REACH (Telegram) 138 -  What are your views on the rise in inflation? How have you adjusted your spending habits?

(SK)

24 Apr 2026 (10am - 7pm)

REACH (Telegram)

[24/4/2026 9:50 am] REACH Singapore: Dear Contributors,

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[24/4/2026 10:01 am] REACH Singapore: 📢 Topic 📢

Singapore’s core inflation rose for a second straight month to 1.7 per cent year-on-year in March, up from 1.4 per cent in February, official data released on Thursday (Apr 23) showed.

This is driven by higher inflation in retail and other goods and services, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) said in a joint media release.

💬 What are your views on the rise in inflation? How have you adjusted your spending habits?

📌 Rise in inflation

Overall inflation picked up to 1.8 per cent year on year from 1.2 per cent in February, driven by faster increases in private transport, retail and other goods and services.

Core inflation, which excludes private transport and accommodation to better reflect household expenses, rose to 1.7 per cent from 1.4 per cent, MAS and MTI said. 

📌 Sectors

Official data released on Thursday showed that private transport inflation rose to 6.6 per cent in March from 2.4 per cent in February, due to higher petrol prices.

Retail and other goods inflation increased to 1.8 per cent in March from 0.6 per cent in February, largely due to a larger increase in the prices of alcohol and tobacco, as well as higher clothing and footwear prices.

Services inflation went up to 2.1 per cent, from 2 per cent, primarily because of a larger increase in the cost of point-to-point transport services, as well as the higher cost of telecommunication services.

Accommodation inflation remained unchanged at 0.3 per cent as housing rents rose at a similar pace.

Electricity and gas prices fell at the same rate in March as in February because electricity prices declined at a similar pace during this period.

Food inflation was also broadly unchanged as non-cooked food prices rose at the same rate in February and March, even as food services inflation moderated slightly in March.

📌 Outlook

Singapore’s imported cost pressures are expected to pick up and broaden in the months ahead, said MAS and MTI.

They noted that core and overall inflation are currently projected to average 1.5-2.5 per cent in 2026, adding that the risks to the inflation outlook are "tilted to the upside".

"A more persistent disruption to global energy supplies or shortages in key intermediate inputs to regional supply chains could further raise imported costs for Singapore," said the authorities.

"However, downside risks are also present. A curtailment of industrial production due to supply chain disruptions or an abrupt tightening in global financial conditions could lead to a slowdown in economic activity and thus lower inflation."

Last week, MAS also tightened its monetary policy stance to fight  inflation, allowing for a stronger currency to dampen import costs.

👉 https://www.straitstimes.com/business/economy/higher-petrol-prices-drive-singapore-inflation-to-1-8-in-march

👉 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/mas-mti-singapore-inflation-march-2026-6075441

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[24/4/2026 10:23 am] Jun Ming: Suffering always to the consumers

[24/4/2026 10:23 am] Jun Ming: Most policy also target consumers

[24/4/2026 10:24 am] Jun Ming: My take is gov need to craft more policy to protect consumers

[24/4/2026 10:25 am] Jun Ming: For eg. Gov can improve by giving $1 supermarket voucher instead of those bigger value $10

[24/4/2026 10:27 am] LCL (Danny 心): 

1. My neighbourhood coffeeshops quite a number of food stalls have increase their food prices.

2. Once they increase the prices, it won't come down.

[24/4/2026 10:27 am] Jun Ming: Malaysia implement maximum distribution price

[24/4/2026 10:28 am] LCL (Danny 心): 

Sorry, how does it work?

[24/4/2026 10:28 am] Jun Ming: https://www.humanresourcesonline.net/malaysia-to-implement-nine-day-maximum-price-scheme-for-chinese-new-year-2026

[24/4/2026 10:29 am] Jun Ming: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malaysia-extends-price-ceiling-policy-chickens-and-eggs-2722661

[24/4/2026 10:34 am] LCL (Danny 心): 

Fixing prices - have quite a number of side effects in economics.

It will skew market behaviour that will in turn hurt consumers.

[24/4/2026 10:36 am] LCL (Danny 心): 

Most economists don't recommend price fixing.

[24/4/2026 10:39 am] LCL (Danny 心): 

Actually, government should provide guidelines:-

1. Say the increase is temporary in lieu of oil crisis.

2. When oil crisis is over, the price rises will be remove and fall back to the old price.

Rather than now, food stall just stick a new higher prices to the food items.

This move more economically practical.

Else in future when the oil crisis blow over, the elevated high price stick - and consumers will have to stick with the elevated price.

[24/4/2026 10:42 am] LCL (Danny 心): 

Too lazy to write out all the side effects about price fixing, 有请 ChatGpt:-

Maximum price fixing (also called a price ceiling) sounds consumer-friendly—keep food affordable—but in practice it often creates a chain of unintended consequences. Here’s a clear breakdown of the main side effects.

1. Shortages (most immediate effect)

When the government sets a price below the natural market level:

Demand rises (food is cheaper → people buy more)

Supply falls (producers earn less → produce less)

This creates a gap → empty shelves.

👉 This is the classic outcome explained by Price ceiling and Supply and demand.

2. Lower quality of food

Producers still try to survive under lower prices, so they may:

Use cheaper ingredients

Reduce portion sizes

Cut safety or freshness standards

Result: food becomes less nutritious or lower quality, even if price looks “cheap”.

3. Black markets (illegal trading)

When official prices are too low:

Sellers move goods to informal or illegal markets

Prices there are often higher than before controls

This leads to Black market activity.

4. Rationing and long queues

Because supply is limited:

Governments may impose rationing (e.g., per person limits)

Consumers spend time queueing instead of paying market price

So the “real cost” becomes time + inconvenience, not just money.

5. Reduced incentives for farmers and suppliers

Farmers and food producers:

Earn less profit

May switch to other crops or industries

Reduce investment in production

Over time, this worsens food supply and can lead to structural shortages.

6. Misallocation of resources

Artificially low prices distort signals:

Too much consumption of controlled goods

Too little production

This is known as Market distortion.

7. Government fiscal burden (if subsidies are used)

To prevent shortages, governments often:

Subsidize producers

Import food at higher prices

This increases public spending and may lead to higher taxes or debt.

8. Smuggling and cross-border effects

If neighboring regions don’t have price controls:

Goods may be smuggled out to sell at higher prices

Local supply worsens further

9. Long-term dependency and reduced resilience

Consumers and businesses adapt to artificial prices:

Hard to remove controls later (politically sensitive)

Sudden removal can cause price shocks

Bottom line

Price ceilings on food can help in short-term emergencies (e.g., war, inflation spikes), but if sustained:

They don’t eliminate scarcity

They hide it and redistribute it (queues, shortages, black markets)

If you want, I can  ⁠compare this with real-world cases (e.g., Venezuela, wartime rationing, or rent control parallels) to show how these effects play out in practice.

[24/4/2026 10:46 am] LCL (Danny 心): 

In a market economy - artificial price fixing is a taboo.

Prices rely on demand versus supply in a free market competition.

In a planned economy (normally adopted by communist countries) - they practice price fixing - which resulted in the above market anomaly that will in turn hurt consumers.

[24/4/2026 10:54 am] LCL (Danny 心): 

1. One elderly go to a vegetarian stall to order his food - he point point point many time for his dishes - the stall helper quoted him the price.

2. He was shocked and say how come the prices increase by more than $1.

3. The helper than point the new price list to him - every dish increase by 20 cents to 30 cents.

4. The elderly reluctantly dish out his cash to make the payment.

5. Come to my turn, I only point 3 times (noodle plus 2 dishes) - increase by 50 cents.

[24/4/2026 11:02 am] Jun Ming: Like moh put a range for coffee shop

[24/4/2026 11:03 am] REACH Singapore: [ Poll : 1. I am concerned about Singapore's economic outlook in 2026. Share your reasons in the chat! ]

- Strongly agree

- Agree

- Neutral

- Disagree

- Strongly disagree

[24/4/2026 11:03 am] REACH Singapore: [ Poll : 2. I am confident that the Singapore Government has the right strategies in place to successfully deal with the challenges emerging from the Middle East conflict. Share your reasons in the chat! ]

- Strongly agree

- Agree

- Neutral

- Disagree

- Strongly disagree

[24/4/2026 11:04 am] LCL (Danny 心): 

Sorry can illustrate how it works.

[24/4/2026 11:04 am] Jun Ming: https://www.moh.gov.sg/managing-expenses/bills-and-fee-benchmarks/hospital-bills-and-fee-benchmarks/

[24/4/2026 11:05 am] Jun Ming: Coffee shop can also have benchmark

[24/4/2026 11:05 am] LCL (Danny 心): 

Hmm...

I think this one more practical.

[24/4/2026 11:05 am] REACH Singapore: Dear Contributors,

Please take a moment to participate in our polls 📊 and share your opinion 💭. The poll questions are pinned for easy reference, and your vote is anonymous.

We look forward to hearing your thoughts on today’s topic!

Thank you.

Megan

[24/4/2026 11:15 am] LCL (Danny 心): 

1. A more scary thing is that our Straits of Malacca - could suddenly overnight invite toll charging that could - further inflate our food prices.

2. Luckily our Government sound out preemptively, loudly and righteously Singapore will not levy toll charges and will respect international law.

3. Luckily our PM make a phone call to Malaysia PM to ensure we are on the same page.

4. Else our food prices will further elevate.

5. Ships refusing to pay toll charges could detour through Arctic - and all 3 countries end up with nothing.

6. Worst scenario, fight over the Malacca Straits erupted like Hormuz straits.

War come unto our doorstep.

[24/4/2026 11:17 am] LCL (Danny 心): [23/04, 12:25 am] ☸️  Danny 心: 

"Indonesia’s finance minister suggests imposing levy on ships transiting Malacca Strait.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said the idea to impose a levy was inspired by Iran’s plan to charge ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. 

Singapore and Malaysia have however said that there must be freedom of navigation through the Strait of Malacca."

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/indonesia-malacca-strait-levy-economic-gain-6073201#:~:text=Indonesia%E2%80%99s%20finance%20minister,Strait%20of%20Malacca.

