Public safety & law — Topics

2 Oct 2017

Reported Domestic Violence Cases against Women

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah raised concerns about reported domestic violence cases against women, particularly those above 50, and asked about outreach to silent victims and public awareness efforts.
The Minister reported an average of 2,800 Personal Protection Order applications yearly, with 75% by women (20% above 50), and highlighted initiatives like the National Family Violence Networking System and the "Break the Silence" campaign.
In supplementary questions, Er Dr Lee noted a reported upward trend in cases from voluntary welfare organisations and requested a national study on root causes and interventions for elderly women.
The Minister responded that national data shows stable numbers for women above 50 but emphasized the invisibility of the problem and ongoing efforts, including a Vulnerable Adults Bill, to address family violence.

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2 Oct 2017

Protection for Self-employed Persons who Offer Delivery Services

The Minister confirmed that self-employed delivery riders are covered under the Workplace Safety and Health Act, which requires companies to ensure safety measures for both employees and contractors, though they are not required to provide Work Injury Compensation insurance for them.
A Tripartite Workgroup has been formed to explore insurance options for self-employed persons, including coverage for third-party claims, but the Minister noted challenges in mandating company-purchased insurance due to costs and the varying nature of contracts.
The Minister clarified that if a third party is injured by a self-employed rider, legal liability depends on whether the company took reasonable safety precautions; if not, the company could be held liable under the law.
The timeline for the Workgroup’s review is not yet determined, as consultations with stakeholders are ongoing, and any findings will be announced when ready.
The Ministry stated it has no evidence of companies disguising employees as self-employed contractors to avoid liabilities, but welcomes any specific reports for investigation.

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2 Oct 2017

Monitoring Use of Telecommunication and Internet Services for Online and Phone Scams

Murali Pillai asked whether the Ministry would require telecom and internet service providers to proactively monitor for scams, deter such usage, and share information with enforcement agencies.
The Senior Minister of State responded that a multifaceted approach is needed, with providers currently monitoring based on complaints and assisting investigations, but emphasizing public education and vigilance as key.
Murali Pillai followed up with questions about potential regulations for proactive monitoring and ensuring compliance costs are not passed unfairly to consumers.
The Minister stated that while the issue is being studied, no regulations are currently planned due to challenges like overseas scammers and the need for international coordination.

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2 Oct 2017

Reviews on Vessel Traffic Information System to Enhance Navigational Safety

Dr Lam Pin Min confirmed that the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore operates the Vessel Traffic Information System, which integrates multiple data sources to monitor over 10,000 vessels and provide timely safety advice.
The system was upgraded early this year, with regular enhancements made since its installation in 2011 to improve navigational safety in Singapore waters.
MPA also promotes a safety-first culture through the National Maritime Safety at Sea Council and initiatives like the Safety@Sea campaign, which includes conferences and workshops.

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2 Oct 2017

Surveillance of Maritime Traffic

Singapore’s Maritime Security Task Force uses a whole-of-government approach, coordinated by the Singapore Maritime Crisis Centre, to monitor and respond to maritime threats, leveraging technology and inter-agency information sharing to detect and assess suspicious vessels.
Daily surveillance covers nearly a thousand ships in the Singapore Strait using sensors, radar, and analytic tools to profile vessels; however, recent collisions were detected but not deemed security threats, so no additional security measures were triggered.
If hostile intent were detected, responses could include closer monitoring, escorting, or boarding the vessel, with scenarios regularly exercised by security agencies, though not all attacks can be fully mitigated.

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11 Sep 2017

Defence Counsel Scandalising and Insulting Moral Integrity of Complainants or Witnesses during Cross-examination in Sexual or Child Abuse Cases

Asst Prof Mahdev Mohan asked the Minister for Law for the number of instances since 2011 where defence counsel cross-examined in a way designed to scandalise or insult the moral integrity of complainants or witnesses in sexual or child abuse cases.
K Shanmugam responded that specific numbers are not available, but discussions with the Courts and the Bar indicate such conduct does occur, though it is not yet a serious problem.

