Johor Gets S$48M Budget To Ease Causeway Congestion, Includes New Walkway & M-Bike Lanes

Johor plans upgrades to address congestion at Causeway

According to Channel NewsAsia (CNA), Johor will receive RM168.7 million (S$48.6 million) to introduce measures that will ease congestion for travellers entering and leaving Malaysia.

The four measures will be in three different projects, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said.

In addition, Immigration Department officers on land duty will receive incentives. Malaysia has allocated RM7.93 million (S$2.2 million) a year for these incentives.

The upgrades include the construction of 77 automated border control systems or M-Bike lanes for a total cost of RM61.7 million (S$17.8 million).

The Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex at the Sultan Iskandar Building will have 44 such lanes.

Meanwhile, the Kompleks Sultan Abu Bakar (KSAB) of the Second Link Crossing in Iskandar Puteri will have 33.

Furthermore, there are plans to build halls, upgrades and carry out new projects at KSAB, amounting to RM106.9 million (S$30.8 million).

The construction of a covered pedestrian walkway along the Causeway is reportedly also in the works.

Number of travellers expected to return to pre-pandemic figures

Datuk Seri Fadillah said that the incentives for Immigration Department officers is in line with the Madani Malaysia framework, reported Malay Mail.

In addition, there will be further discussion to extend them further to Immigration Department officers in Sabah and Sarawak.

Source: Malay Mail

Explaining the reason for the upgrades, Datuk Seri Fadillah noted the expected increase in travellers entering the country via the Malaysia-Singapore land crossings. He estimated the increase to be at a rate of 15% yearly. By 2025, the figure could stand at 157 million travellers.

As of last month, 98 million travellers reportedly crossed the Malaysia-Singapore crossings.

Datuk Seri Fadillah said that this number will be expected to return to pre-Covid 19 figures, increasing to about 136 million by the end of this year.

Article credits: mustsharenews

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Pedestrian gets jail for injuring motorcyclist while dashing across road to catch bus

This is the first case of its kind where a pedestrian caused an accident of this nature by running across the road.

Screengrab from Google Street View of Yishun Avenue 1, towards Mandai Avenue.

SINGAPORE: A man who wanted to catch a bus dashed across a three-lane road, continuing to run even when he saw a motorcyclist mere metres from him.

His backpack struck the motorcyclist, who fell off his vehicle and sustained three fractures.

Hu Zhangwen, a 48-year-old Chinese national, was jailed for three weeks on Friday (Sep after pleading guilty to one count of causing hurt by a rash act endangering human life.

The court heard that Hu, a woodcrafter who made wooden doors, had ended work on the evening of Feb 28, 2022 and was on his way home.

He was walking towards a bus stop that was located along Yishun Avenue 1 in the direction of Mandai Avenue, as he intended to take a bus to Khatib MRT Station.

When he saw that the bus was nearing the stop at about 8.25pm, he dashed from his location to the central divider, before running across a three-lane road.

He did not have the right of way as he was jaywalking, said the prosecution.

The victim, a 54-year-old Malaysian man, was riding his motorcycle in the second lane.

While Hu was running, he saw the victim's motorcycle about 2m to 3m away from him, but decided that he could continue crossing despite knowing the risk that the motorcycle could hit him.

The victim sounded his horn and swerved his motorcycle to avoid Hu, but hit Hu's backpack. This caused the motorcycle to skid, and the victim fell off his bike.

He was taken to hospital with fractures to his arm, shoulder and wrist.

He had to undergo two surgeries and had an arm placed in a sling. He also was hospitalised for 12 days and given 74 days of hospitalisation leave.

As a result of the accident, Hu's backpack snapped and the victim's motorcycle was scratched.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Sean Teh asked for four to eight weeks' jail. He said Hu had no previous convictions, but added that there were no other reported precedents like this case.

He cited the harm caused to the victim, who had at least three fractures, and the "significant potential harm" if other vehicles had been in the area.

He said Hu had "knowingly flouted traffic rules by running across a dual carriageway when he did not have the right of way", continuing to run even when the motorcycle was very close to him.

A FREAK ACCIDENT: DEFENCE

Defence lawyer Liaw Jin Poh asked for the maximum fine of S$5,000 (US$3,700) instead, telling the court that there was "no analogous precedent for a pedestrian running across the road and causing an accident like this".

"The accused was a worker in Singapore. He was trying to go home," said Mr Liaw. "He was rushing across the road, albeit jaywalking, then he caused an accident."

"Something else could've happened ... it could've been the motorcyclist who knocked into him, then the person standing in the dock would've been the motorcyclist instead, because it would've been the accused who was injured instead," said Mr Liaw.

He added that this "is really a freak accident".

He gave an analogy of a lawyer carrying a big backpack running up an escalator full of people and hitting someone when turning "a bit".

If someone on the escalator falls back and is injured, it would be a similar freak accident, he said.

"That's why there's no other reported cases of a person running across with a backpack and the backpack hit this motorcyclist, causing him to have an accident," said Mr Liaw.

He said his client did not "deserve to sit in jail because of this freak accident that occurred".

Mr Liaw pointed out that the maximum fine for jaywalking was S$500 and urged the judge to impose a fine of S$5,000 instead.

The prosecution did not seek a compensation order, saying "the loss is hard to quantify".

In sentencing, District Judge Teoh Ai Lin said each case turns on its own facts. However, she noted that serious harm was caused to the victim by Hu's rash acts, committed while jaywalking and flouting traffic rules.

She found that jail was warranted in this case.

For causing hurt by a rash act endangering human life, Hu could have been jailed for up to a year, fined up to S$5,000, or both.

Article Credits: CNA

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Man on motorcycle seen caressing car hood goes viral for “cuteness overload”

SINGAPORE: The video of a motorcycle rider caressing another car’s hood while both vehicles were by a stoplight has gone viral. In the video’s comments section, many netizens expressed their fondness for the rider’s soft side.

“Yishun again,” shared TikTok user @angelahananqi in a recent video. The six-second clip, filmed from inside a car, featured a motorcycle rider caressing the car’s hood while both vehicles seemed to be stopped by a traffic light. Upon noticing the camera, the motorcycle rider held up a peace sign.

 

 

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Many took to the post’s comments section to express their delight over the rider’s show of gentleness.

Image: TikTok screengrab / @angelahananqi

 

Image: TikTok screengrab / @angelahananqi

 

Image: TikTok screengrab / @angelahananqi

 

Image: TikTok screengrab / @angelahananqi

 

Image: TikTok screengrab / @angelahananqi

 

Image: TikTok screengrab / @angelahananqi

 

Image: TikTok screengrab / @angelahananqi

“Cuteness overload!” said one.

Another shared, “You should be proud ah…Yishun sharing love.”

“Who’s this cutie? He’s so gentle and had a wish! It’s fulfilled now!” wrote another, while a fourth said, “So much love for this Carebear.”

Others expressed their amusement over the rider caressing the vehicle, with some wondering if it was his dream car.

Image: TikTok screengrab / @angelahananqi

 

Image: TikTok screengrab / @angelahananqi

 

Image: TikTok screengrab / @angelahananqi

 

Image: TikTok screengrab / @angelahananqi

“He is caressing your car,” one wrote, amused.

Other online users suggested that the car was the man’s dream car. “Creating an affirmation for himself,” said one, while another said, “He’s manifesting. Soon, he will have his own car too.”

Still, a few said the man’s actions would bring good fortune, with one writing, “He’s giving you the blessings and prosperity.”

The video has gone viral, with over 583,000+ views.

Image: TikTok screengrab / @angelahananqi

 

Image: TikTok screengrab / @angelahananqi

 

Image: TikTok screengrab / @angelahananqi

 

Image: TikTok screengrab / @angelahananqi

 

Image: TikTok screengrab / @angelahananqi

 

Article Credits: theindependent.sg

 

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Motorbike rider gets charged $1,300 parking fee at Jurong West car park

“Came across this biker stuck at gantry den he move aside and let me go and tailgate me.. at the carpark gantry he was stuck.. All vehicle can pass the gantry only his bike got issue yet the rider complain gantry got problem.. parking fee shows $1331.46!!?” a car driver wrote

SINGAPORE: A car driver was shocked when he saw a biker getting charged a whopping $1331.46 as he tried to exit a car park. Netizens say the biker could have accumulated fees or an error caused the hefty fee.

An anonymous sender took the photo below that was posted on the SG Road Vigilante public group Facebook page on Sunday afternoon (Sept 3).

Writing that he had witnessed this at a multi-storey car park at Jurong West on the same day, he added, “Came across this biker stuck at gantry den he move aside and let me go and tailgate me.. at the carpark gantry he was stuck..

All vehicle can pass the gantry only his bike got issue yet the rider complain gantry got problem.. parking fee shows $1331.46!!?”

