- B E R I T A _ H A R I _ I N I _ 2 0 0 8 -

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inna lillaahi wa inna ilaihi rojiuun...

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July 22, 2008         
High power bills: Record number of cases probed
1,093 complaints looked into; underestimation of April charges is main reason, says S'pore Power
By Tessa Wong


MORE CASES: Mr Yan's bill for last month was double that for May, but he insists his family's consumption pattern had not changed. SP Services says the number of queries over that month's bills has risen. -- ST PHOTO: ALPHONSUS CHERN

A RECORD number of complaints about overcharging for electricity were investigated by Singapore Power last month.

SP Services, the power company's customer service arm, said it looked into 1,093 cases where customers had complained that their bills for May were higher than in previous months.

The figure is three times the number of cases investigated in June last year, and refers only to complaints that were looked into - SP Services acknowledges that the total number of queries is higher.

It is likely that the complaints will keep coming. As of the middle of this month, SP Services has investigated 543 cases and is on track to surpassing last month's record.

A Straits Times check of 100 households found many that also said their bills for last month had jumped. About 10 per cent said their charges went up by extraordinary amounts, of between 60 per cent and 113 per cent.

But despite the number of complaints, Mr Wong Chit Sieng, managing director of SP Services, maintained that there have been no billing errors and added that such cases happen every year because of several factors.

He said complaints tend to go up in the middle of the year, in tandem with increased electricity consumption. This year's record surge, he said, could be due to several factors. These include a more anxious mood among consumers in the light of recent food and petrol price rises, as well as tariff hikes which took effect in April.

SP Services said the main reason for the higher bills is that charges for April were underestimated.

The company estimates a customer's energy usage based on the last two actual meter readings.

For example, to estimate May's reading, it divides the difference between February and April's readings by the number of days between the two reading dates and then multiplies it by the number of days in May.

Sometimes, because of lower usage in previous months, for example, a customer's bill can be underestimated. If this happens, SP Services will charge more the following month to make up the difference.

Another reason for the higher bills is that consumers are simply using more electricity.

Housewife Ong Siew Khim, 56, saw a 50 per cent rise in her June bill, and acknowledged that it could be because her grandniece, who lives with her, had stayed home more often due to the school holidays.

'She was watching more television, but really, the increase shouldn't be so much because it was just for an extra hour or two a day. We haven't been using more of our other appliances,' said Ms Ong.

Other customers, however, did not accept SP Services' explanation.

Architect Yan Dawei is among them. The 33-year-old said his electricity bill for last month was double that for May, but insisted his family had not changed its usage patterns.

'It seems excessive, and came as a great surprise.

'We were away in Malaysia for a week in June and switched off everything too,' said Mr Yan.

When asked about his case, SP Services said it had underestimated Mr Yan's meter reading in May, and the June bill reflected the adjustment.

But Mr Yan pointed out that his consumption has remained fairly consistent.

Dismissing SP Services' explanation, he insisted: 'It just doesn't make sense.'

[email protected]

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Gardens by the Bay construction will not be deferred
By Chan Eu Imm, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 25 July 2008 1629 hrs



SINGAPORE: Singapore's Gardens by the Bay project is on track for completion by the end of 2010.

National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan said the project is unaffected by the government's recent decision to defer S$1.7 billion worth of public-sector building projects

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Sr Parliamentary Secretary Masagos to lead delegation to Brunei
Posted: 25 July 2008 1319 hrs




SINGAPORE: Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Education and Home Affairs, Masagos Zulkifli, will lead a 26-member delegation to Brunei on Sunday.

The programme, which ends on July 29, is organised by the Malay Language Teachers Association.

Its objective is for Malay language teachers on the trip to deepen their knowledge of Malay language and culture, and to develop networks with schools and teachers there.

The delegates will visit the Education Ministry, primary and secondary schools, and the University of Brunei Darussalam.

In a statement, the Ministry of Education said Mr Masagos will meet his counterparts in the Brunei Education, and Religious Affairs Ministries.

He is accompanied by principals, master teachers and ministry officials.

