Public safety & law — Topics

8 Jan 2018

Offender's Mental Condition Considered for Sentence of Reformative Training

Murali Pillai proposed expanding the requirement under section 305(3) of the Criminal Procedure Code to mandate an independent report from a Court-appointed psychiatrist for reformative training sentencing, in addition to the current report from the Commissioner of Prisons.
The Minister for Law, K Shanmugam, stated that the existing pre-sentencing report already includes a mental condition assessment by a Singapore Prison Service psychiatrist who is familiar with the reformative training regime and makes an independent professional judgment.
The Minister noted that courts can currently exercise discretion to cross-examine the SPS psychiatrist or obtain further expert evidence, including a Court-appointed psychiatrist, if deemed necessary.
The Minister argued against a general requirement for an independent Court-appointed psychiatrist report in all cases, as it could unnecessarily prolong the offender's remand period.

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8 Jan 2018

Cybersecurity Measures for National Electronic Health Record System

Joan Pereira inquired whether there are standardized nationwide cybersecurity measures for healthcare providers to protect the National Electronic Health Record (NEHR) from hacking.
Gan Kim Yong confirmed that healthcare providers must comply with nationwide cybersecurity standards, including secure IT systems, two-factor authentication, and regular anti-virus updates to safeguard NEHR data.
The Ministry of Health will collaborate with the Cyber Security Agency and healthcare providers to monitor threats, implement additional safeguards, and conduct resilience exercises to maintain cyber-readiness.

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8 Jan 2018

Measures to Ensure Singapore's Water Supply is Free from Terrorist Attacks and Contamination

The Public Utilities Board implements stringent physical security, including protected installations with tight access control, surveillance, and buried, pressurised pipelines to prevent contamination.
PUB conducts regular spot checks on building water tanks, enforces penalties for non-compliance, and works with building owners to secure tank access and covers.
A comprehensive water sampling and monitoring programme tests over 400,000 samples annually, with online sensors and reporting to the National Environment Agency to ensure water quality from source to tap.

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8 Jan 2018

Immigration (Amendment) Bill

The Immigration (Amendment) Bill seeks to enhance border security by expanding the powers of Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers, allowing them to conduct searches, seizures, and arrests within and around checkpoints to respond swiftly to security incidents.
The Bill also introduces provisions for collecting personal identifiers from transit passengers and visa applicants to improve security screening, while increasing maximum penalties for breaches of immigration regulations.
Parliament members expressed support for the Bill but raised questions about training for ICA officers, coordination with police, and safeguards for detained persons, with the Minister assuring that comprehensive training and protocols are in place.

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8 Jan 2018

Cybersecurity Bill

The Cybersecurity Bill aims to establish a legal framework to prevent, manage, and respond to cybersecurity threats and incidents by regulating owners of critical information infrastructure and cybersecurity service providers.
The bill was presented by the Minister for Communications and Information and read for the first time, with the second reading scheduled for the next parliamentary sitting and the text to be printed.
The legislation includes provisions for consequential or related amendments to other written laws to ensure comprehensive cybersecurity governance.

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8 Jan 2018

Prevention of E-scooter Accidents

The Minister reported 30 e-scooter accidents involving pedestrians in the first nine months of 2017 and outlined planned measures including stricter fines, enforcement patrols, and a public education campaign, while noting victims can seek compensation via police reports or civil suits.
New regulations prohibit e-scooters and e-bikes on roads and expressways, with increased composition sums and court prosecution for offenders, alongside efforts to involve community patrols and schools in promoting safe riding practices.
The government acknowledged suggestions to collect data on near-misses and review compulsory insurance for higher-risk devices, referring these to an advisory panel for ongoing consideration alongside possible registration for certain e-scooters.

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8 Jan 2018

Payment of Fines by Keppel Offshore and Marine to Settle Bribery Probe

The Singapore government coordinated with US and Brazilian authorities in a trilateral resolution where Keppel Offshore and Marine paid a US$422 million penalty for bribery, with Singapore receiving 12.5% of the sum, while emphasizing that each jurisdiction acted under its own domestic laws rather than under a single plea bargain agreement.
Investigations into individuals involved are ongoing and face challenges due to overseas evidence, with the Public Prosecutor set to assess culpability based on factors like knowledge, involvement, and cooperation, and the government defended the company's penalty as substantial while noting past prosecutions of individuals regardless of status.
The government clarified that Temasek, as a minority shareholder, does not interfere in Keppel's day-to-day operations, and that the US$422 million penalty would be paid by Keppel without impacting government finances, while also outlining measures like debarment for corrupt contractors and internal disciplinary actions by Keppel.

