Public safety & law — Topics

15 Jan 2019

Stricter Alcohol Limits for Motorists

Murali Pillai proposed stricter alcohol limits for motorists under 21 or on probationary licences.
K Shanmugam explained that Traffic Police uses broader criteria for drink-driving beyond just blood alcohol limits.
The minister noted that current enforcement does not differentiate based on age or driving experience.
Young and probationary drivers are not statistically more likely to engage in drink-driving.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

15 Jan 2019

Tackling and Punishing Voyeurism Cases

Miss Cheng Li Hui inquired about the Government's actions on voyeurism and revenge pornography, including studies on other countries' approaches, protective measures for victims, and specific safeguards for minors.
K Shanmugam stated that the Penal Code Review Committee studied the approaches of England, Wales, Scotland, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia and recommended criminalizing the taking, possession, distribution, or accessing of voyeuristic images and the distribution or threats to distribute intimate images.
The recommendations also propose enhanced punishments when the victim is below 14 years of age, and the Government has completed its public consultation on these proposals and is reviewing feedback to announce its response soon.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

15 Jan 2019

Identifying and Automatically Blocking Scam Phone Calls

Assoc Prof Walter Theseira asked the Ministry for Communications and Information about studying and directing telecom providers to deploy technologies that automatically identify and block scam calls and text messages promoting illegal activities.
IMDA is exploring the feasibility of such technological solutions, including those used in other jurisdictions like verifying legitimate calling numbers, but notes that these technologies are still nascent and their effectiveness is unproven.
The government is collaborating with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Singapore Police to tighten prepaid SIM card regulations to prevent misuse by criminal syndicates.
Telecom providers are assisting police in addressing scam calls and texts, while the public is encouraged to report spam numbers and educate loved ones to avoid falling victim to scams.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

15 Jan 2019

Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Bill

The Minister for Home Affairs explained that the amendment to the Misuse of Drugs Act is based on 20 years of evidence and experience, shifting from long-term detention to a shorter but more intensive rehabilitation approach for drug abusers without other charges.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to a drug-free Singapore, emphasizing an evidence-based and risk-focused strategy that balances rehabilitation for abusers with the protection of victims and the broader community.
The bill aims to improve support for young drug abusers by mandating parental counselling and to strengthen post-release supervision, including random testing, to prevent relapse and reduce recidivism.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

15 Jan 2019

Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Bill

The Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Bill introduces new offences to criminalise acts that expose children to drugs and actions that facilitate the spread of drug abuse, such as introducing someone to a trafficker or disseminating drug-related instructions.
The bill shifts focus towards rehabilitation for "pure" drug abusers without concurrent criminal charges, moving them from long-term imprisonment to a regime involving shorter detention in Drug Rehabilitation Centres, extended supervision up to five years, and mandatory counselling for parents or guardians of young offenders.
Amendments enhance enforcement powers, including the use of hair and oral fluid testing, and introduce a mandatory minimum one-year sentence for first-time drug consumption convictions to maintain a firm deterrent stance against drugs.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

15 Jan 2019

Government's Response to the Report of the Committee of Inquiry into the Cyberattack on SingHealth's IT System

The Government accepted all findings and recommendations from the Committee of Inquiry into the SingHealth cyberattack, which exposed personal data of 1.5 million patients and highlighted staff, process, and technical shortcomings, committing to strengthen cybersecurity across public sector systems through a multi-layered defence strategy and enhanced governance, training, and technology measures.
The Ministry of Health announced organizational reforms in the public healthcare sector, including separating cybersecurity and operational roles, establishing a three-lines-of-defence model, and piloting a "Virtual Browser" solution to balance internet access for patient care with security, while deferring mandatory contributions to the National Electronic Health Record until cybersecurity reviews are complete.
Disciplinary actions were taken, including terminations and financial penalties for individuals and organizations involved, with the Personal Data Protection Commission imposing a record S$1 million penalty on IHiS and SingHealth, while the Government emphasized ongoing vigilance, international cooperation, and public cyber hygiene to counter evolving threats.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

