Public safety & law — Topics

10 Oct 2016

Bogus Jobs for Work Pass Applications

The Minister for Manpower outlined that employers who bring in foreign workers without genuine employment intentions or hire workers released for self-employment are illegal, and MOM addresses both supply and demand sides with proactive checks, enforcement operations, and employer education.
Enhanced penalties under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act include imprisonment, fines, and caning for severe cases, with examples like a 40-month jail sentence for setting up shell companies to obtain work passes illegally.
MOM continues a holistic approach to deter and prosecute syndicates and unscrupulous employers, including debarment from hiring foreign workers and severe enforcement actions.

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10 Oct 2016

Regulation of Online Providers of Legal Aid

Patrick Tay asked how online legal aid providers are monitored and regulated to ensure they are qualified and comply with legal standards.
K Shanmugam explained that all legal services in Singapore, online or offline, must follow the Legal Profession Act, with unauthorized practice being a prosecutable offense.
The Ministry does not proactively monitor every online provider due to practicality, but the public can check licensed practices via the Legal Services Regulatory Authority’s portal and file complaints with the police if breaches are suspected.

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10 Oct 2016

Security Lapse in Case where NSman took Individual Physical Proficiency Test on Behalf of Another

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah questioned how an NSman gained entry to take the IPPT for another and whether a security review was conducted after the incident.
MINDEF stated that cheating violates SAF values and leads to punishment, noting that the impersonator used the other NSman’s identity card, with facial checks at entry points being subject to human error.
The SAF acknowledged the lapse and has increased verification measures at camp gates and IPPT stations.
To reduce human error, biometric fingerprinting is being rolled out and will be mandatory for all personnel entering SAF camps by 2018.
The incident underscores both the need for individual integrity and collective responsibility in maintaining fitness and security standards.

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10 Oct 2016

CPR Training for All National Servicemen

Miss Cheng Li Hui asked whether the SAF would train all national servicemen in CPR and AED techniques, highlighting their importance for first-aid in terror attacks.
The Minister for Defence confirmed that all recruits are trained in basic first aid, including CPR and AED, during Basic Military Training since September 2010.
SAF instructors, medical vocations, and operationally-ready NSmen in medical roles undergo regular CPR and AED training, which is accredited by the National Resuscitation Council.

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10 Oct 2016

Fire Safety (Amendment) Bill

The Fire Safety (Amendment) Bill was introduced to update the Fire Safety Act, presented by Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Mr Desmond Lee, and passed its First Reading with the Second Reading scheduled for a future sitting.
The amendment aims to enhance fire safety regulations and standards, though specific details of the changes were not elaborated in the provided debate excerpts.
The bill's progression through Parliament follows standard legislative procedures, with the First Reading completed and preparation for printing and the next reading stage.

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10 Oct 2016

Enforcement against Errant Users of Personal Mobility Devices

Parliament members expressed concerns about the safety risks posed by personal mobility devices, requesting details on enforcement, accident statistics, and measures such as insurance and speed limiters.
The Senior Minister of State for Transport outlined new regulations, including device restrictions, speed limits, increased enforcement, and education campaigns, while noting that registration and compulsory insurance were deemed too onerous.
The government emphasized building a culture of responsible sharing of public paths and highlighted that pedestrians can seek compensation through civil lawsuits or settlements in accident cases.

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10 Oct 2016

Considerations for Granting Online Gambling Operator Licence

The government maintains a strict prohibition on remote gambling under the Remote Gambling Act but allows a tightly controlled exempt operator regime to divert demand from illegal syndicates, applying safeguards similar to those in terrestrial gambling.
Enforcement measures, including website and payment blocking, have been implemented, with arrests made and illegal operations targeted, though complete bans are acknowledged as unfeasible due to high internet penetration and technological circumvention like VPNs.
The exempt operators must be not-for-profit, offer only existing terrestrial betting products (excluding casino-style games and poker), and implement social safeguards such as exclusion lists and two-factor authentication to protect vulnerable groups.
The government stresses that this approach complements public education and law enforcement, rejects a total ban as unrealistic, and plans to monitor gambling data through the regulated regime to refine policies and interventions.

