Public safety & law — Topics

2 Sep 2019

Update on CAD's Investigation of Chairman and Management of Swiber Holdings and Related Companies

Dennis Tan Lip Fong inquired about the completion status of the CAD's investigation into Swiber Holdings' chairman and management, potential charges, and the expected timeline if ongoing.
K Shanmugam confirmed that police investigations into Swiber Holdings and its subsidiaries are still ongoing and declined further comment.

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2 Sep 2019

Monies Wrongly Credited into Bank Accounts

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked if there is a rise in cases of money wrongly credited to bank accounts and whether banks are required to freeze and return such funds.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam responded that erroneous transfers are rare, banks assist by contacting the recipient’s bank for a refund, and retaining mistaken funds is an offence; however, banks are not required to automatically freeze or return money to prevent abuse.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) guidelines emphasize consumer responsibility for accurate payments, banks’ duty to assist, and the need to report fraud to police promptly.
MAS and the industry will continue to work on raising consumer awareness to minimize wrongful e-payments, similar to the approach for cheques.

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2 Sep 2019

Reciprocal Enforcement of Commonwealth Judgments (Repeal) Bill

The Senior Minister of State for Law moved the Second Reading of the bill, noting it is linked to the previous Reciprocal Enforcement of Foreign Judgments (Amendment) Bill and that its provisions were already explained and debated during that earlier discussion.
Following the mover's speech, the Deputy Speaker confirmed there were no new speakers for the debate, and the question for the Second Reading was put and agreed to without further discussion.
The bill was read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House, where it was immediately considered, reported without amendment, and passed by the Parliament.

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6 Aug 2019

Statistics on Divorcees Who Failed to Comply with Court Orders to Sell Their Matrimonial Flats Within Stipulated Time

Mr. Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked for statistics on divorcees who failed to sell their matrimonial flats within court-ordered timeframes over the past five years.
Minister K. Shanmugam stated that no agency tracks compliance with court-ordered sale timelines or the time taken to complete such sales.
He explained that extensions of time require court applications and that HDB processes sales only if parties agree, depending on court order terms.

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6 Aug 2019

Recourse for Victims When PMD Riders Speed Off After Incident

Victims involved in accidents with PMD riders who flee can report the incident through the MyTransport.SG app, even without photo evidence, as the system is designed to handle such situations.
The government has implemented measures such as mandatory registration of PMDs and enhanced enforcement to deter irresponsible riding and improve accountability.
Physical barriers and designated zones are being considered to restrict PMD access in high-traffic areas where they are prohibited.
The Minister emphasized that the regulatory framework is continuously reviewed to address emerging issues and ensure safety for all road users.

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6 Aug 2019

Violence Against Persons of Minority Sexual Orientations or Gender Identities

Assoc Prof Walter Theseira questioned the Ministry on outreach to LGBTQ individuals facing domestic violence, institutional sensitivity when reporting, and plans for awareness campaigns with NGOs.
Desmond Lee affirmed zero tolerance for violence against anyone, citing existing laws like the Penal Code and POHA that protect all persons, including LGBTQ individuals.
He stated that social service agencies are trained to support diverse victims without discrimination and that public campaigns like "Break The Silence" raise awareness regardless of sexual orientation.

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6 Aug 2019

Prosecution for Sale of Illegal Weight Loss Products

In the past three years, three persons have been prosecuted for selling illegal weight loss products containing undeclared medicinal ingredients.
The Health Sciences Authority regulates health products through a risk-based approach, with stringent evaluations for pharmaceutical medicines and prohibitions on potent ingredients in supplements, and it conducts post-market surveillance, testing, and public education.
Dealers importing or supplying products with prohibited ingredients face prosecution, with penalties of up to three years' imprisonment and/or a $100,000 fine.

