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Criticism mounts as CASE’s ineffectiveness shown again in the closure of UFC Gym Singapore

Members of UFC Gym Singapore were taken by surprise when Anytime Fitness took over the CityLink Mall space, despite being informed that the gym would temporarily close for renovation. The sudden closure led members to file police reports and complaints with the Consumer Association of Singapore (CASE). The association has advised affected consumers to file claims at the Small Claims Tribunals. This incident has sparked concerns about the lack of regulation in the fitness industry and the need for stricter rules to protect consumers from prepaid membership losses. CASE has faced criticism for its perceived inaction in addressing recurring issues of sudden closures and prepayment losses.

Retrenched PMET driving for a living says he can’t afford to spend his last days in Singapore

Jeffrey Khoo, Deputy Organising Secretary of the Progress Singapore Party, recently shared his encounter and conversation with a local driver on his Facebook page. In his post, Mr Khoo recounted how he took a ride to attend a meeting in town, and during their conversation, he learned that the driver was formerly a seasoned PMET as well. Difficulty to find job, main reason for rejection was “too old” Despite actively seeking job opportunities, the driver faced difficulty securing employment due to ageism. “For the companies that interviewed him, the main reason for rejection was that he was too old.” Although it is already a common story these days, what caught Jeffrey’s attention was the driver’s deep disappointment in not being able to retire in Singapore due to the high cost of living.

“Life in Singapore increasingly challenging,” said a Malaysian PR who considers returning home due to rising costs

Tay Tian Yan, the deputy executive editor-in-chief of Malaysia’s Sinchew Daily, recently shared a story about a young Malaysian permanent resident contemplating leaving Singapore and returning to Malaysia due to the rising cost of living in Singapore. The increasing housing rental costs and living expenses in Singapore are making life difficult for non-residents. Tay suggests that if this trend continues, Malaysia’s brain drain issue may be alleviated. Issues with the rising cost of living are not only faced by expats or permanent residents; most of the burden is also felt by local Singaporeans, who live in Singapore permanently, in their day-to-day lives.

Young Singaporeans fed-up with housing and want to vote for opposition in next GE

Bloomberg reports that young single Singaporeans, frustrated with housing policies, are considering voting against the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) in the next election. Many, priced out of the market, are opting to rent, but soaring rental prices are causing further dissatisfaction.

62-year-old man fined over S$27k for illegal hawking of roasted chestnuts, netizens suggest alternative approach

An elderly Singaporean has been fined S$27,600 for illegal hawking of roasted chestnuts near bus stops and other public places. Tan Hee Meng, 62, faces a 36-day jail term if he cannot pay the fine. The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) noted that unregulated street hawking poses a risk to food safety. Despite SFA’s justification, some netizens have argued that the fine is too harsh for the elderly individual and have suggested alternative solutions, such as providing temporary licenses and mandatory cleanliness workshops.

DPM Wong promises to have people’s back, but netizens skeptical of PAP’s capability to deliver on promise

At the May Day Rally in Singapore, Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong emphasized the importance of tripartism, lifelong learning, and the People’s Action Party (PAP)-National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) partnership for the nation’s competitiveness. However, many netizens expressed skepticism about the ruling party’s promises, citing past broken promises and concerns about the rising cost of living, housing prices, and GST. Some also questioned the government’s strategy for transitioning away from cheap foreign labor.

DPM Wong’s remark on BTO flat prices “moving in tandem” with income draws backlash from netizens

Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong addressed housing affordability concerns in Singapore, insisting that public housing remains accessible and affordable. He cited the rise in median household incomes in tandem with BTO flat prices and available housing grants. However, netizens criticized Mr Wong’s remarks as disconnected from reality, pointing to the high inflation and struggling families unable to meet housing and living expenses.

Children’s workbook blunder goes viral again in Malaysia as netizens joke about “Man United” family

A screenshot from a 2015 Malaysian children’s workbook has recently gone viral again for its depiction of a family tree with a male couple raising four children. The publisher, Bagus Publishing, had previously apologized for the error and withdrew the book for replacement. The amusing image has reignited online conversations, with netizens joking about the “Man United” idea. In Malaysia, LGBTQ promotion is uncommon, and activists continue to fight against societal misconceptions and discrimination.

Singapore new citizen refers to Tianjin visit as “going back to home country”, acknowledges “stronger sense of belonging to China”

A former PRC national who obtained Singaporean citizenship recently expressed his love for his home country and his desire to retire in China. Despite holding a Singapore passport, he claimed a stronger sense of belonging to China. While some netizens called out his use of the term “home country,” others praised his patriotism to China. A Singaporean netizen criticized his comments as disrespectful to Singapore, urging authorities to investigate.

MSF reports 40% decrease in rough sleepers, but temporary shelter occupancy increases sixfold from 2019 to 2021

Singapore’s Ministry of Social and Family Development has reported a significant decrease in rough sleepers from 921 in 2019 to 530 in 2022. However, a veteran blogger in Singapore, Leong Sze Hian, has pointed out that while the number of rough sleepers decreased, the occupancy in temporary shelters had increased by more than sixfold, from 65 to 420, from 2019-2021. This means that only half the story is being told, and the full statistics on homelessness in Singapore are yet to be released.