Debated in Parliament on 25 Feb 2026.
The following statement was made in a speech given by the Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for National Development (Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi) during Question Time at the Sitting of 25 February 2026:
I thank the Member for her supplementary questions. First of all, I would reiterate what I answered earlier: in terms of the standards as far as fire safety is concerned, they remain sufficient even with the temporary higher occupancy cap for larger private residential estates.
Just a few points with regard to the allowability of higher occupancy rates. They are only applicable for larger private residential properties, at least 90 square kilometres. And that is the equivalent size of a typical four-room Housing and Development Board flat. [Please refer to "Review of Fire Safety and Evacuation Risks Following Temporary Relaxation of Occupancy Cap for Private Residences", Official Report, 25 February 2026, Vol 96, Issue 19, Oral Answers to Questions section.]
Written statement by Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi circulated with the leave of the Speaker, in accordance with Standing Order No. 29(5):
I wish to make the following factual correction to my reply given during the Sitting of 25 February 2026. My statement should read as follows:
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for National Development (Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi): I thank the Member for her supplementary questions. First of all, I would reiterate what I answered earlier: in terms of the standards as far as fire safety is concerned, they remain sufficient even with the temporary higher occupancy cap for larger private residential estates.
Just a few points with regard to the allowability of higher occupancy rates. They are only applicable for larger private residential properties, at least 90 square metres. And that is the equivalent size of a typical four-room Housing and Development Board flat.
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