Public safety & law — Topics

19 Nov 2018

Public Education on Possible Safety Issues for Water Heaters Connected by Three-pin Plugs

Leon Perera asked HDB about educational or other measures to address safety issues with water heaters connected by three-pin plugs.
Lawrence Wong stated that water heaters should be connected to a 20-ampere socket switch, not a standard 3-pin socket, and installation must be done by a licensed electrical worker.
The Government will educate residents on proper water heater installation through HDB's Home Improvement Programme contractors and a public awareness campaign with the Energy Market Authority.

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19 Nov 2018

Minimising Inconvenience and Improving Preparedness for Enhanced Security Screening at MRT Stations

The Ministry is trialling enhanced security screening at selected MRT stations using walkthrough metal detectors and X-ray machines over six months to review and update security measures, with efforts to minimise inconvenience by starting during the year-end holiday period and being mindful of groups like students during examinations.
Commuters may experience longer travel times initially, but the Ministry expects delays to be kept to a minimum as people become familiar with the process, acknowledging the balance between public safety and efficiency.
Preparedness of transport operators is being improved through regular security exercises, with 100% checks conducted at various MRT stations, and the Public Transport Security Committee constantly reviews threats and calibrates measures accordingly.
The trial aims to finetune security operations and develop capabilities to respond to heightened threats, leveraging technology where applicable to enhance the overall security posture of the public transport network.
The approach emphasizes balancing security needs with commuter convenience while ensuring that transport operators and agencies are prepared for potential security incidents through continuous exercises and reviews.

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19 Nov 2018

Companies that Have Taken Up Managing Onsite Vehicular Safety (MOVeS) Programme

The Ministry of Manpower reported that in 2017, 80 workplaces piloted the MOVeS programme, increasing to 120 in 2018, with some companies declining participation due to perceived in-house expertise in vehicular safety.
Companies that do not take up the programme remain subject to Ministry of Manpower inspections and are accountable under the Workplace Safety and Health Act in case of accidents.
To boost participation, the Ministry plans to collaborate with the Workplace Safety and Health Council and trade associations like the Singapore Contractors Association Limited and Singapore Logistics Association to promote the programme.

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19 Nov 2018

Regulation of Sale and Use of Hidden Cameras to Reduce Incidence of Outrage of Modesty or Violation of Privacy

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Pei Siong raised the need to regulate the sale and use of spy or hidden cameras to reduce cases of outrage of modesty and privacy violations.
Minister K Shanmugam stated that current laws impose imprisonment, fines, or both for such offences, and the Penal Code Review Committee recommended stronger penalties including caning.
The government plans to amend the Penal Code early next year to introduce new offences and higher punishments, but banning cameras outright is deemed unworkable due to their prevalence in devices like mobile phones.

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19 Nov 2018

Actions against Illegal Moneylenders who Advertise Using SMS or Other Forms of Electronic Communication

Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked about police actions since 2014 against illegal moneylenders advertising via SMS or electronic communication.
The Minister advised the public not to reply to such messages and provided hotline numbers for reporting, assuring confidentiality of information.
Police have taken a strong stance, arresting over 6,900 persons connected to unlicensed moneylending activities from 2014 to September 2018.
Public education campaigns, such as the third Anti-Unlicensed Moneylending media campaign in 2017 and 2018, have been conducted to inform and protect the public.

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19 Nov 2018

Outlets found Selling Liquor beyond Specified Trading Hours and Outside of Licensed Premises

Melvin Yong asked about the number of outlets violating liquor trading hours and premises rules in Little India since April 2015, actions taken, and future plans to curb such violations.
K Shanmugam stated that 32 outlets were found breaching the rules within the Liquor Control Zone in Little India since April 2015.
He noted that violators face fines up to $10,000, license suspension, or cancellation, and that police are working with licensees to improve awareness of regulations.
The Ministry plans to continue efforts such as displaying signage to highlight trading hour restrictions and other regulatory obligations.

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19 Nov 2018

Proposal for Installation of Fire Alarms at HDB Blocks

Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar proposed installing manual fire alarms at HDB lift lobbies to alert residents during in-unit fires.
Lawrence Wong stated that HDB buildings meet fire code requirements, with units designed as fire compartments to contain fires.
The Fire Code does not require manual fire alarms in standalone residential blocks, as evacuations are generally unnecessary.
Fire alarm systems are installed only in mixed-use buildings where residential and non-residential uses coexist.
Existing fire safety measures in HDB flats include fire-rated doors, walls, floors, and firefighting infrastructure.