His post has since been shared and commented on over one hundred times.

Some Facebook users guessed that the motorbike rider could be a repeat tailgater.

Others guessed that he is a gantry evader.

One wrote, “Let me explain why it shows a fee of $1,331.46. Some time ago, this motorcyclist entered the car park then he evaded the parking barrier. Now he returns back to the same car park. That’s why.”

“Maybe he go in but never go out the proper way. So accumulated till 1k+,” wrote one.

“Probably never pay for parking, always go through the side. Now got a lot of car he cannot play stunt so he try to go but this happen,” another added.

Someone else did the math, writing, “One day 1.30 for bike….. Probably here for almost 3yrs?”

“Think he did not exit thru gantry properly previously, the system will treat it as he is still parked inside, so system identified his iu and accumulated the time and charges,” another chimed in.

One person suggested it could have been a system error.

Another agreed, adding, “Gantry problem. Don’t hate motorcyclist.”

Another article in AsiaOne said:

Is this a technical error, or an accumulation of unpaid fees?

A photo shared on the SG Road Vigilante Facebook page showed a motorcyclist being charged more than $1,330 to enter a multi-storey car park at Jurong West Street 75.

The incident happened last Sunday (Sept 3) at 1.50pm, according to a Facebook user who shared the social media post.

"Came across this biker who was stuck at gantry. He then moved aside, let me go and then tailgated me." said the netizen, adding that the other vehicles had no issues entering the car park.

The Facebook post has since garnered over 120 comments.

Several netizens had their own theories on why the motorcyclist was charged such a high amount to park his vehicle at the car park.

"Some time ago, this motorcyclist entered the car park then he evaded the parking barrier. Now he returns back to the same car park. That's why," a netizen said.

Other netizens agreed that this motorcyclist is a serial tailgate offender.

"How many years has he never paid for parking at that MSCP?" one of them said.

"Parked for one year ah," another netizen quipped.

Yet another netizen offered: "Maybe there's a glitch in the system, we never know. So don't judge."

AsiaOne has contacted HDB for more information.

In April 2019, a delivery driver racked up a parking charge of more than $3,100 at Jewel Changi Airport.

A spokesman for Jewel Changi Airport Devt explained that it occurred because the driver's previous exit from the area had not been registered.

"There was no record of the driver leaving the car park, and hence the parking charge snowballed until the next visit, which took place on April 24," he said.

The spokesman added that all drivers are encouraged to maintain "a safe distance" from the car ahead to ensure that the parking system successfully records all entrances and exits.

Article Credits: theindependent.sg and asiaone.com

Faster immigration clearance for motorcyclists arriving at Tuas Checkpoint with new route diversion

Motorcyclists say it is now up to 25 minutes faster to clear immigration at Tuas Checkpoint.

Implemented every weekday morning between the peak hours of 5am and 9am, the diversion allows some arriving motorcyclists to use automated lanes at the departure zone to clear immigration.

Motorcyclists told CNA that they can now clear immigration up to 25 minutes faster, when it would have taken them a total of 30 minutes to an hour in the past.

The conversion of some departure lanes during peak morning hours increases the automated clearance capacity for arriving motorcycles by 75 per cent, from 40 automated lanes to 70 in total.

Currently, about 22,000 motorcyclists enter Singapore through Tuas Checkpoint every weekday morning during the peak period.

A total of about 68,000 motorcyclists use Tuas Checkpoint to enter or exit Singapore each weekday. This is more than half the 123,000 travellers who use the checkpoint every weekday.

It is also an increase from pre-pandemic levels, when more than 65,000 motorcyclists used Tuas Checkpoint daily.

A wave of motorcyclists streams in after the removal of barricades for Operation Sunrise at Tuas Checkpoint on Aug 16, 2023. (Photo: CNA/Syamil Sapari)

Dubbed "Operation Sunrise", the route diversion was implemented at Tuas Checkpoint after a trial period from March to May.

CNA observed the tightly choreographed operation during a media visit facilitated by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) on Wednesday (Aug 16).

By moving water-filled barriers, ICA officers divert waves of motorcyclists onto the alternative route to the departure zone whenever there is a build-up of traffic on the lanes into Singapore.

After clearing immigration in the departure zone, the motorcyclists exit Tuas Checkpoint onto the Ayer Rajah Expressway, merging into the flow of traffic following the usual route.

ICA officers and auxiliary police officers removing barricades as part of Operation Sunrise to alleviate heavy motorcycle traffic at Tuas Checkpoint on Aug 16, 2023. (CNA/Syamil Sapari)

Aside from reducing clearance time for motorcyclists, the diversion has also reduced instances of motorcycle queues ballooning along the Tuas Second Link, ICA said in a media statement.

 

These motorcycle queues obstruct other road users on the Tuas Second Link, such as lorries and cars, causing massive traffic congestion and cargo delays, it added.

The travel volume at Tuas Second Link is expected to increase further, and the diversion has already received positive feedback from motorcyclists, said Superintendent Lian Zhimin, Senior Assistant Commander of Tuas Checkpoint.

Mr Muhammad Hadi Mohd Hasan, 33, said his wait to clear immigration is now 15 to 20 minutes, down from 40 minutes in the past.

The factory worker drives into Singapore every weekday. Once he nears Tuas Checkpoint, he will try to position his motorcycle on the side of the road that will be diverted to the departure zone.

Mr Tevendran, 22, who washes and polishes cars in Singapore, said his wait is now 10 minutes shorter, giving him some time to have breakfast.

ICA said it will continue to study Operation Sunrise's impact over the next six months, and is also exploring the feasibility of a similar diversion at Woodlands Checkpoint, which is undergoing expansion.

Article Credits: CNA

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Singapore bikers go “Superman” on Malaysian roads

A series of Youtube videos showing a group of Singaporean motorcyclists performing stunts on Malaysian highways has gotten the attention of social media users. In the videos, focusing on a group calling themselves “Kapchai Singa”, riders are seen riding above the highway speed limit and pulling off the notorious “Superman” riding position.

In an article by The Straits Times, screencaps show a group of Singapore plate motorcycles being ridden in a reckless manner. No identities or plate numbers were concealed in the videos, which at the time of publication remains accessible to the public.

Riding a motorcycle in the prone position on Malaysian roads attracts a fine of between RM5,000 and RM15,000, and a five year jail term. The offence falls under Section 42 (1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 covering reckless or dangerous driving.

 

 

Approached for comment by The Straits Times, a Malaysian police representative said they are aware of the group’s action and the matter has been forwarded to intelligence department for further action. However, the unnamed rider in the video remains unapologetic for the group’s behaviour on the highway.

“Safety wise, it remains a concern as we know it is illegal and endangers other road users. But it depends on the traffic condition, of course,” said the rider. “We only do it on clear roads in Malaysia,” he said.

Article Credits: paultan.org

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JB-Singapore RTS Link on track for end-2026 target – SG construction reaches halfway mark, MY one third

Here’s an update on the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, which will connect Bukit Chagar in JB to Woodlands in the republic. According to CNA, the project is on track to be completed by end-2026 and construction on the Singapore side has reached the halfway mark.

Singapore transport minister S Iswaran commented on the progress in JB yesterday during a working visit to the RTS Link Project Marine Viaduct site in JB. As for the Malaysian side of the construction, transport minister Anthony Loke said that it’s around one third.

“Work on the Singapore side of the RTS Link is progressing well. And we have completed about 50% of civil construction works for both the overall railway infrastructure and marine viaduct. In short, based on the progress that we have achieved on both sides, we expect to be ready on time for commencing passenger services by the end of 2026,” Iswaran said.

He added that the next big milestone for the RTS project is the “drop-in span bridge” connecting both sides of the viaduct, and that event will be commemorated by the prime ministers of both countries early next year.

Meanwhile, Loke said that Malaysia is confident of completing the project by December 2026. “As of April 30, the overall progress of the railway infrastructure (on the Malaysia side) has reached 36%, which is one-third of the project. For the marine viaduct portion, where we are visiting today, the actual progress is 30%,” he said.

To recap, the RTS Link is a cross-border rail service with a large capacity of up to 10,000 passengers per hour per direction, and a journey time of about five minutes between Bukit Chagar and Woodlands stations. The project is now on the final straight after many stop twists and turns. Here’s a brief recap of the tumultuous journey.

In July 2021, then prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and his Singapore counterpart Lee Hsien Loong met at the Causeway for a signing ceremony that marked the official resumption of the RTS Link project. Launched in 2018, RTS construction was scheduled to start in 2019 and slated for completion by December 2024. However, it was suspended in April 2019 at Malaysia’s request as the Pakatan Harapan administration reviewed all big projects.

