Public safety & law — Topics

6 Jan 2020

Proposal for Course for Security Guards To Be Made Available in Mandarin and Malay

Prof Fatimah Lateef proposed that the mandatory security threat recognition course for guards be offered in Mandarin and Malay to assist those not fluent in English.
The Minister explained the course is conducted in English as it is Singapore’s working language, essential for duties like security checks, threat reporting, and public communication.
He added that less proficient learners can use Workplace Literacy training to improve their English skills.

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6 Jan 2020

Impact of and Preventive Measures Following Incidents of Personal Data Lost to Hackers

The PDPC recorded 34 private sector hacking incidents from 2017 to 2019, while the public sector reported seven incidents in the same period.
Approximately 1.55 million individuals were affected in 2018, largely due to a major health sector breach, with 83,000 affected in 2017 and 900 in 2018.
Organizations must comply with the PDPA or public sector governance laws, conduct due diligence on software providers, appoint and train Data Protection Officers, and may apply for a Data Protection Trustmark.

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6 Jan 2020

Sudden Surge of Workplace Fatalities in November 2019

In November 2019, there were nine workplace fatalities, with four in construction, two each in marine and services, and one in manufacturing; the spike had no single dominant cause.
The Ministry of Manpower and industry partners increased engagement and enforcement, including an Industry Safety Timeout, surprise inspections, and a three-week Stop Work Order at a site with multiple lapses.
MOM announced plans to conduct 400 more inspections until February 2020 targeting high-risk industries and checks on equipment linked to the accidents.
Longer-term measures from 2020 include publishing firms’ safety performance and allowing public sector developers to disqualify unsafe contractors to align commercial interests with safety.
The Ministry emphasized that employers must take greater ownership of risk management and not take workplace safety for granted.

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6 Jan 2020

Impact of Recent Data Leaks on Confidential Operations of MINDEF and SAF

The Minister confirmed that two separate incidents—a data leak at ST Logistics and a ransomware attack at HMI Institute—compromised personal data of 2,400 and 98,000 MINDEF/SAF personnel respectively, but both were confined to vendor systems and did not affect MINDEF’s own systems or classified military information.
MINDEF was notified of the ST Logistics phishing attack on 10 October 2019 and confirmed the data leak on 13 December 2019, with affected personnel informed from 21 December 2019; the HMI incident was discovered on 4 December 2019, with MINDEF alerted on 9 December 2019 and personnel notified from 21 December 2019.
MINDEF has strengthened vendor oversight by including personal data protection clauses in new contracts and working to apply them to existing contracts, and will implement a framework based on PSDSRC recommendations and a tiered cybersecurity framework with stricter standards and potential audits for vendors handling sensitive data.

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6 Jan 2020

Trend of Impersonation Scams in Last Three Years

The number of impersonation scams in Singapore has risen over the last three years, with increasing financial losses across three main types: China officials impersonation, social media impersonation, and tech support scams.
While victims were previously evenly distributed across age groups, recent years show a shift, with young adults below 30 targeted more in China officials impersonation scams, and the elderly and young both vulnerable to tech support scams.
The Ministry, through the Police and National Crime Prevention Council, conducts public awareness campaigns, operates a dedicated helpline and website, and collaborates with grassroots groups to educate and protect the public, especially the elderly.

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6 Jan 2020

Update on Enforcement and Other Measures after Ban of PMDs on Footpaths

The government has banned e-scooters from footpaths since November 2019, resulting in a 30% drop in related accidents and increased enforcement with more officers and technology, while offering transition grants for affected delivery riders.
Regulatory updates are being implemented for power-assisted bicycles, including registration, safety standards, and stricter road rules, with additional measures to support riders transitioning from e-scooters.
The cycling path network will be accelerated beyond the original 2025 and 2030 targets, with plans to expand markings and infrastructure to improve safety and connectivity, though specific kilometer details are pending.

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5 Nov 2019

Heat Stroke and Dehydration Cases in Last Three Years and Measures to Protect Workers Against Excessive Heat

In the past three years, 10 workers suffered heat-related injuries, including one fatality, representing less than 0.03% of all workplace injuries.
The Ministry has issued guidelines requiring risk assessments, rest breaks, access to cool water, and education on heat disorders, with information disseminated through various channels.
Heat stroke and dehydration are already reportable incidents, and from September 2020, any incident resulting in medical leave or light duty must be reported.
The Ministry includes heat stress in its Total WSH Programme, with consultants advising companies on protective measures.
The guidelines do not mandate specific water intake or rest periods but encourage employers to implement appropriate precautions based on risk assessments.

