Public safety & law — Topics

6 Feb 2017

Application Fee for Enforcement of Money Order Issued by Small Claims Tribunal

The claimant must pay a filing fee of about $80, plus other costs that can total $400–$600, to enforce a Small Claims Tribunal money order through a Writ of Seizure and Sale, but these costs can be recovered from the debtor if enforcement is successful.
The Registrar of the State Courts may waive or defer these fees based on the claimant’s financial circumstances, and there is no charge to apply for such assistance.
The Legal Aid Bureau may also provide support for executing the writ if the applicant meets the required means and merits tests.

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6 Feb 2017

Prison Inmates with Identified Intellectual Disabilities and Their Recidivism Rate

The Ministry for Home Affairs explained that the Singapore Prison Service assesses all inmates upon admission to identify conditions such as intellectual disabilities and tailors rehabilitation accordingly, but does not currently track detailed data on the number, profile, or recidivism rates of inmates with intellectual disabilities.
The Ministry acknowledged plans to collate such data in the future to better understand and address the needs of this inmate group.
The debate highlighted the need for improved data collection to compare recidivism rates between inmates with intellectual disabilities and neuro-typical offenders with similar offenses.

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6 Feb 2017

Update on Case of Eight Deported Indonesian ISIS Suspects

Mr Ang Wei Neng asked the Minister for Home Affairs for an update on the case of eight Indonesians deported from Singapore due to suspected ISIS links and why they were later released by Indonesian police.
The eight Indonesians were denied entry into Singapore on 9 January 2017 after one was found with images of security concern, including a shoe-bomb and ISIS fighters, and were turned back to Malaysia.
The Malaysian authorities repatriated the individuals to Indonesia after their investigations, and the Indonesian authorities decided on their release based on their own prerogative.
Singapore shared its investigation findings with Malaysian and Indonesian counterparts and will continue to monitor borders and work with regional partners to counter terrorism threats.

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6 Feb 2017

Usage of Family Visiting Privileges by Drug Rehabilitation Centre (DRC) Inmates

Louis Ng Kok Kwang inquired about the percentage of inmates who use their full family visiting quota and the number of requests for additional visits over the past three years.
K Shanmugam reported that a percentage of inmates receive the maximum two visits per month but did not provide the exact figures for each year.
The Minister stated that requests for additional family visits are rare and are assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Singapore Prison Service.
The response highlighted that additional visits are granted based on the circumstances of each request without specifying exact numbers or trends.

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6 Feb 2017

Insurance Coverage and Compensation for Workplace Injuries

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Ministry of Manpower for statistics from the past three years on workplace injury cases where employers lacked valid work injury insurance, including cases leading to compensation awards, timely payment by employers, and prosecutions for non-compliance.
Lim Swee Say presented a table with data on the number of employers prosecuted for failing to provide work injury insurance, fulfilling part of the request for statistical details.
The debate highlighted concerns about employer accountability and the enforcement of insurance requirements to protect injured workers, emphasizing the need for timely compensation and legal consequences for violations.

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6 Feb 2017

AED Kits on Trains and Buses

Melvin Yong asked whether there are plans to equip all train stations and bus interchanges with easily accessible AED kits, and whether the Land Transport Authority will work with operators to equip all public buses, trains, and taxis with AED kits for emergencies.
Khaw Boon Wan confirmed that all bus interchanges and MRT stations already have at least one AED near the Passenger Service Office, with staff trained to use them.
He noted that AEDs are not on all public buses, trains, and taxis due to practicality concerns, but personnel are trained to respond by seeking immediate medical help, such as bus captains calling for ambulances and station staff using nearby AEDs.

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6 Feb 2017

Demerit Points for Some Parking Offences

Dr Tan Wu Meng asked the Minister for Transport about the rationale for imposing demerit points for specific parking and stopping offences and whether these points are proportionate to other traffic penalties.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that only serious offences like parking within a pedestrian crossing or stopping on an expressway shoulder attract demerit points because they impede traffic flow and endanger road users.
He stated that demerit points for parking are calibrated to be proportional with those for other traffic offences.