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19 Nov 2018

Inclusion of Private Security Officers, Cleaners and Waste Collectors as “Public Service Workers” under Protection from Harassment Act

Patrick Tay asked that private security officers, cleaners, and waste collectors be classified as “Public Service Workers” under the Protection from Harassment Act (POHA) to receive enhanced protections, given their essential public-facing roles and vulnerability to harassment.
The Minister clarified that current criteria limit “Public Service Worker” status to those serving the general public (e.g., security guards at bus interchanges, cleaners in public hospitals), excluding those working in purely private settings like commercial buildings or private hospitals.
The Minister emphasized that POHA already provides baseline protection for all individuals, with higher penalties (up to $5,000 fine and 12 months’ imprisonment) for offenses against Public Service Workers compared to other members of the public.

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19 Nov 2018

Reviews and Changes Made to SAF Training Doctrines Given Recent Deaths

The Ministry of Defence and Singapore Armed Forces have initiated independent investigations, including a Committee of Inquiry and police investigations, into the fatal training accident involving CFC Liu Kai.
Following the incident, a safety timeout was conducted to review training doctrines and safety processes, with a focus on high-risk activities, and training has since resumed progressively.
The Army is deploying more regulars to supervise National Servicemen and is reviewing the roles of safety officers, while an External Review Panel on Combat Vehicle Safety will be convened to assess current policies.
Over the past three years, there have been two serious vehicular incidents resulting in death, with no other combat vehicular incidents causing serious injury reported.
MINDEF and SAF are committed to enhancing safety systems, instilling a strong safety culture, and will implement changes based on the recommendations from the ongoing investigations.

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19 Nov 2018

Serious Crimes and Counter-Terrorism (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill

The Serious Crimes and Counter-Terrorism (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill seeks to strengthen Singapore's legal framework against money laundering and terrorism financing by increasing penalties for offences such as failing to report suspicious transactions, tipping off investigations, and conducting terrorism financing, with tiered penalties for individuals and corporations.
The Bill introduces new offences, such as criminalizing the possession of property reasonably suspected of being criminal proceeds without satisfactory explanation, and facilitates the sharing of financial intelligence with over 150 countries through the Egmont Group, enhancing international cooperation.
Amendments also expand enforcement capabilities, including allowing courts to confiscate unexplained wealth disproportionate to known income and enabling cross-border cash reporting fines, while addressing concerns about non-financial sectors and improving detection through stakeholder collaboration.

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19 Nov 2018

Legal Aid and Advice (Amendment) Bill

The Legal Aid and Advice (Amendment) Bill aims to simplify the means criteria for legal aid eligibility by shifting from disposable income and capital to per capita household income and annual value of residence, aligning with other social support schemes.
It grants the Minister greater flexibility to direct legal aid for applicants who do not meet the means criteria but face extenuating circumstances, such as major medical expenses.
The Bill improves administration by empowering the Director of Legal Aid to appoint and train Specialist Legal Executives for certain cases, streamline the merits test for straightforward matters, and allow aided persons to obtain additional court documents free of charge.

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19 Nov 2018

Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Bill

The Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Bill was introduced to amend the Misuse of Drugs Act, with the Second Minister for Home Affairs presenting it for its First Reading.
The bill was scheduled for its Second Reading at the next available parliamentary sitting and ordered to be printed.
The debate focused on legislative changes to strengthen drug control measures in Singapore.

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19 Nov 2018

Chemical Weapons (Prohibition) (Amendment) Bill

The Minister for Foreign Affairs introduced the bill to amend the Chemical Weapons (Prohibition) Act, aligning Singapore's legal framework with international obligations.
The bill was read for the first time and scheduled for a second reading at the next parliamentary sitting, with proceedings to be formally printed.
The amendment aims to strengthen the implementation of the prohibition on chemical weapons within Singapore’s jurisdiction.

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2 Oct 2018

Expected Timeframe for LTA to Complete Review with Stakeholders on Safety Requirements for PMDs

The Land Transport Authority will require all motorised PMDs on public paths to comply with the UL2272 safety standard, with retailers prohibited from selling non-compliant devices from July 2019.
Existing owners of non-compliant PMDs can continue using them until December 2020, with a total grace period of over two years to transition to certified devices, after which their use will be banned from January 2021.
The Ministry encourages consumers to buy from reputable sources and avoid modifying PMDs, and will include such safety advisories in the Safe Riding Programme curriculum.

