Committee of Supply – Head P (Ministry of Home Affairs)

Head P, Ministry of Home Affairs. Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim.

Chairman, I move, "That the total sum to be allocated for Head P of the Estimates be reduced by $100".

In today’s world, where divisions and distrust are rising, preserving trust and safeguarding racial and religious harmony are more important than ever. Many societies, including ours, are facing challenges such as misinformation, external influences and global conflicts that can strain social cohesion. In such times, it is not just the responsibility of the Government but also of community organisations and the general public to work together to defend our unity.

The Government plays a critical role in setting the legal and policy framework, but policies alone are not enough. True harmony comes from the everyday actions of our people. Community organisations can lead the way by creating safe spaces for dialogue, encouraging interfaith understanding and addressing concerns before they escalate into divisions.

The public, too, has a powerful role to play. Everyday interactions matter. Simple acts, like respecting different religious practices, learning about other cultures, and standing up against discrimination, help build a more inclusive society. The fight against misinformation is also crucial. In an era where divisive rhetoric spreads easily online, responsible sharing of information is key to ensuring that harmony is not undermined by falsehoods.

However, for any society to stay united, trust in public institutions, especially those responsible for law and order, is essential. Yet, across the world, many institutions are suffering from a trust deficit. Concerns about transparency, fairness, and accountability have led to a declining confidence in governments and law enforcement agencies. This is a worrying trend because when people lose trust in institutions, they turn to alternative sources, sometimes unreliable or even harmful ones.

Singapore has largely maintained high levels of trust in its institutions, but we must not take this for granted. One lesson we can learn from other countries is the importance of proactive engagement.

Defending racial and religious harmony is a shared responsibility. While the Government provides policies and enforcement, community organisations and individuals must actively contribute to a culture of mutual respect and understanding. At the same time, strengthening trust in institutions, especially those responsible for law and order, is vital for a stable and united society.

May I ask the hon Minister, how can stakeholders like community organisations and the general public work with the Government to safeguard and defend Singapore’s racial and religious harmony in the coming years? Public institutions globally are suffering from a trust deficit. What has the Ministry done to shore up public trust and confidence in the Home Team?

In today’s digital world, technology is a double-edged sword. It drives progress but also enables new forms of crime, from cyberattacks to online scams and misinformation. To stay ahead, we must harness technology and strengthen partnerships across sectors.

Governments must invest in artificial intelligence (AI)-driven threat detection, advanced cybersecurity frameworks and digital forensics. But technology alone is not enough. Collaboration between law enforcement, tech companies and the public is crucial. Public education on digital risks, real-time information sharing, and international cooperation can enhance our ability to tackle these evolving threats. By combining innovation with strong partnerships, we can build a safer, more resilient society in the face of emerging security challenges.

In the face of rapid technological advancements, how is the Home Team leveraging technology like AI, both to facilitate its operations and to deal with tech-enabled crime? Are our legislative frameworks adequate to deal with tech-enabled crime? How is the Home Team helping its officers to develop new skills and capabilities so that they can utilise the new technology and remain ready to address emerging security challenges? Can the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) provide an update on efforts to level up the security industry? With the rise in cybercrime, how is the Home Team enhancing its partnerships with the community and members of the public to promote safety and security in both the digital and physical space?

Question proposed.

Sir, legislators around the world are worried about the risks associated with generative AI and efforts are being made sometimes on an inter-parliamentary level to work out best practises to address the risks of this rapidly developing field. Singapore actively participates in such fora and regularly shares our experience with counterparts internationally and I support such moves across borders to take a firm stance against such malicious and downright criminal actions.

My cut will focus on how generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), through improving deepfake technology, is able to supercharge the effects of online violence against individual. I am mindful that some in this House have been victims of such deepfake online violence and have reported these matters to the relevant authorities, and wish to acknowledge the real harm that such actions have on all victims.

My cut today will focus on areas where I feel special attention is warranted. First, children. The Centre for Democracy and Technology (CDT) in the US reported in 2024 that 40% of students and 29% of teachers were aware of a deepfake depicting individuals associated with their school being shared. In Singapore, reports in November 2024 emerged that students from one of our schools were investigated for deepfake nude photos of female classmates shared amongst WhatsApp groups, illustrating that we too are experiencing this problem.

There is increasing acknowledgement that because of their young age and still developing brain, children are more vulnerable to the long-lasting psychological damage caused by harmful deepfakes. Victims of such crimes end up with significant distress, anxiety and depression, and some even experience post-traumatic stress disorder. There is also often a long tail of effects that stretch beyond social and emotional damage, especially as these child victims sometimes end up being unable to attend school because they are suffering so much.