[23/04, 12:29 am] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Separately, Malaysia’s Transport Minister Anthony Loke on Tuesday expressed a similar stance as he attended the Singapore Maritime Week 2026 at the Suntec Convention Centre. 

He said Malaysia remains committed to ensuring freedom of navigation and transit through the Malacca Strait.

“As a sovereign nation and a council member of the International Maritime Organization, we are committed to a rules-based system in which members play their part in respecting international law,” Mr Loke was quoted as saying by state news agency Bernama.

[24/4/2026 11:18 am] LCL (Danny 心): [23/04, 7:35 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malaysia-malacca-strait-shipping-asean-levy-6075621 No unilateral decisions’ on Malacca Strait, ASEAN works by consensus: Malaysia's foreign minister.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan’s comments came amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with a chokepoint at the Strait of Hormuz, and after Indonesia Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa floated the idea of imposing a levy on ships passing through the Malacca Strait.

[23/04, 11:51 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Indonesia will not impose tariffs in the Strait of Malacca: Foreign minister.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono's comments come a day after Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa floated the possibility of Jakarta imposing levies on ships passing through the Malacca Strait.         

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/indonesia-not-impose-tariffs-strait-malacca-foreign-minister-sugiono-6076516

[24/4/2026 11:20 am] LCL (Danny 心): [13/04, 5:03 pm] 

My close friend: I'm serious. 送羊入虎口。

[13/04, 5:03 pm] My close friend comments: 

Then he use him to control strait of malacca

[13/04, 5:06 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Hmm....

It is not far fetched.

Trump is out of everybody's mind.

He can do alot of unpredictable things that no sensible people will do.

[23/04, 8:37 am] My close friend comments: 

Jakarta mulls charging fee for Strait of Malacca passage https://share.google/ad5dFMDydTdg7glTR

[23/04, 8:38 am] My close friend comments: 

Jialat! You collect, I'll also collect

[23/04, 1:58 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Yes.

Your earlier assessment that people will imitate Hormuz straits and do likewise in Malacca Straits is correct.

Bad, easy money and greedy things, people will want to follow.

That's why when we walk the Bodhisattva path in this dharma ending era, we cannot stay quiet.

We need to be a lamp unto the globe of darkness.

指路明灯。👈

Else WW3 may quickly come - as human 5 poisons - ignorance, greed, hatred/anger, arrogance and distrust manifest overwhelmingly.

贪嗔痴慢疑 发酵。

This is the most dangerous sign of threat to the existence of humanity.

Bodhi Heart cannot be hidden anymore - and need to be brave to sound alarm - when dangers raise their ugly head.

Humanity cannot afford another WW.

[23/04, 2:05 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: 

"Indonesia’s finance minister suggests imposing levy on ships transiting Malacca Strait.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said the idea to impose a levy was inspired by Iran’s plan to charge ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Singapore and Malaysia have however said that there must be freedom of navigation through the Strait of Malacca."

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/indonesia-malacca-strait-levy-economic-gain-6073201#:~:text=Indonesia%E2%80%99s%20finance%20minister,Strait%20of%20Malacca.

[23/04, 2:05 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Separately, Malaysia’s Transport Minister Anthony Loke on Tuesday expressed a similar stance as he attended the Singapore Maritime Week 2026 at the Suntec Convention Centre. 

He said Malaysia remains committed to ensuring freedom of navigation and transit through the Malacca Strait.

“As a sovereign nation and a council member of the International Maritime Organization, we are committed to a rules-based system in which members play their part in respecting international law,” Mr Loke was quoted as saying by state news agency Bernama.

[23/04, 2:09 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: 

But Our Minister Vivian stand tall and voice out that we will not collect toll and respect international law.

Malaysia transport Minister now follow and say the same.

Indonesia finance minister now back off.

See an imminent conflict similar to Hormuz straits - is defuse.

Else WW 3 could really break out - if many countries cannot survive in fuel crisis.

This is exactly what happens in WW2 - when many countries encounter difficulties when resources are sanctions - and big wars break out everywhere.

Hence Bodhisattva Heart must invoke humans conscience to prevent another WW.

[24/4/2026 11:21 am] LCL (Danny 心): [15/04, 11:57 am] 

Close friend comments: US May Be Eyeing Strait Of Malacca After Hormuz. Why It Matters To India https://share.google/dTHw10fS879iTgBvk

Trump may be interested to control strait of malacca.

[15/04, 12:38 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Hmm...

You are right.

Trump indeed is an unpredictable, very greedy and malicious man.

[15/04, 12:39 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: 

His deal with Indonesia also very suspicious.

I hope he won't turn Malacca straits as another Hormuz straits.

[15/04, 12:39 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: 

My comments:-

Hmm....

It is not far fetched.

Trump is out of everybody's mind.

He can do alot of unpredictable things that no sensible people will do.

[23/04, 2:19 pm] Close friend comments: 

When we collect 过路钱，we are inviting bigger bullies to take over. We finish

[23/04, 2:20 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Yes.

We cannot do wrong things.

Also ships will bypass us.

They may choose to travel by arctic.

Hence we become penny wise and pound foolish.

[23/04, 2:21 pm] Close friend comments: 

Thailand announce speeding up land bridge to bypass strait of malacca

[23/04, 2:22 pm] Close friend comments: 

Score own goal if we want to collect toll

[23/04, 2:22 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Yes.

That's why we cannot be shortsighted.

We need to do the right things.

[24/4/2026 11:33 am] G: What cuts in spending have the govt done to spend within their means?

[24/4/2026 11:41 am] G: I find this information even more disconcerting

So apparently from court proceedings, it was found that SLA chose to withhold critical info from Bloomberg regarding request for GCB transaction data

And minister was kept in the email loop regarding SLA decision to withhold

Equally concerning is how this critical court proceeding not being reported by MSM

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CdWfzADSx/

[24/4/2026 11:45 am] RY: Ntuc Fairpx has initiated Freezed Price for Essentials(Necessities) to end May, plus more discount to CHAS card holders

Wondering if Govt may work with other major supermarkets eg Cold Storage/Giant/ShengShiong to have similar Price Freezing for Necessities/Essentials strategy also ?

Supermarkets profitted much during covid19, and hopefully they may play their little part, as their social responsibility during this energy crisis also

[24/4/2026 12:52 pm] Hong Yen Lee: yes, Once they up, won't come down. this is the reality

[24/4/2026 1:02 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Food prices inelastic.

Once the prices go up, it stick and never come down.

I have not seen any food stalls willingly reduce their prices during my lifetime.

[24/4/2026 1:03 pm] REACH Singapore: Dear Contributors,

Please take a moment to participate in our polls 📊 and share your opinion 💭. The poll questions are pinned for easy reference, and your vote is anonymous.

We look forward to hearing your thoughts on today’s topic!

Thank you.

Megan

[24/4/2026 2:00 pm] REACH Singapore: 📢 Topic 📢

[24/4/2026 2:37 pm] Jun Ming: 🏦 S'pore's 3 local banks — DBS, OCBC & UOB — cut over 2,800 jobs in 2025.

➡ https://bit.ly/42vvN1i

Follow us @mothershipsg

[24/4/2026 2:38 pm] Jun Ming: The world is not optimistic ya

[24/4/2026 2:38 pm] Jun Ming: High inflation plus lesser job

[24/4/2026 2:40 pm] Jun Ming: Yes we have adjust by not having children

[24/4/2026 3:04 pm] REACH Singapore: Dear Contributors,

Please take a moment to participate in our polls 📊 and share your opinion 💭. The poll questions are pinned for easy reference, and your vote is anonymous.

We look forward to hearing your thoughts on today’s topic!

Thank you.

Megan

[24/4/2026 3:18 pm] Khai Mun L.: Don't understand what's your aim in cutting though. It's not as if our budget has overrun and lacking $.

[24/4/2026 3:29 pm] G: Cutting govt spending = less demand for tax dollars = more impetus to lower tax collection = lowered inflation & cost of living 

This govt raised taxes because they couldn't spend within their means. Now collected too much in taxes, and unnecessarily raising inflation and cost of living for everyone 

And their answer to inflation?

Ask ordinary people to cut their spending, buy less, lower their standards of living

Last time can buy fresh meat. Now can only afford canned meat

Or even worse, last time can buy canned meat, now can only afford canned vegetables 

Looking ahead, this generation of Singaporeans' standards of living looking to be worse than their parents

[24/4/2026 3:29 pm] Khai Mun L.: I recall got news article comparing prices in various areas of singapore.

But such benchmark would be inaccurate. Aircon vs open air stalls, rental difference (especially CBD vs residental). Even tanjong pagar and chinatown consider should be cbd or tourist area?

[24/4/2026 3:30 pm] Jun Ming: Same to hospital there's private and gov hospital

[24/4/2026 3:31 pm] Khai Mun L.: That's one perspective. But what about the freebies given out?

Cdc vouchers, utilities rebate, increased tax threshold for business etc.

[24/4/2026 3:32 pm] Khai Mun L.: To combat inflation, the point is to get people to spend less.

Compared to china, currently in deflation stage, government want them spend more but people are unwilling

[24/4/2026 3:33 pm] G: How were the "freebies" funded?

When cost of living were lower, was there be a need for "freebies"?

Single income median income household could raise a family of 4 in a 4 room HDB flat with 10 years or less mortgage

[24/4/2026 3:33 pm] Khai Mun L.: True, but the price difference is much more.

Coffee would be like 10cents difference between areas. Would it be worth to spend the effort and money to consolidate this?

[24/4/2026 3:34 pm] Khai Mun L.: Got some people saying that government should not spend on unnecessary projects..

