Public safety & law — Topics

10 May 2021

Media Coverage and Protection of Identity for Persons Undergoing Trials for Sex Crimes

Dr Tan Yia Swam asked about the regulation of press reports for ongoing sex crime trials and protections for medical professionals’ reputations under media coverage.
The Minister for Law outlined two approaches: one prioritizes anonymity for accused persons until conviction (as in Ireland, Switzerland, New Zealand, and Australia), while the other favors open court proceedings without general anonymity (as in the UK), noting that the current Singapore policy follows the latter but is under review.
The Minister acknowledged that Singapore’s approach damages reputations even if accused are acquitted but allows anonymity in specific cases, such as when it protects national security or vulnerable individuals like children or victims.
The Minister emphasized the pros and cons of both approaches and stated that Singapore will continue to review its policy while maintaining the status quo.

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10 May 2021

Regulations to Ensure Safety for Migrant Workers Ferried in Lorries

Multiple MPs raised concerns about the safety of migrant workers transported in lorries, asking for data on accidents and fatalities, and proposing stricter regulations such as using buses or mini-buses with seat belts.
The Senior Minister of State for Transport acknowledged the tragic recent accidents but highlighted that international practices vary and that banning lorry transport would impose significant costs and operational challenges on industries, especially during the pandemic.
The government has implemented past safety measures, such as higher side railings and stricter licensing, and noted a downward trend in injuries and fatalities, but stressed that balancing safety with livelihoods is complex and requires ongoing stakeholder engagement.
MPs called for a new workgroup to review vehicle designs, speed limits, and equipment securing, while the government indicated it would consider these suggestions in its current review but cautioned against measures like speed limits that could increase accident risks.
The government emphasized the need for public education, enforcement, and partnerships with employers to improve safety, while acknowledging that any regulatory changes must account for industry viability and workers' job security.

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10 May 2021

Aggregate Dollar Value Dollar Value of Corruption Cases Investigated or Prosecuted in 2020

The Ministry responded that the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) does not compute an aggregate dollar value for corruption cases as it pursues all cases regardless of monetary value, and noted forfeiture amounts of about $2.2 million in 2020, $3.8 million in 2019, and $2.4 million in 2018.
CPIB has enhanced its digital capabilities through initiatives like electronic reporting and bail platforms, a digital investigation paper system, a new command centre, and upgraded forensic analytics to maintain operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Prevention of Corruption Act is under review to align penalties with other economic crimes, consider separate punishments for corporate bodies, and assess expanding extraterritorial provisions to address overseas corrupt transactions.
CPIB and the government are working to entrench an anti-corruption culture among younger generations through public education, co-created resources with students, and maintaining vigilance to preserve Singapore’s reputation and social fabric.

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5 Apr 2021

Measures in Place to Ensure Town Councils and MCSTs Perform Regular Inspections to Enforce Clutter-free Corridors, Lift Landings and Stairwells in Accordance with SCDF Guidelines and Fire Safety Act

Town Councils and Management Corporation Strata Titles (MCSTs) are responsible for ensuring compliance with SCDF fire safety requirements in common areas, including conducting regular inspections and responding promptly to clutter issues.
Authorities like SCDF can issue Fire Hazard Abatement Notices or notices of composition for serious risks, while Town Councils and MCSTs have by-laws allowing fines up to $5,000 and removal of obstructions at residents’ cost.
HDB supports enforcement through site inspections and outreach programmes to raise awareness about fire safety and encourage residents to keep common areas clutter-free.

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5 Apr 2021

Requirement for Companies with Combustible Dust Hazards to be Located in Industrial Estates away from Residential Areas

Gerald Giam Yean Song asked whether companies with combustible dust hazards must be located in industrial estates far from residential areas.
Mrs Josephine Teo stated that only companies operating with large amounts of flammable substances, including combustible dust, are required to be in industrial estates, while smaller-scale operations like bakeries are exempt.
The government emphasized that all companies using combustible dust must implement control measures, such as ventilation and regular housekeeping, to mitigate risks regardless of location.
Companies can refer to the MOM circular on combustible dust hazards and controls dated 23 July 2015 for guidance.

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5 Apr 2021

Promulgating Stringent Electric Vehicle Battery Standards and Safe Charging Practices

Murali Pillai inquired whether the Ministry for Transport would consider establishing stricter electric vehicle (EV) battery standards and safe charging practices to mitigate fire risks associated with EV usage and charging.
Ong Ye Kung affirmed that Singapore already adheres to stringent international benchmarks, such as UNECE regulations, and that both EVs and charging systems are governed by these standards.
He noted that Singapore’s safety guidelines for EV charging systems are detailed in Technical Reference 25 (TR25), which incorporates international standards and additional local safeguards.
Ong Ye Kung added that the Land Transport Authority is actively reviewing TR25 with stakeholders to enhance safety, technical, and operational requirements in response to rapidly advancing EV charging technologies.
The debate underscored Singapore’s proactive stance in maintaining and updating EV safety protocols to balance industry growth with public safety.

