Public safety & law — Topics

19 Feb 2018

Trend for Workplace Injuries and System for Workplace Injury Reporting

The Ministry of Manpower reported an average of 12,800 workplace injuries annually over the past five years, with reporting criteria aligned to international practices that focus on serious injuries (more than three days' sick leave or hospitalization for over 24 hours), and the Minister stated the system is comparable to those in the EU and UK.
The Ministry acknowledged the possibility of under-reporting but noted no evidence of widespread issues, and measures exist for workers to report injuries directly; it also addressed concerns about doctors issuing shorter medical certificates by considering cumulative sick days and investigating potential avoidance practices.
The Ministry indicated it continuously reviews its injury reporting regime, referencing international best practices, and is exploring upstream measures like encouraging near-miss reporting through initiatives such as the SnapSAFE app, with potential future mandates considered based on need.

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19 Feb 2018

Call for Thorough Investigation of Keppel Offshore and Marine's Business Affairs for Contracts in Countries Other Than Brazil

Dennis Tan asked if the CPIB will investigate whether Keppel Offshore and Marine engaged in bribery beyond Brazil during the same period.
The government stated it does not comment on ongoing or potential investigations to avoid jeopardizing agency work or prejudicing parties.
Authorities will investigate if there is good reason or a basis for doing so.
Keppel Corporation is reminded of its responsibility to ensure honest business practices and implement anti-corruption measures under its US deferred prosecution agreement.
Keppel's management has pledged zero tolerance for corruption and commitment to high ethical standards, with shareholders expected to hold them accountable.

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19 Feb 2018

Complaints of Wrongful Accusation Leading to Investigation of Innocent Parties

Gan Thiam Poh questioned the Minister about the number of complaints over wrongful arrests based on informant information, actions taken against those who made false accusations, and whether civil suits are allowed against willful accusers.
The Second Minister for Home Affairs responded that police do not arrest based solely on allegations, false information to police is a punishable offense, and wrongfully accused parties may pursue civil suits.
Gan Thiam Poh raised a specific case where police could not reveal the complainant’s identity, asking how police can assure the accused that action was taken against the wrongful complainant.
The Minister clarified that police only arrest if there are grounds to believe an arrestable offense was committed, and investigations may later conclude no offense occurred.

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19 Feb 2018

Update on Investigation into Possible Misuse of Funds at Tiong Bahru Football Club

The Second Minister for Home Affairs confirmed that police investigations into possible misuse of funds at Tiong Bahru Football Club and related entities are ongoing, with a large volume of records seized, and further commentary is avoided to prevent prejudicing the inquiry.
A follow-up question raised concerns about the accountability of S-League clubs implicated in the case ahead of the new season, to which the Minister responded that specific details cannot be shared but highlighted regulatory progress on fruit machines since 2017.
The Minister outlined that new, stricter regulations for fruit machines were implemented in July 2017, requiring clubs including football clubs to observe enhanced permits, reduced availability, and stronger safeguards, and these measures continue to apply despite ongoing investigations.

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6 Feb 2018

Profile of Persons Caught for Offences Related to Personal Mobility Devices and Efforts to Reach Out to Elderly PMD Users

About 460 PMD riders were caught for riding on roads in 2017, with roughly a quarter being over 50 years old, and 1,800 advisories were issued for unsafe riding on public paths.
The Land Transport Authority has run awareness campaigns in vernacular languages and works with volunteers to educate the public, including the elderly, on safe riding and active mobility rules.
Elderly PMD users can learn about regulations and safe practices through the Safe Riding Programme offered at community centres.

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6 Feb 2018

Review of Fire Code for HDB Flats

Louis Ng Kok Kwang questioned whether the Ministry would review the Fire Code and consider adding requirements like central fire alarms and fire extinguishers in HDB blocks after the Toa Payoh fire.
K Shanmugam noted the SCDF investigation is ongoing, the fire was likely electrical, contained within the unit, and no casualties occurred, indicating current Fire Code measures are effective.
SCDF regularly reviews the Fire Code and will introduce the eighth edition, requiring Home Fire Alarm Devices in new and renovated units, with voluntary provision for rental units.
The Minister explained that fire extinguishers are not mandatory in homes due to cost and maintenance issues, with SCDF encouraging voluntary installation and using hose reels in common areas.