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5 Nov 2019

Safeguards to Ensure Singaporean Youths are Protected Against Vice Activities Peddled Online

The Government employs a multi-pronged strategy that includes blocking vice websites, conducting enforcement operations against online syndicates, and proposing legal amendments to strengthen actions against such activities.
Public communication efforts are made to raise awareness and encourage reporting of online vice, with dedicated hotlines and digital platforms available for the public to submit information.
Educational programmes like the Cyber Wellness Education Programme and the Digital Media and Information Literacy Framework are in place to teach youths about online risks and safe internet practices.
Community and parental involvement is emphasized, with organizations like the Media Literacy Council providing resources to help youths and parents deal with inappropriate online content and predators.

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5 Nov 2019

Role of Gurkha Contingent of Singapore Police Force

Gan Thiam Poh asked if the role of the Gurkha Contingent has changed since its establishment and whether it could contribute more to national security.
K Shanmugam stated that the Gurkha Contingent's role has remained unchanged.
The contingent is tasked with guarding selected installations and providing security at major events.
It also augments police response to public order and public security incidents.
The minister's response did not indicate any expansion of the contingent's duties beyond existing responsibilities.

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5 Nov 2019

Statistics on Injuries Treated at Public Hospitals Resulting from PMD Accidents

Assoc Prof Walter Theseira queried the Minister for Transport about the number of persons treated at public hospitals for PMD accident injuries since 2018, broken down by riders, pedestrians, and injury severity, and how these rates compare to international PMD experiences and other transport modes in Singapore.
Khaw Boon Wan reported that 299 people were treated in 2018 for PMD-related incidents, with 259 riders and eight pedestrians, and injuries categorized as 63% minor, 21% moderate, and 16% severe.
For comparison, 1,836 people were treated for bicycle-related incidents, 5,700 for motorcycle-related incidents, and 6,743 for car-related incidents in the same period, with about 89% minor, 7% moderate, and 4% severe injuries across these categories.
The minister noted that no international comparison of PMD-related injuries could be made due to a lack of published data.
The debate highlights the scale of PMD injuries relative to other transport modes in Singapore and the absence of global benchmarking data.

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5 Nov 2019

Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (Amendment) Bill

The Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (Amendment) Bill was introduced to create an Appellate Division of the High Court, rename the existing High Court as the General Division, and designate a new class of Judges of the Appellate Division.
The Senior Minister of State for Law moved the Second Reading, referencing the linked Supreme Court of Judicature (Amendment) Bill and noting prior debate on the proposals.
Parliament conducted a constitutional vote requiring support from at least two-thirds of Elected and Non-Constituency Members, with 72 “Ayes” and zero objections, carrying the Second Reading.
The Bill was committed to a Committee of the whole House, considered and reported without amendment, then proceeded to Third Reading.
Another constitutional vote was taken for the Third Reading, with 72 “Ayes” and zero objections, resulting in the Bill being passed.

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5 Nov 2019

Supreme Court of Judicature (Amendment) Bill

The Bill establishes a new Appellate Division of the High Court to manage the growing caseload and complexity of appeals, restructuring the Supreme Court while preserving the Court of Appeal as the apex court.
It introduces procedural amendments to enhance efficiency, such as allowing paper hearings, simplifying leave applications, and enabling the Court of Appeal to transfer cases between divisions based on factors like public importance or complexity.
While supporting the Bill, some members raised concerns about potential cost increases and sought clarifications on the exercise of judicial discretion, the application of precedent, and the retirement age of judges, to which the Minister provided detailed responses.

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5 Nov 2019

Number of Vape Sellers and Buyers Caught in Recent Years

The Ministry of Health outlined strict laws against vaping, with 219 online sale cases and 465 possession cases handled between 2017 and 2019, resulting in fines and imprisonment.
Enforcement includes working with online platforms and conducting raids, with calls for increased efforts in physical areas like neighborhoods and shopping districts.
A UK study on e-cigarettes for smoking cessation was discussed, showing higher quit rates but concerns about continued nicotine addiction and dual use with cigarettes.
The Ministry emphasizes evidence-based policies and monitors emerging studies but currently sees limited evidence on the safety and efficacy of e-cigarettes for cessation.
Public education and smoking cessation programs are being strengthened to address misconceptions and promote proven methods to quit smoking.

