Public safety & law — Topics

8 May 2017

Lower Speed Limits for Roads with On-road Cycling Lanes

Assoc Prof Randolph Tan proposed lowering speed limits for motorised traffic on roads with on-road cycling lanes as a safety measure and asked about rules for personal mobility devices and comprehensive guidelines for all users.
The Minister for Transport noted that speed limits on Tanah Merah Coast Road are already set at 70 km/h or 60 km/h for safety, with adjustments made as needed.
Personal mobility devices are not permitted on on-road cycling lanes, aligning with the general rule that they are not allowed on roads.
The traffic rules for bicycles on on-road cycling lanes remain the same as existing rules for cycling on roads.
The response indicates ongoing monitoring and potential adjustments, but no immediate plans for new guidelines beyond existing regulations.

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8 May 2017

Extension of Taxi Driver Licence beyond Age 75 for Those who are Fit

Foo Mee Har questioned if taxi drivers over 75 could extend their vocational licences based on fitness and passing annual assessments.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that taxi driving imposes greater physical and cognitive stress than private driving, making an age limit necessary for passenger safety despite medical checks.
He noted the age limit has been raised from 70 to 75 over the years and will be periodically reviewed in line with population health and lifespan improvements.

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8 May 2017

Impact of Extension of Non-smoking Areas on Number of Offences

The Ministry extended smoking prohibitions to include common corridors, void decks, sheltered linkways, and parks to protect non-smokers from second-hand smoke, with violators facing a maximum court fine of $1,000.
From 2013 to 2016, over 62,000 tickets were issued for smoking violations, with more than twice as many issued in 2016 compared to 2013, and enforcement will continue though coverage of all prohibited areas is challenging.
The Ministry urged smokers to be considerate and only smoke in designated areas, while premises operators are responsible for ensuring compliance within their premises.

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8 May 2017

Review of Offences to Allow for Community Sentences or Probation as Sentencing Options

Mr Murali Pillai asked if the government would review offences with mandatory or minimum sentences to see if community sentences or probation could be added as sentencing options.
Minister K Shanmugam explained that community-based sentences were introduced in 2010 to give courts more flexibility for rehabilitation-focused cases.
The government is currently reviewing the community sentences regime to potentially expand eligibility, but will not extend them to offences with mandatory or minimum sentences as these are considered too serious.

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8 May 2017

Age Restriction for Private Security Officer's Licence Applicants

Zainal Sapari questioned if the minimum age for private security officer licence applicants should be raised to 18.
The Ministry explained that current policy allows applicants aged 16 and above, aligning with the Employment Act’s definition of non-child status.
All security officers, regardless of age, must complete the same accredited training and assessments to ensure competency.
Fewer than 10 active officers are below 18 out of over 40,000, and no adverse feedback has been reported on younger officers.

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8 May 2017

Failure to Give Way to Emergency Vehicles

The Ministry of Home Affairs reported that from 2014 to 2016, 22 drivers received composition fines for failing to give way to emergency vehicles, with none prosecuted in court.
The Traffic Police impose four demerit points and a composition fine for such offences, with court prosecution for aggravating factors leading to fines up to $1,000 or three months’ imprisonment for first-time offenders, and higher penalties for repeat offenders.
The Ministry has no plans to review the current penalties, deeming them adequate, and continues public education efforts through electronic signboards and decals to raise awareness.

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8 May 2017

Cybersecurity Incidents Involving Government Websites

Desmond Choo asked the Minister for Communications and Information about potential compromises to critical Singapore sites following reports of malware-infected government portals and public preventive measures.
Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim responded that investigations by the Cyber Security Agency and Singapore Police Force found no critical Singapore servers or websites were compromised, with most reported infected servers being clean.
The government is strengthening cybersecurity through upcoming legislation, public awareness campaigns, and programmes to help small and medium enterprises improve their cyber defences.
The public and businesses are urged to take proactive steps, such as changing default passwords on devices and utilising resources like the GoSafeOnline website for guidance.
The overall message emphasises a shared responsibility between the government, organisations, and individuals to maintain a secure cyberspace in Singapore.

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8 May 2017

Public Entertainments and Meetings (Amendment) Bill

The Bill introduces a risk-based regulatory regime, allowing longer licence validity for compliant public entertainment (PE) establishments while strengthening penalties and enforcement powers against errant operators, including higher fines for unlicensed operations and immediate licence suspension for serious crimes.
Key amendments expand the assessment of licence applicants to include responsible officers and individuals with control over the business, and require licensing officers to consider urban planning considerations to prevent PE establishments in unsuitable locations.
The Bill establishes an independent PE Appeal Board to hear certain licensing appeals and enhances operational flexibility by authorising suitably trained individuals to conduct inspections, while also aligning arts entertainment regulations across different venues.

