Public safety & law — Topics

19 Mar 2018

Criminal Justice Reform Bill

The bill introduces video-recording of police statements for certain serious offences like rape, aiming to enhance transparency and protect both the accused and investigators from allegations of coercion, though some members raised concerns about safeguards and the scope of implementation.
It expands community-based sentencing, including mandatory treatment orders for more offenders, to promote rehabilitation, while also strengthening victim compensation processes by allowing victims more participation and requiring judges to justify when compensation is not awarded.
A deferred prosecution agreement scheme for corporations is introduced to encourage cooperation and remediation, but concerns were raised about transparency, such as the lack of required public reasons for court approval and the potential for companies to avoid prosecution.

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19 Mar 2018

Criminal Justice Reform Bill

The bill introduces video recording of suspect interviews and enhances computer-related investigative powers to improve evidence collection while allowing for operational flexibility and phased implementation.
It strengthens the bail regime by reclassifying certain offences as non-bailable, enhancing court powers to impose conditions like electronic tagging, and creating new offences to ensure compliance.
Protections for victims of sexual and child abuse are expanded, including automatic anonymity, closed-door testimonies, restrictions on defense questions, and the use of video-recorded statements to reduce trauma.
The bill reforms sentencing by expanding community sentences, extending Mandatory Treatment Orders, and reducing the minimum detention period for reformative training to better support rehabilitation.
A legislative framework for Deferred Prosecution Agreements is established for corporate offenders, and structural changes include creating a Criminal Procedure Rules Committee to streamline court procedures.

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19 Mar 2018

Extended Operating Hours for Low Vice Risk Massage Shops

Mr Yee Chia Hsing asked if low vice risk-exempt massage shops could operate past 10:30 pm, but the Second Minister for Home Affairs explained that these "open-concept" establishments must currently close by 10:30 pm to prevent vice activities and must apply for a Category I licence to request extended hours, which the police would assess case by case.
The Minister outlined strict conditions for exempt establishments, such as no private rooms and full public visibility, to mitigate risks; any deviation, including longer hours, triggers the need for a licence and police review.
Mr Yee then inquired about a specific open-concept massage place above a badminton hall, asking if it could operate beyond 10:30 pm during peak hours, and the Minister confirmed it would need to apply for a licence first, with police considering factors like proximity to homes, operator history, and community feedback.

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19 Mar 2018

Limiting Use of Section 409 of Penal Code to Professional Agents

The Minister confirmed that 12 persons are serving sentences for offences under Section 409 of the Penal Code based on pre-2018 interpretations, with no plans for the Public Prosecutor to seek changes to their sentences.
The Minister clarified that the 12 cases differ from past cases where prosecution appealed on sentence severity, as they involve public servants and agents, not directors, and thus do not warrant similar review.
Regarding the Home Detention Scheme, the Minister stated that eligibility for the 12 cases requires further checking, while the City Harvest case convicts would not qualify under current policy as determined by the Commissioner of Prisons.

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19 Mar 2018

Assessing Need for Traffic Speed Regulating Measures in Housing Estates

The Minister outlined criteria for traffic speed measures in housing estates, focusing on safety through lower speed limits, warning signs, speed strips, and special schemes like School Zones and Silver Zones, with ongoing monitoring of accident statistics and reviews during environmental changes.
Joan Pereira requested collaboration between LTA and Traffic Police to address speeding vehicles with noisy exhausts on Alexandra Road, suggesting the installation of a camera for enforcement.
The Minister agreed to ask LTA to discuss the issue with Traffic Police and expressed personal dislike for noisy exhausts, committing to investigate if incidents are frequent.

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2 Mar 2018

Committee of Supply – Head P (Ministry of Home Affairs)

The debate emphasized a whole-of-society approach to counter-terrorism, with speakers stressing that every Singaporean has a role in maintaining unity and resilience, and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is enhancing community preparedness through exercises like SGSecure and crisis response drills.
Multiple members raised concerns about youth drug abuse, online drug peddling, and the need for updated laws to combat new psychoactive substances, with MHA affirming its tough stance against drugs while promoting rehabilitation and community partnerships like the "Drugs Are Forbidden in Islam" campaign.
The discussion highlighted the importance of protecting vulnerable groups, including victims of sexual crimes, children, and the elderly, with MHA detailing measures such as specialized training for officers, victim support services, and ongoing reviews of laws like the Penal Code and Vulnerable Adults Act.
The MHA outlined its transformation efforts, including technology investments like bio-surveillance and digital forensics, to address evolving threats, while also addressing the private security industry's needs for skills upgrading and accessibility in training.

