Public safety & law — Topics

3 Mar 2017

Committee of Supply − Head P (Ministry of Home Affairs)

Speakers expressed heightened concern over terrorism threats, highlighting incidents involving radicalised individuals and potential attacks, and called for updates on how the Ministry of Home Affairs tracks threats, reinforces enforcement, and strengthens community resilience and racial harmony.
The debate emphasized the need to enhance the SGSecure movement, improve coordination among community response committees, and address challenges in the private security industry, including the grading exercise and the role of foreign auxiliary police officers.
Members raised issues on drug abuse trends, rehabilitation efforts, and the importance of family support and skills training for inmates, while the Minister reaffirmed Singapore's firm stance against drugs and outlined measures to combat online drug availability and support reintegration.

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2 Mar 2017

Breakdown of Online Drug Peddling Offenders by Gender, Ethnicity and Family Income from 2014

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Home Affairs for a breakdown of online drug peddling arrests by gender, ethnicity, and family income since 2014, and for factors behind the spike in cases between 2014 and 2015.
K Shanmugam stated that online drug sales are a growing global challenge due to internet anonymity, with arrests in Singapore rising from 6 in 2014 to 30 in 2015 and 201 in 2016, mostly males aged 20-39, and Chinese and Malays comprising about 50% and 30% respectively in 2016.
The Minister explained that the increase is due to greater internet use for shopping and transactions, offering perceived anonymity and safety for buyers and suppliers, and that agencies are collaborating on enforcement and public education to address the issue.

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2 Mar 2017

Ex-offenders Hired in Civil Service

Leon Perera asked the Prime Minister for the number of ex-offenders hired by the Civil Service over the past five years and their distribution across ministries or statutory boards.
The Deputy Prime Minister responded that the Public Service does not track this data, as spent criminal records need not be disclosed since 2006, and recruitment is based on individual merit.
Ex-offenders may be hired considering factors like the offence's seriousness, time since conviction, and job responsibilities, with extra caution for roles involving children.

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2 Mar 2017

Doll Found on Tracks of Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station

The Minister for Transport stated that an investigation into a doll found on the tracks at Dhoby Ghaut MRT station found no evidence of a security breach, with CCTV and physical checks suggesting it may have been accidentally dropped by a commuter and later moved by a worker.
The Minister confirmed that this specific incident was the first of its kind, though objects being dropped through platform gaps are not uncommon, though not frequent.
The debate concluded with no new measures announced, as the investigation deemed the incident not to be a security breach.

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1 Mar 2017

Smuggling of SAF Uniforms through Batam

The Ministry of Defence confirmed that used SAF uniforms are disposed of through authorised collection points at eMarts and incinerated under witness, but the smuggled uniforms in the 2016 Batam incident likely came from unauthorised parties, prompting reminders to contractors and plans for more disposal bins and collection points.
The Ministry is enhancing uniform disposal processes by placing more bins at camps and reminding servicemen to use only authorised points, while affirming that any individuals found violating procedures will be taken to task.
The Ministry stated it will cooperate with Indonesian authorities if needed, but the investigation is led by the Indonesian Navy, and the timeline for outcomes depends on their findings, after which actions will be considered.

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28 Feb 2017

Recidivism Rates of Drug Rehabilitation and Long Term Imprisonment Cohorts Released from 2012 to 2014

The Minister provided the two-year recidivism rates for release cohorts from Drug Rehabilitation Centres, Long-Term Imprisonment 1, and Long-Term Imprisonment 2 for each year from 2012 to 2014.
Recidivism rates for drug inmates have significantly fallen from 60–70% in the 1990s, reflecting improvements in rehabilitation programmes.
New initiatives were introduced to support rehabilitation, including the Enhanced Supervision Scheme in 2012 for high-risk inmates and the Mandatory Aftercare Scheme in 2014 for structured post-release supervision.
In 2014, the Singapore Prison Service launched an enhanced Drug Rehabilitation Regime with tailored programmes based on re-offending risks and drug use severity.

