Home briefs : Under probe for illegal import of animals

Under probe for illegal import of animals

Two Singaporean men, aged 20 and 44, are being investigated for importing animals, after two spotted doves and three sugar gliders - a type of marsupial - were found in their car.

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority said that the men were stopped at Tuas Checkpoint at about 10.40pm on Tuesday.

Two bird cages carrying the spotted doves were found hidden between the rear bumper and car boot.

Three sugar gliders were also found in a pouch concealed behind the glove compartment.

Anyone who imports live animals or birds without a valid permit from the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) can be fined up to $10,000, imprisoned up to a year, or both.


Social service office opens in Pasir Ris

Residents in Pasir Ris will have better access to help, with the launch of a new social service office yesterday. Located within Pasir Ris Sports Centre, it is one of 24 such offices to be opened by year's end.

These offices will work with welfare groups and community partners in their areas to better coordinate the social services they offer. Along with family service centres islandwide, the offices will put help within 2km of where 95 per cent of needy residents live or work.


Hotels recognised for green practices

Twenty-eight hotels received awards for green efforts at the Singapore Green Hotel Award ceremony yesterday.

InterContinental Singapore, Shangri-La's Rasa Sentosa Resort and Spa and Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore were among those receiving certificates from Minister (Prime Minister's Office) Grace Fu. In her speech, Ms Fu also lauded the efforts of some hotels, such as Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, to reduce food waste.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on August 28, 2015, with the headline Home briefs : Under probe for illegal import of animals. Subscribe