild its status as an international aviation hub, and prepares to reach a "new normal" to adapt to COVID-19.

Singapore is opening its borders to more countries for quarantine-free travel. This comes as the city-state seeks to rebuild its status as an international aviation hub, and prepares to reach a "new normal" to adapt to COVID-19. From October 19, fully vaccinated people from eight countries, including Britain, France, Spain and the United States, will be able to enter the island without quarantining if they pass their COVID-19 tests, said the government. The country of 5.45 million people has been reporting record daily COVID-19 infections of more than 3,000 over the past few days, though almost all the cases are asymptomatic or mild. Also, about 83 per cent of the population is fully vaccinated, one of the world's highest rates. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said Singapore will reach a new normal and can lighten restrictions when cases stabilise, even if they stay in the hundreds. Also read | Singapore approves 'foreign interference' bill, critics slam move "It will take us at least three months, and perhaps as long as six months, to get there," Lee said in an address to the nation. He added, "After this surge stabilises, we may still see future surges, especially if new variants emerge. We may have to tap on the brakes again if cases again grow too fast, to protect our healthcare system and healthcare workers." The government will tighten rules for those who remain unvaccinated from Wednesday. The rules will prohibit them from entering malls and eating at the country's ubiquitous hawker centres. Singapore's travel programme for fully vaccinated people began in September with Germany and Brunei. It will include South Korea from next month. Up to 3,000 travellers will be able to enter daily through the vaccinated travel lanes. Also read | Singapore to ease virus curbs for migrant workers Philip Goh, Asia-Pacific vice president for the International Air Transport Association said, "We hope this further easing of measures and expansion of Singapore's border reopening will spur other markets to similarly navigate their pathways towards restarting air travel." Singapore's Changi airport was among the world's busiest in 2019, with more than 68 million passengers.

'New normal': Singapore expands quarantine-free travel to adapt to COVID-19

The vaccines were supposed to be the ticket out of the pandemic. But in Singapore, things did not go according to plan.

The Southeast Asian city-state was widely considered a success story in its initial handling of the coronavirus. It closed its borders, tested and traced aggressively and was one of the first countries in Asia to order vaccines.

A top politician told the public that an 80 per cent vaccination rate was the criterion for a phased reopening. Singapore has now fully inoculated 83 per cent of its population, but instead of opening up, it is doing quite the opposite.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-trials-patrol-robots-to-deter-bad-social-behaviour-411229">Singapore trials patrol robots to deter bad social behaviour</a>

In September, with cases doubling every eight to 10 days, the government reinstated restrictions on gatherings. The United States said its citizens should reconsider travel to the country. Long lines started forming at the emergency departments in several hospitals. People were told once again, they should work from home.

The country’s experience has become a sobering case study for other nations pursuing reopening strategies without having had to deal with large outbreaks in the pandemic. For the Singapore residents who believed the city-state would reopen once the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccination</a> rate reached a certain level, there was a feeling of whiplash and nagging questions about what it would take to reopen if vaccines were not enough.

“In a way, we are a victim of our own success, because we’ve achieved as close to zero COVID as we can get and a very, very low death rate,” said Dr. Paul Tambyah, an infectious diseases specialist at National University Hospital. “So we want to keep the position at the top of the class, and it’s very hard to do.”

Singapore’s careful, some say overly cautious, approach to reopening contrasts with that of the United States and Europe, where vaccinated people are already gathering at concerts, festivals and other large events. But unlike Singapore, both of those places had to manage substantial outbreaks early in the pandemic.

Also read |&nbsp;​​​​​​​<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-to-ease-virus-curbs-for-migrant-workers-411907">Singapore to ease virus curbs for migrant workers</a>

Lawrence Wong, Singapore’s finance minister and a chair of the country’s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> task force, said the lesson for “COVID-naive societies” like Singapore, New Zealand and Australia is to be ready for large waves of infections, “regardless of the vaccine coverage.”

“Once you open up, more social interactions will happen,” he said. “And given the inherently highly transmissible nature of the delta variant, you will get big clusters emerging.”

