Public safety & law — Topics

7 Nov 2016

Police Action in Hostage Case Involving Two-year-old Child in Sembawang

Dr Lim Wee Kiak questioned why the Police did not storm the flat earlier to rescue the two-year-old and what factors influenced their decision during the 17-hour hostage standoff in Sembawang.
Minister K Shanmugam explained that the Police prioritize the safety of the hostage, public, and officers, aiming for a peaceful resolution without harm, which may involve prolonged standoffs.
The Police did not storm earlier as they assessed the hostage-taker posed no immediate danger to the child if not provoked, opting instead for negotiation by the Crisis Negotiation Unit.
When negotiations failed, the Police timed their intervention carefully to break in without risking the child, ultimately rescuing the child unharmed and apprehending the hostage-taker without injuries.
The response emphasized that operational details cannot be disclosed, but the approach balances risk and safety in hostage situations.

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7 Nov 2016

Unsolved Hit-and-Run Traffic Accidents

Ms Joan Pereira asked for the number of unsolved hit-and-run cases, details on information networks involving workshops and immigration officers, and other measures to apprehend fleeing drivers.
Minister K Shanmugam stated that since 2015, there have been 233 hit-and-run accidents with injuries and seven fatal ones, with about one-third of injury cases and all but one fatal case solved.
The Traffic Police use forensic evidence, camera footage, witness appeals, and collaborate with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, insurance bodies, and motor workshops to locate offenders.
Penalties for hit-and-run offenders include fines up to $3,000, imprisonment up to one year, and a driving disqualification of at least one year, in addition to charges under the Penal Code if death or hurt occurs.

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7 Nov 2016

Trends and Penalties for Jaywalking

The Minister reported that fatal and injury accidents involving jaywalkers have decreased from 2011 to 2015, but jaywalking remains a concern.
The Traffic Police issue about 7,400 warnings or summonses for jaywalking annually and run educational campaigns targeting vulnerable groups like the young and elderly.
The Government plans to launch more safety initiatives, including a new campaign for the elderly and the expansion of the Green Man Plus Scheme to assist seniors in crossing roads safely.

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7 Nov 2016

Criminalisation of Suicides

The Senior Minister of State explained that suicide remains a criminal offence in Singapore to signal societal opposition, though prosecutions are rare and police respond with sensitivity, prioritising safety, using handcuffs only when necessary, and providing referrals to support services.
The government is open to reviewing the policy but must consider not inadvertently sending a signal that suicide is acceptable while ensuring emergency services retain the power to intervene and provide support.
Police officers receive basic training to handle suicide attempts sensitively, and a multi-pronged, whole-of-government approach involving various ministries and community partners focuses on prevention, mental health education, and early intervention.

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7 Nov 2016

Cash-for-credit Scams Related to SkillsFuture

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh asked the Minister for Education about the number of training organisations investigated and prosecuted for SkillsFuture scams, the amount of credits lost, and whether these have been recovered and returned to affected Singaporeans.
The Parliamentary Secretary confirmed that SkillsFuture Singapore is auditing and investigating nine suspected cases of misuse, has suspended the organisations involved, and is withholding their claims while committing to recover funds and reinstate credits if fraud is established.
The Parliamentary Secretary assured that SSG enforces strict measures, including criminal penalties, delisting of fraudulent organisations, and public advisories, while also strengthening criteria and enforcement based on ongoing investigations.
Assoc Prof Daniel Goh inquired about the audit checks during the approval process for courses and online applications, particularly for senior citizens, to prevent scams.
The Parliamentary Secretary reiterated that SSG has a rigorous monitoring system, takes immediate action against suspicious organisations, and is enhancing its processes to protect the public, especially vulnerable groups like the elderly.

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10 Oct 2016

Special Dependant Pass for Foreign Women with Singapore Citizen Spouses or Children

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh proposed a special dependant pass for foreign mothers of Singapore citizen children or pregnant women expecting such children, to exempt them from ICA interviews at checkpoints.
Minister K Shanmugam rejected the proposal, stressing that security screening at borders must apply to all, including foreign spouses, to avoid creating exploitable gaps for security threats.
He noted that ICA already provides facilitation for travellers with special needs, such as pregnant women or the elderly, but without compromising security protocols.

