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Mr Pannirselvam Muthusamy has had hot noodles thrown in his face and he has been punched in the ribs. He gets sworn at almost every day. This is the life of the enforcement officer for parking and traffic offences, because his job is to issue summonses to motorists who flout parking and other traffic rules. Though only six months in the job, Mr Pannirselvam is already involved in three ongoing police cases of abuse by motorists. His plight is shared by many others doing the same job. Certis Cisco, Mr Pannirselvam's employer, told The Sunday Times that the number of cases where members of the public have abused traffic wardens physically or verbally has been creeping up. This is aside from almost routine encounters, when motorists get angry when issued a summons. Traffic wardens said that some drivers would crush the summons, or turn on their vehicles' windscreen wipers to get rid of it, or hurl it back at the officers. Source: http://www.straitstimes.com/breaking-news/...e-rise-20120923 ---------------------------------------------------- MYTHS ABOUT TRAFFIC WARDENS... AND SUMMONSES 1.Traffic wardens receive a commission for summonses issued Certis Cisco said this is not true. Traffic wardens are not required to meet a quota and are not paid according to the number of summonses they issue while on duty. 2.They can void summonses after they have been issued The traffic or parking offence is recorded once the offence and vehicle details are keyed into the electronic hand-held device. That is why traffic wardens are unable to void the summons. 3.You can escape summonses if you throw away the notice or refuse to accept it The Sunday Times was told by traffic wardens that some drivers would crush the summonses, try to use their vehicles' windscreen wipers to get rid of them or hurl it back at the traffic wardens. But that does not mean the motorist will not be taken to task for the offence. An official letter detailing the offence and penalty will still be mailed to the vehicle owner.

Car owners carrying out illegal modifications are on the rise. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) said there's been an almost 30 per cent jump in the number from 2011. Between January and April this year, the number of summons issued by LTA averages at 784 each month, compared to a monthly average of 611 last year. Some of the most common illegal vehicle modifications are tinted windows and lighting infringements. Drivers who modify their cars call it their "interest" and "passion". There is even a car show and competition just to flaunt the many flashy modifications. But such a hobby does not come cheap as it can amount to tens of thousands of dollars. Experts Channel NewsAsia spoke to said these modifications done illegally can be dangerous. The probability of an illegally modified car going up in flames after encountering an impact has a 70 per cent higher risk relative to cars that did not undergo any illegal modifications. Also, the illegal modifications can cause damage to the car in the long run. Owner of Hanip Automobiles, Hanip Abdul, said: "You (the car) lose a lot of power; there're a lot of unburnt gas coming out from (the car's) gaspipe. There're a lot of things happening to your car. Eventually you see that your car (has) no power, outside concession very high. These are (what) they call wrong illegal modifications." He further added that it is not advisable to carry out any illegal modifications as every car has been designed to its optimum condition. Nevertheless, not all modifications are illegal. Motorists who wish to modify their vehicles are advised to check with the LTA or look up the guidelines. For first-time offenders who illegally modify their vehicles, they face a fine of up to S$1,000, or a jail term of up to three months. Repeat offenders will face a fine of up to S$2,000, or a jail term of up to six months. The LTA will also take actions against workshops found to be facilitating illegal modifications. Such workshops will face a fine of up to S$2,000, or a jail term of up to three months, for the first offence; and a fine of up to S$5,000, or a jail term of up to six months for repeat offences. Source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/sin...1216289/1/.html

Is it not tantamount to having a minimum wage policy in this case? Frankly how much can $50 last for these low-wage workers? Enough to maybe ease their daily transport burden slightly or maybe add an additional veg portion for their lunch? BTW before these workers jump for joy, it is only a "recommendation" only & not compulsory on the part of their employers hor. Just glad that at least they acknowledge part of Pro Lim's earlier wage proposal which has some bearing on their recommendations. From CNA: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/sin...1203113/1/.html Give low-wage workers pay rise of at least $50: NWC By Saifulbahri Ismail/Tan Qiuyi | Posted: 23 May 2012 1802 hrs