In its current form, the RTS project differs from the original plan. While the 10k passengers per hour capacity remains, the line will no longer leverage the Thomson-East Coast (TEL) MRT Line in Singapore. Instead, it will be a standalone LRT system. Also, instead of the TEL’s Mandai Depot, a new depot will be built in Wadi Hana, JB.

It will continue to feature co-location of CIQ facilities, so that passengers undergo clearance only once, at their point of departure. Each government has separately appointed an infrastructure company to fund, build, own, maintain and renew the civil infrastructure and stations in its territory up to the international boundary.

In 2021, it was reported that Malaysia’s portion of the RTS cost of RM3.7 billion, and it will include construction of the Bukit Chagar station and four-storey CIQ complex, the Wadi Hana depot, and viaducts through the JB city centre and over the Straits of Johor to the Malaysia-Singapore border. The Bukit Chagar hub will be a transit-oriented development with mixed property development and duty-free shops.

Ground breaking took place in November 2020 to mark the start of construction, while the grantor agreement was signed by both countries in November 2021.

Article Credits: paultan.org

Foodpanda rider abruptly stops in front of car after getting honked at

A driver was shocked by the dangerous riding displayed by a Foodpanda delivery rider along Pasir Panjang Road on June 1.

Stomper Ken said that the rider had "spaced out" at the traffic light and was honked at by a car behind him.

The rider mistakenly thought Ken was the one who had sounded his horn.

In a video shared by the Stomper, the rider is seen playing a dangerous braking game before abruptly stopping in front of Ken's car in the middle of the road and dismounting.

Addressing the rider, Ken said: "A car behind me sounded the horn when you spaced out at the lights.

"You glared at me. I did not respond. Yet you chased down the wrong car and attempted to side-swipe me with your bike?

"You were clearly disregarding public safety when you stopped your bike in the middle of the road."

Ken told Stomp that after the rider got off his bike to confront him, he reversed his car and drove off.

"I have also filed a police report as he drove recklessly and caused distress to my car occupant," he said.

"I hope the authorities will take action on this road bully."

Article Credits: tnp.straitstimes.com

Fake ‘police’ chase in Johor: What S’pore drivers should and should not do on road trips to Malaysia

The recent viral video of three men in an unmarked car on Malaysia’s North-South Highway, speeding alongside one travelling from Singapore to Genting and trying to pull its driver over, may have had some wondering: what would I have done in such a situation?

After all, the men had flashed a blue beacon light similar to those used by the police, and some motorists may have been taken in by the ruse.

Thankfully, the driver in this case did not slow down. Two men were later nabbed by Malaysian police and are being investigated for impersonating civil servants.

Here is what to do if you find yourself in a similar situation on the roads up north, and other tips to stay safe.

1. WHEN IN DOUBT, CALL 999

If you are being pursued by an unmarked car and feel you may be in danger, call the Malaysian Emergency Response Services (MERS) on 999 immediately, an Automobile Association of Singapore (AA) spokesman said.

“By calling MERS, motorists can provide their exact location and request directions to the nearest police station or government office,” she said.

“This allows motorists to be efficiently guided towards these locations, enabling them to seek prompt assistance and receive further guidance from the local authorities.”

2. BE PREPARED

Research the road conditions, speed limit and driving culture before setting off on your trip.

The AA spokesman said that drivers are advised not to stop their vehicle along any lane on the expressway. If they wish to rest or use a toilet, they should drive off the expressway into the special lay-bys or rest stops along the expressway.

If they must stop on the expressway due to emergencies, they should keep away from the travelling lane and switch on the hazard lights.

Traffic engineering and safety consultant Gopinath Menon advised that if you are not used to driving at very high speeds, choose a reasonable high speed you are comfortable with, and keep to the left-most lane.

If you choose higher speeds, keep a longer distance from the vehicle in front, so that you can brake in time without hitting the vehicle in front if it stops suddenly.

3. STAY ALERT WITH REGULAR BREAKS

Mr Menon pointed out that continuous driving for long hours can be tiring for those not used to it.

“You could lose concentration, especially if the surrounding scenery does not change. You become less alert if nothing is happening around you, and you could fall asleep at the wheel,” he said, suggesting regular stops at lay-bys.

The AA spokesman recommended that motorists drive for no longer than two hours at a time, with a break of at least 20 minutes.

“On the North-South Highway, lay-bys are located about every 25 to 50 km along the expressway. Facilities include parking bays and toilets. Rest and Service Areas are located at every 80 to 100 km.”

4. DRIVING IN DARK CONDITIONS

Drivers may also encounter stretches without street lights, where one has to depend on vehicle headlights, noted Mr Menon.

“It takes some time to get used to depending entirely on headlights. You have to depend on the lane markings that are illuminated by the headlights,” he said.

“Use the high beam when the road ahead is not clear, at other times, use the low beam so as not to blind drivers in the opposite direction at stretches where there are no barriers on the road dividers.”

5. TAKE STEPS TO PREVENT VEHICLE THEFT

The AA spokesman also recommended tips to minimise the risk of having one’s car stolen.

“When parking, opt for well-lit and populated areas. Park near pillars and turn your wheel towards them to make it harder for thieves to manoeuvre or tow your car without unlocking the steering,” she said.

Anti-theft devices such as steering wheel locks, brake pedal locks, and gear shift locks are also useful.

“These visible deterrents make it challenging for unauthorised individuals to operate your vehicle,” she said.

Article Credits: tnp.straitstimes.com

Road Tax Late Renewal - How to Pay & Renew Online

Road tax renewal is an important legal requirement in Singapore. It is necessary to keep your road tax up-to-date to avoid fines, penalties, and legal consequences. However, sometimes we forget to renew our road tax (car or motorcycle) on time or may face unforeseen circumstances that make us renew it late. In such cases, it is still possible to renew your road tax, but you may have to face penalties and fines. In this article, we will discuss what to do if your renewal of road tax is late, how to avoid late fees and fines, and answer frequently asked questions about the process such as where to renew your road tax or what to bring to renew your road tax.
 

What to Do If Your Road Tax is About to Expire and Due for Late Renewal

If you realise that your road tax is about to expire or has already expired, here are the steps you can take to renew your road tax - especially if you’re late.
 

Step 1: Check for Outstanding Fines:

Before you can do your road tax renewal online, you need to make sure that you don't have any outstanding fines or penalties. You can visit the One Motoring website or the Singapore Police Force e-services to check for any fines and/or notices and see if you owe any money.
 

Step 2: Get an Auto Insurance Quote Online:

If you haven't already done so, you'll need to get car or motorcycle insurance before you can do your road tax renewal online. Many insurance providers offer online quick quotes, making it easy to compare prices and find the best deal.
 

Step 3: Send Your Vehicle for Inspection:

Before you can do your road tax renewal online, your vehicle may need to pass an inspection. This varies depending on the regulations in your area, but may include emissions testing or safety checks. You can send your vehicle for inspection at any of these LTA-Authorised Inspection Centres (AIC).
 

Step 4: Number Plate Inspection:

In some cases, you may also need to have your number plate inspected before you can do your road tax renewal online. This is to ensure that the plate is legal and registered correctly.
 

Step 5: Renew Your Road Tax Online:

Once you have completed the above steps, you can do your road tax renewal online. Visit the official One Motoring website and look for the "Renew Vehicle Registration" or "Renew Road Tax" option. Enter your vehicle details, check the renewal fee (which may include late fees if you missed the deadline), and choose a payment method.
 

Step 6: Renew Your Road Tax Offline:

If you are paying your road tax offline, you can do it via AXS services, GIRO, or you can submit your documents and payment directly to any Authorised Road Tax Collection Centre near you in Singapore. Be sure to bring all necessary documents and payment.
 

How to Speed up the Process & Avoid Late Fees Due to an Expired Road Tax

If you're rushing to do your road tax renewal online, there are a few things you can do to speed up the process:

a. Check if your local authority offers expedited service for an additional fee.
b. Bring all necessary documents and paperwork with you to avoid delays.
c. Consider renewing online, as this can be faster than renewing in person.

The best way to avoid late fees and fines due to an expired road tax is to renew your road tax on time. Make sure you know when your road tax is due, and set a reminder to renew it before the deadline. If you do miss the deadline, be sure to renew your road tax as soon as possible to minimise any penalties.
 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Road Tax Renewal
 

Can I pay road tax in instalments?

It depends on the regulations in your area. In some places, you may be able to pay road tax in instalments, while in others, you may be required to pay the full amount upfront. Check with the relevant authority to see what options are available to you.
 

Can you renew road tax without insurance?

No, you cannot renew road tax without insurance. It is a legal requirement to have car or motorcycle insurance before you can renew your road tax.
 

Don’t Forget About Your Road Tax!

