Fri Sep 20 08:49:08 UTC 2024: ## Singapore News Roundup: Fire Tragedy, Elderly Scavenging, and Circle Line Disruptions

**Two Carpentry Foremen Die in Kaki Bukit Fire**

A fire at an industrial building in Kaki Bukit on Thursday resulted in the tragic deaths of two men, identified as 51-year-old Malaysian Luo Jiaqiang and 65-year-old Singaporean Vincent. Both were carpentry foremen who were scheduled for a meeting that was delayed, leading them to rest in separate rooms on the mezzanine floor. The fire erupted, and despite efforts from fellow employees to warn and rescue them, the thick smoke prevented their escape. The men were found unconscious and pronounced dead at Changi General Hospital. Mr. Luo had recently reconciled with his family after a 20-year estrangement and was scheduled for a funeral in Malaysia on September 22nd. Police are investigating the cause of the fire, ruling out foul play.

**Elderly Men Spotted Scavenging for Leftovers Raise Concerns Over Rising Living Costs**

Reports of elderly men scavenging for leftover food at People’s Park Food Centre have sparked concerns about the rising cost of living in Singapore. Witnesses have observed these men collecting unfinished meals from tables and even searching for food in the dish return area. While some individuals, like Mr. Wang, an 84-year-old resident of Bedok, claim they are simply trying to avoid food waste, others are worried about the potential health risks associated with consuming discarded food. The incident has prompted calls for relevant agencies to reach out and understand the situation of these elderly individuals.

**Circle Line Disrupted Twice in Two Days Due to Fire and Power Fault**

A fire at the Kim Chuan Depot on Wednesday caused a brief disruption to Circle Line services, marking the second consecutive day of interruptions on the line. The fire, which occurred in a power system cubicle, resulted in a power trip that halted train services for 15 minutes. SMRT engineers quickly extinguished the fire, restoring power and resuming normal services. The incident follows a major disruption the previous day, when a power fault halted Circle Line services for nearly two hours during the evening peak period. Commuters have expressed frustration over the disruptions, particularly ahead of a planned fare increase, and criticized SMRT for communication issues.

**Other News**

* A recent report revealed that elderly men have been seen eating leftovers at People’s Park Food Centre, raising concerns about their potential struggles amid rising living costs in Singapore. Online community are urging relevant agencies to reach out and understand their situations.
* Minister K Shanmugam transfers Astrid Hill GCB to UBS Trustees for S$88 Million following Ridout Road controversy
* Dr Tan Cheng Bock questions S$335 million Founders’ Memorial cost, citing Lee Kuan Yew’s stance
* Singapore woman’s suicide amidst legal battle raises concerns over legal system
* Minister Shanmugam rejects request for detailed information on visa-free visitor offences: Cites bilateral considerations
* Lee Hsien Loong warns of limited political space if election margins narrow
* PAP MPs attack WP Gerald Giam in Parliament over NTUC independence from ruling party
* 11 former or current PAP MPs & Ministers underscore heavy presence in NTUC leadership
* Leong Mun Wai questions why NTUC leaders often come from the ruling party

This news roundup provides a snapshot of recent events in Singapore, highlighting issues concerning public safety, social welfare, and transportation.

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