Quite sad to learn of this. Cases of the elderly being basically abandoned by their kids at these nursing homes are reported to be on the rise. The report also mentioned that these aged parents being forsakened by their children did not want want go to the Small Claims Tribunal or resort to the Tribunal for the Maintenance of Parents because they were ashamed to be left there in the first place and did not want to further embarrass themselves to seek outside help. Granted some families genuinely faced financial difficulties or have strained relationships with their elderly but to dump them at the elderly homes is really not the right thing to do. One particular case was brought up which a local Singaporean even abandoning his mum at a JB nursing home and refused to pay up or pick up phone calls from the nursing home (Check out the embedded video from 1min 38s onwards). In the Chinese news, he was interviewed and claimed his two sisters would pay up and that he did not give two hoots what others thought of him as long as he live a happy life. From CNA: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/sin...1208889/1/.html Cases of families defaulting on nursing home payments on the rise By Vimita Mohandas/Lip Kwok Wai/Wee Leng | Posted: 20 June 2012 2123 hrs SINGAPORE: Some eldercare facilities in Singapore are seeing more cases of families defaulting on their payment and also facing the challenge of trying to contact family members. About half of the 110 patients at Lee Ah Mooi Old Age Home have defaulted on their payments, which ranges from about one to two months. To help these financially strapped families, the home works out instalment plans and even offers subsidies, but more often than not its hands are tied as families are just not able to fork out the expenses. Some remain uncontactable, simply abandoning their loved ones. The home said it has tried to seek help from the Small Claims Tribunal and the Tribunal for the Maintenance of Parents, but it is not as easy as it seems. Manager of the Lee Ah Mooi Old Age Home Then Kim Yuan said: "We as a caregiver of the patient can help apply for this tribunal (The Maintenance of Parents Act), but we have to be authorised by the patient or by the parents. "Unfortunately, most of the time we don't get the permission because to them, it's a shame to be abandoned in the nursing home. If they were to force their children to pay for the expenses, they will feel even more embarrassed". Mr Then added that the process at the Small Claims Tribunal is also long and tedious and family members usually do not turn up for these sessions. The home also feels that the small fee that they have to fork out for the mediation process is not money well spent. This problem has also spread across the causeway to the Comfort Ville Home nursing care centre in Taman Johor Jaya. Representatives from the home said they have tried to contact Singaporean Joseph Tay, whose mother was admitted in March. The home alleges that Mr Tay owes them 6000 ringgit. Staff-in-charge at Comfort Ville Home Goh Ker Xin said: "When we admit a patient, we will collect a one-month deposit from the patients' families. However, Mr Tay said he couldn't afford it and we still decided to help him. But he hasn't come back to visit his mother and has disappeared." Mr Tay, who is unemployed, said he could not afford the bills and that his siblings would settle the expenses. Responding to queries from Channel NewsAsia, the Ministry of Health said it does not condone the abandonment of patients in residential healthcare institutions, such as nursing homes or hospitals. "We are saddened to see such occurrences," a ministry spokesperson said. "In such situations, institutions will engage the family on an amicable resolution, such as financial assistance through subsidies, Medifund, charity dollars or payment by installations. "The Maintenance of Parents Act can be exercised by elderly patients to pursue his/her child for maintenance, should such an unfortunate situation occur." - CNA/wm

SINGAPORE: After the recent news report,

LOL..... CNA report: 7 in 10 S'pore employers promote staff without pay rise Posted: 13 June 2012 1619 hrs SINGAPORE: Nearly seven in 10 (68 per cent) Singapore employers promote their staff without giving them a pay rise. Singapore comes in third after Chile (79 per cent) and China (70 per cent) as the top three countries that adopt this practice. That's according to a survey by recruitment firm, Robert Half. It polled 1,800 human resource managers across 17 countries. In Japan, only 26 per cent of HR managers promote their staff without pay increases, with 66 per cent saying they would never use the practice. According to the survey, 53 per cent of Singapore companies promote staff to more senior positions without a rise in salary because they prefer to offer a performance bonus instead. Another 47 per cent prefer to offer their employees more flexible working hours. Additional annual leave is also offered by 35 per cent of HR managers in lieu of additional pay. Robert Half said there are risks for companies offering a promotion without a pay rise, and employers should offer adequate compensation either through pay or other benefits to retain their staff. Ms Stella Tang, director of Robert Half Singapore said, "While pay is not the only factor employees consider, if companies do not provide adequate compensation either through pay or other benefits, then they may lose their top performers to the competition. In particular, within the banking & financial services and commercial sectors, companies are struggling to get the right finance and accounting professionals to fill jobs. "If an employee with the right skills tests their worth in the employment market, they may find they have several job offers to choose from. If budget constraints mean no additional monetary compensation can be offered, the reasons why need to be clearly communicated." She added that for some employees, especially those with families, offering more flexible work arrangements may be of more value than money. "It comes down to whether an employee can come to an agreement with their employer that balances their professional goals with remuneration for their efforts," said Ms Tang. - CNA/cc More work, more responsibilities and who don't want pay increase, please tell me ....

