Public safety & law — Topics

1 Nov 2021

Moves to Prevent Unapproved Antigen Rapid Test Kits from Being Sold to Public

Ms Ng Ling Ling questioned how SG Diagnostics Antigen Rapid Test kits meant for professional use became available to the public, how many were sold before recall, and how processes can be tightened.
The Health Sciences Authority is investigating the unauthorised distribution, with enforcement action to be taken, and about 1.8 million kits were sold from January to September 2021, though sales to the public alone are unclear.
HSA has required SG Diagnostics to issue multilingual advertisements stating the kits are not licensed for consumer use and to recall them, while also publishing and promoting a list of authorised self-test kits and increasing market surveillance.

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1 Nov 2021

Enforcement Action against Singapore-based Company Fined for Making False Claims about Its Health Supplements

The Minister explained that under the Medicines Act, false health supplement claims can result in fines up to $5,000 or jail up to two years, and this case was the first prosecution for such offences, taken due to the company's persistent disregard of advisories.
While the company's profits were not factored into the penalty due to insufficient evidence linking advertisements to earnings, the court imposed a $3,000 fine near the maximum, considering the company's outreach to a wider audience through distributors.
HSA publicised the case and issued consumer advisories as an additional deterrent, adopting a firm approach despite generally using a light-touch for remorseful first-time offenders.

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1 Nov 2021

Update on Investigation of Deviant Teaching and Expected Date of Completion for Investigation

Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap asked for an update on the investigation into deviant teachings, the expected completion date, and whether MUIS is aware of any ongoing activities by the alleged individual or his followers.
Masagos Zulkifli B M M stated that MUIS and its Fatwa Committee reopened the case in November 2020 after new information emerged and have since concluded their internal investigations and lodged a police report.
MUIS cannot provide further details as the matter is under police investigation, and findings will be made public once completed.

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1 Nov 2021

Illegal Car-pooling Services Caught in Past Two Years and Whether Facilitation of Such Services on Online Platforms is an Offence

The Ministry of Transport reported that five drivers were caught for providing illegal car-pooling services in the past two years.
Commercial car-pooling is allowed only through licensed platforms like Grab and Ryde under strict rules, including a limit of two trips per day and cost-recovery fares.
Facilitating illegal car-pooling services via online platforms such as Telegram is considered an offence and can be reported to the Land Transport Authority for investigation.

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1 Nov 2021

Number of Ex-offenders Who Secured Employment through Yellow Ribbon Singapore in Past Three Years and Incentives for Employers to Hire Them

Abdul Samad asked the Minister for Home Affairs about the annual number of ex-offenders securing employment through Yellow Ribbon Singapore (YRSG) over the past three years and whether incentives for employers hiring ex-offenders are being considered.
The Minister provided the employment numbers via a table (not detailed in the text), noted over 6,000 employers registered with YRSG as of September 2021, and highlighted initiatives like career coaching, Project Beyond Hiring, and the Career Trial programme which supported around 70 employers and over 280 ex-offenders.
Additional incentives include the Jobs Growth Incentive (JGI), where employers hiring ex-offenders through YRSG, ISCOS, or halfway houses can receive up to $36,000 per hire; the JGI supported about 1,000 ex-offender hires by 380 employers from September 2020 to May 2021 and has been extended until March 2022.

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1 Nov 2021

Measures to Protect Individuals and Raise Awareness on Multitude of Financial Scams

The Minister highlighted a 16% rise in scam cases in the first half of the year, with loan, e-commerce, investment, and job scams accounting for about half of all reported incidents.
A multi-pronged approach led by the Inter-Ministry Committee on Scams includes strengthening enforcement through specialized police units, collaborating with foreign agencies, and working with banks and telecom companies to disrupt scammers’ operations.
Public education is a key pillar, with ongoing campaigns like “Spot the Signs. Stop the Crimes.” and targeted outreach to raise awareness and help the public, especially those financially vulnerable, recognize and avoid scams.

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1 Nov 2021

Proposal for Mandatory Foldable Benches and Seat Belts at Back of Lorries that Ferry Passengers

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked if the Ministry would consider making foldable benches and seat belts mandatory for lorries ferrying passengers, and what studies on cost and safety benefits have been done.
S Iswaran responded that fitting seat belts and benches to commercial lorries requires detailed study, as they are not designed like military vehicles and OEMs have raised safety concerns about insufficient anchorage points.
The Ministry acknowledges evolving technology and is engaging the industry on the feasibility and safety of customising new lorries with seat belts, with more details to be shared later.

