Debated in Parliament on 14 Oct 2025.
Mr Gabriel Lam asked the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) what expansion or upgrading plans exist to increase Drug Rehabilitation Centre and Community Rehabilitation Centre capacity if etomidate-related admissions rise, if any; (b) whether staffing and rehabilitation programmes will be scaled to meet demand; and (c) how aftercare and community reintegration support will be enhanced to prevent bottlenecks and sustain rehabilitation outcomes.
Mr Gabriel Lam asked the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) what is the current holding capacity of Drug Rehabilitation Centres (DRC) and Community Rehabilitation Centres (CRC); (b) how have utilisation and admission numbers trended over the past five years; and (c) how is the classification of etomidate under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1973 projected to affect DRC and CRC admissions.
From 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2024, there has been a general increase in Drug Rehabilitation Centre (DRC) and Community Rehabilitation Centre (CRC) admissions. During this period, an annual average of 2,000 inmates and 35 inmates were admitted to the DRC and CRC respectively. The DRC is currently operating at about 76% of its capacity, and the CRC at about 28%.
Etomidate was listed as a Class C controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1973 from 1 September 2025. Those who are caught for etomidate consumption for the third or subsequent time will be admitted to the DRC for treatment and rehabilitation if they are 16 years of age or older. As of 1 October 2025, no one has been admitted to the DRC for etomidate abuse.
The Singapore Prison Service monitors the capacity utilisation of its institutions closely and will ensure that it has sufficient capacity and resources to accommodate new admissions. This includes resourcing for its in-house rehabilitation programmes, such as psychology-based correctional programmes, family programmes, pro-social support programmes and religious counselling.
Following their release, DRC inmates who are etomidate abusers will undergo a supervision regime in the community, overseen by the Health Sciences Authority. The Ministry of Health closely monitors admissions into the regime and its capacity utilisation, and works with community partners to ensure that it can continue to deliver quality reintegration and rehabilitation support.
PAPERCUTS