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28 Feb 2017

Groups Most Vulnerable to Online Drug Peddling and Recidivism Rate of Drug Abusers Aged 20 to 29

Groups most vulnerable to online drug peddling are tech-savvy individuals aged 20 to 39, with close to two-thirds of new drug abusers arrested being under 30.
The two-year recidivism rate for drug abusers aged 20 to 29 has been around 34-36% over the last three years.
The Ministry is reducing drug abuse among those aged 20 to 29 through preventive drug education, community partnerships, and enhanced online outreach.
Enforcement efforts include close collaboration with agencies and courier companies to detect online drug trade and take action against traffickers.
Initiatives like the NS Commander Toolkit and the Anti-Drug Abuse Advocacy Network aim to mobilize the community and key influencers to support a zero-tolerance approach.

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28 Feb 2017

Handling of Arson Attacks in MRT Trains

The Home Team and public transport operators have established procedures for fire detection, evacuation, and emergency response in MRT trains, with regular exercises to ensure preparedness.
The Public Transport Security Command conducts patrols and security checks, while the SGSecure movement engages the public through advisories, SMS reporting, and e-learning to enhance vigilance and response.
Collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Home Affairs, Land Transport Authority, and operators focus on training frontline staff, raising public awareness, and conducting exercises to strengthen readiness for arson or terror attacks.

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28 Feb 2017

Crimes Committed by Persons who Act on Behalf of Companies

Murali Pillai proposed creating a new offence for commercial organisations that fail to prevent economic crimes like bribery, fraud, and money laundering by their representatives.
K Shanmugam affirmed Singapore's strong stance against economic crimes, highlighting low crime rates and existing laws that hold companies liable for crimes they commit or abet.
He stated that current legislative tools are sufficient and no new provision is needed to penalise companies solely for failing to prevent crimes they did not commit or abet.
The government relies on the Companies Act and the Code of Corporate Governance to ensure companies maintain good corporate governance practices.

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20 Feb 2017

Community Dispute Applications Received by Community Disputes Resolution Tribunals

Between October 2015 and January 2017, the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunals received 109 applications, with 102 disposed of and seven pending.
Of the 102 disposed claims, 73 were successfully resolved (55 withdrawn or discontinued and 18 via Consent Orders), while 29 were decided after trial or dismissed.
The tribunals cannot order mental health assessments, but in-house psychologists and counsellors can assess suspected cases and facilitate referrals to the Institute of Mental Health.

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20 Feb 2017

Forensic Medical Examination for Victims of Sex Crimes

Chen Show Mao asked whether victims of sex crimes must file a police report before receiving a forensic medical examination and why the examination is only available at three hospitals.
K Shanmugam explained that police reports are required to initiate investigations, and the three hospitals were chosen for their 24/7 obstetrics and gynaecology specialist clinics to facilitate forensic evidence collection.
He noted that forensic examinations focus on evidence gathering for criminal investigations, not medical treatment, and victims can seek immediate medical care without a police report.
A new OneSAFE Centre at Police Cantonment Complex was launched to make examinations more convenient for adult rape victims reported within 72 hours, reducing the need to travel to the three hospitals.

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20 Feb 2017

Detection of Illegal Wildlife Trade at Border Checkpoints

Louis Ng Kok Kwang requested statistics on illegal wildlife trade cases and confiscated live animals detected at Singapore's border checkpoints and within the country over the past three years, including the number of animals still under care.
Lawrence Wong responded that 10 cases were detected at border checkpoints and 58 within Singapore in the last three years, with 660 live animals confiscated, of which 77 remain under AVA's custody pending investigations and court trials.
The authorities collaborate with Customs and Immigration to share information and urge public vigilance to report and curb illegal wildlife trade.

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20 Feb 2017

Monitoring Large Crowds at Paya Lebar and Tanjong Katong Complex

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef queried the Home Affairs Ministry on guidelines and monitoring for large crowds of foreign workers gathering around Paya Lebar and Tanjong Katong Complex, especially on weekends and holidays.
The Senior Minister of State detailed police patrols, CCTV cameras, and auxiliary officers managing crowds and enforcing laws, noting workers are generally orderly and measures target crime and social disamenities.
Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef raised concerns about potential infiltration by criminal groups and ethnic-based perceptions, asking if more proactive measures are needed beyond monitoring.
Desmond Lee affirmed current efforts, including police engagement, MOM outreach to dormitories, and use of CCTV, and offered to discuss further measures if deemed necessary.