Renewing your road tax late may come with some additional fees and penalties, but it is still important to do so to avoid legal consequences such as a fine for the late renewal of your car registration. Follow the steps outlined in this article to renew your road tax – if late – and be sure to check for outstanding fines and get car insurance before you begin the process. To avoid late fees and fines in the future, set a reminder to check your road tax validity and expiry date, renew your road tax before the deadline and stay up-to-date with any changes in regulations in your area. Remember that renewing your road tax is not just a legal requirement, but also a way to ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive on the roads in Singapore.

Article Credits: DirectAsia

 

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Domino's pizza maker gets 5 months’ jail for stealing deliveryman’s motorcycle, taking girlfriend on joyride without a licence

TODAY file photo

SINGAPORE — Noticing that his colleague had left the key to his motorcycle in the ignition switch, a Domino's pizza maker decided to seize an opportunity for a joyride without his colleague’s consent.

Taking advantage of the fact that his colleague was picking up a delivery order, Muhammad Irfan Boey Farhan Abdullah Boey hopped onto the motorcycle and rode off to pick up his girlfriend.

On Wednesday (May 3), the 21-year-old Singaporean was sentenced to five months’ jail after he pleaded guilty to stealing a Malaysian-registered motorcycle and operating it without a motorcycle driving licence.

He will also not be able to hold or obtain all classes of driving licences for a year with effect from the date of his release.

A single charge of riding the motorcycle while uninsured was also taken into consideration for Irfan’s sentencing.

WHAT HAPPENED

 

Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Regina Lim told the court that the incident happened on Feb 11 this year when Irfan was working as a pizza maker at a Domino’s outlet along Yishun Ring Road.

That day, Irfan “came up with an idea” of taking the motorcycle belonging to his colleague, Mr Mohamad Hafiq Aiman Abdullah, DPP Lim added.

It was not stated why Irfan wanted to go on a joyride, but the court heard that he targeted Mr Hafiq because he would usually leave his motorcycle near the shop.

At around 9.30pm, Mr Hafiq parked his motorcycle outside the outlet and left the key in the ignition switch because he was intending to use it again after collecting a delivery order.

When Mr Hafiq entered the shop, Irfan got onto the motorcycle and rode away with it and headed to another Domino’s outlet around Woodlands Rise where his girlfriend was waiting.

It was not stated whether Irfan’s girlfriend, who was not named in court documents, was also an employee of Domino’s.

DPP Lim said that the duo went for a joyride around Woodlands before heading to the woman’s home and then riding the motorcycle out for supper at Woodlands Waterfront.

 

After supper, the pair “roamed around” on the motorcycle until 4am or 5am, before they returned to their respective homes.

Irfan, who had parked the stolen motorcycle near his home, used it again to pick up his girlfriend from her home that afternoon and they “rode the motorcycle until they were tired”, DPP Lim said.

He was eventually arrested by the police on the afternoon of Feb 13, and the motorcycle was recovered.

During the course of investigation, Irfan made several false statements, DPP Lim said.

This included saying that an “unknown male on TikTok Live had offered to lend the motorcycle to him for three to four days”, and that this individual “did not mind” that Irfan did not have a motorcycle licence.

TikTok Live refers to a format on the social media platform that allows content creators to interact with viewers in real-time.

Irfan also lied that an acquaintance, who went by the name of Aslam, bore a grudge against him and wanted to get Irfan into trouble.

Irfan added that he suspected Aslam could “have set a trap for him by getting someone to approach him on TikTok Live”.

DPP Lim said that Irfan later “recanted his falsehoods” and admitted that he had stolen the motorcycle.

It was not stated in court if Irfan is still employed by Domino's and TODAY has sought clarification from the pizza chain.

Anyone found guilty of stealing a motor vehicle can be jailed up to seven years and fined.

For driving a vehicle without holding a valid licence, Irfan could have been fined up to S$10,000 or jailed up to three years, or both.

 

Article Credits: todayonline

 

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2 Men Hit Each Other With Helmets At Woodlands Checkpoint, Arrested & Investigated For Affray

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) confirmed the arrest of the two men caught fighting with helmets at Woodlands Checkpoint and are investigating them for the offence of affray. You may read the full updates below.

On days when there’s heavy traffic, it can easily take a few hours to get from one end of the Causeway to the other.

And when that happens, it’s easy for drivers’ tempers to flare.

That’s presumably what happened when two men were seen fighting at Woodlands Checkpoint.

Source: Facebook

In a short viral video, the pair were spotted hitting each other with motorcycle helmets as other riders watched.

Men fight with helmets at Woodlands Checkpoint, ends hilariously

The TikTok video was reposted on the Malaysia-Singapore Border Crossers(MSBC) 马新过境者 Facebook group and has garnered over 500 shares at the time of this article.

In the 10-second clip, a man in blue starts by slamming a motorcycle helmet on the back of a man in a purple t-shirt.

The swing was filled with so much vigour that the helmet ricocheted off the man in purple.

Source: Facebook

Without flinching, the man in blue threw one more punch before realising he was unarmed.

The man in purple then got back on his feet and checked over his shoulder for his assailant.

Source: Facebook

Realising his attacker was scrambling for his helmet, the man in purple took the chance to hit his foe.

However, just like his attacker, he lost grip on his helmet and after a single strike, was also left unarmed.

Source: Facebook

Now vulnerable as before, his attacker took the chance to smack the other man’s head with a helmet.

The impact seemed to have awoken a new side in the long-haired man as he skillfully dodged the next blow.

Trying to end the altercation, the man in purple pulled his attacker’s jacket over their head.

Source: Facebook

 

The video ends with the attacker stumbling around the crowded motorcycle lane at Woodlands checkpoint with a jacket over his head.

Authorities detain 2 men after fight at Woodlands Checkpoint

The duo did eventually end up in trouble with the law. In a media release on 5 May, SPF shared that they detained the two men while they were entering Singapore on Monday (3 May).

This was after the police received a report past midnight the night before, of a video capturing their altercation.

Early investigations pointed to “queue-cutting along the viaduct leading to the departure motorcycle zone at Woodlands Checkpoint” as the likely cause of the fight.

The men then allegedly pushed their motorcycles against each other before getting off their vehicles. The face-off with the helmets, as seen in the video, subsequently ensued.

 

Following their arrest, they are now under investigation for the offence of affray.

The police noted that if found guilty, both men may face up to one year in jail, a maximum S$5,000 fine, or both.

Featured image adapted from Facebook.

Article Credits: mustsharenews

COE prices close mostly lower; motorcycle premiums plunge in wake of new measures

Motorcycle premiums closed at S$5,002 - a sharp drop from the S$12,179 in the last exercise.

SINGAPORE: Certificate of Entitlement (COE) premiums closed mostly lower on Thursday (May 4), the first bidding exercise under the new quota for the quarter.

Premiums for Category A, which is for smaller cars, closed at S$101,001 (US$76,037), down from S$103,721.

 

Premiums for larger and more powerful cars in Category B fell to S$119,399 from S$120,889.

Open category COEs, which can be used for any vehicle type but end up being used mainly for large cars, also fell to S$124,002, from S$124,501.

COEs for commercial vehicles, which include goods vehicles and buses, rose to S$75,589 from S$75,334 in the previous bidding exercise.

Motorcycle premiums closed at S$5,002 - a sharp drop from the S$12,179 in the last exercise.

This is the first tender involving new measures for motorcycles, requiring bidders to put down a higher bid deposit of S$1,500, up from S$800 previously. The validity period for motorcycle temporary COEs has also been cut from three months to one month.

A total of 2,226 bids were received, with a quota of 1,621 COEs available.

 

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The COE quota for May to July is 9,575, a 1.5 per cent overall increase from the previous quarter.

COE PREMIUMS

Article Credits: CNA

COE : Higher bid deposit among new measures for motorcycles

File photo of cars and other vehicles in Singapore. (Photo: CNA/Jeremy Long)

SINGAPORE: The supply of Certificates of Entitlement (COE) will go up slightly for the May to July quarter, while the bid deposit for motorcycles will be raised from the next tender.

Announcing this on Friday (Apr 21), the Land Transport Authority (LTA) said the COE quota for May to July will be 9,575. This is an increase of about 1.5 per cent from the 9,437 COEs in the previous quarter. 

Two changes to motorcycle COE bidding will be made to "improve allocative efficiency", said LTA.

The bid deposit will go up from S$800 (US$600) to S$1,500, and the validity period for Category D temporary COEs will be cut from three months to one month. The expired COEs will be returned for bidding sooner.

This is the second time in two years that LTA is adjusting the bid deposit and validity period of temporary COEs for motorcycles.

In an attempt to encourage prudent bidding, the agency announced in March 2022 that it would raise the motorcycle bid deposit from S$200 to S$800. At the same time, the validity of the temporary COE was shortened from six months to three.

The measures then were implemented to mitigate concerns that dealers were speculatively bidding for and holding on to temporary motorcycle COEs in light of rising premiums in the category. 