[24/4/2026 3:35 pm] G: Especially unnecessary projects that incur repeated recurring operational/maintenance costs

Like founders memorial

[24/4/2026 3:36 pm] Khai Mun L.: That example, could be justified as somewhat future tourist spot to attract them more. Also a nature spot else that patch of land is just empty

[24/4/2026 3:37 pm] Khai Mun L.: But yes, some projects could be relooked. E.g. less grass cutting or replanting, extend repainting of housing to maybe 7 instead of 5 years

[24/4/2026 3:38 pm] G: Then let some private company develop into tourist spot and operate and maintain it

Don't use taxpayer money

[24/4/2026 3:38 pm] G: Or since it's gonna be some pseudo PAP shrine, use PAP funds to develop it, not taxpayer money

[24/4/2026 3:40 pm] Jun Ming: It would be just a 7 days effort in doing sampling. If anything above the sampling then it will be expensive

[24/4/2026 3:40 pm] G: Another high capex, high opex project that's unnecessary:

ERP 2.0

Autonomous vehicles

[24/4/2026 3:40 pm] Jun Ming: Don't buy from it

[24/4/2026 3:41 pm] Jun Ming: I notice there's a huge price difference in dessert Tau suan

[24/4/2026 3:41 pm] Jun Ming: Eg. Koufu sells at $2 and kopitiam sells at $2.80

[24/4/2026 3:42 pm] G: Don't understand why the push is for people to lower their standards of living..

Why not this: what's the govt doing to lower the cost of business to lower cost of living pressures?

Since it's the govt that controls policies and it's these very policies that directly affect cost of living pressures

[24/4/2026 3:42 pm] Jun Ming: Infact both are Aircon food courts why the price difference so big for the same dish?

[24/4/2026 3:44 pm] Jun Ming: It's not consolidate but gov set a benchmark if anything above it is expensive

[24/4/2026 3:46 pm] Khai Mun L.: Could be due to discount from trust/fairprice app. Then difference would be smaller

[24/4/2026 3:46 pm] Jun Ming: Nope

[24/4/2026 3:46 pm] Khai Mun L.: From recent budget announcement:

The Government will also temporarily co-fund cost increases for certain essential transport services so they can continue without disruption. These include transport for school students, seniors, and persons with disabilities.

It will also share the cost increases directly arising from fuel price rises for critical government contracts, where any delay or stoppage would significantly affect the public interest.

[24/4/2026 3:47 pm] Jun Ming: I use paynow on both side

[24/4/2026 3:47 pm] Jun Ming: Even if there's discount wouldn't be kopitiam cheaper

[24/4/2026 3:48 pm] Khai Mun L.: Hmm, but that benchmark would have to be updated regularly?

Else if just static numbers can just refer to previous news article that had already done the survey.

[24/4/2026 3:50 pm] G: These are temporary, plaster over cracks 

Need more permanent solutions

Such as: why is fuel costs in SG so high?

Other countries buy fuel from SG, and after factoring transport and distributions costs to and within their countries, can even sell at lower prices compared to SG...

[24/4/2026 3:50 pm] Khai Mun L.: Might become like minimum wage issue. Could force some businesses to close because they cannot afford to set so low prices, only big or foreign companies can manage due to budget or economies of scale

[24/4/2026 3:51 pm] Khai Mun L.: Do these countries have subsidies to force price of oil down? Or they have oil of their own to diversify the supply?

[24/4/2026 3:51 pm] Jun Ming: Hmm

[24/4/2026 3:53 pm] Jun Ming: By the way I am surprised that gov announced that they are going to set the Aircon on 25degree c

[24/4/2026 3:53 pm] Jun Ming: I was like you mean you HAVEN'T BEEN DOING SO?

[24/4/2026 3:55 pm] G: Take Australia for e.g.

They buy diesel from SG. They just lost their own big refineries to fires

Yet in SG, diesel is what S$4.68/litre?

In Australia, it's A$2.76/litre (S$2.51/litre)

Almost half the price

[24/4/2026 3:55 pm] LCL (Danny 心): [18/04, 9:33 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSHTaCFkx/  Dr Clemen Chiang on oil crisis support.

@Babe:1. Why we can export oil to Australia but not subsidise our oil?

2. Because we need LNG to produce electricity - 95% for Singapore houses, office, commercial, industrial and government offices.

To even treat the water we drink.

3. in energy crisis, the appropriate economic and financial measures is to reduce demand and preserve supply.

Subsidise oil will encourage more demand and usage on oil - accelerating the depletion of oil.

4. Look at countries that subsidise oil, many petrol stations get dry up.

[18/04, 9:33 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: 

@Babe:1. Subsidizing petrol is using taxpayer's money paid by the majority to finance a few privilege minority that drive.

2. No responsible government, the custodian of the taxpayer money will abuse it to benefit a few privilege.

3. If you want to drive, pay the market price of the petrol.

4. Else take public transport.

5. Business and delivery instead will get help from government to cushion the high petrol prices to get their business and jobs going.

This is the hallmark of a responsible government.

[18/04, 10:18 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: 

1. Government need to buy crude oil at the escalating high market price. We don't own the crude oil.

2. Singapore refine the oil to sell to consumers or export the refined oil - to earn oil revenue. We cannot sell at a lower price and inherit loss.

3. Subsidizing or making petroleum price low - will deplete our fiscal budget just for the benefit of the few privilege who drive - is economically and politically wrong.

4. Instead tax revenue earn by the government should holistically targeted to benefit every citizens, business and create jobs - to cushion against the high energy costs.

[19/04, 4:13 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: 

@Babe:1. So will crude oil dry up if Hormuz straits continue to be block?

2. Depends, because as long as there are demand for oil to power their electricity, willing to pay the market prices, crude oil not from Middle East will continue to flow to our oil refineries to refine the oil - so that we can continue to sell to our retail customers and our export customers.

3. Eg. crude can come from Latin America, Africa, US etc. - as long as customers willing to pay market price for the oil, crude oil will come into our refineries.

4. Hence we cannot lower our oil prices or subsidies refined oil in Singapore - because crude oil will flow elsewhere that are willing to pay market price instead of to our refineries.

[19/04, 4:18 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: 

@Babe:1. So can we honour our agreement to supply Australia with refined oil?

2. Yes we can as long as we pay market price for the crude oil. Because crude oil will flow to our refineries as long as we can pay.

3. So how can our government subsidize oil, it will be a black hole sucking our fiscal budget dry.

4. So if car drivers cannot pay high petrol prices, take public transport and don't drive.

5. Else we can't secure the 95% LNG with Australia if we cannot honour our agreement with Australia to keep our refined oil going just to please the minority drivers abusing their privilege.

[24/4/2026 3:57 pm] LCL (Danny 心): [11/04, 12:51 am] ☸️  Danny 心: 

"Shell Malaysia working to restore fuel supply amid reports of petrol stations running up empty".

Petrol running dry....

https://theedgemalaysia.com/node/799255#:~:text=OIL%20%26%20GAS-,Shell%20Malaysia%20working%20to%20restore%20fuel%20supply%20amid%20reports%20of%20petrol%20stations%20running%20up%20empty,-By%20Jazlin%20Zakri

In recent reports, petrol station operators have highlighted how they were managing their working capital between sale of fuel and replenishment of supply, at a time when the government's subsidy portion has shot up due to rising unsubsidised fuel prices, while subsidised prices are maintained at current levels — such as RM1.99 at the pumps for RON95.

[11/04, 12:59 am] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Cheap petrol in energy crisis, a sure way to ensure supply run dry very quickly - because more people will become kiasu and abuse it - fearing no petrol in herd mentality.

Hence, petrol subsidies, cut fuel tax in energy crisis - a sure way to deplete oil - and whole nation blackout.

Wrong fiscal policies, financial policies in an energy crisis - will worsen the crisis.

Hence our leaders have alot of wisdom that the world can learn from.

[24/4/2026 3:58 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

"Bangladesh faces telecom shutdowns from Middle East fuel crisis".

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/bangladesh-telecom-shutdown-middle-east-fuel-crisis-6069621#:~:text=Asia-,Bangladesh%20faces%20telecom%20shutdowns%20from%20Middle%20East%20fuel%20crisis,-A%20man%20gets

[24/4/2026 3:59 pm] G: Diesel is critical for business costs

By ensuring high diesel prices, this govt is ensuring high business costs

[24/4/2026 3:59 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

"Fuel rations and no air con: south-east Asian nations race to conserve energy.

Governments in countries heavily reliant on Middle Eastern oil introduce measures to shield public from soaring costs".

Many countries live in misery.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/18/south-east-asia-nations-conserve-energy-oil-soaring-costs#:~:text=Fuel%20rations%20and,from%20soaring%20costs

[24/4/2026 4:01 pm] G: By now it should be govt lead by example, follow the minister's recommendation: turn off aircon and use fans only

[24/4/2026 4:02 pm] Khai Mun L.: Most offices no fan built overhead. So have to spend $ to buy fans🙈

Plus break open windows, because most office windows are sealed. Another cost

[24/4/2026 4:03 pm] Khai Mun L.: It'll have to complete redesign of office buildings, our climate is both hot and wet with rain and winds

[24/4/2026 4:03 pm] REACH Singapore: 📢 Topic 📢

[24/4/2026 4:04 pm] G: Then lead by example, fulfill their end of the social compact, and use own money to buy.

[24/4/2026 4:05 pm] Jun Ming: I mean not about adding any facility or something. It's gov is not using the optimal level of energy saving strategy until a crisis has hit the world

[24/4/2026 4:06 pm] Jun Ming: Of course there's a lot of room of improvement in gov eye. While we ordinary residents trying to save cost every month ask to change more habits

[24/4/2026 4:08 pm] Jun Ming: My house don't even have Aircon eh and yet gov is so wasteful during ordinary period.

[24/4/2026 4:09 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

No modern office buildings in the world go without aircon.

Even in 4 seasons countries.

[24/4/2026 4:09 pm] Jun Ming: Even setting 25 degree c can also report in news. Gan Kim yong taking lrt as part of job also can flex

[24/4/2026 4:10 pm] Jun Ming: It's not about having Aircon or not. It is about you should set the policy of 25 degree c from start

[24/4/2026 4:12 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Source:- Google AI

Setting your air conditioner to 

  25 degree Celsius 

 is widely considered the most optimal balance between comfort, energy efficiency, and cost savings, particularly in tropical climates. It prevents the compressor from overworking, reduces energy consumption (saving up to per degree raised), and helps maintain comfortable, productive, and healthy indoor conditions. 

 Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment +4

Why 

 is Recommended:

Optimal Energy Savings: Every degree lower than 

 increases electricity consumption by about  

Balanced Comfort: 

 provides a cool environment without feeling freezing, reducing the need for sweaters indoors.