- CNA/yb

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Fire at lift landing in Hougang Ave block
By Jason Hau


The workers were cutting some metal on the 11th floor lift landing and that sparked off the fire. -- ST PHOTO: TERENCE TAN


Workers cleaning the soot off the ceiling and fixing electrical wirings damaged by the fire. -- ST PHOTO: TERENCE TAN


Workers cleaning the common corridor on the 11th floor of Block 17, Hougang Ave 3. -- ST PHOTO: TERENCE TAN


A fire broke out at the lift landing area in Block 17 Hougang Avenue 3 on Monday afternoon.

Residents said they heard a series of 'loud bangs' just before the fire on the 11th floor where a group of workers was carrying out lift upgrading work.

The workers were believed to be cutting some metal and this sparked off the fire.

No one was injured but an elderly woman and her son were treated for smoke inhalation later at a nearby clinic.

Madam Tan Ngee Kheng, 80, said she heard a loud explosion while she was in her flat next to the lift landing area at about 1.40 pm.

She came out of the gate to check and saw thick black smoke spreading down the corridor.

'I had to crawl my way out of the smoke to safety,' she told The Straits Times.

Her son, Mr Koh Yew Beng, 63, who lives in the next unit, was also overwhelmed by the thick smokes.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force rushed to the scene after getting a call from residents and put out the fire quickly.

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Singapura : 8 Julai 2008

DUA LAGI TUDUHAN BAGI WANITA DALAM KES BUNUH

ISTERI ahli politik pembangkang, Encik Tan Lead Shake, yang dituduh melakukan pembunuhan minggu lalu, telah dikenakan dua lagi tuduhan baru semalam.

Wu Yun Yun, seorang warga China dan Penduduk Tetap Singapura berusia 25 tahun, sebelum ini telah dituduh membunuh adik Encik Tan, mendiang Tan Lead Shane, seorang jurutera komputer yang berusia 34 tahun.

July 28, 2008         
Woman accused of murder breaks down in dock
By Khushwant Singh


Wu Yun Yun (centre) a Singapore permanent resident, is accused of killing computer engineer Tan Lead Sane on the morning of June 28, at their home in Paya Lebar. -- ST PHOTO: WONG KWAI CHOW

THE China-born wife of opposition politician Tan Lead Shake, who is alleged to have murdered her brother-in-law, broke down on seeing her father in court on Monday.

Wu Yun Yun, 25, a Singapore permanent resident, is accused of killing computer engineer Tan Lead Sane, 34, on the morning of June 28, at their home in Paya Lebar.

Mr Tan Lead Sane's wife, Madam Huang Mei Zhe, 34, was also injured in the attack.

Wu, who was arrested at Victoria Street seven hours after the alleged stabbing, was ordered to be remanded till Aug 18 in Changi Women Prison for further psychiatric evaluation.

She burst into tears when she saw her her father in the court room.

After the brief hearing, Wu's 54-year-old father told reporters that he did not know anything about the attack and hopes to find out more about it when he visits her.

He flew here with his other son-in-law three days ago.

Mr Tan Lead Shake was not in court.

If convicted, Wu faces the mandatory death sentence.

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Aug 1, 2008         
Man found dead by daughter
No suspects arrested yet for the murder on Thursday; victim not known to have enemies
By Carolyn Quek and Elizabeth Wilmot


Officers turned up at the crime scene in the early hours of the morning. -- ST PHOTOS: JOYCE FANG

Mr Koh Sam Hong's family members at his flat.

THE naked body of an elderly man was found in his bedroom on Thursday night by his daughter who lived with him.

Retiree Koh Sam Hong, 73, was dead - killed by a single stab wound to his chest.

A kitchen knife was found several centimetres away from his body.

At press time, police had yet to arrest any one.

Mr Koh's daughter, who is in her 30s, returned to their flat in Toa Payoh on Thursday night and found her father lying face-up on the floor of his bedroom.

Policemen buzzed in and out of the flat through the early hours of yesterday but neighbours slept through it.

When The Straits Times visited the scene on Friday morning, forensic officers were seen entering Mr Koh's flat while an investigation officer was talking to a woman - believed to be Mr Koh's daughter - at the void deck.

Mr Koh had moved into the 40th-floor unit in the recently-renovated Block 79C four months ago.

