PRESS DIGEST - Singapore newspapers - Mar 4

SINGAPORE, March 4 (Reuters) - The following are stories from Singapore newspapers on Tuesday. Reuters has not verified these stories.

THE STRAITS TIMES

- Police and soldiers are watching more than 29 secluded coastal landing spots on the island state, in case accused Islamic militant Mas Selamat Kastari attempts to flee the country. Local police believe Kastari, who escaped from a detention centre last week, is still in Singapore. - Sixty percent of workers, earning S$3,200 ($2,300) less per month, will continue to receive full subsidies when means testing at public hospitals starts next January, Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan said. Those earning more will receive lower subsidies, based on a sliding scale.

- More motorists switched to cheaper fuel in 2007, with sales of "regular" grade petrol overtaking that of "premium" grades in last year, while pump prices in the city-state hit record highs on Monday after a spike in the cost of crude oil.

- Research organisation Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, established by state investment firm Temasek [TEM.UL], has set up a farm in the city-state to develop a "superior strain" of the jatropha plant that can yield more oil for biodiesel.

THE BUSINESS TIMES

- A group of prominent Indonesian businessmen have launched a takeover bid for Singapore-listed Richland Group (RICH.SI: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), offering about S$30.1 million for 70 percent of the logistics group, with plans to inject their Indonesia-based oil and gas assets into the firm.

- A consortium involving two subsidiaries of engineering firm CNA Group (CNGR.SI: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) has won a $110 million contract to build a customised mechanical, electrical and plumbing system for Dubai's new Nad Al Sheba Racecourse.