Meet Lengkok Bahru’s young neighbourhood patrol: 4 primary school boys on a mission
In Lengkok Bahru, Singapore, four primary school students—Rafieq Sahin Rafizal, Aaron Sarandev, Al-Mirza Danish, and Didie Andiqa Muhaimin—have formed a neighborhood patrol team known as the Emergency Response Team LB. Their initiative began when Rafieq noticed people stealing supplies from a community fridge meant to provide free milk and drinks for children from low-income families. To address this issue and promote safety, the boys now patrol their neighborhood daily, identifying problems such as littering, vandalism, and unsafe charging of personal mobility devices. They report these issues to Rafieq's mother, Marlina Yased, who coordinates with local authorities. The patrol has grown beyond just protecting the fridge, helping seniors with groceries and resolving disputes among children. In August 2026, the group will participate in Singapore's National Day Parade, highlighting grassroots efforts to improve community life.
Four primary school students in Lengkok Bahru, Singapore, have taken on a unique role in their neighborhood, acting as part-time community guards. At the center of this initiative is 12-year-old Rafieq Sahin Rafizal, whose concern over strangers depleting a local community fridge led to the formation of the Emergency Response Team LB (Lengkok Bahru). Alongside three friends, Aaron Sarandev, 11; Al-Mirza Danish, 12; and Didie Andiqa Muhaimin, 14—the group patrols their estate daily, addressing safety concerns and offering assistance to neighbors. The patrol began in August 2025, following Rafieq's frustration with individuals taking large amounts of supplies meant for children from low-income families. His mother, Marlina Yased, a 48-year-old homemaker, initiated the community fridge in 2023 with support from sponsors to aid financially struggling residents. While food and groceries are stored securely, an unlocked fridge holds milk and drinks for children to access before heading to school. However, Marlina observed that some residents took more than their share, prompting her to redirect Rafieq's focus from guarding the fridge to patrolling the area instead. Each day after school, the boys wear matching vests with their names and the group’s emblem, conducting patrols in pairs across up to six blocks. They communicate with Marlina and volunteer Fahmidah Farihullah, 21, through walkie-talkies. Their responsibilities include monitoring for issues such as improper disposal of bulky items, vandalism, and the unsafe charging of personal mobility devices in common areas. When they identify problems, they document them with photographs and relay the information to Marlina, who then contacts the appropriate estate staff. The group's impact has been notable. Since starting their patrols, they have assisted an elderly woman with grocery shopping and intervened during disputes among children. In early 2026, they discovered a foul odor emanating from a flat, leading to an investigation that uncovered the decomposed body of an elderly man. This incident underscored the importance of their vigilance and the potential consequences of neglecting community safety. The boys' efforts have drawn both praise and skepticism from residents. Some appreciate their proactive approach, noting that they provide valuable support to the elderly and contribute to neighborhood security. Others remain doubtful about the effectiveness of such a young team. Despite these mixed reactions, the patrol continues its work, driven by a sense of purpose and community spirit. The group's upcoming participation in the National Day Parade (NDP) marks a significant milestone. They will be featured in a segment honoring Singaporeans who contribute positively to society. For Rafieq, Aaron, Al-Mirza, and Didie, this will be their first experience participating in the annual event, highlighting the recognition of their contributions beyond their immediate neighborhood. Initially comprising seven members, the team now consists of four active participants. During their downtime, the boys engage in academic pursuits or recreational activities together. Rafieq chose the name "Emergency Response Team LB" in honor of the police force responsible for responding to high-risk situations. He emphasized that while they enjoy playing, they value dedicating an hour each day to serving their community. Didie joined the initiative initially for lack of other commitments but later found meaning in contributing to his neighborhood. The group's journey reflects a blend of youthful enthusiasm and genuine commitment to improving their surroundings, illustrating how even young individuals can make a tangible difference in their communities.
How each side covered it
The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.
progressive
center
conservative
★
How each side covered it
Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and your personalized For You feed.
The article reports on preparations for the 2026 National Day Parade (NDP) in Singapore, highlighting efforts to include over 2,000 beneficiaries, including seniors and individuals with disabilities, in the event. These beneficiaries, supported by volunteers, will attend rehearsals and the main event at the National Stadium, which offers improved accessibility compared to previous venues like the Padang and Marina Bay floating platform. Volunteers, including students and members of the Youth Corps Singapore, assist with seating and supervision. The outreach committee, partnering with social organizations, aims to increase participation and ensure inclusivity, particularly for those with mobility challenges.