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10 Oct 2016

Pilot Programme to Video Record Statements from Suspects

The inter-agency workgroup on Video Recording of Interviews (VRI) has completed consultations with the legal community and judiciary.
The planned pilot for video recording suspect statements, initially set for Q1 2016, has been delayed to first establish necessary legislative amendments.
The government will announce details on the legislative framework and pilot programme in due course.

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10 Oct 2016

Arrests Made for Attempted Suicides

Louis Ng Kok Kwang questioned the number of arrests for attempted suicides last year, whether police follow a specific protocol for such cases, and if arrest-free suicide prevention practices could be considered.
K Shanmugam explained that attempting suicide is a criminal offence but prosecutions are rare, and police respond with sensitivity, prioritizing safety and assessing risks of harm.
In 2015, 837 out of 1,096 attempted suicide cases led to custody, but only two were prosecuted, with arrests primarily to prevent self or others' harm.
Police recommend follow-up actions like counseling with Samaritans of Singapore, engaging family support, or referring to IMH for mental health assessments and treatment.
The government emphasizes compassionate response and support over punitive measures, though arrests remain a legal tool for safety in high-risk situations.

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10 Oct 2016

Review of Quantum of Penalties and Compensation for Workplace Incidents

Christopher de Souza questioned if penalties for workplace safety and compensation for work injuries should be reviewed to enhance safety.
The Ministry of Manpower stated that maximum penalties under the Workplace Safety and Health Act were raised in 2006 and courts have imposed increasing fines, with the highest at $220,000, so no further increase is needed now.
Compensation limits under the Work Injury Compensation Act were reviewed in 2015 and increased by 20-30% from 2016 to align with rising incomes and healthcare costs.

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10 Oct 2016

Accidents Involving Unmanned Aircraft

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Pei Siong asked about the number of accidents involving small unmanned aircraft, whether they can fly near residential areas, and if special flying parks could be created.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that operations near residential estates are allowed under certain conditions and that permits are required for specific scenarios, including flights near aerodromes, above 200 ft, or for aircraft over 7 kg.
He noted that in the past year, only one accident was reported—a remote control aeroplane damaging a roof in Bishan, with the operator untraceable.
The government prefers promoting shared use of open areas for recreation over designating special flying parks, with popular spots being Marina Barrage and Old Holland Road.
CAAS and other agencies will continue monitoring unmanned aircraft activities and adjust regulations as needed.

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10 Oct 2016

Scanning Commuters and Their Belongings Before Entering MRT Stations

Ms Joan Pereira asked if the Ministry will consider scanning commuters and belongings before entering MRT stations, similar to practices in other major cities.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that a multi-agency Public Transport Security Committee reviews threats and adjusts security measures using a risk-based approach.
He stated that current measures include Transit Security Officers, police patrols, CCTV, and commuter vigilance, with checks on selected commuters.
The government calibrates security based on the threat level and will impose broader checks if the situation warrants.

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10 Oct 2016

Publication of Full Report of 22 March Fatal Train Incident

The Member asked the Minister for Transport whether the full accident report would be published and if the train driver was found at fault.
The Minister explained that the report's release is SMRT's prerogative since SMRT convened the panel.
The Minister stated that LTA and MOM findings will be made public only after all investigations, including any coroner's inquiry, are completed to avoid prejudice.

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10 Oct 2016

Penalty for Dislodged Air-conditioning Units

In the past five years, three cases were recorded where air-conditioning units fell off flats, with homeowners issued composition fines under the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act for improper maintenance.
The Building and Construction Authority can issue notices for improvement works and take enforcement actions, while new buildings are required to have safe designs like concrete ledges or steel casings for air-conditioning units.
Installation of external air-conditioning units must be done by trained installers to comply with safety regulations, and the government has partnered with Town Councils to educate residents on maintenance responsibilities.
The government emphasises that homeowners should check their units every six months for loose or corroded parts, acknowledging that while incidents are rare, continued vigilance is essential for public safety.

