Public safety & law — Topics

16 Feb 2021

Employers' Obligation to Provide Sufficient Masks to Their Migrant Worker Employees

Employers are responsible for ensuring all employees, including migrant workers, wear masks at work and must provide sufficient masks at no cost.
Government agencies actively monitor workplaces, with 98% of inspected sites having adequate mask supplies, and non-compliant employers are advised to improve.
Migrant workers can seek masks from the Migrant Workers’ Centre or MOM, and whistleblowers can report issues confidentially without fear of reprisal.

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16 Feb 2021

Reports of Unauthorised Online Banking Transactions and Proportion that Involves Suspected Mobile Device Hacking

In 2020, there were 1,848 reports of unauthorised online banking and card transactions, with figures rising from 114 in 2018 and 329 in 2019, reflecting an upward trend as electronic transactions grow.
While multi-factor authentication is required, many scams occur when victims are tricked into revealing login details or OTPs; some cases involve transactions without SMS OTPs, prompting ongoing investigations and bank precautions like transaction limits.
If a consumer suspects fraud, they should immediately file a police report and contact their bank; if the bank is at fault, the customer will not bear financial loss if they practiced proper cyber hygiene and were not negligent.
Consumers are urged to practice good cyber hygiene, keep passwords and OTPs confidential, update security software, and heed advisories from banks, MAS, and the Singapore Police Force.
Banks have implemented additional controls, such as rejecting payments to certain merchants or setting transaction limits, as part of ongoing security measures.

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16 Feb 2021

Further Safeguards Following Investigation into Recent Detention of 16-year-old Self-radicalised Singaporean

The Minister of State outlined the facts of the case, confirming the 16-year-old was a self-radicalised "lone wolf" inspired by far-right ideology and the Christchurch attacker, and stressed the importance of pre-emptive action under the Internal Security Act.
Legal and operational measures were highlighted, including the strengthened Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control Act, public denunciations of terror attacks, and community resilience efforts through the SGSecure movement and interfaith initiatives.
Extensive educational and outreach programmes are in place, involving schools, Institutes of Higher Learning, and religious groups, to teach racial and religious harmony, detect early signs of radicalisation, and foster social cohesion.
For the rehabilitation of the young detainee, a holistic approach combining religious, psychological, and social support is used, including tailored counselling, psychological therapy, family involvement, educational support, and a mentoring programme.
ISD regularly engages religious leaders and community groups to brief them on signs of radicalisation and to strengthen collaborative efforts in early detection and prevention.

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2 Feb 2021

Accidents and Incidents Involving Vehicles Catching Fire due to Mechanical Failure and Poor Maintenance of Vehicles

In the past five years, there have been about 200 vehicle fire cases annually, with most linked to overheating or electrical faults rather than direct mechanical failure or poor maintenance due to difficulty in pinpointing causes after severe damage.
Vehicle owners must send vehicles for mandatory inspections at LTA-Authorised Inspection Centres, with older, commercial, and point-to-point vehicles inspected more frequently; failing vehicles cannot have road tax renewed or be used on roads.
LTA conducts checks for illegal modifications during inspections and enforcement, with penalties up to $5,000 fine, three months imprisonment, or both, doubled for repeat offenders under the Road Traffic Act.
Joint advisories from LTA and SCDF on preventing and handling vehicle fires are available via social media and motorist touchpoints, emphasizing regular servicing and checks for fluid leakages to avoid overheating.
The government focuses on ensuring roadworthiness through inspections and enforcement, though most vehicle fires are not conclusively attributed to mechanical failure or poor maintenance due to damage severity.

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2 Feb 2021

Prosecution of Individuals Found Practising and Spreading Deviant Teachings under Muslim Law Act

The Minister outlined that prosecution under Section 139 of the Administration of Muslim Law Act is considered only when other approaches, such as counselling and fatwas, have been exhausted and the individual remains recalcitrant.
The religious authorities first assess the severity of the case and consult the Fatwa Committee, with prosecution being a last resort for egregious cases that threaten socio-religious harmony.
MUIS employs a multi-pronged strategy including public education, revocation of accreditation for certified teachers, and reminders through sermons to counter deviant teachings before escalating to legal action.

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2 Feb 2021

Expanding Coverage of Yellow Ribbon Project to Include Ex-offenders of Non-violent Crimes

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim proposed expanding the Yellow Ribbon Project to allow non-violent ex-offenders to have their criminal records expunged after a period of good behavior, so they would not need to disclose their history for employment.
Minister K Shanmugam sought clarification on the definition of "non-violent crime," noting that offenses like sexual grooming and theft are serious and that expunging such records could affect safety in sensitive roles.
The Minister emphasized that the Government already has a framework for rehabilitating offenders and finding them employment, and that it is open to considering detailed suggestions.
The debate centered on balancing reintegration support for ex-offenders with public safety and transparency in employment.
The discussion highlighted the need for clear criteria when considering changes to criminal record policies.

