Crimewatch (Singaporean TV series)

Last updated

Crimewatch
Crimewatch (Singaporean TV series).jpg
绳之以法
Jejak Jenayah
குற்றக் கண்காணிப்பு
Genre Factual
StarringASP Alden Tan (English)
DSP Alvin Quek (English)
DSP Benjamin Tan (English)
DSP James Goh (English)
DSP Joshua Jesudason (English)
DSP Azfer Ali Khan (English)
ASP Jelene Ong Wee Suan (Mandarin)
DSP Koh Chao Rong (Mandarin)
SUPT Ong Ruo Cheng (Mandarin)
DSP Tay Yuanqi (Mandarin)
DSP Muhamad Omar Shariff (Malay)
ASP Kalaichelvan Daniel (Tamil)
Voices ofWilliam Xavier (until 2011)
Country of originSingapore
Original languagesEnglish
Mandarin
Malay
Tamil
No. of seasons38 (as of 2024)
No. of episodes10 (March - December) (list of episodes)
Production
Running time19-24 minutes
Production companies Mediacorp Studios
National Crime Prevention Council, Singapore
Singapore Police Force
Original release
Network Channel 5
Channel 8
Suria
Vasantham
Release30 November 1986 (1986-11-30) 
present

Crimewatch is a Singaporean television programme produced by the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) in collaboration with the Singapore Police Force (SPF). It is aired on Mediacorp's Channel 5, Channel 8, Suria and Vasantham.

Contents

Presented by actual serving regular police officers, it showcases the work of the Singapore Police Force including the re-enactments of major solved cases, appeals for unsolved cases, as well as general crime prevention advice in a Singaporean context.

The series first premiered on the English-language Channel 5 on 30 November 1986. Subsequent dubbings of Singapore's other official languages began with Mandarin (绳之以法) on 7 December on Channel 8 that year. The series later implemented Malay dubs for Suria (Jejak Jenayah) starting on 1 April 2000, [1] followed by Tamil's Vasantham (Kutra Kannkaanippu) in 2001.

History

Crimewatch first premiered on 30 November 1986 with the first case located in Ang Mo Kio that features an unsolved murder of a 19-year-old national serviceman and a public appeal from the victim's parents. Less than two weeks after the episode was broadcast, police were able to identify and arrest the suspects based on information provided by viewers responding to the appeal. The episode also contained a police appeal for information regarding the case of two missing boys Toh Hong Huat and Keh Chin Ann and another murder case. [2] The series was met with positive reception and it aired on a quarter yearly basis. However, since 1993 with six episodes, it has since aired on a monthly basis before extending to ten episodes the following year. The series aired with only Mandarin dubbing from the start of the series, but it has since been extended to Malay and Tamil in 2001.

The 2012 season was preceded by a retrospective special titled Crimewatch 25th Anniversary Special airing 19 February 2012 revisiting the series' most memorable moments and interviews by the cast. The special was hosted by television actor Tay Ping Hui, who also performed in numerous crime television series such as C.L.I.F. The 2012 season was also the first season to not feature narration which was implemented since the series' start.

Episodes in English and Mandarin after 1993 and episodes in Malay and Tamil after 2013 can be found on meWATCH, the Singapore Police Force's YouTube channel (presented in two parts) and Mediacorp's Youtube channel (only the 2010 and current 2023 version is available). However, most episodes prior to 1993 can only be viewed exclusively on demand at National Archives of Singapore (NAS).

Production for the 2020 season was postponed for two months from May to June due to the COVID-19 pandemic; reruns of selected episodes took the place of the affected episodes. Due to this postponement, the 2020 season marked the first time the show aired episodes in the months of January and February.[ citation needed ]

The 2021 season premiered on 25 April 2021, making it the first season to not premiere in March. [3] Production for the 2021 season was also postponed for a month in July due to the COVID-19 pandemic and no new episodes were aired. The 2022 season premiered on 25 April 2022, the second season to not premiere in March.

However, airings of the 2022 season were postponed in September due to the 2022 Singapore Grand Prix. The 2023 season reverted back to its usual premiere date in March, after the 2022 season ends in February.

Format

Each season of Crimewatch consists of ten episodes (four episodes each for seasons 1987 till 1992, and six episodes for 1993) usually aired near the end of every month between March and December every year. The English version is aired on the third or fourth Sunday, and the Mandarin version is aired on the last Friday of the same month. The Malay and Tamil versions are aired on the first Monday and Thursday of the following month respectively.

