Under The Angsana Tree

05/05/2017

MRT Shutdowns due to Flour Scare & Unattended Bag

Woodleigh MRT station closed for 3 hours after white substance found on premises

Officers from SCDF’s hazmat team collected at least 7 vials of samples at Woodleigh station. TNP FOTO: GAVIN FOO

Just over 2 weeks after Hougang MRT Station was closed for security checks related to an unattended bag, a similar incident occurred at Woodleigh Station yesterday.

Woodleigh, which is the 3rd stop from Hougang on the North East Line, was closed for about 3 hours from 1.25pm as a precaution after a cleaner found suspicious white substance on the premises.

The police and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) hazardous materials (hazmat) team later determined the white substance to be flour.

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Runners' half-baked flour trail shuts Singapore metro

A running club today admitted leaving a trail of flour in a Singapore metro station which prompted a security scare and a three-hour shutdown of the station.

In a statement the Seletar Hash House Harriers, an all- male group that describes itself as a "drinking group with a running problem", apologised for the "alarm and inconvenience" caused to the public. Three members had sprinkled flour at several points in the underground Woodleigh MRT station, the statement said, adding that it was the safest way to cross a busy road in the suburban Serangoon district.

But the sight of white powder sparked security fears, which saw police and hazardous materials units respond.

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Baking flour that sparked alarm at Woodleigh MRT turns out to be trail marking for running social club

The culprit allegedly behind the public alarm at Woodleigh MRT station yesterday has been nabbed by the cops — and apparently all the fuss was due to a running social club that simply wanted to mark a trail for its race route.

A 69-year-old man was arrested for the offence of Public Nuisance after he left a suspicious white substance (which turned out to be baking flour) at the MRT station concourse. Two other men, aged 53 and 70 — who were with the man when he sprinkled the flour — are also assisting the police with investigations.

Woodleigh MRT station was shut down for about three hours yesterday afternoon after a cleaner found the dubious white substance scattered across the premises.

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A 69-YEAR-OLD MAN ARRESTED FOR CAUSING PUBLIC ALARM AFTER LEAVING WHITE SUBSTANCE AT MRT STATION

The Police have arrested a 69-year-old man for an offence of Public Nuisance under the Penal Code after he left suspicious white substance at Woodleigh MRT station, triggering a temporary closure of the MRT station for about 3 hours.

On 18 April 2017 at about 1.00pm, the Police were alerted to a case of suspicious white substance found at Woodleigh MRT station. Singapore Civil Defence Force’s (SCDF) HazMat officers subsequently established the substance to be baking flour. Police investigations are ongoing.

The Police treat all security threats seriously and will not hesitate to take action against anyone who cause public alarm. The Police would also like to remind the public to report any suspicious items or behaviour to the transport authorities or the Police immediately.

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Police arrests a 69-year old man for dropping flour at a Singapore MRT station

When it comes to public safety, you can never be too careful. So, when the Singapore Police Force (SPF) found a mysterious-looking substance on the Woodleigh MRT Station floor, they immediately shut down the station’s operations until further investigation can be done.

Last April 18, an unidentified powdery substance was found on the floor by the station’s cleaner. He reported it to his manager, who sought help from the SPF.

The police arrested a 69-year old man suspected of dropping the substance, and closed the station for three hours to study the situation.

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Seletar Hash House Harriers: Press Release

The Seletar Hash House Harriers sincerely apologise to the public and the authorities for the alarm and inconvenience caused by Tuesday’s incident at Woodleigh MRT station.

On Tuesday April 18 afternoon three of our members were laying a trail near the Woodleigh station for a run by our members planned for Tue evening. They chose to use the MRT underpass for our members to go from Bidadari towards Woodleigh Close as this provided the safest route to cross Upper Serangoon Road.

Hash running trails in Singapore are typically set with flour, chalk or tissue paper, depending on the area in which the run is set. In built-up areas, paper is used sparingly and the policy of hash clubs is to always remove the paper after each run and avoid littering.