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6 Feb 2018

Tampering of Water, Electrical, Gas and E-communication Facilities

The Minister stated that tampering with utility and telecom meters is illegal with penalties including fines and imprisonment, and that regular checks are conducted by Town Councils and Singapore Power to detect issues.
In the last three years, there were about 220 cases of electricity meter tampering in residential premises, with no recorded cases of tampering for gas, water, or telecommunications facilities.
Meters are designed with security features like physical seals and tight integration with pipes to deter tampering, and telecom facilities are secured under lock and key.
Smart electricity meters will be an option for households through retail packages when the Open Electricity Market launches, while authorities are exploring technical solutions for remote reading of water and gas meters through ongoing testbeds.

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6 Feb 2018

Public Education for Safe Use of Personal Mobility Devices

The Land Transport Authority and Singapore Road Safety Council have launched the Safe Riding Programme to teach safe practices, infrastructure use, and rules for bicycles, e-bikes, and PMDs.
The programme is not compulsory in schools but is being offered in institutions with cycling modules or interest groups, and is also promoted through videos and community venues.
The Government is working with various agencies and organizations to expand the programme's reach to community clubs, dormitories, and shopping malls.

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6 Feb 2018

Forging of Singapore Passports

The Singapore passport includes advanced security features that exceed international standards and was updated in 2017 to further deter forgery.
Between 2015 and 2017, six cases of forged Singapore passports were investigated and prosecuted locally, with no official count from foreign detections.
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority detects an average of about 80 forged foreign passports annually at Singapore checkpoints.

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6 Feb 2018

Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) (Amendment) Bill

Minister Shanmugam argued that the amendment to include a finality clause merely clarifies existing law, affirming that the Minister’s factual decisions are not appealable while judicial review on legal grounds remains available, and he maintained this does not oust judicial review.
MPs from the Workers’ Party expressed concern that the amendments, particularly the finality clause and expansion of the Fourth Schedule, could limit judicial oversight and extend the Act’s reach overseas, questioning the need for change if the effect is neutral.
The Minister defended the inclusion of sitting judges in Advisory Committees as a strengthening of safeguards, differing from his 1989 proposal for a quasi-appeal process, citing trade-offs and the need to protect sensitive information.
He explained that the Schedule amendment adds a requirement that offences be listed in the Fourth Schedule, which he argued does not dilute current protections but provides clarity.
The House ultimately passed the Bill with the government’s majority, with the Workers’ Party indicating dissent by calling for divisions at both the second and third readings.

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6 Feb 2018

Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) (Amendment) Bill

The Minister for Home Affairs argues that the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act is a necessary last-resort tool to combat organized crime, gang activity, and drug syndicates where witnesses fear retaliation, citing a decline in detentions as evidence of its sparing use.
Key amendments include listing specific criminal activities in a new Schedule to clarify the Act's scope and clarifying that the Minister's detention decisions are final, which the government asserts codifies existing case law while preserving judicial review on traditional grounds.
Opponents, including several MPs, express concerns that the amendments could expand the Minister's powers, potentially cover overseas crimes, and undermine judicial oversight, with the Workers' Party opposing the Bill.

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6 Feb 2018

Complaints against Illegal Moneylenders who Make Unsolicited Calls or Messages

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for Communications and Information about the number of complaints received against illegal moneylenders making unsolicited communications and the procedure to lodge such complaints.
The Minister explained that the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) regulates unsolicited communications, with the Do Not Call (DNC) Registry established in January 2014, and since then, around 14,000 DNC-related complaints have been received, leading to over 4,600 enforcement actions.
The Minister also noted that about 10,000 complaints related to suspected unlicensed moneylending are received annually and referred to the Police, with the public urged to report such activities via the Police or the "X Ah Long" Hotline.

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6 Feb 2018

Preventing Misappropriation of Seniors' Funds

The Community Kin Service pilot enables voluntary welfare organisations to apply for court orders to manage seniors' funds for daily care, with supervision by the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) and requirements for periodic reporting and established financial procedures.
The OPG will monitor the prudent use of seniors' monies and ensure compliance with court orders, while the Mental Capacity Act provides safeguards and empowers the Public Guardian to investigate financial exploitation and apply to court for protection if needed.
In cases of suspected misappropriation or criminal conduct, the Public Guardian may refer matters to the police for further investigation and take appropriate action to protect seniors' personal and financial welfare.