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8 May 2017

Terrorism (Suppression of Misuse of Radioactive Material) Bill

The Bill implements Singapore's ratification of the 2005 UN Convention to criminalise nuclear terrorism, with severe penalties including the death penalty or life imprisonment for offences like using radioactive material to cause death or compel action, and establishes extraterritorial jurisdiction and extradition measures.
Ministers and members support the Bill, highlighting the global threat from groups like ISIS and regional incidents, while noting the current risk in Singapore is low but taken seriously; the move follows years of capability development and aligns with international efforts.
Questions raised include the timing of ratification, cooperation with regional partners like ASEAN and IAEA, border control and detection strategies, and handling of insider threats at facilities using radioactive materials, with assurances of existing regulatory frameworks and interagency coordination.
The government confirms no breaches in Singapore, outlines responses to nuclear threats involving agencies like SCDF and NEA, and addresses queries on legal provisions, assuring that other terrorism laws cover gaps and that public preparedness includes in-place protection training.
Members urge stronger measures for broader chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive threats, but the government emphasises the Bill's focus on nuclear terrorism under the Convention, with ongoing monitoring and future legal reviews if needed.

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8 May 2017

Scope and Frequency of Safety Inspections on MRT Train Operators

The Ministry of Manpower conducts approximately 16,000 inspections annually using a targeted, risk-based approach, focusing on high-risk workplaces like MRT operations, with most being surprise inspections except for pre-arranged ones to avoid disrupting train services.
Inspections involve a three-step process: site walk-throughs, discussions with staff, and review of safety protocols, with findings shared confidentially with companies and industry stakeholders to promote broader safety improvements.
Following a March 2016 incident, MOM increased the scope of inspections for MRT train operators to include safety operating procedures, conducting six in-depth inspections in 2016 to address lapses and enhance safety standards.

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8 May 2017

Mandating Hours of Work and Rest for Drivers

Joan Pereira asked if the Ministry of Manpower would mandate drivers' work and rest hours based on ILO recommendations, such as a maximum of nine hours daily and breaks after four hours of driving.
The Minister of State replied that current regulations require employers to ensure worker safety under the Workplace Safety and Health Act, with guidelines including limiting shifts to 12 hours and recommending breaks every two hours, though no hard mandates are in place.
The Minister highlighted a decline in work-related traffic accidents among drivers but acknowledged one death is still too many, emphasizing continued efforts to improve safety measures.
Joan Pereira followed up by asking if Singapore could mandate technology to enhance driver safety, given smart city investments and innovations.
The Minister responded that authorities are trialing technology like tachographs to monitor driving behavior and will decide on mandating such tools after assessing the trial's outcomes.

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4 Apr 2017

Strengthening Singapore's Fight Against Drugs

Minister Shanmugam defended Singapore’s strict drug laws and the death penalty as necessary deterrents, emphasizing high public support and a dual focus on deterrence and rehabilitation through tailored programs like the Yellow Ribbon initiative.
NMP Kok Heng Leun, while supporting a strong anti-drug stance, questioned the death penalty on philosophical grounds and suggested more emphasis on socio-economic gaps and rehabilitation, though he agreed to further study the legal process.
Several MPs, including Christopher de Souza, proposed updating the Misuse of Drugs Act to address synthetic drugs, internet trafficking, and youth abuse, while also advocating for stronger family and community support in rehabilitation.
The debate concluded with broad consensus on maintaining tough laws, investing in rehabilitation, and preventing a drug-tolerant culture, with the motion passed unanimously.

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4 Apr 2017

Strengthening Singapore's Fight Against Drugs

The debate emphasized Singapore's strict anti-drug laws and tough enforcement as crucial for keeping drug abuse rates low, contrasting this with global trends toward decriminalization and the risks of relaxed attitudes, particularly toward cannabis.
Many speakers highlighted the devastating personal and societal impacts of drug abuse, sharing stories of broken families and suffering, and argued that deterrence through severe penalties, including the death penalty for traffickers, is necessary to protect society.
There was a strong focus on the need to improve rehabilitation and reintegration programs for drug offenders, with calls for more family support, better access to stable housing, and enhanced in-prison education and arts programs to reduce recidivism.
Some members raised concerns about the irreversibility of the death penalty and potential miscarriages of justice, urging a review of laws for young or first-time offenders and more emphasis on rehabilitation over punishment.
The government reaffirmed its comprehensive anti-drug strategy, combining preventive education, tough laws, and rehabilitation, while adapting to new challenges like online drug sales and synthetic drugs, and rejecting international pressure to soften its stance.