All trains on the North-East Line had to skip the Hougang station due to what was called a 'security incident' from about 3:00pm

Police have arrested a 39-year old man for leaving a bag unattended at Hougang MRT station, causing the station to be briefly shut down on Sunday (2nd April). The police issued a statement later at night, "The police have arrested a 39-year old man for an offence of Public Nuisance under the Penal Code after he had left a bag unattended at Hougang MRT station, triggering a temporary closure of the MRT station.

"On 2nd April 2017 at 2:45pm, the police were alerted to a case of an unattended bag at the train platform of Hougang MRT station. The bag was later established to contain only household items. Officers from the Ang Mo Kio Police Division and Public Transport Security Command, with the assistance of SBS Transit, quickly traced the owner of the bag and he was arrested at Hougang MRT at about 4:35pm.

"Preliminary investigations revealed that the man had intentionally left his bag inside Hougang MRT station while he ran an errand. Police investigations are still ongoing." The incident first unfolded when a bag was found at about 2:40pm on the boarding platform of the station, SBS Transit said. Police later said it was attending to a case of an 'unattended bag'. "Members of the public are advised to avoid the area," it added on Facebook.

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Man arrested after unattended bag sparks brief shutdown of Hougang MRT station

(Left) Bag that was left unattended. (Right) Police seen escorting a man in a singlet at Hougang MRT who is believed to be behind the unattended bag. Fotos: Rubin Aw, Nuria Ling/TODAY

The police have arrested a 39-yr-old man for leaving an unattended bag at Hougang MRT station that sparked security fears and a brief shutdown of the station on Sunday afternoon (Apr 2).

On inspection, the bag was found to contain only household items, the police said in a statement. The station was given the all-clear & reopened to commuters around 4pm.

"Preliminary investigations revealed that the man had intentionally left his bag inside the Hougang MRT station while he ran an errand," the police added.

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Man Arrested Within 2 Hours For Causing Public Alarm After Leaving Bag Unattended At Mrt Station

Singapore Police Force Facebook

The Police have arrested a 39-year-old man for an offence of Public Nuisance under the Penal Code after he had left a bag unattended at Hougang MRT station, triggering a temporary closure of the MRT station.

On 2 April 2017 at 2.45pm, the Police were alerted to a case of an unattended bag at the train platform of Hougang MRT station. The bag was later established to contain only household items.

Officers from the Ang Mo Kio Police Division and Public Transport Security Command, with the assistance of SBS Transit, quickly traced the owner of the bag and he was arrested at Hougang MRT at about 4.35 pm. Preliminary investigations revealed that the man had intentionally left his bag inside Hougang MRT station while he ran an errand. Police investigations are still ongoing.

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Keeping trains and buses secure

Public Transport Security Command (Transcom) officer, Staff Sergeant Nasron Nasir (second from right), talking to another TransCom officer about a plastic bag apparently left behind by a train commuter. Beside him is Special Constabulary Corporal (Cpl) Muhammad Ruzaini (third from right)

Even after 10 years of experience in dealing with security incidents in Singapore’s public transport system, police Staff Sergeant (SSG) Nasron Nasir had his nerves rattled when he was tasked to respond to a 999 call on April 2.

The 35-year-old had to rush to Hougang MRT station after an unattended bag was found on the platform, resulting in operator SBS Transit ordering a temporary closure and trains to bypass the stop.

Together with Special Constabulary Corporal (Cpl) Muhammad Ruzaini, 22, they were the first Public Transport Security Command (TransCom) officers to arrive at the MRT station.

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MRT Scare measures

An unattended piece of luggage sparked a temporary shutdown of Hougang MRT station on Sunday (Apr 2). A 39-year-old man was subsequently arrested for causing public nuisance after preliminary investigations show he intentionally left the bag inside the station while running an errand.

SBS Transit announced that all trains on the North-East Line were skipping Hougang MRT station due to a "security incident" in a tweet at 2.55pm. No other details were provided.

Channel NewsAsia understands the man is a construction worker from China. It is believed that he stays at a dorm in Punggol.

