Public safety & law — Topics

27 Jul 2021

Monitoring of Water Quality within Our Territorial Waters and Enforcement Actions and Penalties against Illegal Discharge of Waste and Hazardous Materials

Water quality in Singapore's coastal waters is monitored monthly by the NEA through water sample analysis and a network of eight continuous buoy-based stations to detect anomalies.
The MPA conducts patrols and random ship inspections to ensure compliance, with support from the Police Coast Guard, harbour pilots, and the shipping community to report illegal discharges.
The Prevention of Pollution at Sea Act regulates discharges and sets penalties, including fines up to $20,000 or six months imprisonment for general waste, and fines from $1,000 to $1 million or two years imprisonment for oil discharges.
Over the past decade, 49 ships have been penalised for illegal discharge of waste and hazardous materials into Singapore waters.

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27 Jul 2021

Access to Bank Accounts that Had Been Frozen due to Alleged Scams

Dennis Tan asked whether persons whose bank accounts were frozen due to receiving funds from alleged scam suspects could access their accounts for living expenses or legitimate GIRO payments.
K Shanmugam explained that police freeze such accounts to prevent outflow of suspected criminal proceeds and must obtain a court order before restoring access, due to competing claims on the money.
He noted that account holders can apply to the courts under Section 35(8) of the Criminal Procedure Code to withdraw funds for basic expenses like food, rent, medicine, and utility charges.

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27 Jul 2021

Feasibility of Setting Up a Judicial Service Commission for Judicial Officers

Mr Murali Pillai proposed a feasibility study on establishing a separate Judicial Service Commission to enhance judicial specialization, citing increasing case complexity and the need for deeper expertise, while acknowledging the current Legal Service Commission has served Singapore well.
Supporting speakers Christopher de Souza and Lim Biow Chuan endorsed the motion, highlighting the growth in legal service size and complexity, and the need for specialized skills in various courts, while noting the importance of maintaining officer mobility between branches.
Minister K Shanmugam acknowledged the pros and cons of an integrated versus specialized model, given Singapore's limited talent pool, and announced the government will set up a working group to study the restructuring of the Legal Service, with findings to be considered in due course.

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27 Jul 2021

Incidence of Reports from Theft Victims that Their Belongings Are Sold at Second-hand and Pawnshops

The Minister of State for Home Affairs stated that the Ministry does not track reports of theft victims’ belongings sold at second-hand shops or pawnshops, but these shops are regulated under the Second-hand Goods Dealers Act and Pawnbrokers Act, requiring them to verify sellers and screen goods against police data, detain suspected stolen items, and report to police.
Victims who find their belongings in such shops should report to police, who will investigate and seek court orders to return items, with any disputes resolved through disposal inquiries if multiple claimants exist.
Ms Yeo Wan Ling highlighted cases where elderly residents’ valuables were pawned by others, asking if pawnshop chains should share customer data for better due diligence, noting her residents were only offered discounts by pawnshops after police reports.
The Minister confirmed that chain pawnshops already use centralized databases for customer profiling and due diligence, including identity verification, questioning about ownership and proof of purchase, and screening against police data, and advised victims to report to police or the Registry of Pawnbrokers for investigations.

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27 Jul 2021

Number and Actions against Salary Kickback Offences

The Ministry of Manpower receives alerts about kickback offences primarily through complaints from migrant workers, referrals from the public and NGOs, and proactive inspections using data analytics.
Efforts to encourage reporting include facilitating job changes for migrant workers, referring them to fee-free employment agencies, and educating them through programs and community outreach.
The government emphasizes employer deterrence with strict penalties under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, while also maintaining a list of accredited recruitment agencies to curb illegal practices.

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27 Jul 2021

Enforcing Safe Distancing Measures on Trains and Public Buses and Managing Commuter Volume during Phase Three (Heightened Alert)

The Ministry of Transport outlines measures such as enhanced cleaning, mask-wearing, and discouraging talking on public transport, supported by staff and Auxiliary Police to ensure compliance during Phase Three (Heightened Alert).
Commuters are encouraged to first gently remind others who violate measures, then report to transport staff if needed, while operators and LTA may issue fines or involve police for non-compliance.
Employers are urged to adopt flexible work arrangements to stagger commuting times and reduce peak-hour congestion, emphasizing collective responsibility for a safe public transport environment.

