Public safety & law — Topics

8 May 2019

Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Bill

Proponents of the bill, including government members and some MPs, argued it is necessary to combat the serious and fast-spreading threat of online falsehoods to Singapore’s social harmony, national security, and public institutions, with corrections being the primary response and a robust appeals process to the courts available.
Opponents, notably the Workers’ Party and some Nominated MPs, contended that giving ministers the power to be the first arbiter of truth poses a risk of abuse, could chill free speech and public debate, and proposed that the judiciary should be the initial decision-maker.
The debate also highlighted broader concerns about the bill's potential impact on academic freedom, journalism, and public discourse, with calls for clearer definitions of "falsehood" and "public interest," and suggestions for an independent council to provide oversight.

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8 May 2019

Summonses Issued to Persons who Feed Pigeons

682 enforcement notices have been issued for pigeon feeding offences over the past three years, with NParks using cameras, surveillance, and collaboration with Town Councils to target hotspots and conduct public education.
The government is piloting a combined enforcement, community engagement, and education approach in Yio Chu Kang, which has shown promising results, and will consider adapting it for other areas while exploring non-culling measures like contraceptives.
MPs have called for increased manpower for surveillance and higher penalties for offenders, and the ministry will review these suggestions to enhance enforcement effectiveness and community outreach.

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8 May 2019

Efforts to Detect and Deter Trade of Pangolins

Singapore combats pangolin trade through a whole-of-Government approach involving risk assessments, tip-offs, and inspections by NParks, Customs, and ICA, leading to successful seizures of pangolin scales.
The government uses technologies like radiographic scanners and is testing the Multi-Mode Passive Detection System to improve detection, while being open to collaborating with local tech companies for new solutions.
Agencies cooperate internationally and run public awareness campaigns to reduce demand, and the government is considering increasing manpower at NParks and exploring better scanning methods for seaports to enhance enforcement.

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7 May 2019

Complaints of Alleged Abuse by Anchor Operator and Partner Operator Childcare Centre Staff

Ms Anthea Ong asked the Ministry for Social and Family Development for statistics and outcomes of complaints about alleged abuse by staff in Anchor Operator and Partner Operator childcare centres over the last three years.
The Early Childhood Development Agency investigates every reported case through unannounced visits, interviews, and record checks, referring serious cases with clear intent to harm to the police for possible prosecution.
Over the past three years, an average of 15 cases were reported annually, with over 60% unsubstantiated; the rest led to warning letters for isolated incidents and, in some cases, shortened license tenures for centres.
No teachers were convicted under the Children and Young Persons Act or other laws for child mismanagement during this period.
ECDA takes a serious view of child mismanagement and aims to ensure accountability and safety in preschools through these actions.

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7 May 2019

Review of Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act

Louis Ng Kok Kwang questioned whether the Ministry would review and strengthen the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act after a businessman was acquitted for importing Malagasy rosewood, and how the Ministry would ensure the rosewood would not enter the black market upon return to the owner.
Lawrence Wong stated that NParks is studying the Court of Appeal’s judgement and will review its policies under the ESA as appropriate, in line with Singapore’s obligations under CITES.
He explained that the rosewood will be released to the owners as soon as practicable, but local sales will not be allowed during transit, and the wood must remain under the control of authorised officers under the ESA.

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7 May 2019

Fires Involving Conserved Heritage Buildings

The SCDF responded to 104 fires involving conserved buildings from 2016 to 2018, and the Fire Code, last updated in 2018, includes specific requirements for older structures such as fire-rated floorboards and alarms for conserved shophouses.
The Ministry will amend the Fire Safety Act to require owners of conserved buildings that have not undergone upgrades to carry out critical fire safety upgrades if deemed necessary.
For renovation and alteration works, Qualified Persons like registered architects and professional engineers ensure compliance with the Fire Code, with an independent Registered Inspector verifying completion and SCDF conducting random audits and inspections.

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7 May 2019

Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Bill

The Minister for Law defended the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Bill (POFMA), arguing it narrows existing executive powers by focusing only on false statements of fact and provides greater judicial oversight through a fast, inexpensive appeal process to the High Court.
He outlined the global threat of online falsehoods weaponized by state actors, commercial interests, and political groups to erode public trust and destabilize societies, citing examples from the UK, US, and other nations as a rationale for the legislation.
The Workers' Party opposed the Bill, contending that the executive should not be the initial arbiter of falsehoods and expressing concern that broad definitions and subjective Ministerial discretion could chill free speech and be subject to abuse.
Nominated Member Irene Quay supported the legislative intent but proposed amendments to clarify key definitions, expedite the appeals process in primary legislation, and establish an independent oversight council for greater accountability.
The government maintained that the current approach balances the need for swift action against falsehoods with safeguards, rejecting the proposed independent council in favor of accountability through Parliament and the Courts.

