Public safety & law — Topics

8 Jul 2019

Reasons for Delaying Decision on Licences for Shared-PMD Operators

Sitoh Yih Pin asked the Minister for Transport about the safety concerns causing delays in deciding which companies can operate shared-PMDs and the additional requirements to address them.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that the decision was deferred to allow more time for LTA to review safety measures, including imposing UL2272 certification for fire safety and insurance against third-party injury or death.
LTA plans to start conservatively by limiting sandbox licensees to small fleet sizes during a one-year trial period.

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8 Jul 2019

Action Taken against Singaporean Drivers Who Change Their Car Licence Plates When Entering Malaysia

Darryl David questioned what action can be taken against Singaporean drivers who change their licence plates in Malaysia, noting the adverse effects on other Singaporean drivers whose plates are copied.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that whether plate swapping outside Singapore is an offence depends on the case, and if the driver possesses a false plate with intent to deceive in Singapore, they face a fine of up to $5,000 and/or up to 12 months in jail.
The government is willing to share information with foreign counterparts, as permitted by law, to assist with investigations into possible offences under foreign laws.
Displaying false number plates in Singapore is itself an offence, punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and/or up to 12 months in jail.

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8 Jul 2019

Demarcation Lines at Park Connectors to Provide Clear Lines of Division Between Cyclists and Joggers

Lim Biow Chuan questioned the rationale for not drawing demarcation lines on park connectors to separate cyclists and joggers.
Lawrence Wong explained that NParks believes demarcation lines alone do not effectively separate users or improve safety, so they promote a "keep left" etiquette instead.
NParks prefers creating separate physical paths with clear separators where space allows, as seen in Lakeside Garden, and adds safety measures like lighting and speed strips.
NParks will continue collaborating with LTA and the community to promote safe and orderly use of park connectors.

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8 Jul 2019

Reporting and Resolution of Neighbour Dispute Cases

Since 2014, HDB has received about 15,600 neighbour dispute cases, averaging 2,800 annually, but lacks data on how many were resolved privately.
Disputes can be mediated by the Community Mediation Centre (CMC), which handles 40–50 cases yearly with over 70% success, or referred to the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunals for more stubborn cases.
For persistent harassment, residents can apply for a Protection Order through the courts, and authorities encourage mutual respect to prevent disputes.

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8 Jul 2019

Accidents Involving Cyclists and PMD Users at Bus Stops

In the past year, there were 18 reported accidents involving cyclists and PMD users at or near bus stops.
The Land Transport Authority is improving bus stop infrastructure by building cycling paths and widening footpaths, adding features like speed regulating strips and signage to guide cyclists and PMD users behind bus stops rather than through them.
LTA conducts nationwide public education campaigns and a Safe Riding Programme to promote safe practices such as giving way to pedestrians, slowing down near bus stops, and walking or dismounting devices in crowded areas.

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8 Jul 2019

Approval to Operate Commercial Shared PMD Services

Dennis Tan inquired whether any companies have been approved for commercial shared PMD services on public footpaths and parks, the timing and details of any awards, and updates on conditions or restrictions.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that the awarding of PMD-sharing licences has been deferred to later this year as LTA needs more time to review additional safety requirements.
LTA is considering requiring shared PMDs to be UL2272-certified for fire safety and insured against third-party injury or death claims.
The LTA will start conservatively with a 1-year sandbox period, restricting licensees to small fleet sizes.

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8 Jul 2019

Gas Leak Cases in HDB Flats

In the past three years, there were 3,698 gas leak cases in HDB flats, representing 0.15% of all HDB flats with town gas pipes annually, mainly due to loose appliance connections, corroded pipes, or damaged appliances.
Gas pipes and appliances must be installed and tested by a licensed gas service worker before use, and PowerGas inspects gas pipes within HDB flats every 15 years for leaks or defects.
Town gas is odorized for easier leak detection, and residents can contact emergency hotlines or PowerGas’s 24-hour line for a response team to arrive within an hour.
The Energy Market Authority and PowerGas conduct regular public awareness campaigns on gas safety and how to respond to suspected leaks.

