Public safety & law — Topics

1 Oct 2018

Notices at Public Locations to Guide Members of Public on Use of AEDs

Murali Pillai asked if notices guiding the public on using AEDs or calling 995 for help could be placed at all public locations with AEDs.
K Shanmugam stated that AEDs are simple to use with voice prompts and that 995 operators guide callers through chest compressions and AED use.
He noted that AED cabinets in HDB blocks under the Save-a-Life initiative have QR codes linking to instructional videos.
He added that a new sticker with step-by-step instructions would be affixed to AED cabinets by July 2019.

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1 Oct 2018

Breakdown of Total Value of Assets Misappropriated for Economic Crimes from 2014 to 2018

Murali Pillai asked the Minister for Home Affairs for the total value of assets misappropriated or gained by convicted economic crime offenders and the total value of assets recovered by enforcement authorities for each year from 2014 to 2018.
The Minister responded that the government does not track such data on the value of assets misappropriated or recovered for economic crimes.
The Minister noted that the number of commercial crimes reported has remained stable over the last three years from 2015 to 2017.

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1 Oct 2018

Number of Cyclists on Non-power Assisted Bicycles Caught for Traffic Offences between 2008 and 2017

Between 2008 and 2017, the Ministry of Home Affairs did not separately track traffic offences for cyclists on non-power-assisted bicycles versus power-assisted bicycles.
The average annual number of summonses issued against cyclists over the past 10 years was about 40 for beating red lights.
The average annual number of summonses for disorderly riding, including cycling against traffic, was about 450.
The average annual number of summonses for cycling in the dark without proper lights or reflectors was about 295.
The average annual number of summonses for cycling on the right side of a motor vehicle when not overtaking was one.

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1 Oct 2018

Top Three Reasons for Drug Consumption by First-time Offenders

The Minister for Home Affairs cited the top three reasons for first-time offenders consuming drugs as coping with stress, curiosity, and peer pressure.
Data from first-time offenders admitted to Drug Rehabilitation Centres in 2017 shows a median monthly individual income of about S$1,600.
The Ministry does not track the household income of drug offenders.

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1 Oct 2018

Help for Residents Who Received Unsolicited Text Messages from Loansharks and Finance Companies

Joan Pereira questioned how the Police can assist residents who receive threatening unsolicited text messages from loansharks and finance companies despite having no prior dealings with them.
K Shanmugam advised that the public should not reply to such unsolicited messages from moneylenders.
He provided hotline numbers for reporting unlicensed moneylenders: Police at 1800-255-0000 and the National Crime Prevention Council's X Ah Long hotline at 1800-924-5664.
He assured that all information given to the Police will be kept confidential.

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1 Oct 2018

Number of Accidents at Zebra Crossings in 2017

Joan Pereira asked about the number of accidents at zebra crossings in 2017 and whether cameras could be installed at high-accident locations.
K Shanmugam stated there were about 60 accidents involving pedestrians at zebra crossings in 2017, with three fatalities, and outlined safety measures like warning signs, raised crossings, and public education campaigns.
The Minister indicated that current measures are considered adequate and cameras are not necessary at this time.

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1 Oct 2018

Motor Insurance Protection for Innocent Third-party Victims of Drink Driving Accidents

Christopher de Souza inquired how innocent third-party victims of drink driving accidents are protected by motor insurance.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that the law requires all drivers to have insurance covering third-party bodily injury or death, and such policies cannot exclude payouts for drink-driving incidents.
The Minister added that insurers can recover the paid sum from the insured driver, and those who drive without insurance face fines, imprisonment, or licence disqualification.

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1 Oct 2018

Precautionary Measures for Fruits from Australia after Poisoned Fruit Scare

Chong Kee Hiong asked about precautionary measures for fruits imported from Australia following reports of sabotaged strawberries with needles.
Lawrence Wong stated that the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) inspects and samples imported fruits, and those failing inspections are barred from sale.
AVA is collaborating with Australian authorities, who now require exporters to provide proof of metal detector or x-ray screening for strawberries since September 2018.
AVA will continue monitoring the situation and take necessary actions to ensure food safety.

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1 Oct 2018

Investigation into Data Register Pte Ltd for Passing Off as Government Agency

Lim Biow Chuan asked if the directors of Data Register Pte Ltd will be investigated for cheating companies by pretending to be a government agency and whether contracts made under such deception can be voided.
K Shanmugam confirmed that police received reports in 2018 and that regulatory and law enforcement agencies are investigating with input from the Attorney-General's Chambers.
He advised businesses that believe they were misled to seek legal advice regarding their contracts with Data Register Pte Ltd.

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1 Oct 2018

Accidents Involving Children under Age of 12 at Commercial Playgrounds, Carnivals, Fun Fairs and Amusement Parks

Joan Pereira asked for data on accidents involving children under 12 at commercial playgrounds, carnivals, fun fairs, and amusement parks, along with safety measures and plans to update requirements.
Lawrence Wong reported 17 incidents involving children under 12 since 2013, with 16 due to user behavior and one due to an operator safety lapse, which was addressed by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA).
Under the Amusement Rides Safety Act, rides must meet international standards, but low-powered rides are excluded; operators are responsible for safety, including appointing Ride Managers and enforcing restrictions.
BCA conducts regular inspections, with over 250 done by August 2018, and can suspend rides if issues are found, while emphasizing user adherence to safety guidelines.
The government will continue working with the industry to maintain safety standards and ensure ride safety through design, maintenance, and operation protocols.

