Public safety & law — Topics

10 Jan 2017

Source of Distributed Denial of Service Attack on StarHub in October 2016

Leon Perera asked the Prime Minister about the identification, intended response, and future preventive measures regarding the October 2016 DDoS attack on StarHub.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong stated that joint investigations by IMDA and CSA are nearing completion and findings will be released soon.
He emphasized the importance of collective effort from the government, industry, and the public to build a resilient cyber environment.
IMDA enforces stringent standards on ISPs, companies must ensure robust systems, and users should practice good cyber hygiene.
The government and agencies aim to strengthen cyber resilience and minimize disruptions, though no foolproof solution exists.

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10 Jan 2017

Active Mobility Bill

The Active Mobility Bill establishes rules for using bicycles, PMDs, and PABs on public paths, setting speed limits (15km/h on footpaths, 25km/h on shared paths) and device standards, with penalties for violations, to balance safety and the promotion of car-lite mobility.
Debates highlighted concerns about pedestrian safety, with calls for mandatory insurance for PMD users, stricter enforcement, and age limits, but the Minister argued for focusing on education and cultural change over costly mandates, noting existing civil and criminal remedies.
Infrastructure and design improvements, such as wider paths, segregated lanes, and better signage, were emphasized by members, with the government committing to expand cycling networks and collaborate with town councils on maintenance and enforcement.

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10 Jan 2017

Mandatory Safety Barriers at Escalator Handrails

Louis Ng asked if the Ministry would mandate vertical barriers on escalator handrails and what other safety measures exist to protect people, especially children, from falling over handrails.
The Senior Minister of State for National Development stated that escalators comply with Singapore safety standards, including balustrade design, handrail height, and 1m barriers at landings, in line with international codes, and emphasized user responsibility and public awareness campaigns.
Louis Ng cited a specific incident of a grandmother dropping her grandchild over a handrail, asking for additional measures to prevent such accidents.
The Minister reiterated that existing safety standards and user behavior are key, and suggested lifts as an alternative when escalators pose perceived risks.

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10 Jan 2017

'Break the Silence' Campaign to Encourage Intervention in Family Violence Situations

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh asked the Minister for details on the "Break the Silence" campaign, the potential for a dedicated hotline, and urgent advice and coordination for victims and witnesses.
The Minister confirmed the three-year campaign launched in November to raise bystander awareness, highlighted online resources and community partnerships, and noted existing helplines and agency coordination through the National Family Violence Networking System.
Assoc Prof Goh raised concerns about risks to bystanders and victims' privacy, prompting the Minister to emphasize safe, non-confrontational intervention methods and encourage reporting to appropriate authorities.

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10 Jan 2017

Assessment by Traffic Police of Suitability to Drive for Drivers with Prescribed Diseases or Disabilities

Member of Parliament Murali Pillai asked whether drivers with prescribed diseases or disabilities should be required to self-report or have medical professionals report to Traffic Police for licence assessment.
Parliamentary Secretary Amrin Amin explained that current rules list specific disabilities, require medical checks for drivers over 65 and after accidents, and have led to 69 licence revocations in four years, but mandatory reporting is not yet implemented.
The ministry acknowledged the need to balance road safety with practical reporting requirements, noting it will study international practices before deciding on any changes.

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10 Jan 2017

Government's Response to State Coroner's Suggestions to Mitigate Psychological Effects for Young People under Police Investigation

The Ministry of Education, as part of a multi-agency committee, will implement enhanced support measures for young persons under police investigation, including school accompaniment and an Appropriate Adult Scheme, by February 2017.
A school personnel familiar to the young person, such as a teacher or year head, will accompany them to the police station and hand over to a neutral Appropriate Adult for emotional support during interviews.
The Minister clarified that the Appropriate Adult is preferred over a school counsellor for neutrality, and school staff will use judgement on their presence during the interview process.
Teachers and school counsellors have basic training in mental health awareness to monitor distress, with counsellors receiving more in-depth training.
The measures aim to provide holistic support through collaboration between schools, government agencies, parents, and the community to protect the well-being of young persons under investigation.

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9 Jan 2017

Convictions from Total Number of Crime Cases Reported from 2010-2015

Mr Low Thia Khiang asked for the number of convictions from total crime cases reported from 2010 to 2015, broken down by crime type.
Minister K Shanmugam said the conviction rate for persons charged in court was about 97% during that period, with data available online.
He explained that comparing total reports to convictions is not meaningful due to factors like multiple cases per offender, unmeritorious reports, and cases where prosecution is not pursued.
The Police do not track such comparisons as they are not considered useful for assessing crime trends or outcomes.

