Public safety & law — Topics

3 Jul 2017

Indiscriminate Use of Pest Poisons by Pest Control Companies

Louis Ng raised concerns about the safety risks posed by the indiscriminate use of pest poisons by pest control companies and asked about existing measures and the need for stronger regulations.
The Ministry responded that vector control is regulated by the NEA under the Control of Vectors and Pesticides Act, with mandatory training for personnel and strict controls on pesticide use, including placement in tamper-proof bait stations to protect wildlife and the public.
The Ministry emphasized that enforcement actions, including fines, imprisonment, and suspension of licenses, are already in place and have proven effective, with only six incidents requiring action over the past five years, so no stiffer penalties are needed.

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3 Jul 2017

Drowning Cases Involving Recreational Users at Public Beaches

There have been 11 drowning fatalities involving recreational users at public beaches over the past five years, with measures such as warning signs, lifebuoys deployed within 300 metres, and patrols at busy beaches like Palawan Beach where at least 14 officers are on duty daily.
The government promotes water safety through programmes like SwimSafer in primary schools and partnerships with SportSG, but emphasises that safety measures cannot be 100% and urges vigilance and parental supervision.
The Ministry determines the number and distribution of rescue floats based on visibility and proximity, while the rationale for not having permanent beach patrols and lifeguards is not explicitly detailed in the response.

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3 Jul 2017

Cigarette and Tobacco Smuggling in Singapore

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef requested an update on illicit cigarette and tobacco smuggling in Singapore over the last three to five years.
Heng Swee Keat reported that strong enforcement and interagency collaboration have kept contraband tobacco in check, with a 16% drop in offenders from 24,840 in 2014 to 20,751 in 2016.
Duty-unpaid cigarette seizures by Singapore Customs decreased by 7% from 3 million to 2.8 million packets between 2014 and 2016, while non-cigarette offenders comprised less than 5% of those caught.
Singapore Customs will continue collaborating with agencies like the police and immigration authority to deter contraband tobacco trade and engage the public to raise awareness.

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3 Jul 2017

Traffic Summonses Issued for Non-compliance of Yellow Box Rules in Past Three Years

Mr Yee Chia Hsing asked about the number of traffic summonses for yellow box non-compliance in the past three years and suggested using traffic cameras at busy junctions.
Between 2014 and 2016, the Traffic Police issued about 450 summonses each year for stopping in yellow boxes and causing obstruction.
The Traffic Police use cameras for serious offences like red-light running and speeding and may consider them for other offences if needed.

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3 Jul 2017

Minimum Safety Standards for Motor Vehicle Repairs and Modification Works

Joan Pereira raised concerns about vehicle fires and questioned how the Ministry ensures safety standards for local car repairs and the roadworthiness of foreign and overseas-repaired vehicles.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that vehicle owners are responsible for roadworthiness, and the Land Transport Authority conducts spot checks, impounding vehicles that fail standards and penalising owners.
The Ministry requires regular inspections for Singapore-registered vehicles, and vehicles that fail cannot be used, with owners advised to use reputable workshops for safety.

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3 Jul 2017

Civil Lawsuits against Principals and Teachers

Dr Tan Wu Meng inquired about civil lawsuits against school principals and teachers over the past three years, including the number, proportion initiated by students or parents, reasons cited, and whether the Ministry provides legal aid or professional liability insurance.
The Minister responded that such lawsuits are rare, with only two cases in the past three years, one initiated by a parent against a principal over a confiscated mobile phone.
Educators facing lawsuits may receive legal representation through the Attorney-General's Chambers, government-funded legal aid, or lawyers engaged by their school.

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3 Jul 2017

Crimes and Incidence of Public Disturbances related to Alcohol Abuse

Dr Chia Shi-Lu raised concerns about alcohol-related crimes and public disturbances and asked if the Government would consider restricting alcohol sales to government-run stores.
Minister K Shanmugam stated that the Liquor Control Act 2015 has reduced public order incidents related to alcohol, citing a drop from 251 cases in 2014 to 135 in 2016.
The Minister noted that no government-run liquor stores are planned, as regulation is best handled through laws and the private sector, with police continuing compliance checks.

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3 Jul 2017

Additional Tests for Drivers Aged over 75

Dr Chia Shi-Lu proposed that the Traffic Police consider introducing cognitive or additional tests for drivers over 75 years old when renewing their licences.
Minister K Shanmugam explained that all drivers must pass a medical exam at age 65 and every three years thereafter, which assesses physical and mental fitness, and that this remains suitable for drivers over 75.
Heavy vehicle licence holders face a stricter regime with annual medical exams from age 65, and their licences expire at 75, with more comprehensive tests for those aged 70 and above.
The minister emphasized that individuals bear the responsibility for their own safety and that of others, and that the Traffic Police will monitor and adjust the licence regime for elderly drivers if needed.