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6 Feb 2017

Measures against Hoarders who Cause Disamenities to Neighbours

The government inspects HDB flats when hoarding complaints arise, advises residents to clear items, and most cooperate, while those who refuse entry face fines up to $4,000 if convicted.
Agencies collaborate to address fire, pest, and health hazards from hoarding, including working with social and health professionals, grassroots leaders, and families to support compulsive hoarders.
Cat hoarding cases involve rehoming efforts with Animal Welfare Groups, and severe or persistent cases can lead to court action with fines up to $10,000 or imprisonment for neglecting animal welfare.

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6 Feb 2017

Investigations into Jallikattu-related Events in Singapore

Police are investigating nine incidents of public assembly without permits related to the Jallikattu movement, with 114 individuals under probe.
Among those investigated, four are Singaporeans, 23 are Permanent Residents, and 87 are foreigners.
The government emphasized a strong stance against foreigners importing foreign politics into Singapore, stressing the need to abide by local laws.

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6 Feb 2017

Anti-terrorism and CPR/AED Training for Public Transport Workers under SG Secure Framework

Melvin Yong asked whether anti-terrorism and CPR/AED training will be made compulsory for public transport workers under SG Secure and how often refresher courses will be held.
The Ministry of Home Affairs works with the Land Transport Authority and public transport operators to integrate SG Secure messages and emergency response skills into training curricula for bus captains and taxi drivers.
Some staff already receive first aid, CPR, and AED training from operators, and unions have organised seminars and workshops to enhance workers’ preparedness for terror attacks.
The government will continue to collaborate with partners to incorporate these skills into training programmes and conduct exercises like Exercise Heartbeat to maintain readiness.

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6 Feb 2017

Smokers who Drop Cigarette Butts and Ash from Their Flats

Miss Cheryl Chan raised concerns about smokers dropping cigarette ashes and butts from flats to neighbors' units, creating fire hazards and health issues
Masagos Zulkifli stated that such disposal is anti-social and poses fire risks, with NEA collaborating with Town Councils and grassroots groups for outreach
If behavior persists, NEA will deploy surveillance cameras and take enforcement action against littering
The Ministry encourages smokers to practice social graciousness and dispose of cigarette waste responsibly to maintain a clean and safe environment

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6 Feb 2017

Proposal for Child Sex Offenders Registry

Dr Lim Wee Kiak inquired about the number of reported child sex offences, measures to reduce them, and the possibility of a limited-access sex offender registry.
Minister K Shanmugam reported an average of 325 serious sexual crimes involving minors under 16 annually from 2012 to 2016, with a stable trend over the past five years.
The government's four-pronged approach includes strict penalties, firm enforcement, rehabilitation programmes, and proactive safeguards like educational talks and screenings for child-related jobs.
A non-public criminal record system already exists to screen individuals for sensitive roles involving children, with agencies like MOE and MSF collaborating with police to protect minors.
The minister opposed a public sex offender registry, citing concerns over stigmatisation and hindering rehabilitation, while emphasising existing safeguards to prevent offenders from working with children.

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6 Feb 2017

Prohibit Consumption of Alcohol in Areas Close to Residential Blocks

Darryl David proposed banning alcohol consumption in public areas close to residential blocks to prevent issues like public urination and rowdy behavior.
K Shanmugam stated that the Liquor Control Act already restricts alcohol consumption in public places, including HDB estates, from 10.30 pm to 7.00 am, and noted a decline in public order incidents since its implementation.
He argued that extending restricted hours in specific zones would be difficult to enforce and could confuse the public, so no further restrictions are necessary at this time.

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6 Feb 2017

Periodic Assessment for Service Personnel who Handle Weapons

Assoc Prof Randolph Tan inquired whether service personnel handling weapons and live ammunition undergo periodic reassessments of their emotional and psychological stability.
MINDEF/SAF affirmed that comprehensive pre-enlistment screenings and ongoing mental health checks are in place, with personnel deemed unsuitable for weapon handling reassigned to other duties.
The ministry highlighted measures such as a 24-hour counselling hotline, regular commander interviews, and specialist monitoring to support servicemen’s mental well-being while ensuring safety.