He has six children but only his youngest daughter, who works as a chemist, lives with him.

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Some households to try device that monitors power consumption
By Hasnita A Majid, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 04 August 2008 1927 hrs



SINGAPORE: The National Environment Agency (NEA) is piloting the use of a tracking device that will help consumers know exactly how much they are paying for various appliances in the house.

With the device, the NEA hopes more households will cut down their energy consumption and save on their utilities bills.

To use it, the device needs to be linked to the circuit breaker. The device not only shows the total energy consumed by the household, it also shows how much power up to three selected appliances use and even calculates the dollar value of the energy consumed.

The NEA hopes such devices will help households change their consumption habits.

K Suresh, senior engineer with NEA's Resource Conversation Department, said: "Through this device, we hope to create awareness among the households about saving energy."

Households which have already started using the device reported significant savings due to awareness.

Home owner Tommy Ng said: "Before that, we didn’t know, because there's no dollars and cents. I have nine rooms and if no one is in the rooms and all (of us are) in the hall watching TV and all the nine room lights are on, it consumes a lot of electricity."

With 12 people in Mr Ng's household, this bottom-line awareness, along with initiatives to switch to energy-saving appliances, have translated into savings of about S$400 a month.

The device will soon be found in more homes. The NEA is conducting a pilot project in 200 homes in the North West and South West Community Development Councils, to help households in these areas monitor their energy consumption.

The six-month pilot project will begin this month, and focuses on families in four- and five-room flats.

The devices will be installed free of charge by NEA and Bridex, the company behind the device.

Mr Ng's energy-saving ways, together with those of 11 other families will be featured in a new programme titled "Energy Savers", which will start running this Thursday on MediaCorp's Channel 8 at 8pm.

The show will challenge the 12 households to reduce their energy consumption by at least 10 per cent and invent creative ideas on how to save electricity. The winning household stands to win S$5,000.

Those not involved in the trial can buy the S$200 device at Home-Fix stores from next week.

- CNA/yb

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PRs can use automated clearance soon
By Serene Luo

THE over 440,000 permanent residents (PRs) here will be able to use the speedier electronic immigration clearance channels from as early as next month, saving them time in checkpoint queues.

Electronic channels, installed two years ago at the main checkpoints, have so far been reserved for Singapore citizens and long-term immigration pass holders with special access cards.

These two groups take 12 seconds to have their passports scanned and their thumbprints matched. Clearing immigration the manual way takes 50 seconds.

A month-long trial to allow PRs to use these channels started last Monday at the Singapore Cruise Centre checkpoint.

It will be extended to other checkpoints in phases. PRs will be given access to these e-channels after the kinks are ironed out.

The over 200,000 foreign professionals or students who will be issued a special green long-term pass from next year will also get to use these e-channels, an Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) spokesman said.

Ahead of the Formula One race and the integrated resorts, which will both bring an extra flood of visitors, ICA will build 47 more electronic clearance lanes in the next year at six checkpoints. The Singapore Cruise Centre and Woodlands Checkpoint will get the lion's share.

Improvements to e-channels for motorcyclists are planned. Only single bikers use the e-channels now. Those with pillions have to queue for manual clearance.

About 143 million travellers pass through the borders yearly, of which over 50 million are Singapore citizens and PRs.

Malaysian citizen Lim Hon Hai, 36, holds a long-term immigration pass, so he could breeze through the e-channels now.

But the sheer number of people creates a long tail-back of vehicles to be cleared, and can add 45min to the electrician's daily bike trips in and out of here.

He said: 'If there are more lanes, or if more people can use the electronic lanes, it will be better for all of us who are queuing.'

[email protected]

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LTA launches events in KPE ahead of opening
By Lynlee Foo, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 07 August 2008 1413 hrs



SINGAPORE: Be the first to drive through South East Asia's longest underground road tunnel, the Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway (KPE) tunnel before it fully opens on September 20.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is giving 400 people a chance to race through the unopened nine-kilometre span north of Sims Avenue in a car rally. The rally will be held on September 6.

Motorists who want to participate should form a team of four per car. The race will include a series of tasks and challenges that participants would have to complete.

The idea is to get motorists familiar with the KPE and the road network in its vicinity.