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6 Aug 2019

Home Team Science and Technology Agency Bill

The Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX) is established as a statutory board to centralize and advance science and technology capabilities for Singapore's Home Team, addressing evolving security threats and operational challenges such as cybercrime, terrorism, and increased traveler and cargo volumes.
HTX will consolidate existing expertise, develop cutting-edge solutions like biometrics, predictive policing, and robotics, and foster a "One Home Team" approach to enhance coordination, while ensuring accountability under MHA and adherence to data security and privacy safeguards.
The agency aims to attract and develop STEM talent, collaborate with public and private sectors, and balance technological innovation with societal concerns like privacy and mental well-being, supported by a budget from MHA and governance under existing parliamentary and audit processes.

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6 Aug 2019

Fire-rated Doors for HDB Rental Flats Given Recent Boon Lay Fire

Patrick Tay asked whether all HDB rental flats have fire-rated doors after the Boon Lay fire, and the Minister confirmed that HDB rental flats have fire-rated entrance doors only where required by the Fire Code, which considers corridor ventilation and other fire safety features like hose reels and rising mains.
The Minister highlighted that HDB, SCDF, and PA are working together to provide free Home Fire Alarm Devices (HFADs) in all public rental flats by end-2021 to alert residents early.
Patrick Tay suggested installing fire-rated doors in every unit beyond the Fire Code, and the Minister responded that SCDF sets the standards as fire specialists and HDB will explore with them if additional measures are needed.
Louis Ng supported the call for fire-rated doors on all units and suggested offering them as an option during Home Improvement Programme (HIP) showrooms, and the Minister reiterated that SCDF is the authority on fire safety and HDB will ensure compliance with their standards.

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6 Aug 2019

Safe Usage of Park Connector Networks by Cyclists and PMD Riders

The debate addresses whether cyclists and PMD riders must stay on the lane marked “PCN” and pedestrians on the side with a walking symbol, with the Minister explaining that the markings are part of a pilot to guide slower users away from faster ones.
NParks has conducted public outreach, banners, and joint enforcement with LTA during the pilot, and encourages a “keep left” etiquette for slower users and overtaking on the right.
The Member of Parliament observed that users often ignore the markings, causing confusion and accidents, and asked for increased public messaging on safe usage.
The Minister outlined a four-part approach: improving physical infrastructure like clear markings or segregated paths, enforcing rules against reckless behavior, continuing public education, and promoting user etiquette and consideration.
NParks plans to introduce additional safety measures like lighting and speed strips, and will work with LTA and the community to promote orderly use of the Park Connector Network.

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6 Aug 2019

Companies Prosecuted for Illegal Discharge of Wastewater into Public Sewage System

The Senior Minister of State reported that since 2014, PUB has prosecuted 119 companies for illegal discharge into the public sewage system, with 21 being second-time offenders and 23 being multiple repeat offenders, and emphasized that repeat offenders face harsher penalties, more frequent inspections, and possible suspension or revocation of their discharge approvals.
Assoc Prof Daniel Goh questioned the effectiveness of constant surveillance as a deterrent for repeat offenders, asked about the criteria and frequency for revoking discharge approvals, and raised concerns about the adequacy of fines, noting that reported fines for repeat offenders have not exceeded $20,000 despite a legal maximum of $100,000.
The Senior Minister of State responded that for repeat offenders, PUB may increase surveillance to as often as twice a month, require installation of online monitoring sensors, and engage them closely; approvals can be revoked for severe cases involving toxic or hazardous substances, with an immediate stop-order issued, and penalties may include fines up to $100,000 or imprisonment.

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6 Aug 2019

Imposing Criminal Liability on Employers

The Senior Parliamentary Secretary clarified that the Protection from Harassment Act (POHA) already covers both entities and individuals, allowing for criminal liability of entities in harassment cases, with vicarious liability possible under common law principles.
Anthea Ong questioned whether POHA’s inclusion of entities primarily protects them as victims rather than holding them liable for harassment, especially in the context of workplace harassment and employer responsibility.
The response emphasized that POHA explicitly provides for entity liability under sections like 3 and 5, but any expansion of corporate criminal responsibility must balance employee protection with business burdens, with existing non-criminal measures like tripartite guidelines also in place.