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9 Jan 2017

Labour Court Orders on Employee Salary Non-payment

About 6,000 salary non-payment or short-payment complaints were lodged by employees each year in 2015 and 2016, with the Ministry of Manpower taking enforcement actions against 200 companies that defaulted on Labour Court orders.
In each of these years, around 1,400 Labour Court orders were issued in favour of employees, and about 350 orders remained unpaid by the 14th day after issuance.
Approximately 25 employers were prosecuted each year for non-payment or short-payment of salary, facing a maximum fine of $15,000 and/or imprisonment of up to six months per charge.

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9 Jan 2017

Taxi Driver's Vocational Licence (TDVL) Re-application Criteria

Sitoh Yih Pin queried the conditions for re-applying for a Taxi Driver's Vocational Licence (TDVL) after revocation due to non-traffic criminal convictions.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that the Land Transport Authority assesses each case based on offence severity, aiming to protect passenger safety and public confidence.
He stated that extreme offences like rape, murder, or kidnapping result in a lifetime ban from re-applying, while less serious offences like housebreaking lead to a three- to five-year ban before re-application is considered.
Offences not posing physical safety risks, such as forgery, do not impose any debarment, allowing for a second chance under a calibrated approach.

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9 Jan 2017

Number of Officers Hired for Enforcement Action against Errant Cyclists or Users of Personal Mobility Devices

Lim Biow Chuan asked how many enforcement officers will be engaged to act against errant cyclists and personal mobility device users who breach speed rules on footpaths.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that currently 16 Active Mobility Enforcement Officers from LTA, supported by over 600 volunteers, are involved in such enforcement.
LTA is considering using additional methods, such as closed-circuit television cameras, to deter offenders.

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9 Jan 2017

Measures to Ensure Safe Evacuation of Persons Using Mobility Aids during Train Breakdowns

Leon Perera inquired about safety measures for evacuating persons using mobility aids like wheelchairs during train breakdowns, especially when evacuating via rail tracks.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that during detrainments, staff assist commuters with special mobility needs, and SCDF personnel use stretchers to evacuate wheelchair users due to narrow maintenance walkways.
He added that regular detrainment exercises involving wheelchair users are conducted with the Land Transport Authority and SCDF, with the most recent exercise held in December 2016.

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9 Jan 2017

Setting Minimum Age Limit for Drivers of Private Hire Vehicles

Mr Zainal Sapari proposed a minimum age of 27 for private hire vehicle drivers based on accident-risk assessment.
Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan opposed age-based limits, arguing that driving experience is more critical for safety.
The Ministry supports a two-year minimum driving experience requirement instead of an age restriction.
Khaw emphasized that experience, not age, better ensures passenger safety, noting that older new drivers may be less confident than younger experienced ones.
The debate centered on whether age or experience should be the primary criterion for regulating private hire drivers.

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9 Jan 2017

Evidence that Section 309 of Penal Code Deters Attempted Suicides

Leon Perera questioned the evidence that Section 309 of the Penal Code deters attempted suicides and asked what efforts the Government will make to ensure the law does not deter those with suicidal thoughts from seeking help.
Minister K Shanmugam stated that the law was enacted to make it clear society disapproves of suicide, noting Singapore’s suicide rate is lower than many developed countries based on WHO statistics.
He explained that prosecutions under the law are rare and police are trained to respond with sensitivity and compassion, prioritizing the safety of the individual.
The Government adopts a multi-pronged approach involving agencies and social organizations to prevent suicide through upstream prevention, reducing stigma, and providing crisis support.
Initiatives include programmes by VWOs like Samaritans of Singapore and Silver Ribbon, as well as public education by the Institute of Mental Health to encourage help-seeking and early treatment.

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9 Jan 2017

Action against Illegal Gambling Dens

The Minister for Home Affairs reported a significant decline in serious crimes and public order cases in Geylang over the past three years, with coordinated inter-agency efforts being used to tackle illegal activities such as gambling dens, medicine peddling, illegal advertising, and cigarette sales.
Enforcement strategies include an inter-agency operations centre for information-sharing, increased deployment of police cameras and improved lighting, and the creation of multi-skilled enforcement teams to optimize resources and conduct high-visibility patrols.
Specific measures for illegal advertising involve the Land Transport Authority applying anti-stick paint on public properties and installing advertisement boards to discourage unauthorized pasting.