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11 Sep 2017

Pre-trial Remandees Offered Bail but Declined

Asst Prof Mahdev Mohan queried the Ministry of Law about pre-trial remandees who declined bail from 2011 onward and their subsequent sentencing outcomes.
K Shanmugam responded that the Ministry does not track the number of remandees who refuse bail.
The debate highlighted a lack of data on how many remandees who declined bail faced longer detention than their eventual sentences or received non-custodial outcomes.
The central issue is the absence of statistics to assess the impact of bail refusal on detention periods and judicial outcomes.
The response underscored a systemic gap in monitoring post-bail-decision outcomes for remandees.

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11 Sep 2017

Psychiatric Expert Evidence Found Unreliable in Criminal Trials

The Minister explained that judges may accept or reject psychiatric expert evidence based on the specific facts of each case, with rejections often due to the evidence not aligning with other facts or more convincing alternatives, not necessarily due to professional standards.
While some cases highlight experts failing to meet objectivity standards, such as in Mehra Radhika v Public Prosecutor, the number of rejections is not directly linked to professional accreditation standards, as reasons are case-specific and not always recorded.
The government is amending the Criminal Procedure Code to clarify the duties of expert witnesses and will establish a panel of psychiatrists to provide reliable expert evidence in criminal trials.

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11 Sep 2017

Measures to Reduce Risk of Fires in Cooked Food Centres

The Fire Code requires hawker centres to have hose reels, fire extinguishers, and unimpeded access for escape, along with regulations on LPG use and kitchen exhaust duct cleaning.
Common fire causes include grease buildup in poorly maintained ducts, unattended cooking, and appliances left on, which can be prevented through regular maintenance and vigilance.
SCDF and NEA educate stallholders on fire prevention and response, while SCDF, HDB, and Town Councils have replaced individual LPG cylinders with safer centralized systems.
Stallholders and owners are responsible for annual exhaust duct cleaning, avoiding unattended cooking, and switching off appliances daily to reduce fire risks.

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11 Sep 2017

Singapore Citizenship of Late Mr Tan Lark Sye

Low Thia Khiang asked about the revocation and reinstatement of the late Mr Tan Lark Sye’s Singapore citizenship, including the years and reasons for both actions.
K Shanmugam stated that Mr Tan Lark Sye’s citizenship was deprived in 1964 due to activities prejudicial to security and public order, specifically advancing the Communist cause.
The Minister confirmed there has been no change to Mr Tan Lark Sye’s citizenship status since the 1964 revocation.
The response clarified that the citizenship was not reinstated after its revocation.

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11 Sep 2017

Steps to Improve Take-up Rate of SGSecure Mobile App

Dr. Lee Bee Wah asked how to boost the SGSecure app's take-up rate beyond making it compulsory for full-time National Servicemen, why e-learning modules use an app instead of websites, and if the Ministry will reconsider its policy on mandatory downloads.
The Minister for Defence clarified that e-learning for counterterrorism training is already delivered via websites for all Ministry of Defence and Singapore Armed Forces personnel, including National Servicemen, with modules rolled out progressively.
The Minister added that making the app compulsory is not an enlightened or effective approach for learning, and that the SGSecure app is encouraged but not a core or mandatory part of the training for National Servicemen.

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11 Sep 2017

Number of Work-related Traffic Accidents Involving Food Delivery and Courier Service Staff from 2015 to 2017

From 2014 to 2016, there were six fatal and 12 serious work-related traffic accidents involving food delivery and courier service riders or drivers.
The Ministry of Manpower is collaborating with the Workplace Safety and Health Council, tripartite partners, Traffic Police, and the Land Transport Authority to enhance safety engagement and awareness through campaigns, training, and educational resources.
Measures include the Singapore Ride Safe Campaign, provision of protective gear, advanced training, in-house safety sessions, and the development of guides on safe riding, with enforcement inspections targeting 50 companies to improve safety practices.

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11 Sep 2017

Moneylending to Work Permit Holders

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef inquired if Work Permit holders can legally borrow from licensed and unlicensed moneylenders.
Lim Swee Say clarified that borrowing from licensed moneylenders is allowed, but it is illegal for moneylenders to operate without a licence.
The public, including Work Permit holders, are advised not to borrow from unlicensed moneylenders for their own protection.
Unlicensed moneylenders face severe penalties, including fines up to $300,000, seven years' imprisonment, and caning.