The vaccines have worked to keep most of the population out of the hospital, with 98.3 per cent of cases presenting mild or no symptoms. The deaths have occurred mostly in seniors, usually with comorbidities, and account for 0.2 per cent of the cases over the past 28 days. But the shots cannot protect against infection, especially when up against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-19-delta-variant-increases-the-risk-of-death-by-133-per-cent-418711">delta variant</a>, Wong said.

“In Singapore, we think that you cannot just rely on vaccines alone during this intermediate phase,” he said. “And that’s why we do not plan an approach where we reopen in a big bang manner, and just declare freedom.”

In Wong’s vision of how the pandemic will play out in Singapore, people will continue to wear face masks. Travel is unlikely to be entirely free. Social distancing will remain, perhaps until 2024.

He stressed that Singapore was still on a path toward living with COVID and said he recognized that any form of tightening, no matter how small, would be met with anger and frustration because people are anxious to move on. “But we have to adjust based on the realities, based on the situation we are facing,” he said.

Also read |&nbsp;​​​​​​​<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-patrol-robots-seeking-undesirable-social-behaviour-spark-privacy-concerns-418598">Singapore: Patrol robots seeking 'undesirable social behaviour' spark privacy concerns</a>

Last month, officials scrambled to set up community treatment facilities equipped with oxygen tanks and asked those with mild or no symptoms to recover at home. Many Singaporeans said there was confusion about what to do and that the government appeared ill-prepared.

“If the health care system gets overwhelmed, that’s when we know from experience everywhere that doctors are unable to cope and you have death rates start to go up,” Wong said. “So we are trying very hard to avoid that.”

Several doctors have disputed the government’s claim that the health care system is under immense strain. Tambyah, who is also chair of an opposition party that recently drew up an alternative strategy for dealing with the pandemic, said there was enough of a buffer in hospitals because Singapore had canceled all elective surgeries.

The problem for Singapore’s leaders, he said, is that they are “essentially doing a transition from zero COVID toward living with the virus.”

For many, the repeated tweaks to the restrictions have taken a toll. The number of suicides in 2020 was the highest since 2012, a trend that some mental health experts have attributed to the pandemic. People have called on the government to consider the mental health concerns caused by the restrictions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-pandemic-took-hold-suicide-rose-among-japanese-women-365653">As pandemic took hold, suicide rose among Japanese women</a>

“It’s just economically, sociologically, emotionally and mentally unsustainable,” said Devadas Krishnadas, CEO at Future-Moves Group, a consultancy in Singapore. Krishnadas said the decision to reintroduce restrictions after reaching such a high vaccination rate made the country a global outlier.

“And, importantly, it moves Singapore in a complete 180 degrees, opposite direction from where the rest of the world is headed,” he said. “That brings us to the strategic question of where will this leave Singapore — if we don’t get off what I call the hamster wheel of opening and closing.”

Sarah Chan, a deputy director at Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research, said she had a fleeting taste of what normal life was like when she arrived in Italy last month to visit her husband’s family.

No masks were required outdoors, vaccinated people could gather in groups without any restrictions, and Chan and her son could bop their heads to music in restaurants. In Singapore, music inside restaurants has been banned based on the notion that it could encourage the spread of the virus.

Chan said she was so moved by her time in Italy that she cried.

“It’s almost normal. You forget what that’s like,” she said. “I really miss that.”

The vaccines were supposed to be the ticket out of the pandemic. But in Singapore, things did not go according to plan. The Southeast Asian city-state was widely considered a success story in its initial handling of the coronavirus.