04/05/2017

Mum in breastfeeding saga is pageant finalist

Ms Cheryl Lee at the Mrs Singapore & Classic Mrs Singapore Pageant's talent showcase on Saturday.FOTOS: ONE KM MALL, CHARMAINE SOH

One of the worst things Ms Cheryl Lee read online about herself is that the recent public breastfeeding saga she was embroiled in was a stunt to gain fame for this year's Mrs Singapore & Classic Mrs Singapore Pageant.

The mother of 3 made headlines last month after a photo of her breastfeeding her 2-yr-old daughter in an MRT train without a nursing cover was posted online and went viral, sparking a heated debate on whether public breastfeeding is appropriate.

As one of the finalists of the annual beauty contest, she wants to put this rumour to rest.

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MRT Breastfeeding Mum Is A Beauty Pageant Finalist

But It Shouldn’t Matter!

She’s A Pageant Finalist Who Breastfeeds In The MRT

Even those blissfully unaware of the latest news may recall the recent cause célèbre over a lady openly breastfeeding in Singapore’s MRT.

It’s just been revealed that she’s also a beauty pageant finalist — but so what?

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Woman defends decision to breastfeed on MRT train

Cheryl Lee added 2 new photos 15 March at 08:51 · Singapore

I know that a picture of me breastfeeding is being shared right now. I am ok with it. Thanks for the concern to all those who have pmed me. Personally, I am not too bothered about it since I don't think it is wrong to breastfeed in public. I have a nursing cover, but my girl will cry and struggle when I use it. Those who suggest using a cover should try eating or drinking under a cover and see if you like it or not. I put my baby first so as long as she is comfortable and feeding well, I don't really care what others think. It isn't that hard to just look away if you don't like to see a baby drinking milk.

I just want to dress up and be a normal woman while still being able to take care of my kids and their needs. If people are ok with women who show cleavage, I don't know why they would not be ok with me breastfeeding. Unless these group of people think my breast is for sex and not for feeding my baby.

Anyway, it's just a breast. We all have it. Be it female or male. It's meant to be used to feed a baby, I don't see anything wrong with using it to feed a baby and ensuring my baby is comfortable. What's so sexual/wrong about it? Hahas! Maybe girls should stop eating bananas/popsicle in public as some might find it sexual too.

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03/05/2017

Singapore must ‘steal other people’s lunches’

To stay ahead of competition

Amid growing competition, & workers hungry to learn in places like Chengdu & even further away such as Russia, Singapore must not only protect its lunch but steal other people’s lunches, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has urged.

In this regard, youths in Singapore must especially be on their toes, he said in a discussion with union leaders about the future of jobs in Singapore held recently at Mediacorp.

For example, even as Singapore’s port industry has bounced back from tough times in recent years & is looking for ways to ramp up productivity & stay ahead, it must keep an eye out for new competitors like Malaysia’s Port of Tanjung Pelepas & Port Klang.

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Readers' Comments

Singapore must ‘steal other people’s lunches’ to stay ahead of competition

Urging our workers to “steal other people’s lunches” is an unkempt remark that is uncalled for.
This coming from the Grand Wizard? I am terribly shocked!
He thinks it is so damn easy to steal other people lunch. Other people's government protect their own kinds in order to prevent outsiders from stealing their own people's lunches while letting some of their own people come over to Singapore to steal our lunch.
PM asked his people to steal others lunch what a joke very poor example given esp he is the PM. omg
Here MOM made it easy for others to steal Singaporeans' jobs. Not sure Singaporeans get short changed or not but Singaporeans keep voting for them.
A better word might be to "win" the jobs, i.e. by giving better quality and incur cheaper cost.
Wow! Now he is telling us to be thieves and comparing us to 3rd world? Are we not 1st world so proudly proclaimed by his father, the great messiah? UNBELIEVABLE !!!
If LKY ever to rise from his grave, it is because of LHL.

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The future of Singapore's jobs: PM Lee speaks with union leaders

Mr Lee noted the growing competition in the port sector, particularly coming from Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) and Port Klang.

"You must make sure you steal somebody else's lunch," he quipped.

Mr Lee wrapped up the session on a pragmatic note. "You must always want to do better but you cannot always want to hope for the sky, and that is the challenge," he said.

