Public safety & law — Topics

9 Jan 2018

Supreme Court of Judicature (Amendment) Bill

The Supreme Court of Judicature (Amendment) Bill clarifies that the Singapore International Commercial Court (SICC) has jurisdiction to hear proceedings related to international commercial arbitration under the International Arbitration Act, as the High Court does.
The Bill removes the pre-action certification procedure, which was deemed of limited utility, streamlining SICC processes as the court gains experience and established case law.
Members of Parliament supported the Bill but raised questions about the conditions in the Rules of Court for arbitration cases, the rationale for removing pre-action certification, and potential impacts on enforcement and jurisdiction, with the Senior Minister of State clarifying that the amendments are clarifications, not extensions of jurisdiction.

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9 Jan 2018

Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) (Amendment) Bill

The Second Minister for Home Affairs (Mrs Josephine Teo) introduced the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) (Amendment) Bill to update the existing Act and align it with related legislation.
The bill aims to amend the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act (Chapter 67 of the 2000 Revised Edition) and includes consequential changes to other Acts.
The bill received its First Reading in Parliament and was scheduled for a Second Reading at the next sitting.
The debate focused on the need to modernize the Act, though specific concerns or support from other MPs were not detailed in the provided text.
The government presented the bill as a necessary measure to ensure the law remains effective and relevant to current circumstances.

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9 Jan 2018

Review on Criminalisation of Attempted Suicide and Marital Immunity for Rape

The Ministry of Home Affairs is reviewing the Penal Code, including the criminalisation of attempted suicide and marital immunity for rape, with a committee formed in July 2016 aiming to complete its work later this year.
The review also examines principles underlying penal laws, such as criminal liability, mental health defences, and new offences for evolving crimes, after which public feedback will be invited.
Nominated Member Kok Heng Leun requested more time for stakeholder consultations during the feedback process, with the Minister responding that enough time will be given but stakeholders must also respond promptly.

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9 Jan 2018

More Help for At-risk Families

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked about the causes of family violence, how to better identify at-risk families, the number of cases reported by non-family members, and the timeline for the Vulnerable Adults Bill.
The Minister for Social and Family Development shared that an average of 1,400 family violence cases are reported yearly, with around 1,200 Personal Protection Orders issued annually, and one in three ComCare hotline calls on family violence come from non-family members.
The Minister explained that common causes include controlling behaviors and stressors like marital or financial issues, highlighted the national network for support, and noted the Vulnerable Adults Bill public consultation was held in 2016 with the bill planned for introduction this year.
In a supplementary question, Dr Lee asked about risk assessment methods and the use of data analytics, like in the US, to screen calls and identify at-risk individuals early.
The Minister responded that multiple agencies are part of the national networking system, and while specific data on calls saving lives is not available, every report brings cases to the attention of specialists and authorities as a critical first step.

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8 Jan 2018

Juveniles Admitted into Places of Safety under Children and Young Persons Act

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Social and Family Development for data on the number of juveniles admitted to places of safety under the Children and Young Persons Act over the past three years and how many had at least one parent who is or has been incarcerated.
The Minister responded that children in need of care and protection, such as those abused or neglected, may be referred by the Ministry or ordered by the Youth Court to reside in a licensed place of safety, and provided a table with admission numbers for the past three years.
The Minister added that about one-quarter of children known to the Ministry due to abuse or neglect have a caregiver who has previously been arrested or incarcerated.

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8 Jan 2018

Enforcement Action Taken by Volunteers Exercising New Enforcement Powers Conferred by NEA (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act

Chen Show Mao inquired about the total number of enforcement cases by NEA where volunteers used new powers under the 2016 Act.
Masagos Zulkifli explained that Community Volunteers primarily educate offenders and can request details from non-compliant individuals for NEA follow-up.
Since 2016, volunteers engaged over 3,500 people for offences like littering and smoking, with most complying voluntarily.
Only about 60 non-compliant cases led to NEA enforcement actions such as summonses or advisory letters.
The figures demonstrate the limited use of enforcement powers, focusing instead on community education and voluntary compliance.