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6 Feb 2018

Update on PolCam 2.0 Project

As of 2017, 5,000 PolCam 2.0 cameras have been installed, with plans to reach 11,000 at 2,500 locations island-wide; the system detects anomalies like public disorder and aids in identifying suspects.
The Parliamentary Secretary emphasized that the system has data protection safeguards, with footage securely stored and access tightly controlled, and any unauthorized use would be severely punished.
In response to privacy concerns, the government stated that regular audits are conducted, though specific details on audit frequency and data retention periods are not disclosed for operational reasons.

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6 Feb 2018

Rollout of SGSecure in Condominiums and Private Estates

The Ministry of Home Affairs is progressively extending SGSecure outreach to private estates and condominiums, with house visits currently focused on HDB estates but planned to include private areas, while SGSecure activities remain accessible to all residents regardless of housing type.
A pilot programme is being developed to install automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in selected condominiums, expanding the existing Save-A-Life initiative that has already placed over 2,000 AEDs in HDB blocks, with training in CPR and AED use packaged alongside the installations.
The success of AED rollout depends on community involvement, including grassroots volunteers promoting CPR/AED skills and condominium management cooperation, with criteria for pilot selection considering location accessibility, management receptiveness, and maintenance plans.

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5 Feb 2018

Update on Protection of Public Spaces against Terrorist Incidents Using Vehicles

The Ministry of Home Affairs is enhancing security in public spaces with a risk-based approach, balancing safety, cost, and public convenience, including deploying anti-hostile vehicle measures like barriers and bollards in Orchard Road with more planned.
Commercial operators contribute through the Infrastructure Protection Act, which requires security-by-design for large or iconic buildings, and they receive guidance from police engagements and MHA guidelines to mitigate vehicle threats.
Future plans involve integrating security into the design of new public spaces and retrofitting existing ones during major renovations, with ongoing consultations with business associations to ensure viability.

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5 Feb 2018

Singapore Citizens with Registered Johor Bahru Home Addresses on Identity Cards

Ms Sylvia Lim asked how many Singapore citizens have Johor Bahru home addresses registered on their identity cards.
The Minister for Home Affairs stated that the current ID format does not allow accurate collation of this data.
Even if the data were available, its release could compromise the safety of Singaporeans in specific locations.
The Minister assessed that releasing information on Singaporeans in Johor Bahru is not in their interests.

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5 Feb 2018

Number of Traffic Accidents Involving Overseas Visitors Who Drive in Singapore

From 2015 to 2017, an average of 240 short-term visitors were involved in road traffic accidents annually, representing about 1.7% of all drivers in accidents during that period.
The Traffic Police distribute brochures and erect billboards to remind foreign motorists to drive safely and conduct regular operations at checkpoints to target those with outstanding summonses.
The numbers are considered low, and no further policy intervention is needed at this time, as it could have excessive knock-on effects.

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5 Feb 2018

Number of Vehicular Accidents Involving Singaporeans Overseas from 2015 to 2017

The Ministry for Home Affairs does not have data on the number of vehicular accidents involving Singaporeans overseas from 2015 to 2017.
The Traffic Police and the Automobile Association of Singapore (AAS) share driving advisories through social media, websites, and booklets, but there is no requirement for the International Driving Permit issuer to provide destination-specific precautions.
The Ministry plans to continue collaborating with the Singapore Road Safety Council and AAS to raise awareness among Singaporeans about safe driving practices overseas, including understanding local traffic rules and conditions.

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5 Feb 2018

Measures to Protect Users against Security Flaws of Wi-fi Devices and Services

Dr Chia Shi-Lu raised concerns about security flaws affecting wi-fi devices and asked about their impact on the Wireless@SG public wi-fi service and measures to protect users.
The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) collaborates with telecom providers to ensure Wireless@SG adheres to security standards, addresses vulnerabilities promptly, and encourages user vigilance.
Users are advised to use encrypted hotspots like Wireless@SG and secure channels such as VPNs and HTTPS when handling sensitive information, with further safety tips available on the Cyber Security Agency’s website.

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