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Stealing lunches and citizen unemployment rate

Diving deep into Ministry of Manpower (MOM)'s latest statistics to come up with this

If foreigners are stealing our lunch, one supposes that Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's government has licensed them to do so. Or is this wrong?

Oh, and our young men spend nearly two years keeping them safe stealing our lunches. On the other hand, can't see any foreign governments licensing us to steal their citizens' lunches, can you?

And talking about stealing our lunch. We now have direct evidence of the true employment picture for Singapore.

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PM Lee Tell Sinkies To Go Steal Other People's Lunch!

"So the workers are a lot happier now. It is a different set of problems now – it is a happy problem now," she said. "They are worried about being so busy; (whether) fatigue (would) set in later on."

Mr Lee noted the growing competition in the port sector, particularly coming from Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) and Port Klang.

"You must make sure you steal somebody else's lunch," he quipped

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PM: Singaporeans must make sure they steal somebody’s lunch

When questioned about how retrenched maritime workers should response in the economy downturn, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong advised Singaporeans to stay hungry and steal:

“You must make sure you steal somebody else’s lunch. You must always want to do better but you cannot always want to hope for the sky, and that is the challenge.

Because if you are not hungry, you would not try, but if you are unrealistic, you would be disappointed.”

related:
PM: Unless you are as hungry as a China foreign worker, your cheese will be stolen
PM: Singaporeans should work harder

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The Prime Minister's Stealing Advice

It is shocking to hear our Prime Minister trying to lecture our workers on how we should “steal other people’s lunch boxes” in this year May Day celebration.

There are a few issues here - To many Singaporeans who have lost their jobs to some cheap foreign substitutes, all thanks to PAP’s FT policy which encourages and allows millions of foreign labour to come to Singapore and work under the guise of job creation for Singaporeans, this is a totally ironic statement that needs cynical mocking! PAP government is the one who helps Foreigners to “Steal” our lunch boxes right at our doorstep and yet the PM has the cheek to tell us go and steal other people’s lunch boxes? That’s basically shameless!

PAP government has basically stolen part of our workers’ lunch boxes recently, practically reducing the size of our lunch boxes by increasing Water Fee by 30%, Electricity tariff, cooking gas and we expect more to come maybe GST or public transport fares. Can PAP stop stealing our luncheon meat from our lunch boxes?

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What kind of leader tells his citizens to steal other’s lunch?

Go steal others lunch. What kind of a leader would tell his people to resort to such lowest human instinct even as a metaphor. It is poor taste at a time when many are no longer having a safe and secure job to put lunch on the family table. It is more sad when the words is from someone who never had to work for his lunch. We are in this state only because we collectively allows it to be so.

After more than 50 years of nation building, becoming the most expensive city in the world, instead of a shared prosperity, a clueless bunch of leaders emerged from a government that have systemically plundered and enriched themselves and their cronies, now telling us to conduct ourselves unethically if we have to so as to meet our just needs?

We are told that we will not get our CPF back to use our own money any way we want. As for our HDB flat paid with all our sweat and blood we are told it will worth nothing in the end. While they simply hike prices at any chance they can reaping whatever little we have to make do with increasing cost of living. And the audacity to slap and tell us to steal other people’s lunch while they take away ours?

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related: PM Lee Hsien Loong inspects Guard of Honour in Germany

Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (R) walks ahead of German Chancellor Angela Merkel

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All Singapore Stuff 11 Jul at 08:58

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong arrives in the Philippines and does an impromptu catwalk! #LOL

Garland himself and gaylek with his hands swinging like a lady in a catwalk.

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PM Lee draws groans as “Mee Siam Mai Hum” comedy gig goes global

Interviewed after the show, Mr Lee said, “I always knew there is a funny yet sophisticated side to me.”

“There’s this pent-up humour in my belly that was kept inside for too long. I mean, just look at the grim faces I have to live with at home.”

Since the success of his debut act “Mee Siam Mai Hum” at the 2006 National Day Rally, Lee has received strong encouragement from his faithful yes-men fan club to bring the show international.

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Singapore PM draws laughs in US speech

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong gestures during his meeting with President Barack Obama in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, April, 2, 2013

Singapore is well-known for its efficiency and order, but during a visit to Washington the city-state's prime minister displayed a less advertised attribute — humor.