15 Jan 2019

Proceeds from Sale of Drugs or Related Activities

Gan Thiam Poh questioned how Singapore handles proceeds from drug sales or related activities that are legal in other jurisdictions but illegal in Singapore, and whether existing laws adequately address dealings with foreign entities involved in such activities.
The Second Minister for Home Affairs explained that Singapore requires dual-criminality to prosecute money laundering linked to overseas crimes, but recent amendments to the law have reduced the burden on prosecutors by allowing courts to assess evidence without relying on foreign governments.
The Minister emphasized that while dual-criminality is necessary, Singapore pays special attention to individuals involved in such dealings and will take action if they commit offenses under Singaporean law.
Gan Thiam Poh sought clarification on how proceeds from legal drug sales abroad are treated if brought to Singapore, and the Minister reiterated that dual-criminality must be met, but Singapore will act if any illegal activity occurs within its jurisdiction.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

15 Jan 2019

Measures to Prevent Malaysian Vessels from Entering Singapore Waters

Singapore's security agencies, including the Police Coast Guard and Republic of Singapore Navy, will continue to protect and assert sovereignty over the gazetted waters, having exercised jurisdiction there without Malaysian protest until October 2018.
While capable of compelling Malaysian vessels to leave, Singapore has ordered its security personnel to exercise restraint to avoid escalation and support the ongoing bilateral working group discussions aimed at de-escalating tensions.
The Minister condemned recent provocations, such as the Johor Menteri Besar's incursion, as contradictory to Malaysia's stated de-escalation policy and emphasized they increase real risks and harm to bilateral ties.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Jan 2019

Illegal Access to Health Promotion Board's HealthHub Accounts in September and October 2018

HPB investigated unusually high login attempts to HealthHub in late September and early October 2018, involving over 27,000 email addresses, which were mostly unrelated to actual HealthHub accounts, though 72 accounts were successfully accessed.
The incidents were limited to the basic tier of HealthHub, which contained user profiles and Healthpoints, and did not affect services requiring SingPass or two-factor authentication, with no evidence of a system breach.
As a precaution, HPB suspended e-services, locked the affected accounts, contacted users, and advised them to reset passwords, with no adverse impact confirmed on the accounts.
HPB introduced additional security measures, including authentication against automated attacks and OTP for Healthpoints redemption, and has not detected further incidents since the events.
Officials assured ongoing efforts to strengthen systems for better protection, monitoring, and response to cyber threats, while reminding users to use strong, unique passwords.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Jan 2019

Offence of Offering Cigarettes to Persons Below 21 Years of Age

Offering a cigarette to a person below the minimum legal age (MLA) is an offence under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act, with offenders liable to a fine of up to $500 for a first offence and $1,000 for subsequent offences.
Receiving a cigarette is also an offence if the person is below the MLA, under a separate section of the Act.
Between January 2015 and October 2018, 18 people were caught for offences related to giving or buying tobacco for underage persons, while 90 retailers were penalized for selling tobacco to minors.
The MLA for tobacco is currently 19 and will be raised to 21 by January 2021.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Jan 2019

Measures to Ensure Flights are not Endangered by Drones

Desmond Choo asked the Ministry for Transport about measures to protect flights from drones and any airport drone intrusions in the past three years.
Khaw Boon Wan directed him to a prior response given on 14 January 2019 regarding drone disruptions at Changi Airport.
The debate references an official parliamentary report for detailed answers instead of providing new information.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Jan 2019

Offence under Active Mobility Act for Users of Personal Mobility Device or Power-assisted Bicycle

Murali Pillai asked whether the Active Mobility Act would be amended to make it an offence for users of personal mobility devices or power-assisted bicycles to ride while using a mobile device or while intoxicated on public footpaths or roads.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that reckless or dangerous riding under intoxication or device use is already an offence under existing laws, with PMDs barred from roads and PABs regulated by the Road Traffic Act on roads.
The Ministry has no plans to create new specific offences, as current legislation already covers such behaviours, and efforts will focus on raising public awareness of existing rules.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Jan 2019

Investigation into Singaporeans Involved in Keppel Offshore and Marine Corruption Case and Actions Taken

Dennis Tan asked for an update on the CPIB investigation into Singaporeans involved in the Keppel Offshore & Marine corruption case and actions taken.
Indranee Rajah, representing the Prime Minister, stated that investigations are ongoing and a request for Mutual Legal Assistance has been sent to foreign authorities for further evidence.
The response emphasized that the speed and extent of processing the request depend on the foreign jurisdiction, and CPIB will proceed thoroughly once all evidence is secured.
The Attorney-General's Chambers will assess the case and decide on appropriate actions only after investigations are completed.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Jan 2019

