Public safety & law — Topics

6 Nov 2017

Restrictions on Retailers and Merchants from Selling Dangerous Objects to Minors

Sitoh Yih Pin questioned whether there are restrictions on retailers selling dangerous objects like knives to minors and suggested a policy review if none exist.
K Shanmugam stated that the Police currently do not impose age restrictions on the sale of blades and knives and have no immediate plans to do so, as such items are common and practical for everyday use.
He emphasized that possessing blades in public without a lawful purpose can lead to prosecution under the Offensive Weapons Act, with penalties including imprisonment and caning.
The response highlights a balance between everyday utility and public safety, focusing on regulating possession rather than sales to minors.
The debate centers on the feasibility and effectiveness of restricting sales versus enforcing laws on unlawful possession.

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6 Nov 2017

Effectiveness of Silver Zones Implementation

Silver Zones have significantly reduced accidents involving seniors, with only three incidents reported since implementation compared to over 50 in the five years prior, due to measures like 40 km/h speed limits, speed bumps, and enhanced street lighting.
The implementation includes features to balance pedestrian, vehicle, and emergency needs, such as mountable centre dividers for emergency vehicles, longer green-man timing, and widened footpaths in several locations.
To address increased use of personal mobility devices and bicycles, the Land Transport Authority plans to widen footpaths, add dedicated cycling paths, and install speed regulating strips and signs to remind users to slow down near crowded areas.

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6 Nov 2017

Synchronisation of Warning Messages in KPE Tunnel

Ms Joan Pereira raised questions about inconsistent warning messages during the 2017 KPE tunnel fire, measures to synchronise them, and how firefighters can access tunnel fires amid traffic jams.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that while initial warning messages were intentionally different for motorists inside and outside the tunnel, a brief period of unsynchronised messages after the fire was extinguished caused confusion, which LTA has since reviewed and fixed.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that firefighters can respond from both directions, use cross-passage doors within the tunnel, and deploy fire bikes and vehicles on the road shoulder to reach fire sites amid congestion.

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6 Nov 2017

Number of Arrests for Physical Assaults in Public Areas

Between 2007 and 2016, an average of about 1,700 people were arrested annually for physical assaults in public areas, with roughly one-fifth involving foreigners.
The government uses tough laws and equal enforcement for both locals and foreigners, with penalties including imprisonment, fines, or caning for severe assaults.
The police conduct regular patrols and work with venues to deter assaults through measures like increased CCTV and better lighting.

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6 Nov 2017

Accidents at Junctions where Pedestrians and Turning Vehicles Share Green Time

Mr Png Eng Huat asked for statistics on accidents at junctions with shared green time for pedestrians and vehicles versus those without, and for the number and percentage of such junctions in Singapore.
Minister Khaw Boon Wan stated there are about 1,500 signalised junctions with shared green time, representing roughly 90% of all signalised junctions, and explained their purpose in improving traffic flow.
Over the past decade, there have been an average of about three fatal and 40 injury accidents per year at signalised junctions involving pedestrians or cyclists and turning vehicles during the green-man phase, though data is not broken down by junction type.
To improve safety, the Land Transport Authority has adjusted traffic light timings to give pedestrians a headstart and added lighted road studs, road markings, and signs at higher-risk junctions.
The minister noted that the government does not have the specific accident breakdown requested by Mr Png Eng Huat but is taking measures to enhance pedestrian safety at shared green-time junctions.

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6 Nov 2017

Child Safety Seats Requirement for Private Hire Cars but Not for Taxis

The Traffic Police require passengers below 1.35 metres to be secured in an approved child restraint or booster seat, but taxis are exempt due to the impracticality of equipping them for all possible child passengers.
Private hire cars are pre-booked, allowing passengers to request child restraints in advance, which justifies the requirement for them to have such seats.
The policy distinction is based on operational differences between taxis and private hire cars, with the government aiming to balance safety and practicality.

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6 Nov 2017

Enforcement Actions against Illegal Hawkers outside Lucky Plaza

Melvin Yong asked about enforcement actions against illegal hawkers outside Lucky Plaza and plans to stop such hawking along Orchard Road.
Masagos Zulkifli stated that the NEA fines illegal hawkers up to $5,000 for first offenses and $10,000 for subsequent ones, and may seize and dispose of their goods.
Since January 2017, NEA received 15 complaints about illegal hawking at Lucky Plaza and took action against nine offenders.
The Ministry will continue monitoring Orchard Road and urges the public to avoid patronizing illegal hawkers and report violations via NEA's call center.