In an after-dinner speech Tuesday to U.S. businessmen, Lee Hsien Loong made a couple of jokes that could pass for stand-up comedy. He drew laughs — and some groans — with his quips, including one about China's environmental problems:

"Beijing residents joke that to get a free smoke all they have to do is open their windows!" Lee said.
"(In) Shanghai, if you want some pork soup, you just turn on the tap," he said.

His audience appeared doubtful if that was good taste, until he added, "That's their joke, not mine!"

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PM Lee: Fix the Opposition

PM Lee: Fix the Opposition

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Lone Ranger PM in G20 Leaders' Summit

CNA SHOWING PM's HANDSHAKE PHOTO WITH TRUMP

Please see this image that Channel News Asia used for their article about the G20 Summit. It features PM Lee sitting and shaking hands with President Trump in a very feminine and timid manner.

That is what the body language implies. Has Channel News Asia sabotaged our prime minister by showing such an unflattering photo? Many comments on the CNA facebook page remarked on this and some Singaporeans openly criticized him for being so submissive to Donald Trump. Channel News Asia should not have used a photo that showed a “sissy” handshake.

What do you think? Do you think this handshake looks manly and confident?

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related:
PM Lee Hsien Loong at G20 Leaders' Summit in Hamburg
Singapore must ‘steal other people’s lunches’
PM Lee In The Limelight
PM Lee in Focus
Singapore PM draws laughs in US speech
PM Lee on BBC's HARDTalk

Order of Succession And Baton Passing
Dangers Of 'Please-All Economics' Real: PM Lee
PM Lee Qs 30 Min For Chicken Wings
PM Lee Urged To End Rental Discrimination
‘Ask the PM’ TV forum

Schools Should Instil Spirit Of Service: PM Lee
Important to balance govt's key goals for S'pore: PM Lee
PM Fist Bumping at a Dialogue Session
Tweaks or Tricks - PM's NDR 2013
Trust will determine success of policy shifts: PM Lee
Singapore remains a sampan, but an upgraded 2.0 version: PM Lee
PM: Facing new media's challenges
Lee & Lee - The job has changed
PM's National Day Rally Speech
PM: We will track you down even if you think you're anonymous
Websites of Singapore President & PM hacked
Former PM Lee Kuan Yew in the limelight
ESM Goh Chok Tong in the limelight

02/05/2017

Sungei Road Flea market closure: Threatening letters sent to PM & DPM

Update 5 May 2017: 2 arrested for sending threatening letters, hell notes to PM Lee and other Govt leaders

The police have arrested 2 suspects for allegedly sending threatening letters & hell notes to Government leaders, including PM Lee Hsien Loong and DPM Tharman Shanmugaratnam.

A copy of the letter, which expressed anger over the decision to close the Sungei Road flea market on July 11, was also sent to a TODAY reporter last month.

The 2 suspects, aged 18 and 53, were arrested on Thursday (May 4). Several handwritten letters, mobile phones, laptop, envelopes and hell notes were seized following their arrest, the police said in a statement on Friday.

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Police probing threatening letters sent to PM, DPM over Sungei market closure

Hell notes are seen along with a letter addressed to PM Lee Hsien Loong & MPs

The police is investigating reports made in relation to threatening letters sent to Government leaders, including Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong & Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam.

Responding to media queries, the police confirmed that reports have been lodged." We are unable to comment further as investigations are ongoing," a police spokesperson said on Sat (Apr 29).

A copy of the handwritten letter, addressed to "PM Lee Hsien Loong & the other MPs" was also sent to TODAY, expressing anger that the Sungei Road flea market - which will be shut to make way for development from July 11 - will not be relocated.

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Threatening letter sent to DPM Tharman under the name of Sungei Road market's chairman

The police are investigating a threatening letter sent to DPM Tharman Shanmugaratnam. FOTO: ST FILE

The police are investigating a threatening letter sent to Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam under the name of the chairman of the Sungei Road flea market’s association, The Straits Times (ST) understands.

“The police confirm that reports have been lodged. We are unable to comment further as investigations are ongoing,” the Singapore Police Force said in response to queries from The Straits Times.