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1 Oct 2018

Prosecutions, Convictions and Investigations Carried Out against Human Trafficking Cases

Since the Prevention of Human Trafficking Act was enacted in 2015, 177 alleged sex and labour trafficking cases were investigated, with eight substantiated, four convictions secured, and four cases still in court.
The Minister rejected the U.S. Tier 2 ranking, stating Singapore’s laws and enforcement are robust and that the report misrepresented facts, citing high satisfaction among foreign domestic workers and proactive screening by authorities.
Singapore has enacted strict laws, joined the UN Trafficking Protocol, and established an inter-agency taskforce to combat trafficking, engage stakeholders, and clarify misconceptions in international reports.

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1 Oct 2018

Deter Taking of Voyeuristic Photos or Videos with Hidden Cameras

The Minister for Home Affairs stated that victims are encouraged to report voyeurism incidents to the police promptly to improve the chances of apprehending offenders, who currently face up to one year in prison, a fine, or both.
The Penal Code Review Committee has recommended stronger measures, including new offenses for making, distributing, possessing, or accessing voyeuristic recordings, with penalties of up to two years in prison, a fine, or caning, and enhanced penalties if the victim is under 14.
The government has completed public consultation on these recommendations and will consider feedback before finalizing decisions.
Police investigations into voyeurism cases involving hidden cameras have risen from about 150 per year in 2013 to around 230 in 2017, with about a quarter leading to prosecution.

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1 Oct 2018

Strategy and Sustainable Actions to Handle Drug-related Problems in Geylang

Prof Fatimah Lateef asked about strategies to handle drug issues in Geylang’s back lanes and coffee shops, specifically from Lorong 22 to Lorong 40.
K Shanmugam outlined a coordinated multi-agency approach involving police, narcotics, and health authorities, with frequent joint patrols and enforcement operations.
Auxiliary police officers are deployed for high-visibility patrols and to enforce regulatory offences, while nearly 300 cameras and improved lighting enhance deterrence and detection.
The situation in Geylang remains under control, and authorities will maintain a tough enforcement stance and collaborate with residents, businesses, and other agencies.
Sustained efforts include working with grassroots and other government bodies to address drug-related problems in the area.

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1 Oct 2018

Measures to Protect Private Hire Vehicle Drivers against Harassment from Commuters

Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Ministry of Transport to introduce measures to better protect private hire vehicle drivers from harassment by commuters.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that the Protection from Harassment Act already makes it an offence to use threatening or abusive words or behave in a way that causes harassment, with penalties including fines or imprisonment.
The Ministry will continue collaborating with the National Private Hire Vehicles Association and private hire car booking service operators to ensure a safe working environment for drivers.

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1 Oct 2018

Developers (Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing) Bill

The Developers (Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing) Bill was presented by Minister for National Development Mr Lawrence Wong and read for the first time in Parliament.
The Bill aims to amend the Housing Developers (Control and Licensing) Act and the Sale of Commercial Properties Act to implement certain recommendations from the Financial Action Task Force.
The Bill was scheduled for a second reading at the next available parliamentary sitting and ordered to be printed.

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1 Oct 2018

Civil Defence and Other Matters Bill

The Civil Defence and Other Matters Bill was introduced to amend multiple key statutes, including the Civil Defence, Immigration, Police Force, and Prisons Acts, with related changes to the Enlistment Act.
The Bill aims to update and align legal provisions across these acts to enhance operational effectiveness and administrative coherence in national security and public safety domains.
The Second Minister for Home Affairs presented the Bill, marking its First Reading and scheduling the Second Reading for the next parliamentary sitting, with the bill to be formally printed.

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1 Oct 2018

Serious Crimes and Counter-Terrorism (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill

The Serious Crimes and Counter-Terrorism (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill was presented by the Second Minister for Home Affairs, Mrs Josephine Teo, to amend two existing laws to strengthen Singapore’s legal framework against money laundering and terrorism financing.
The bill targets the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act and the Terrorism (Suppression of Financing) Act for updates to better prevent illicit financial activities.
The bill received its First Reading and was scheduled for a Second Reading at the next available Parliament sitting, with the text to be printed for further legislative review.

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10 Sep 2018

Per-trip Payment of Heavy Vehicle Drivers

Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked if the government would ban per-trip payments for heavy vehicle drivers to prevent dangerous driving.
The Minister responded that while fatal accidents involving heavy vehicles have decreased, banning per-trip payments is not the solution as driver behavior is the main cause of accidents.
A Safer Roads Industry Taskforce recommended enhancing companies’ ability to manage driver behavior through technology, training, and improved processes instead of a ban.
Trials for speed-tracking devices and a Technology Challenge to fund safety solutions are underway, along with subsidised driver training and company education campaigns.

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10 Sep 2018

Scams Involving Letters Designed to Look Similar to Official Government Letters

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah raised concerns about scams involving official-looking letters, asking how to avoid them, for more awareness efforts, and for heavier penalties due to their severe impact.
K Shanmugam outlined preventive measures such as vigilance with unsolicited communications, verifying authenticity with authorities, and using resources like the Anti-Scam Helpline and scamalert.sg.
He stated that existing penalties, including up to 10 years' imprisonment for cheating offences, are adequate, while emphasizing the importance of public alertness against scams.

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10 Sep 2018

Misuse of Airport Boarding Passes

The Minister for Home Affairs stated that misusing airport boarding passes to enter Changi Airport’s transit areas without intending to travel is an offence punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment for two years, or both.
From 2015 to 2017, an average of 44 cases of boarding pass misuse were detected annually, with most offenders entering to shop duty-free, send off friends, or attempt to meet celebrities.
The Ministry has collaborated with the airport community to display warning signs at check-in counters, departure entrances, and immigration counters, and is exploring printing warnings on boarding passes and publishing them on airline websites.
Police also publicise cases of boarding pass misuse to educate the public and deter future offences.

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