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28 Feb 2018

Evidence (Amendment) Bill

The Evidence (Amendment) Bill was presented by Senior Minister of State for Law Ms Indranee Rajah on behalf of the Minister for Law to amend the Evidence Act.
The bill underwent its First Reading in Parliament and was scheduled for a Second Reading on or after 15 March 2018.
The bill's passage followed standard legislative procedure, including being printed for parliamentary records.

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28 Feb 2018

Criminal Justice Reform Bill

The Criminal Justice Reform Bill aims to amend the Criminal Procedure Code and other laws to enhance fairness and ensure equitable outcomes in the criminal justice system.
The bill was presented by the Senior Minister of State for Law on behalf of the Minister for Law and received its first reading in Parliament.
It is scheduled for a second reading on or after 15 March 2018 and will be printed for parliamentary proceedings.

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28 Feb 2018

Measures at Checkpoints to Deter Wildlife Trafficking

Singapore uses a risk-based approach with radiographic scanners and x-rays to screen passengers and cargo at border checkpoints, supported by intelligence sharing with international partners.
Authorities coordinate enforcement actions to respond quickly to tips, and traffickers face heavy penalties including fines up to $500,000 and imprisonment up to two years.
The Ministry is open to considering a wildlife sniffer dog program but requires objective data proving its effectiveness over current scanning technologies.

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27 Feb 2018

Authenticity and Accuracy of Description of Jobs Advertised on Internet-based Job Portals

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef asked the Ministry for Manpower about measures to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of jobs advertised on internet-based job portals.
The government has established the national Jobs Bank with safeguards such as requiring Singapore-registered employers to use Unique Entity Numbers and jobseekers to log in via SingPass to enhance accountability and reduce fraudulent postings.
Users can report misleading advertisements to Workforce Singapore, which investigates and may take action against companies responsible for false job listings.
Jobseekers are advised to use reputable portals, and while such sites are not licensed, criminal intent behind fake job ads may be penalized under the Penal Code.

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27 Feb 2018

Compliance Rate of Employers in Cases of Non-Payment of Arrears

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef inquired about the compliance rate of employers who were ordered to pay arrears to workers after their cases were heard.
Between April and December 2017, 3,750 salary claims concluded with employer payment orders, and salaries were fully recovered in about 92% of cases.
The remaining claims involved 139 employers, most of whom ceased operations or faced financial difficulties, with financial relief provided to affected workers through partnerships with NTUC's U Care Centre and the Migrant Workers' Centre.
Of the six employers who did not pay despite being operational, one has appealed to the High Court, while the Ministry of Manpower will prosecute the other five under the Employment Act.

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27 Feb 2018

Follow-up Medical Care for Released Prison Inmates

Dr Tan Wu Meng asked about measures to streamline medical care for inmates with multiple conditions upon their release, including referrals to hospitals or clinics near their homes.
The Minister for Home Affairs stated that SPS provides referral letters for primary care, allowing inmates to choose polyclinics or family physicians.
For specialist or tertiary care, inmates are typically referred to Changi General Hospital for continuity, with options to transfer to other hospitals if needed.

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27 Feb 2018

Investigations into Cause for Escalators Catching Fire

In the past five years, there were four escalator fire incidents, all localised and quickly extinguished, with causes including welding sparks and electrical component issues, and the most recent case in February 2018 is still under investigation.
To prevent escalator fires, regular maintenance is mandatory, requiring monthly checks by registered contractors for corrosion, wear and tear, cleanliness, and safety component functionality since November 2016.
Escalators must undergo annual examination, inspection, and testing by registered contractors with an independent Authorised Examiner present, and owners must report all incidents to the Commissioner of Buildings.