ST understands that the letter, addressed to DPM Tharman, was written in English & had 2 hell notes attached to it.

related: Threatening letters, hell notes sent to ministers

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Sungei Road Market Chairman gets a midnight visit by police to investigate threatening letter sent DPM Tharman

Mr Koh Eng Khoon, chairman of the Association for the Recycling of Second Hand Goods who has been widely known in Singapore over the past few months of campaigning for the survival of the Sungei Road Second-hand Market, is being investigated by the police under the suspicion that he sent a threatening letter to Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam.

Midnight visit and ransacking of flat - According to Mr Koh, the police knocked on his door around midnight on 27 April (Thursday) to look for him. The police were in plainclothes and claimed to be from the Central Police Division. Initially speaking at the door as they presented no arrest or search warrant, the police officers asked if he sent a threatening letter to the DPM. He denied any knowledge of the matter

When Mr Koh asked to clarify on the letter, the police officers declined to reveal the content of the letter. But only noted that there were pieces of hell money sent along with the letter and that his name was on the letter.

related:
The midnight raid of Mr Koh Eng Khoon
CAN asks if gov harassing Chairman of flea market to intimidate others frm campaigning

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HUMAN RIGHTS NGO TELLS PAP GOVT TO STOP INTIMIDATING SUNGEI RD MARKET VENDORS

We are deeply concerned about the ongoing police investigation into a “threatening” letter allegedly written by the Chairman of the Association for the Recycling of Second Hand Goods at Sungei Road flea market, Mr Koh Eng Khoon.

According to media reports, the letter in question was sent to Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, and signed “Koh Eng Khoon (Friend)”. Police visited Mr Koh at his one room flat at around midnight on 28 April. They did not produce a warrant, but officers ransacked the apartment, took photos of Mr Koh, and confiscated his mobile phone as part of the investigation. The visit ended only at approximately one in the morning.

While we understand that all complaints from the public should be investigated, we question whether it was necessary to carry it out in such an intimidating, aggressive, and intrusive manner. This kind of action intensifies a climate of fear that deters frank discussion of public interest issues, and curbs citizens’ participation in matters which the government is not comfortable with.

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Sungei Road flea market chairman investigated by Police on case of death threats on Singapore Ministers

The Singapore Police Force have confirmed that they are investigating a threatening letter sent to Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam. The Police said that they are unable to comment further as investigations are ongoing.

The letter, written in English and signed-off by a person who called himself ‘Eng Khoon Koh’, had two hell notes attached to it. Mr Koh Eng Khoon is the chairman of the Association for the Recycling of Second Hand Goods. Mr Koh has started various grounds-up efforts on behalf of flea market stall holders in Sungei Road. The eight decades old flea market is slated to be demolished in June to make way for new development.

Today newspaper which said that it received a copy of the handwritten letter said that it was addressed to “PM Lee Hsien Loong and the other MPs” and expressed anger at the Government’s decision to redevelop the Sungei Road flea market area.

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Threatening letter with hell notes protesting closure of Sungei Road Market sent to PM and DPM

The writer signed off using the name of the Sungei Road market's president
It seems that someone has sent letters with a veiled threat to government leaders protesting the impending closure of the Sungei Road Market, popularly known as the Thieves Market.

For those who are not in the know, Sungei Road Market’s last day will be on July 10. The government does not intend to relocate the market despite petitions by vendors and other groups.

According to TODAY, the Police is currently investigating a case involving “threatening letters sent to Government leaders” such as Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Tharman Shanmugaratnam.

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Sungei Road’s Closing: This Guy Is Asking People To Express Their Anger

When an iconic landmark is going to be shut down by the authorities, there’s always discontent. Anger, even. For example, remember the outcry when it was announced that the old National Library on Stamford Road was going to be demolished.

It looks like the same anger is manifesting itself in response to what’s going to happen on July 11 — the flea market at Sungei Road will join our list of places gone forever when it is shut down for good.

Netizen Matthew Teo has found a slightly daring but harmless way to channel that anger, though, with his brave photo series of people showing the “middle finger” at Sungei Road. Here he is in the first shot.

