A car and a van were involved in an accident along Cairnhill Circle on Oct. 12, 2026.

The police said in response to Mothership's queries that they were alerted to the accident at the slip road into Central Expressway (CTE) towards Seletar Expressway (SLE) at about 2pm.

A 53-year-old male van driver and a 51-year-old female car driver were conveyed conscious to the hospital.

The female car driver is assisting with ongoing investigations by the police.

Aftermath of the accident

A video submitted by a Mothership reader showed the aftermath of the accident.

The van was resting on its side on the road and a man was seen climbing out of the vehicle's driver-side window.

Two people were seen rendering assistance.

A photo circulated on Telegram showed at least two other cars before the tunnel entrance.

Two people were seen standing on the road, and a few trees appeared to have been uprooted.

The road into the tunnel, comprising two lanes merging into one, appeared completely unpassable to traffic as a result of the accident.

A plot of state-owned forested land near Seletar South Link has been turned into a garden for growing fruits and vegetables without approval, prompting action from the Singapore Land Authority (SLA).

This unofficial garden, roughly half the size of a basketball court, is partly hidden and not easily accessible, according to Lianhe Zaobao.

To access the unauthorised garden, one has to walk several hundred metres from the main road and cut through thick bushes.

Many banana and papaya trees have been planted, along with a few pots of vegetables and aloe vera.

In response to Mothership's queries, an SLA spokesperson said the authority has put up notices at the site, asking those responsible to remove the plants and other items there.

Gardening equipment

There were several gardening facilities and equipment in the space.

Trellises were set up likely to support climbing crops, such as gourds and melons.

It appeared people probably collected water for the crops from a large water ditch nearby, as a big ladle, a few buckets, and stools were scattered around the site.

A simple shed was also erected near the end of the garden, storing gardening tools, such as shovels, gloves, and watering cans, in addition to some cleaning items and plastic bags.

SLA's response

The SLA spokesperson said the authority conducted an inspection at the site and found that part of the state land had been used for cultivation without approval.

"We appreciate that those involved may have spent time and effort in tending to the area," the spokesperson added.

However, SLA emphasised that state land is reserved for public use, and cannot be used for personal purposes without approval.

This is meant to ensure that state land is managed consistently and fairly for the wider community.

Unauthorised cultivation also creates practical concerns, the spokesperson explained.

For instance, the placement of containers, structure, or other items may give rise to potential pest or mosquito-breeding issues.

SLA will engage the people involved in the garden to have the unauthorised cultivation and items removed.

Where necessary, it will take appropriate action to address the unauthorised use of state land.

A 38-year-old Chinese national was arrested on Sep. 26 after the police were alerted to a case of shop theft at about 1.15am.

A retail assistant at Swarovski, located in the transit area of Changi Airport Terminal 3, noticed a bracelet worth S$255.95 missing from a display shelf.

CCTV footage allegedly showed the woman taking the bracelet from its display shelf and leaving without paying.

The bracelet was subsequently recovered from her possession.

Officers from the Airport Police Division were able to identify the woman and arrest her before her departing flight.

She is to be charged in court on Oct. 13, 2026, with the offence of theft in dwelling under Section 380 of the Penal Code 1871. This offence carries an imprisonment term of up to seven years, a fine, or both.

As the haze situation continues to worsen in Malaysia, all schools in Melaka, Negri Sembilan, and Putrajaya will be closed on Oct. 13.

Schools in several districts in Selangor and Pahang will also be closed, joining Johor, whose state government earlier ordered the closure of all schools until Oct. 16, 2026.

In all other unaffected states — Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis, Penang, Perak, Terengganu, Sabah, and Sarawak — schools will operate as usual that day.

This announcement was made by Malaysia's education minister Fadhlina Sidek in a Oct. 12 Facebook post on Oct. 12.

She added that schools that remain open are advised to monitor outdoor activities in accordance with current air quality conditions.

She also urged parents, students, and school faculty to wear protective face masks when outdoors.

Unhealthy air quality

Schools in Melaka, Negri Sembilan, and Putrajaya, had just reopened and resumed normal operations on the morning of Oct. 12 after a previous mandatory closure.

The decision was made after Air Pollutant Index (API) readings in these areas declined to moderate levels for three consecutive days over the weekend, The New Straits Times reported.

But on Oct. 12, 22 of 68 national monitoring stations in Malaysia recorded unhealthy API readings, prompting a new order for school closures, according to Malay Mail.

Under the API that the country follows, the unhealthy range is between 101 and 200.

Johor had the worst pollution as eight areas in the state logged unhealthy readings. Kota Tinggi district in Johor topped the country with the highest API reading of 170.

Previously, Johor's state government announced that all Johor schools would be closed due to the haze on Oct. 8 and 9, then extended the closure on Oct. 12 to 16.

Putrajaya, which hit 146 on Oct. 12, is also known as Malaysia’s federal administrative capital as it is home to the Prime Minister’s Office and several government buildings.

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After finding a baby parakeet abandoned at his door and in bad shape, a 54-year-old private-hire driver nursed it back to health.