There is also a greener way of exploring the KPE tunnel. Take part in the first ever 10-kilometre tunnel run, or the five-kilometre fun walk and run on September 14.

On the same day, the LTA also aims to break the Guinness World Records by creating the largest lantern parade in the tunnel. A stretch of the KPE will be dimmed for that purpose.

- CNA/yb

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Minister Mah says YOG venue change will save millions of dollars
Posted: 07 August 2008 2345 hrs

Artist's impression of University Town, courtesy of NUS

SINGAPORE: National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan said on Thursday the decision to move the Youth Olympic Village to Nanyang Technological University will save a few hundred million dollars.

The decision on the change of venue was announced by Singapore Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee (SYOGOC) at a news conference last Saturday. Rising construction costs worldwide was cited as a reason for the change.

The initial plan was to site the Olympic Village at the National University of Singapore's S$500-million University Town, which is presently under construction.

Construction of the University Town is continuing, but with less urgency. Mr Mah said facilities such as the Sports Hub will also experience a delay in construction.

"I think where the facility or the infrastructure is not urgent, where we can afford to delay, we will delay. I mean, the Sports Hub is not so critical that it has to be finished by this particular date, so if we can delay one or two years, why not? We can save some money and also help the construction industry to cool down a bit," he said.

Mr Mah was speaking to reporters at his Ministry's National Day observance ceremony.

He also touched on the issue of inflation which has hit Singaporeans due to spiralling oil and gas prices. He disagreed that subsidies by the government was the way to address the issue.

"By subsidising, I think we are creating a different solution. You're not making people save; people will not save energy, for example. So what the government is doing is to give out grants. People should make use of the grants to help them reduce their food bill or their energy bill," the minister said.


- CNA/so

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Have you seen this man with a laptop?


The man appears to be in his 30s, is plump, about 1.70m tall and has short hair. He was wearing a black polo T-shirt and blue jeans.


POLICE are appealing for information on the identity and whereabouts of this man to assist them in investigation into a case of a laptop that was taken from the Tanah Merah MRT station on May 16, 2008 at about 2.30 pm.

The man appears to be in his 30s, is plump, about 1.70m tall and has short hair. He was wearing a black polo T-shirt and blue jeans.

Anyone with information can call the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000

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Aug 7, 2008         
MASTERPLAN FOR INFORMATION & COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY
Classrooms to be fully IT-wired by 2014
Mobile, independent learning is the goal for third phase of ICT scheme in schools
By Amelia Tan & Grace Chua


SOUPED-UP LESSONS: A pupil from Tampines North Primary shows Education Minister Ng Eng Hen an electronic storybook used during her lessons. Using a webcam, the pupils act out the roles in the book. -- PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO

More students here will soon benefit from a similar setting.

Education Minister Ng Eng Hen said at the start of the first two-day International Conference on Teaching and Learning with Technology (iCTLT) that technology would soon be used in all aspects of learning.

He unveiled the plan, which covers everything from learning to assessment, on Tuesday during his opening address at the iCTLT, which brought together 1,700 school leaders and educators, researchers and academics.

'We expect to see, at the end of Masterplan 3, a pervasive culture of innovative information and communications technology (ICT) practices across all schools,' he said.

To roll out these changes in schools islandwide, corps of specialist teachers will be assigned to each cluster.

They will demonstrate a deep understanding of how ICT can transform education.

The plan aims to equip students with the skills for independent learning, provide more computers for learning on the go and student-tailored ICT learning classes.

The cost of mp3 has not been confirmed, but it will build on the 11-year foundation of the first two phases.

Mp1, which lasted from 1997 to 2002, cost $1 billion. Teachers replaced overhead projectors with computers in classrooms and were taught basic skills such as using presentation software for lessons.

Mp2, the second phase, which began in 2003 and ends this year, received a budget of $470 million. Students could use technology such as podcasts to review their oral skills.

Baseline ICT standards were also set, ensuring that students acquire certain ICT skills at various milestones, such as basic typing skills by Primary 3.

To make the most of mp3, however, teachers must first learn to translate technology into effective lessons, not merely convert paper assignments into computer ones.

Also, the uneven nature of the quality of ICT teaching methods across schools must be addressed.When taught well, learners can develop more than just a skill.