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7 things you ought to know about Sungei Road market before it disappears

It's official - Singapore's oldest flea market in Sungei Road will close its final chapter on July 10, after eight decades of existence.

Once notoriously known as "Thieves Market" as stolen items were reportedly sold there, the open-air market will make way for residential and commercial developments.

Here are 7 things that you ought to know about this organically formed market before it disappears into the pages of history:

Singapore's last free hawking zone
About 200 vendors affected by closure
They operate rent-free
Some vendors sold illegal goods
Where 2 tycoons had their humble beginnings
It's also known as "Robinson Petang"
Go-to place for army overalls

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Sungei Road Thieves’ Market to shut for good

A vendor sits around on a slow weekday afternoon when foot traffic at the Thieves' Market is low. Foto: Ooi Boon Keong / TODAY

Bargain-hunters who enjoy shopping at the oldest & largest flea market here, popularly known as Thieves’ Market, will have until July 10 to do so.

Located between Jalan Besar & Rochor Canal Road, the flea market, which has been a venue where sellers have peddled 2nd-hand bric-a-brac since the 1930s, will shut for good on that day, with the site being needed for ground preparation works for future residential development use, a multi-agency statement said on Tuesday (Feb 14).

A unique hawking zone with a colourful, decades-long history, including a reputation as a spot for trading stolen, smuggled & illegal wares, Thieves’ Market had, in 2011, been shrunk in half to make way for the construction of the new Sungei Road MRT Station.

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The Forgoten Thieves Market 结霜桥

Located between Jalan Besar and Rochor Canal Road, the flea market at Sungei Road is Singapore’s largest and oldest flea market. While the exact origin of the flea market remains unclear, historical records have shown that the flea market began as a small trading spot that sprouted along the river during the mid 1930s.

In the past, the flea market operated between 3.00pm to 6.00pm and its operating hours could have resulted in its nickname "Robinson Petang" or "Robinson in the afternoon". The nickname was probably a tongue-in-cheek reference to the Robinson Department Store which catered to the more well-to-do in Singapore.

During the Japanese Occupation (1942 – 1945), the flea market at Sungei Road was very popular as many locals (especially the poor) would flock to the market to purchase cheap household items and other merchandise which were often in short supply.

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Singapore Science Centre

Singapore's 4 Heritage Hotels

Iconic Esso with Tiger Statue closing on 27 Sep 2023

Closure of Singapore's Iconic Buildings & Landmarks

Singapore's Iconic Buildings & Landmarks

Singapore Turf Club since 1842

Singapore Cricket Club since 1852

Lee Pineapple to shut after 92 Years

Nightlife outlets at Orchard Towers closing 31 Jul 2023

“Little Thailand” in Golden Mile closed after 38 years

The Iconic Cathay Building

Iconic Cathay Cineplex to close after Jun 26 2022 after 83 Years

The iconic People’s Park Complex 珍珠坊

The iconic Golden Mile Complex

Jurong Bird Park to close 3 Jan 2023 after 52 years

Remembering Change Alley

Remembering Rochor Centre

Remembering Sim Lim Square 森林商业中心

Bukit Timah Turf Club

Finding Joy in a space in which 'Joy' was bottled

7 Places In Singapore That Will Be Gone Forever Before 2017

Sungei Road Thieves’ Market @ The Green Hub

The Forgoten Thieves Market 结霜桥

Closure of Sungei Road "Thieves Market" or "Robinson Petang"

Sungei Road Flea market closure: Threatening letters sent to PM & DPM

180 years of horse racing ends in Singapore

01/05/2017

Happy Labor Day 2017

The end of labor is to gain leisure ~ Aristotle

And in the rest of the world: May Day protests

PUBLIC holidays – a time for rest… and a time for protest?

While Labour Day went by without too much fanfare in Singapore, the occasion was politically-charged in many other parts of the world. People took to the streets to call for better working conditions, while labour unions aired their grievances to politicians.

And with the rise of the far right in the US and across Europe, this year’s protests were also uncomfortably tinged with anti-immigrant sentiments. Have May Day protests become an even more potent political force? We look at significant ones from this year: