Housing & estates

Saktiandi Supaat asked about the number of fires in HDB estates caused by charging Active Mobility Devices (AMDs) over the past five years, preventive measures by the Ministry, and a review of fire safety guidelines for AMD storage and charging. K Shanmugam reported that there were 98 fires related to AMD charging from 2020 to 2024. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has enhanced regulations on AMDs, requiring compliance with safety standards for importation and use. LTA will continue to review storage and charging guidelines and is considering tougher enforcement against non-compliant AMDs to improve safety.

Liang Eng Hwa requested an update from the Minister for National Development regarding the timeline for relaxing the 15-month wait-out period for private property downgraders and whether the Ministry would consider shortening this period as an interim measure. Chee Hong Tat indicated that this question had already been addressed in a prior parliamentary response related to the review of the wait-out requirement for private property owners downgrading to HDB flats.

Mariam Jaafar and other Members of Parliament raised concerns regarding rental increases for HDB commercial units and the affordability of rents, specifically for medical facilities and food services. The Senior Minister of State for National Development, Sun Xueling, explained that HDB is committed to maintaining a stable rent environment, with most shops seeing minimal increases over the past five years. HDB has implemented a price quality method for tendering medical facilities to improve service quality and is exploring ways to gather more data on sublet rents to address concerns about affordability. Sun also emphasized the need to consider market forces and the need for a balance between private ownership and public affordability, particularly for essential services.

Foo Cexiang raised concerns about the potential lottery effect of the Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme (VERS) and whether it should apply to all HDB flats. Low Wu Yang Andre sought clarification on compensation terms under VERS compared to the Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS) and emphasized the importance of protections for seniors in the scheme. Minister Chee Hong Tat outlined that VERS aims to facilitate orderly redevelopment of aging estates, will prioritize ensuring that Singaporeans have homes for life, and is designed to be voluntary. There will be a careful consideration of how the voting process is managed and how to support both participants and non-participants in VERS, while keeping flats liveable for those who choose not to participate. The Minister acknowledged the complexities of balancing the attractiveness of upgrading programs with the need for VERS to succeed in achieving its objectives.

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked about the number of workers under the Progressive Wage Model (PWM) living in public rental housing who have faced rent increases due to wage adjustments. Chee Hong Tat clarified that the HDB does not track tenants by their employment sectors and confirmed that rents for public rental flats will not rise during a tenant's tenancy, even with income increases. Rent increases upon tenancy renewal will consider household size and living expenses to ensure that the rent increase remains lower than income growth, allowing tenants to maintain financial stability.

Valerie Lee asked about the number of private property owners granted a waiver of the 15-month wait-out period before purchasing an HDB resale flat and whether family circumstances are considered in granting this waiver. Chee Hong Tat indicated that this question has already been addressed in a previous parliamentary response on September 22, 2025, referencing updates regarding the review of the wait-out requirement for private property owners.

Yip Hon Weng raised concerns about the status of the review of the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act concerning condominiums over 30 years old, specifically regarding protections for ageing buildings, timely maintenance of common property, and the requirement for adequate sinking funds by MCSTs. Chee Hong Tat referred him to a previous response scheduled for discussion on 22 September 2025, which would provide details on the review and related issues.

Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat raised concerns regarding the assessment of risks from recent seismic activity near the Mersing Fault Zone and the ability of HDB blocks to withstand shaking. Chee Hong Tat responded that all buildings, including HDB blocks, are designed to endure seismic forces, and tremor sensors are installed to monitor real-time data, which indicated no impact from the recent Johor earthquake on Singaporean buildings. The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and HDB will continue to monitor seismic developments and adjust risk assessments accordingly, alongside a rigorous regime of periodic structural inspections to ensure safety.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked about the proportion of residential fires in HDB flats caused by active mobility devices (AMDs) or their batteries in 2023 and requested a breakdown by device type. K Shanmugam responded that in the first half of 2025, fires involving AMDs accounted for less than 2% of HDB flat fires, totaling eight cases. Among these, one fire was caused by power-assisted bicycles, while seven were attributed to personal mobility devices.

Lee Hong Chuang asked the Government about potential financial support for seniors living alone to improve access to healthcare, social services, or tailored housing. Lawrence Wong outlined recent enhancements to support schemes, particularly benefiting lower-income seniors with substantial healthcare subsidies and increased quarterly cash payments through the Silver Support Scheme starting in 2025. Housing options include shorter-lease flats and Community Care Apartments, with incentives like the Silver Housing Bonus for those downsizing. Additional initiatives include outreach programs and community support aimed at helping seniors live safely and stay connected. The Government will continue to review these schemes to ensure seniors can age with dignity.