Optimal Humidity Management: While cooling, an AC removes moisture; 

 often allows for comfortable humidity levels, sometimes aided by "Dry Mode".

Health and Productivity: Studies suggest people may have better cognitive performance and faster reaction times at 

 compared to much colder temperatures. 

 CNA +4

Tips for Maximum Efficiency:

Pair with Fans: Using a fan alongside the aircon allows for higher temperatures (like 

 or 

) while maintaining comfort.

Use "Auto" Fan Speed: This helps the aircon efficiently manage the room temperature.

Use Sleep Mode: It gradually increases the temperature at night, saving power.

Regular Cleaning: Clean air filters every 2–4 weeks to ensure efficient operation. 

 Facebook +4

For maximum benefit, consider setting it to 

 

 and let me know if you would like tips on how to keep your home cool with that setting. 

Launch of Go25 National Movement

16 May 2025 — 3 A growing body of research affirms the benefits of setting air-conditioning temperatures optimally. A study in partnership with Ngee Ann Polytechnic's Centre ...

Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment

[24/4/2026 4:13 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

25 degree Celsius is a universal aircon standard for office building - recommended worldwide standard.

[24/4/2026 4:14 pm] Khai Mun L.: Eh, not so straightforward. We got how many sg office buildings, plus individual meeting rooms etc.

Need to get numbers right, followed by what brand. Otherwise, opposition would say why favor one brand over another, would be conflict of interest.

It's a big order..

[24/4/2026 4:15 pm] Khai Mun L.: Hmm, wp started the trend first though..

But our pm could have led it when he took scoot last year

[24/4/2026 4:17 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Office buildings use air conditioning (AC) instead of fans primarily because AC units act as heat pumps that lower the actual room temperature, remove humidity, and filter air for a large, enclosed space. Fans only move air around and become ineffective above 35°C, whereas AC ensures a comfortable, consistent temperature that improves worker productivity. 

 www.interiordesigns.com.sg +4

Here are the key reasons why AC is preferred over fans in office environments:

Active Cooling and Temperature Control: Air conditioners act as a "heat pump" to remove heat from the room, ensuring a stable temperature in large spaces. Fans only create a wind chill effect (moving air around) and do not lower the ambient temperature.

Dehumidification and Air Quality: AC units reduce humidity levels to a comfortable range (40%–60%) and filter out dust, allergens, and odors. Fans cannot manage humidity or clean the air.

Optimal for High-Density Spaces: Offices have many warm bodies and heat-generating equipment (computers, servers). AC is more effective at managing high heat loads in enclosed or high-rise environments compared to fans.

Productivity and Equipment Safety: A comfortable, controlled temperature is crucial for employee productivity. Furthermore, IT equipment and servers require cooler temperatures to prevent overheating and to maintain reliability.

Limitations of Fans: Fans can actually speed up heat-related illnesses like heatstroke when temperatures exceed 35°C, and they can create issues with noisy air movement, which can blow around important paperwork. 

 Total Environmental Kooling +4

However, modern sustainable offices sometimes use ceiling fans to supplement AC, allowing the thermostat to be set higher while keeping employees comfortable, resulting in up to 32% in energy savings. 

 Reddit +1

Would you like to know more about:

How to maximize AC efficiency?

The health benefits of different cooling methods?

How to improve office air quality?

Source:- Google AI

[24/4/2026 4:19 pm] RY: With SG Sustainability policy, Govt may have to promote more public awareness/education in Energy Saving activities

Govt should take the 1st initiative and set the leading example in energy saving

[24/4/2026 4:21 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Singapore is at the equator - if office building no aircon - it becomes a sweatshops for our office workers.

And can even trigger heatstroke.

One MRT station try to move up the aircon temperature in a pilot test - immediately alot of people fidgeting and sweating in the MRT station and very stuffy.

Until the train come with cooler temperatures - then everyone calm down and cool down.

[24/4/2026 4:25 pm] RY: Expected cost of living to increase due to Energy crisis 

However, some unethical biz may take the chance to increase price at spiking level ..... 

Hence govt may have to closely monitor these unethical biz who may "take advantage" of the situation, since govt also extend financial assistance to biz also

[24/4/2026 4:33 pm] Khai Mun L.: I tried searching online, so far it's not a law, but a recommendation. I recall many years ago was like 24°, then recently is 25.

Some offices could require colder because servers are in same room as regular staff (due to space constraints). Hence, not a law

[24/4/2026 4:34 pm] Khai Mun L.: But yea, even slight increase/decrease a lot of people in office complain. Hard to please everyone

[24/4/2026 4:36 pm] RY: As consumer, I always compare price or when there is sale for most spending, since cost of living spiking, but salary no increase 

I also take public transport most time 

I am also trying my best to recycle items if possible, so as to support govt recycling policy 

Due to climate change, everybody shd play their little part, since we living in same planet

[24/4/2026 4:38 pm] Khai Mun L.: Hmm, one way to get people to use less resources is to increase price to minimise wastage. Then redirect these additional 'taxes' to other areas.

E.g. if water/electric was cheap, then most would leave tap/lights on the whole day. I see cars with high beam on during the day, battery would drain quicker

[24/4/2026 4:45 pm] G: No need ah. When each govt official 自己保重, whole of govt effort and use own funds to purchase fans, within 1 week can gaodim 

Then higher ranking ones can contribute fans to common use areas like toilets and meeting rooms and corridors

When spend personal money, what the opposition want / can complain about?

[24/4/2026 4:47 pm] Khai Mun L.: Haha, which level of high ranking to contribute? My boss can say, his boss earn more than me, so he should sponsor etc. in the end, float up to PM to spend😂

[24/4/2026 4:49 pm] G: That one let each dept decide. Who cares. Personal money anyway 

If boss big heart, then contribute more, up to their own desire/lack of desire.

If the boss dept starts quitting because of fan, then we will know the real health state of govt lor

[24/4/2026 4:51 pm] G: One way to look at it too. Every year jul/December we can see how much bonus/extra bonus govt workers get 

And many times, these are more generous than what the common man in private sector get

[24/4/2026 4:53 pm] Khai Mun L.: Hmm, i would say that private sector base pay is higher than gov. But once add bonuses, they would be comparable

[24/4/2026 4:54 pm] Jun Ming: There's always a minimum spending limit for individual

[24/4/2026 4:54 pm] Khai Mun L.: Some teams might be doing this, others might not because their boss is stingy and let status quo remain. Just that they don't advertise this

[24/4/2026 4:55 pm] Khai Mun L.: If publish, then would become like our transport minister take mrt. People say it's fake, for the media etc..😜

[24/4/2026 4:59 pm] G: Then too bad lor. We are not a communist country. Don't need to dictate which level contribute what and how much. 

Let each govt dept decide how they want to deploy office fans using their own personal money.

If boss is stingy, then too bad for the subordinates lor.

But this is a very tangible and clear way govt can show that they walk the talk (use fans instead of aircon) and want to keep their end of the social compact

[24/4/2026 4:59 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

That's why politicians need to be thick skin - as what SM Lee once say.

Whatever they do, some people will come out with conspiracy theories to cast doubt on whatever they do in public for public good.

As long as their heart, their intent are good - politicians like other public figures such as celebrities will learn to ignore some people who always dwell into conspiracy theories.

Hence being a politician, a public figure lose their privacy - and people behind the back say this, say that - politicians need to focus on delivering good policies that benefit people.

But many capable people shun politics partly because of this - it is a thankless job.

[24/4/2026 5:02 pm] G: Politicians throwing around catch phrases like "we first" and "social compact" is very easy

Doing it and expecting the whole of govt to turn words into action?

We already can see.. ask people use fan. But ownself say own aircon set to 25°C

[24/4/2026 5:03 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

At home I always fan first.

At office, I always aircon at 25 degree Celsius because most office building are run by DCS - centralised district cooling system that are running fuel efficiently and at the same time providing comfort environment to office workers to work productively.

To me this is common sense.

And I won't cast aspersions on the Minister advice to save energy.

[24/4/2026 5:04 pm] REACH Singapore: Dear Contributors,

Please take a moment to participate in our polls 📊 and share your opinion 💭. The poll questions are pinned for easy reference, and your vote is anonymous.

We look forward to hearing your thoughts on today’s topic!

Thank you.

Megan

[24/4/2026 5:06 pm] G: Govt using fans at work instead of aircon will have another big plus:

Utilities savings. Less demand for tax dollars

[24/4/2026 5:10 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

I have not come across any single office buildings run on fans - since I started work until now.

Not in Singapore, not overseas - even in manufacturing plants.

Cast aspersions in demanding office to run on fans - smack on provoking conspiracy theories instead of genuinely proposed useful solutions to problems.

[24/4/2026 5:12 pm] G: So what?

[24/4/2026 5:13 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Hence people will only value comments that are constructive but disregard those comments that are meant to cast aspersions.

[24/4/2026 5:16 pm] G: So it's a test of willingness to put words into action lor 

If you want to see it as casting aspersions because you never see before, or because you just think it's too inconvenient and uncomfortable for you.

Then no better than rules for thee but not for me

[24/4/2026 5:18 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

People can see and know who are serious in putting forward constructive feedback or those who put authority in the bad light.

公道自在人心。

[24/4/2026 5:23 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

If want to test the hypothesis of using fans in office building, earnestly proposed it to your boss and pitch it to him.

See what the boss say to you.

Then I believe what people say is genuinely want to put forward constructive suggestions and not casting aspersions.

I walk into an opposition town council, it is still running on aircon.

[24/4/2026 5:34 pm] RY: For necessities goods eg rice/egg and etc, maybe Govt may need to have some control over any price increase

Similar to baby milk powder last time, whereby the suppliers overprice, until the parents have to  complain, and govt intervene

Same as the pricey cancer drugs, the pharmaceutical companies sell high, till private hospital bills also high and MOH has set the benchmark - already being a cancer patient is suffering to go through the cancer treatments

[24/4/2026 5:37 pm] G: Opposition didn't ask people to use fan and not use aircon

If you expect people to do something, then you better be able to do the same for yourself without complains

[24/4/2026 5:39 pm] G: People can also see

Rules for thee, but not for me

[24/4/2026 5:39 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Government ask citizens at home to use less aircon.

Ministers I believe will do the same at home.

But Ministers didn't say no aircon at work.

Because practically, this don't make sense.

And people with bad intention try to amplify this to cast aspersions.

[24/4/2026 5:41 pm] G: Oddly enough, whatever I'm suggesting will build back social compact and build back trust in the leadership 

But whatever your stance /preference is, will have the opposite effect of building back social compact and trust in the leadership

[24/4/2026 5:43 pm] Jun Ming: And classroom are using fans

[24/4/2026 5:44 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Classroom are porous.

Office buildings are not.

[24/4/2026 5:45 pm] LCL (Danny 心):

 Just like house is porous and can do without aircon.

Army barracks also porous - no aircon - big fans good enough.

[24/4/2026 5:49 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

I in primary and secondary school also no aircon, very porous but got big fans - no problem.

At work, office building are design that requires aircon - so fans don't make sense and in fact trigger heat stroke.

[24/4/2026 5:52 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

My relatives, many civil servants also use fans at home.

So cannot understand the scepticism - when the Minister say use fans.

[24/4/2026 5:59 pm] Jun Ming: It's the 25 degree policy. Haha. Gov knows it's the optimal and yet they only implement now. 

For me I already use fan liao ask me to change what

[24/4/2026 5:59 pm] G: Just because you cannot see it happening, doesn't mean it cannot happen

[24/4/2026 5:59 pm] Jun Ming: I change until cannot change liao still ask me change like 压榨我们

[24/4/2026 6:00 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

I didn't say you.

[24/4/2026 6:00 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

I know you have try your best.

[24/4/2026 6:01 pm] REACH Singapore: 📢 Topic 📢

[24/4/2026 6:02 pm] RY: Maybe govt may study what is the  latest technology to reduce heat esp for bldg eg ofc/HDB and etc

What are the public space that may install mega fans  rather than aircon 

SG is summer all year round and heat maybe a concern for SG 

Any other alternative ways to reduce energy consumption ? 

ParkRoyal @ Pickering is a gd example  

PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, Singapore (near Chinatown) is a multi-award-winning "hotel-in-a-garden" recognized for its extensive greenery and sustainability. It has received numerous accolades, including the World's Leading Green City Hotel (2018–2022) at the World Travel Awards and BCA Green Mark Platinum certification

[24/4/2026 6:02 pm] Jun Ming: Build it on a windward side

[24/4/2026 6:03 pm] Jun Ming: I experience wind at home quite seasonal

[24/4/2026 6:03 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

The policy not now, may 2025.

[24/4/2026 6:18 pm] RY: Sometimes, geopolitical external factors may not be under our control 

However SG govt may implement policy that can be under her control eg monetary policy to help in SG imports 

As energy crisis created too many disruptions, and its implication are too worldwide 

Govt may help people to fight against inflation eg bringing forward Cdc voucher to June for distribution, due to increasing cost of living 

Alternative energy sources eg SMR nuclear plant 

SG govt is well known for her far vision and advance planning for any crisis 

I have confident in SG govt in leading us to the right way during this crisis 

Hopefully, americans now truly understand the importance of voting a good leader, as it may determine mankind pathway and survival and livelihood

[24/4/2026 6:45 pm] REACH Singapore: Dear Contributors,

⏰ We will be closing the chat in 15 minutes ⏰

Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.

Goodnight!

Megan 😊

[24/4/2026 6:46 pm] RY: Tks Megan and GdNite Reach Team &  Participants

[24/4/2026 6:59 pm] REACH Singapore: Dear Contributors

We will be closing the chat for today.

Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.

Goodnight!

Megan 😊

====

REACH (Telegram) 137 -  What are your views on Singapore’s approach to regulating social media use among adolescents to mitigate potential harms? Do you think more needs to be done?

(SK)

22 Apr 2026 (10am - 7pm)

REACH (Telegram)

[22/4/2026 9:50 am] REACH Singapore: Dear Contributors,

Welcome Back! 😊

⏰ We will be opening the chat from 10am to 7pm today. ⏰

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Please be assured that the points made by participants during the chat are aggregated and shared with relevant agencies. 

The topic will be posted shortly. 

Thank you. 

Megan 😊

[22/4/2026 10:00 am] REACH Singapore: 📢 Topic 📢

Speaking to reporters on April 21 at the close of his trip in Hangzhou, China, following the 5th Singapore-China Social Governance Forum on Monday, Coordinating Minister for Social Policies Ong Ye Kung said social media has a profound impact on how children are growing up and Singapore must move to address the harms it is causing, with options that are not limited to a ban. Instead of an outright ban, Singapore can look at how concerns about such features can be addressed, he said.

💬 What are your views on Singapore’s approach to regulating social media use among adolescents to mitigate potential harms? Do you think more needs to be done?

📌 Harms of social media on adolescents

Mr Ong, who is also the health minister, said social media changes human relationships "quite profoundly". "They can talk to the whole world, but not their neighbours. So all these actually affect people-to-people relationships.

Mr Ong said the aspects of social media that pose harm to adolescents are features such as algorithmic feeds, videos that play automatically, and direct messaging by adults to young users.

This was an observation by an expert panel formed by Singapore’s Health Ministry to study the issue, and which is now finalising its report, added Mr Ong, who is also Coordinating Minister for Social Policies.

Some critics say that such feeds and video playback could encourage addictive behaviour and excessive screen time, while direct messaging potentially exposes adolescents to cyber-bullying, predators, or inappropriate content from strangers.

📌 Need for a calibrated approach

Social media has also had an impact on children. Mr Ong noted that various countries have implemented or discussed implementing social media bans for teens.

Some countries have banned, or are considering banning, adolescents from using social media.

Such a move gained traction after Australia, in December 2025, became the first to bar children under 16 from accessing social media. But this has also drawn criticism that young people will simply go to other websites or find workarounds.

Mr Ong said he believed there is a net benefit to such a move, but added that the issue was complex and bans are “blunt tools”. He added that adolescents “do use social media to maintain friendship, keep in touch with friends, and use it for education. So it’s not all bad, it is actually a lot of good.”

He stressed that Singapore "can also take an approach that, instead of banning, let's look at how these features and our concern about these features can be addressed.” 

The Ministry of Digital Development and Information will be engaging with tech platforms on these concerns. “Our options are open, but we will have to do something about this problem,” Mr Ong said.

👉 https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/singapore-has-to-act-to-regulate-social-media-use-for-adolescents-ong-ye-kung

👉 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/social-governance-law-enforcement-technology-privacy-concerns-ong-ye-kung-6070941

---

[22/4/2026 10:36 am] 365: There is one way, but it might still require some research on the possibility and feasibility of implementation.

Make videos that are deemed not suitable for adolescents invisible. On the surface, nothing changes when they're scrolling, but on the back end, they are being protected. This is by no means foolproof, and to be used in conjunction with other solutions.

The invisibility of the censorship makes them less likely to rebel, theoretically there should be fewer who will still resort to VPN rather than just accepting what has been given to them. Don't even show messages like "this content is not suitable for you", just return no results or the spinning circle that usually indicates still loading. 

Even if the pattern becomes apparent and public knowledge, the brain immediately associates what it experiences to be the truth instead. People are more likely to accept that something just never exist rather than something existing but denied from them.

For user verification, it will be risk based instead of absolute, as we know there has been great public pushback against id or photo verification in other parts of the world. Instead, an Ai risk-based assessment on the content that the user is interested in, how long they engage with particular content, will be used to determine their age.

[22/4/2026 10:41 am] 365: As content curation has been widely accepted, even if undesirable, this can be seen as another invisible layer of content curation

[22/4/2026 10:43 am] 365: The challenge now is how to implement from isp side, as there's too many social media platforms to go after and get them to cooperate.

[22/4/2026 10:58 am] Adam: I think the physical streets are unsafe. Sometimes very risky. Got cars. Got predators. I see adult toys and contraceptives in watsons, ntuc.

Therefore we need to ban kids from some stores. Not allowed to go in medical section of ntuc or they might overdose on gummie meds.

Kids cannot go to some places like beaches or parks unless its designated for children. There might be predators. By default websites dont verify if minors are accompanied by adults so they cant go if accompanied either.

We need our police nsf to patrol streets to make sure everyone has their nric. If they dont, they might be a minor.

Cyberspace can cause harms online.

But Physical space can cause Physical harm. Think of the Children! If we do all this online, why isnt physical as regulated?

[22/4/2026 11:00 am] REACH Singapore: [ Poll : 1. Singapore should regulate certain social media features (e.g. algorithmic feeds, auto-play, direct messaging) to better protect adolescents from online harms. Share your views in the chat! ]

- Strongly agree

- Agree

- Neutral

- Disagree

- Strongly disagree

[22/4/2026 11:00 am] REACH Singapore: [ Poll : 2. I am confident in Singapore’s ability to regulate social media use among adolescents to better protect them from online harms. Share your reasons in the chat! ]

- Strongly Agree

- Agree

- Neutral

- Disagree

- Strongly Disagree

[22/4/2026 11:01 am] Adam: Whole of society needs to be controlled and regulated with the reason being to make a safe space for children

[22/4/2026 11:03 am] REACH Singapore: Dear Contributors,

Please take a moment to participate in our polls and share your opinion. The poll questions are pinned for easy reference and your vote is anonymous. 

We look forward to hearing your thoughts on today’s topic!

💬 What are your views on Singapore’s approach to regulating social media use among adolescents to mitigate potential harms? Do you think more needs to be done?

Thank you.

Megan 😊

[22/4/2026 11:26 am] 365: We have many physical restrictions and implementation already, most of the burden on care is put on the sellers for controlled item. Is it foolproof? Also no. However we have more reach and control within our physical spaces compared to digital.

It's why we can capture more thieves and robbers and show deterrence as compared to online scams, since digital space is relatively recent compared to physical space.

[22/4/2026 11:45 am] Khai Mun L.: What do you mean by kids cannot go to places not specifically designated as kid friendly? Who is going to define and enforce this?

E.g. my grandma house not kid friendly because got vases, swimming pool because got other adults.

And what about kids bullying other kids? Are we going to bubble wrap children in their own world?