The vaccines were supposed to be the ticket out of the pandemic. But in Singapore, things did not go according to plan. The Southeast Asian city-state was widely considered a success story in its initial handling of the coronavirus. It closed its borders, tested and traced aggressively and was one of the first countries in Asia to order vaccines. A top politician told the public that an 80 per cent vaccination rate was the criterion for a phased reopening. Singapore has now fully inoculated 83 per cent of its population, but instead of opening up, it is doing quite the opposite. Also read | Singapore trials patrol robots to deter bad social behaviour In September, with cases doubling every eight to 10 days, the government reinstated restrictions on gatherings. The United States said its citizens should reconsider travel to the country. Long lines started forming at the emergency departments in several hospitals. People were told once again, they should work from home. The country’s experience has become a sobering case study for other nations pursuing reopening strategies without having had to deal with large outbreaks in the pandemic. For the Singapore residents who believed the city-state would reopen once the vaccination rate reached a certain level, there was a feeling of whiplash and nagging questions about what it would take to reopen if vaccines were not enough. “In a way, we are a victim of our own success, because we’ve achieved as close to zero COVID as we can get and a very, very low death rate,” said Dr. Paul Tambyah, an infectious diseases specialist at National University Hospital. “So we want to keep the position at the top of the class, and it’s very hard to do.” Singapore’s careful, some say overly cautious, approach to reopening contrasts with that of the United States and Europe, where vaccinated people are already gathering at concerts, festivals and other large events. But unlike Singapore, both of those places had to manage substantial outbreaks early in the pandemic. Also read | Singapore to ease virus curbs for migrant workers Lawrence Wong, Singapore’s finance minister and a chair of the country’s COVID-19 task force, said the lesson for “COVID-naive societies” like Singapore, New Zealand and Australia is to be ready for large waves of infections, “regardless of the vaccine coverage.” “Once you open up, more social interactions will happen,” he said. “And given the inherently highly transmissible nature of the delta variant, you will get big clusters emerging.” The vaccines have worked to keep most of the population out of the hospital, with 98.3 per cent of cases presenting mild or no symptoms. The deaths have occurred mostly in seniors, usually with comorbidities, and account for 0.2 per cent of the cases over the past 28 days. But the shots cannot protect against infection, especially when up against the delta variant, Wong said. “In Singapore, we think that you cannot just rely on vaccines alone during this intermediate phase,” he said. “And that’s why we do not plan an approach where we reopen in a big bang manner, and just declare freedom.” In Wong’s vision of how the pandemic will play out in Singapore, people will continue to wear face masks. Travel is unlikely to be entirely free. Social distancing will remain, perhaps until 2024. He stressed that Singapore was still on a path toward living with COVID and said he recognized that any form of tightening, no matter how small, would be met with anger and frustration because people are anxious to move on. “But we have to adjust based on the realities, based on the situation we are facing,” he said. Also read | Singapore: Patrol robots seeking 'undesirable social behaviour' spark privacy concerns Last month, officials scrambled to set up community treatment facilities equipped with oxygen tanks and asked those with mild or no symptoms to recover at home. Many Singaporeans said there was confusion about what to do and that the government appeared ill-prepared. “If the health care system gets overwhelmed, that’s when we know from experience everywhere that doctors are unable to cope and you have death rates start to go up,” Wong said. “So we are trying very hard to avoid that.” Several doctors have disputed the government’s claim that the health care system is under immense strain. Tambyah, who is also chair of an opposition party that recently drew up an alternative strategy for dealing with the pandemic, said there was enough of a buffer in hospitals because Singapore had canceled all elective surgeries. The problem for Singapore’s leaders, he said, is that they are “essentially doing a transition from zero COVID toward living with the virus.” For many, the repeated tweaks to the restrictions have taken a toll. The number of suicides in 2020 was the highest since 2012, a trend that some mental health experts have attributed to the pandemic. People have called on the government to consider the mental health concerns caused by the restrictions. Also read | As pandemic took hold, suicide rose among Japanese women “It’s just economically, sociologically, emotionally and mentally unsustainable,” said Devadas Krishnadas, CEO at Future-Moves Group, a consultancy in Singapore. Krishnadas said the decision to reintroduce restrictions after reaching such a high vaccination rate made the country a global outlier. “And, importantly, it moves Singapore in a complete 180 degrees, opposite direction from where the rest of the world is headed,” he said. “That brings us to the strategic question of where will this leave Singapore — if we don’t get off what I call the hamster wheel of opening and closing.” Sarah Chan, a deputy director at Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research, said she had a fleeting taste of what normal life was like when she arrived in Italy last month to visit her husband’s family. No masks were required outdoors, vaccinated people could gather in groups without any restrictions, and Chan and her son could bop their heads to music in restaurants. In Singapore, music inside restaurants has been banned based on the notion that it could encourage the spread of the virus. Chan said she was so moved by her time in Italy that she cried. “It’s almost normal. You forget what that’s like,” she said. “I really miss that.”

They had the vaccines and a plan to reopen. Instead they got cold feet.

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