Singapore Local News, 2012-01-02

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Train frequency to go up on some MRT lines Singapore - Commuters heading to work or school in the new year can expect an increase in train frequency during peak hours, especially along the East-West Line, as another train found damaged during last month's disruptions returned to service......

New year starts with newborns, marriage renewals and yoga The new year was welcomed in a variety of ways here yesterday, with some a celebration of new life and old ties. Some proud parents, for example, welcomed the year with a new addition to their families. The first baby - a girl - was born at the........     Good response to pilot programme on pet ownership The programmes that are being tried out in Chong Pang constituency on pet ownership and management of strays are enjoying a good response...... NTUC to provide advisory services to freelancers Singapore's labour movement wants to represent freelancers, to ensure their rights are protected. It has been meeting different groups of freelancers for the past four months to understand their concerns and as part of outreach efforts...... More should be done to dispel myths about mental illnesses: experts Not many people understand what goes on in the mind of someone who suffers from mental illness. Many think they could be disruptive or fare poorly at the workplace...... SPCA continues push for pet ownership law The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) said it will continue to push for a law to ensure responsible pet ownership. This includes getting those under 16 to obtain parental consent before they buy a pet...... Be prepared for "longish period" of slow growth Trade and Industry Minister Lim Hng Kiang said Singapore needs to be prepared for a "somewhat longish period" of slow growth this year due to the expected slowdown of the global economy...... More bunnies abandoned as Rabbit Year nears end The fad to own a rabbit for good luck appears to be dying, as the Year of the Rabbit comes to an end in about three weeks...... Govt studies possibility of underground science city A study of an unprecedented scale is taking place beneath the Singapore Science Park in the western part of the country. It is for a science complex of about 30 storeys below the surface (at the 80- to 100-metre layer). It will be used to house resea..... Build in reserve capacity for Stamford Canal: minister Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, said a "reserve capacity" has to be built in to reduce the loading for Stamford Canal...... Labrador Nature & Coastal Walk now open Residents living in the southern part of Singapore can enjoy a new leisure playground with the official opening of the Labrador Nature & Coastal Walk......