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5 Nov 2019

Measures to Rehabilitate and Protect At-risk Individuals and Offenders

The Minister outlined a multi-pronged approach, focusing on upstream intervention, diverting youth offenders from the criminal justice system, community-based family-focused rehabilitation, and sustained post-care support to improve reintegration and reduce recidivism.
Specific programmes like Youth GO!, Enhanced STEP-UP, and Integrated Service Providers have engaged hundreds of youths monthly, with notable success in reducing arrests and achieving high programme completion rates.
Efforts to support reintegration include extending post-care support in Youth Homes to one year and protecting youth offenders' identities to ease societal reintegration.
For employment, a pilot with government employment agencies was merged into the mainstream Workforce Singapore framework to help at-risk youths and offenders find jobs, with a call for private sector partnership.
The government remains committed to continuous improvement, working across ministries and with community partners to rehabilitate and protect at-risk individuals and offenders.

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4 Nov 2019

Deterrent Measures to Ensure Integrated Resorts Do Not Repeat Same Offences

The Minister explained that the increased fines were due to lapses in customer due diligence by Resorts World Sentosa and social safeguard breaches by both Resorts World Sentosa and Marina Bay Sands, such as allowing minors and unlicensed entry.
Measures taken include system enhancements to automate checks, refresher training for employees, and increased regulatory guidance and unannounced inspections by the Casino Regulatory Authority.
The Minister noted that while the law provides stiff penalties, their existence alone does not guarantee compliance, and the Authority will continue to monitor the situation to ensure deterrence.

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4 Nov 2019

Effectiveness of Police’s PolCam 2.0 in Preventing and Solving Crimes in Heartlands

Desmond Choo questioned the effectiveness, future enhancements, and maintenance costs of the PolCam 2.0 system in preventing and solving crimes in heartlands.
K Shanmugam reported that about 11,000 cameras have been installed in various public areas, with a total project budget of $45 million including maintenance.
The cameras have helped deter and solve crimes such as unlicensed moneylending, robbery, theft, and outrage of modesty, with over 3,400 cases solved using footage as of September 2019.
The Police plan to install more cameras based on operational needs and will continue leveraging technology to enhance public security.

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4 Nov 2019

Statistics on Infants and Toddlers Not Secured in Child Seats and Injured in Motor Accidents in Past 10 Years

Louis Ng asked for annual statistics on infants and toddlers injured in motor accidents who were not secured in child seats over the past 10 years.
The Minister for Home Affairs responded that Traffic Police does not have the data for the full 10-year period.
For 2017 and 2018, an average of 53 children aged three and below were injured in vehicles each year.
Of these, 27% were in taxis or public buses where child seats are not required, 15% were not in child seats, and 7% were in child seats.
The remaining 51% of cases lacked tracking data on whether child seats were used.

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4 Nov 2019

Statistics on PMD Riders Caught for Speeding on Footpaths and Reported Accidents between PMD Users and Pedestrians

LTA caught 55 PMD riders for speeding on footpaths between February and September 2019 after the speed limit was lowered to 10 km/h.
There were about 90 reported accidents between PMD users and pedestrians on footpaths in the same period.
The government decided to prohibit e-scooter usage on footpaths from 5 November 2019 to improve pedestrian safety.

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4 Nov 2019

Use of Photographs or Video Recordings of High-rise Littering and Feeding of Pigeons to Prosecute Perpetrators

The Ministry for the Environment and Water Resources confirms that surveillance cameras and video analytics are used to catch high-rise littering offenders, with over 2,200 caught since 2012, and NParks uses cameras and targeted operations to curb pigeon feeding.
The public can submit photos and video recordings of these offences to NEA and NParks to aid investigations and enable more targeted enforcement operations.
The Ministry emphasizes that enforcement alone is insufficient; fostering collective responsibility and positive social norms through community outreach, advisories, and partnerships is crucial for a clean and sustainable Singapore.

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4 Nov 2019

Enhancing Road Safety for Elderly Pedestrians with Public Education

The Ministry engages the elderly at Senior Activity Centres and organizes events like the Road Safety Carnival to educate them on using pedestrian crossings and avoiding jaywalking.
Road safety outreach targets motorists and motorcyclists through island-wide messages, the "Use Your RoadSense" movement, and the annual Singapore Ride Safe campaign.
Community partnerships with the Singapore Road Safety Council are used to amplify these public education efforts for both seniors and road users.

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