Bias read (Center): The article presents information about the National Day Parade as a civic event focused on inclusion and volunteerism, without overtly endorsing or criticizing any political stance. While the event is tied to national identity and government initiatives, the framing remains neutral, emphasizing the籌
Why factuality (90): The article accurately describes the involvement of beneficiaries and volunteers in the NDP 2026 rehearsals, citing specific individuals and organizations. The details align with the cross-source consensus, though some specifics about the outreach program might not be corroborated elsewhere.
Why objectivity (85): The article is generally neutral but contains some positive language about volunteering and the experience of attendees, which slightly skews the tone toward optimism. However, it avoids overt bias or editorializing.
The Straits TimesParty-aligned🔒CenterFactual 88Objective 926 days ago
In Lengkok Bahru, Singapore, four primary school students—Rafieq Sahin Rafizal, Aaron Sarandev, Al-Mirza Danish, and Didie Andiqa Muhaimin—have formed a neighborhood patrol team known as the Emergency Response Team LB. Their initiative began when Rafieq noticed people stealing supplies from a community fridge meant to provide free milk and drinks for children from low-income families. To address this issue and promote safety, the boys now patrol their neighborhood daily, identifying problems such as littering, vandalism, and unsafe charging of personal mobility devices. They report these issues to Rafieq's mother, Marlina Yased, who coordinates with local authorities. The patrol has grown beyond just protecting the fridge, helping seniors with groceries and resolving disputes among children. In August 2026, the group will participate in Singapore's National Day Parade, highlighting grassroots efforts to improve community life.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a community-driven initiative by young individuals aimed at improving neighborhood safety and welfare. It does not present any overtly political stance, nor does it favor one side in a political debate. The content highlights civic engagement and social responsibility rather t
Why factuality (88): The article provides detailed accounts of the boys’ activities, including their role in maintaining neighborhood safety and their discovery of a decomposing body. These details are presented as factual observations based on reported incidents. The mention of the community fridge and the boys’ involv
Why objectivity (92): The article presents the boys’ actions in a neutral manner, highlighting both their proactive efforts and the serious incident they uncovered. There is no apparent bias toward either the boys or the community they serve, and the narrative remains focused on the facts.
The Straits TimesParty-aligned🔒CenterFactual 75Objective 905 days ago
Singapore's Presidential Gun Salute (PGS) 2026 rehearsal took place on July 18 despite heavy rain, with soldiers firing 19 rounds from 25-pounder Howitzer guns in perfect succession. The event, which will occur during the National Day celebrations on August 9, marks the first time the PGS will be held at Kallang Basin, allowing more citizens to experience the ceremony. About 300-400 spectators gathered under umbrellas to watch the display, which is part of Singapore's 61st year of independence. Major Chin Wei Jian, chairman of the PGS 2026 committee, explained that the location was chosen to provide access to those unable to attend the main National Day Parade at the National Stadium. The committee has coordinated with authorities to manage logistical challenges, including noise control and safety measures for both participants and spectators.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual report on a military ceremonial event with minimal editorializing. While the PGS is a significant national tradition tied to Singapore's governance and leadership, the focus remains on logistics, preparation, and public engagement rather than political advocacy or pole
Why factuality (75): The article provides specific details about the rehearsal date (July 18), the location (Kallang Basin), the number of gunshots (19), and quotes Major Chin Wei Jian regarding the choice of venue. These details align with the cross-source consensus, though some specifics like the exact number of parti
Why objectivity (90): The article maintains a largely neutral tone, describing events objectively with minimal editorializing. It includes direct quotes from Major Chin Wei Jian and focuses on factual descriptions of the event. However, phrases such as 'roars on' and 'preview of what crowds will see' slightly imply appro
The article reports on the upcoming National Day Parade (NPD) 2026 celebrations in Singapore, highlighting various cultural and entertainment activities planned in the Kallang precinct leading up to August 9. These include live music performances, interactive exhibitions, dance performances, and photo opportunities inspired by the NDP theme 'Majulah Singapura, Go Beyond!'. Activities will occur on July 25, August 1, and August 9, with special emphasis on the state flag flypast and presidential gun salute taking place over Kallang Basin for the first time. The event features collaborations with local organizations like Defence Collective Singapore and includes participation from diverse age groups through performances and interactive zones.
Bias read (Center): The article presents information about the National Day Parade, a national celebration tied to Singapore's identity and governance, without overtly favoring any political ideology. It focuses on the logistics and cultural aspects of the event rather than taking a stance on political issues. While it
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €5/month.
SG