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3 Jul 2017

Measures to Increase Security at MRT Stations near Large-scale Event Venues

The Public Transport Security Committee, led by the Land Transport Authority, uses a risk-based approach to balance security with commuter flow, employing multi-layered measures like security guards, CCTV, and police patrols.
Security is enhanced during major events near MRT stations through coordination between police, public transport operators, and the LTA, with additional measures deployed during heightened threats.
The committee is considering the use of baggage scanners at MRT stations as a potential security measure, while also emphasizing the role of commuters in reporting suspicious activity and not leaving belongings unattended.

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3 Jul 2017

Potential for Rental Vehicles to be Used in Terrorist Attacks

Melvin Yong highlighted that rental vehicles have been used in recent terrorist attacks and asked the government to consider tightening identity checks, establishing information-sharing with rental companies, and educating employees to identify suspicious renters.
Minister K Shanmugam confirmed that the Ministry of Home Affairs is enhancing information sharing between rental companies and the Police but noted that identity checks alone cannot prevent misuse, as vehicles could be stolen or rented by proxy.
The Police are engaging the Vehicle Rental Association of Singapore and other companies under SGSecure to share tips on securing premises, never leaving vehicles unattended with keys, and reporting suspicious activities.

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3 Jul 2017

Safeguards against Possibility of Terrorist Attack Using a Vehicle

The Ministry for Home Affairs has enhanced counter-terrorism capabilities, including better-equipped response forces, major exercises, and improved surveillance, while acknowledging that complete prevention of vehicle-based attacks is not possible.
New laws will require event organizers and building owners to implement security measures such as physical barriers, vehicle screening, and planning events away from vehicle-accessible areas, especially for large gatherings.
The upcoming Infrastructure Protection Act will mandate security considerations, including anti-vehicle measures, in the design of new large-scale developments and may require additional protective actions during heightened security threats.
Community vigilance through SGSecure is emphasized, with the public urged to report suspicious vehicles or persons to help prevent and respond to attacks.

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3 Jul 2017

Students Identified by Counsellors or Teachers to be Vulnerable to Extremist Propaganda

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked the Ministry of Education (MOE) about the number of students identified as vulnerable to extremist propaganda in the past two years, the actions taken to help them, and plans to forewarn students about online radicalism.
MOE collaborates with the Ministry of Home Affairs to take a precautionary approach, providing counselling support and close monitoring for students showing signs of influence from extremist propaganda.
The ministry educates students through the curriculum in Social Studies and Character and Citizenship Education, emphasizing cyber wellness and information literacy to make them more discerning about online content.
Parents are encouraged to guide and monitor their children's online activities to instill right values, and schools partner with parents and the community to detect and support vulnerable students early.
All parties, including schools, teachers, parents, and the wider community, play a role in safeguarding Singapore's social fabric against radicalisation and extremism.

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3 Jul 2017

Lessons for Singapore from Fire Tragedy at Grenfell Tower in London (KIV for texts of withdrawn PQs from Karimah)

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) will study the official report on the Grenfell Tower fire and assess if any changes to Singapore’s fire safety regulations are needed, particularly regarding the use of building claddings which are already required to meet stringent Class “0” standards under the Fire Code.
SCDF enforces a robust regime where qualified persons and independent inspectors must ensure compliance with fire safety requirements before a Fire Safety Certificate is issued, with severe penalties for breaches, and has specific provisions for high-rise buildings such as fire lifts and refuge floors in super high-rise structures.
For older buildings, SCDF and the Ministry of Home Affairs are reviewing legislative amendments to require fire safety upgrades in a risk-based manner, noting that HDB blocks from the 1970s do not use such claddings and all buildings must comply with the Fire Code if they undergo alteration or addition works.
While fire drills are not mandatory for residential buildings due to residents’ familiarity with their layouts, SCDF prioritises evacuation of affected floors and engages in community outreach, such as Emergency Preparedness block parties, to educate citizens on fire safety procedures.
Singapore maintains a low fire fatality rate through a multi-pronged approach of strict code enforcement, regular reviews, and public education, but SCDF urges collective responsibility to avoid complacency, especially with emerging risks like fires from charging batteries of electric bicycles and personal mobility devices.