Receptionist Martina Lee, 46, whose 11-year-old daughter Marcella has been Madam Nur Ilyana's art pupil for three years, said that her child's art interest had deepened so much that 'I think she will continue doing art for a long time'.

[email protected]

[email protected]

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Police appealing for information on missing man
By Chio Su-Mei, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 08 August 2008 2208 hrs




SINGAPORE : A 75-year-old Chinese man has gone missing. Police are appealing for information on the whereabouts of Mr Cheng Sim Kim.

He was last seen by his daughter on Thursday at 9.15am at his home at Block 117, Clementi Street 13.

Mr Cheng is about 1.65 metres tall and sports grey hair.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts can call the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000. - CNA/ms

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CNB serves 117 warning letters to stores selling inhalant products to abusers
By Margaret Perry, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 13 August 2008 2014 hrs



SINGAPORE : Since September 2007, the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) has served 117 warning letters to storekeepers who have been found selling inhalant products to suspected abusers.

This is part of a national drive to make it more difficult for glue sniffers and inhalant abusers to have access to such products.

In the first half of this year, 352 inhalant abusers were arrested, of which 221 were aged below 20 years old. This compares to 242 abusers aged under 20 years old who were caught last year.

Some hardware stores have taken their own measures to minimise the risk of selling oil-based glue and paint thinners to abusers.

One such store does not sell them to persons under 18 years old. It also records buyers' identity card or passport details.

"Nowadays, a lot of Singaporeans are understanding, so when we get the IC or passport details, they are will be quite nice to us. Up till now, we've never encountered any youngsters purchasing the glue or thinner before," said Kenny Tan, manager of Selffix DIY at Vivocity.

Some smaller retailers said they no longer stock cans of oil-based glue because of the hassle of keeping such records. They added the only ones who come into their store asking for thinner are contractors.

CNB have visited more than 250 hardware stores since last September to advise shopkeepers to exercise caution in the sale of intoxicating inhalant products, especially to young persons.

Warning letters are given to those found selling inhalant products to suspected abusers, and officers monitor the stores closely.

The officers also shared with the shopkeepers some of the telltale signs of abuse and the harmful effects of inhalant abuse. - CNA /ls

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Investigations ongoing in case involving NS man who left camp with thunderflashes
By Imelda Saad, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 13 August 2008 2042 hrs

SINGAPORE : The 18-year-old youth caught carrying military drill pyrotechnics or thunderflashes outside the army camp may face a charge of "dishonest misappropriation of Singapore Armed Forces property".

Under the SAF Act, this carries a penalty of up to 7 years in jail.

The SAF Act S43A stipulates that an offender shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction by a subordinate military court where the property stolen or dishonestly misappropriated consists of an aircraft, a vessel, or arms, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years and in any other case to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or any less punishment.

Police arrested the full-time National Service man at Boat Quay while conducting anti-crime rounds in the early hours of National Day.

When ignited, thunderflashes mimic battlefield blasts, and can cause injuries if exploded near a person.

It is not known how the youth had smuggled the thunderflashes out of camp and what he planned to do with them.

The police and Ministry of Defence are investigating the incident. - CNA /ls

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Investigations ongoing in case involving NS man who left camp with thunderflashes
By Imelda Saad, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 13 August 2008 2042 hrs

SINGAPORE : The 18-year-old youth caught carrying military drill pyrotechnics or thunderflashes outside the army camp may face a charge of "dishonest misappropriation of Singapore Armed Forces property".

Under the SAF Act, this carries a penalty of up to 7 years in jail.

The SAF Act S43A stipulates that an offender shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction by a subordinate military court where the property stolen or dishonestly misappropriated consists of an aircraft, a vessel, or arms, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years and in any other case to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or any less punishment.

Police arrested the full-time National Service man at Boat Quay while conducting anti-crime rounds in the early hours of National Day.

When ignited, thunderflashes mimic battlefield blasts, and can cause injuries if exploded near a person.

It is not known how the youth had smuggled the thunderflashes out of camp and what he planned to do with them.