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9 Jan 2017

Radicalisation of Foreign Domestic Workers

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef requested an update on the radicalisation of foreign domestic workers in Singapore and the Ministry’s approach and future interventions.
Minister K Shanmugam reported that seven foreign domestic workers were radicalised via the Internet in the past two years, had no violent plans in Singapore, and were repatriated after posing a security concern.
Security agencies will continue monitoring and investigating both foreign and local individuals suspected of radicalisation, and share intelligence internationally to counter transnational threats.
The public is urged to alert authorities promptly if they notice signs of radicalisation to help protect Singapore against terrorism.

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9 Jan 2017

Civil Claims for Negligence Arising from Safety Breaches during SAF Training

Non-Constituency MP Dennis Tan proposed amending the Government Proceedings Act to allow civil claims for negligence during SAF training when safety protocols are conspicuously violated, arguing this would enhance accountability and public confidence.
The Minister for Defence opposed the change, citing the importance of Section 14 in protecting military training efficiency and decisiveness, and highlighting that current systems already provide compensation and criminal accountability for breaches.
The Minister noted that removing similar protections in the UK led to reputational risks and hindered operational effectiveness, and emphasized that Singapore’s system balances high safety standards with realistic training needs.

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10 Nov 2016

National Registration (Amendment) Bill

The National Registration (Amendment) Bill aims to strengthen the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority's (ICA) operational effectiveness by introducing iris scan collection for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, enhancing identity verification and border security.
The Bill grants ICA powers to refuse registration of inappropriate or misleading names, such as those exceeding 66 characters or containing offensive or unauthorised titles, while allowing discretionary refusal for obscene or contrary-to-public-interest names.
The amendments enable the appointment of non-ICA employees as registration officers for specific, limited functions like iris enrolment, with safeguards to ensure data security and restrict access to personal records.
ICA officers are empowered with new investigation and enforcement powers, including seizing suspicious documents and demanding surrender of identity cards, to improve administration of national registration matters.
Measures for data protection and public education on iris scan collection are emphasised, with assurances that biometric data will be securely stored and encrypted, and that iris scans will complement existing identifiers without replacing them.

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10 Nov 2016

Fire Safety (Amendment) Bill

The Fire Safety (Amendment) Bill aims to clarify the licensing of pipeline owners, particularly where multiple pipelines run together in a corridor, by designating one party responsible for all pipelines in that corridor to improve safety and emergency response.
The amendment redefines "pipeline owner" to include the owner or lessee of pipeline corridors (piperacks/pipetracks), ensuring single-point accountability, while existing underground pipelines without such infrastructure will follow the original licensing criteria.
During the debate, Member Louis Ng supported the Bill but raised questions about the transition process, the definition of a "pipeline corridor," and potential commercial implications, to which the Minister responded that changes are largely administrative and consistent with existing practices.

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9 Nov 2016

Measures to Prevent Lingering in Changi Airport's Departure Lounge

The Ministry explained that an overstayer stayed in Changi Airport's transit areas for 18 days using a Priority Pass and forged boarding passes after missing his flight, and was eventually arrested due to staff vigilance.
Security agencies conduct daily patrols and, on average, escort about eight passengers out of the transit areas for lacking valid reasons to remain.
The Airport Police are working with transit lounge operators and airlines to improve screening processes and reporting of suspicious behavior or missed flights.
The Ministry noted that over 160,000 passengers pass through the transit areas daily, with regular checks to identify and remove individuals without valid reasons to stay.
A case where a man overstayed in 2016 was resolved through staff alertness, leading to his arrest and imprisonment, with the involved staff recognized for their public-spiritedness.

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9 Nov 2016

Police Post at Institute of Mental Health to Protect Staff

K Thanaletchimi requested a police post at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) to protect staff from threats and abuse by patients, citing the inconvenience of reporting incidents at distant police stations.
The Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs, Mr Desmond Lee, responded that IMH already has 24/7 Auxiliary Police Officers, panic alarms, and protocols for handling incidents, with police taking action against abusive individuals based on past cases.
Ms Thanaletchimi clarified that staff face difficulties reporting due to the far police post and reiterated the need for an on-site post to safeguard healthcare workers, as advocated by union members.
Mr Lee explained that past hospital police posts were phased out in 2011 for resource rationalization and that reports can now be made at Neighbourhood Police Posts or Centres, while noting efforts to improve efficiency.
The exchange concluded with Ms Thanaletchimi urging serious consideration of her request for a police post specifically at IMH due to high abuse incidences.

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