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10 Oct 2016

Insurance Coverage for Private Hire Vehicles and Drivers

Zaqy Mohamad inquired about insurance measures for private hire car drivers, including Uber drivers, to ensure coverage for injuries and damage to passengers, road users, and private property.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that all motor vehicles, including private hire cars, must be insured against third-party liability risks under the Motor Vehicles Act, covering death or bodily injury to passengers and other road users.
Private hire cars are additionally required to have insurance that covers their use for hire and reward, providing more than basic third-party liability coverage.
It is an offence to use a vehicle without appropriate insurance, with penalties including fines up to $1,000, imprisonment up to three months, or both, and a 12-month licence disqualification.

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10 Oct 2016

Rationale for Staff Disciplinary Actions before Conclusion of Coroner's Inquiry for 22 March Fatal Train Incident

Yee Chia Hsing questioned the timing of SMRT's disciplinary actions against staff before the conclusion of investigations and the coroner's inquiry into the 22 March 2016 fatal train incident.
Khaw Boon Wan acknowledged SMRT's prerogative to act per its procedures but suggested waiting for ongoing investigations by LTA, MOM, and Police to conclude could have been preferable.
Khaw noted that NTWU had appealed on behalf of the staff and SMRT had convened an Appeal Panel to review the case fairly, considering all relevant factors.

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10 Oct 2016

Foreigners Caught Working Illegally in Singapore

Between 2014 and August 2016, around 3,000 foreigners were caught working illegally in Singapore, with numbers declining from about 1,300 in 2014 to 550 in the first eight months of 2016.
The top three nationalities of illegal workers are China, Bangladesh, and India, while the main sectors are construction, food and beverage, and other services, with common occupations including construction workers, cleaners, and stall assistants.
The Ministry of Manpower employs a multi-pronged strategy involving public education, proactive inspections and response to tip-offs, and enhanced penalties such as minimum fines and imprisonment for employers hiring illegal workers.
Foreigners found working illegally are barred from future employment in Singapore, and the overall strategy has contributed to the steady decline in illegal work cases.
All foreigners working in Singapore must hold a valid work pass, and non-compliance breaches the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act.

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10 Oct 2016

Abuse Cases Involving Foreign Domestic Helpers Abuse

Kok Heng Leun requested statistics from the Minister for Manpower on the number of abused and abusive foreign domestic helpers from 2014 to 2015, and how many had insufficient monthly days off.
The Ministry of Manpower reported that police investigated about 30 cases annually where FDWs were victims and about 40 cases where FDWs were suspected of abusing those in their care, with some resulting in prosecution or warnings.
The Ministry does not track rest days given to FDWs who are offenders, but employers are required to provide weekly rest days or compensation under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Regulations.
FDWs facing difficulties can seek help through the MOM helpline and NGOs like the Centre for Domestic Employees.

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10 Oct 2016

Fall-proof Covered Gratings along Pedestrian Walkways

Joan Pereira asked the Ministry for Transport to consider replacing covered metal gratings with smoother, higher-friction surfaces to reduce slips and falls, especially among the elderly.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that the Land Transport Authority has been applying anti-slip coatings on gratings at locations frequented by the elderly and youth, such as hospitals and schools, and on steep footpaths.
He added that the LTA will progressively expand the use of anti-slip coatings to more locations.

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10 Oct 2016

Progress of Implementation of Silver Zones

As of end-August 2016, eight Silver Zones have been completed out of 50 planned by 2023, with the next one in Hougang to be finished by the end of the month.
The Ministry of Transport seeks community support through flyers, notices, site walks with grassroots leaders, and continuous feedback collection, which has resulted in strong backing even from motorists.
The implementation has significantly reduced traffic incidents involving children and the elderly, with only one such accident reported in the eight completed zones since their introduction, compared to 48 accidents in the five years prior.

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10 Oct 2016

Sensors in Buses to Prevent Elderly from Falling

Joan Pereira proposed requiring all buses to be fitted with intelligent sensors to help drivers align buses properly with kerbs and prevent elderly passengers from falling while alighting.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that bus captains are already trained to stop within half a metre of the kerb and ensure safe alighting before moving off.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is currently studying the feasibility of using sensors to detect kerbs and objects around the bus to assist drivers.

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