Simplifying Process of Enforcing Awards Ordered by Small Claims and Employment Claims Tribunals on Companies

Ms See Jinli Jean asked the Minister for Law (a) whether the Ministry will consider simplifying the process of enforcing awards ordered by the (i) Small Claims Tribunal and (ii) Employment Claims Tribunal on companies; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider amending the law to impose criminal consequences on companies that fail to comply with the awards ordered by the Small Claims Tribunal and Employment Claims Tribunal.

The process and procedure for enforcement of Court judgments, which include orders made by the Small Claims Tribunals (SCT) and Employment Claims Tribunals (ECT), are governed by the Rules of Court.

The Ministry of Law is working with stakeholders on reforms to make the enforcement of civil judgments more effective, efficient and simpler.

Under existing law, any person who intentionally disobeys or breaches an order of Court, including orders by the SCT and ECT, may be subject to committal proceedings under the Rules of Court. If found to have committed contempt of Court, the person is liable to be punished with a fine or imprisonment under the Administration of Justice (Protection) Act 2016.