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8 Jan 2018

Decision to Refuse Entry to Foreign Religious Preachers

The Minister for Home Affairs stated that entry into Singapore for foreign religious preachers is a privilege assessed on a case-by-case basis, with bans imposed if their teachings promote religious intolerance, segregation, or violence, regardless of where those views were expressed.
Officials emphasized that the government draws a clear line against preachers who threaten Singapore's multiracial and multi-religious harmony, and that banning them is necessary even if their following in Singapore is small to prevent the spread of radical ideas.
While acknowledging the limits of preventing access to such content online, the Minister argued that allowing a physical presence in Singapore gives preachers a more direct platform to build followings and incite divisions, making bans an effective measure.
The government does not engage banned preachers for appeals or explanations, as their past statements—such as describing Allah as a false God or demeaning other religions—are deemed inherently incompatible with Singapore's values and national interest.
To counter radical beliefs, the government supports local religious leaders in promoting interfaith harmony and follows a framework that encourages religious freedom while prohibiting speech that harms other faiths or advocates violence.

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8 Jan 2018

Investigation and Review into Fraudulent Claims for Government Schemes

Patrick Tay and Pritam Singh asked the Minister for Finance for details on recent fraudulent claims in government schemes like the Wage Credit Scheme, countermeasures taken, and whether a full review would be conducted to prevent future breaches.
The Second Minister for Finance confirmed that from 2014 to 2017, IRAS denied or clawed back $5.57 million in Wage Credit payouts across over 1,000 fraudulent cases, using a risk-based approach with upfront checks, analytics, and investigations for high-risk claims, and has prosecuted 14 cases for fraud.
IRAS emphasized that it does not conduct 100% audits due to administrative burden, instead focusing on higher-risk cases for detailed review, with periodic government scheme reviews conducted to ensure relevance and effectiveness.

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8 Jan 2018

Measures to Prevent Further Fraudulent Claims for SkillsFuture

The Minister for Education addressed two separate fraudulent claims cases, detailing that over 4,400 individuals made false claims totaling over $2 million under SkillsFuture Credit, while a criminal syndicate orchestrated $40 million in fraudulent claims under the Skills Development Fund.
Counter-measures include stopping direct reimbursement to individuals for SkillsFuture Credit, instead paying training providers directly to reduce fraud risk, and forming an Interagency Task Force to review and strengthen fraud detection systems using data analytics with help from GovTech and private consultants.
The government emphasized balancing fraud prevention with maintaining the ease of use for genuine employers, aiming to avoid overburdening them while ensuring public funds are protected and perpetrators face legal consequences.

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7 Nov 2017

Foreign-registered Motorcycles or Scooters Used in Singapore for Delivery Services

Foreign-registered motorcycles and scooters may be used for delivery services in Singapore if the rider has a valid work pass, complies with Ministry of Manpower regulations, and holds insurance covering third-party bodily injury and death.
Individuals caught using a vehicle without valid insurance face a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment for up to three months, or both.
Delivery service riders must ensure their insurance policy explicitly covers commercial use, often requiring an additional rider or commercial policy, and employers are obliged to verify this coverage.
A joint advisory will be issued by relevant agencies to remind employers of the motor insurance requirements for delivery riders.

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7 Nov 2017

Classification of Electric Personal Mobility Devices that Require Charging as Controlled Goods

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh asked whether electric bicycles, scooters, and other charging-dependent personal mobility devices are designated as controlled goods under safety regulations, noting the need for safety standards.
The Senior Minister of State clarified that while charging adaptors for such devices are regulated as controlled goods, the batteries themselves are not currently listed, but SPRING Singapore may review their inclusion.
Assoc Prof Goh highlighted the growing number of household safety incidents, including fires, from charging batteries overnight, prompting further inquiry on whether SPRING is investigating.
The Senior Minister of State acknowledged an increase in such electric fires linked to rising device adoption and agreed to ask SPRING to examine the matter.

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7 Nov 2017

Installation of Screens in Public Buses to Protect Bus Captains and Minimise Risk of Hijack of Public Bus

Melvin Yong asked whether LTA would install protective screens on public buses to protect bus captains and reduce hijacking risks.
The Minister for Transport, through Dr Lam Pin Min, announced a six-month trial starting early 2018 on 16 buses to test impact-resistant screens.
The trial will assess if the screens protect captains without hindering duties and will gather feedback from commuters and staff.
Previous implementations elsewhere caused complaints about screen glare, which the trial aims to address.