LTA noted on Friday that from January to March this year, 457 Category D temporary COEs had expired without being used for the registration of motorcycles and were forfeited.

"These will be returned for bidding in the upcoming bidding exercises from May to July 2023," it added.

The new Category D measures and the new COE quota will start from the bidding exercise that kicks off on May 2.

COE premiums ended mostly higher in the last bidding exercise on Apr 19, with prices for cars in Category A and B breaking records for the third consecutive tender.

Premiums for Category A, which is for smaller cars, breached the S$100,000 mark to close at S$103,721.

Premiums for larger and more powerful cars in Category B rose 2 per cent to S$120,889.

Open category COEs, which can be used for any vehicle type but end up being used mainly for large cars, rose to S$124,501, exceeding its previous all-time high of S$118,990 by about 4.6 per cent.

Motorcycle premiums closed at S$12,179, up from S$12,001 in the last exercise.

Article Credits: CNA

4 motorcyclists sent to hospital after black car switches lanes & knocks into vehicles along CTE

On Friday morning (Apr. 21), four motorcyclists were taken to the hospital after an accident — involving six vehicles — occurred along the Central Expressway (CTE), towards the city.

A video of the accident was posted on the YouTube account, SG Road Vigilante SGRV.

What happened?

The video, which appeared to be taken from a front dash camera, showed four motorcyclists riding past in the middle of the extreme right lane and the centre lane.

A black Mazda sedan, from the rightmost lane, switches lanes, knocking into a row of motorcyclists and a car on its left. It is however unclear how many motorcyclists were involved.

Police statement

In response to Mothership's enquiries, the Singapore police force (SPF) said that on Apr. 21, at 7:15am, the police were alerted to an accident involving two cars and four motorcycles along CTE (AYE).

A 25-year-old female motorcyclist and three male motorcyclists, aged between 28 to 43, were conveyed conscious to the hospital.

A 43-year-old male car driver and a 33-year-old female car driver are assisting with investigations.

Police investigations are ongoing.

Top images via SG Road Vigilante SGRV. 

Article Credits: mothership

Designated zones soon for Johor motorcyclists to park before heading to S'pore for work

Mohd Jafni (centre) visiting one of the parking spaces that motorcyclists used to park their vehicles at Jalan Meldrum, Johor Baru.

 

The Johor government will soon provide ample parking spaces for motorcyclists who leave their vehicles behind to go to work in Singapore.

Johor housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said the state government is currently in talks with some landowners near the Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine Complex (CIQ) in Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI), for the purpose.

“I have seen these areas together with the Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) today (April 2).

“One of the possible locations that we found is at Jalan Inderaputra, Stulang Darat.

“There are also a few pocket spaces that can be transformed into a parking space as well, but we need to approach this from the short-term and long-term perspectives,” he said when contacted.

The government is currently making an estimate for the number of motorcycles that can be parked in these areas, besides ensuring ease of access and safety, he added.

“We know that about 300,000 Malaysians are crossing over every day, but we don’t have a rough estimate for the number of motorcyclists, so that process has started.

“We also plan to use a shuttle bus to transport travellers from the parking space to the CIQ (depending on the distance).

“There are also a few locations that were previously used as parking spaces before the pandemic, but have not been reopened until now,” he said, adding that the project is expected to start soon.

Currently, motorcycle riders have to pay RM4 for a day and RM120 a month to park at a private parking lot.

Article Credits: thestar

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COE quota to rise slightly; higher bid deposit among new measures for motorcycles

SINGAPORE: The supply of Certificates of Entitlement (COE) will go up slightly for the May to July quarter, while the bid deposit for motorcycles will be raised from the next tender.

Announcing this on Friday (Apr 21), the Land Transport Authority (LTA) said the COE quota for May to July will be 9,575. This is an increase of about 1.5 per cent from the 9,437 COEs in the previous quarter. 

Two changes to motorcycle COE bidding will be made to "improve allocative efficiency", said LTA.

The bid deposit will go up from S$800 (US$600) to S$1,500, and the validity period for Category D temporary COEs will be cut from three months to one month. The expired COEs will be returned for bidding sooner.

This is the second time in two years that LTA is adjusting the bid deposit and validity period of temporary COEs for motorcycles.

In an attempt to encourage prudent bidding, the agency announced in March 2022 that it would raise the motorcycle bid deposit from S$200 to S$800. At the same time, the validity of the temporary COE was shortened from six months to three.

The measures then were implemented to mitigate concerns that dealers were speculatively bidding for and holding on to temporary motorcycle COEs in light of rising premiums in the category. 

LTA noted on Friday that from January to March this year, 457 Category D temporary COEs had expired without being used for the registration of motorcycles and were forfeited.

"These will be returned for bidding in the upcoming bidding exercises from May to July 2023," it added.

The new Category D measures and the new COE quota will start from the bidding exercise that kicks off on May 2.

COE premiums ended mostly higher in the last bidding exercise on Apr 19, with prices for cars in Category A and B breaking records for the third consecutive tender.

Premiums for Category A, which is for smaller cars, breached the S$100,000 mark to close at S$103,721.

Premiums for larger and more powerful cars in Category B rose 2 per cent to S$120,889.

Open category COEs, which can be used for any vehicle type but end up being used mainly for large cars, rose to S$124,501, exceeding its previous all-time high of S$118,990 by about 4.6 per cent.

Motorcycle premiums closed at S$12,179, up from S$12,001 in the last exercise.

Article Credits: CNA

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‘Good money’ at first, then ‘a bit stagnant’: Food delivery riders square up to realities as they eye a better gig

A faulty bike could undo a few days’ income, and the lack of progression is real. Talking Point followed two food delivery riders to learn about the precarity and perks of the job.

Before going into food delivery, Hasteven Jeremiah Anandan (left) was a bartender while James Ho worked in the food and beverage industry.

SINGAPORE: James Ho starts his days at 7am seated outside a McDonald’s outlet in Woodlands, waiting for a food order to come through. 

“7am is actually a crucial timing. That’s when the breakfast crowd comes in,” said the 50-year-old delivery rider. 

He turned to food delivery three years ago when the pandemic impacted his job in the food and beverage industry. During that time, his father died, and he wanted a job that allowed him to spend more time in the day with his mother.

But for all the talk of quick cash, flexibility and control over one’s working hours, Ho is finding gig work to be a little disappointing. 

After 8am, his delivery jobs slow to a trickle until 11am. That’s because Grab, the platform he’s with, ranks its food delivery partners and Ho’s ranking does not accord him priority for jobs during that period, he told Talking Point host Steven Chia, who shadowed him for two days. 

On the first day, their shift was cut short after earning a mere S$17.30. The next day, they pocketed S$37.30 after 10 hours and seven bookings. 

Chia’s stint was part of a Talking Point special, Beyond Plain Sight, that explores the harsh realities of some Singaporeans: Food delivery riders, children living in rental public housing and millennials on the brink of debt. 

With Singapore’s platform workforce standing at some 73,000 workers — of whom over 16,000 do food deliveries — the programme looked at what it takes to earn a decent wage in the gig economy, and why not all riders benefit the same way. 

WATCH: Working as a food delivery rider: Are we paid enough? (23:01)

IS IT THE ALGORITHM?

Ho, who works solely on Grab and in the Woodlands area where he lives, feels that the platform’s algorithm has not been to his favour. 

Under the platform’s shift system, riders are ranked and it affects how jobs are distributed. 

Ho, for example, is in the “ruby” tier, which is level two out of four on the platform. Newbies start off at the emerald tier and work their way up to ruby, sapphire and diamond based on several factors: The number of jobs they take, their job acceptance rate, cancellation rate and rating. 

The higher the tier, the more benefits riders get and the more they earn. They get to book shifts and receive priority orders during certain timings. 

Being able to book a shift also guarantees riders a minimum amount they can earn during that period, based on their location. Should their earnings fall short of the minimum fare, Grab will top it up. 

Riders who are not on shifts may still receive orders — but as Ho experienced, the lull can be long enough for coffee breaks between deliveries. 

Riders must meet various criteria to move up a tier, as well as to remain in the tier.

Riders who reach a higher tier have to maintain a minimum number of orders to avoid being downgraded. To move up a rank, on the other hand, has proven difficult for Ho. He has been stuck in the ruby tier for a year.

The idea behind the shift feature, is that in exchange for the commitment to deliver in an area during specified hours, riders get some income assurance, said Grab’s group managing director of public affairs Lim Yew Heng. 

Those in the higher tiers tend to be “more reliant on Grab as an income (source)”, he added. “So, we think it’s also important that priority allocation and privilege… is ringfenced for these more committed people.”

On Ho’s situation, Lim emphasised that, incentives or not, drivers are paid “fairly”. 