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8 Jan 2018

Traffic Police's Strategies to Raise Awareness of Road Safety and Reduce Accidents

The Traffic Police’s “Use Your Road Sense” movement, launched in 2015, targets road users, vulnerable groups, and vocational drivers to promote safe behaviour.
The police work with the Land Transport Authority to address the risks of personal mobility devices, using signs, campaigns, and programmes to educate riders and pedestrians.
Driving and riding curricula are regularly updated, and from 2019, simulation training will be mandatory for all learner motorists to practice reacting to traffic situations safely.
An online learning portal provides free access to theory handbooks and will soon include animated accident videos, mock tests, and regulatory updates.
The Highway Code and driving theory materials are being updated, and a Safe Driving Course helps motorists with high demerit points improve their driving techniques.

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8 Jan 2018

Spontaneous Vehicle Fire Incidents

The Minister reported that there are about 200 spontaneous vehicle fire incidents annually since 2014, though data before 2014 is not readily available, with motorcars making up around 60% of the vehicles involved and light goods vehicles accounting for about 20%.
The main causes of these fires were identified as faults in electrical components and engine overheating, highlighting the importance of regular maintenance to reduce the risk of such incidents.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) mandates more frequent inspections for older and heavily used vehicles to mitigate fire risks.
LTA is collaborating with the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) to educate vehicle owners on the importance of regular maintenance and the dangers of illegal modifications, which can compromise vehicle safety and lead to fires.
These measures are part of a broader effort by LTA to reduce the incidence of spontaneous vehicle fires and enhance overall vehicle safety in Singapore.

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8 Jan 2018

Registration of E-bikes and Personal Mobility Devices and Stringent Guidelines on Their Quality, Safety and Usage

As of end-December 2017, over 12,600 power-assisted bicycles were registered with a deadline of 31 January 2018 for owners to complete registration and affix number plates.
Motorists or the public can report errant riders to Traffic Police or LTA by providing details such as time, location, registration number, and evidence like photos or videos.
Since February 2016, only PABs meeting the European EN15194 standard, which includes strict tests on battery strength and overcharging risks, are approved for use.
PMD power adapters must comply with SPRING Singapore’s safety regulations, including type-testing, certification, and carrying the SAFETY Mark before sale.
Authorities are assessing if additional safety requirements are needed for PMDs following recent fire incidents caused by overcharging.

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8 Jan 2018

Offences and Accidents Involving E-scooters

Melvin Yong asked for statistics on e-scooter offences and accidents over the past three years, plans to reduce risks, and whether helmets would be mandated, to which Khaw Boon Wan provided data showing 110 accidents and 330 summonses for illegal road riding from January to September 2017, with penalties increased to deter such behaviour.
LTA is enhancing outreach with signs and a Safe Riding Programme for reckless riders, while increasing fines for road riding to $300-$500 or court action, and encouraging but not requiring helmets since e-scooters are banned from roads and have speed limits.
No comprehensive pre-2017 figures were available, and the ministry emphasised personal responsibility for protective gear instead of mandatory helmet rules, focusing on education and stricter enforcement to address safety concerns.

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8 Jan 2018

Update on Investigation into TPE-PIE Viaduct Collapse in July 2017

Dennis Tan inquired about the status of the investigation into the July 2017 TPE-PIE viaduct collapse and the timeline for releasing the findings publicly.
Khaw Boon Wan confirmed that the investigation is still ongoing and will be referred to the Attorney-General's Chambers for assessment once completed.
He stated that further details will be provided at the appropriate juncture following the completion of the process.

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8 Jan 2018

Alleged Roles of Singapore Banks in "The Russian Laundromat" Money-laundering Scheme

Sylvia Lim asked the Prime Minister whether Singapore authorities are investigating the alleged roles of Singapore banks in the "Russian Laundromat" money-laundering scheme, which reportedly involved the flow of US$77 million into Singapore.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam, responding for the Prime Minister, noted that the Monetary Authority of Singapore's probe is ongoing but has not yet found evidence of major lapses in anti-money laundering controls at local banks, and that banks had taken appropriate measures where suspicious activities were detected.
He emphasized Singapore’s robust anti-money laundering regime, the requirement for financial institutions to conduct customer due diligence and report suspicious transactions, and the importance of international cooperation in tackling cross-border money laundering.

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8 Jan 2018

Rights of Individuals Assisting in Police Investigations

Chen Show Mao inquired about the legal basis for restricting travel of individuals assisting in police investigations without arrest, the limits on police powers, and available appeals.
K Shanmugam stated that Section 112 of the Criminal Procedure Code allows police to require travel document surrender if they have reasonable grounds of offense and obtain written consent from a senior officer.
He added that Section 113 permits individuals to apply to the police for return of travel documents, with a subsequent appeal to a District Judge if refused.

