Singapore in 2 Mins for the Week of Feb 20

Muslims can break fast with free snack packs on offer at 60 FairPrice outlets

The snack pack – containing a drink and fruits or biscuits – will be given out daily by staff and volunteers about 30 minutes before it is time to break fast, and for another 30 minutes after. Muslims can choose to get, for instance, an apple, dates or biscuits. Drinks they can choose from include lychee rose tea, milk or water.

In a statement on Feb 19, FairPrice Group said it is giving out 80,000 buka puasa refreshment sets in 2026, up from 75,000 sets in 2025. Buka puasa means break fast in Malay. The initiative will run from Feb 19 to March 20, it added.

MOH to revise salary guidelines for community care staff; annual wages may rise by 7% or more

The 23,000 people working at community care organisations could see their annual salaries increase by about 7 per cent or more under revised guidelines to be introduced by the end of 2026 or early 2027. To help defray the additional costs incurred as a result of the enhanced salaries, the Ministry of Health (MOH) will provide an initial tranche of $100 million, said Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung on Feb 17.

Mr Ong said the raise for staff is in addition to the previously announced increase in the maximum subsidy for those requiring residential long-term care, which will be raised to 80 per cent in July 2026.

About 150 people evacuated after fire breaks out at Teban Gardens HDB block

 About 150 people were evacuated after a fire broke out at Block 34 Teban Gardens Road in Jurong on the afternoon of Feb 17. When the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) arrived, the living room of an 11th-floor unit was on fire. Firefighters forced their way into the smoke-filled unit and extinguished the fire with a water jet.

Preliminary investigations showed that the fire was likely electrical and originated in the living room. Residents were evacuated by the police and SCDF as a precautionary measure. No injuries were reported.

Disney-themed fireworks show to illuminate Marina Bay area from Mar 13 to 15

 From March 13 to 15, the skies above the Marina Bay precinct will light up with a 10-minute spectacle celebrating the homeporting of Asia’s first Disney cruise ship, the Disney Adventure, in Singapore.

Each evening at about 8.30pm, alongside many other displays, visitors can look forward to a vibrant showcase that will depict the ship’s seven themed areas such as Marvel Landing and Toy Story Place, set to a medley of classic Disney tunes including Under The Sea from The Little Mermaid (1989) and Let It Go from Frozen (2013). 

Singapore-registered vessel catches fire off coast of China, 2 Myanmar crew members dead

Two crew members aboard a Singapore-registered bulk carrier died after the vessel caught fire off the coast of China on Feb 17. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said in a statement on Feb 18 that a third crew member was evacuated to a shore medical facility for further treatment.

There were 25 Myanmar crew members and no Singaporeans on board the vessel, added MPA. The fire, which occurred in the engine room of the bulk carrier Mandy, was extinguished by the crew. Arrangements are being made to tow the vessel to Yantai Port in China.

PM Wong congratulates Bangladesh’s Tarique Rahman on election win

In his letter, PM Wong said that the strong mandate Mr Rahman received in the general election reflects the confidence and trust the people of Bangladesh have placed in him to lead the country forward. PM Wong, who is also Finance Minister, added that Singapore and Bangladesh enjoy a warm and long- standing relationship grounded in mutual respect and close people-to-people ties.

“Singapore will continue to support Bangladesh in its development journey,” PM Wong said. He also wished Mr Rahman good health and success in office, and expressed his hope to meet him soon.

3 taken to hospital, including 1 with burn injuries after fire in Kovan condo

Six people were rescued, with three of them taken to hospital, after a fire broke out in a condominium in Kovan in the early hours of Feb 19.

When SCDF arrived at the scene, a unit on the 14th floor was on fire. Firefighters heard shouts for help and sounds of pounding on doors from within the unit, SCDF said. They immediately entered the smoke-filled two-storey unit and began a search. Four people were rescued from the first level and two from the second level.

Fire breaks out at bak kwa shop 2 days before Chinese New Year

The owner of Century Bakkwa, Ms Simbian Chua, posted on social media shortly after noon that the shop was on fire, adding that “there is 500kg of charcoal” on the premises. She said firefighters were on-site.

The fire involved the contents of kitchen exhaust ducting at a ground-floor unit, SCDF said, adding that the fire was extinguished with a water jet and a hose reel. A person was assessed for breathing difficulties and another for minor injuries, SCDF said. Both declined to be taken to hospital.

PM Wong extends ‘warmest wishes’ to Singaporean Muslims ahead of fasting month

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Feb 18 said, “May this season of reflection and renewal bring peace to your homes and blessings to everyone.”

In a video posted on Facebook, PM Wong spoke in both English and Malay. Muslims in Singapore will begin fasting for the holy month of Ramadan on Feb 19, in the lead-up to Hari Raya Puasa on March 21.

Fire Breaks Out at Little India Restaurant

Reports have emerged of a fire breaking out at a restaurant on Rowell Road on Thursday afternoon. Images circulating on social media indicate that the incident occurred at the ‘Khana Basmati’ restaurant, located at 1A Rowell Road. A Facebook Live video posted by user Mohasin Munshi at around 1pm on Feb 19 shows smoke billowing from the shop and spreading across the street. In the video, as the chimney at the rear of the shophouse was ablaze, some workers could be seen rushing out carrying items, while uniformed officers were seen entering the premises with fire extinguishers.