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7 May 2019

Protection from Harassment (Amendment) Bill

The Bill establishes a specialist Protection from Harassment Court with streamlined procedures and expedited timelines, including interim orders within 24–72 hours, to provide faster and more accessible relief for victims.
It criminalizes doxxing—publishing personal information with intent to cause harassment—and introduces new remedies like stop publication, correction, and disabling orders to address online falsehoods, including those targeting businesses.
The legislation enhances protection for vulnerable groups, such as victims of intimate partner violence, and allows entities to seek redress, though it exempts the government from being sued under these provisions.

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7 May 2019

Protection from Harassment (Amendment) Bill

The Bill introduces a dedicated Protection from Harassment Court to streamline and expedite the process for victims seeking protection orders, with timelines such as 24 hours for emergency orders in violent cases.
It expands the scope of protection orders to cover doxxing, intimate partner violence, and vulnerable persons, doubling penalties for offences against them and making breaches arrestable under certain conditions.
The amendments clarify and enhance remedies against online falsehoods and harassing communications, allowing courts to order takedowns and enabling victims to seek redress more easily without repeated evidentiary burdens.

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7 May 2019

Decision in Paris to Ban E-scooters on Footpaths

The Ministry of Transport is studying e-scooter regulations in cities like Paris and Berlin but will tailor policies to Singapore’s context, emphasizing education and enforcement over a ban on footpaths.
A senior minister highlighted safety measures such as reduced speed limits and registration requirements, while noting that responsible riding culture, not prohibition, is the preferred approach.
Er Dr Lee Bee Wah raised safety concerns, citing pedestrian injuries and risks to vulnerable groups, and questioned what advice is given to pedestrians for their protection.
The minister responded by advising pedestrians to exercise caution and alertness, and urged e-scooter users to ride responsibly within speed limits and in crowded areas.

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7 May 2019

Dealing with Complaints of Reckless Behaviour of PMD Users

Joan Pereira asked the Ministry for Transport about the process for handling complaints on reckless PMD behaviour and near-misses, to which Senior Minister Dr Lam Pin Min responded that LTA collects feedback via multiple channels, assesses it to guide enforcement and education, and that accident reports should be made to the police.
Pereira further questioned the threshold for potentially banning PMDs on pavements, citing public safety concerns, but Lam Pin Min explained that banning them would push users to riskier roads and that promoting a culture of shared responsibility is preferred over prohibition.
Dr Lee Bee Wah inquired about the volume and trend of feedback reports over the past six months, and Lam Pin Min confirmed an increase, leading to enhanced public education, enforcement, and the implementation of mandatory e-scooter registration from July 2019.

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7 May 2019

Third-party Liability Insurance for PMD and E-scooter Riders Working for Food Delivery Companies

The Ministry of Transport has engaged food delivery companies to encourage third-party liability insurance for PMD and e-scooter riders, with Deliveroo and GrabFood already purchasing such coverage.
The Active Mobility Advisory Panel is considering stronger measures to ensure insurance coverage for riders, while companies are promoting safe riding through app messages and training programs.
A joint circular was issued to food delivery companies to ensure rider safety, including providing instruction, training, and avenues for reporting unsafe riding.
Mr Murali Pillai suggested that companies make contact details publicly available to facilitate claims, and the Ministry confirmed existing reporting avenues and willingness to discuss improvements.

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7 May 2019

Proposal for Enclosed HDB Deck Space to be Designated Pedestrian-only Paths to Prevent Accidents with PMDs

Murali Pillai proposed that enclosed HDB void deck spaces, especially lift lobbies and letter box areas, be designated pedestrian-only under the Active Mobility Act to prevent PMD-related accidents, citing an incident in Bukit Batok where an elderly resident was injured.
The Senior Minister of State for Transport explained that void decks are exempt from the Act, so Town Councils can set their own PMD rules, citing safety, connectivity, and clarity principles, and noted void decks have blind spots and are not critical for connectivity.
Dr. Lam Pin Min agreed safety is paramount and clarified that Town Councils can ban PMDs in void decks, including ground floor lift lobbies and letter box areas, under their by-laws, while the Ministry is considering legal amendments to allow Town Council officers to enforce rules in non-void deck areas.
Er Dr Lee Bee Wah raised concerns about crowded town centres where enforcement was previously possible but is now hindered by the Act, and Pritam Singh urged the Ministry to standardize PMD bans in void decks nationwide for consistency and safety given Singapore's aging population.

