Public safety & law — Topics

9 Jul 2018

Detrainment of Passengers in Bukit Panjang LRT Breakdown

Mr Liang Eng Hwa inquired about the procedures, safety measures, and potential improvements for detrainment during Bukit Panjang LRT breakdowns.
The Minister explained that detrainment prioritizes passenger safety, with trains halted, power switched off, and staff guiding passengers to safety via announcements and walkways, including assistance for those with special needs.
The current process is deemed safe and effective, with continuous reviews and regular exercises conducted to enhance incident management and staff readiness.

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9 Jul 2018

Raising Minimum Age Requirement for Private Hire Car Drivers to that for Taxi Drivers

Christopher de Souza asked if the Transport Ministry would raise the minimum age for private hire car drivers to match that for taxi drivers to improve passenger safety.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that driving experience, not age, is prioritized for safety, noting a requirement of two years' driving experience for private hire car drivers.
The LTA's current requirement focuses on experience rather than age for private hire car driver licensing.

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9 Jul 2018

Lower Speed Limits for Personal Mobility Devices on Footpaths

Miss Cheng Li Hui asked whether the speed limit for PMDs on footpaths and shared paths should be lowered and whether the maximum device speed for motorised PMDs should also be reduced.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that PMDs are subject to a 15 km/h limit on footpaths and 25 km/h on cycling/shared paths, with a device speed limit of 25 km/h for motorised PMDs.
The Active Mobility Advisory Panel is reviewing footpath speed limits and will release recommendations later this year.
The speed limit on cycling and shared paths is not under review due to wider paths and fewer accidents, so the 25 km/h device speed limit remains unchanged.

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9 Jul 2018

Legislation to Prohibit Use of Personal Mobility Devices for Carrying Young Children as Passengers

Assoc Prof Randolph Tan asked whether the Ministry of Transport would consider legislation to explicitly prohibit the use of personal mobility devices for carrying young children as passengers.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that PMDs are a convenient transport mode and some are designed to carry passengers, emphasizing that users should ride responsibly.
He stressed that instead of a ban, PMD users should avoid carrying more passengers than the device is designed for and ride slowly to ensure safety for everyone.
The debate highlighted a focus on user responsibility rather than immediate legislative action to restrict passenger-carrying on PMDs.

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9 Jul 2018

Number of Errant Users of Personal Mobility Devices Caught Since Commencement of Active Mobility Act

Since the Active Mobility Act commenced on 1 May 2018, 297 errant PMD users aged 14 to 80 have been caught for offences like riding non-compliant devices, reckless riding, and speeding, with penalties including fines, imprisonment, and device seizure.
The Land Transport Authority is introducing a mandatory registration regime for e-scooters from early next year to deter reckless behaviour and help identify errant users.
The Active Mobility Advisory Panel is reviewing regulations, including speed limits, helmet usage, and insurance frameworks, with recommendations expected by the end of the year.

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9 Jul 2018

Speed Regulators at Zebra Crossings to Slow Down Users of Personal Mobility Devices

Azmoon Ahmad proposed installing speed regulators at zebra crossings to slow down users of personal mobility devices.
The Land Transport Authority already uses speed regulating strips and signs at crossings to guide device users to slow down.
There is an existing code of conduct requiring users to stop, look, and cross at walking speed at pedestrian crossings.
The Active Mobility Advisory Panel is reviewing user behavior at crossings and will release recommendations by year-end.

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9 Jul 2018

Measures to Prevent Concrete Structures from Falling Off HDB Blocks

Miss Cheryl Chan asked the Minister for National Development about nationwide audits since the 2016 concrete sunshade fall, recommendations for design compliance changes, and further measures to prevent future incidents.
The Minister stated that building owners must maintain exteriors under the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act, with Town Councils conducting regular facade inspections and HDB performing annual audits, especially on blocks with more facade elements.
The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) will introduce a Periodic Facade Inspection regime by end of year, focusing on buildings over 20 years old, to enable early detection and maintenance of deteriorating facade elements.
BCA has provided a Facade Access Design Guide since 2017, is developing inspection guidelines and certifying inspectors, and is collaborating with HDB on drone inspection systems to improve facade maintenance.

