5 S’pore News That You Should Know About That Were Reported Yesterday (18 October 2019)


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Let’s face it: in this social media world, exciting and viral news like a cat feeding a baby beer would often appear in your Facebook news feed, while important news like the GDP growth of Singapore this year wouldn’t get the same reach.

It’s understandable since social media platforms would prioritise engaging and viral contents to keep users in their platform.

In order to ensure that you’d still know about important news instead just social news, below are the top five Singapore news that was reported yesterday which you should know, simplified for you in a bite-sized format:

S’pore 2019 Exports Could Be The ‘Worst Ever’ Since The 2009 Recession

Singapore is a small country. To pull off an analogy, we’re like the office boy who has to keep everybody happy.

And for good reason.

The world trade situation isn’t in a really good place right now, what with China and the US involved in a trade war.

Economists in Singapore are pessimistic in their views as well, saying that Singapore’s exports this year could be the worst ever since 2009.

Non-oil Domestic Exports (Nodx) has fallen by 8.1%, and it has been shrinking for seven months straight.

There are still three months to go and economists are forecasting a 10% drop in Singapore’s exports for the year 2019. For reference, in 2009, Singapore’s exports dropped by 10.5%.

Nodx in all of Singapore’s main markets fell except Taiwan (20.8% growth) and China (2.3% growth).

For more info, tap here.

Two Dentists Charged With Cheating CHAS & CPF

The Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) and Medisave are lifesavers. Literally.

But that didn’t stop two dentists from trying to game the system.

Dr Teo Eu Gene and Dr Andy Joshua Warren formerly worked at Phoenix Dental Surgery clinics. During their tenure there, they made false claims for 23 people and cheated over $54,000.

Dr Teo faces 60 charges while Dr Warren faces 24 charges. They are currently out on bail for $20,000 each.

They’re not the first dentists to get into hot soup for cheating either.


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For more info, tap here.

CNB Officers Charged For Switching Out Urine Sample

The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) is Singapore’s task force against drugs.

And on 18 Oct 2019, three CNB officers were charged with conspiracy to intentionally obstruct the course of justice.

In 2018, Staff Sergeant Mohamed Hafiz Lan allegedly switched Maung Moe Min’s urine sample with his own at a toilet in Woodlands Checkpoint.

This helped the man to pass his Instant Urine Test (IUT).


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The Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) took over the case after CNB found “possible misconduct” by the three officers.

For more info, tap here.

Insurance Companies Say Interest In PMD Insurance Picking Up ‘Slowly’

If you haven’t known, PMD users and insurance have been a hot topic in Singapore recently.

The Active Mobility Panel is looking into making it compulsory for companies which have employees on PMDs to provide third-party insurance.

They also said that they will want to work with the insurance industry to come out with affordable insurance for personal users.

Currently, the companies that offer insurance targeted at PMD users include:


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  • NTUC Income
  • Etiqa Insurance
  • AXA Insurance
  • Automobile Association of Singapore

They observed that while the interest in getting insurance for PMD users is low, it seems to be picking up.

Current premiums range from S$65 to S$96 and have coverage against injuries, permanent disabilities or accidental death while using a PMD in Singapore.

All the insurance plans also include coverage for third-party liabilities with claims amounting from $20,000 to a million.

The insurers mentioned that, while uncommon, this coverage is important as PMD accidents are on the rise.

For more info, tap here.


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S’pore Government Taking Steps To Decrease Noise Pollution By MRT

When you buy a house, it’s perfect if the MRT is at least three blocks away.

Why? Because it’s close enough for a walk but far enough to ensure you won’t get disturbed by the noise of the MRT zooming on the tracks.

Guess what? This might be a problem of the past soon.

It was reported that noise-dampening wheels may be used on trains running on the new Jurong Region Line (JRL). If you’re planning to stay in Tengah, good news!

For existing lines, the government is also building noise barriers from:

  • Jurong East to Khatib (NSL)
  • Pasir-Ris to Kembangan (EWL)

The distance they will cover in total is 5.5km.

This project is expected to complete in 2023.

For more info, tap here.


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Do come back tomorrow to the Goody Feed app so you’ll always stay informed!