There is a “base fare” that ensures riders’ efforts are “equitably accounted for”, he said. Grab’s “base fare” is benchmarked to the food and beverage industry, which is “something like S$1,400”, he added. 

Waiting extensively for a customer eats away time that could be spent picking up new orders.

Besides being excluded from some shifts, what affects Ho’s earnings is stacked orders — when riders pick up multiple orders and deliver them all at once. In his delivery zone, Ho estimates that each order in a stacked order could earn him about S$3.90, while a regular order could earn him about S$5.   

When there are delays during delivery, such as when he’s waiting for an order, or if a customer is uncontactable, it eats into the time he could have spent picking up another order. 

Ho makes S$1,600 to S$2,000 a month, but there are the out-of-pocket shocks. On the first day Chia tagged along, the gears in Ho’s electric bicycle malfunctioned after five hours and four bookings. 

“Our day is over, Steven,” he lamented. He had made only S$17.30 for the day, but the repairs would cost S$120.

Ho's bike malfunctioned five hours into the work day.

HUSTLE, BUT AT WHAT COST?

Some riders such as 26-year-old Hasteven Jeremiah Anandan have fared better. He started doing food delivery full-time three years ago, and has upgraded his laptop to a gaming computer, got a deejay set and a thousand-dollar bicycle. 

“I feel like I wouldn't be able to actually afford all these things if I didn't have a job as food delivery rider,” said Anandan, who has a diploma in business management. He hustled eight to 10 hours a day, five to six days a week, on both Foodpanda and Grab. 

But the days of higher pay and better incentives seem to be over. He could previously earn up to S$4,000 a month, but the average these days is S$2,400 if he works full-time.

Starting the work day is not as straightforward as firing up the app and waiting for an order. Anandan has to plan his day around each platform’s algorithm. 

On Foodpanda, he has to book a shift beforehand in order to pick up orders. Even then, riders can only book shifts by their batch number, which is allocated to them based on their performance each week. 

Hasteven Jeremiah Anandan, 26, juggles trips on two delivery platforms to keep up with his lifestyle.

One performance indicator is “actual versus planned hours”, which evaluates how many hours riders actually fulfilled during their shift. It takes into consideration late log-ins, no-shows and breaks. 

“It’s something like a clock-in, clock-out system,” said Anandan.

These days, he finds it harder to secure shifts or long-enough shifts compared to the early days of the pandemic. He attributes this to more riders in the system. In between shifts, Anandan turns to Grab. 

What he also guns for is surge pricing during peak periods, even on rainy days. While a regular order in his usual area in Serangoon would earn him about S$4, surge pricing could earn him about S$6.50, he said.  

On a rainy day when he earned around S$50 from seven orders, Anandan remarked: “Really, really good for a lunch shift."

Riding in the rain could mean more money, but Anandan is aware that dangers lurk. “The floors are slippery. And our bikes actually tend to skid when we brake too hard… it may be a little bit more dangerous on the road,” he said. 

Riders may try to fulfil more orders during surge periods or rush to complete an order for a complaining customer, which makes them more accident-prone.

WATCH: Food delivery hustle: Is it that lucrative? How much can you make? (22:04)

Between January 2021 and July 5 last year, five food and goods delivery platform workers were killed in work-related traffic accidents. And a survey by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) last year of 1,002 food delivery workers found nearly one in three of them had been in at least one accident serious enough to require medical help.

Lim said Grab is “very conscious” of how its incentive scheme is designed. He added: “If we start to see that (riders) are you know, behaving in such a way that it’s dangerous… in some cases, we actually block them from driving.”

THE SUSTAINABLE WAY FORWARD?

The IPS survey —the first ever on platform delivery riders — also found two-fifths of the respondents would leave the industry “as soon as possible” if they had other job opportunities. 

Seven in 10 respondents earned less than S$3,000 a month, and more than one in three would leave for a job that pays them at least that amount.

With the “evolving platform business models”, riders do not really have a say in how much they earn, said Member of Parliament Yeo Wan Ling, advisor to the National Delivery Champions Association. 

“That's why at the end of the month, unlike salaried employees, our platform riders don't really know how much (they’re) taking back for that number of hours that they're working,” said Yeo.

They are also unlike freelancers who decide how much they want to charge and when they want to work, she noted.

To make riders' income less volatile, platform companies could look to Germany, suggested Abel Ang, an adjunct professor at Nanyang Business School. 

“Because of the control that platform companies have (over) the riders, the courts in Germany indicated that… platform companies have a responsibility to provide the implements or the tools for the riders to actually do their work.”

These include a smartphone and a bicycle, said Ang. 

IPS principal research fellow Mathew Mathews, who led the survey’s research team, believes people should engage in platform work on “a more part-time basis”, such as those who have just been laid off. 

The lack of career progression is an issue for food delivery riders.

But the survey found that 46 per cent of respondents relied solely on food delivery for income.

A large proportion were newer riders, with 32 per cent having spent less than a year on the job and the same proportion having worked two to three years. 

The long-term impact of working as a delivery rider is being stuck with a “very low socio-economic status”, he said.

They do not get the increments and bonuses other workers receive, or make contacts who can connect them with better opportunities, said Mathews. The career prospects are “nearly nothing”, he said.

"Whether you're working on the platform for 10 years, or one year, pretty much the same skill set.”

The Ministry of Manpower has announced new measures for gig workers from 2024. They include requiring platform workers below the age of 30 to contribute to their Central Provident Fund accounts, so they can save up for retirement and housing. Older workers may opt in.

Riders will also be compensated for their earnings if they get injured on the job. 

IN SEARCH OF A BETTER GIG

Anandan said he has enjoyed the “really good money” from being a full-time delivery rider, but does not see himself doing this beyond the next two years. 

“Working as a food delivery rider feels a bit stagnant and there’s no progression towards the future,” he said, echoing Mathews. 

He has transitioned to doing food delivery only four hours a day, and spends the rest of his time on a “side hustle” providing engraving services. He hopes the latter will one day be his ticket to “financial freedom”.

One of Anandan's engraved products.

Ho is also seeking out other opportunities. His income from delivering for Grab is just enough for himself and his mother, with nothing left to set aside for retirement.

But without a “high education level”, he has faced obstacles. He’s sent out his resume to potential employers, but worries he has “lost touch” with the job market. When he tried to upskill and attended a course in security, he “flunked” the final paper and “couldn’t make it”.    

Returning to the food and beverage or events management industries is another option. 

But even with relevant experience, he does not feel "100 per cent confident" gunning for the role of food and beverage supervisor, he admitted. "I keep asking myself, do I still (meet the) criteria?"

Watch the Talking Point episode with Ho's story here. Watch the episode featuring Anandan here.

Article Credits: CNA

 

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No more off-peak toll rates at Tuas Checkpoint from 31 March

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced on Thursday (16 March) that toll charges will be revised for all vehicles except motorcycles at Tuas Checkpoint from 31 March.

The revised rates will match Malaysia’s recent revision of toll charges at the Tanjung Kupang Toll Plaza (Second Link), which have removed off-peak discounts for vehicles passing through. LTA said that the latest adjustment keeps in line with Singapore’s long-standing policy of matching Malaysia’s toll rates.

In reflecting the upcoming revision, charges for revised toll rates at Tuas Checkpoint would be $2.10 (RM7.02) for cars, $1.60 (RM5.35) for taxis, $2.50 (RM8.36) for buses, $5.60 (RM18.72) for vans and light goods vehicles, and $11.30 (RM37.78) for heavy goods vehicles, regardless of travel time.

Off-peak hour toll charges were first introduced by Malaysia highway operator PLUS in 2018 to encourage people to use Tanjung Kupang Toll Plaza during the quieter hours.

However, authorities found no significant increase in traffic during the off-peak hours, despite the implemented discounts. It was also identified that more than 50 per cent of vehicles that enjoy off-peak toll rates are Singapore-registered vehicles.

Sufficient value in stored value cards & VEP and Autopass card

Drivers are reminded to have sufficient value in their stored value cards before entering immigration booths at Tuas Checkpoint. Drivers of foreign-registered vehicles must also have LTA’s Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) approval email and a valid Autopass card before entry to Singapore.

VEP and Autopass cards can be applied via LTA’s OneMotoring website two weeks before intended travel. Drivers may refer to LTA’s VEP approval email for steps to collect their Autopass cards.

Toll charges at Woodlands Checkpoint remain the same.

Source: Yahoo

HOW TO PERFORM A PERFECT U-TURN DURING YOUR MOTORCYCLE TEST

Performing a U-turn on your motorcycle test is a nerve-wracking exercise. There are though a few things you can do to make sure you ace it, first time, every time

Perfecting the dreaded feet-up U turn can be one of the most stressful parts of learning to ride a motorbike. Most of us neglect the skill the minute we pass our test, but it can be a useful manoeuvre to have in your back pocket and is much easier than paddling your bike around.