Next, minding the gender gap. While both males and females have been victims, women are still very much the overwhelming target of deepfakes, particularly those involving sexually explicit images. A 2019 industry report found that 100% of examined content on deepfake pornography websites targeted women. Some commentators are also worried about the weaponisation of AI against women, particularly when facial search engines can scoop up these deepfake images and link them to one's Internet identity for a long time. There is thus concern about a chill effect on women's career progression.

A 2020 study by the Economist Intelligence Unit notes that 7% of women surveyed lost or had to change jobs due to online violence, with 35% reporting mental health issues. Even more alarmingly, nine in 10 women restrict their online activity in an attempt to protect themselves. This increases the digital gender divide and limits access to employment, education, healthcare and community through digital spaces directly correlating with lost career opportunities.

This also has implications on our efforts to get more women into politics. A 2024 Oxford study notes that women may be discouraged from running for public office when female politicians are targeted. A fellow delegate at a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference on AI and misinformation last year shared that when both female and male politicians in his country fell victim to sexually explicit deepfakes, hardly anyone clicked on the links for the male politician while the deepfake content for the female politician went viral.

There is thus, clearly, a gender perspective to harms caused by AI that we need to be mindful of and our measures to deal with the problems has to address these. MHA announced last year that there will be amendments to the Penal Code to make clear that our offences apply to sexually explicit deepfakes produced through AI and I would like to seek clarifications from the Minister on when we can expect these to be tabled. There was also an announcement of a new agency to tackle online harms announced by Prime Minister Wong in October last year, as a joint Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) and Ministry of Law effort.

I support this as no victim should have to submit individual take down requests. Equally welcome are the laws that MDDI announced will be introduced to allow victims to file civil claims against their perpetrators and I look forward to hearing more details about these upcoming changes. I asked the Minister for Home Affairs in August 2024 to consider an anti-scam centre-like model, to allow a centralised response to deepfake related crimes and hope that the new online harms agency can be the base from which we work and include both psychological support and education.

Our officers handling such cases should be given regular and updated training to support victims of such crimes from a victim-centric approach, as some may feel hesitant reporting such crimes out of shame or fear of inadvertently triggering the Streisand effect. It should also be easy for victims to be channelled to train mental health professionals to support them throughout the entire process. For education, it is crucial that agencies also work across departments to ensure that both children and adults are aware of the real harms that such deepfakes can cause.

Finally, I hope that the Ministry can start collecting and publishing granulated data that show and track the issue over time, paying attention to particularly vulnerable groups of victims, such as women and children, so that we can all play our part in fighting the scourge of these crimes.

According to the Singapore Police Forces Annual Road Traffic Situation 2023 and 2024 reports, the number of traffic accidents is on an upward trend. Who are the most vulnerable on our roads? They are motorcyclists and elderly pedestrians. While motorcycles make up about 14.7% of the vehicle population, motorcyclists or pillion riders were involved in 55.2% of traffic accidents and close to 60% of all traffic fatalities. The elderly made up close to 12.5% of the population, but were involved in 44% of all pedestrian fatalities.

Separately, accidents involving foreign workers on lorries have seen three fatalities a year, from 2020 to 2022.

I propose greater public participation with incentives to nudge road users to drive safely. Would the Ministry consider encouraging road users to report to the Traffic Police, with video evidence, unsafe, negligent or rash road behaviour committed against motorcyclists and elderly pedestrians?

If summonses are issued to and paid by errant road users, a percentage of the summons amount, after accounting for administrative costs, can be given to the person who first reported the incident to incentivise the reporting of unsafe road practises. Such an approach will significantly supplement Traffic Police enforcement operations, particularly in view of the national manpower challenge.

A similar approach can be taken towards drivers who transport foreign workers in lorries. Should they speed or drive in an unsafe manner, road users should be encouraged to report such behaviour and should expect to receive some percentage of the fine amount for their act of civic consciousness. This is for the act of reporting on these episodes. To this end, can the Minister tell us whether the Traffic Police would consider reintroducing the blinking amber light that used to be commonly seen on the top of cabins of commercial vehicles, so that road users can be alerted to commercial vehicles carrying goods and foreign workers more easily?

Sir, recently, I came across senior citizens who had problems trying to renew their driving licences after they reached 65 when they needed to submit medical reports. Some of them could not recall receiving letters from the Traffic Police about the matter. Others recounted receiving the letters, but explained that they had problems using Singpass to attach their medical reports or had tried unsuccessfully to seek clarification through emails to the Traffic Police (TP).

From my observations, a driver whose licence has expired may not be aware of this. The problem becomes incurable when the licence has lapsed for three years or more. Under the Road Traffic Act, such a licence cannot be renewed and the driver has to retake the relevant competency test. This came as a shock to some residents. I feel that this area deserves review in two aspects.