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3 Jul 2017

Prosecution for Hirers of Bicycles Who Damage Bicycles Illegally

Lim Biow Chuan asked whether the government will prosecute hirers who damage, dismantle, or steal rental bicycles, emphasizing the need for punitive action to deter such behavior.
The Parliamentary Secretary responded that police investigate reported cases and consult the Attorney-General's Chambers on prosecution, citing recent examples where offenders were arrested and charged.
Both sides agreed that prosecution alone is insufficient, and that bicycle rental companies and hirers must also take responsibility for proper use of shared bicycles.
Lim Biow Chuan reiterated that acts like dismantling bicycles or removing GPS devices should be treated as theft or conversion, urging a stricter enforcement approach.
The Parliamentary Secretary affirmed the government’s seriousness on the issue and commitment to working with the Ministry of Transport on enforcement and deterrent actions.

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8 May 2017

Reports of Wild Boar Poaching Received and Enforcement Actions Taken in Past Three Years

Over the past three years, AVA received three reports of illegal wild boar traps in forested areas, with two related cases where traps were removed and a recent April case where two traps were found and disarmed.
Enforcement actions included removing and disarming traps, with penalties under the Wild Animals and Birds Act allowing fines up to $1,000 per animal and seizure of the animal, while the Parks and Trees Act imposes fines up to $50,000 or jail up to six months for capturing animals in nature reserves.
No cases resulted in prosecutions or fines, as AVA focused on trap removal and investigation rather than legal action against poachers.

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8 May 2017

Unlicensed Moneylending-related Harassment Cases

Member Leon Perera asked about the number of unlicensed moneylending harassment cases reported, investigated, and persons charged or sentenced in the past year.
Minister K Shanmugam reported that such harassment cases fell to a 10-year low of 3,375 in 2016, down 20% from 4,242 in 2015.
Police investigate all reported unlicensed moneylending harassment cases, and 260 persons were charged and sentenced in 2016.
It is difficult to directly compare case numbers with convictions because one offender may commit multiple cases and not all cases lead to prosecution.
Prosecution decisions are made by Police and the Attorney-General’s Chambers based on a range of factors.

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8 May 2017

Measures against Drone Attacks by Terrorists

Patrick Tay questioned if key installations like Changi Airport and Jurong Island are sufficiently protected against drone attacks and whether security agencies have counter-drone capabilities to deter illegal drone use or privacy invasions.
He also asked about policies to leverage emerging technologies to counter drones and whether regulations on radio frequency jammers would be reviewed to enhance counter-drone measures.
The Minister for Home Affairs stated that the Air Navigation Act prohibits drones within five kilometres of airports and over security-sensitive locations without permits, allowing law enforcement to intervene if drones pose risks.
Enforcement agencies are building capabilities to detect, identify, locate operators, and safely neutralize drones threatening safety or security.
The existing regulatory framework permits the import and use of signal jammers for counter-drone measures by enforcement agencies.

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8 May 2017

Falls from Personal Mobility Devices and Progress of Safe Cycling Programmes for Students

Dr Lim Wee Kiak inquired about the progress of safe cycling programmes for students, whether they cover all types of personal mobility devices (PMDs), and the number of PMD-related injury cases treated in government hospitals or polyclinics over the past two years.
The Land Transport Authority has engaged over 70,000 primary school students through publications and piloted a Safe Riding Programme in four schools, with plans to expand it further this year.
The programme covers PMDs and teaches users to handle various situations, requiring participants to have basic device skills, and new users can seek training from retailers.
Government hospitals and polyclinics do not track statistics on injuries from PMD falls.

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8 May 2017

Tampering of Odometers of Vehicles

Sitoh Yih Pin asked whether there are plans to legislate against odometer tampering due to sellers misrepresenting mileage on secondhand vehicles.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that tampering with odometers to deceive buyers is already an offence under the Penal Code.
He added that motor dealers who knowingly fail to disclose tampering can be investigated for unfair practices under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act, and buyers may seek assistance from the Consumers Association of Singapore.

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8 May 2017

Entrance and Exit Points for Schools

Darryl David asked whether schools have more than one entrance/exit gate to ensure access during emergencies if the main gate is compromised.
MOE schools are generally designed with two separate vehicular gates for vehicle flow and emergency access, though some have a single wider gate due to site constraints.
All schools have at least two pedestrian side gates and emergency exit gates along the school field fence, providing alternative routes during emergencies.
Schools comply with SCDF requirements for fire engine access and regularly review emergency procedures and conduct exercises to ensure preparedness.

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