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7 Nov 2017

Use of Steel Supplied by Company that Falsified Data

Mr Chong Kee Hiong asked whether any materials in Singapore's infrastructure projects came from Kobe Steel and what safety rectifications are being made.
The Second Minister for National Development stated that BCA checked with major steel stockists and fabricators and found no structural steel from Kobe Steel was imported into Singapore.
BCA will continue to monitor and conduct checks, and all structural steel must comply with building standards, including tests by accredited laboratories and audits by Qualified Persons and BCA.

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7 Nov 2017

Allowing Ambulances to Run Red Lights in Emergencies

The Ministry of Home Affairs does not currently have a law allowing ambulances to run red lights but grants SCDF officers discretion to do so in life-threatening emergencies, with safety procedures like sounding sirens and assessing traffic before proceeding.
MHA is working to exempt SCDF ambulances from laws prohibiting red-light running and unauthorized U-turns, similar to practices in some foreign jurisdictions, to avoid the need for case-by-case appeals.
MHA plans to update the Highway Code and use public awareness campaigns to encourage motorists to give way to emergency vehicles, with penalties including demerit points and fines for non-compliance.
The review will also cover other emergency vehicles like police and fire engines to ensure comprehensive response protocols.

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6 Nov 2017

Arrested Juveniles Admitted into Juvenile Homes

The Minister for Social and Family Development stated that juveniles ordered by the Youth Court under the Children and Young Persons Act are sent to Juvenile Rehabilitation Centres or Places of Detention, with the Singapore Boys' Home and Singapore Girls' Home serving both functions.
In each of the past three years, the number of juvenile offenders admitted to these homes was provided in a table, though the specific figures were not listed in the transcript.
Approximately two-fifths of the juveniles in these homes have at least one family member who has been incarcerated before, addressing the query about parental incarceration.

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6 Nov 2017

Measures to Mitigate Encounters with Wild Boars

Government agencies will monitor and manage wild boar populations by removing food sources like oil palms, taking enforcement action against public feeding, and installing low railings to prevent boars from wandering into roads and residential areas.
During land clearing for development, the National Parks Board will advise developers to shepherd wild boars to other forested areas and secure boundaries near homes and roads to reduce encounters.
Public education efforts will be increased to inform residents on safe practices during human-wildlife encounters, with agencies collaborating to ensure community safety.

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6 Nov 2017

Stricter Safety Regulations for High-risk Sports

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah proposed stricter safety regulations for mixed martial arts and making it mandatory for high-risk public sports events to be overseen by Sport Singapore.
Grace Fu Hai Yien explained that sports safety is typically governed by international and national sports associations, but commercial mixed martial arts events operated by private promoters limit these bodies' regulatory power.
She noted that Sport Singapore’s Sports Safety Committee provides guidelines for event organizers, recommending risk management plans, pre-event evaluations, and adequate medical resources for high-risk events.
The committee's last review was in 2015, and it emphasizes that participants also bear personal responsibility for their safety during sports activities.
Sport Singapore will continue collaborating with stakeholders to enhance public education and awareness on sports safety.

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6 Nov 2017

Ensuring Pedestrian Safety at Pedestrian Crossings

Mr Ong Teng Koon asked about inter-agency collaboration using surveillance technology to enhance pedestrian safety at crossings and requested data on accidents and Traffic Police enforcement methods over the past three years.
Minister K Shanmugam reported an average of 220 accidents annually at signalized and zebra crossings from 2014 to 2016, primarily due to motorists failing to drive safely, and outlined Traffic Police use of cameras, enforcement operations, and collaboration with other agencies.
The Minister highlighted heavy penalties for irresponsible driving, with ongoing reviews to ensure deterrent effectiveness, and emphasized that pedestrians and other road users must also exercise due care when crossing.

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6 Nov 2017

Reasons for Pedestrian Deaths Caused by Jaywalking from 2011 to 2016

Between 2012 and 2016, an average of 20 pedestrians were killed each year due to jaywalking, with elderly individuals accounting for about 60% of the fatalities.
A 2015 study by the Traffic Police identified a key reason for jaywalking as pedestrians not perceiving it as unsafe for themselves or other road users.
The Traffic Police has increased engagement efforts, including distributing the Road Master Test Kit to elderly pedestrians to assess their physical readiness and educate them on jaywalking risks.
Various public campaigns such as Singapore Road Safety Month and the Shell Traffic Games are conducted to raise awareness about pedestrian safety and discourage jaywalking.
The Singapore Road Safety Council has also launched online videos to remind pedestrians to use designated crossings, underpasses, and overhead bridges.

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