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1 Nov 2021

Workplace Safety and Health Act Proceedings Commenced against Worker, Employer or Both

Over the past five years, MOM prosecuted 34 individuals for negligence leading to fatal workplace accidents, with charges also brought against the employer, occupier, or principal in 26 cases.
The Public Prosecutor decides which parties to charge after MOM investigates each Workplace Safety and Health Act case involving negligent acts.
Workplace safety is a shared responsibility, with employers required to ensure safe work conditions and workers obligated not to endanger others through negligence.

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1 Nov 2021

Estimated Cost of Damage due to Fire at Residential Premises, Non-residential Premises and Non-building Places

Joan Pereira asked for estimated costs of fire damage in 2021 for residential, non-residential, and non-building places, whether certain households or flat types are more vulnerable, and if regular inspections, counselling, and targeted education can be provided.
K Shanmugam stated that the SCDF does not quantify fire damage costs and cannot provide estimates, noting 778 residential fires in 2021 but finding no clear vulnerability tied to household or flat types.
The SCDF conducts door-to-door engagement after public residential fires, raises awareness through outreach and community events like Community Resilience Day, and plans to resume these safely despite pandemic disruptions.

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1 Nov 2021

Steps to Curb Spread of Misinformation through Social Media and Closed Messaging Systems on COVID-19 Treatments

The Ministry of Health and Health Sciences Authority have issued consumer advisories and media statements to debunk misinformation about ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19, including a Correction Direction against a website for false claims.
HSA monitors and enforces regulations against illegal imports and online sales of prescription drugs like ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine, with penalties up to $50,000 fines and two years' jail under the Health Products Act.
Singapore has procured a portfolio of approved COVID-19 therapeutics, with Molnupiravir pending Health Sciences Authority approval, and doctors may prescribe drugs off-label under strict ethical guidelines.

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1 Nov 2021

Measures to Prevent Forgery of Witness Statements and Dependence on Single Police Officer's Submission of Witness Statements

The Minister outlined that statements recorded by an Investigation Officer are reviewed by supervisors, with field book entries checked regularly, and the Attorney-General’s Chambers provides an additional layer of scrutiny to ensure credibility and reliability.
Technological solutions such as real-time electronic signatures and future full digitalization with locked statements are being implemented to reduce errors and prevent tampering, though the Minister acknowledged that individual misconduct cannot be entirely prevented.
The Minister emphasized that the court process holistically examines all evidence, including forensic data and CCTV, making it unlikely for forged statements to materially affect outcomes, as confirmed by AGC’s review of the reopened coroner’s inquiries.

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1 Nov 2021

Prisons (Amendment) Bill

The Prisons (Amendment) Bill seeks to amend the Prisons Act to validate certain past appointments made under the Act and to make a related amendment to the Misuse of Drugs Act.
The Bill was presented by the Minister of State for Home Affairs on behalf of the Minister for Home Affairs and read for the first time in Parliament.
It is scheduled for a second reading at the first available Sitting of Parliament in January 2022, and will be printed thereafter.

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1 Nov 2021

Personal Explanation by Member

Raeesah Khan admitted she did not accompany a sexual assault survivor to the police station as she claimed in an August 3 parliamentary speech, and she retracted the anecdote, apologizing to the survivor, the House, the police, and others.
Khan explained she shared the story without consent and fabricated details to avoid revealing her own membership in a women's support group, where she is also a survivor of sexual assault.
The Leader of the House, Indranee Rajah, questioned Khan about inconsistencies in her statements across multiple parliamentary sessions, confirming the falsehoods.
Rajah raised a point of order, stating Khan lied three times and failed to substantiate allegations, which unjustly cast doubt on the police and harmed survivors' credibility.
The Speaker referred the matter to the Committee of Privileges, with Rajah and Minister K Shanmugam recusing themselves due to involvement.

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1 Nov 2021

Deployment of Riot Police at Jalan Tukang Westlite Dormitory on 13 October 2021

The Police responded to a call at Jalan Tukang Westlite Dormitory on 13 October 2021 regarding aggressive workers, dispatching Jurong Police Division patrol officers and placing additional units on standby, though they were not deployed and no arrests were made.
Minister Desmond Tan stated that the Special Operations Command (SOC) was activated twice in the last five years for public order incidents, but generally, the Police do not disclose specific units deployed or operational details.
MPs asked about the specific SPF units activated, their roles, enforcement actions, the frequency and conditions of riot police deployments in the past five years, and whether the dormitory incident warranted such deployment, with the Minister clarifying that deployments depend on the incident's nature and scale.