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8 Jan 2018

Higher Incidence of Fires due to Charging of Batteries for Personal Mobility Devices

Joan Pereira asked whether the Ministry of Transport will implement measures to ensure only approved personal mobility devices are imported and introduce penalties for uncertified devices.
Khaw Boon Wan highlighted that current regulations require power adaptors for charging to comply with safety standards and carry the SAFETY Mark, and authorities are assessing similar requirements for PMDs and their batteries.
He urged consumers to exercise caution by buying from reputable sources, avoiding overcharging, and not modifying or tampering with PMDs’ electrical components.

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8 Jan 2018

Reducing Occurrences of Falling Windows

The Ministry employs a multi-pronged approach, including upstream design and performance requirements for window systems to ensure structural safety.
Only approved contractors registered with the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) can install windows, and their installers must complete safety training and have practical experience.
Homeowners are responsible for regular maintenance, and BCA can issue notices for repairs under the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act, with penalties for non-compliance.
BCA enforces regulations against contraventions by homeowners or contractors to reduce the risk of falling windows.

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8 Jan 2018

Manpower Challenges facing Auxiliary Police Forces

The Ministry of Home Affairs faces a growing demand for Auxiliary Police Officers (APOs) due to increased terrorism threats and new security projects, but local recruitment efforts have not fully met the need despite incentives like bonuses and career progression.
Singaporean and Malaysian APO pools are shrinking and insufficient, leading to the approval of hiring from other countries, including Taiwan, to address the manpower shortage.
The Ministry considers operational needs and security risks when deciding where non-Singaporean APOs can be deployed, with land checkpoints now allowing Taiwanese APOs alongside Singaporeans due to rising security demands and limited local manpower.

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8 Jan 2018

Better Planning for Road Closures to Prevent Disruption to Essential and Safety Services

Miss Cheryl Chan asked whether government agencies were consulted and provided advice on road closures for the 2017 Singapore Marathon to prevent disruption to essential services.
The Minister confirmed that Traffic Police and Land Transport Authority evaluated the road closure application in consultation with Sport Singapore and the Civil Defence Force, and the plan was scaled down to keep hospitals accessible.
Raffles Hospital was consulted and agreed to specific road modifications, and emergency vehicles would be escorted by auxiliary police if needed.
Authorities are investigating whether the event organizer complied with the approved road closure conditions after public feedback on traffic disruptions.

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8 Jan 2018

Raising Students' Awareness on Improper Sexual Conduct towards Them

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked how schools teach students to report improper sexual conduct by staff and whether posters will be used to encourage immediate reporting.
Ng Chee Meng explained that students receive Sexuality Education from Primary 1, learning to recognize abuse, protect themselves, and understand related laws.
Students are taught to seek help from trusted adults like parents, teachers, and counselors if their safety is at risk.

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8 Jan 2018

Enforcement of Anti-money Laundering and Counter-terrorism Financing Laws on Bitcoin Currency

Foo Mee Har questioned the regulatory tools available for enforcing anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws on bitcoin transactions where traditional oversight mechanisms are insufficient.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam clarified that Singapore's laws treat bitcoin and other virtual currencies the same as fiat currency for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing purposes, with financial institutions and agencies subject to the same reporting and investigative requirements.
MAS acknowledged challenges in enforcing these laws due to the anonymous nature of virtual currencies but plans to impose anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing requirements on intermediaries facilitating fiat-to-virtual currency exchanges through a proposed Payment Services Bill.
MAS is monitoring the evolving virtual currency space, studying international approaches, and aims to balance innovation with risk mitigation, particularly regarding money laundering and terrorism financing.

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8 Jan 2018

Investigation into Joo Koon MRT Train Accident

The Land Transport Authority completed its investigation, identifying a software logic issue in the new Communications-Based Train Control signalling system as the root cause, triggered by operating two signalling systems concurrently on the same line.
The signalling supplier, Thales, has rectified the fault and will set up a local simulation facility for more rigorous testing before deployment on the rail network.
As a precaution, the new signalling system on the Tuas West Extension is being separated from the rest of the East-West Line until full transition, which is being accelerated with extended engineering hours and expected by mid-year.
Thirty-seven passengers and staff were injured, all discharged from hospital within a week, with nine requiring outpatient follow-up and expected to make a full recovery.
The authorities have emphasized lessons learned and steps taken to prevent similar incidents, including improved testing and operational safeguards.

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