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2 Feb 2021

Number of Piracy Incidents in Straits of Singapore in 2020

In 2020, there were 34 reported sea robbery incidents in the Straits of Singapore, with most being petty theft and none occurring within Singapore's territorial waters.
Comparing the past three years, there were 31 incidents in 2019, seven in 2018, and eight in 2017.
Singapore's maritime security agencies monitor and respond to suspicious vessels in its waters but generally do not intervene in incidents outside its jurisdiction.
Regional collaboration with partners is essential for combating piracy, including information sharing and coordinated patrols.
Vessel owners and crew are advised to implement preventive measures and report incidents promptly to help reduce piracy risks.

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2 Feb 2021

Review of Legal Profession Act to Clarify Jurisdiction of The Courts and Routes of Reviews and Appeals

Ms He Ting Ru inquired whether the Ministry of Law would review the Legal Profession Act to clarify the jurisdiction of the courts and the routes for reviews and appeals for complainants, solicitors, and the Law Society.
The Minister for Law, K Shanmugam, responded that the Ministry has noted the Court of Appeal's remarks on the matter.
The Ministry will study the issue further before proceeding with any review.
The Ministry will also consult with relevant stakeholders regarding the potential review of the Act.
The response confirms a deliberative approach is being taken rather than an immediate commitment to amend the Act.

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2 Feb 2021

Public Agencies In Charge of Deploying Safe Distancing Ambassadors and Enforcement Officers

The Ministry for Sustainability and the Environment coordinates over 3,000 Safe Distancing Ambassadors and Enforcement Officers from more than 15 agencies daily to enforce safe distancing measures in community hotspots and residential areas.
Agencies like the Housing & Development Board, National Parks Board, and Sport Singapore deploy about half of these officers in residential estates, adjusting patrols based on crowd levels, activities, and operational effectiveness.
Agencies collaborate through regular meetings, joint operations, and a “no wrong door” approach to share cases and ensure consistent enforcement, while urging public responsibility to prevent COVID-19 resurgence.

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2 Feb 2021

Impact of Gang Activities on Crime and Security Situation in Singapore

The police conducted an operation from December 2020 to January 2021 that arrested 151 suspected unlawful society members as part of ongoing anti-gang efforts, while the secret society situation remains under control with a noted decrease in weapon-related cases.
Gang activities have not significantly risen over the past five years, with youth involvement remaining stable, but youth gangs continue to be a serious concern due to their loosely organized and transient nature.
Authorities are implementing proactive measures to deter youths from joining gangs, including school talks, partnerships with social agencies, and diversionary programs like the Streetwise Programme.
Police are adapting outreach strategies to the digital space, such as online workshops and e-sports tournaments, to engage youths and deliver anti-gang messaging amid COVID-19 restrictions.
The Ministry’s overall assessment is that while gang activities pose risks, they are managed through continuous suppression, education, and rehabilitation efforts targeting at-risk individuals.

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2 Feb 2021

Action against Advertisements of Illegal Remote Gambling or Loan Services on Social Media, SMS and Messaging Apps

Police take enforcement actions such as forwarding offending numbers to telecoms for termination or to platforms for content removal, and pursue perpetrators when identifiable.
Joint operations with IMDA target retailers selling fraudulently registered prepaid SIM cards, with recent raids leading to arrests and seizures.
The public is encouraged to block and report spam messages, using tools like the free ScamShield app, while technical solutions with telecom providers are being explored.

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2 Feb 2021

COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Amendment) Bill

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Vivian Balakrishnan, introduced the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Amendment) Bill, acknowledging an error in not initially stating that TraceTogether data could be accessed under the Criminal Procedure Code for serious offences, and moving to legally restrict its use primarily to contact tracing, with exceptions for investigations into seven specified serious crimes.
Parliament debated the balance between public health needs for effective contact tracing and public concerns over privacy and trust, with the government emphasizing that the amendments are a temporary, necessary compromise to maintain both pandemic control and public safety.
The bill specifies that personal contact tracing data from systems like TraceTogether and SafeEntry can only be used for contact tracing, except for serious offences listed in the Seventh Schedule, which include crimes like murder, terrorism, and kidnapping, with safeguards such as requiring higher-ranked officers to approve data access.

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2 Feb 2021

Number and Types of Stay-Home-Notice and Quarantine Order Breaches

As of 25 January 2021, 308,442 Stay-Home Notices and 268,385 Quarantine Orders were issued, with 367 SHN and 130 QO breaches recorded, leading to prosecutions, fines, imprisonment, and administrative actions like pass revocation or PR status loss.
Since August 2020, all individuals on SHN or QO must wear electronic monitoring devices using GPS and 4G/Bluetooth, with alerts triggered for breaches, and the HOMER App introduced in April 2020 uses facial recognition and location tracking for additional monitoring.
The HOMER App is used alongside electronic devices for monitoring health and location, and its use alongside electronic devices is mandatory for all individuals on SHN or QO, including Long-Term Visit Pass holders and visitors to Singapore.

