Public safety & law — Topics

3 Aug 2021

Employers Receiving Kickbacks from Migrant Workers

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Manpower for statistics on the number and percentage of investigated kickback cases involving migrant workers, broken down by whether the kickbacks occurred prior to or at the start of employment, during employment, or at work pass renewal, over the last five years.
The Minister for Manpower, Tan See Leng, stated that the timing of kickbacks does not affect enforcement actions, so the Ministry does not track such specific data, estimating that cases are roughly split between those at the start of employment and those at work pass renewal.
He emphasized that collecting kickbacks as a condition for employment is an offence under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, and migrant workers should approach the Ministry for assistance if asked to pay kickbacks.

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3 Aug 2021

Clarification by Member

Raeesah Khan clarified that her earlier remarks were not intended to cast aspersions on the Police, emphasizing that the Police are part of the solution and that her example was based on a past personal experience with a survivor.
She committed to communicating directly with the Ministry of Home Affairs in the future if any survivor believes they have been processed inappropriately by the Police, while maintaining confidentiality with victims.
The Leader of the House reminded Members of Parliament that while they have privilege and immunity, they must exercise this responsibly and be prepared to substantiate any assertions or allegations made, especially against agencies that cannot defend themselves.

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3 Aug 2021

Commemorating 200 Years of the Singapore Police Force

The Minister for Home Affairs commemorated the Singapore Police Force's 200th anniversary, highlighting its growth from a 12-man team to a 45,000-strong force and attributing its success to a balanced criminal justice system, strong leadership, and deep community trust.
The debate emphasized the importance of a tailored legal framework that balances crime control and due process, noting that Singapore's approach has led to high public confidence and low crime rates, unlike other countries facing police morale and trust issues.
The House resolved to honor the SPF's contributions through a commemorative medal and medallion, recognizing officers and their families for their service and sacrifices in keeping Singapore safe.

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3 Aug 2021

Commemorating 200 Years of the Singapore Police Force

The debate commemorated the Singapore Police Force's 200-year history, highlighting its evolution from a small colonial force to a modern, professional organization that has maintained Singapore's status as one of the world's safest places through community policing, adapting to new challenges like terrorism and cybercrime, and successfully securing major international events.
Members paid tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of SPF officers, including retired officers and those who died in the line of duty, noting their pivotal roles in past crises and everyday community safety, while urging recognition for their families and suggesting commemorative awards for the bicentenary.
Speakers emphasized the importance of trust and fairness in policing, with calls to improve victim support, video recording of statements, and inter-agency collaboration, while also acknowledging the often-unseen work of specialized units and volunteers in maintaining public security.

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3 Aug 2021

Police Force (Amendment) Bill

The Bill increases penalties for evading police roadblocks from a maximum of 12 months' jail to seven years' jail and raises fines, citing the need for stronger deterrence despite low injury incidents.
The Bill grants enhanced investigative powers to Special Police Officers and Commercial Affairs Officers, requiring new training and safeguards, with the Minister clarifying that Commercial Affairs Officers will not be armed or considered full police officers.
The Bill allows the Police Commissioner to refuse officers' resignations during declared emergencies, aiming to maintain operational capacity while balancing individual commitment and public safety needs.
Members raised concerns about equipping police with first-aid skills for forced entry in medical emergencies, the adequacy of staffing during crises, and the need for better deployment of National Servicemen to leverage their talents.

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3 Aug 2021

Review of Measures to Restrict Juveniles' Purchase of Offensive Weapons Online

The Ministry of Home Affairs reported 131 juveniles arrested for possession of offensive weapons in the past three years, with regulations covering six weapons under current laws and an upcoming expansion of controls under the new Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control Act.
Officials emphasized the need to balance regulation of mixed-use items like axes and knives to avoid over-regulation while tightening age verification and seller checks for online and brick-and-mortar retailers.
The government is considering requiring retailers to report suspicious transactions and is collaborating with the Ministry of Education to enhance awareness and weapon checks in schools.