It's also one of the most nerve-wracking parts of your test, despite being one of the slowest speed exercises you will undertake. And that low speed is part of the perceived problem. At low speed, the bike feels vulnerable to wobbles, although there are a few things you can do to ensure you don't fall foul of a fail.

How to perform a perfect U-turn during your motorcycle test

Check for traffic
Whether you are on the test centre or out on the public road, act like there is traffic and make sure you check your blindspot when you pull away and just before you begin to execute the turn. Missing this could result in a fail before you've even hit the road. It's also important not to rush the shoulder check. The examiner will want to see you moving your head in a controlled manner, and looking back for danger even if you both 'know' there isn't any there.

Look where you want to go
This point is drilled into you when you are training, but in truth, it takes quite a while to naturally look when you want to go. To nail the head position, as soon you reach the middle of the road and want to begin heading back in the direction you came, fix your eyes on an imaginary spot about a foot away from the kerb on the opposite side of the road that you started from. 

Practise
It makes perfect, dontcha know? Find a quiet road somewhere and practice your U-turns – a few minutes once or twice a week will keep you sharp.
Before you attempt a U-turn, first practice riding slowly in a straight line, and slaloms

Top tips for nailing that motorcycle u-turn
So how is it done? Confidence, which comes from – what else? – practice. But there are a few tricks that help.

Engine revs, clutch
To nail a U-turn on a motorcycle, you need to keep the revs high and clutch instead of the throttle to increase speed. The throttle of most bikes isn't accurate enough to perform a U-turn, for most novice riders anyway, so keep the clutch just past the biting point and try and maintain that position. The examiner doesn't care how fast you rev the engine, in fact, you'll probably get some kudos for using an appropriate amount of revs and nailing the clutch control.

Modern bike
It will almost certainly have a light clutch, a featherweight ride-by-wire throttle and the colossal advantage of centralised mass. Compared with something like my own 1998 Ducati 900SSie (low, narrow bars, leaned-forward riding position, lumpy engine, erratic dry clutch), low-speed manoeuvring is a piece of cake.

Back brake
The third trick is to apply light and continuous pressure to the back brake. This has a similar effect to pulling in the clutch, but because you are dragging the engine down by making the back wheel harder to turn, the whole bike feels planted.

If you need to slow down a little, don't pull the clutch in as you'll disengage drive to the rear wheel and affect the stability of the bike. Instead, to slow down when performing any slow-speed manoeuvre, give a dab of the back brake - but never the front. The rear brake on most bikes (especially those used by motorcycle training centres) is soft and forgiving and will allow you to scrub some speed without affecting the stability of the bike.

Get used to slipping the clutch and balancing it against the rear brake, these definately helps.....

What if your bike is long or awkward to u-turn?
Most bikes should be able to turn in a 20-foot arc, as long as you are confident you can lean the bike properly into the turn. Have your inside foot ready for a ‘dab’ if necessary, but don’t aim to have it on the ground as it will widen the turn. Sitting further forward in the saddle also helps with the steering.

It’s tempting to look at potential hazards like cat’s eyes and the pavement right in front of the bike, but it’s really important that you look where you want to end up heading in the opposite direction.

Don't lean on the steering lock stops
To complete a tight u-turn, you shouldn't actually need all of the steering angle you have on offer. With a little bit of lean, and just the right amount of steering input (plus the points mentioned above), you should easily be able to turn a riding school bike around on a road. Furthermore, leaning on the lock stops generally ends up with the bike toppling inwards, and landing you on the floor with a big fat 'fail' on your test certificate. If you do feel the handlebar hit the steering lock stop, slow the bike down slightly (on the bike brake - don't close the throttle!) and open the steering angle just a fraction.

Article Credits: visordown, motorcyclenews

Mah Pte Ltd is the new Kawasaki exclusive distributor in Singapore

Mah Pte Ltd announced that they are the new Kawasaki exclusive distributor in Singapore. They have a host of exciting events lined up for all #kawasaki, both current and new!

 

 

 

➼𝙎𝙐𝙋𝙀𝙍𝘾𝙃𝘼𝙍𝙂𝙀𝘿 𝙋𝙊𝙒𝙀𝙍

➼𝙋𝙊𝙒𝙀𝙍 𝙁𝙊𝙍 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝘿𝙄𝙎𝙏𝘼𝙉𝘾𝙀

 

The 𝗡𝗶𝗻𝗷𝗮 𝗛𝟮® 𝗦𝗫 𝗦𝗘 hypersport is powered by a supercharged 998cc inline four-cylinder engine, designed to deliver power where it is most useful, in the low- to mid-range, in a fuel-efficient manner. With this powerful engine at the core, Kawasaki has created one of the most advanced and well-balanced motorcycles in performance, comfort, and efficiency that prioritizes everyday usability for an array of street-riding conditions.

 

Bikes are arriving in April 2023!

 

𝙀𝙭𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝘿𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙗𝙪𝙩𝙤𝙧

𝗠𝗮𝗵 𝗣𝘁𝗲 𝗟𝘁𝗱

 

𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙘𝙩 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙎𝙖𝙡𝙚 𝙏𝙚𝙖𝙢 :

𝗔𝗺𝗶𝗻

91149428

𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘂𝘀

82924460

𝗔𝗺𝗶𝗿𝘂𝗹

88152709

 

𝙎𝙝𝙤𝙬𝙧𝙤𝙤𝙢 𝘼𝙙𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨:

1179 Serangoon Road

S(328232)

 

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Incentive to De-register Older Motorcycles

The National Environment Agency (NEA) is offering an incentive of up to $3,500 for owners of older, more pollutive motorcycles which were registered before 1 July 2003, to de-register their motorcycles over the next five years. NEA will also tighten the in-use emission standards for these motorcycles from 6 April 2023. These motorcycles will no longer be allowed for use on Singapore’s roads after 30 June 2028.

Incentive Eligibility Criteria
All owners of motorcycles that were registered before 1 July 2003 are eligible for the incentive, if their motorcycles have a valid 10-year Certificate of Entitlement (COE) as of 6 April 2018, and are de-registered on or before 5 April 2023. Owners of motorcycles registered before 1 July 2003 will receive a letter from NEA by end-April 2018 informing them of their eligibility for the incentive. Owners may also log in to www.onemotoring.com.sg to check the first registration dates of their motorcycles.

Owners of motorcycles which are on the 5-year non-renewable COE, or the Classic, Vintage (Restricted), and Revised Vintage Vehicle Schemes as of 6 April 2018 are not eligible.

The incentive consists of two components. The owner of an eligible motorcycle will receive $2,000 if the motorcycle is de-registered on or before 5 April 2023. If the motorcycle’s COE is not renewed on or after 7 April 2018, the owner will receive an additional $1,500 upon its de-registration. The owner will also receive a refund for the unused COE period, upon its de-registration.

Please note that NEA is not obliged to disburse the incentive unless the owner has been deemed by both NEA and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to be eligible for the incentive and has fulfilled all the pre-conditions for the said incentive. 

Refer below infographic for a guide to the incentive.

How to Apply for the Incentive
Upon successful de-registration of their motorcycle, eligible owners will receive an application form from NEA via mail to fill out in order to receive the incentive. NEA will credit the payment directly into the bank account specified within two months upon complete submission of the application by the eligible owner.

For more details on the application for the payout, owners may call 1800-CALL-NEA (1800-2255-632).

Tightened In-use Emission Standards and Phase Out of Older Motorcycles
From 6 April 2023, MEWR/NEA will tighten the in-use emission standards for motorcycles registered before 1 July 2003. These motorcycles can continue to be used until 30 June 2028 if they meet the tightened in-use emissions standards. More details will be released later.

After 30 June 2028, all motorcycles (including both 2-wheeled and 3-wheeled motorcycles/scooters) registered before 1 July 2003 will no longer be allowed for use on Singapore’s roads. By then, the youngest motorcycle in this group will already be 25 years of age. Motorcycles on the Classic, Vintage (Restricted) and Revised Vintage Vehicle Schemes are exempted as they are already subjected to restricted usage.

Background
Air pollution is a key threat to public health in many cities. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is the biggest environmental health risk. Over the years, the Government has introduced various initiatives to tackle vehicular emission, which is a key source of air pollutants such as Ozone and Particulate Matter (PM).

The new initiative addresses the large contribution to air pollution by motorcycles. While motorcycles make up 15 per cent of the local vehicle population, they contribute around 50 per cent of Carbon Monoxide (CO) from vehicles. Motorcycle emission is a public health concern because it contains Hydrocarbons (HC) and CO, which are precursors to Ozone. CO and Ozone are known to impair respiratory functions.