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7 Feb 2017

Criteria for Application of Massage Establishment Licence in Residential Areas

The Police allow only Category I and Exempted Massage Establishments (MEs) to operate in residential areas, with stricter conditions such as CaseTrust accreditation and a $50,000 minimum capital investment for Category I MEs, and no partitions or cubicles for Exempted MEs.
Applications are assessed case-by-case, considering local factors like vice activity incidence, and enforcement actions, including licence revocation, are taken against non-compliant MEs.
The licensing framework aims to support legitimate businesses while minimising vice risks, with data showing most vice infringements in unlicensed MEs, so there are no plans to restrict all MEs from residential areas.

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7 Feb 2017

Facilitating Claims for Injuries from Use of Personal Mobility Devices

Zaqy Mohamad asked how the Ministry can help facilitate injury or damage claims between two parties for PMD and bicycle incidents to avoid costly civil suits, and whether a claims tribunal will be set up in the absence of compulsory insurance.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that accidents with serious injuries are investigated by police, and fault-finding may lead to prosecution and court-ordered compensation.
He stated that setting up a claims tribunal is premature and that the focus will be on monitoring PMD and bicycle use, intensifying user education, and enforcing proper footpath sharing.

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7 Feb 2017

Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill

The Bill updates regulations for autonomous vehicles (AVs), requiring safety assessments, robust accident mitigation plans, and phased trials starting on lightly used roads, while LTA retains flexibility to adjust requirements as needed.
Private hire car drivers will need a vocational licence with the same demerit point system and conduct rules as taxi drivers, but the government maintains a light-touch approach for operators and will not impose licensing fees at this stage.
LTA will impose general suspension orders on non-compliant private hire car operators, with drivers able to switch platforms during suspensions; concerns about COE, insurance, and liability for AVs are under ongoing study by a dedicated committee.

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7 Feb 2017

Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill

The Bill introduces a regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles, allowing the Minister to set rules for trials and use on public roads, with a five-year regulatory sandbox to balance innovation and safety.
It mandates vocational licensing and vehicle decals for private hire car drivers, while giving LTA powers to suspend operators who repeatedly violate safety rules, aiming to protect commuters.
The amendments increase penalties for traffic offences, expand enforcement against foreign-registered vehicles, and remove time bars for prosecuting uninsured drivers, updating the Road Traffic Act for modern needs.

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7 Feb 2017

Installation of Passenger Safety Features for Taxis and Private Hire Cars

Dr Chia Shi-Lu and Mr Ang Hin Kee asked whether all taxis and private hire cars should have mandatory safety features like airbags to meet international road safety standards, considering costs and the need to avoid passing expenses to passengers or drivers.
The Second Minister for Transport, Mr Ng Chee Meng, stated that taxis and private hire cars follow the same safety rules as private cars, with seat belts mandatory but airbags not required, as they are supplementary and there is no global consensus on making them mandatory.
Currently, about 70% of taxis in Singapore have airbags, up from 23% five years ago, as taxi companies voluntarily include them in new fleets, while retrofitting old cars is costly and phased out over time through natural fleet renewal.

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6 Feb 2017

Specialist Team for Attempted Suicide Cases

The government adopts a multi-agency approach focusing on prevention, crisis intervention, and support for at-risk groups, prioritizing immediate safety in attempted suicide cases.
Police serve as first responders to ensure rapid intervention, with protocols to refer individuals to organizations like the Samaritans of Singapore or the Institute of Mental Health for counseling and assessment.
A specialist team with psychological expertise is not currently deemed necessary, as the existing staged approach works effectively and mobilizing additional experts could delay critical response times.

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6 Feb 2017

Extent of Codeine Substance Abuse in Singapore

Codeine is regulated by the Health Sciences Authority under the Health Products Act, with limits on supply and penalties for violations including fines and imprisonment.
The Singapore Medical Council oversees doctors' conduct and can impose disciplinary actions for inappropriate prescribing of codeine-containing medicines.
Authorities collaborate to curb illegal diversion of codeine preparations, and public education efforts highlight the harms of codeine abuse.
From 2012 to 2016, 37 offenders were convicted and five doctors disciplined for codeine-related violations.

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