All Debates

• Corrected submarine cable disruption estimate: 150–200 accidental fishing/anchor incidents yearly.
• Singapore's connectivity stays resilient through diverse international links.
• IMDA leads ASEAN cable group, boosting regional protection, repair, and information sharing.

• Minister corrected figures: income tax relief cap is $80,000, not 80%; PSEA top-up is $10,000, not $10.
• Cap ensures tax system stays progressive despite many reliefs reducing high-income taxable income.
• All mothers, regardless of income, still receive all baby and child grants equally.

• No study exists on new delivery riders' higher safety risk.
• Workgroup is studying safety measures, including training and data.
• Findings expected by end-2026.

• MOM found no evidence that platform worker accidents were caused by overwork or rushing.
• The Approved Code of Practice bans time-based incentives and prioritizes safety over monetary rewards.

• MOM reviewed 2025 WorkWell findings; supporting employees' non-work needs like caregiving boosts workplace well-being.
• This aligns with the Tripartite Advisory, which recommends flexible work arrangements for employees.
• MOM will periodically update the Advisory with tripartite partners, using WorkWell evidence.

• Real median wage growth should track productivity; 2015-2025 saw 2.1% vs 2.3% annual growth.
• 2026 growth is uneven across sectors and firms, complicating wage alignment.
• National Wages Council will set 2026/2027 guidelines factoring economic outlook.

• 45 MDW security bond forfeitures from 2021-2025, averaging nine yearly.
• 15 abscondment cases; employers got half bond forfeited after reasonable search efforts.
• No financial support planned for employers facing hardship from abscondment.

• MOM uses three-month average local workforce to stabilise foreign worker quotas.
• Companies can seek flexibility once replacement local staff are hired.
• Requests need supporting documents like employment contracts and CPF contributions.

• MOM uses three-month average local employees for foreign worker quotas.
• New companies get quota based on latest month instead.
• Appeals for flexibility are considered case-by-case.

• Government offers career coaching, training and placement programmes for jobseekers unemployed beyond a year.
• Enhanced subsidies include up to 90% salary support and 95% course fee coverage.
• New Skills and Workforce Development Agency will coordinate personalised support for longer-term jobseekers.

• Lee Rubber Godowns assessed as lacking national importance for National Monument preservation.
• Urban Redevelopment Agency exploring retaining one godown as heritage marker in proposed park.
• If retention impossible, agencies will document and commemorate the site's history.

• No government funding was provided for the two AI-generated National Day films.
• Using generative AI does not itself decide funding eligibility.
• Projects are assessed against each funding scheme's objectives and criteria.

• MP asked if LTA assessed Buangkok/Sengkang gaps in City Direct coverage and would add routes.
• Reply: City Direct services target high demand, competitive with rail, not all areas.

• MP sought peak-period loading data for Sengkang City Direct services 654, 671, 677, 682.
• Minister provided average loadings; no plans to increase trips to relieve crowding.

• Transport minister replied that LTA and SCDF are studying additional plate design options following public feedback.
• No timeline was given for the rollout of differentiated plates for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

• MP asked if City Direct Services align with peak hours and could extend windows.
• Minister said timings target peak demand, departing early to match MRT arrivals.
• LTA reviews and adjusts these timings based on ridership demand.

• EMMP monitoring conducted instead of a post-implementation audit; no significant habitat changes found.
• Polder operation expected negligible impact; insights will inform future empoldering assessments.

• MP asked about sand import sources, quantities, and future procurement plans.
• Also asked about social and environmental safeguards for reclamation.
• Minister referred to earlier written reply instead of providing new details.

• Gho Sze Kee asked about aid, grace periods, and enforcement for unlicensed cat owners post-transition.
• Chee Hong Tat referred to a prior written reply on cat licensing issues.
• No new details were provided in this exchange.

• Minister referred to existing 8 Sep 2026 reply on Western Island planning.
• Question asks balancing economic, energy, defence, environmental, resilience goals.
• Also asks publishing planning principles before major reclamation works.