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9 Jul 2018

Traffic Summons Issued to Drivers of Heavy Vehicles along Fort Road, Tanjong Rhu Road and Meyer Road

From 2016 to 2017, 170 traffic summonses were issued to heavy vehicle drivers along Fort Road, Tanjong Rhu Road, and Meyer Road, with unauthorised U-turns being the most common violation.
Authorities have increased police presence and enforcement actions, while also engaging construction site operators and fleet owners to promote safe driving behaviour.
Traffic control plans have been developed to manage heavy vehicle routes and timing, avoiding peak hours and residential areas to enhance road safety.

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9 Jul 2018

Outcome of Investigation into Causes of Collapse of Viaduct Structure at Upper Changi Road East

The investigation into the viaduct collapse at Upper Changi Road East has been completed by the Ministry of Manpower, Building and Construction Authority, and Singapore Police Force, leading to charges filed by the Attorney-General’s Chambers, while the Land Transport Authority (LTA) commissioned an independent engineer to investigate the cause.
LTA has mutually terminated its contract with Or Kim Peow Contractors and plans to engage a new contractor to demolish unsafe structures and complete the viaduct, with the project timeline to be reviewed after awarding the new contract.
LTA will enhance workplace safety by appointing site supervisors, conducting monthly and ad hoc inspections, and holding regular dialogues and safety training with contractors’ management and staff.

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9 Jul 2018

Effectiveness of CCTV Monitoring Zones in Deterring Parking and Alighting of Passengers in Prohibited Areas

Joan Pereira questioned the effectiveness of CCTV Monitoring Zones in deterring illegal parking and alighting, and the frequency of footage review for enforcement.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that LTA's use of CCTV since 2014 has been effective, cutting illegal parking offences by up to 90% at some locations.
The CCTV system automatically detects offences, and LTA's enforcement team reviews the footage daily.

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9 Jul 2018

Marketing Scams Targeting Senior Citizens

Dr. Lee Bee Wah asked whether the Ministry of Trade and Industry would investigate vendors using "freebie" bags to market to seniors and review legal loopholes with other agencies.
Minister Chan Chun Sing highlighted that consumers can report deceptive practices to CASE, which is supported by the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act to address false claims and pressure selling.
The government encourages seniors to verify supplier reputations and examine products before purchasing, while CASE continues outreach to educate on sales tactics.

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9 Jul 2018

Security Concerns from Foreign Workers and Foreign Domestic Workers Congregating in Large Numbers in Public Places

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef raised concerns about foreign workers and foreign domestic workers congregating in large numbers in public places and asked if the Ministry of Home Affairs' perspective has changed in the current climate.
The Minister for Home Affairs, K Shanmugam, stated that the Police monitor areas with large gatherings closely and conduct regular patrols, noting no serious public order issues in recent years.
He emphasized that the vast majority of foreign workers are law-abiding, and the Ministry works with other agencies and community partners to advise them on Singapore's laws, social values, and the dangers of radical ideology.

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9 Jul 2018

Review Licensing Regimes to Ensure Singapore Continues to be Attractive Location for Work and Play

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) regularly reviews and calibrates its licensing regimes, adopting a risk-based approach and consulting stakeholders like industry associations to balance public safety with business interests.
MHA regulates nightlife establishments under the Public Entertainments Act, with recent updates including input from the Singapore Nightlife Business Association, such as revising the demerit points system.
In Clarke Quay, liquor licensing hours were restricted in 2013 due to rising violent crimes, and collaborative efforts with police, tourism boards, and stakeholders improved safety, leading to some relaxed restrictions for special events.
Despite past improvements, MHA has noted a recent uptick in crimes like fighting and drunkenness in Clarke Quay, prompting continued monitoring and potential adjustments to maintain both attractiveness and public order.

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9 Jul 2018

Problem of Stray Dogs and Attacks on Public

Mr Zainal Sapari raised concerns about unresolved stray dog issues, public safety, and AVA’s collaboration with stakeholders to address attacks and manage the problem.
Lawrence Wong explained that AVA handles stray dog feedback through surveillance, removes aggressive dogs, and partners with Animal Welfare Groups for rehoming, while also enforcing penalties and licensing to prevent abandonment.
AVA is implementing upstream measures like a licensing-at-source scheme, awareness campaigns, and a nationwide Trap-Neuter-Release-Manage program to humanely reduce the stray dog population by over 70% in five years.