[22/4/2026 11:48 am] Khai Mun L.: There are always new slangs and ways bypass social media and internet regardless if audience is young or old.

China's firewall is a good example. Porn, fake news, anti-government messages still appear

[22/4/2026 11:50 am] Khai Mun L.: And what's stopping adults from impersonating as adolescent, then targeting them?

Or we need to prove that kids are kids, and adults as adults? Very difficult to implement perfect solution

[22/4/2026 11:56 am] 365: There's no single solution to cover everything. It is all risk based on the environmental and cultural context. Hardly a definitive right or wrong, just different assessments on the cost benefit analysis.

[22/4/2026 11:58 am] 365: I personally think the ideal solution should be parents participating more themselves in guiding their children through the technology age. But the cultural context now is many parents are not doing this, common reasons cited being too fatigued from work and that it's not sustainable for them.

Then we move to what might be the next best solution, to implement censoring from the top, to punish parents for opting out, restricting businesses to allow breather room for parents, or to let it be as is and accept the outcome?

[22/4/2026 11:59 am] 365: We don't function on ideals, only real context available

[22/4/2026 12:04 pm] Khai Mun L.: Also what falls under 'social media'? The previous ISA caught adolescent was influenced by Roblox. Are online games considered?

What about forums like hardwarezone etc.

[22/4/2026 12:05 pm] Khai Mun L.: More persistent education and good role models/influence are a better solution than trying to whack-a-mole all the various web portals

[22/4/2026 12:10 pm] 365: Persistent education itself faces a different set of challenges. Used to be highly effective in the past, as there is a lack of alternative narrative and media outlet.

Now the effectiveness diminishes as it gets drowned out. It's easy to just say 'create better education' without having to go to specifics.

Incumbent has been losing political capital for a while, think that interferes with any hard measures they may want to try out as well, but I believe it may take exactly something radical to resolve the issue.

[22/4/2026 12:17 pm] Adam: We also then need to ban chatgpt. Ai spew a lot of things not for kids

[22/4/2026 12:18 pm] Adam: Then ban using google. They use ai and summary inaccurate and can even be harmful. Non kid sites are indexed there anyway

[22/4/2026 12:19 pm] Khai Mun L.: Banning internet for kids below a certain age? Or limit them to certain hours?

But they could always use someone else phone. E.g. parents often give free-usage of their phone to their children

[22/4/2026 12:20 pm] Khai Mun L.: Critical thinking skills. This should also apply for adults to learn with all the alternative websites

[22/4/2026 12:20 pm] Adam: If online so harmful need to ban kid. What happens if the parents let the kid use

[22/4/2026 12:21 pm] Adam: If parent let kid smoke cigs, is it marlboro fault?

[22/4/2026 12:21 pm] 365: It's a catch 22. Those without existing critical thinking skills, with the exposure to more outside media, hard to bring them back as they lack the exact same thinking skills to consume the information.

[22/4/2026 12:22 pm] 365: I believe sellers are held accountable for selling to minors, and any adults found to be supplying tabacco to minors are also held accountable. Need to double check on the law, but I believe this is already the case.

[22/4/2026 12:23 pm] 365: Is just that the logistics of something physical differs a lot from something digital

[22/4/2026 12:23 pm] Adam: They dont sell to minors. Like how websites can block if they find theres children. What if kids sneak through parents device

[22/4/2026 12:24 pm] Adam: If parents leave device unattended and kids harm themselves, are we gonna make them liable for child endangerment

[22/4/2026 12:24 pm] 365: This is why we can't really draw accurate analogies between physical and digital, because the whole logistics differ a lot

[22/4/2026 12:24 pm] Adam: At least now theres no culture or peer pressure for smoking but kids will get internet no matter what

[22/4/2026 12:26 pm] 365: Now given our cultural context and environment, should we be restricting, or using education, or maybe a mix of both. This is just the high level view, whether the implementation is even feasible or not is another issue in of itself.

[22/4/2026 12:28 pm] 365: I think education should definitely still continue, but with the limitations, it is not sufficient by itself. Unless somehow there is a new methodology for education that works much better through the current environment.

But no reason why we should restrict to just one avenue of solution.

[22/4/2026 1:04 pm] G: This is a low hanging fruit on the guise of "online safety" to put in place more measures to censor and control the population 

More and more dystopian 

More and more Orwellian

[22/4/2026 1:18 pm] Khai Mun L.: However, might there be a case for things to go whatever happens? We cannot protect realistically protect everyone.

Read recent news on some anti-vax believers, now get measles vaccine because it became too widespread and their neighbor kids affected.

https://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/as-measles-takes-toll-on-kids-anti-vaxxers-in-us-have-change-of-heart

[22/4/2026 1:19 pm] Khai Mun L.: Some harm have to happen in order to wake people up

[22/4/2026 1:43 pm] Adam: One big issue is the gov tend to overcorrect by the time something happen

[22/4/2026 1:44 pm] Adam: Now pcn is a permanent fixture that has dubious value in our car lite plans

[22/4/2026 1:44 pm] Adam: Many things are banned just like chewing gum

[22/4/2026 1:47 pm] 365: Why pcn has dubious value? I actually enjoy it, relatively better space for cycling also, and hope it expands more.

I think this is an example of just different people have different values and priorities, sometimes directly contradicting, and the government can't fulfill everyone's priorities at the same time.

[22/4/2026 2:01 pm] REACH Singapore: 📢 Topic 📢

[22/4/2026 2:54 pm] Adam: https://youtu.be/cmqPref2cME

[22/4/2026 3:25 pm] Joomua Tng: regulations do not solve everything nor most of the problems.

1.) Education does help. "indoctrination" by educating the youth is better.  The more you banned or regulate the more they will seek or find ways to find out about the banned and harmful social media. and it will get worse if no prior education is done to prepare them for such harmful social media.

2.)  questions is what sort of "indoctrination" education.

a.) critical thinking

b.) empathy, sympathy, education and awareness. (the exercise of putting oneself in the "places" of the victims or situation. e.g. is slavery moral ? if yes, why ? if no, why? what if you are the slave? will you think it is moral?)

c. factual, scientific education. e.g. sex, STD and STI. what are the dangers. certain STD cannot be fully cured and worse, it will affect the next generation.

d.) building sterilization environment is not a good way to protect the youth or people. equip the people with the ability to filter out the harmful is better. similar to human body.

human body immune system has to "learn" what are beneficial external bacteria or body  and what are harmful external bacteria and bodys.

a baby or child in fully sterilization environment will experience more health problem growing up into adults.

e.) same for harmful social media that promote terrorism. e.g. man made law is inferior to gods' law. encourage them to think. really?

what is the flaw in that statement of man made law is inferior to gods' law.

have they heard of a historical incident of 河神娶妻，during the ancient china?

"The River God Marries a Bride" usually refers to an old superstitious custom recorded in *Ximen Bao's Governance of Ye*, namely, the River God taking a bride. It describes a story from the Warring States period where local officials and shamans used superstition to fool the people, extort money, and kill people. Ultimately, the ruler of Ye in Wei ordered Ximen Bao to dispel the superstition, execute the witch and the three elders, and abolish this evil custom. The term later became a metaphor for using superstition for fraud or personal gain.

People's Daily Online Theory

+1 Key Points

Story Background: During the Warring States period, in Ye, a witch and three elders (local minor officials) forced the people to select beautiful girls from their towns every year and send them to the Zhang River to marry the River God (River God). Legend had it that if they didn't marry, there would be a great flood.

Essence: A feudal superstitious act of extortion that led to the tragic deaths of many young women, causing great suffering to the people.

 Breaker: Ximen Bao, after investigating the matter thoroughly, used the excuse that "the girl wasn't pretty" to throw the witch and the officials into the river one after another, thus completely abolishing this evil custom.

Cultural Impact: It became a classic story for later generations to expose ignorance and combat feudal superstition.

.....

so what make you think that there is god and the people claiming gods' law is superior than man made law is not a lie

.....

f.) the way to protect youth or population from harmful social media is to equip youth and population the ability to protect themselves through critical thinking, moral education , especially important from a young age. primary school to secondary school and including polytechnics, Junior college and universities.

[22/4/2026 3:30 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

1. My family, siblings' families and close friends' families do not have young children yet, I can't assess the harm of social meida on young children.

2. But from an adult lens, social media indeed have negative influence on our mood, anxiety and sometimes can be disturbing and even distressing - depending on the type of videos push through by algorithmic feeds. (Though most of the time entertaining if looking at hilarious videos, news feed, music and funny pranks that are harmless)

For eg. this Tik Tok video that is push to me even though I don't like such video.

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSH7YP7p1/

See the abuse in video.

3. Normally, I will skip such abusive videos if feed to me, but sometimes out of curiousity may view 1 or 2 such videos - and find it disturbing and distressing.

It make me angry why people can be cruel and ruthless to abuse the weaker person, why no one stop such abuse, why cannot do something to stop the abuse and help the victim (as this happen in a foreign country), the only thing I can do is to post a comment to request the local there report to the Police to save the victim.

4. But social media with negative content do affect people's mood, cause mental distress, being corner into an echo chamber that could affect the perspective we look at issues and cloud our judgement --- even to adults.

5. So I wonder how would children with developmental mental cognitive capacities process such social media content and videos - without negatively affected in their upbringing?

This is what that keep me thinking - especially when parents nowadays just buy smartphones to their children to keep them occupied. I see so many of such instances in food court - whereby the children, school children glue to their smartphones even when they are eating, walking...

[22/4/2026 3:34 pm] Joomua Tng: all the more reason the youth and population must  learn how to manage and deal with such things.

people mental health problem, harmful social media problem occurs partly people do not know how to manage or cope with it.

equipped the youth and people with the abilities than just shielding them from such things without the abilities of coping, managing, critically thinking and drawing a hard line of what is right or not right, fantasy from reality.

......

avoiding, shielding or a sterilized environment is not a long term solutions

[22/4/2026 3:48 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

1. And I read that many Countries even Western Countries, ASEAN Countries are coining or contemplating banning or restraining social media for young children.

Young children refer to 16 or 18 ? years and below - where their cognitive development is still not mature - unable to fully ascertain what is right or wrong.

