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Straits Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Young Malay-Muslim leaders drive community growth with new ideas: Acting Minister Faishal Ibrahim
Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim said self-help group Yayasan Mendaki is a key institution championing the success of the Malay-Muslim community. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG SINGAPORE – New ideas and new ways of connecting proposed by young Malay-Muslim leaders will help take both the community and Singapore forward, said Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim. In a Facebook video message on June 14 addressing self-help group Yayasan Mendaki, Associate Professor Faishal said that as it is a key institution championing the success of the Malay-Muslim community , various stakeholders like the Government and community leaders have pitched in to help those from humble backgrounds make progress. 'It is only with everyone's interest, unity, and active support of many partners that we are strong,' said Prof Faishal, addressing Yayasan Mendaki at its annual general meeting. Apologising for missing the event due to family commitments, Prof Faishal also expressed gratitude for the continued leadership of Mendaki chairman Zaqy Mohamad. Mr Zaqy took over the reins of the group from former chairman Masagos Zulkifli about three weeks ago. Prior to his appointment, Mr Zaqy had been the deputy chairman of the self-help group since May 2018. Prof Faishal said that under Mr Zaqy's active guidance over the last five years , Mendaki has made big changes in building capability and professionalism while continuing to deliver its services with compassion. One example is the Mendaki Professional Networks that allow members to connect with others and contribute to the community through ad-hoc volunteering. 'It is a fantastic idea that widens their community support base, in tune with the times. It harnesses the desire for professionals to grow and contribute through their professions, while at the same time, activate good ideas to uplift the community,' said Prof Faishal. 'Let us continue to uplift our community together. Help parents give our children an early start, encourage students to do well in school, help workers to contribute meaningfully to society with lifelong learning, as well as our professionals to give back to our community with the same spirit as our earlier generations.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
13-06-2025
- Straits Times
Singapore in good stead to secure larger haj quota after award by Saudi authorities: Faishal Ibrahim
Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Dr Faishal Ibrahim greeting relatives of a member of the first group of Singapore Haj pilgrims at Changi Airport Terminal 3 on June 13. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI Singapore in good stead to secure larger haj quota after award by Saudi authorities: Faishal Ibrahim SINGAPORE - An award given by Saudi Arabia to the Singapore Pilgrims' Association Office has put the Republic in good stead to secure a larger quota for haj pilgrims , said Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim. The Labbaitum Gold Award for excellence in delivering seamless and meaningful haj experiences for Singaporean pilgrims was conferred by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on June 9. 'This gives us the opportunity, the resolve, and the commitment to continue to engage and appeal to the Saudi Government for a higher quota for our people,' Associate Professor Faishal said on June 13. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is also committed to this resolve, he added. He was speaking to the media at Changi Airport Terminal 3, on the sidelines of welcoming the first returnees from this year's pilgrimage. The haj pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam, and takes place over five or six days. In 2025, Singapore and Saudi Arabia struck a deal to allow 900 slots for Singaporeans to perform the haj pilgrimage. The number of haj slots each year is subject to Saudi Arabia's allotment, with 2018 being the last time the haj quota was increased from 800 to 900. The work of the Singapore Pilgrims' Association Office includes a Get Fit for Haj preparatory program, with health classes and exercise sessions to ensure pilgrims are physically fit before they embark on their haj journey. Assoc Prof Faishal said the first batch of Singapore pilgrims are safe and healthy, and the authorities will keep working hard to look after the rest who are still on their pilgrimage. In 2024, some 1,300 pilgrims died in an intense heatwave during the pilgrimage, after temperatures had soared to a high of 51.8 deg C in Saudi Arabia. In 2025, temperatures have so far reached 47 deg C. The first batch of 80 pilgrims arrived at Terminal 3 in the afternoon and were warmly greeted by their families. The rest will return progressively over the next two weeks, with the last batch arriving on June 25. In January, PM Wong and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced they will meet regularly to grow cooperation between Singapore and Saudi Arabia under a new council. Singapore secured 900 haj slots for 2025 after then-Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Masagos Zulkifli met with Saudi Minister of Haj and Umrah Tawfiq Fawzan Al-Rabiah in Jeddah that month . Assoc Prof Faishal said he was happy to see services by travel agents, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore , and other stakeholders improve year after year. The first batch of 80 haj pilgrims arrived at Changi Airport Terminal 3 in the afternoon and were warmly greeted by their families. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI Ms Lina Jumat, 42, was one of the many people anxiously awaiting their loved ones at the arrival hall of Terminal 3. The customer service representative came to welcome her mother home. Madam Ermina Zainah, 68, was travelling alone for the first time, which added to her daughter's worries. The housewife had been on the waitlist for the haj for 10 years, and had planned to go with her husband. He passed away in 2020 before they could make the trip together. Ms Lina said: 'I was worried for her, of course. Not only because of the heat, but because she is not too physically fit. But I was in contact with her throughout, now I'm just looking forward to hugging her again.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