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8 Jul 2019

Road Accidents Involving Cyclists

In 2018, there were 501 road accidents involving cyclists, with 10 of these involving cyclists cycling against traffic.
Cyclists riding against traffic may be fined up to $1,000 and/or imprisoned for up to three months for first-time offences, with higher penalties for repeat offenders.
The Traffic Police conducts enforcement operations in cyclist-frequented areas to deter unsafe riding.
The Land Transport Authority and Traffic Police run public education campaigns, such as the "Safer Together" initiative and engagements with school students, to promote safe cycling practices.

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8 Jul 2019

Preventing Singapore Residential Properties from Being Leased on Websites like Airbnb

Mr Chong Kee Hiong asked the Minister for National Development about measures to prevent Singapore residential properties from being listed on websites like Airbnb for short-term leases that are legally prohibited.
Lawrence Wong explained that enforcement focuses on investigating suspected illegal short-term accommodation cases rather than just targeting listings, with URA increasing investigations and imposing fines of up to $5,000 for first-time offenders and prosecuting repeat offenders.
The Ministry noted that since May 2019, URA has issued seven composition fines and secured four court convictions for illegal short-term accommodation activities.
Estate agents found complicit in such activities face separate penalties from the Council for Estate Agencies, including revocation of registration and debarment.

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8 Jul 2019

Swapping of Car Registration Number Plates with Another Car's Plate

Mr Yee Chia Hsing asked whether swapping car number plates outside Singapore to avoid foreign traffic summons is an offence and how many drivers have been fined for displaying incorrect plates in the past three years.
Minister Khaw Boon Wan explained that such swapping outside Singapore depends on case specifics, but if done with intent to deceive in Singapore, it can lead to fines up to $5,000 and/or up to 12 months in jail.
The Minister noted that displaying false number plates in Singapore is an offence with the same penalties, and between 2017 and 2018, six persons were convicted for this, with three receiving jail sentences and three fined.
The government is willing to share information with foreign counterparts, as permitted by law, to assist in investigations under foreign laws.

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8 Jul 2019

Response Time of Emergency Ambulances During Rush Hour

During rush hours, the median response time for an emergency ambulance to arrive at an incident is about seven minutes, with the travel time to the nearest hospital being about nine minutes.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) targets responding to 80% of emergency medical calls within 11 minutes and achieved 91% in 2018; it does not set a target for hospital arrival time but strives for the shortest travel time possible.
SCDF ambulances can now run red lights and make U-turns at non-designated junctions during life-threatening emergencies when safe, and a traffic priority system near hospitals is being implemented to aid faster arrivals.
Public education efforts have raised awareness, and motorists are generally cooperative in giving way to ambulances during rush hours.

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8 Jul 2019

Cases of Parents Harassing or Abusing Teachers

Mr Leon Perera raised concerns about parental harassment or abuse of teachers, seeking statistics from 2015 to 2018, safety measures, and support channels for affected teachers.
Minister Ong Ye Kung responded that such cases are very few in Singapore, with parents generally supportive and collaborative with schools.
MOE has issued guidelines to foster positive school-home partnerships and expects mutual respect, with schools and MOE following up on abusive incidents and supporting teachers through counselling and police reports if needed.

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8 Jul 2019

Steps to Ensure Law Firms Strengthen IT Processes and Cyber Security

The Law Society has issued advisories and guidance to help law firms strengthen IT and cybersecurity practices, including guidance on email security and fraud prevention.
Law firms are responsible for their own IT processes and must comply with the Personal Data Protection Act and the Legal Profession Act to protect client data and confidentiality.
Clients are advised to exercise vigilance by verifying payment instructions and scrutinizing emails, and victims of scams should report incidents to the police.

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8 Jul 2019

Follow-up by Malaysia to Protect Information Leaked on Malaysian Vehicle Entry Permit Website

Rahayu Mahzam inquired about follow-up measures taken with Malaysian authorities after a security breach on Malaysia’s Vehicle Entry Permit website exposed data of Singaporean and foreign motorists in April 2019.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that the breach involved Malaysia’s VEP system, which uses RFID tags for foreign vehicles, distinct from Singapore’s VEP system that equalises costs for Malaysia-registered vehicles in Singapore.
The Malaysian Road Transport Department’s VEP website was taken down on 26 April 2019 after the breach was reported, with the issue rectified the following day, and Malaysia’s Transport Ministry emphasised its commitment to urgent data security.