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2 Oct 2018

Supreme Court of Judicature (Amendment No 2) Bill

The Bill introduces amendments to streamline court procedures by allowing electronic hearings, expanding the use of written submissions for certain appeals, and enabling the Court of Appeal to summarily dismiss unmeritorious applications, thereby enhancing efficiency and judicial resource allocation.
It establishes a gradated system of civil restraint orders to better manage vexatious litigants, replacing the previous single-trigger approach under Section 74 with limited, extended, and general orders tailored to the severity of misconduct.
The Bill shifts the categorization of appealable matters from the main statute to Schedules, granting the Minister, in consultation with the Chief Justice, flexibility to amend them more swiftly while maintaining parliamentary accountability.
Provisions require leave of court to admit further evidence on appeal, aiming to encourage parties to present all relevant evidence at the initial hearing and reduce unnecessary delays, except for evidence arising after the lower court's decision.

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2 Oct 2018

Staff Response and Intervention in Incidences of Molestation on MRT Premises

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh questioned whether molestation incidents on MRT premises are treated as high priority for staff intervention and requested details on the 12 September 2018 incident at Serangoon MRT station.
The Senior Minister of State confirmed that staff alerted police and control centres after a passenger reported molestation, leading to a swift arrest, and emphasized that authorities take security incidents seriously and work to ensure commuter safety.
Assoc Prof Daniel Goh further asked about the protocol for staff intervention, including whether they chase perpetrators and are trained to handle distressed victims.
The Senior Minister of State explained that the protocol does not instruct staff to chase suspects, as they are not trained to apprehend potentially violent criminals, but they are trained in customer service to support victims and call for help.
The response highlighted that staff must balance their duties to the station and safety, relying on support structures like the control centre and police for additional resources.

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2 Oct 2018

Airlines and Relevant Authorities Safeguard Passenger information

The Senior Minister of State for Transport highlighted that Singapore airlines face cybersecurity threats and have measures like monitoring, regular testing, and collaboration with authorities such as CAAS and international bodies to protect passenger data, while also complying with the Personal Data Protection Act.
Saktiandi Supaat inquired about plans to strengthen legislation for passenger protection in the event of a cybersecurity breach, specifically asking if existing air passenger protection laws could be enhanced.
Janil Puthucheary responded that the new Cybersecurity Act designates aviation as critical infrastructure, with the Cyber Security Agency appointing an Assistant Commissioner to oversee the sector, thereby improving passenger safety and industry operations.

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2 Oct 2018

Cases of Airline Pilots Consuming Alcohol or Drugs before Boarding Aircraft in Singapore

Mr Ang Wei Neng asked if CAAS detected any cases of airline pilots consuming alcohol or drugs before boarding in Singapore over the past 10 years, whether laws are adequate, and if airlines have robust random testing procedures.
The Senior Minister of State for Transport replied that CAAS holds airlines responsible, requires pilots to abstain from alcohol at least 8 hours before flight, and noted an offence under the Air Navigation Order carries penalties up to $100,000 or five years' imprisonment; no cases have been recorded.
He added that Singapore carriers have peer support groups for early intervention, and CAAS is reviewing regulations to deter such behaviour more strongly.
Mr Ang Wei Neng sought clarification on whether random checks are conducted and measures to prevent pilots from consuming alcohol while on board.
The Minister responded that while no random blood testing occurs, CAAS conducts over 900 ramp inspections since 2013 without detecting intoxicated pilots, and pilots are bound by strict orders to abstain before and during flight duty.

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2 Oct 2018

Number of Generational-correlated Drug Offenders

The government does not track the exact number of generational-correlated drug offenders but acknowledges the risk and has measures in place, such as family-bonding programmes in prisons and support for children through initiatives like the Yellow Brick Road and Fairy Godparent programmes.
The Youth Engagement Programme and collaborations with schools and the National Council Against Drug Abuse focus on preventing drug use among at-risk youths through mentorship, advocacy, and awareness campaigns.
A dedicated case management service exists to assess and support children of inmates, and the National Committee on Prevention, Rehabilitation and Recidivism coordinates efforts across agencies to address intergenerational cycles of offending.
MPs suggested leveraging community networks, assigning case managers earlier, and collecting data on generational drug trends, with the government agreeing to review and intensify these efforts.
While family is considered the primary support, the government is open to considering alternative care concepts like boarding schools for children from dysfunctional families but emphasizes community and family rallying to fill gaps.

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1 Oct 2018

Trend of Illegal Foreign Worker Dormitories Discovered over Last Three Years

The number of illegal foreign worker housing cases discovered has remained stable over the last three years, with 24 instances found in HDB flats in 2017.
MOM and HDB investigate all complaints and take enforcement actions against employers and flat owners, including fines, debarment, prosecution, and revocation of rental approvals.
MOM collaborates with agencies like HDB, URA, and SCDF to review housing standards and conduct inspections, with 3,900 employers and dormitory operators penalized between 2015 and 2017.
MOM maintains a strict enforcement stance and continues to monitor the situation to ensure proper housing and fire safety for foreign workers.

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