Most episodes feature a reenactment of crimes that occurred in Singapore that plays for the entirety of the episode, followed by a short segment on other advisories (such as the annual Great Singapore Sale). The segment ends with the presenter narrating the sentences given to the featured criminals (until Crimewatch 2022 Episode 1 for English & Chinese versions) and offering advice to the public for their own protection and safety related to that particular segment. However starting from Crimewatch 2022 Episode 2 (English & Chinese versions), it no longer presents the sentences given to the featured criminals on digital platforms, but still shows them on TV on airdate.

Recent episodes also feature information on scams, including mechanisms, statistics and advice from various government agencies and non-governmental organisations, such as those from the Singapore Police Force's Criminal Investigation Department and the National Crime Prevention Council.

Hosts

As of 2024, the current presenters for the English version of the series include Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) James Goh (2018-), DSP Joshua Jesudason (2021-), DSP Azfer Ali Khan (2022-), DSP Benjamin Tan (2023-), DSP Alvin Quek (2024-) and ASP Alden Tan (2024-)

The presenters for the Mandarin version are presented by DSP Koh Chao Rong (2016-), ASP Jelene Ong Wee Suan (2022-), SUPT Ong Ruo Cheng (2019-) and DSP Tay Yuanqi (2020-).

The Malay version is presented by DSP Muhamad Omar Shariff, ASP Roslinah Rahmat, DSP Azlinda Aziz & ASP Mohd Fadzil Mohd Hisum; and the Tamil version by ASP Kalaichelvan Daniel.

Former studio hosts (SBC-Mediacorp) (Co-hosts with SPF representative)


Previous presenters from SPF include:

SPF

Health Sciences Authority

Actors

Various actors/actresses, especially police officers, who are chronologically involved in reenactments of many cases:

Crimewatch has been seen by most Singaporeans as one of the best shows on local television, mainly due to its entertainment value and often unintentional "meme-worthy scenes". [10] Subsequently, many clips from the show had also gone viral outside of Singapore, leading to international interest in the show. [10]

In 2021, a clip from Episode 10 of Season 12, that first aired in 1998, went viral on TikTok as well as on other parts of the internet, becoming an internet meme. [11] It consisted of quick fast cuts of a middle-aged woman looking distressed in various camera angles after being robbed of her necklace. Subsequently, the clip had a serious voice-over saying: "The woman was too stunned to speak." The voice-over itself also became used in a variety of different contexts as an internet meme. [11]

In 2022, a clip from Episode 3 of Season 27, that first aired in 2013, went viral on Twitter. [12] It consisted of two Ah Lians having an argument at a playground after one of them became offended by a remark made by the other. One of the women, played by Jernelle Oh, had stated, "Why not? You're nothing but a prostitute." and the other, played by Shanice Koh, replied "How dare you call me a prostitute?!" and added "But you are!'' the other one (Koh) replies ''You better say sorry," but Oh retaliates, "Why should I? Go to hell." They both subsequently agreed to "settle tomorrow, 4pm at Pioneer Mall", leading to a "gang fight" between their group of two "gang groups": 'Black Spider' and 'Scorpion Gang'. [12] It also went viral on TikTok with both Singaporeans and international artists creating their own spin-offs. [12] The two local artists from the original clip, Shanice Koh and Jernelle Oh, would also re-enact the scene and uploaded a TikTok duet in response to the clip resurfacing. [13]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lee Kuan Yew</span> Prime Minister of Singapore from 1959 to 1990

Lee Kuan Yew, often referred to by his initials LKY, was a Singaporean statesman and lawyer who served as the first prime minister of Singapore from 1959 to 1990. He served as the secretary-general of the People's Action Party (PAP) from 1954 to 1992 and was the member of Parliament (MP) for Tanjong Pagar from 1955 until his death in 2015. Lee is widely recognised as the founding father of the modern Singaporean state, and for his leadership in transforming it into a highly developed country during his tenure.

<i>Under One Roof</i> (Singapore TV series) Singaporean TV series

Under One Roof was an English-language sitcom in Singapore. First aired in 1995, it was the first locally produced sitcom in Singapore. A critical and popular success, the show won the Best Comedy Programme or Series Award at the Asian Television Awards in both 1996 and 1997, a Best comedy actor award, three best comedy actress awards and was a finalist in the "Best Sitcom" category at the International Emmy Awards as well as the New York Festivals Awards. It paved the way for future Singaporean local sitcoms such as Phua Chu Kang Pte Ltd and Police & Thief. It was also one of the most popular sitcoms in Singapore just like the other 2 popular Singaporean local sitcom and drama Phua Chu Kang Pte Ltd and Growing Up respectively.