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5 Oct 2021

Leading Causes of Workplace Accidents Due To Cost-cutting Measures Resulting in Safety Lapses

The Minister for Manpower identified falls from height and vehicular accidents as the leading causes of fatal workplace accidents in the first half of 2021, while slips, trips, falls, and machinery-related incidents are the main causes of non-fatal accidents.
Safety lapses such as unguarded openings and poor machinery maintenance are common findings in accident investigations, with the Ministry stating it does not condone any cost-cutting or other actions that compromise worker safety.
The Ministry emphasizes that sentencing for safety violations is decided by the Court, which considers factors like case law, aggravating circumstances, and the severity of harm, with the Ministry providing input on safety trends and concerns.

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5 Oct 2021

Number of Summonses Issued for Not Wearing Face Masks or Not Maintaining Sufficient Safe Distances while Smoking and Enforcement Approach Towards Unmasked Smokers

Gerald Giam asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment about the number of individuals summoned by NEA in the past year for not wearing face masks or maintaining safe distances while smoking, and the enforcement approach toward unmasked smokers in public areas, including groups of five or less.
Grace Fu responded that the government does not record or track the specific activities individuals were engaged in, such as smoking, when taking enforcement action for violations of safe management measures.
The debate highlights a gap in data collection regarding smoking-related violations of safe distancing and mask-wearing rules.
It also underscores the need for clarity on how enforcement is applied to unmasked smokers in public spaces, including small group gatherings.
The response suggests that smoking is not a tracked factor in enforcement actions for safe management violations.

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5 Oct 2021

Statistics on First-time Drug Abusers under Enhanced Direct Supervision Order

From September 2019 to August 2021, 218 first-time drug abusers (9.7% of all first-time abusers) were placed on Enhanced Direct Supervision Orders (EDSO) instead of Drug Rehabilitation Centres or imprisonment.
Of the 120 supervisees who completed their EDSO, 80% were employed during supervision, but the Central Narcotics Bureau does not track employment status after completion; data on five-year reoffending rates is unavailable due to the program’s recent implementation.
Since 2019, 52 drug abusers met the conditions for voluntary surrender, with nine subsequently placed on EDSO, though specific reasons for surrender are not tracked.

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5 Oct 2021

Alleged Transfer of $10 Million from oBike Singapore to Hong Kong Office

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Home Affairs about the justification for oBike Singapore transferring about $10 million to its Hong Kong office before closing, which led to the AGC finding no evidence of wrongdoing.
K Shanmugam explained that police found the transfers were for debt repayment to oBike Hong Kong, which paid for bicycles imported by oBike Singapore, and that oBike Singapore was a genuine business, not a shell company.
The investigation concluded that no criminal offenses were evident, leading to the case being closed with no further action, and the liquidator did not report any wrongdoing.

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5 Oct 2021

Traffic Accidents Involving Delivery Workers on Motorcycles, Power-assisted Bicycles and Personal Mobility Devices

From January 2019 to December 2020, there were 7,711 accidents involving motorcyclists, 102 involving power-assisted bicycles, and 250 involving personal mobility devices.
The Ministry for Home Affairs does not have information on how many of the riders involved in these accidents were delivery workers.
The Ministry also does not have data on how many of the delivery workers were hired via online platform firms.

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5 Oct 2021

Programmes to Increase Awareness of CPF, Retirement Security, Financial Management and Savings for Older Former Prison Inmates

The Singapore Prison Service (SPS) and Yellow Ribbon Singapore (YRSG) run programmes to help older ex-inmates aged 55 and above understand CPF, retirement security, financial management, and savings both before and after release.
During incarceration, SPS disseminates information on relevant schemes like Silver Support and CareShield Life, and most inmates attend a Release Preparation Programme with financial literacy components covering CPF, budgeting, and financial planning.
About six months before release, SPS Personal Supervisors discuss post-release plans, including financial and retirement security, with referrals to Family Resource Centres for support if needed.
After release, SPS partners with Barclays for a Financial Literacy Programme, and YRSG collaborates with IMDA to provide digital training for older ex-inmates to access government and financial services online.

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