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5 Apr 2021

Appointment of Executive Director of Mosque-Madrasah-Wakaf Shared Services under Police and CPIB Investigation for Alleged Halal Certification Mismanagement

The Minister confirmed that the appointment of the former Halal Department official to the Mosque-Madrasah-Wakaf Shared Services was a staff rotation, not a promotion, and part of MUIS's career development framework.
MUIS completed an internal review in December 2020, finding its halal certification processes sound and fair, with findings reviewed by MCCY, before referring the matter to CPIB and Police for further investigation.
MUIS stated it will fully assist in the police and CPIB investigations and, despite finding no evidence of improper conduct, referred the matter for independent scrutiny to ensure accountability and transparency.

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5 Apr 2021

Measures to Control Smuggling and Use of e-Cigarettes

The Health Sciences Authority collaborates with the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority to intercept smuggling of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, while also monitoring online platforms to remove illegal sales listings.
Public education campaigns led by the Health Promotion Board target youths and parents, highlighting carcinogenic chemicals in e-cigarettes and using gamified learning methods to raise awareness of health harms.
The Ministry of Health reinforces that all activities involving e-vaporisers are prohibited under law and urges the public to report illicit activities through designated channels.

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5 Apr 2021

Claims against Home Renovation Firms for Failure to Deliver after Accepting Deposits in Past Three Years and Actions Taken

Between 2018 and 2020, there were 627 renovation dispute cases filed with Small Claims Tribunals and 278 civil writs in State Courts, but no specific data on claims against firms that accepted deposits and failed to deliver is available.
The Ministry of Law stated that court judgments for refunds must be complied with, and if a firm is insolvent, standard insolvency laws apply, allowing consumers to file as creditors; directors can face personal liability for fraudulent or wrongful trading.
Consumer protection measures include the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act, which allows for court injunctions against unfair practices, and initiatives like CASE’s advisories and the CaseTrust-RCMA accreditation that requires deposit bonds.
The government cannot intervene in genuine business failures, emphasizing the need for consumer due diligence, especially with large prepayments; HDB also restricts errant contractors from its directory.

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5 Apr 2021

Status and Outcome of Police Investigations into Report by SportSG in April 2017 on Alleged Misuse of Funds Resulting in Police Raids on Local Football Clubs

Sylvia Lim inquired about the status and outcome of police investigations into a 2017 SportSG report alleging misuse of funds that led to raids on the Football Association of Singapore and three local football clubs.
Minister K Shanmugam stated that the Attorney-General's Chambers is reviewing the investigation findings by the Commercial Affairs Department.
He indicated it was not appropriate to comment further on the matter at this time.
The response confirmed the investigation is ongoing pending legal review.

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5 Apr 2021

Breakdown of Industries Where Inmates Have Secured Jobs Upon Release from Prison Between 2015 and 2020

Between 2015 and 2020, Yellow Ribbon Singapore assisted over 2,000 inmates annually in securing jobs, with no data available for those who declined assistance.
The top five industries for job placements in those years included construction, manufacturing, retail, food and beverage, and services, with specific percentages detailed in the table provided by the Minister.
Among inmates who secured jobs with Yellow Ribbon Singapore's assistance from 2015 to 2020, 81% were imprisoned for drug-related offences.

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5 Apr 2021

Number of Accidents Involving Passenger Cars, Private Hire Cars and Taxis

Louis Ng Kok Kwang requested from the Minister for Transport accident statistics for the past five years for passenger cars, private-hire cars, and taxis, broken down into total accidents, accidents involving injuries, and accidents involving fatalities.
Ong Ye Kung responded that the requested statistics are provided in two detailed tables (Tables 1 and 2) that accompany his answer.

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5 Apr 2021

Organisations Working Collectively to Engage Youths Online and Offline on the Ills of Radicalisation

The Ministry of Home Affairs collaborates with schools, religious, and social organizations through the SGSecure movement to deliver age-appropriate awareness content and activities on radicalisation.
Agencies like ISD conduct workshops, talks, seminars, and online webinars for students, youths, and educators, adapting outreach efforts for the COVID-19 pandemic.
Community partners such as the Religious Rehabilitation Group run counter-ideology activities, including assembly talks, digital content, and learning journeys to promote understanding and mutual respect.

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5 Apr 2021

Safety of Children Seated on Parents' Laps While Travelling in Taxis

Louis Ng asked the Minister for Transport whether it is safe for a child to sit on a parent's lap in a taxi.
The Minister explained that road safety involves multiple precautions and is not a simple yes or no answer.
The Ministry noted that making child seats compulsory in taxis is not straightforward due to potential costs and inconvenience.
The government will continue to monitor the situation and review the rule periodically.