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26 Jul 2021

Complaints Lodged by Migrant Domestic Workers against Employers for Abuse or Exploitation and Outcome of Investigations in Each of Last Five Years

Between 2016 and 2020, an average of 259 reports of migrant domestic worker (MDW) abuse were made to police each year, with all such reports investigated, though police do not specifically track frivolous or vexatious complaints.
MDWs who lodge false reports may be investigated for providing false information to a public servant, and if convicted, face up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both.
Under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, MOM interviews both MDWs and employers upon receiving a complaint to establish facts; MDWs found to have provided false information may be fined, imprisoned, or both, and are barred from working in Singapore.
Between 2016 and 2020, 14 MDWs were warned and seven prosecuted for false statements to MOM, with both groups debarred from working in Singapore.

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26 Jul 2021

Incidences and Contributory Factors of Poor Safety Practices or Inappropriate Procedures Logged at Workplace in Past Year

In the past year, the number of workplace safety incidents logged was around 3,000, a reduction from nearly 9,000 in the previous year, largely due to COVID-19-related suspensions of activities, but common unsafe practices like unguarded openings and poor machinery maintenance remained prevalent.
The impact of the manpower crunch on workplace accidents is unclear, but all stakeholders agree that worker safety must not be compromised regardless of COVID-19 circumstances.
The Ministry supports mental well-being through the WSH Council’s Total WSH Programme, the National WSH Campaign, and the HPB’s Workplace Outreach Wellness Package, offering resources like talks, workshops, and tripartite advisories to help employers and employees maintain a safe and healthy work environment.

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26 Jul 2021

Outcome of Cases of Workplaces Breaching Safe Distancing Measures and Concerns of Effects of Whistle-blowing on Jobs and Businesses

Over 3,500 reports concerning workplace safe distancing breaches were received by MOM during the Phase Two (Heightened Alert) period, with most resolved through clarifications and only 66 resulting in fines.
MOM adopts a balanced approach, focusing on rectifying minor non-compliance rather than penalizing employers unnecessarily to avoid harming businesses and employees.
Whistle-blowers' identities are kept confidential during inspections to address concerns about potential retaliation.

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26 Jul 2021

Measures to Expedite Enforcement of Orders for Removal of Flammable or Hazardous Items from Hoarders' Homes and Surroundings

Don Wee proposed allocating more resources, increasing penalties, allowing authorised personnel to enter homes to remove fire hazards, and mandating counselling for hoarders.
Desmond Lee highlighted that a multi-agency framework coordinates hoarding cases, prioritising threats to public health and safety, with SCDF and other agencies empowered to enter homes for severe risks.
He noted that compulsive hoarding often lacks treatable mental illness and that successful interventions rely on family and community support rather than premature mandated actions.
The government will continue reviewing the need for more legislative powers, manpower, and resources to tackle hoarding issues holistically.

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26 Jul 2021

Efforts by Schools in Educating Students to Report Attempts of Improper Sexual Conduct by Staff Members

Dr Wan Rizal inquired about schools' efforts to educate students on reporting improper sexual conduct by staff members.
The Ministry of Education uses Character and Citizenship Education to teach students from Primary One about personal safety, protection from abuse, and reporting inappropriate conduct to trusted adults, parents, school leaders, or police.
Students are also instructed to look out for friends showing distress and seek help for them, while teachers and staff are trained to identify and support such students.

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26 Jul 2021

Protocol for Unidentified Aircraft Detected Flying within Singapore's Flight Information Region

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked whether SATCC will contact unidentified aircraft in Singapore's Flight Information Region to determine their intentions and provide safety advisories to nearby civil aircraft.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) stated it will follow ICAO rules to identify unidentified aircraft by attempting communication and gathering information from adjacent authorities and other aircraft.
CAAS will share the unidentified aircraft’s location and flight path with nearby pilots and advise caution to ensure air safety.

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26 Jul 2021

Licences and Special Lanes to Improve Safety and Insurance Coverage for Cyclists

The Minister for Transport highlighted that cycling is healthy and environmentally friendly, emphasizing the need to balance cycling facilitation with safety for all road users, including by building more off-road cycling paths and expanding the network to 1,320 km by 2030.
The Active Mobility Advisory Panel is reviewing safety rules for on-road cycling, including licensing, registration, and third-party liability insurance, while consulting stakeholders who have mixed views on the costs and barriers of such measures.
The government will prioritize public education and gracious road behavior, with outcomes of the review to be published in due course, noting that most countries do not impose these measures on cyclists.