Dear God, Please make sure my boss reads this and concurs... [laugh] From CNA: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/sin...1199553/1/.html HR experts recommend pay rise By Saifulbahri Ismail | Posted: 06 May 2012 1631 hrs

The Straits Times The Straits Times Published on Apr 28, 2012 Printed from straitstimes.com Wages must rise faster with higher living costs: Minister Slow down income gap growth: Swee Say By Janice Heng The higher cost of living means that wages must go up faster, said labour chief Lim Swee Say on Friday. The widening of the income gap must also be slowed down, added the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) secretary-general in a message ahead of the labour movement's celebrations on May Day on Tuesday. Inflation hit a high of 5.2 per cent last month, after staying at more than 4 per cent in the first two months of the year. In his message, Mr Lim also set out the challenges - old and new - which Singapore faces. Copyright

I thought his right hand man Tharman PROMISED 30% increase over 10 years during GE2011? Now, PM lowered expectations by one third to 20% increase over 10 years?

REALLY MERH??!?!?!?! HOW COMES I DUNNNO!!?!?!?!?! http://sg.news.yahoo.com/singapore-residen...comes-rise.html Incomes of Singaporeans and permanent residents rose sharply this year amid good economic growth and a tighter labour market. Also, the employment rates for older residents and for women in their prime-working age reached new highs, according to findings of the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Based on the Labour Force Survey conducted in June, the median monthly income from work of full-time employed residents

Serious? You guys got it? From CNA: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/sin...1141023/1/.html Most workers in S'pore had a pay rise this year: Survey Posted: 15 July 2011 0706 hrs SINGAPORE: More than 82 per cent of people working in Singapore received a salary increase this year, a global web survey of 3,200 professionals by recruitment consultancy Robert Walters has revealed. The large increases in Singapore this year came predominantly from the non-financial services industry, as salaries within the financial services sector had a sharp increase last year, said Ms Andrea Ross, managing director at Robert Walters (Singapore and Malaysia), in a statement released on Thursday. Of the 752 respondents in Singapore, 40 per cent received a pay rise of between 1 and 5 per cent, 20 per cent received between 6 and 10 per cent, 14 per cent received between 11 and 20 per cent and 8 per cent received more than 21 per cent. Ms Ross said the results were not surprising given Singapore saw strong economic growth last year. "Another factor contributing to the increase in salaries at the start of the year would be an added focus of companies in trying to retain their top talent by providing competitive remuneration," she said. The global survey, conducted from March to May this year, revealed that the highest pay rises came in Asia - 45 per cent of respondents from China, 26 per cent of respondents in Thailand, 24 per cent of respondents in Malaysia, 22 per cent of respondents in Singapore and 21 per cent of respondents from Hong Kong received salary increases of 10 per cent or more. In comparison, the figure for the United Kingdom was 16 per cent. Elsewhere, locations where a particularly large proportion of professionals received no pay rise at all this year included Ireland (65 per cent of respondents), New Zealand (49 per cent), Belgium (39 per cent) and Australia (35 per cent). - TODAY

Be realistic in your vote. note that prices have so far risen 100% compared to 5 years ago 5 years ago, $1k psf in suburbs are unheard of...e.g. Jurong, pasir ris etc... i am very curious......2k psf for jurong condo? comon...when the average pay of grad is 2.5k-3k? 1 thing for sure, if im the government, i will be sweating if that's gonna happen...

Congratulations Singapore! ----- Jun 1, 2011 Singapore millionaires rise by almost 33%: Study Around one per cent of households have 39 per cent of the globe's wealth according to a study published on Tuesday, with Singapore's millionaires rising by almost 33 per cent in 2010. --ST PHOTO: ABDUL AZIZ HUSSIN WASHINGTON - AROUND one per cent of households have 39 per cent of the globe's wealth according to a study published on Tuesday, with Singapore's millionaires rising by almost 33 per cent in 2010. Over 15 per cent of households in Singapore have over a million dollars in assets under management, well ahead of the Switzerland and the oil-rich Arabian Gulf states. The number of millionaire households across the globe increased 12 per cent in 2010, according to The Boston Consulting Group report, increasing millionaires' share of wealth from 37 per cent in 2009, pointing to increased inequalities in the wake of the global downturn. Despite being at the epicentre of the global financial meltdown, the United States had by far the most millionaires last year, with 5.2 million millionaire households, and increase of 1.3 per cent from the previous year. Japan was second with 1.53 million and China third with 1.11 million. But it is emerging markets in Asia that can expect to see the biggest growth, increasing their share of wealth by 2.9 percentage points in 2010. -- AFP

SINGAPORE : Motor insurance premiums will continue to go up this year as insurers look to recoup underwriting losses, said the president of the General Insurance Association of Singapore (GIA), Derek Teo. GIA said the industry's underwriting losses widened to S$48.9 million, some S$4 million higher than in 2009. Last year, the average motor insurance premium rose 6.5 per cent to S$1,100. In 2009, it had increased by a larger 20 per cent. GIA said the two major floods last year led to 428 motor insurance claims amounting to S$11.6 million. The number of reported accidents in Singapore also remained high at some 162,500 last year. Motor insurance accounts for the largest slice of the general insurance pie, making up roughly 40 per cent of the industry. - CNA/al

As you guys know the top 30 richest politician in the world are all from Singapore QUOTE (Friendstar @ Mar 13 2011, 04:07 PM) The TOP 30 highest paid politicians in the world are all from Singapore: 1. Elected President SR Nathan - S$4.2 million. 2. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong - S$3.8 million. 3. Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew - S$3.5 million. 4. Senior Minister Goh Chok Thong - S$3.5 million. 5. Senior Minister Prof Jayakumar - S$3.2 million. 6. DPM & Home Affairs Minister Wong Kan Seng - S$2.9 million. 7. DPM & Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean - $2.9 million 8. Foreign Affairs Minister George Yeo - S$2.8 million. 9. National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan - S$2.7 million. 10. PMO Miniser Lim Boon Heng - S$2.7 million. 11. Trade and Industry Minister Lim Hng Kiang - S$2.7 million. 12. PMO Minister Lim Swee Say - S$2.6 million. 13. Environment Minister & Muslim Affairs Minister Dr Yaccob Ibrahim - S$2.6 million. 14. Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan - S$2.6 million. 15. Finance Minister S Tharman - S$2.6 million. 16. Education Minister & 2nd Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen - S$2.6 million. 17. Community Development Youth and Sports Minister - Dr Vivian Balakrishnan - S$2.5 million. 18. Transport Minister & 2nd Minister for Foreign Affairs Raymond Lim Siang Kiat - S$2.5 million. 19. Law Minister & 2nd Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam - S$2.4 million. 20. Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong - S$2.2 million. 21. PMO Minister Lim Hwee Hwa - S$2.2 million 22. Acting ICA Minister - Lui Tuck Yew - S$2.0 million. 23 to 30 = Senior Ministers of State and Ministers of State - each getting between S$1.8 million to S$1.5 million Btw, to add on: Our Dear Mr President just got his pay rise ( $4.2million annual) With reference : http://sg.news.yahoo.com/singapore-preside...2-million-.html ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Here's my question: 1) How come the govertment can approve such a high paying salary cap in the first place? Compare to other countries, its way too high? 2) Is there any bench-mark citing how much is the MAXIMUM each of them are able to draw? Else, every year there will be an increase? 3) Justify the "Performance" work done for the reason of the increase Frankly speaking, in my opinion, i am not justified with why the president can get such an increase 4) From the annual pay which we have looked as above, does it include 13th bonus and other incentives ,etc? Are these the total sum of money they got or are there any hidden? 5) One last question: Do they pay Taxes? Do they pay COE for their car? Note: I am trying to be neutral in my post. I believe we should have the rights to know. Btw, it's the tax-payers money they are drawing. You, Mine, Ours which we have contributed...

Are we even on the same planet? While the whole wide world braces for the impact of price increases in oil, food and commodities, Parliament has quietly moved to increase the selected president's salary to $4,267,500, a hefty 20.8% quantum jump of $890,700. That's double the percentage increase of the financial assistance package for the poor, which was recently adjusted from $360 to $400 per month. If you haven't spewed your morning coffee yet, listen to this. Minister Thaman proposed the change for "recruitment of an additional staff officer to support the work of the Council of Presidential Advisers and a butler manager to meet increased demand for butler services, and the high variable payments on account of a strong economic growth". We know from Tom Plate's account that Lee Kuan Yew has two staff just to provide hot towels for his aching bones, but are there so many butlers there in the Istana that they need a "butler manager" to supervise the servants? It's bad enough to read of "higher variable payments", Tharman also uses the term '"ad hoc spending". Does the national budget also have a YOG styled "other costs" accounting entry? Tharman tried to downplay the gross abuse of public funds by saying that the total expenditure for the "Civil List for the President of the Republic of Singapore" will be the same as the revised 2010 figure of $11,605,000. What he did not say to the public is that the original 2010 figure was $10,354,700. Why and when was the number "revised" by $1,250,300 to $11,605,000? Just in time for the 2011 budget? By the way, while sky rocketing COEs are threatening the affordability of cars for those who need to drive for work purposes, these guys have also decided that the president needs a new office car. Are we even on the same planet?

SINGAPORE: Shares of telecom giant SingTel gained one per cent to S$3.00 on Tuesday on news that it has bagged the title sponsorship for the Singapore Grand Prix for another two years until 2012. Analysts said the sponsorship will further boost the company's profile and could potentially bolster its share price as well going forward. The sponsorship renewal follows the expiry of its initial three-year contract last month. In a statement, SingTel said the Formula One race in Singapore has raised awareness and strengthened SingTel as a global brand. Market watchers agree but warn that after three years, SingTel may have to re-inject some energy into the race experience and prevent any 'fan fatigue'. Ben Flint, Head of Asia Pacific at sports and entertainment marketing agency Fuse said: "2010 felt flat in comparison to the initial euphoria of the first event in 2008 and the additional buzz created by F1 Rocks in 2009." He added that not just SingTel but all stakeholders need to "dial up the energy". SingTel seems to have this on their minds as well, announcing several 'firsts' for this year's Grand Prix. For example, SingTel will be introducing a multi-platform viewing experience for this year's race, allowing fans to catch the race action anywhere - whether it is "live" on STAR Sports on mio TV Channel 115, online, or with their mobile devices. SingTel did not reveal how much it forked out to renew the contract but previous media reports have speculated it paid between US$8 million and US$10 million. Observers said this should not cause a dent to the company's coffers and will not have an impact on the telco's share price as it would have been factored in by now. Wong Sui Jau, Managing Director of Fundsupermart, said: "SingTel generally has been growing and has actually expanded its regional footprint as well, so this is a good way to increase their brand awareness. "So generally I think it is a good idea to keep up this kind of branding because you actually have to keep on continuing to spend money to achieve the constant awareness, because people's attention span tends to be very short." source http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/sin...1113740/1/.html

Probably by 0.5% or 0.75%. If you are thinking of buying big ticket items, factor this into your calculation. It is going to happen................... Cheers.

By Tony Ng PUMP prices have risen for the second time this month. Shell was the first to hike prices for all grades of petrol and diesel by four cents each at 3pm today while Caltex followed suit at 5pm. Prices of 92, 95 and 98-octane petrol are now $1.907, $1.967 and $2.050 a litre. Shell V-Power is $2.249 a litre and Caltex's Platinium is $2.095 a litre. Diesel is $1.453 a litre. The increase followed a five-cent hike on Dec 7. Prices are before station discounts.

Yahoo news report : Rise of

Ok, kana chase by mod, even we squat more then 50 pages, still kana chase away and land taken under our feet for re-development. Lai lai, Part Two starts off here. [laugh]

Just when we thought China's automotive industry had made some headway in the quality department, we get word that complaints about new car quality in the country have risen significantly over the past few months. During the first quarter of this year, complains on vehicles purchased within the last six months climbed 15 percent over last year's figures. Those numbers come courtesy of the China Association for Quality. Even more surprising, the increase marks a nine-percent jump over the number of complaints filed during the fourth quarter of 2009. By and large, the defects concerned engine issues as well as small parts. A total of 94.6 percent of the complaints were lodged against cars costing less than $44,000. [source: Gasgoo]

I just want to know which one will irritate u the most on the road.. as i see many people complains about road hogging and people who drove like crazy taxis ( speedings, sudden cut lanes, Zig Zag Filtering )

HI Experts Forumers, http://www.streetdirectory.com/asia_travel...vel_site_36650/ Can share your view & logic on why the traffic light has no right turn arrow to Olive road (caldecott hill) at this junction? There is a lane fitering to right but no traffic light arrow, has also noted that there is a signage saying NO RIGHT Turn from 7am-9am but what about the rest of the day? If not arrow then what's the point of making that fiter lane? http://www.streetdirectory.com/asia_travel.../travel_site_1/ Oh, also no right turn at the junction of Dunearn road to Balmoral road during certain time, what logic huh? Other than due to the school nearby. Thanks in advance for clarification :)