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5 Apr 2021

Drivers Caught Speeding along Fernvale Street, Fernvale Link, Jalan Kayu, Fernvale Road and Sengkang West Way

In the past 18 months, 6,500 drivers were caught speeding across Fernvale Street, Fernvale Link, Jalan Kayu, Fernvale Road, and Sengkang West Way, with Sengkang West Way accounting for the majority of violations.
Authorities do not designate areas as "speeding red zones," but Sengkang West Way is being considered for a speed camera to enhance deterrence.
Joint operations between the Traffic Police and LTA are already being conducted at these locations to tackle speeding and illegal vehicle modifications.
Penalties for speeding include fines up to $1,000, imprisonment up to three months, or both, while illegal modifications can result in fines up to $5,000 and doubled penalties for repeat offenders.
The measures aim to address both speeding and noise pollution from modified vehicles in the specified areas.

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5 Apr 2021

Checks on Freelance Tutors or Instructors to Ascertain No Prior Conviction for Sexual Offences Against Minors

Murali Pillai asked the Minister for Home Affairs what assistance can be provided to parents who wish to conduct background checks on freelance tutors to ensure they have no prior convictions for sexual offences against minors.
The Minister explained that current policy balances protecting children from offenders and supporting their rehabilitation, with the Police maintaining non-public criminal records used by agencies like MOE and MSF for screening employees in child-related roles.
The Minister noted that making these records publicly accessible to parents could resemble a public sex offender registry, which may lead to stigmatisation, harassment, and increased reoffending, as seen in the U.S.
The government is considering whether to mandate screening for all persons working with children, but practical difficulties exist, and further pathways for checking criminal antecedents are under review.
The request for parental access to tutor background checks is acknowledged as reasonable, but the potential consequences of public disclosure require careful evaluation.

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5 Apr 2021

Emergency Interim Public Housing Available at Short Notice to Victims of Domestic Violence

The Minister clarified that emergency interim public housing for domestic violence victims is primarily provided through MSF-funded crisis shelters when safety risks are high and no safe alternatives exist, with social service professionals assisting in securing longer-term housing.
For less severe cases, victims are encouraged to stay in their residences with safety plans supported by Family Violence Specialist Centres, and courts can issue Domestic Exclusion Orders to restrict perpetrators from entering shared homes.
HDB may exercise flexibility in allocating public rental flats to victims with no other housing options, as part of their longer-term accommodation assessment.
The government is addressing family violence through the National Family Violence Networking System and a Taskforce that is developing recommendations to increase awareness, improve reporting, strengthen victim protection, and enhance perpetrator accountability.

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5 Apr 2021

Measures to Prevent Debt Collection Agencies from Harassing Debtors

Existing laws such as the Penal Code and Protection from Harassment Act provide criminal sanctions and civil remedies against harassment by debt collectors.
Victims are advised to report incidents to the Police or apply for protection orders under the Protection from Harassment Act.
The Ministry of Home Affairs is considering new legislation to regulate debt collection companies and their employees.
Further details on the proposed legislation will be shared when ready.
The government emphasizes the importance of protecting debtors from unreasonable or illegal conduct by debt collectors.

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5 Apr 2021

Measures to Ensure Employers are More Proactive about Workplace Safety

Mrs Josephine Teo outlined that the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) uses a mix of commercial incentives, such as the CheckSafe e-service and sharing injury data with insurers, to encourage employers to proactively prioritize workplace safety and health (WSH) as a business interest.
The government has strengthened deterrence through higher fines and imprisonment terms for negligence, with the maximum fine rising to $400,000 and courts imposing imprisonment sentences since 2018, alongside measures like the Business Under Surveillance (BUS) programme and demerit points for construction firms.
For Safe Management Measures (SMM) during COVID-19, MOM conducted nearly 17,000 inspections and issued 178 composition notices totaling $178,000 by March 2021, targeting non-compliances like inadequate remote work arrangements and physical distancing in workplaces.
MOM supports small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with practical guides, checklists, and grants to implement SMMs, noting that the latest measures are relaxed and designed to be easy to follow, with most SMEs already compliant under previous rules.

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5 Apr 2021

Investigation into 25 February 2021 Incident of Person Killed on MRT Track near Kallang Station

Melvin Yong asked about the circumstances of the 25 February 2021 incident where a person was killed on the MRT track near Kallang station, the safeguards against unauthorized track incursions, and whether these measures are sufficient.
Ong Ye Kung noted that investigations are ongoing, but it was found that the barbed wire on the high fencing near the incident site was compressed and has since been repaired.
The MRT network has multiple security measures including platform screen doors, CCTV, regular patrols, and high fences with barbed wires or razor mesh to deter intruders.
The Public Transport Security Committee will review current security measures in light of the incident.
The Minister emphasized that it is premature to conclude the adequacy of safeguards until investigations are completed.

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