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6 Nov 2017

Ensuring Lights used on Emergency Vehicles are Safe for Other Drivers

Joan Pereira asked if there are regulations to ensure emergency vehicle lights are safe for other drivers and if the brightness and number of lights can be adjusted based on weather conditions.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that under the Road Traffic Act, emergency vehicles may only use warning lights during emergencies to signal other vehicles to give way.
He noted that Singapore does not regulate the number and brightness of warning lights, aligning with international practices in countries like Japan, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

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6 Nov 2017

Prevention of Incidents Involving Falling Objects from Rooftop Gardens and Open Balconies

Ms. Joan Pereira asked the Ministry for National Development about incidents involving objects falling from rooftop gardens and open balconies, requesting data on occurrences, injuries, or damage over the past five years and possible stricter regulations.
Minister Lawrence Wong reported that no trees, plants, or furniture were blown off in the last five years, though three cases involved plastic roof sheets from building trellises, with no injuries or damage, and emphasized building owners’ responsibility to secure features according to building codes.
The Building and Construction Authority issued an advisory on proper installation and maintenance last year, and the Ministry will review and tighten regulations if needed to ensure public safety, while calling on owners and tenants to exercise care and secure loose items.
Under the Penal Code, those responsible for falling objects that endanger safety or cause harm may face imprisonment up to five years, fines, or both, depending on the severity of the offence.

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6 Nov 2017

Police Posts within Compound of Essential Services Such as Hospitals

K Thanaletchimi proposed establishing police posts inside essential service facilities like hospitals for immediate reporting during terror incidents.
K Shanmugam stated that during terror attacks, the public should "run, hide, tell" and use channels like calling 999, texting 71999, or using the SGSecure app, rather than physically reporting at a police post.
He added that police officers, auxiliary police officers, and Emergency Response Teams already patrol high-traffic locations, including hospitals, to deter attacks and respond quickly.

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6 Nov 2017

Update on Review into Criminal Justice System for Youths

Sylvia Lim inquired about the status of the youth criminal justice review, a decision on raising the age threshold in the Children and Young Persons Act (CYPA) from 16 to 18, and the reasons for any delays.
The interagency committee, chaired by the Attorney-General's Chambers, made recommendations in February 2017, including working to extend CYPA benefits to youths aged 16 to below 18, and the Government is now reviewing these as part of a wider CYPA update.
Singapore’s youth justice approach emphasizes diversion through programs like Guidance Programme and Youth Enhanced Supervision to avoid court and involve parents, even for youths over 16, focusing on accountability and development.
For youths not diverted, probation and community-based sentences are used, with conditions like curfews, hostel stays, mental health treatment, and community service tailored to individual rehabilitation needs.

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6 Nov 2017

Public Safety Given Recent Wild Boar Incidents in Residential Areas

Seah Kian Peng queried the government's plans to ensure public safety amid rising wild boar incidents in residential areas.
Lawrence Wong outlined multi-pronged measures, including monitoring populations, removing food sources like oil palms, and installing low railings to deter boars from entering residential zones.
Agencies will enforce against human feeding of boars and guide developers to safely shepherd boars during land clearing to prevent incursions into residential areas.
Public education campaigns will be enhanced to inform residents on handling wildlife encounters, with ongoing collaboration among government agencies and stakeholders.

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6 Nov 2017

Prosecutions Involving Operation of Illegal Brothels

Over the past five years, police arrested 790 people for abetting vice activities, with about 12% involving illegal brothels in HDB flats, and offenders face fines up to $10,000, up to five years' imprisonment, or both under the Women's Charter.
When brothels are detected in HDB flats, police investigate the flat owner; complicit owners are prosecuted, while non-complicit owners receive notices and may be prosecuted if the flat is reused for vice, with HDB imposing fines, acquisition, or debarment, creating deterrence without repeated misuse.
The Women's Charter was amended to criminalize operating websites that facilitate paid sexual services, leading to the first conviction in May with a two-year jail term and $83,000 fine, and police also disrupt online vice by terminating phone numbers and blocking websites.

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6 Nov 2017

Assessment of Uber's Security Measures

Dr Lim Wee Kiak inquired about LTA’s assessment of Uber’s security measures, their satisfaction level, accident and safety records over the past year, and further safety measures for private hire operators in Singapore.
The Minister emphasized reliance on the PDVL scheme for safety, involving background checks, training, and license revocation for serious offences, and requires operators to use only licensed drivers and vehicles.
Last year, private hire drivers were involved in about 700 road accidents and nine arrests for commuter-related crimes; policies are regularly reviewed to ensure commuter safety.

