12/06/2014

Watz Buzzing - 12 Jun 2014

2,000 users in S’pore hit by GOZ, CryptoLocker malware

The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) confirmed yesterday that 2,000 usershere had been affected by the Gameover Zeus (GOZ) and CryptoLocker malware, which had hit users worldwide.

An IDA spokesperson said: “The United States authorities found 2,000 affected users in Singapore and informed SingCERT (Singapore Computer Emergency Response Team), which is working with local Internet service providers to notify them.

“So far, no government e-services have been affected. We will continue to strengthen all government websites and e-services by taking the necessary security measures, such as checking and fixing vulnerabilities and patching software,” added the spokesperson.

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AGC not taking action against City Harvest pastor over tweets

The Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) said today (June 11) it will not be taking action against City Harvest Church pastor Tan Kim Hock for posting two messages on Twitter that were deemed to have scandalised Singapore’s judiciary system.

“We are satisfied that there has been substantive compliance with the requirements of our warning letter, and will not be taking any further action against Mr Tan Kim Hock,” an AGC spokesman said.

The AGC on June 3 told Mr Tan to remove two tweets and publish an apology on his Twitter account within seven days. It said one of the tweets had insinuated that the State Courts gave The Straits Times newspaper “preferential and privileged access” to information on whether City Harvest Church leaders involved in an ongoing trial had a case to answer even before the decision was delivered by Judge See Kee Oon.

related:
AGC warns pastor over ‘baseless’ tweets linked to CHC trial
AGC warns City Harvest pastor for ‘contemptous’ tweets

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Legless body found in suitcase near Jalan Besar

A grisly find at Syed Alwi Road at the Jalan Besar area. A dismembered body was found stuffed in a suitcase.

A fruit stall owner told Channel NewsAsia that past 5pm on Wednesday (June 11), an "old man" asked two tourists for help in pushing a trolley with a suitcase. When they touched the bag, their hands were stained with blood. It prompted them to ask the shopowner for permission to wash their hands on his premises.

A "karang guni" man, who collects old and discarded items to sell, reportedly found the body in the suitcase when he opened it


Singapore firm charged with smuggling weapons to N Korea


Chinpo Shipping Company allegedly transferred US$72,000 (S$90,000) to C B Fenton and Co, a Panama shipping agent, on July 8 last year, knowing that the money could be used to contribute to the “nuclear-related, ballistic missile-related, or other weapons of mass destruction-related programmes or activities” of North Korea. This was in breach of United Nations sanctions restricting arms trading with North Korea because of its nuclear weapons programme.

The charge carries a fine not exceeding S$1 million.

The shipment of weapons was seized near the Panama Canal, hidden under a cargo of sugar on Chong Chon Gang, a North Korean container ship. Two Cuban fighter jets in perfect condition, missiles and live munitions were found.


Man, 30, arrested for alleged molestation on MRT train

A man suspected of outraging the modesty of a woman on an MRT train has been arrested, the police said in a statement on Wednesday.

The 30-year-old suspect allegedly molested his victim on a west-bound MRT train on Tuesday at about 7.20am. The victim confronted the suspect, who then tried to flee but was eventually detained by the staff at the passenger service centre of the unspecified train station.

Police were subsequently alerted and the suspect was arrested.


3,340 cartons of contraband cigarettes seized at Woodlands Checkpoint

A Malaysian man's attempt to smuggle 3,340 cartons of contraband cigarettes into Singapore was foiled by authorities on Tuesday.

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said in a statement that a 24-year-old man driving a Malaysia-registered lorry was stopped at Woodlands Checkpoint for routine checks.

The lorry was declared to be carrying "Metal Stamping Parts", but ICA officers uncovered the contraband cigarettes hidden amongst the consignments at the back of the lorry.

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Shark fin off menu in Singapore resort


A MAJOR Singaporean resort is removing shark fin from its exhibition and convention centre menus, its management has announced.

Shark fin soup is a traditional staple of wedding dinners in the predominantly Chinese city-state.

"Marina Bay Sands is a leader in the hospitality and MICE [meetings, incentives, conventions, exhibitions] industry. We have the unique opportunity to inspire and influence our customers and partners to adopt sustainable practices," said Kevin Teng, the resort's director of sustainability.

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World's largest vertical garden in Singapore

A "Tree House" in Singapore has entered the record books as the world's largest vertical garden.

The Tree House condominium in Upper Bukit Timah and on Chestnut Avenue features a 2,289-square-metre vertical garden on its facade. City Developments Limited announced on Wednesday that it was officially recognised by the Guinness World Records.

Its green features make it a soaring success as well, and are expected to help save over S$500,000 in energy and water savings annually.