The police are appealing for information on the whereabouts of 15-year-old Destinee Loo Xing Yi.

She was last seen wearing a black top, shorts and slippers in the vicinity of Block 443A New Punggol Road on Jun. 29 at about 8:30pm.

Anyone with information is requested to call the police hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/i-witness.

All information will be kept strictly confidential.

Marmite — a dark, sticky, and savoury British food condiment made from yeast extract — has gone notably missing from supermarket shelves in Singapore.

This comes as its distributor, Unilever Asia, has reportedly decided to discontinue the brand in Singapore.

In response to CNA’s queries, Unilever International said on Jul. 28: "Following ongoing supply challenges, we have made the difficult decision to discontinue the Marmite brand in Singapore."

They did not elaborate on what the supply challenges were, CNA noted.

Supermarkets in Singapore

When Mothership visited Cold Storage at Nex shopping mall on Jul. 23, the Marmite shelf was empty.

In response to Mothership's queries, Cold Storage said it is currently not carrying Marmite in its stores, but is working with suppliers to bring in alternative stocks.

The timeline on this is still being finalised, it told CNA.

FairPrice similarly told Mothership that it is diversifying its sources to bring in "alternative overseas stocks" of Marmite for its customers.

Meanwhile, a Sheng Siong spokesperson told Mothership that both Marmite and Bovril are currently unavailable at their stores.

Marmite has been available in Singapore since the British colonial era, and is used in popular zi char dishes such as Marmite chicken and Marmite pork ribs.

A 40-year-old Singaporean man, who drove his Porsche with his two young sons sitting on top of its boot, was fined and banned from driving on Jul. 29.

According to a report by CNA, Prem Anan Sugunakumar pleaded guilty to one charge of a rash act endangering personal safety.

He was fined S$5,000 and banned from driving for six months.

Children seen sitting on Porsche

The incident took place on Oct. 20, 2025.

A video of two boys that subsequently circulated online showed them sitting on the back of a moving Porsche.

In the video, a Porsche could be seen travelling along Dairy Farm Lane in Bukit Panjang, while the boys sat on the rear of the car, gripping onto the spoiler for support.

A woman could be seen standing on the side of the road, seemingly recording a video or taking photos of the children.

Thought it would be an "enjoyable experience"

CNA reported that Prem's sons were aged seven and eight at the time.

That morning, Prem decided to spend some time with his sons.

He drove his Porsche to Dairy Farm Lane, a two-lane road near their home, and brought the boys to the vehicle.

He then lifted the children onto the boot, where they sat facing the road behind them.

The charge sheet seen by Mothership stated that Prem proceeded to drive towards Dairy Farm Heights at a moderate speed with his sons on top of the boot.

His wife filmed the incident, and Prem later uploaded the video to TikTok.

Another motorist travelling in the opposite direction saw what happened and made a police report that same day.

According to CNA, Prem knew his actions could endanger his children, and he told the court he had done so as he thought it would be an "enjoyable experience" for his sons.

More than 15 traffic violations

Prem had committed over 15 traffic violations between 2004 and 2020, CNA reported.

These included offences such as speeding, inconsiderate driving, and unauthorised parking.

The prosecution sought the maximum fine of S$5,000 and a six months' disqualification from driving for Prem.

The prosecutor said it was "purely fortuitous" that the children were not injured, noting that they were particularly vulnerable due to their young age.

As their father, Prem should be expected to prioritise or at least look out for his children's safety.

However, he deliberately placed them in a position of danger, the prosecution argued.

The defence sought a fine of between S$3,500 and S$4,000, as well as a four- to six-month disqualification from driving.

Prem's lawyer said he did not intend to minimise the seriousness of the offence, and noted that his client had a clear responsibility to protect his children as their father and driver.

He said Prem had pleaded guilty early, shown remorse and had a "positive character".

He argued that the maximum fine was not warranted, pointing to Prem's close relationship with his sons and his efforts to spend time with them despite the demands of running his businesses.

Prem's lawyer also described him as a "constant source" of emotional support, guidance and stability for his sons.

The court also heard about Prem's charitable contributions, including helping with a food distribution drive and taking part in initiatives for children and seniors.

Sentencing

In considering the sentence, the judge expressed concern over Prem's driving record, noting that he did not appear to have regard for traffic laws, CNA reported.

Prem said he had reflected on his past offences and pointed out that he had maintained a clean driving record for the past six years.

The judge told him that this offence was extremely serious, but said he was prepared to accept both sides' submissions that a jail term was not warranted and reminded Prem not to commit such a rash act again in the future.

If convicted of a rash act endangering the safety of others, one could be jailed for up to six months, fined up to S$2,500, or both.

In Prem's case, as the offence was against children below the age of 14, the maximum penalties were doubled.

Singaporean former radio DJ Daniel Ong will be shutting down his restaurant, Dan’s Steaks.

The 50-year-old made this announcement in an Instagram post.

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Dan’s Steaks 🥩 Bar & Grill (@danssteaks)

Ong cited rising operations costs and increasing competition.

“Food costs continue to rise. Staff costs continue to rise. Rent continues to rise. With increasing competition all around us, it has become impossible to keep going sustainably,” he wrote.

Ong’s restaurant started as a home-based business during the pandemic.

It then became a physical restaurant at Maju Avenue in 2021.

Ong expanded the business to three other outlets at Greenwood Avenue, The Star Vista and Upper East Coast Road.

However, they have since closed, and the outlet in Maju Avenue remained.

In a subsequent post, Ong said the closure of the outlets left the restaurant “a six-figure debt” they are “still trying to clear”.

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Dan’s Steaks 🥩 Bar & Grill (@danssteaks)

“There are vendors waiting to be paid, payroll to worry about, rent deadlines, and countless sleepless nights,” he wrote.

Ong reckons the restaurant would close in “just a few months”.

“I hope business picks up enough for us to pay a portion of what we owe and help us close with dignity,” he wrote.

Ong shared that there will be promotions in the lead-up to the restaurant’s closure, including "Dan's Disappearing Deals", which are “exclusive offers” that will only appear on the restaurant's Instagram Stories.

He also announced that from Aug. 1 onwards, no government service tax (GST) will be charged at his restaurant.

“Life is tough enough. We kept the prices flat so that you can eat without the 9% on TOP,” he wrote.

“Thank you for believing in us. We hope to see you soon.” Ong concluded.

Dan’s Steaks is located at 12 Maju Avenue.

The police have arrested a 54-year-old woman for her suspected involvement in loanshark activities.

A Jul. 29 police news release stated that at about 6:10pm on Jul. 26, the police were alerted to a case of alleged loanshark harassment at a residential unit along St George's Road.

A debtor's note was found clipped to the clothes drying rack.

Debtor's note

"O$P$...If not next [time] sure give you more jialat and neighbours," a note at the residential unit read, with WhatsApp details included.

The wall was also sprayed with a neon green paint.

Arrested

Officers from Central Police Division, Ang Mo Kio Police Division and Bedok Police Division established the woman's identity through follow-up investigations and with the aid of images from police cameras.

They arrested her on Jul. 28.

The release noted that according to preliminary investigations, she is believed to be involved in other similar cases of loanshark harassment.

Penalties

She will be charged in court on Jul. 30 under the Moneylenders Act 2008.

For first-time offenders, the offence of loanshark harassment carries a fine between S$5,000 and S$50,000, with jail of up to five years, and caning of up to six strokes.

The release stated that the police have zero tolerance for loanshark harassment activities.

Those who deliberately vandalise properties, cause annoyance and disruption to public safety and security, will be dealt with severely in accordance with the law.

Members of the public are advised to stay away from loansharks and not to work with or assist them in any way, the release added.

The public can call the police at "999" if they suspect or know of anyone who could be involved in loansharking activities.

A 23-year-old Singapore permanent resident and Myanmar national was charged in court on Jul. 29 after he allegedly transferred money to facilitate terrorist acts in Gaza.

Charge sheets seen by Mothership stated that the man, Saw Ryan Htoo, would not be pleading guilty.

CNA reported that his family plans to engage a lawyer.

Charges

Saw is accused of transferring US$72.28 (S$93.45) on or about Aug. 9, 2024, to a PayPal account that belonged to an individual named "Bradley Sainsbury".

He allegedly did so for the purpose of facilitating a terrorist act in Gaza City.

Subsequently, on around Aug. 19, the accused allegedly attempted to transfer another US$1 (S$1.29) to a PayPal account linked to a person named Meredith Pollick for the same purpose.

Radicalised

According to a Jul. 28 Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) press release, the Internal Security Department (ISD) initiated investigations against the accused after his extremist postings came to the authorities' attention.

ISD's investigations revealed that he was radicalised after consuming extremist content online.

He developed a strong hatred towards Muslims in 2024 after being exposed to Islamophobic content online in the wake of Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023 attacks against Israel.

The man began to subscribe to an extremist interpretation of Zionism, and believed that the killing of Palestinian Muslims was justified.

By early 2025, the accused had also developed a strong hatred towards Jews after he consumed far-right extremist and anti-Semitic narratives on social media.

He began posting online, expressing support for the use of violence against Jews and Muslims, as well as other groups typically targeted by far-right extremists.

These included immigrants to Europe and the LGBT community.

Transferred money

In August 2024, the accused transferred funds to an overseas-based user with whom he was in contact on the platform "X".

The user claimed to be soliciting donations online to purchase military equipment, apparently to facilitate a terrorist act in Gaza City.

The act was aimed at eradicating all Palestinians, including civilians.

Penalties

CNA reported that the case was adjourned for a pre-trial conference in August.

If convicted of financing terrorism, or attempting to finance terrorism, he faces a jail term of up to 10 years, a fine of up to S$500,000, or both.

Two men, aged 22 and 50, are slated to be charged on Jul. 29 with driving without a valid licence and other traffic offences.

Man, 50, stopped by traffic police

On Apr. 14 at about 5:20am, the 50-year-old man was stopped by a traffic police officer along Jurong West Street 73.

He was allegedly found to be driving a motor vehicle without a valid driving licence.

He will be charged with the offence of driving without a valid driving licence and using a motor vehicle without insurance coverage.

Man, 22, stopped by traffic police

On Jun. 14 at about 12:50am, the 22-year-old man was stopped by a traffic police officer along Bedok Reservoir Road.

He was allegedly found to be driving a deregistered car without a valid driving licence.

In a separate incident, on Jun. 18 at about 10:20pm, the 22-year-old was allegedly found driving another deregistered car without a valid driving licence along Edgedale Plains in Punggol.

He will be charged with the offence of driving without a valid driving licence, using a motor vehicle without insurance coverage, and using a deregistered vehicle.

Penalties

The police said they take a serious view of individuals who drive without a valid driving licence or operate deregistered vehicles, as such acts endanger the safety of the driver and other road users.

Members of the public were urged to remain vigilant and report any suspected instances of deregistered vehicles or unlicensed drivers.

Driving without a valid driving licence carries a jail term of up to three years, a fine of up to S$10,000, or both.

Repeat offenders are liable to a jail term of up to six years, a fine of up to S$20,000, or both.

Using a motor vehicle without insurance coverage carries a jail term of up to three months, a fine of up to S$1,000, or both.

Using a deregistered vehicle carries a jail term of up to two years, a fine of up to S$20,000, or both.

Repeat offenders are liable to a jail term of up to four years, a fine of up to S$40,000, or both.

A business owner at 228 Geylang Road said he has been plagued by the issue of improper waste disposal along the back lane near his shop for years, and the waste has attracted pests, such as rats.

While things have improved recently, previous attempts to report the issue have proved futile, with the waste pile-up constantly reappearing.

Long-running issue

The business owner, Teoh, told Mothership he has been running his agarwood business at the Geylang location for five years.

He first started reporting the waste pile-up issue through OneService in 2023.

In recent photographs taken by Teoh at the start of July 2026, cardboard boxes could be seen outside the back entrance of a row of shops.

There were several green waste bins present.

Among the waste was a potted plant, which was filled almost to the brim with stagnant water.

One photo shared by Teoh also showed an upside-down rat lying beside bread crumbs.

Multiple reports made

Teoh said that things were "never properly resolved", and he has submitted more than 20 reports via OneService so far.

Each time he made the report, the waste would be cleared "within one or two days", but it would pile up again soon after.

"We report it again, it gets cleared again, and the same cycle continues," Teoh commented.

He has also reached out to the National Environment Agency (NEA) about three to four times.

He shared that the agency had issued a "warning letter" reminding tenants not to improperly dispose of their waste, but this did little to improve things.

For Teoh, the waste pile-up not only affects public hygiene and health, it also poses a fire hazard as they may obstruct the rear exit and hamper evacuation during an emergency.

According to Teoh, the back lane area is also shared by three grocery shops and two restaurants, so the "small rubbish bins" are not sufficient for the waste generated.

NEA has engaged business owners

Responding to Mothership's queries, NEA said it is aware of the feedback regarding improper waste disposal at the back lane between Lorong 8 and Lorong 10 Geylang near 228 Geylang Road.

The agency said it has conducted inspections and engaged trade premises owners along the stretch, advising them on proper waste disposal and refuse management practices.

It also said that enforcement actions have been taken against errant premises owners.

"NEA is actively monitoring the area and will not hesitate to take further action against those found to have committed offences," the agency said.

NEA also explained that the appointed public waste collector conducts daily waste collection services, and trade premises owners are responsible for ensuring adequate bin capacity to prevent overflow.

They are also responsible for properly disposing of their waste in designated bins.

"For bulky waste, trade premises owners must separately engage licensed waste collectors for proper disposal as it does not fall within the scope of the public waste collector," NEA said.

"NEA urges all premises owners and members of the public to practise proper refuse management and ensure bins are not overflowing, and to refrain from indiscriminate dumping in open areas, so that our shared spaces remain clean and pest-free," the agency advised.

CCTV installed

When Mothership checked in with Teoh on Jul. 28, he said things have improved.

"Recently, no boxes on the floor. But [there's still] some unwanted furniture," he shared.

He also noted that a closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera has been installed at the back lane.

A 70-year-old man died in an early morning fire at Block 39 Circuit Road on Jul. 28 and his family has declined to help with identifying his body and arranging his funeral, Shin Min Daily News reported.

According to the Chinese-language paper, the man lived alone in a ninth-floor unit.

He died after a fire broke out at around 2am.

Family declined to help with funeral

Neighbours told Shin Min that the man was a recluse and did not leave his home often.

They also shared that he did not get many visitors over the years.

Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC Member of Parliament Tin Pei Ling told Shin Min that the victim had relied on the Silver Scheme Support to get by.

Tin added that the man and his family were estranged.

The relevant authorities have contacted the family, and they turned down the request to identify his body or help with the funeral arrangements, according to Tin.

"We have already contacted Cheng Hong Welfare Service Society, and they will help with his funeral arrangements. As the elderly man had accumulated a number of belongings prior to his death, we will also be making arrangements for these items," Tin shared.

Deceased divorced for some years

Next-door neighbour Liang (transliteration), 51, said the elderly man had been divorced for some years, Shin Min wrote.

The elderly man had in the past sought help from Liang to contact his daughter after he was hospitalised following a fall, but Liang said she could not reach her.

"He later said there was no need to look for his daughter anymore," Liang recalled.

All Singaporean households are set to receive an additional S$300 Community Development Council (CDC) Vouchers in January 2027.

Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance Jeffrey Siow announced this during a press conference on Jul. 29, as part of a government support package of around S$900 million in light of the Middle East situation.

This is on top of the measures announced at Budget 2026 and the S$1 billion assistance package announced in a Apr. 7 ministerial statement.

The measures are aimed at providing further support for businesses and Singaporean households to manage cost pressures in light of the Middle East situation, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) said in a media factsheet.

While the worst-case scenario did not happen, the situation remains “fragile”, Siow said.

“As a result, we expect global energy prices to remain elevated, which will translate to higher costs for petrol, diesel, electricity, as well as certain imported goods,” he said.

Support for households

CDC vouchers

To help with daily expenses and cushion the impact of inflation, the government will be disbursing S$300 CDC vouchers in January 2027 to every Singaporean household.

They will be valid until Dec. 31, 2027.

S$500 CDC vouchers were previously disbursed in June 2026.

U-Save rebates

To help households better manage their electricity bills, the Government will enhance the upcoming U-Save rebates in October 2026 and January 2027, Siow announced.

This continues the enhancements to U-Save disbursed earlier in April and July.

Taken together, eligible HDB households will receive S$110 to S$190 per quarter, double the regular GSTV-U-Save amount.

For Singaporean households living in a four-room HDB or smaller flat, the government expects these enhancements for U-Save to fully offset higher utility bills until March 2027.

ComCare Interim Assistance

The government will also provide additional support for lower-income households, Siow said.

They will increase monthly payouts for ComCare Interim Assistance to at least S$250 per month for up to three months, with more provided to those with greater needs or more dependents.

They will also be more flexible on the eligibility for ComCare Interim Assistance, so more households can qualify for support, Siow said.

Enhancements will take effect from August to December 2026.

In a media release on Jul. 29, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) said the Interim Assistance enhancements will apply from Aug. 17 to Dec. 31, 2026, and will be administered by MSF and the People’s Association (PA).

The ministry added that the eligibility criteria includes lower-income Singapore Citizens (SC) or Permanent Residents (PR) with at least one SC immediate family member in the same household residing in public housing and who are currently not receiving ComCare assistance.

While the usual income criterion for ComCare Interim Assistance is a per capita household income of S$800 a month, the criterion will be applied more flexibly during the enhancement period.

Households facing financial difficulty may apply for Interim Assistance even if their income is above the current threshold, MSF said.

In addition, households that require longer-term support may be assessed for other forms of ComCare assistance.

Households in need of assistance can apply online via the SupportGoWhere portal or approach a community club/centre.

Additionally, MSF said households already on ComCare Short-to-Medium-Term Assistance, but who need more help, can approach the Social Service Offices (SSOs) for a review.

Their monthly cash assistance will be increased by at least 5 per cent or S$50, whichever is higher, for up to three months, the ministry shared.

This Temporary Supplementary Allowance will apply during the same period between Aug. 17 and Dec. 31, 2026.