The police and Ministry of Defence are investigating the incident. - CNA /ls

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Singapura : 14 Ogos 2008        
         
PERMINTAAN BAGI GERAI BAZAR LEMBAP

Kadar sewa naik dek kenaikan harga barangan jadi punca

Oleh
Chairul Fahmy Hussaini


KENAIKAN harga barangan dan perkhidmatan menyebabkan sewa gerai bazar Ramadan di Geylang Serai meningkat sekitar 10 peratus. Ini pula menyebabkan permintaan bagi gerai agak lembap, dengan hanya 65 hingga 70 peratus gerai telah disewa peniaga sejauh ini.

Menurut pengendali bazar, keadaan berbeza daripada tahun lalu apabila permintaan rancak sekitar sebulan sebelum Ramadan. Para peniaga yang dihubungi mengaku mereka mengambil sikap hati-hati tahun ini.

Tinjauan Berita Harian mendapati kadar sewa gerai bazar Ramadan tahun ini antara $2,000 dengan $10,000 sebuah.

Ditanya mengapa kadar sewa meningkat, pengendali bazar bagi pihak Jawatankuasa Perundingan Rakyat (CCC) Kelab Masyarakat Geylang Serai, Encik Ivan Ho, daripada TLK Trade Fair Events, berkata ia disebabkan kos pengendalian meningkat.

'Harga minyak diesel meningkat dan kami perlu diesel untuk menggerakkan janakuasa. Kos pengawal trafik juga meningkat mendadak. Jadi kami terpaksa naikkan sewa,' jelasnya, sambil mendedahkan setakat ini hanya 65 peratus, iaitu 149, daripada 229 gerainya telah disewa.

'Biasanya pada masa-masa begini kami sudah dapat sewakan 90 peratus gerai,' ujarnya.

Pengarah Urusan Lilian Tan Trade Fair, Encik Alan Toh, yang menguruskan bazar anjuran CCC Kampong Ubi di kawasan di sebalah pasar sementara Geylang Serai, pula berkata sejauh ini hanya 70 peratus, iaitu 140, daripada 200 gerainya telah disewa.

'Permintaan tidak serancak tahun lalu kerana ekonomi tak menentu,' ujarnya.

Seorang peniaga, Encik Khalid Mohd Shariff, misalnya, menyewa lima gerai tahun ini berbanding 14 gerai pada tahun-tahun sudah.

'Kini sewa gerai rata-rata naik $1,000. Peniaga minta pengendali bazar kurangkan sewa tapi permintaan tak dilayan. Alasan mereka kos tender mahal. Ekonomi pula tak menentu. Terus terang saya kata keadaan dah tak sama macam dulu,' ujarnya.

Peniaga pakaian, Encik Ali Ahmad, yang menyewa dua gerai di bazar Geylang Serai kali ini berbanding lima pada tahun lalu, berkata: 'Saya tak berani sewa banyak gerai kerana susah nak tampung rugi nanti.'

Namun, permintaan bagi gerai bazar di sebelah Stesen MRT Woodlands mantap. Penasihat Jawatankuasa Eksekutif Kegiatan Melayu (MAEC) Balai Rakyat Admiralty, Encik Johari Ahamad, berkata permintaan bagi kesemua 201 gerai yang disewakan baik.

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LTA to install more cycling signs on popular cycling routes
By Hoe Yeen Nie, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 14 August 2008 2107 hrs



SINGAPORE : Beginning August 18, more signs will be put up along roads in the central and western parts of Singapore to warn motorists of the presence of cyclists.

The roads, which include Kranji Way, Upper Thomson Road and West Coast Highway, are popular with cycling enthusiasts who often use them for training.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) - which spearheads the project along with local interest group, the Safe Cyclists Task Force - believes this will make the roads safer for the two-wheelers, and get more people cycling.

Last October, it conducted a successful pilot in Changi.

More information on where the signs will be put up can be found on the LTA website. - CNA /ls

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Death from blood poisoning
By Elena Chong



Hajjah Hasiah, who had a history of ischemic heart disease and asthma, died on April 6 from extensive burns to her hands and legs. -- PHOTO: FAMILY OF HAJJAH HASIAH

A 66-YEAR-OLD woman died of blood poisoning due to extensive burns two weeks after she was injured in a flash fire at home.

Hajjah Hasiah, who had a history of ischemic heart disease and asthma, died on April 6 from extensive burns to her hands and legs.

Her husband, Mr Idris Omar, 72, was also burned in the legs. He spent 13 days in hospital.

A coroner's inquiry on Thursday heard that Hajjah Hasiah was having problems connecting the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) regulator to a spare tank at her Bedok North Street 3 home on March 23.

She woke up her husband who went to the kitchen and heard a hissing sound coming from the LPG cylinder.

He quickly connected the LPG regulator to the cylinder and the sound stopped.

While he was in the toilet, he heard a loud explosion.

He came out and saw his wife's clothes on fire and managed to put off the fire using a gunnysack.

Two months before the incident, a technician from the LPG gas supplier had gone to the flat to rectify a fault on a cylinder.

According to the husband, the technician had told him that he could insert a matchstick into the LPG cylinder valve outlet to tighten it.

Matchsticks were found inserted in both the LPG cylinder valve outlets but Mr Idris denied doing this.

State Coroner Victor Yeo will give his verdict next Tuesday.

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Trio spared the gallows
They get long jail terms instead after charges against them were reduced
By Khushwant Singh



THREE men caught trafficking heroin have escaped death sentences after prosecutors decided to reduce the charges.

The trio were nabbed after smuggling about 18.4g of the drug in from Johor - a total just above the 15g threshold that carries a mandatory trip to the gallows.

In the High Court yesterday, two of them pleaded guilty to ferrying 14.99g of the drug while the third admitted to possessing that amount.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Leong Wing Tuck told The Straits Times that the charges were reduced after discussions with defence lawyers, though he did not elaborate.

Malaysians Lim Chan Pung, 22, and Tai Kang Seng, 25, received the minimum sentence of 20 years in jail and 15 strokes of the cane; Singaporean Chia Teck Khoon, 40, was jailed 23 years and ordered to be given 15 strokes.

Justice Woo Bih Li reminded the three how lucky they were.

He said: 'You have been foolish to have been involved in the drug trade.

'You should also realise how fortunate you are not to face a capital charge.'

Legal observers said the decision was not uncommon.

'Nobody wants to send an offender to the hangman so easily. It's a very serious punishment,' said Mr Shashi Nathan of Harry Elias Partnership

'The prosecution may determine that justice may be better served by the 20- to 30-year jail term.'

Lawyers for the three men told The Straits Times that the amount of heroin seized - less than 4g above the death sentence mark - likely contributed to the decision to reduce the charges.

'The prosecution may have felt it was too small an amount to demand the hanging of three men,' said Lim's lawyer A. Alagappan.

The trio were arrested last Oct 17 after the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) received a tip-off that Chia was planning to bring in heroin from Malaysia, the court heard yesterday.

After $4,250 was paid to a drug dealer in Johor, Tai and Lim drove through the Woodlands Checkpoint with the 30 packets of powdery substance containing the 18.5g of heroin, wrapped in a white plastic bag.

Tai got out later and Lim drove to Circuit Road to pass the drugs to Chia.

CNB officers arrested Lim as he was returning to Johor and simultaneously raided Chia's flat. They found the heroin hidden in a suitcase in his living room.

Tai was arrested at Woodlands Centre.

All three men decided to plead guilty once the charges were reduced two weeks ago.

Yesterday, Tai's lawyer, Mr Amolat Singh, said that his client had just lost his job as a salesman and was desperate for money.

Mr Singh asked the court to hand his client the minimum sentence of 20 years and 15 strokes of the cane.

'As the eldest son, he wanted to provide financial assistance to his widowed mother.'

Mr Alagappan said Lim had also lost his job as a salesman. He had been promised RM$1,500 (S$634) for ferrying the drugs into Singapore.

Chia was the only accomplice with previous criminal and drug convictions.

Defence lawyer Anand Nalachandran said Chia, who is single, had been a heroin addict since his 20s.

He had already spent nearly a decade in prison for possessing and consuming drugs and now is looking to another two decades behind bars, his lawyer noted.

He asked Justice Woo for a compassionate sentence as Chia was only trafficking to pay for his heroin addiction.

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