Now, the parakeet, which he named Bao Bei (or Baby in Mandarin), rides in the passenger seat of his car, to the delight of his customers.

Injured and abandoned

Speaking to Mothership, the driver, Low Chee How, 54, shared that Baby was found abandoned at his door one day.

He does not know who left it there, but surmised that the person must have noticed that he kept birds at home.

It was injured and one of its eyes was transparent, Low recalled.

"It was very weak," he said.

Its nose was also bleeding.

Low nursed the parakeet back to health, treating it with medicine bought from a shop.

However, Baby's injured eye never recovered.

Work companion

Three months later, the green parakeet rides in Low's passenger seat, accompanying him and his passengers on their journeys.

Baby calmly perches on the rim of a white bin, placed inside a paper bag on the passenger seat of Low's Honda Shuttle Hybrid.

During the car ride with Low, the parakeet shuffled left and right in order to keep his balance.

Occasionally, it would chirp.

Low shared that Baby's intention could be discerned through its tone.

When it wants attention or affection, its chirp would sound friendlier.

When it needs its space, it would make it clear, Low pointed out.

Parakeets tend to get lonely

When asked why, out of all his birds, Baby gets to tag along for work, Low explained that parakeets tend to need more companionship.

"Unlike the birds that sing, parakeets get lonely when they are left alone," the 54-year-old said.

Low's passengers are generally receptive to Baby being in the car as well, and most would ask if they can take a video of the bird.

Low has been a cab driver for over 10 years, since before the advent of ride-hailing apps.

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The National Environment Agency (NEA) will begin a two-year pilot programme for ferry services to facilitate sea burials from the second half of 2027.

According to an Oct. 12 press statement by NEA, the pilot ferry service will operate weekly from Pasir Panjang Ferry Terminal.

The service, to be managed by an operator appointed by NEA, will accommodate multiple groups on a single vessel.

It aims to offer a cost-effective alternative for families seeking more accessible sea scattering options.

A fee of S$50 per application applies.

Changing demographics and demand

NEA said that the pilot comes in response to the growing demand for ash scattering as the cremation numbers in Singapore increase — about 82 per cent of those who pass away in Singapore are cremated.

These numbers are bolstered by Singapore's ageing population and subsequently a greater need for after-death services.

Notably, annual deaths are projected to increase from about 26,500 in 2025 to about 40,000 by 2040.

In 2021, inland ash scattering (IAS) was introduced.

Its prevalence has grown over time, with NEA stating that the proportion of cremations where ashes were scattered at IAS facilities rose from about 7 per cent in 2022 to about 12 per cent in 2025.

This growing preference for ash scattering has led NEA to explore additional options to meet public needs.

NEA also cited a study by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) which found that 42 per cent of respondents indicated a preference for ash scattering as opposed to storing their cremated remains.

Of these respondents, 15 per cent preferred IAS while 27 per cent preferred sea scattering.

Chew Ming Fai, the Deputy CEO and Director-General of Public Health for NEA, said that the agency is committed to providing more options for people making after-death arrangements for their loved ones. 

He added that the pilot will not only make the scattering of ashes at sea more accessible, but also allow NEA to better understand demand and shape the service to meet the public's needs.

While the two-year pilot runs, NEA will look at uptake and gather feedback to assess the long-term viability of the service.

More details will be made available ahead of the commencement of operations in 2027.

Despite a recent hand injury from a fall, 90-year-old Lee Song Kun runs his Toa Payoh hawker stall single-handedly for about nine hours daily.

He reportedly opened his noodle stall at Block 183 Toa Payoh Central just three months ago to keep himself active, Shin Min Daily News reported.

Before opening his stall, Lee fell at an MRT station and injured his hand.

He took seven months to recover.

Hawking experience

Lee told Shin Min that he had started working as a hawker since he was 17 and used to sell bak kut teh, prawn noodles, laksa, and mixed rice.

He had decided to open a stall again after his wife passed away.

Feeling that most of his time spent at home was "aimless" without her, he reportedly decided to return to being a hawker to keep himself active.

Lee’s daughter was reluctant about him setting up a stall, worried about his health at an old age, Shin Min reported.

However, he explained that he was not opening a stall for the money, but to keep himself occupied.

Understanding her father’s point of view, Lee’s daughter reportedly agreed and helped him rent the hawker stall just three months ago.

Lee currently sells laksa and minced meat fish ball noodles.

The stall is open every day from 7am to 2:30pm, and from 5pm to 7pm.

He personally prepares all the ingredients and cooks the dishes himself.

Lee also told Shin Min that his hand has healed.

A tiger was apparently spotted near Fraser’s Hill in Malaysia.

The sighting was shared on social media.

The big cat was seen standing by the road near a forest.

The road leads to Kuala Kubu Bharu (KKB), Selangor.

The area is around the Gus Gap Chorocco Trek area, about 1km from Simpang Bukit Fraser.

Some social media posts warned travellers to take precautions while in the area.