Nadia Ahmad Samdin asked if Climate Vouchers could be extended to tenants in Single Room Shared Facilities to promote climate-friendly appliances and if not, what considerations are involved. Grace Fu Hai Yien explained that under the enhanced Climate Friendly Households Programme, eligible HDB and private residential households can claim $400 in vouchers for resource-efficient appliances. Shared facilities in Single Room Shared Facilities come with energy and water-efficient appliances, reducing the need for tenants to purchase their own. The National Environment Agency will periodically review the Climate Friendly Households Programme and its coverage.

Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat inquired about the prevalence of Home Fire Alarm Devices (HFADs) in pre-2018 HDB units and the rationale for not mandating HFADs in older blocks despite their requirement for new ones. K Shanmugam reported that approximately 17% of HDB flats have HFADs, with 39% of those being pre-2018 units. The government has encouraged HFAD installation in older flats while mandating it only during specific renovation works. More than 80% of public rental flats already have HFADs, with further installations planned at no cost to tenants. The Ministry of National Development has extended subsidies for seniors to install HFADs, but there are currently no plans to require HFADs in corridors or implement centralized fire management systems.

Cai Yinzhou raised concerns about recurring fires in HDB estates and proposed the establishment of a dedicated Task Force on Electrical Consumer Goods Fire Safety. K Shanmugam responded that the number of fires in HDB estates has decreased over the past five years, from 939 in 2020 to 803 in 2024. He highlighted that the Singapore Civil Defence Force works closely with various agencies and stakeholders to minimize fire risks in homes. The government intends to continue utilizing these partnerships to enhance fire safety.

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik questioned the necessity for Town Councils to bear costs associated with connecting linkways and footpaths for LTA projects on HDB land and requested a review of this cost allocation. Jeffrey Siow explained that while the LTA funds the construction of covered linkways and lifts for pedestrian overhead bridges to promote public transport usage, additional linkways requested by residents may require co-funding by Town Councils if existing connections are already in place. This policy aims to balance convenience for residents with fiscal responsibility.

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked about potential plans to expand the pigeon management plan to more constituencies and HDB blocks to tackle roosting and hygiene concerns. Chee Hong Tat indicated that this topic was previously addressed in an oral response to another question on 22 September 2025. He referred to a specific report detailing the efforts to manage pigeon-related issues in residential areas.

Joan Pereira asked about the trend of fire incidents in HDB flats and whether the SCDF would consider a comprehensive educational campaign for residents on emergency preparedness. K Shanmugam responded that fire incidents in HDB estates have actually decreased from 939 in 2020 to 803 in 2024. The SCDF offers outreach programs, including free training on fire safety and emergency response skills, as part of the SGSecure initiative. Regular block evacuation exercises are also conducted by the SCDF with the People Association.

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked if the Housing and Development Board (HDB) would consider waiving non-selection counts (NSCs) when the final price of a Build-To-Order (BTO) unit exceeds the indicative price range. Chee Hong Tat explained that applicants who do not select a flat incur NSCs, affecting their chances in future applications. HDB provides indicative price ranges for informed decision-making and has maintained that actual prices have been within these ranges. They do exercise flexibility by waiving NSCs in some cases, particularly for applicants with limited choices or extenuating circumstances.

• The debate focused on the lift retrofitting plans for overhead bridges in Fernvale and the potential extension of the programme to Sengkang West.
• Ng Chee Meng inquired about the current status and future plans for the lift retrofitting programme.
• The Land Transport Authority (LTA) will prioritize lift installations at pedestrian overhead bridges in Sengkang West, particularly near Block 496B, due to higher pedestrian traffic and the presence of seniors.
• Three additional bridges along Sengkang West Way will receive lifts in the next phase, while the remaining bridges in Fernvale are deemed adequately accessible with existing ramps or nearby crossings.

• The median cost for EV charging is $0.66/kWh in HDB carparks and $0.74/kWh in private commercial carparks.
• Charging prices are determined by operators and vary based on location and charger power rating.
• Tenders for EV charging points in HDB carparks prioritize quality over price in their evaluation framework.
• Operators do not have exclusive rights in HDB carparks, allowing for potential future tenders to install more EV chargers.

• Mr. Cai Yinzhou inquired about the feasibility of establishing safe charging zones at HDB void decks to mitigate fire risks associated with Personal Mobility Aids (PMAs).
• The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has implemented safety standards for motorised PMAs and Power-Assisted Bicycles but noted the absence of recognized fire safety standards for Personal Mobility Aids.
• LTA plans to continue reviewing guidelines for the safe storage and charging of Active Mobility Devices (AMDs) and will enhance public education on fire safety related to these devices.
• The ongoing Be-Device-Safe program aims to inform AMD users about fire risks and safe usage practices, including proper charging methods.