2. Professional child development, psychiatrist, psychologists, neuroscience experts views - I feel will be important to provide independent and professional assessment how young children of such ages will be affected - if consistently exposed to negative social media feed and contents.

3. I happen to chance upon an algoritmic video feeds of programme that interview young children - preschool ones and some older ones --- by asking them innocent questions about their parents and their families.

4. I was awed by their response, observation and how they process what they observe, experience and form mental judgement.

Indeed their cognitive abilites exceeded adult's assessment on such young children.

5. What these young children see in social media - how they copy and imitate them - can be astounding.

6. On hindsight, I feel that some restrictions on what these young children see - through controlled algorithmic feeds may be necessary.

7. Until they are older, 18 years and above, when their mental cognitive development has matured, then restrictions can be lifted - the same access like adult.

[22/4/2026 4:04 pm] REACH Singapore: 📢 Topic 📢

[22/4/2026 4:06 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

1. The internet, the AI like Chatgpt, the search engine are so wide and porous and definitely loopholes will be there.

2. No amount of firewall, proxy content or filter can totally blocked undesirable contents - definitely some will slip through.

3. But the 1st cut control of algoritmic feeds not to push vast amount of negative contents in social media to the children - will block off majority of children from access to the negative videos - will help.

4. Let us put this hypothesis to the adult.

Imagine our mainstream media are filled with negative contents eg. CNA, Channel 8, 5, U, etc broadcast porno, abusive, violence, echo chambers etc contents instead of news feed, family friendly dramas, educational contents ---- can we in the same breath say, don't control, we need to exercise critical thinking, filter out etc...

5. Human psychology and mental absorption - will definitely be influenced by what we see - and affect us mentally because we are affected by the 5 mental aggregates :-

a. 5 senses - eyes, sounds, taste, touch, smell.

b. Feelings - positive, negative, neutral

c. Perception - based on what we see, what we hear, what we experience - and form perception.

d. Judgement - and we develop judgement - could be positive, negative, right, wrong, rational, logic or irrational or illogical

e. Mental formation - how we see this world, how we react and respond

6. Imagine if we keep seeing negative things --- be it we are a very strong critical thinker - we will still be negatively influencced even as an adult - not to mention young children.

7. Ancient Wise Men say - see no evil, talk no evil, think no evil.

Imagine social media, mainstream media keep broadcasting - see evil, talk evil - influence you to think evil.....

[22/4/2026 4:13 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

Now let us further push the hypothesis to the now manifesting Geopolitical tensions and conflicts.

Even balance views powers like France, China, Malaysia, India, etc that often exercise critical thinking - can be swerved by fear of no fuel - and make unwholesome decisions - to negotiate to pay ransom money, pay tolls by breaking international laws - because when one do, the rest follow.

Until one tiny little red dot, with clear mind, stand out to say, we will not negotiate to pay toll, we will conform to international law.

Then suddenly the whole world wake up - and see the light of wisdom.

And be a lamp unto the world.

So who say - social media content that continuously broadcast negative videos and wrong thinkings have no impact on people?

Be it adults or children?

[22/4/2026 4:13 pm] LCL (Danny 心): [21/04, 2:28 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Standing up for freedom of navigation sends right message: UN | The Straits Times 

“I want to highlight the position of the Government of Singapore, which was very loud and clear that it was not going to negotiate on those terms,” he said.

Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said in early April that Singapore will not negotiate for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, as doing so would undermine the fundamental principles of international law.

https://share.google/4S7Kbwe0lW6XmzTvj

[21/04, 2:31 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Reflecting on the impact of the closure of Hormuz, he said the current crisis underscored the importance of keeping shipping free and safe.

“If we start transferring the cargoes that come from the Gulf region right now to other means of transportation, they will only be able to ship between 5 and 10 per cent of what shipping is transporting on a daily basis,” he said.

“We can find new ways of operating, we can find new routes. But we’re not going to be able to supply the demands of the global economy.”

[21/04, 2:41 pm] Close friend comments: Singapore might be heavily punished. Just like how 忠臣 get killed evil ones live

[21/04, 2:42 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: 

I think as long as international bodies and other countries are on our side, rouge people like Trump and Iran will not anyhow move.

[21/04, 2:45 pm] Close friend comments: 

I will also choose to be right.

[21/04, 2:45 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Yes.

Right is non negotiable.

Because it invite karma.

Good karma.

Bad deeds invite bad karma.

[21/04, 2:46 pm] Close friend comments: 

Actually there's something which Vivian said or that's sg stand - if we agree to paying for the passage then someone may seize strait of Singapore which the narrowest  is only 2 km wide and starting collecting toll...

[21/04, 2:51 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Yes.

It will open the Pandora box of turning people to become bad and make jungle law the defacto law.

Hence as we walk the Bodhisattva path in an era of dharma ending age - we must always be a lamp onto the globe of darkness to guide righteousness.

Else if good keep quiet, the bad will rear their heads and wrong become right.

WW3 will come very quickly because injustice fill the hearts of people - and violence will break out.

Calling out the conscience of people to do things right will have the reverse effects of keeping bad people from manifesting bad deeds.

[21/04, 2:52 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: 

"Chinese President Xi Jinping calls for Strait of Hormuz to remain open.

Chinese President Xi Jinping made the remarks during a phone call on Monday (Apr 20) with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as Beijing steps up efforts to help end the Iran war."

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/china-xi-jinping-calls-strait-hormuz-remain-open-iran-war-6068191#:~:text=Chinese%20President%20Xi%20Jinping%20calls,help%20end%20the%20Iran%20war.

[21/04, 2:53 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: 

See invoking the conscience of people, power will come out to do the right things.

https://babe118.blogspot.com/2026/04/be-lamp-unto-globe-of-darkness.html

指路明灯 - Be a lamp unto the globe of darkness. 👈

[22/4/2026 4:15 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

This is my conversation with my close friend.

Putting out right views, positive thinkings does influence the world.

What we see in social media - do influence the world.

[22/4/2026 4:29 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

1. Humans have 5 deep inherent roots anchor on:-

a. Ignorance

b. Greed

c. Hatred, Anger

d. Arrogance 

e. Distrust.

2. Imagine if social media and mainstream media are to run wild.

Keep emphasizing hatred that make people angry.

Keep broadcasting fake news.

Keep feeding the greeds of people.

Keep fueling distrust among people, community, society.

Keep saying he is King.

- the Dharma ending age. 

Just look at the American society.

Does social media breed good, kindness, compassion, love, unity, harmony among their people in US?

Americans are deeply polarised, divided, hatred, distrust of institutions, huge demonstration, full of lies, fake news... all propagated by social media when mainstream media are hammer and discredited.

Until the walking monks appear.

[22/4/2026 5:13 pm] RY: Not easy to ban/restrict social media, since nowsaday the kids grow up with social media since toddler

Everything has its pro and con, same as AI trend .... 

I rem earlier SG govt restrict screen-time for children 

Any review or analysis or conclusion on the above restriction after implementation ?

[22/4/2026 5:20 pm] 365: I think restriction works best if it's not upfront and visible. Using interfaces that suggests other issues such as latency or lack of results.

In fact for videos, I think degrading the connection is a much better form of restriction. They think they are not being censored, but the frustration of the video unable to load means they'll likely just scroll to the next one and forget about it.

[22/4/2026 5:23 pm] LCL (Danny 心): 

As long as some restrictions will be good.

Whether is it 100% effective or not is immaterial.

Because definitely they will see some negative things.

But if the majority of positive things they see shape their views, they become critical thinkers and will see those slip through negative videos as bad.

Else if they are constantly expose to bad stuff, they may normalise and think bad stuff are ok.

[22/4/2026 5:31 pm] 365: Just looked through this, I don't think it means pcn provide dubious value, but it still has space for improvement and unironically, quantity becomes quality, as width is one of the factors being mentioned in this video.

A new pcn just opened up near my place and it provides a much appreciated route to move between nearby neighborhood

[22/4/2026 6:06 pm] Jun Ming: Using credit card to verify age is a good method

[22/4/2026 6:07 pm] Jun Ming: Because at least 16 year old than can apply debit credit card

[22/4/2026 6:07 pm] Adam: Its a half baked solution i feel. Some might like it but I dont think we should tolerate this from our highly paid decision makers. Now its too far gone in infra investments to make changes.

Now got the new policy of central kitchen cooking. Some might like but looks like many tolerate it. Its still early but if dont voice out, tons of systems will be built around it and will be hard to change in future.

So can we get a good internet for children or will they enjoy it as good as school meals? Except we adults will be eating the same wholesome school meals alongside our young

[22/4/2026 6:07 pm] RY: Sg Govt may encourage more outdoor activities for kids and also for family bonding purposes 

So that kids may spend time on other activities rather than always on screen-time 

My childhood is without handphone, but I still enjoy/miss my era childhood

[22/4/2026 6:08 pm] Jun Ming: Especially for porn sites it's actually useful when you inforce you need credit card to enter the website

[22/4/2026 6:08 pm] Jun Ming: As most parents wouldn't allow kids to enter such website

[22/4/2026 6:09 pm] Adam: Credit card shouldnt be used as a check for age

[22/4/2026 6:11 pm] Adam: Speaking of this, in our digital economy, kids need to learn to use digital payments too.

[22/4/2026 6:11 pm] Adam: Growing number of places are digital only

[22/4/2026 6:13 pm] RY: China Govt has implemented no tuition for children during school holidays 

I unsure how gd is their implementation so far

At least, china parents now allow their children to enjoy their holidays, and not forcing them to go for CA classes or tuition, as per china govt new restriction

[22/4/2026 6:15 pm] Adam: Im sure there is a significant chunk that force children to study on their own. Maybe some tutors do it hidden.

[22/4/2026 6:15 pm] RY: SG govt may also study or review Aussie case, since they are the 1st govt in the world, to restrict social media for children below 16

[22/4/2026 6:18 pm] RY: My era, it is easy to restrict as no internet 

But now, any country can go without internet ?