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6 Aug 2019

Advice to Singaporeans Working in Hong Kong Given Recent Street Protests There

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised Singaporeans in Hong Kong to avoid protest areas, stay vigilant, monitor local media and consular updates, and ensure comprehensive travel insurance, noting that peaceful protests could turn violent unexpectedly.
There are approximately 15,000 Singaporeans residing in Hong Kong, with about 3,000 registered with the Ministry, and no reports of Singaporeans being directly affected or injured by the protests so far.
The Ministry confirmed that registered Singaporeans include students on scholarships and those in educational institutions, but it does not track their activities, using registration only for outreach and consular assistance.

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5 Aug 2019

Statistics on Number of Cases Heard by Community Dispute Resolution Tribunal Since Inception

Between 1 October 2015 and 30 June 2019, the Community Dispute Resolution Tribunal received 324 applications, with 294 disposed of and 30 pending.
Case breakdown by year is 27 in 2015, 80 in 2016, 57 in 2017, 108 in 2018, and 52 from 1 January to 30 June 2019.
Mandatory mediation orders were made in 82 cases, representing about 25% of the total, and no exclusion orders have been issued to date.

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5 Aug 2019

Number of Rioting Incidents Per Year from 2010 to 2018

Minister K Shanmugam provided the annual number of rioting incidents from 2010 to 2018 in response to Leon Perera's parliamentary question.
The data covers a nine-year period as requested, offering a clear picture of rioting trends during that time.
The response directly addressed the query without additional commentary or policy implications.

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5 Aug 2019

Measures to Deter Reckless Driving of PMDs

Christopher de Souza sought legal tools to deter reckless PMD driving that endangers pedestrians and vehicles.
Khaw Boon Wan referred to the Ministerial Statement on Personal Mobility Devices from 5 August 2019 for the response.
The debate highlighted the need for stricter regulations to prevent injuries from PMD misuse.
It was noted that existing measures and future actions may be guided by the 2019 Ministerial Statement.

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5 Aug 2019

Regulations for Safe Charging of Powerful Batteries at Residences and Workplaces

Mr Murali Pillai asked whether SCDF will consider regulations for safe charging of powerful batteries in residences and workplaces due to fire risks from overcharging.
Minister K Shanmugam highlighted that since 2016, most battery-related fires involved PMDs, PABs, and PMAs, with 67% occurring in HDB units, and noted the difficulty in crafting and enforcing regulations given the widespread use of diverse devices.
The Minister urged consumers to exercise vigilance, buy from reputable sources, follow safety advice, and specifically encouraged PMD users to switch to UL2272-compliant devices and inspect batteries regularly.
SCDF will enhance education efforts in partnership with LTA to promote good fire safety habits among users.

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5 Aug 2019

Proposal to Review Penalties Imposed on Convicted Wildlife Traffickers

Rahayu Mahzam proposed reviewing penalties for wildlife traffickers to ensure they align with the value of illegal shipments, following a S$66 million seizure.
Lawrence Wong outlined current laws under the Endangered Species Act, which allow fines up to S$500,000 and/or two years imprisonment for trafficking CITES-regulated species.
NParks will review these penalties to maintain robust and effective measures against wildlife trafficking.

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5 Aug 2019

Action against Companies whose Heavy Vehicle Drivers Accumulate More Than Three Speeding Summons Per Year

Lim Biow Chuan asked if the Ministry will take legal action against companies whose heavy vehicle drivers accumulate more than three speeding summons per year.
K Shanmugam stated that drivers are personally liable for traffic violations, while employers may only be liable in specific cases, such as when an employee is asked to drive while under suspension.
Heavy vehicle owners must ensure speed limiters are fitted and functional; if absent, not working, or tampered with, they can be charged under the Road Traffic Act with penalties including imprisonment or fines.

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5 Aug 2019

Action against Perpetrators who Spread Fake News on Social Media that Cause Racial Disharmony

Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked if action will be taken against those who spread fake news on social media to cause racial disharmony.
Minister K Shanmugam stated the government takes firm action under the Penal Code against acts that wound racial feelings or promote enmity, citing recent cases like racist graffiti and false claims about public transport checks.
Investigations are ongoing against individuals who made false allegations of racial discrimination and those involved in a rap video attacking the Chinese community.

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