Older motorcycles are more pollutive. Those registered before 1 July 2003 (i.e. before the introduction of Euro I emission standards for motorcycles) emit up to about 10 times more CO and 30 times more HC compared to a Euro IV motorcycle today. Such older motorcycles make up around 20 per cent of Singapore’s motorcycle population, but account for about 40 per cent of CO emitted by motorcycles. 

Refer below infographic about the pollution contribution by older motorcycles in Singapore.

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POLICE NEWS RELEASE - ANNUAL ROAD TRAFFIC SITUATION 2022

INCREASE IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS WITH THE RESUMPTION OF MORE ACTIVITIES IN 2022

With the resumption of more activities due to the easing of Safe Management Measures (SMMs), the number of road traffic accidents rose in 2022 compared to 2021. However, the number of road traffic accidents remains lower than the pre-COVID-19 period.

 The number of traffic accidents involving motorcyclists and elderly pedestrians increased in 2022. They continue to account for a disproportionate number of traffic accidents resulting in injuries or death.1
 

Fatal traffic accidents and fatalities increased in 2022

The number of fatal accidents increased by 4.0%, from 100 cases in 2021 to 104 in 2022. The number of fatalities increased slightly from 107 persons in 2021 to 108 in 2022. However, this was still lower compared to the pre-COVID-19 period. Please refer to Chart 1 for the number of fatal accidents and fatalities for the past five years.

1 Elderly pedestrians refer to pedestrians aged 60 and above.

The road traffic fatality rate per 100,000 population decreased from 1.96 in 2021 to 1.92 in 2022.2 Please refer to Chart 2 for the road traffic fatality rates for the past five years.

Increase in accidents resulting in injuries and number of injured persons

The number of accidents resulting in injuries increased by 13.8%, from 5,939 cases in 2021 to 6,760 in 2022. The number of injured persons also increased, by 14.0% from 7,240 persons in 2021 to 8,252 in 2022. However, this was still lower compared to the pre-COVID-19 period. Please refer to Chart 3 for the number of accidents resulting in injuries and injured persons for the past five years.

2 The drop in the traffic fatality rate despite an increase in fatalities is due to the population figure. Singapore’s total population was 5,453,600 and 5,637,000 in 2021 and 2022 respectively.

Decrease in red-light running and speeding violations, but increase in speeding-related accidents

 The number of red-light running violations decreased by 2.3%, from 44,745 cases in 2021 to 43,697 in 2022. The number of speeding violations also decreased, by 10.1% from 139,276 cases in 2021 to 125,189 in 2022.

The number of red-light running accidents decreased by 2.9%, from 136 cases in 2021 to 132 in 2022. However, the number of speeding-related accidents increased by 14.2%, from 984 cases in 2021 to 1,124 in 2022.

Increase in number of drink-driving accidents

The number of drink-driving accidents increased by 9.7%, from 155 cases in 2021 to 170 in 2022. The increase in the number of drink-driving accidents from the second quarter of 2022 onwards coincided with the resumption of nightlife activities in April 2022.

The number of fatal drink-driving accidents increased by 25%, from 8 cases in 2021 to 10 in 2022. The number of persons arrested for drink-driving increased by 16%, from 1,453 persons in 2021 to 1,685 in 2022.

The Traffic Police (TP) will continue to take tough enforcement against irresponsible driving. Motorists who flout traffic rules and regulations such as red-light running, speeding or drink-driving may be prosecuted in court. If grievous hurt or death is caused, motorists may face imprisonment and driving disqualification.

ELDERLY PEDESTRIANS AND MOTORCYCLISTS REMAIN VULNERABLE

Motorcyclists and elderly pedestrians continue to account for a disproportionate number of road traffic accidents resulting in injuries or death. Motorcyclists and pillion riders made up 56.1% of traffic accidents and 43.5% of traffic fatalities in 2022. Fatal accidents involving elderly pedestrians accounted for about 70% of fatal accidents involving pedestrians in 2022.

Increase in accidents and injured persons involving elderly pedestrians

The number of traffic accidents involving elderly pedestrians increased by 14.6%, from 205 in 2021 to 235 in 2022. Similarly, the number of elderly pedestrians injured in these accidents increased by 10.4%, from 193 in 2021 to 213 in 2022. The number of elderly pedestrian fatalities increased by 53.3% from 15 in 2021 to 23 in 2022. 73.9% of the fatal accidents involving elderly pedestrians were due to jaywalking, an increase from 50% in 2021.

TP will continue to engage and educate elderly road users on good road safety habits. TP regularly conducts talks, concerts and exhibitions islandwide to reach out to seniors. TP and the Singapore Road Safety Council, with support from the Land Transport Authority and the People’s Association, organised the Road Safety Concert for Seniors 2022 in August 2022. Road safety messages were disseminated through educational talks, songs, and skits in English, Mandarin and various dialects. The concert was also streamed live on TP’s ‘Use Your RoadSense’ Facebook page to reach out to more seniors.

Increase in accidents involving motorcyclists and pillion riders, but decrease in fatalities

The number of accidents involving motorcyclists increased by 11.3%, from 3,464 in 2021 to 3,854 in 2022. The number of motorcyclists and pillion riders who sustained injuries increased by 12.8%, from 3,693 in 2021 to 4,165 in 2022.

The number of fatal accidents involving motorcyclists decreased by 10.7%, from 56 in 2021 to 50 in 2022. The number of motorcyclist and pillion rider fatalities decreased by 6.0%, from 50 persons in 2021 to 47 persons in 2022.

TP will continue to engage and educate motorcyclists on safe riding habits. The ‘Reward the Riders’ campaign took place between 19 September 2022 and 24 October 2022. Motorcyclists who wore appropriate safety gear and/or displayed safe riding habits on the roads were stopped and rewarded with goodie bags by TP officers. On 5 November 2022, TP partnered National Bikers’ Weekend to launch the Singapore Ride Safe 2022 campaign at D’Marquee, Downtown East. Five motorcyclists who wore proper riding gear and adhered to the traffic rules on the roads were presented with a special award at the event. These campaigns built on the previous years’ efforts to engage and educate the motorcyclist community on the importance of safe riding behaviour. 

A THREE-PRONGED APPROACH TO SAFER ROADS THROUGH EDUCATION, ENGAGEMENT AND ENFORCEMENT

TP will continue its three-pronged approach to maintain safer roads through education, engagement, and enforcement.

In 2022, TP, together with stakeholders and partners, organised road safety initiatives targeted at different road user groups across different age groups to educate, engage and remind them on the importance of road safety. These include the Singapore Road Safety Month in May 2022, the Road Safety Concert for Seniors in August 2022, Singapore Ride Safe Campaign in November 2022, as well as the Singapore Traffic Games and Anti-Drink Drive Campaign in December 2022. TP also worked with the Ministry of Education (MOE) to develop and launch an online road safety programme in April 2022 – the ‘Road Safety Challenge!’. The programme educates primary school children on basic road safety rules and good habits through animated scenarios and interactive quizzes.        

TP also conducted numerous engagements with different road user groups, including motorcyclists, elderly pedestrians, children, cyclists and the general public, throughout the year.

• Displaying road safety banners at strategic locations;
• Reinforcing road safety campaign messages, both in person and via social media platforms;
• Conducting road safety talks;
• Organising Family Days at Road Safety Community Park (RSCP); and
• Promoting safe cycling habits to cyclists at a series of cycling events during the Festival of Cycling.

TP held joint operations regularly with other government agencies to deter and detect errant road users.

LAUNCH OF THE ONLINE MOCK THEORY TEST

TP will be launching an online Mock Theory Test (MTT) portal in the first quarter of 2023. As part of TP’s continuous education efforts, this initiative targets both learner and existing motorists by providing them with a platform to familiarise or refresh themselves with road traffic rules, traffic signs and appropriate road behaviour.

All SingPass account holders will be able to access the Basic, Final and Riding Theory Tests on MTT for free. The MTT can be accessed from the SPF e-services website, TP’s online learning portal or the Police@SG mobile app. The MTT is available in four languages – English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil – to allow users to do the test in a language of their choice. It is accessed through the ‘Practice Mode’. There is no time limit or limit on the number of attempts. Learners will be able to review their answers at the end of each test session.

The MTT mirrors the actual test requirements. Users are given 50 minutes to complete 50 questions. They can choose to flag, skip and review questions. There will be a built-in pop-up alert to the users when there are 10 minutes left. When the time is up, the last selected answer will be auto submitted. Please refer to Annex A for a screenshot of the MTT.

CONCLUSION

Road safety is a shared responsibility. TP urges all road users to continue practising good road safety habits and play their part in keeping Singapore’s roads safe.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
14 FEBRUARY 2023

Annex A

Article Credits: police.gov.sg

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PMD-riding youths in Canberra car park apparently try to steal from unlocked vehicles & motorcycle IUs