Singapore has a diverse music culture that ranges from rock and pop to folk and classical. Its various communities have their own distinct musical traditions: the Chinese form the largest ethnic group in Singapore, with Malays, Indians as well as a lesser number of other peoples of different ethnicities including Eurasians. The different people with their traditional forms of music, the various modern musical styles, and the fusion of different forms account for the musical diversity in the country.

<i>Phua Chu Kang Pte Ltd</i> Singaporean TV sitcom

Phua Chu Kang Pte Ltd was a Singaporean sitcom. The sitcom centres on an eccentric general contractor with his trademark yellow boots, curly afro hair and large facial mole. While it carries the traditions of a sitcom, many unusual elements were used such as flashbacks, quick gags and celebrity cameo appearances. It is also the second locally produced English sitcom after Under One Roof. It paved the way for the third and final future Singaporean local sitcom named Police & Thief. It was also one of the most popular locally produced television series in Singapore alongside Under One Roof and Growing Up.

Triple Nine is an English language dystopian fiction television police procedural telecast on what was then the Television Corporation of Singapore's Channel 5 from 1995 to 1999. As the station's earliest attempt in an action-based drama series, the series revolved around the lives of a group of police officers, namely Inspector Mike Chin, Inspector Elaine Tay, and Sergeant Alan Leong from the Special Investigation Section of the CID.

<i>True Files</i> 2002 Singaporean TV series or program

True Files is an English language television docu-drama telecast on MediaCorp Channel 5, with each episode re-enacting major court proceedings, mostly of murder, in Singapore. When the inaugural season was telecast in 2002, its first episode was re-slotted to be telecast later, when numerous public feedback was received by the station complaining that it was too graphic after watching trailers for the pilot episode. The show was also pushed back to a 10 p.m. time slot from the fourth episode onwards as a result. Nonetheless, the hype helped the show to enjoy favourable viewership ratings. Over five years, a total of five seasons had been telecasted, with the final season airing in 2007.

The literature of Singapore comprises a collection of literary works by Singaporeans. It is written chiefly in the country's four official languages: English, Malay, Standard Mandarin and Tamil.

This is a list of Singapore-related articles by alphabetical order. To learn quickly what Singapore is, see Outline of Singapore. Those interested in the subject can monitor changes to the pages by clicking on Related changes in the sidebar. A list of to do topics can be found here.

<i>I Not Stupid Too</i> 2006 Singaporean film directed by Jack Neo

I Not Stupid Too is a 2006 Singaporean satirical comedy film and the sequel to the 2002 film, I Not Stupid. It portrays the lives, struggles and adventures of three Singaporean youths—8-year-old Jerry, his 15-year-old brother Tom and their 15-year-old friend Chengcai—who have a strained relationship with their parents. The film explores the issue of poor parent-child communication.

Cynthia Koh is a Singaporean actress. She has appeared and starred in many television series produced by MediaCorp Channel 8 and MediaCorp Channel 5.

Ang Soon Tong is a secret society based in Singapore and Malaysia. According to a former police officer, the society was active as early as the 1950s, mainly in the Sembawang area. In 1998, a 19-year-old youth was arrested for setting up a website dedicated to the society.

<i>Gerak Khas</i> (TV series) Malaysian action drama television series

Gerak Khas is a Malaysian police procedural television drama series broadcast on TV2 and TV3. The series follows the crime-fighting efforts of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), led by SAC Datuk Helmi, from murders to terrorism and many other crimes committed in Malaysia. Gerak Khas ran from April 5, 1999 until March 27, 2021, spanning 20 seasons and 1054 episodes, making it the longest-running primetime drama series on Malaysian television.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Musa Hassan</span> Malaysian police officer

Musa bin Hassan is a retired Malaysian police officer who served as Member of the Board of Directors of the Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) from May 2020 to May 2023 and the 8th Inspector-General of Police from September 2006 to September 2010. He was a senior Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) officer for 40 years.

The Royal Malaysia Police Volunteer Reserve (RMPVR) (Malay: Sukarelawan Simpanan Polis) is a team of special police as well as the supporting element to the full-time Royal Malaysian Police force where normal citizens could volunteer to help to maintain peace and security of their respective formation. The RMPVR officers is mainly composed of professionals such as the architects, engineers, lawyers, teachers, doctors, businessmen and senior government officers. Under the National Blue Ocean Strategies, in 2017, government drive to recruit RMPVR officers is targeted to have 50,000 people from all walks of like. Currently, there are 6,975 PVR officers in Malaysia as of 31 December, 2022.