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11 Sep 2017

Traffic Accidents Involving Drivers of Private Hire Vehicles in 2016

From July 2016 to June 2017, there were 1,139 traffic accidents involving private hire vehicles.
Private hire car drivers must obtain a vocational licence by passing a course that includes modules on safe driving.
Unsafe conduct by licensed drivers results in the issuance of demerit points.
The Land Transport Authority collaborates with private hire associations and operators to promote safe driving.

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11 Sep 2017

Regulations to Prevent Import of Motor Vehicles with Known Defects into Singapore

Importers and dealers must provide proof that vehicles meet international safety standards before registration and are required to notify the LTA, owners, and buyers of any defects discovered after registration, arrange recalls and repairs, and update the LTA on rectification progress, with fines for non-compliance.
The LTA was notified in April 2016 of a Honda Vezel recall affecting vehicles owned by Lion City Rental (Uber), and it immediately informed importers and dealers to begin recalls, requested industry associations to remind members, and took legal action against non-compliant parties.
As of 4 September 2017, 42% of affected Honda Vezels had been rectified, with 89 out of 113 importers and dealers notifying customers and starting repairs, while legal action was taken against three of the remaining 24 and investigations were ongoing.

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11 Sep 2017

Tackling Food Fraud in Global Supply Chain

The Ministry employs a comprehensive regulatory regime, requiring all imported and locally produced food to comply with AVA’s safety standards and only to come from approved sources.
AVA conducts regular sample testing, including species identification and adulteration checks, to ensure food authenticity, and conducts pre-emptive international monitoring to anticipate potential fraud.
Investigations are carried out on all allegations, leading to product removal, enforcement actions, fines up to $10,000, and possible imprisonment, licence suspension, or destruction of goods.
Over 270 officers are dedicated to food safety, with ongoing training in conferences and workshops, and the use of advanced equipment like Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometers and DNA Thermocyclers for detection.

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11 Sep 2017

Take-up Rate for Safe Riding Programme

The Safe Riding Programme (SRP) launch has been delayed from July to the end of the year to refine tender requirements after stakeholder consultation.
The Land Transport Authority is running a nationwide campaign and engaging stakeholders to raise awareness of active mobility rules.
Enforcement has been increased, with over 1,400 advisories issued for unsafe riding since January and plans to pilot CCTV cameras at hotspots.
Over 800 volunteers are active under the Active Mobility Patrol Scheme to promote safe riding practices in communities.
The Ministry is considering further measures, publicity, and education programmes to ensure safe riding in a car-lite city.

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11 Sep 2017

Lack of Fire-rated Entrance Door at Some HDB Flats

Louis Ng asked whether the lack of fire-rated entrance doors affects flat design as a fire compartment and about additional safety measures for blocks without them.
Lawrence Wong stated that HDB blocks comply with fire codes, and fire-rated doors are only required where specified, such as for units near lift lobbies or staircases.
He explained that all residential units are designed as fire compartments with concrete walls and floors to prevent fire spread, regardless of door type.
Additional fire safety features include cross-ventilated staircases and lift lobbies, accessible exit staircases, and firefighting equipment like extinguishers and fire engine access roads.
These measures ensure safe evacuation and firefighting, even in blocks where many flats do not have fire-rated entrance doors.

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11 Sep 2017

Safety Sensors for Buses

Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Transport to outline measures for improving bus safety and whether features like motion cameras, speed and obstacle sensors, and telematics will be mandated for all buses.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that all public buses already have cameras and speed limiters, with newer buses featuring enhanced safety technologies.
He noted that about 40% of the bus fleet has telematics and 15% has anti-collision warning systems, with plans to standardize these features across all buses over time.
The Land Transport Authority is exploring additional advanced safety features, such as blind spot warning systems.

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11 Sep 2017

Proposal to Ban Vehicles from Turning Right Simultaneously as Pedestrians Cross Road Junctions

Joan Pereira proposed banning vehicles from turning right simultaneously with pedestrians crossing at junctions and adjusting traffic signals so cars only turn after the pedestrian red signal appears.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that vehicles must already give way to pedestrians during the green man signal and noted that banning turns when no pedestrians are crossing could reduce traffic flow.
The Land Transport Authority has enhanced pedestrian safety by giving pedestrians a headstart, adding lighted road studs, and installing more road markings and signs at high-risk junctions.

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