[22/4/2026 6:22 pm] RY: These are the list of countries that started/starting/plan to start, the restriction of social media for children 

https://techcrunch.com/2026/04/08/social-media-ban-children-countries-list/ 

Sg Govt may study how is the progress and challenges that each govt may face

[22/4/2026 6:23 pm] Adam: I feel like many of these restriction are simply an excuse for restricting the internet

[22/4/2026 6:24 pm] Adam: Id checks remove anonymity

[22/4/2026 6:25 pm] Adam: With the excuse to protect children it can also be used to id people. Companies benefit from more targeted ads too

[22/4/2026 6:25 pm] Adam: Id checks also brings the risk of all the data getting stolen. So much times it happens already. All the PII getting leaked

[22/4/2026 6:27 pm] Adam: In the end, even if data get leaked, companies are only given a slap on the wrist. Like my name is worth less than a cent.

[22/4/2026 6:29 pm] 365: I agree with not implementing direct ID checks. If there is a need for age verification, use a risk based approach using AI to assess probability of an adult or minor.

[22/4/2026 6:29 pm] Adam: How many singaporeans got scammed because their name and age appeared in a database somewhere? Companies use it to filter away children. When hackers get info then our parents get socially engineered. Old singaporeans are prime target because rich from cpf and not it savvy

[22/4/2026 6:31 pm] Adam: Lol, have you seen how bad the ai performs? Lots of memes online of people face checking with video game charas

[22/4/2026 6:32 pm] Adam: Kids will simply google 'how to bypass age check'

Get lots of solutions from youtube.

[22/4/2026 6:32 pm] Adam: Some after google might download malware thinking it will bypass the age check

[22/4/2026 6:33 pm] 365: Depends on the model, I've seen how some models are much more capable than others.

[22/4/2026 6:33 pm] Adam: Happens all the time. Malware creators targeting young children wanting to bypass things or get roblox money

[22/4/2026 6:33 pm] 365: There's another solution, but requires massive cooperation from the sites, so not feasible on a large scale.

[22/4/2026 6:34 pm] 365: Ultimately, there are much limitations on using the restriction model. It's not foolproof. That's why it's all risk based.

[22/4/2026 6:39 pm] Adam: There is always a risk online. That's why parents need to monitor.

Just because bicycle got training wheel doent mean parent no need watch while their children bike around singapore. Why surrender all responsibility such that public have to watch out for children

[22/4/2026 6:40 pm] RY: Sg govt may do a feasibility study, since other countries already started the restriction already

As social media is also an "addiction", and it is difficult to kick off once addicted 

Also hard to monitor due to data privacy policy

[22/4/2026 6:41 pm] Adam: With how off hand some parents are, maybe singapores solution is to IT train maids which handle children

[22/4/2026 6:42 pm] 365: Ideally, education is enough, but you can lead a horse to water but can't make it drink.

[22/4/2026 6:42 pm] Adam: Funny if maid restricted from using phone have to guard baby using ipad

[22/4/2026 6:47 pm] RY: Social media is not like gun/rifle restriction, whereby must check ID/any criminal history/mental capacity during purchase 

Internet is everywhere in SG, how to restrict usage ? 

And social media is also an "addiction" 

Further, it is part of children (Generation Z) growing up stage since baby

[22/4/2026 6:49 pm] REACH Singapore: Dear Contributors,

⏰ We will be closing the chat in 10 minutes ⏰

Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.

Goodnight!

Megan 😊

[22/4/2026 6:49 pm] Adam: Sugar is also an 'addiction'

Like internet its impossible to regulate.

Try banning children from buying soda

[22/4/2026 6:50 pm] Adam: Scholl can control sugar. No sweet allowed. Just like no phone allowed

[22/4/2026 6:50 pm] Adam: Ultimately at home its up to how parents do upbringing.

[22/4/2026 6:54 pm] RY: If wish to implement such restrictions, SG govt may require -

1) work closely with parents

2) work closely with schools

3) work closely with social media platform providers

4) implement nec law to penalise if breaking such restriction

5) any rehab place that may train kids to kick off such "addiction"

6) work closely with social worker to provide further counselling/assistance

[22/4/2026 7:01 pm] REACH Singapore: Dear Contributors

We will be closing the chat for today.

Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.

Goodnight!

Megan 😊

====

After note:-

"Indonesia finance minister floats, then backs off on Strait of Malacca levy".

 https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/indonesia-finance-minister-floats-then-backs-off-on-strait-of-malacca-levy#:~:text=Indonesia%20finance%20minister%20floats%2C%20then%20backs%20off%20on%20Strait%20of%20Malacca%20levy

[23/04, 12:25 am] ☸️  Danny 心: "Indonesia’s finance minister suggests imposing levy on ships transiting Malacca Strait.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said the idea to impose a levy was inspired by Iran’s plan to charge ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. 

Singapore and Malaysia have however said that there must be freedom of navigation through the Strait of Malacca."

 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/indonesia-malacca-strait-levy-economic-gain-6073201#:~:text=Indonesia%E2%80%99s%20finance%20minister,Strait%20of%20Malacca.

[23/04, 12:29 am] ☸️  Danny 心: Separately, Malaysia’s Transport Minister Anthony Loke on Tuesday expressed a similar stance as he attended the Singapore Maritime Week 2026 at the Suntec Convention Centre. 

He said Malaysia remains committed to ensuring freedom of navigation and transit through the Malacca Strait.

“As a sovereign nation and a council member of the International Maritime Organization, we are committed to a rules-based system in which members play their part in respecting international law,” Mr Loke was quoted as saying by state news agency Bernama.

----

[23/4/2026 2:13 pm] 心法: [13/04, 5:03 pm] My close friend: I'm serious. 送羊入虎口。

[13/04, 5:03 pm] My close friend comments: Then he use him to control strait of malacca

[13/04, 5:06 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: Hmm....

It is not far fetched.

Trump is out of everybody's mind.

He can do alot of unpredictable things that no sensible people will do.

[23/04, 8:37 am] My close friend comments: Jakarta mulls charging fee for Strait of Malacca passage https://share.google/ad5dFMDydTdg7glTR

[23/04, 8:38 am] My close friend comments: Jialat! You collect, I'll also collect

[23/04, 1:58 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: Yes.

Your earlier assessment that people will imitate Hormuz straits and do likewise in Malacca Straits is correct.

Bad, easy money and greedy things, people will want to follow.

That's why when we walk the Bodhisattva path in this dharma ending era, we cannot stay quiet.

We need to be a lamp unto the globe of darkness.

指路明灯。👈

Else WW3 may quickly come - as human 5 poisons - ignorance, greed, hatred/anger, arrogance and distrust manifest overwhelmingly.

贪嗔痴慢疑 发酵。

This is the most dangerous sign of threat to the existence of humanity.

Bodhi Heart cannot be hidden anymore - and need to be brave to sound alarm - when dangers raise their ugly head.

Humanity cannot afford another WW.

[23/04, 2:05 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: "Indonesia’s finance minister suggests imposing levy on ships transiting Malacca Strait.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said the idea to impose a levy was inspired by Iran’s plan to charge ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Singapore and Malaysia have however said that there must be freedom of navigation through the Strait of Malacca."

 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/indonesia-malacca-strait-levy-economic-gain-6073201#:~:text=Indonesia%E2%80%99s%20finance%20minister,Strait%20of%20Malacca.

[23/04, 2:05 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: Separately, Malaysia’s Transport Minister Anthony Loke on Tuesday expressed a similar stance as he attended the Singapore Maritime Week 2026 at the Suntec Convention Centre. 

He said Malaysia remains committed to ensuring freedom of navigation and transit through the Malacca Strait.

“As a sovereign nation and a council member of the International Maritime Organization, we are committed to a rules-based system in which members play their part in respecting international law,” Mr Loke was quoted as saying by state news agency Bernama.

[23/04, 2:09 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: But Our Minister Vivian stand tall and voice out that we will not collect toll and respect international law.

Malaysia transport Minister now follow and say the same.

Indonesia finance minister now back off.

See an imminent conflict similar to Hormuz straits - is defuse.

Else WW 3 could really break out - if many countries cannot survive in fuel crisis.

This is exactly what happens in WW2 - when many countries encounter difficulties when resources are sanctions - and big wars break out everywhere.

Hence Bodhisattva Heart must invoke humans conscience to prevent another WW.

[23/4/2026 2:17 pm] 心法: [15/04, 11:57 am] Close friend comments: US May Be Eyeing Strait Of Malacca After Hormuz. Why It Matters To India https://share.google/dTHw10fS879iTgBvk

Trump may be interested to control strait of malacca.

[15/04, 12:38 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: Hmm...

You are right.

Trump indeed is an unpredictable, very greedy and malicious man.

[15/04, 12:39 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: His deal with Indonesia also very suspicious.

I hope he won't turn Malacca straits as another Hormuz straits.

[15/04, 12:39 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: 

My comments:-

Hmm....

It is not far fetched.

Trump is out of everybody's mind.

He can do alot of unpredictable things that no sensible people will do.

[23/04, 2:19 pm] Close friend comments: When we collect 过路钱，we are inviting bigger bullies to take over. We finish

[23/04, 2:20 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: Yes.

We cannot do wrong things.

Also ships will bypass us.

They may choose to travel by arctic.

Hence we become penny wise and pound foolish.

[23/04, 2:21 pm] Close friend comments: Thailand announce speeding up land bridge to bypass strait of malacca

[23/04, 2:22 pm] Close friend comments: Score own goal if we want to collect toll

[23/04, 2:22 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: Yes.

That's why we cannot be shortsighted.

We need to do the right things.

====

[23/04, 7:35 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malaysia-malacca-strait-shipping-asean-levy-6075621

No unilateral decisions’ on Malacca Strait, ASEAN works by consensus: Malaysia's foreign minister.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan’s comments came amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with a chokepoint at the Strait of Hormuz, and after Indonesia Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa floated the idea of imposing a levy on ships passing through the Malacca Strait.

[23/04, 11:51 pm] ☸️  Danny 心: Indonesia will not impose tariffs in the Strait of Malacca: Foreign minister.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono's comments come a day after Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa floated the possibility of Jakarta imposing levies on ships passing through the Malacca Strait.                                                                                                                             https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/indonesia-not-impose-tariffs-strait-malacca-foreign-minister-sugiono-6076516