New Paper
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- New Paper
Digital sentry to keep watch for errant motorists at Geylang Serai market carpark
A new "parking enforcement officer" will soon keep a keen eye, 24/7, for errant motorists causing congestion at the multi-storey carpark connected to the Geylang Serai Hawker Centre and Market. The "officer" will be in the form of a Digital Sentry, said Associate Professor Faishal Ibrahim on June 10. Digital Sentry is a round-the-clock security system developed by local firm Smartguard. According to Smartguard's website, the sentry device has a video monitoring software system that is also able to capture vehicle licence plates of those who offend. It also has LED displays and "three-way sirens for active deterrence". In a Facebook post, Prof Faishal, who is MP for Kembangan (Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC), said he had received "several feedback on the high occurrence of congestion" at Deck 3A of Block 2 Geylang Serai Road multi-story carpark. His post was accompanied by photos of a drop-off point that leads to the Geylang Serai Hawker Centre and Market. "This (congestion) inconveniences residents and visitors. I am more concerned as this is unsafe especially for seniors and those who have mobility issues who may be blocked from view from oncoming vehicles," said Prof Faishal. He noted that even though the parking enforcement officers have been "very responsive", deploying them is not a sustainable solution as motorists continue to park and wait after the officers leave. To tackle the issue, the Housing Development Board will be piloting the Digital Sentry at the carpark, he added. "This helps to smoothen the traffic flow by nudging motorists to move their vehicles," said Prof Faishal. "Motorists who choose to continue waiting at the area blocking the traffic flow will have their licence plates recorded and enforcement action will be taken." "Let us all do our part to make the parking experience pleasant for all as we go about enjoying our favourite 'teh tarik' or shopping," added Prof Faishal.
AsiaOne
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- AsiaOne
This 'officer' never sleeps : Geylang Serai market carpark to have digital sentry to keep watch on errant motorists, Singapore News
A new enforcement 'officer' will be deployed at the carpark next to Geylang Serai Hawker Centre and Market to keep watch on errant motorists. The 'officer', or a digital sentry system, will be implemented following multiple complaints about frequent traffic congestion at Deck 3A of Block 2, Geylang Serai Road. In a Facebook post on Tuesday (June 10), Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, who is MP for Kembangan at Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC, highlighted the issue and noted that the congestion situation has inconvenienced many residents and visitors. He expressed concern for the safety of seniors and individuals with mobility issues, who may be obscured from the view of oncoming vehicles due to the traffic buildup. While parking enforcement officers have been actively managing the situation, Prof Faishal pointed out that their efforts are not a sustainable solution, as some motorists resume parking and waiting in the area once the officers leave. To address the issue, HDB will pilot the use of a digital sentry system at the carpark. "Motorists who choose to continue waiting at the area blocking the traffic flow will have their licence plates recorded, and enforcement action will be taken," said Prof Faishal. Developed by local firm Smartguard, the digital sentry provides round-the-clock surveillance and is equipped with features such as loitering detection, fire and smoke alerts, and licence plate recognition. It is also equipped with LED displays for real-time information sharing and three-way sirens for active deterrence. [[nid:677719]]
Straits Times
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Straits Times
Geylang Serai Market carpark to pilot new digital sentry
The sentry device is equipped with LED displays and 'three-way sirens for active deterrence'. It also has the the ability to classify detected objects such as humans, cars or bikes. PHOTOS: FAISHAL IBRAHIM/FACEBOOK SINGAPORE - A new 'parking enforcement officer' will soon keep a keen eye, 24/7, for errant motorists causing congestion at the multi-storey carpark connected to the Geylang Serai Hawker Centre and Market. The 'officer' will be in the form of a Digital Sentry, said Associate Professor Faishal Ibrahim on June 10 . In a Facebook post, Prof Faishal, who is MP for Kembangan (Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC), said that he had received 'several feedback on the high occurrence of congestion' at Deck 3A of Blk 2 Geylang Serai Road multi-story carpark. His post was accompanied by photos of a drop-off point that leads to the Geylang Serai Hawker Centre and Market. 'This (congestion) inconveniences residents and visitors. I am more concerned as this is unsafe especially for seniors and those who have mobility issues who may be blocked from view from oncoming vehicles,' said Prof Faishal . He noted that even though the parking enforcement officers have been 'very responsive' , deploying them is not a sustainable solution as motorists continue to park and wait after the officers leave. To tackle the issue, the Housing Development Board will be piloting the Digital Sentry at the carpark, he added. 'This helps to smoothen the traffic flow by nudging motorists to move their vehicles,' said Prof Faishal. 'Motorists who choose to continue waiting at the area blocking the traffic flow will have their licence plates recorded and enforcement action will be taken.' Digital Sentry is a round-the-clock security system developed by local firm Smartguard. According to Smartguard's website, the sentry device is equipped with LED displays and 'three-way sirens for active deterrence'. It also has the the ability to classify detected objects such as humans, cars or bikes. 'Let us all do our part to make the parking experience pleasant for all as we go about enjoying our favourite 'teh tarik' or shopping,' said Prof Faishal. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