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27 Feb 2018

Rise in Security Expenditure and Impact on Cost of Living in Singapore

Gan Thiam Poh asked about the average cost of security expenditure per Singaporean compared to other major cities and whether rising security spending would directly impact the cost of living.
Heng Swee Keat explained that Singapore’s security spending covers both national defence and homeland security, making direct comparisons with other cities inappropriate, and highlighted cost-effective measures and inter-agency collaboration to optimize resources.
He stated that increased security spending is not expected to directly affect the cost of living as it is not part of the typical household consumer basket, emphasizing that security investments ensure a safe environment for Singaporeans.

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27 Feb 2018

Public Order and Safety (Special Powers) Bill

The bill extends police powers to prevent and respond to serious violence or large-scale public disorder in Singapore, replacing the existing Public Order (Preservation) Act.
It introduces special measures, such as detention without trial and restrictions on movement, to be used only in extreme situations to maintain public safety.
The Second Minister for Home Affairs presented the bill, with the first reading completed and the second reading scheduled for after 14 March 2018.

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27 Feb 2018

Accountability of Food Delivery and Courier Service Companies for Work-related Traffic Accidents

Joan Pereira asked about the safety inspection findings of 50 food delivery and courier companies and whether legislation would make them accountable for work-related traffic accidents involving delivery personnel.
The Minister reported that inspections found 71 notices issued for safety lapses, mainly inadequate risk assessments, and noted that the Workplace Safety and Health Act already requires companies to ensure worker safety, including for part-timers and contractors.
Pereira followed up by asking if employers should be mandated to buy special insurance for delivery men to cover third-party risks.
The Minister responded that third-party risks are covered for delivery men using vehicles, but not for those using personal mobility devices, a gap being studied by the Active Mobility Advisory Panel.

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27 Feb 2018

Sexual Harassment Cases at Workplace and Through Use of Technology

The Minister for Home Affairs reported that from 2013 to 2017, police received an average of about 100 annual reports for upskirting using technology and about 20 annual reports for workplace harassment, with 97% of reports made by females.
Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar asked for additional statistics on sexual harassment outside technology and workplace settings and whether there are plans to strengthen Section 509 of the Penal Code to include men as victims.
The Parliamentary Secretary responded that the Penal Code is being reviewed holistically, including Section 509, to determine necessary enhancements.

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27 Feb 2018

Trespass and Unauthorised Access to Private Properties and Restricted Areas

Over the last five years, an average of 580 trespass cases were reported annually to the Police, with about 30 cases each year involving property damage, and Police do not track cases by death or injury.
About 700 people were arrested for trespassing each year, with 12% being youths under 16, often motivated by peer influence or thrill-seeking, while other reasons include illicit activities or accessing fishing or durian-picking sites.
Police collaborate with stakeholders to enhance security, such as placing warning signs in restricted areas and working with Town Councils to secure HDB rooftops, and security measures at protected sites are regularly reviewed based on threat assessments, including countermeasures against unauthorized drones under the Air Navigation Act.

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27 Feb 2018

False Information Provided to Secure Primary School Places

Darryl David questioned the Ministry of Education (MOE) about the number of parents providing false information to secure primary school places, how such cases are handled, and whether children can remain enrolled after parents are found guilty.
MOE stated that in the past 10 years, fewer than 10 such cases were reported; cases are referred to police for investigation, and if convicted, the child is transferred to another school with available vacancies.
MOE confirmed that counselling and support are provided to the affected child to help them adjust emotionally and educationally in the new school.

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19 Feb 2018

Raising Greater Awareness for Emergency Preparedness and for More to Be Skilled in CPR and First Aid

The Ministry of Home Affairs and MCI use various media platforms, including broadcast, print, and social media, to raise awareness about emergency preparedness and promote life-saving skills like CPR and first aid, featuring stories and campaigns such as the series "It Will Never Happen Here."
As of December 2017, approximately 300,000 households have been engaged through house visits to brief residents on terror threats and SGSecure messages, aiming for at least one prepared citizen per household.
A total of 55 Emergency Preparedness Days have been held to date, with plans to continue rolling them out across Singapore to intensify public outreach efforts.

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