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6 Nov 2017

Massage Establishments Bill

The Bill significantly increases penalties for operating unlicensed massage establishments, introducing fines up to $20,000 and imprisonment for repeat offenders, and empowers Police to issue premises closure orders to halt illegal operations immediately.
It introduces stricter licensing criteria, including assessing the fitness of all "relevant persons" linked to a business and requiring landlords to evict convicted tenants, with penalties for non-compliance to curb irresponsible leasing.
The regulatory regime is refined to focus on higher-risk activities, exempting low-risk services like manicures from licensing, while enhancing Police powers for enforcement, such as forced entry and modified licence conditions.
Members raised concerns about vice activities in residential areas, suggesting quotas for massage establishments in HDB estates, advertising guidelines, and better coordination between HDB and Police, with the Minister confirming stricter location assessments and operating hour restrictions.
The debate highlighted the need to address both supply and demand sides of vice, with calls for studies on root causes and support for sex workers transitioning to legitimate employment, though the Minister emphasized ongoing enforcement and holistic approaches.

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6 Nov 2017

Workplace Safety and Health (Amendment) Bill

The Workplace Safety and Health (Amendment) Bill proposes raising the maximum fines for subsidiary legislation offences from $20,000 to $50,000 to deter unsafe practices, even when no harm has occurred, and allows early sharing of learning reports from complex accidents to prevent recurrence, while ensuring such reports are inadmissible in legal proceedings to protect due process.
The Bill transfers the accreditation of WSH training providers from the Ministry of Manpower to SkillsFuture Singapore to align with national standards, with no additional costs to businesses, and updates personal liability protections for WSH officers acting in good faith.
MPs raised concerns about the impact of learning reports on investigations and businesses, the adequacy of penalties for occupational diseases, and the need for stronger whistleblower protections, with the Minister assuring judicious enforcement and consideration of suggestions for the WSH 2028 strategy.

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6 Nov 2017

Supreme Court of Judicature (Amendment) Bill

The Supreme Court of Judicature (Amendment) Bill was introduced to amend the Supreme Court of Judicature Act (Chapter 322 of the 2007 Revised Edition).
The bill was presented by Senior Minister of State for Law Ms Indranee Rajah on behalf of the Minister for Law and read for the first time.
The bill was scheduled for a second reading at the next available sitting of Parliament and ordered to be printed.

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6 Nov 2017

Impact of Reforms at Family Justice Courts

The Family Justice Courts have implemented reforms since 2014, including a judge-led approach, enhanced case management, child representatives, and community support agencies, leading to reduced case resolution times and positive early outcomes.
A new committee is being convened to further enhance the system, with plans for a joint survey to gather user feedback on the reforms.
Lawyers are urged to play a key role through specialized training under a proposed Family Law Practitioner accreditation scheme, focusing on client counseling and child-centric solutions.
Public education is emphasized to ensure court attendance and respect for proceedings, with legal aid options available for those in need.
The Ministry tracks maintenance order compliance through enforcement applications and is studying ways to improve adherence and reduce enforcement difficulties.

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6 Nov 2017

Investigation into Chemical Odour from Pasir Gudang

The Minister explained that the September 2017 chemical odour was traced to a factory in Pasir Gudang, Malaysia, after Singaporean agencies found elevated but safe levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) with no local source, and commended Malaysia's cooperation in resolving the incident.
The Ministry outlined safety measures, including strict Singapore regulations for hazardous chemicals, real-time air monitoring by the NEA, and preparedness for chemical incidents by the SCDF, which includes public alerts and In-Place Protection Procedures.
Ministers addressed public concerns, advising that residents can rely on constant air quality monitoring and should follow SCDF guidance to evacuate or seal indoor spaces during toxic gas incidents, while noting that long-term health studies on low-level VOC exposure are limited.

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3 Oct 2017

Use/Investment of Cryptocurrencies

The government is aware of the limited but growing use of cryptocurrencies in Singapore, with only about 20 retailers accepting Bitcoin, and is monitoring them through the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) without regulating the currencies themselves but focusing on related activities like money laundering and fundraising.
MAS has clarified that initial coin offerings (ICOs) structured as securities must comply with existing securities laws and anti-money laundering rules, and the authority is considering more targeted legislation if needed, while also publishing consumer advisories to highlight investment risks.
The financial industry's direct use of cryptocurrencies for payments is not significant, with trading primarily for speculation, and the government emphasizes the lack of legal tender status and the importance of public awareness about potential scams.

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