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3 Aug 2021

Proactive Policing of Internet and Blocking of Violent Content Accessible to Children and Youths in Singapore

The government uses the Internet Code of Practice and IMDA powers to prohibit and block violent content deemed harmful to public order and security.
Internet Service Providers are required to offer parental control services, and schools conduct cyber wellness lessons to educate youths on safe internet navigation.
Public education campaigns by the Media Literacy Council aim to promote responsible online behavior, though awareness and effectiveness are ongoing areas for improvement.

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3 Aug 2021

Incidents where Police Have Been Challenged by Disorderly Member of Public

There were over 400 reported incidents from 2019 to 2020 where police officers faced verbal abuse or physical hurt while on duty, including challenges from disorderly members of the public.
The Ministry does not track specific cases where back-up was deployed, but additional resources are dispatched based on the situation to ensure public and officer safety.
Police officers receive training in verbal commands, unarmed tactics, and use of equipment like batons, tasers, and firearms to handle conflicts while considering the safety of all parties involved.

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2 Aug 2021

Number of Cases of Lasting Powers of Attorney Involving Fraud or Abuse in Past Three Years

Mr Sitoh Yih Pin asked the Minister for Social and Family Development about the number of Lasting Powers of Attorney cases involving fraud or abuse in the past three years.
The Minister replied that only one case from 2018 to date involved the Court curtailing a donee's powers due to financial abuse, out of over 120,000 LPAs registered as of May 2021.
The Office of the Public Guardian encourages reporting suspected abuse or neglect of persons lacking capacity, and the Mental Capacity Act protects whistleblowers' identities.

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2 Aug 2021

Position on Necessity for Implementation of Good Samaritan Law in Singapore

Hazel Poa asked the Minister for Law if the Government has updated its position on implementing a Good Samaritan law in Singapore.
The Minister responded that the Government has previously explained why it does not need such a law and that this position remains unchanged.
The Government indicated it will review this stance as necessary in the future.

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2 Aug 2021

Improving Safe Management Measures in KTV Bars and Nightlife Establishments

Dennis Tan asked whether the government will improve safe management measures in KTV bars and similar nightlife establishments and ensure these measures do not unfairly affect other nightlife businesses.
Grace Fu stated that operators of pivoted nightlife establishments must implement additional safe management measures, including installing CCTV, removing public entertainment equipment, and ensuring business activities are visible from outside, to resume operations with a conditional permit from MTI.
The additional measures are designed to prevent another cluster in pivoted nightlife establishments while minimizing impact on genuine F&B operators, with support provided to the industry through engagement and assistance.

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2 Aug 2021

Enforcement against Illegal Vice Activities and Making Sure Such Activities Are not A Source of COVID-19 Spread

Mr Gerald Giam asked about the continuation of vice activities, enforcement actions, and COVID-19 risks since April 2020.
Minister K Shanmugam stated that vice activities violate Safe Management Measures and enforcement has been taken.
Police conducted over 1,200 enforcement operations against vice activities from April 2020 to June 2021.
More than 500 individuals were arrested under the Women’s Charter, Immigration Act, and Employment of Foreign Manpower Act.
Enforcement measures ensure such activities do not become a source of COVID-19 spread.

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2 Aug 2021

Five-year Recidivism Rates and Proportion of Current Inmates in Changi Prison who have been Imprisoned Before

The five-year recidivism rates for release cohorts from 2011 to 2015 ranged from 41% to 43.2%, while the overall two-year recidivism rate for the 2018 cohort was 22.1%, which is among the lowest internationally.
Approximately four-fifths of the current inmates in Changi Prison have been imprisoned before, with the majority being repeat drug offenders.
The Singapore Prison Service currently publishes only two-year recidivism rates in its annual report to align with international practice, but it is considering including five-year rates in future releases.