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8 Jul 2019

Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill

The Bill introduces harsher penalties for irresponsible driving, including longer jail terms, minimum mandatory sentences for causing death or grievous hurt, and enhanced disqualification periods, especially for drink-driving offences.
It streamlines and consolidates existing irresponsible driving offences under the Road Traffic Act, introducing a clearer two-tier framework of Dangerous Driving and Careless Driving, with penalties calibrated based on the circumstances and harm caused.
The Bill also tightens the regulatory regime by allowing immediate licence suspension for certain offences, lengthening suspension periods for repeat offenders, and enabling courts to consider past compounded offences as an aggravating factor during sentencing.

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8 Jul 2019

Fire Safety (Amendment) Bill

The Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Home Affairs introduced the Fire Safety (Amendment) Bill to amend the Fire Safety Act, marking its First Reading and scheduling it for a Second Reading in a future sitting.
The debate focused on strengthening fire safety regulations and enforcement mechanisms to better protect buildings and public safety across Singapore.
Members discussed the need for updated fire safety measures, addressing emerging risks and ensuring compliance with modern building standards.
The bill aimed to clarify legal provisions, impose stricter penalties for violations, and enhance the effectiveness of fire safety inspections and audits.
The House concluded the debate by supporting the bill's objectives, paving the way for its passage to improve overall fire safety governance.

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8 Jul 2019

Presence of Drones near Changi Airport and Delays Caused to Flights

The Singapore government confirmed that unauthorised drone intrusions near Changi Airport in June 2019 caused 55 flight delays and eight diversions, with police investigations ongoing but no perpetrators yet identified.
To address the issue, a mandatory drone registration regime and stricter enforcement actions are being introduced, including higher penalties for offenders, with registration expected to be implemented by the end of 2019.
Authorities are enhancing counter-drone capabilities, such as detection and disruption systems, and exploring a central flight management system to monitor drones, though challenges remain in tracking uncooperative operators.

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8 Jul 2019

Review of Misuse of Drugs Act

Christopher de Souza questioned whether the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA) needs review after a Court of Appeal judgment and how its presumptions remain effective against drug trafficking, to which the Senior Parliamentary Secretary confirmed the MDA’s presumptions are key tools, with Adili’s case turning on specific facts where the prosecution conceded lack of knowledge.
The government explained that the MDA includes presumptions to address difficulties in proving an accused’s state of mind, placing the burden on the accused to rebut them, and noted that while studying the Court of Appeal’s observations on wilful blindness, the ruling does not undermine the presumptions’ legality or utility.
Christopher de Souza sought assurance that the presumptions remain robust legal tools and that well-concealed drugs cannot be used as a defence, with the Senior Parliamentary Secretary affirming that each case is holistically assessed, the accused must prove credibility to rebut presumptions, and the criminal justice system ensures fairness.

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8 May 2019

Serious Sexual Crimes Handled by Police in Last Five Years

Ms Anthea Ong inquired about the number of serious sexual crime cases filed, charged, prosecuted, and their outcomes over the last five years, including details on investigation timelines and non-prosecution outcomes.
Minister K Shanmugam reported approximately 250 serious sexual crime cases per year from 2014 to 2018, with about 130 cases not pursued as no offence was found and 10 cases where complainants were warned or charged for false reporting.
Of the remaining 110 cases annually, about 50 were prosecuted in court, with 60 resulting in warnings instead of prosecution, and investigations typically took around 12 months on average.

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8 May 2019

Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Bill

Supporters argued that the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Bill (POFMA) is necessary to combat harmful online falsehoods that threaten public interest, social harmony, and national security, with safeguards such as judicial oversight and corrective directions instead of outright censorship.
Opponents expressed concern that the Bill grants excessive power to ministers, potentially chilling free speech and enabling the government to suppress criticism, especially during elections, by acting as both judge and jury.
The government clarified that the Bill’s powers are narrower than existing laws, provide rapid response mechanisms with appeal avenues to the courts, and are intended to target falsehoods—not opinions—with accountability to Parliament and the public.

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