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9 Jul 2018

Small Claims Tribunals (Amendment) Bill

The Minister addressed concerns about the time limits for appeals, explaining that while the 14-day deadline is for filing a Notice for Leave to Appeal, subsequent stages allow ample time for legal advice and detailed submissions.
Amendments empower the District Court to remit cases back to the Tribunals for reconsideration or rehearing in limited circumstances, such as when new facts emerge, ensuring fairness without granting supervisory jurisdiction.
The enforcement process for Tribunals' decisions is being simplified and made more accessible, with ongoing reviews to reduce costs and improve effectiveness, including for low-value claims.

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9 Jul 2018

Small Claims Tribunals (Amendment) Bill

The Small Claims Tribunals (Amendment) Bill raises the default monetary jurisdiction to $20,000 (extendable to $30,000 by consent), extends the limitation period for claims to two years, and expands the types of claims to include hire purchase agreements under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act, aiming to enhance access to justice.
The Bill strengthens the Tribunals' processes by introducing a judge-led approach, empowering the Registrar to order mandatory mediation, and granting broader powers for case management, including the ability to award costs in cases of disruptive conduct, while maintaining the principle of informal proceedings without legal representation.
Concerns were raised about enforcement of orders, accessibility for vulnerable groups, and the potential impact of cost orders on bona fide claimants, with the Ministry assuring continued reviews, public education, and support services to balance efficiency with fairness.

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9 Jul 2018

Tokyo Convention (Amendment) Bill

The Bill amends Singapore’s aviation laws to adopt the Montreal Protocol 2014, expanding jurisdiction over unruly passenger incidents to include flights landing in Singapore or operated by a Singapore-based lessee.
Key provisions empower aircraft commanders to restrain unruly passengers, grant protection from liability for reasonable actions, and enable enforcement by Singapore authorities against offences committed on foreign aircraft that land here.
Members of Parliament raised questions about training for frontline staff, coordination among agencies, defining unruly behaviour, handling jurisdictional conflicts, and maintaining a database of recalcitrant passengers, with the Minister clarifying existing measures and future considerations.

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18 May 2018

Adequacy of Current Sex Education Curriculum to Equip Students with Knowledge to Protect Themselves against Predatory Sexual Behaviours

The Ministry outlines a comprehensive sex education curriculum from lower primary to upper secondary that teaches students to recognise predatory behaviours, set boundaries, and seek help.
Parents are supported with resources and encouragement to discuss sexuality at home, though schools do not publicly release specific case numbers of sexual offences.
Teachers are trained to identify signs of distress and refer students to counsellors, with cases involving household members reported to child protection services and non-household cases referred to police.

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18 May 2018

Update on Appropriate Adult Scheme for Young Suspects below 16 Years of Age

Rahayu Mahzam asked for an update on the Appropriate Adult Scheme for suspects below 16, including volunteer numbers, implementation across police divisions, and usage since April 2017.
The scheme was launched in phases from April 2017, with a pilot in Bedok and CNB divisions, and has since expanded to Clementi, Central, Tanglin, CPIB, and Singapore Customs, covering about half of relevant cases.
The Singapore Children's Society manages the scheme, which currently has 408 volunteers and has been activated about 690 times since April 2017.
Volunteers undergo day-long training supported by multiple legal and social service agencies, and feedback from investigators and volunteers has been positive.
The full rollout of the scheme is expected to be completed by mid-2019.

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18 May 2018

Inmates Who Go through Divorce Proceedings during Incarceration or after Release

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked for data on inmates undergoing divorce proceedings during incarceration or after release over the past three years, and the recidivism rates of such inmates.
The Minister for Home Affairs, K Shanmugam, responded that the Singapore Prison Service does not track records of inmates undergoing divorce proceedings or after release.
Regardless of marital status, inmates receive programmes based on their re-offending risk and needs, including family programmes to strengthen relationships, with over 4,000 inmates benefiting in 2017.
The Prison Service plans to work with community partners to expand these family programmes to more inmates.

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