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6 May 2019

Regulation of Student Care Centres

Student Care Centres that administer the Student Care Fee Assistance scheme are registered with the Ministry of Social and Family Development and are regulated to meet standards in supervision, environment, safety, and programming.
Registered centres are prohibited from employing individuals convicted, warned, or under investigation for offences involving dishonesty or moral turpitude, and staff must declare any criminal records or investigations in Singapore or abroad.
The Ministry conducts audits to ensure compliance with registration requirements and standards, though the debate did not address whether all student care centres in Singapore are regulated or if future plans exist to expand background check requirements.

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6 May 2019

Increase in Mass Food Poisoning Cases

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has conducted over 95,000 inspections from January 2018 to March 2019, with a focus on high-risk caterers, and has taken enforcement actions against food hygiene lapses.
Investigations found that poor food handling, lack of cleanliness, and inadequate personal hygiene were main causes of recent mass gastroenteritis cases, prompting SFA to increase surveillance and issue advisories to food operators.
SFA is strengthening regulations by increasing penalties, prosecuting serious offenders, and requiring re-training for suspended food handlers and hygiene officers to build a stronger food safety culture.
A multi-pronged approach emphasizes joint responsibility among industry, consumers, and the government, including measures like disinfection protocols and infection control in pre-schools to prevent disease spread.

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6 May 2019

Illegal Wildlife Trade Consignments Detected at Singapore’s Land, Air and Sea Checkpoints

From 2016 to 2018, 67 illegal wildlife trade consignments were detected at Singapore’s land, air, and sea checkpoints.
Singapore uses technology such as radiographic scanners and hand-held screening devices to detect and deter illegal wildlife trade at checkpoints.
Singapore collaborates with regional and international authorities by assessing intelligence reports and acting on credible information to combat organized wildlife crime.

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6 May 2019

Number of Kitchen Exhaust Duct Fires from 2014 to 2018 and Measures to Minimise Risk of Such Incidents

From 2014 to 2018, there were 42 kitchen exhaust duct fires, mainly in food establishments in residential areas like coffee shops and hawker centres, caused by poor maintenance and grease accumulation.
The Fire Code and food hygiene regulations mandate regular maintenance of kitchen exhaust ducts, and authorities have taken 270 enforcement actions against non-compliant premises over the last five years.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force and Singapore Food Agency have issued advisories, posters, and brochures to educate stallholders on fire safety for kitchen exhaust ducts.

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6 May 2019

Update and Review on Liquor Control Act

Foo Mee Har asked about the number and trend of breaches under the Liquor Control Act, public complaints related to alcohol consumption in public places, and whether further restrictions are needed in HDB estates.
K Shanmugam stated that around 4,500 breaches have been detected since 2015, with the trend improving from about 1,200 per year in 2015–2016 to under 800 in 2018.
He noted that police do not track specific complaints but believe the decrease in breaches indicates fewer complaints, and that current measures are sufficient with no need for further restrictions in HDB estates.
The minister added that policies will be regularly reviewed based on public feedback and that liquor-related law and order issues are under control.

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6 May 2019

Human Trafficking Syndicate within ASEAN Targeting Rohingya People

The Minister for Foreign Affairs stated there is no specific information on human trafficking syndicates operating within ASEAN targeting displaced people from Rakhine State, though aware of trafficking reports among refugees in Cox's Bazar.
ASEAN supports efforts to create conducive conditions for the repatriation of refugees and has sent a needs assessment team to Rakhine State through the AHA Centre.
The situation is complicated by armed conflict in northern Rakhine State, and ASEAN emphasizes the responsibility of the Myanmar government and stakeholders to find a durable political solution.

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6 May 2019

Role of Government in Export Sales of Weapons and Ammunition by Singapore Technologies Land Systems

Sylvia Lim questioned the government's role in advising or restricting Singapore Technologies Land Systems on arms exports, particularly regarding risks of war crimes or violations of international law.
Minister Ng Eng Hen stated that all weapon exports require an exit permit from Singapore Customs under the Strategic Goods (Control) Act.
Export permits are issued only if shipments comply with Singapore's international obligations, including UN Security Council Resolutions and ratified agreements.
This includes measures to prevent illicit arms trade and prohibit exports to specific countries under sanctions.

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