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2 Aug 2021

Foreigners on Student Pass Undertaking Part-time Work

Foreign students on a Student's Pass must obtain a work pass to work in Singapore, except under specific conditions allowing part-time work up to 16 hours per week or industrial attachments tied to course requirements, provided they are enrolled in one of 20 approved institutions.
From 2016 to 2020, 73 Student’s Pass holders were found working illegally without a work pass, leading to enforcement actions, fines, imprisonment, deportation, and bans on future employment.
Employers who illegally hire Student’s Pass holders face fines of $5,000 to $30,000, up to 12 months’ imprisonment, or both, and may have their work pass privileges suspended.

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2 Aug 2021

Police Force (Amendment) Bill

The Bill introduces provisions to protect police officers from personal liability when acting in good faith, while ensuring accountability through criminal and disciplinary actions for abuse of power.
It expands the powers of Auxiliary Police Forces, Commercial Affairs Officers, and Special Police Officers, including granting full police powers and tightening control over APF controllers.
Concerns were raised about delegating police powers to civilian officers, clarity on forced entry and roadblock procedures, and the need for clear guidelines to balance operational effectiveness with public safety.

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2 Aug 2021

Police Force (Amendment) Bill

The Bill enhances the Singapore Police Force's operational capabilities by expanding offences for roadblock evasion, explicitly authorizing barriers to control human traffic, and granting powers for forced entry in medical emergencies.
It extends powers to Special Police Officers and Commercial Affairs Officers, allows delegation of authority to civilian leadership, and protects officers from liability for acts done in good faith and with reasonable care.
The Bill improves disciplinary and administrative processes by increasing fines, streamlining NSmen discharge, and recognizing contributions of SPOs and civilian officers in Police associations.
It strengthens controls over Auxiliary Police Forces by requiring approvals for acquisitions, shareholdings, and leadership appointments, and provides for special administration during emergencies.
The Vigilante Corps is disbanded and its officers transferred to the Special Constabulary to broaden their roles within the police force.

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2 Aug 2021

Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill

The Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill aims to update the Penal Code to enhance punishments for sexual offences and clarify certain legal provisions.
The bill was presented by the Minister of State for Home Affairs on behalf of the Minister for Home Affairs and received its First Reading.
The Second Reading of the bill is scheduled for the first available sitting in September 2021.

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2 Aug 2021

Clarification by Senior Minister of State for Manpower

Senior Minister of State for Manpower Dr Koh Poh Koon clarified that he misspoke during a previous answer about fines for work pass holders engaged in illegal employment.
The correct penalty is a fine of $20,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both—not $2,000 as previously stated.
The correction references the official report from 2 August 2021 on enforcement restrictions for work pass holders.

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2 Aug 2021

Enforcement of Restrictions on Work Pass Holders Working for More Than One Employer

The Ministry of Manpower enforces restrictions by investigating public complaints and conducting proactive inspections, with an average of 160 work pass holders warned annually between 2016 and 2020 for illegal employment, leading to their debarment from working in Singapore.
Penalties for work pass holders include fines up to $2,000, imprisonment up to two years, or both, while employers face fines up to $30,000, imprisonment up to 12 months, or both, with work pass privileges suspended.
MOM has evolved its approach by using data analytics to detect suspicious behaviour and enhancing education through mobile apps, mandatory settling-in programmes, and social media campaigns to raise awareness of illegal employment rules.

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27 Jul 2021

Data on Foreign Hostesses on Work Passes and Social Visit Passes and Measures to Minimise Health Risks Posed by Nature of Their Interactions

Mr Don Wee asked about the number of foreign hostesses on work passes and social visit passes, and measures to reduce health risks from their interactions.
Minister Tan See Leng stated there are fewer than 50 foreign dance/bar/lounge hostesses with valid work passes, all approved before 2020, and they are allowed to perform non-hostessing jobs in permissible business activities.
Foreigners on social visit passes working as hostesses are in breach of the Immigration Act, and enforcement actions are taken against errant outlets, including permanent licence revocation.
The Government, with agencies like the Singapore Police Force, reviews enforcement to ensure strict adherence to safe management measures.

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