"Do not stop, do not wind down your windows, and do not get out of your vehicle. This tiger has been spotted roaming along the roadside," one post read, Berita Harian reported.

Many comments pointed out that the tiger appeared emaciated.

The Pahang Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) said it installed four camera traps to monitor the presence of the animal after receiving reports of the Malayan tiger on Oct. 9 at around 9am.

On July 18, fans who had gone to pay respects to the singer noticed her urn was missing and alerted her family as well as the police.

About three months later, Mui’s family has yet to receive any news regarding the investigation. Mui's fanclub made a public appeal for any information on what would have been her 63rd birthday.

Mui died in 2003 at 40 years old due to cervical cancer.

According to The Standard, no ransom demand has been made, and no other urns have been reported missing.

Mui’s brother, Mui Kai Ming, faced public accusations that he stole her urn. He refuted these claims in an interview with Hong Kong media, emphasising his love for his sister and saying that he would never do such a thing, as reported by Lianhe Zaobao.

He has since offered a reward of HK$50,000 (S$8,152) in exchange for information that may lead to the discovery of his sister’s ashes.

Kai Ming had originally intended to host a memorial for his mother on Oct. 10. But after hearing about Mui's ashes, he decided to turn the event into a memorial for his sister instead.

He was reportedly in tears at the event, condemning the thieves for their cruel acts.

One person was killed and 11 injured after an attack was launched at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's international airport on Oct. 11.

This attack comes just one day after a similar strike at the same location killed at least 12 people.

Both attacks were claimed by the Houthis in Yemen.

According to Reuters, Saudi-led coalition forces in Yemen said that an unidentified projectile targeted King Khalid International Airport's Terminal 4, causing a fire.

They also claimed that Saudi air defences had intercepted a cruise missile near the airport, as well as a drone in the country's Eastern province and a ballistic missile launched towards Khamis Mushait.

Emergency alerts were also issued in the southern city of Abha, but Saudi authorities have stated that the danger has passed.

Houthis claim responsibility

In a televised speech on Oct. 11, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for Oct. 10's attack.

He added that the group had also struck the airport in Dammam, a port city in Saudi Arabia, and two more facilities of Saudi oil company Saudi Aramco.

Saree also made a separate statement warning against using Saudi airports, announcing that the group considers Saudi airspace and airports as "potential targets and a theatre of military operations".

He also stated that they would make exceptions for airports in Mecca and Medina, the two holiest sites in Islam.

The statements were broadcast on Al-Masirah, a TV channel run by the Houthis.

An eyewitness on board an aircraft at Dammam said that they saw a projectile strike the tarmac besides several parked aircraft, which caused a fire.

The witness said that the aircraft returned to the gate and passengers were told to disembark and evacuate.

"Worse is yet to come"

The two strikes come as part of a military campaign waged by Saudi Arabia on the Houthis, who are fighting a civil war in Yemen against the Saudi-backed government.

The Houthis captured the Yemeni capital of Sanaa in 2014.

Reuters had previously reported that the Yemeni government, backed by Saudi-led coalition forces, announced an offensive on Oct. 4 to retake lost territory from the Houthis along the Red Sea.

The Houthis claimed in their Oct. 11 statement that Saudi Arabia had carried out 124 air strikes on Yemen in the 24 hours prior.

They also warned that unless Saudi Arabia halts its military operations in Yemen, "worse is yet to come".

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. is considering joining the Saudis in launching strikes on the Houthis.

More footage of the Oct. 10 strike on King Khalid International Airport has surfaced, with security camera videos being shared online.

Many of the travellers at the site of the attack were pilgrims, preparing to travel to Islamic holy sites.

It was the deadliest attack on the kingdom in more than a decade.

CCTV footage shows the moment an Ansar Allah (Houthi) missile struck Terminal 3 of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh yesterday. https://t.co/2UsvBW2CRA

— OSINTWarfare (@OSINTWarfare) October 11, 2026

Saudis going ahead with major events, but schools switch to remote learning

Nevertheless, Saudi Arabia is still moving forward with major events, such as the World Petroleum Council (WPC) Energy Congress.

The five-day energy conference opened on Oct. 11 as planned at a convention centre just 10km away from Riyadh's airport.

A ministerial meeting of the International Energy Forum also went ahead. 

However, representatives from major oil companies such as BP, Shell, and ExxonMobil have withdrew from attending the WPC conference, reported Reuters.

According to flight-tracking website Flightradar24, nearly all flights at King Khalid International Airport were cancelled on Oct. 11.

Another 457 flights have been cancelled as of Oct. 12.

Al-Jazeera also reported that all schools in Riyadh will switch to remote learning for a week.

Schools in Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh, will switch to remote learning for a week following a deadly attack on the city's airport, reports AFP, citing an email sent to parents.

🔴 More on https://t.co/MbrRGkFd1I https://t.co/j1JzC9ccLc

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) October 11, 2026

In Singapore, Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Zaqy Mohamad has urged Singaporeans to be careful during travel, especially for those making pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia.