PLAN B

A Grab autonomous shuttle was caught on camera narrowly avoiding a child at a pedestrian crossing along Punggol Field Walk on 5 November. The incident comes amid Singapore’s ongoing rollout of autonomous vehicles, raising fresh concerns over pedestrian safety and the reliability of driverless technology on public roads. Credits: SGRV FOLLOW US ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA: Https://lnk.bio/planb.sg

Aliff Daniel publicly declared his repentance alongside his mother and sister at a JAIS ceremony on 5 November, following controversy over his participation in Hindu rituals at Batu Caves in 2024. The ceremony came a day after he pleaded guilty to wrongful worship and was ordered to undergo three months of religious rehabilitation. His mother and sister also expressed regret over shortcomings in guiding and supporting him. Credits: Berita AlHijrah, kannankrishnan, samahseriya2 FOLLOW US ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA: Https://lnk.bio/planb.sg

A 36-year-old Singaporean mother of seven with four different partners has drawn online backlash after appearing on local podcast So $crewed to discuss her relationships and financial struggles. Some netizens called the decisions made by her and her current husband “stupid” and “irresponsible”, while others questioned her decision to encourage him to leave his stable job. Pearlyn said she spends about $4,000 a month supporting four of her children, while earning around $3,000 monthly as a private-hire driver. Credits: .jj7674/TT, popping_sg/TT, Mothership FOLLOW US ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA: Https://lnk.bio/planb.sg

Canva is laying off 1,271 employees, or about 22% of its global workforce, as part of a major restructuring. However, its severance package has drawn attention online, offering departing employees at least six months’ salary, the option to keep their company-issued MacBooks and 12 months of continued healthcare coverage where available. Other benefits include career coaching and $10,000 grants for those looking to start their own ventures, with many netizens praising the company’s support for affected employees Credits: Economic Times FOLLOW US ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA: Https://lnk.bio/planb.sg

Democrat Abdul El-Sayed has defeated Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan’s US Senate race, making history as the first Muslim elected to the chamber. His victory keeps the seat in Democratic hands following Senator Gary Peters’ retirement. The 42-year-old physician and son of Egyptian immigrants campaigned on universal healthcare, lowering living costs and reducing corporate influence in politics. An outspoken critic of US military aid to Israel, he also faced attacks on his Muslim faith and unsubstantiated allegations of extremist ties, which he rejected. His win marks a breakthrough for progressive Democrats in a key battleground state, eight years after he lost Michigan’s Democratic primary for governor. Credits: Detroit Regional Chamber FOLLOW US ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA: Https://lnk.bio/planb.sg

Malaysian preacher Da’i Syed has been acquitted of rape after the Court of Appeal allowed his final appeal in a 2–1 ruling, overturning his 10-year jail sentence and three strokes of the cane. The majority found reasonable doubt over consent, while the dissenting judge would have upheld his conviction. The court also advised him against abusing his popularity or exploiting vulnerable individuals. Credits: The Sun Malaysia, NST, FMT, The Star FOLLOW US ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA: Https://lnk.bio/planb.sg

Singapore is proposing tougher haze laws following its worst haze episode since 2015, including increasing the maximum fine for companies found responsible for transboundary haze pollution from $2 million to $20 million. The proposed amendments would also give NEA greater enforcement powers, including arresting persons of interest in Singapore and allowing trials to proceed in their absence under certain circumstances. The changes come as Singapore prepares to work with other ASEAN members to establish a regional haze control centre in Indonesia. Credits: CNA, Mothership FOLLOW US ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA: Https://lnk.bio/planb.sg

Singapore is proposing tougher haze laws following its worst haze episode since 2015, including increasing the maximum fine for companies found responsible for transboundary haze pollution from $2 million to $20 million. The proposed amendments would also give NEA greater enforcement powers, including arresting persons of interest in Singapore and allowing trials to proceed in their absence under certain circumstances. The changes come as Singapore prepares to work with other ASEAN members to establish a regional haze control centre in Indonesia. Credits: CNA, Mothership FOLLOW US ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA: Https://lnk.bio/planb.sg

From helping secure a landmark treaty to protect the high seas to earning a seat on the world’s top court, Rena Lee has made history as the first Singaporean and first Southeast Asian woman elected to the ICJ. Singapore’s Ambassador for International Law will begin her nine-year term in February 2027, following an election that saw her receive the highest number of votes in the UN General Assembly. Credits: CNA, Mothership, Vivian Balakrishnan FOLLOW US ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA: Https://lnk.bio/planb.sg

HYROX Malaysia is facing backlash over its partnership with beer brand Carlsberg for its upcoming Kuala Lumpur competition. Malaysia's Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari has stated that the event will not receive approval unless the alcohol sponsorship is withdrawn entirely, including the removal of all related branding and promotional materials. He clarified that the event's application is still being processed and has yet to receive official approval. Credits: amijoon, kk.keithtan, dailymuscle, kbsmalaysia FOLLOW US ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA: Https://lnk.bio/planb.sg

An 11-year-old boy allegedly suffered a concussion after being punched about 20 times and struck with a phone at a Halloween party. His mother, Calista, said her son froze during the attack and did not fight back. She subsequently made a police report and took him to hospital. The incident sparked debate online, with some praising the boy for not retaliating, while others argued that he should have used self-defence. Some also urged his mother to seek legal help and called for the alleged attacker to be held accountable. Credits: Stomp, CNA, wanderwithcali/TT FOLLOW US ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA: Https://lnk.bio/planb.sg

Migrant worker Ripon Chowdhury says his work permit renewal was rejected after 16 years in Singapore, following his viral appeal for a minimum wage. Supporters want transparency, while critics say long service does not guarantee renewal. Ripon has questioned the timing, but the reason for the rejection remains publicly unconfirmed. Credits: migrant_workers_singapore FOLLOW US ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA: Https://lnk.bio/planb.sg

From outdoor music events being paused over noise complaints to a PHV driver expressing frustration over traffic during Woodgrove’s Halloween festivities, recent incidents have prompted netizens to lament that Singapore seems to have little room for fun. Some felt that anything lively was quickly shut down, while others argued that Halloween happens only once a year and that Singaporeans should be able to enjoy such festivities. Credits: MustShareNews, CNA, lonewolf2323/TT, Stomp FOLLOW US ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA: Https://lnk.bio/planb.sg

Malaysian actress Zahirah MacWilson has apologised after her remarks about Halloween, Christmas and Easter drew criticism online. She faced backlash after describing the celebrations as “ridiculous”, while questioning traditions such as trick-or-treating. However, she later clarified on Threads that her “ridiculous” remark was specifically referring to Halloween. Credits: The Rakyat Post, Threads, zahirahmacwilson/IG

Chris Perry was waiting at Perth Airport for his sister when he filmed a Singapore Airlines plane approaching the runway. Just as it appeared close to landing, the aircraft banked sharply before the pilots pulled away and climbed back into the air. The plane eventually landed safely on its second attempt. But the incident has since sparked very different reactions online. So, what do aviation guidelines say about situations like this? Sources: Chris Perry/Facebook, The Straits Times, CNA and CAAS. FOLLOW US ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA: Https://lnk.bio/planb.sg

A TikTok user has gone viral after sharing how a migrant worker kindly offered her and her companions a lift when they struggled to book a ride home. After failing to secure a ride for 30 minutes, the group approached the man, who agreed to drop them at a nearby location with better transport options. Netizens praised his kindness, with some hoping they had offered him cash for his time and effort. Credits: rixh.ellee/TT, CNA, AsiaOne FOLLOW US ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA: Https://lnk.bio/planb.sg

Grief has turned to outrage after the fatal Tampines crash left a six-year-old boy without both parents, who were expecting their second child. Relatives, friends and members of the community have shared condolences and demanded accountability, while people claiming to know the accused driver have also spoken out. At the heart of the anger is a child whose loss no punishment can undo. Credits: evangelinevane, CNA, ST, Mothership FOLLOW US ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA: Https://lnk.bio/planb.sg

A 29-year-old Indonesian domestic helper was sentenced to three years’ jail for abusing a four-year-old autistic boy under her care and sending videos of the children to her husband in Indonesia. The case has sparked backlash online, with many netizens questioning whether the sentence was too lenient. Others highlighted the demands of caregiving, stressing the importance of understanding the responsibilities involved before taking on such a role. Credits: AsiaOne, CNA, Singapore Statutes Online, MHA FOLLOW US ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA: Https://lnk.bio/planb.sg

A purported job offer letter circulating online has sparked backlash among Malaysians for stating that Muslim employees would have one hour of their salary deducted every Friday for attending prayers. The letter also listed other employment conditions, including an 8.29am start time and a RM5 (S$1.58) penalty for lateness or absenteeism. Many netizens questioned the clause, with some speculating that it was intended to favour Chinese employees, while others urged the jobseeker to report the company to the authorities. Credits: hustl_e89/Threads, WeirdKaya, JTKSM, BERNAMA FOLLOW US ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA: Https://lnk.bio/planb.sg