C.L.I.F. 5 is a Singapore police procedural series produced and telecast on Mediacorp Channel 8 in collaboration with the Singapore Police Force. This is the fifth installment to C.L.I.F. in 2011, and this 20-episode series was first telecast from 23 September to 18 October 2019 on free-to-air TV in Singapore. The series centers on events happening in the Police Coast Guard and stars Rebecca Lim, Pierre Png, Shane Pow, Nick Teo, and He Ying Ying as the main casts of the reboot installment. This series is co-sponsored by Sheng Siong Supermarkets, Daikin, and the Singapore Police Force.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gold Bars triple murders</span> 1971 high-profile robbery-murder case in Singapore

Known as the Gold Bars triple murders, on 29 December 1971, 55-year-old businessman and gold bar smuggler Ngo Cheng Poh, together with his two employees 57-year-old Ang Boon Chai, and 51-year-old Leong Chin Woo, were murdered by a group of ten men. The group had also robbed the three men of 120 gold bars worth $500,000. The robbery-murder was masterminded by 31-year-old Andrew Chou Hock Guan, an air cargo supervisor who acted as a middleman for Ngo to smuggle gold onto the flights from Singapore into Vietnam, before he decided to commit the robbery due to an event that led to the deterioration of Chou's ties to the gold syndicates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Next Singaporean general election</span> Upcoming elections to the 15th Parliament of Singapore

General elections are due to be held in Singapore no later than 23 November 2025 to determine the composition of the fifteenth Singaporean Parliament. The elections will be the nineteenth in Singapore since 1948 and the fourteenth since independence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Murder of Koh Ngiap Yong</span> 2000 armed robbery and murder in Singapore

On 8 August 2000 in Singapore, a group of three men, who were armed with firearms with an intent to commit robbery, had robbed and killed a taxi driver in midst of a planned crime spree. The victim was a 42-year-old taxi driver named Koh Ngiap Yong, whose taxi was taken by the trio as an escape vehicle for future robbery crimes and whom the three men killed by using a bayonet to stab him to death. In the aftermath of Koh's murder, the robbers had committed yet another robbery and also shot and killed their next victim, 39-year-old Jahabar Sathick, an Indian moneychanger.

Dharmadasa D. Dharamahsena, known professionally as Das DD, is a Singaporean television host, actor and comedian who speaks fluently in Tamil, English, Mandarin and Malay. In 2023, he became the first person of Indian descent to be nominated for and win in a performance-based category at Mediacorp's Star Awards.

References

  1. "Crimewatch for Malay viewers". The Straits Times. 31 March 2000. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
  2. "3 more held over NS man's murder". The Straits Times. 7 December 1986. Archived from the original on 18 April 2023. Retrieved 22 December 2019.
  3. "Crimewatch 2021 EP 1". Archived from the original on 25 April 2021. Retrieved 25 April 2021.
  4. https://www.mewatch.sg/watch/Crimewatch-1999-E8-5-Robbers-3-Hostages-Family-Violence-Network-System-43751 [ bare URL ]
  5. Ong, Catherine (12 December 1986). "Mad scramble to update Crime Watch". The Straits Times. Retrieved 22 June 2023.
  6. Lam, Jenny. "New faces for Crimewatch". NewspaperSG. The Straits Times. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
  7. "CrimeWatch 19910601". YouTube. Archived from the original on 17 April 2023. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
  8. "Crimewatch 25th Anniversary Special - Part 1". YouTube. Archived from the original on 18 April 2023. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
  9. "Crimewatch 2014 EP2 | Ah Long Scam". YouTube. Retrieved 26 June 2023.
  10. 1 2 Hidaya, Nur (16 March 2023). "10 Most Iconic Crimewatch Scenes That Truly Make Us Too Stunned To Speak". TheSmartLocal. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
  11. 1 2 "TikTok trend explained: The woman was too stunned to speak". Yahoo News. 12 November 2021. Retrieved 2 June 2023.
  12. 1 2 3 Ishak, Syahindah (22 December 2021). "'Settle tomorrow, 4pm at Pioneer Mall': 2013 'Crimewatch' clip becomes global cringewatch meme in 2021". mothership.sg. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
  13. "'You're nothing but a prostitute': Crimewatch clip sparks TikTok trend". The New Paper. 23 December 2021. Retrieved 3 June 2023.