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2 Feb 2021

Impact of SolarWinds Breach on Singapore and Cybersecurity of Critical Systems

The Minister confirmed that the SolarWinds breach, a sophisticated attack on widely used software, affected thousands globally but has not adversely impacted Singapore's Critical Information Infrastructure or government systems to date.
In response, the Cyber Security Agency raised the national threat alert level and issued advisories, while advocating for a long-term shift to a "zero-trust" cybersecurity posture that emphasizes constant verification, monitoring, and restricting network access.
The government is engaging with critical infrastructure sectors and organizations to strengthen defenses, share threat intelligence, and provide support, especially for less-resourced companies, though it acknowledges complete prevention is impossible.

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1 Feb 2021

Installation of CCTV Cameras by HDB Flat Owners at Unit’s Main Door or Metal Gate and Number of Cases Lodged against Such Installation in Last Three Years and Actions Taken

HDB flat owners are generally not allowed to install CCTV cameras facing common corridors or areas to protect neighbor privacy, but exceptions can be made for safety issues like harassment, provided a Police report is submitted and Town Council approval is obtained.
Cameras must not face other flats' doors or windows, installation is limited to six months, and they must be removed afterward.
Over the past three years, HDB received about 361 feedback cases on CCTV-related disamenities, and unapproved installations are required to be removed.

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1 Feb 2021

Making Helmets and Lights Mandatory for Bicycles and Mobility Devices in Park Connectors for Safety of Riders and Other Park Connector Users

The Ministry of Transport requires bicycles and mobility devices to have front and rear lights during evening and night use on all public paths, including park connectors.
The government strongly encourages helmet use for safety but has decided against making it mandatory on public paths, citing lower risk compared to road riding.
The current regulations were established following a 2018 review and nationwide public consultation by the Active Mobility Advisory Panel.

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1 Feb 2021

Harassment, Physical or Verbal Abuse of Healthcare Workers

Dr Tan Wu Meng asked for statistics on reported harassment or abuse cases against healthcare workers over three years, the proportion that led to police reports, legal action, or offenses, and their outcomes.
He also inquired whether the Protection from Harassment Act (POHA) applies to healthcare workers during work and off-duty situations involving their role.
Minister Gan Kim Yong stated that POHA protects all individuals, including healthcare workers, with cases rising from 1,080 in 2018 to 1,300 in 2020, and police reports increasing from 40 to 58.
He clarified that harassment at any time is an offense under POHA, with enhanced penalties for public sector workers on duty, and that MOH has a zero-tolerance policy toward such incidents.

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1 Feb 2021

Prosecution Action Taken Against Non-compliance with Assessors' Directions under COVID-19 Temporary Measures Act 2020

Sylvia Lim asked the Minister for Law about prosecution actions taken under Sections 13(11) and 13(12) of the COVID-19 Temporary Measures Act 2020 against parties who fail to comply with Assessor directions without reasonable excuse.
The Minister explained that the Act allows parties to seek relief for COVID-19-related contractual issues, with Assessors providing determinations to resolve disputes without court proceedings, and most parties comply voluntarily.
If compliance fails, the non-compliant party can be urged to negotiate, and the aggrieved party may apply to court to enforce the determination like a judgment, with prosecution reserved for the most egregious cases due to the economic situation.
As of 22 January 2021, no prosecutorial action has been taken under the specified sections of the Act.

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1 Feb 2021

Community Sentences Imposed since Enhancement of Community Sentencing Regime under Criminal Procedure Code in 2018

Mr Murali Pillai asked for statistics on community sentences imposed since 2018, including a breakdown by type and an increase compared to prior years, as well as steps to ensure adequate resources.
Minister K Shanmugam explained that community-based sentences aim to balance deterrence, prevention, retribution, and rehabilitation, with the regime expanded in 2018 to allow more offenders to benefit from rehabilitative options.
The State Courts saw a slight increase in community sentences from November 2018 to December 2020 compared to the earlier period from September 2016 to October 2018, with details in referenced tables.
Agencies such as the Institute of Mental Health and Singapore Prison Service have taken steps to ensure sufficient resources, including increasing case managers and training officers, and working with community partners.
The government will continue to monitor the community sentencing regime and maintain adequate resources for its implementation.

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1 Feb 2021

Measures to Ensure Psychoactive Substances are Not Easily Bought Online

The Ministry of Home Affairs is proactively listing New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) as controlled drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act, with amendments planned later this year to better address their rapid proliferation and online availability.
The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) has intensified enforcement efforts, working with partners like the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority and courier companies to intercept illicit online drug transactions, leading to 287 arrests in 2020.
Public awareness campaigns, such as podcasts and social media series, are being conducted to educate the public on the dangers of NPS and caution against buying drugs online.

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