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6 Feb 2017

Ensuring Safety of Sigma Lifts Installed for HDB Flats

The Ministry of National Development and HDB have comprehensive measures including audits, stress-tests, and independent inspections to ensure lift safety in HDB blocks.
HDB restricted Sigma from new tendering since late-2015 due to delays and higher-than-usual faults in a 2013 batch, with the restriction continuing until performance improves.
Investigations found the lifts complied with standards but were prone to door and sensor misalignment; Sigma is carrying out rectification works and performance has improved.

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6 Feb 2017

Adequate Advance Notice for Families of Death Row Inmates before Executions

Kok Heng Leun requested that families of death row inmates be given at least three weeks' notice before executions to allow for grief and arrangements, and asked about support processes and the possibility of physical contact during final visits.
The Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs replied that families receive more frequent and extended visits after the execution date is set, with counsellors providing support, but physical contact is not allowed due to safety concerns.
Kok Heng Leun reiterated the need for a longer notice period, noting the current one-week timeline is stressful, and inquired if exceptions for physical contact could be made, citing a past case where it was permitted.
The Senior Minister of State stated that the timing of notice considers factors like travel for overseas families, and while physical contact is generally prohibited for security reasons, individual requests from families are assessed.
The debate concluded with Kok Heng Leun clarifying that families could apply for physical contact and underscoring the traumatic impact of the short notice period.

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6 Feb 2017

Review Maximum Penalty for Driving Against Traffic Flow

Seah Kian Peng asked the Minister for Home Affairs to review the maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment and a fine for causing death by a rash act due to driving against traffic flow.
The Ministry of Home Affairs is reviewing penalties under the Road Traffic Act to take a tougher stance against irresponsible motorists.
The review, announced on 1 December last year, includes assessing the adequacy of penalties for driving dangerously against traffic flow.
MHA will announce the findings once the review is completed.

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6 Feb 2017

Increasing Incidence of Drivers Going Against Traffic Flow

Joan Pereira asked the Ministry for Transport about statistics on drivers going against traffic flow, accidents caused by this issue, and how the Ministry assesses and decides on road sign improvements.
Tan Wu Meng inquired whether the Ministry engages behavioural and vision science experts in designing road signs and junctions to reduce such risks.
The Second Minister for Transport responded that three fatal accidents in the past three years resulted from drivers going against traffic flow, and the LTA uses international standards and expert reviews for road sign clarity, with regular safety audits.
Tan Wu Meng highlighted concerns from older residents about complex traffic junctions and suggested studying how drivers of different ages react to cluttered signs, to which the Minister replied that LTA reviews roads annually based on accidents and public feedback, offering offline discussions for specific areas.

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6 Feb 2017

Enforcement of Labour Court Orders on Errant Employers

The Ministry of Manpower reported that over 95% of salary-related claims and 99.9% of work injury cases are successfully resolved, with errant employers prosecuted and debarred from hiring foreign workers.
For unresolved cases, employers are often in financial difficulty, and workers are advised to approach MOM early; assistance is provided through legal aid, the Migrant Workers' Centre, and tripartite alliances.
The Ministry emphasises enforcement measures, including prosecuting non-compliant employers and applying debarment to culpable directors, while noting existing security bonds for foreign workers already provide some financial recourse.

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10 Jan 2017

Employment Eligibility in Police, Auxiliary Police and Private Security Industry

The Minister confirmed that the Government continues to restrict employment in the police force to Singaporeans and Permanent Residents, while the auxiliary police and private security sectors require a majority of Singaporeans and adhere to dependency ratio ceilings set by the Ministry of Manpower.
Due to growing demand and insufficient Singaporean recruits for auxiliary police officers, the Ministry of Home Affairs has approved Taiwan as an additional foreign source country, alongside the existing approval for Malaysia.
Taiwanese auxiliary police officers must meet the same training, education, and fitness standards as Singaporean and Malaysian officers, pass an English proficiency test, and be deployed based on risk assessment and operational needs.
The Ministry will review the performance of Taiwanese auxiliary police officers after deployment and has not specified a new quota or dependency ratio ceiling beyond the existing requirements.

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