Higher Workplace Fatalities in Construction Industry in 2018

The construction industry saw a slight increase in fatalities from 12 in 2017 to 14 in 2018, with falls from height due to missing barricades or improper safety line use being the main cause.
Many fatalities involved foreign workers with less than two years of experience in Singapore, highlighting the need for targeted safety training and awareness.
The government is addressing this through mandatory multi-language safety orientation, refresher courses, regular site inspections resulting in enforcement actions, and outreach campaigns to educate workers on risks.
A Tripartite Strategies Committee formed in 2018 is expected to release recommendations in February 2019 to further improve workplace safety outcomes.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Jan 2019

Safeguarding Welfare of Detained Youths in Places of Detention and Juvenile Rehabilitation Centres

Sylvia Lim queried how conditions in places of detention for youths promote rehabilitation, what oversight and grievance mechanisms exist, and if past reviews of violent incidents at Singapore Boys Home identified causes.
Desmond Lee outlined Singapore’s graduated youth justice approach, noting that youths in detention often have higher-risk behaviors and complex needs, and that the Singapore Boys Home provides socio-emotional support, education, and character-building programmes.
He explained that a Review Board and secure feedback channels like direct access to the Board, management, and a dedicated letterbox safeguard welfare, while MSF and Home Team collaborate to enhance safety through protocols and infrastructural upgrades like duress alarms.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Jan 2019

Mandating Inspection of Windows in HDB Flats More Than 30 Years Old

Ms Joan Pereira proposed mandating inspections for windows in HDB flats older than 30 years by BCA-certified staff and empowering BCA-registered contractors to replace non-compliant windows.
The Ministry of National Development stated that current regulations already require windows to be designed and installed by Approved Window Contractors (AWCs) and that BCA directs owners of non-compliant windows to engage AWCs for rectifications.
BCA collaborates with Town Councils and grassroots organizations to raise awareness about window safety, reminding owners to maintain windows through three simple steps and conducting biannual outreach campaigns.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Jan 2019

Incidents of Fires in HDB Flats in Last Three Years

Over the past three years, there have been approximately 650 fire incidents reported annually in HDB flats.
The primary causes of these fires are unattended cooking and electrical issues.
Fires are also attributed to the use of naked flames, such as candles.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Jan 2019

Applications Received by Community Disputes Resolutions Tribunals and Rate of Resolution

Between February 2017 and December 2018, the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunals received 163 applications, with 133 cases disposed of and 30 still pending.
Of the disposed cases, 97 were resolved amicably, 33 resulted in Consent Orders, and 64 were withdrawn or discontinued, while the remaining 36 were resolved through Tribunal orders or dismissal.
Ten Special Directions were issued to enforce compliance with Tribunal orders, and failure to comply without reasonable excuse can result in fines up to $5,000, imprisonment up to three months, or both.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Jan 2019

Currency (Amendment) Bill

The Bill amends the Currency Act to streamline legal tender limits for coins to a uniform limit of 20 coins per denomination per transaction, making it simpler and easier to remember while preventing abuse with large coin payments.
It introduces provisions to license companies using Intelligent Banknote Neutralisation Systems (IBNS) for cash transport, aiming to deter robberies by damaging notes during theft and free up armed police resources for other operations.
Several MPs raised concerns about the impact on low-income groups, small businesses, and the elderly, but the Minister clarified that the changes are practical and support the move toward cashless payments while preserving cash as an option.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Jan 2019

Chemical Weapons (Prohibition) (Amendment) Bill

The Chemical Weapons (Prohibition) (Amendment) Bill seeks to strengthen Singapore’s controls on the transport of scheduled chemicals within its borders, as the current law does not cover the internal movement of Schedules 2 and 3 chemicals, which could be weaponised.
Key provisions include requiring prior Transport Approval from the Director-General of Customs for transporting prescribed scheduled chemicals, mandating record-keeping for such transports, and expanding the powers of national inspectors to stop, search, seize items, and arrest individuals in relation to contraventions.
The bill also allows the Minister to prescribe fees for Transport Approval applications and introduce imprisonment of up to two years for certain offences, enhancing the regulatory framework to better address national security risks.
During the debate, a member raised questions about employee screening, vehicle labelling, transport within private premises, and training for inspectors; the Minister clarified that screening is part of licensing, industry standards for labelling will be incorporated, internal private transport is not covered but licensees must ensure safety, and inspectors will collaborate with SCDF and NEA for safe seizure procedures.
The bill was read a second time, committed to a Committee of the whole House, considered, reported without amendment, and passed, reflecting broad support and limited commercial impact on industries.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source