First, could the age at which medical reports are required be moved to a later age? With better nutrition and health, and Singaporeans working longer, we could look at requiring medical examinations later. In Australia, for instance, the age requirement is generally 75 or even 80. Second, it would be better if TP could issue a final letter to seniors once their driving licences have expired for two years. The letter should remind them that if they do not renew their licence within the next one year, they will not be able to do so. This would be an important safeguard.

Sir, Singapore's racial and religious harmony has long been the foundation of our social fabric. Yet, in today's volatile global landscape and with recent reports of far-right extremism, even in our midst, we must acknowledge that this precious harmony cannot be taken for granted. We do not inherit harmony, we continue to build on it. It is therefore incumbent on all of us to remain vigilant in preserving this unity.

I would therefore like to ask the Ministry for its assessment of the current state of racial and religious relations, and how our agencies are anticipating emerging threats in this space. We have seen how technology and social media can amplify divisive ideologies, enabling dangerous actors to find like-minded communities or target the vulnerable with disinformation.

In this fight against extremism, it is essential that stakeholders – community groups, religious organisations, educational institutions and the general public – partner with the Government. Community organisations can serve as first responders on the ground, spotting early warning signs and offering constructive channels for dialogue. Religious leaders can build bridges of understanding through inter-faith activities, fostering trust and empathy among different communities. The public, too, has a critical role to play: by promoting open conversations, reporting suspicious activities and rejecting hateful rhetoric, whenever it arises.

As we continue to navigate an increasingly complex security environment, may we always be guided by vigilance, empathy and unity. I therefore seek the Ministry's views on how we may deepen our collective efforts to safeguard Singapore's social harmony, ensuring that future generations can inherit a society bound together by respect and mutual understanding.

Chairman, while Singapore generally remains a safe and harmonious place, maintaining racial and religious harmony requires ongoing work.

At the last Sitting, this House passed the Racial Harmony Bill and this complements the earlier legislation we had in relation to religious harmony. These Bills give the Government a new set of tools to deal with racial and religious harmony.

Notwithstanding the safeguards in place, we continue to see self-radicalised people getting arrested under the Internal Security Act. The most recent was our first arrest for a person engaged in far-right extremism in Singapore. In previous years, we had seen people arrested who were self-radicalised by materials from violent religious groups online.

What is the Ministry's assessment of the main threats to racial and religious relations in Singapore and what actions does it plan to take in response?

The next Member is not present. Ms Mariam Jaafar.

Chairman, as Singapore's emergency services demand grows with an ageing population and rising health concerns, the Singapore Civil Defence Forces (SCDF) may face challenges in maintaining a robust and ready workforce. This has already been seen in other healthcare-related fields. It was recently announced that SCDF will begin recruiting foreign paramedics and Emergency Medical Technician (EMTs) to complement our local workforce. Emergency personnel are entrusted with the urgent and crucial task of providing life-saving medical treatment during emergencies.

It is imperative that they go through a stringent selection process, which includes an assessment of medical training and relevant certifications and familiarity with healthcare protocols, emergency procedures and cultural expectations. Can the Minister share what source countries are being considered and how the Government will ensure quality and fit with local needs? How will SCDF assure the public that this approach will complement rather than displace our local workforce?

Assoc Prof Razwana Begum, please take your two cuts together.

Sir, the Home Team Transformation will assist to enhance Singapore's security and resilience in a increasingly complex environment. By focusing on workforce development, the transformation will ensure that Home Team agencies are equipped with the skills and expertise needed to address evolving security threats.

This initiative will not only strengthen operational capabilities but will also foster innovation and enable the Home Team to effectively safeguard the nation, while also adapting to technological advancements and dynamic changes. On that note, how is the Ministry fostering education and lifelong learning among Home Team members to ensure that they are prepared for future challenges, while also supporting their personal and professional development?

Rehabilitation and reintegration into the community are crucial steps in the recovery journey for former drug users, particularly those transiting from custody. It is important that we have in place initiatives designed to support this process, including initiatives that target the unique needs of female drug users.

On that note, how is the Ministry addressing the specific needs of female drug users; and how can we strengthen community partnerships to effectively lower recidivism rates; and what part can social services, and the wider community, play in bolstering support for innovative initiatives within the halfway house system?

Yellow Ribbon Singapore has made good strides in supporting ex-offenders to upskill and develop careers through initiatives, such as giving ex-offenders who secured jobs through YRSG up to 12 months of career coaching and support.

Nonetheless, some ex-offenders could find it challenging to cope and thus leave these jobs. What more can MHA do to prepare and support inmates in their desistance journey?