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26 Jul 2021

Conviction and Punishment of David Roach for Bank Robbery in 2016

Sylvia Lim asked how the Singapore government would fulfill its assurance to the UK that David Roach, extradited for a 2016 bank robbery, would not be caned as sentenced by Singapore courts.
K Shanmugam explained that the government gave an undertaking to the UK to not carry out corporal punishment, which was necessary to secure Roach's extradition under UK law.
He stated that the President, on Cabinet's advice, remitted Roach's six-stroke caning sentence under constitutional powers to fulfill this assurance.
This follows a similar past case where Singapore assured Australia that a suspect would not face the death penalty to secure extradition.

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26 Jul 2021

Preventing Misappropriation of Large Quantities of Potentially Dangerous Substances

MHA and other agencies regulate security-sensitive materials (SSMs) like fuel through a risk-based framework with clear laws covering handling, storage, and transport.
Specific controls include requiring protective security measures at storage sites and tracking systems for vehicles transporting large quantities of SSMs.
Regulatory agencies conduct regular audits and inspections to ensure compliance and collaborate with industry to review control measures.

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26 Jul 2021

Dealing with Social Media and Digital Communication Platforms Based Overseas that Target Singaporeans with Political Messages

The government uses legislation like the Broadcasting Act and the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act to take down or correct harmful online content that threatens national interest, public order, or social stability.
Efforts include building capabilities to detect and deter hostile information activities from foreign actors, alongside public education initiatives to foster a discerning citizenry.
The Ministry promotes media literacy through school programs, the National Library Board’s S.U.R.E. initiative, and campaigns by the Media Literacy Council to help Singaporeans critically evaluate online information.

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26 Jul 2021

Expanding Sentencing Options for Wildlife Feeding Offence to Include Mandatory Treatment Order and Community Work Order

Murali Pillai asked whether sentencing options for wildlife feeding under the Wildlife Act can include mandatory treatment orders and community work orders to address repeat offenders and those with psychiatric issues.
Desmond Lee explained that NParks uses a multi-pronged approach, partnering with agencies to understand offenders' motivations and offer alternative activities like community gardening and bird-watching, while also providing mental health support where appropriate.
Lee noted that mandatory treatment orders may only be suitable if the offender's psychiatric condition is relevant and treatable, and community work orders might be challenging for elderly offenders with health or mobility issues.
NParks will continue to review its wildlife management efforts and maintain a reasonable, multi-pronged strategy to tackle illegal wildlife feeding.

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26 Jul 2021

Common Causes of Home Fires in Past Five Years

The Minister for Home Affairs identified unattended cooking, indiscriminate disposal of lighted materials like cigarette butts, and electrical issues such as overloading sockets and using uncertified devices as common causes of residential fires over the past five years.
The SCDF raises awareness through community events, targeted outreach with partners like Community Emergency and Engagement Committees (C2Es), door-to-door engagements after fire incidents, and Community Emergency Preparedness Programmes (CEPP) offering hands-on training and educational materials.
The SCDF regularly reviews its outreach and plans new initiatives, such as Community Resilience Days with roadshows to teach lifesaving and emergency skills, to enhance public knowledge of fire safety.

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26 Jul 2021

Courts (Civil and Criminal Justice) Reform Bill

The debate concerns the Courts (Civil and Criminal Justice) Reform Bill, which aims to amend multiple acts to modernise and enhance court processes in both civil and criminal justice systems.
The bill was presented by the Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth and Trade and Industry on behalf of the Minister for Law, and is scheduled for a second reading in September 2021.
The reforms seek to update various legal frameworks, including the Interpretation Act, Criminal Procedure Code, Evidence Act, and others, to improve efficiency and effectiveness in the justice system.

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26 Jul 2021

Attempts to Attack Singapore's Supply Chain Software

Mohd Fahmi Aliman asked whether there have been any attempts to attack Singapore’s supply chain software in the past three years, citing a recent global cyber attack that forced Swedish Coop supermarkets to close.
Mrs Josephine Teo responded that there have been no observed adverse effects on Singapore’s Critical Information Infrastructure or Government systems, but the government is taking a cautious stance by monitoring threats, issuing advisories, and launching initiatives like the CII Supply Chain Programme and SG Cyber Safe Programme to strengthen national cybersecurity.
Leon Perera raised a supplementary question on ransomware support, asking if the government can assist companies in recovering cryptocurrency paid as ransom, similar to the US government’s help in the Colonial Pipeline case.
Mrs Josephine Teo advised against paying ransoms, highlighting that it is not guaranteed to restore systems and may encourage further attacks, and recommended referring to SingCERT’s advisory for guidance on responding to ransomware incidents.

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