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4 Apr 2017

Strengthening Singapore's Fight Against Drugs

Christopher de Souza moved a motion urging tougher anti-drug laws, rehabilitation investment, and prevention of a drug-tolerant culture, citing rising youth drug abuse and online drug peddling.
Speakers emphasized the need to regularly review the Misuse of Drugs Act to address new drug threats and enhance penalties for internet-facilitated trafficking.
Rehabilitation efforts were highlighted, with calls to reduce recidivism through better support, family involvement, and programs like pleasure replacement and post-release counselling.
Intan Azura Mokhtar supported the motion, sharing personal concerns about youth drug attitudes and urging stronger educational outreach and enforcement against online drug sales.
Both speakers stressed the importance of a united societal front, involving families, schools, and role models, to maintain a strong anti-drug culture and counter pro-drug narratives.

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4 Apr 2017

Accidents Involving Heavy Vehicles Driven by S Pass and Work Permit Holders

In the past five years, heavy vehicle accidents averaged 791 injuries and 39 fatalities annually, with about 45% of at-fault drivers being foreigners including S Pass and Work Permit holders.
The Traffic Police use technology like speed and red-light cameras, plan to deploy average speed cameras, and are trialing tachographs to monitor driving behavior, alongside public education campaigns.
Foreign drivers must obtain a Singapore driving license within six months of getting a Work Pass and renew it every five years, while tampering with speed limiters can lead to jail or fines.
Driver fatigue is a concern, and a taskforce is working with agencies to engage heavy vehicle drivers and companies, addressing causes like failure to keep a proper look-out and maintain control.

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4 Apr 2017

Family Maintenance Cases and Investigations

The Ministry has appointed two Maintenance Record Officers (MROs) under a pilot project to assist courts in investigating defaulters' financial circumstances, but the MROs have only been deployed in four cases, none of which found able but unwilling payers.
MROs are activated only when directed by a judge and, in cases where defaulters are unable to pay due to financial hardship, they are referred to support organizations, with the pilot set for ongoing review.
A member proposed allowing direct requests for MRO investigations without court orders and asked about recourse for locating uncontactable ex-spouses, with the Ministry emphasizing the need to facilitate mutual agreements and connectivity between parties.

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3 Apr 2017

Police-to-population Ratio Including and Excluding Auxiliary Police Officers

Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap inquired about the current police-to-population ratio, including and excluding Auxiliary Police Officers (APOs).
K Shanmugam replied that there are about 170 regular Police Officers per 100,000 population.
Including APOs, the total number of regular Police Officers and APOs per 100,000 population is about 300.

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3 Apr 2017

Investigation into Accident in Botanic Gardens where Tembusu Tree Fell and Killed a Park Visitor

The investigation into the Botanic Gardens tree accident is ongoing with a Coroner’s Inquiry and NParks providing information to the police, while all nearby trees have been checked and found safe.
NParks has increased tree inspection frequency since 2012, with heritage trees inspected every six months and high-traffic area trees every six to twelve months, and introduced annual second-level inspections for old and large trees using diagnostic equipment.
To enhance tree resilience, NParks has improved maintenance practices such as mulching and advanced pruning techniques, leading to a significant drop in tree failure incidents from 3,000 in 2001 to 847 last year.
NParks continues to develop modelling techniques to better understand tree behavior under severe weather and is committed to ongoing improvements in tree management measures.

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3 Apr 2017

Improving Safety of Motorcyclists and Pillion Riders

The Minister announced that the Traffic Police will continue using a three-pronged strategy of enforcement, education, and engagement to enhance motorcyclist safety, including expanding traffic cameras and installing new average speed cameras over the next few years.
Enforcement will be strengthened by adding red-light cameras at accident-prone junctions and deploying Average Speed Cameras to ensure motorists maintain safe speeds along entire road stretches.
Education and outreach efforts will be sustained, with learner motorcyclists taught defensive riding techniques and initiatives like "Singapore Ride Safe" encouraging the use of protective gear, including collaborations with food delivery and other companies.
The Minister emphasized that all road users share responsibility for safety, with drivers needing to follow rules and look out for motorcyclists, and motorcyclists must exercise care for themselves and their pillion riders.

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3 Apr 2017

Incidents of Public Disorder at Night Entertainment Clubs

Assoc Prof Randolph Tan asked whether police powers can be increased to enforce stricter measures against public disorder at nightclubs and similar venues.
The Minister for Home Affairs explained that nightclubs and bars are regulated under the Public Entertainments and Meetings Act (PEMA), with licensing conditions like CCTV and overcrowding prevention.
Police conduct compliance checks and can penalize licensees with fines and demerit points, leading to suspension or revocation for repeated breaches.
A new amendment bill introduces tougher penalties, immediate suspension powers for serious offenses, and allows police to use force to enter premises when denied access.
These changes aim to provide police with more targeted enforcement tools to manage public disorder risks in nightlife establishments.

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