Sir, at this MHA Committee of Supply (COS) debate, I want to talk about second chances. In my interactions in the Labour Movement with ex-offenders and inmates, they hope when they leave prison to be given an opportunity to rebuild their lives with dignity.

We need to invest in the three Rs of rehabilitation: raising their employability and employment opportunities, and re-integrating them back into their families and the community. This is not just about reducing recidivism. It is about creating a community where everyone, regardless of their past, has a chance to contribute and thrive.

I applaud the work of Yellow Ribbon Singapore and the many voluntary welfare organisations (VWOs) and groups that have stepped forward and up to help this vulnerable segment of our community.

Can MHA provide an update on what we have done and how far have we come thus far and whether laws such as the Registration of Criminals Act can be reviewed to offer them second chances and have their records spent earlier?

The next Member is not present. Mr Vikram Nair, please take your two cuts together.

Chairman, in many parts of the world, drug use is a problem getting out of control. Even in developed countries like the US, the opioid crisis haunts many of its largest cities. Thousands of lives are ruined by the ready availability of drugs all over the world.

Singapore has remained a relative oasis against this scourge thanks to a combination of strong laws, including the death penalty, against drug trafficking. Strong enforcement of the laws and national education as well support these measures. Singapore's rates of drug addiction have been amongst the lowest in the world.

Concerningly though, Central Narcotics Bureau's (CNB's) latest figures on drug use amongst youths shows a larger number of arrests over the last two years amongst users below 20 years old. Do these figures suggest growing drug use amongst youths? What are MHA's strategies for dealing with the rise of drug use amongst youths in Singapore?

Chairman, Singapore is amongst the safest cities in the world and we are proud of our low crime rates. Unfortunately, one area of vulnerability for us has been scams. According to reports, last year, our people lost $1.1 billion to scams, with the largest number of cases ever reported. The figure is around 70% higher than the $651.8 million that scammers took in 2023.

In recent years, MHA has taken a variety of measures to combat scams, including better education and publicity, rolling out the ScamShield app and engaging in cooperation internationally to try and crack down on scam operators. Notwithstanding these measures, it appears the problem continues to grow and scammers are thriving.

The most recent measures include action being taken against Singaporeans who may have assisted foreign scammers, including those who help with opening bank accounts that are being used to facilitate scams.

Would the MHA consider taking stricter measures to better detect and deter local Singaporeans from assisting scam operations, in particular, by being money mules?

In some ways, this is similar to the measures we have taken against drug traffickers and illegal moneylenders. While we may be unable to take action against foreign principals, by taking a zero-tolerance approach against their agents in Singapore, we managed to bring both of those problems under better control.

I understand from previous COS debates that the transnational nature of scams makes it difficult to both combat scams and recover the victims' assets. Does the MHA have any further thoughts on how this may be addressed?

Ms Mariam Jaafar, please take your two cuts together.

Sir, the latest statistics show youth drug abuse continue to rise despite our strict laws. More young people are experimenting with drugs, often influenced by social media and peer pressure. We must strengthen early intervention, working closely with schools, parents and community partners, and rehabilitation must also be a priority. Prevention, enforcement and rehabilitation must go hand in hand.

Can the Minister share what steps are being taken to ensure our youths stay drug free and have a future full of promise?

Messaging apps and social media platforms remain a keyway for scammers to reach victims. Many Members of Parliament (MPs) have had fake social media accounts created in our names. I want to share a recent personal experience.

Recently, others have reported a fake Facebook page in my name. Facebook declined to take down the page, citing that it does not violate community standards. Residents have told me they have received friend-requests and messages from my Facebook page, asking for their email addresses and other personal details, which I find alarming.

My experience is probably a drop in the ocean. Could MHA update on how cooperative messaging apps and social media platforms have been in combating scams? Can they do more?

Sir, the increase in scams poses a significant threat to personal, organisational and national security in Singapore. Effectively, countering these threats requires collaboration among government bodies, tech companies and international partners.

On that note, what strategies are currently being employed by the Ministry to identify and respond to the new and emerging threats in a timely and effective manner? How is the Ministry working with tech companies and international partners to address the multifaceted nature of scams, and how can the community contribute to the fighting against scams?

Mr Chairman, scams continue to be a pressing concern in our digital age. As technology evolves, so do the tactics of scammers, who increasingly exploit messaging apps and social media to deceive victims. Despite ongoing public awareness efforts and enhanced security measures, scams continue to remain persistent and a costly issue.

Given the ease with which scammers infiltrate these platforms, it is crucial that we ensure a strong and coordinated response. I would like to therefore ask MHA how cooperative have messaging apps and social media platforms been in combating scams? What measures are in place to enhance collaboration with these platforms to swiftly detect and disrupt scam operations? How are social media and messaging platforms being held accountable for scam activities on their networks?