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13 Sep 2016

Drug Traffickers Arrested in Singapore through Certificate of Cooperation Framework

Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Home Affairs for the number of drug traffickers arrested in Singapore due to investigative leads from the Certificate of Cooperation framework established by 2012 amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Act.
K Shanmugam responded that, since the 2012 amendments, information from drug couriers has led to the arrest of more than 80 drug traffickers.

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13 Sep 2016

Drug Traffickers Arrested in Singapore from 2009 to 2015

Christopher de Souza asked for the annual number of drug traffickers arrested from 2009 to 2015.
The Minister declined to release specific figures due to operational security reasons.
Arrest numbers dipped in 2010 and 2011, then rose from 2011 but remained below the 2009 level.
The increase after 2011 was attributed to regional drug trends, local demand for methamphetamine and cannabis, and enhanced enforcement by the Central Narcotics Bureau.

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13 Sep 2016

Police Operationally-Ready NSmen Called up for Active Operational Deployment

The percentage of Police Operationally-Ready NSmen recalled for active deployment has steadily increased over the last three years, reaching 81.4% in 2015, with non-recall due to medical, family, or work commitments.
The Police has implemented an NS Transformation Plan to re-design roles and enhance capabilities, focusing on areas like Community Engagement, Protective Security Command, Police Land Divisions, and Special Operations Command.
NSmen are being proactively re-deployed to frontline community policing roles, trained in emergency preparedness and crime prevention, with roles designed to ensure continuity when they return as NSmen.
New units like the Protective Security Command and Division Special Task Force have been established to protect key installations and enhance police presence, with future plans for Public Order Troops in SOC.
The Police aims to implement the transformation plan effectively, offering NSmen more meaningful roles, training, and advanced operational opportunities.

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13 Sep 2016

Safe Sharing of Footpaths by Pedestrians and Cyclists

Foo Mee Har questioned how pedestrians can be assured of safety while sharing footpaths with cyclists and how the Government will ensure cyclists follow a code of conduct for shared use.
Khaw Boon Wan announced new rules including a 15 km/h speed limit for bicycles on footpaths, a ban on electric bicycles, and a code requiring cyclists to give way to pedestrians and slow down in crowded areas.
The Government will enforce these rules through Active Mobility Enforcement officers and volunteer patrols, while promoting education and a culture of gracious sharing through campaigns like the Safe Riders Campaign.

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13 Sep 2016

Locations Where Cycling is Restricted or Prohibited

Cycling is banned on expressways and specific roads like the Fort Canning Road tunnel, with 29 summonses issued for violations between June 2015 and June this year.
Authorities including the Land Transport Authority, Traffic Police, and Town Councils educate cyclists through workshops, safety ambassador training, and briefings for foreign workers and students.
A Safe Cycling Programme will launch by year-end to further educate the public on safe practices, proper infrastructure use, and new rules for cyclists.

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13 Sep 2016

Safety Interlock Systems and Height Warning Devices for Crane Booms

Murali Pillai proposed requiring safety interlock systems and height warning devices for crane booms on lorries to alert drivers or prevent movement until fully retracted.
Khaw Boon Wan confirmed plans to mandate audio warning systems for lorries with cranes to alert drivers if booms are not retracted before moving.
The Ministry is studying the feasibility of safety interlock systems to immobilize lorries with non-retracted crane booms.
The Land Transport Authority is consulting vehicle owners and industry stakeholders on these proposed measures.
Details will be announced prior to implementation.

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13 Sep 2016

Security Measures for Primary and Secondary Schools in Light of Growing Terror Threat

The Ministry of Education employs a three-pronged security approach that includes physical measures like fencing, CCTV, and gate barriers, procedural controls, and community partnerships with the Neighbourhood Police.
Students and staff are trained through regular emergency drills involving the Police and SCDF, with all schools having a structured emergency response plan in place since the 1990s.
Security measures are calibrated to national threat assessments from the Ministry of Home Affairs, and MOE routinely reviews and updates these measures to ensure effectiveness.

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13 Sep 2016

Fostering Community Unity with SGSecure

SGSecure is a call to action for Singaporeans to unite and prepare for terrorist threats, building on the Community Engagement Programme since 2006 to strengthen communal harmony and resilience.
It focuses on fostering unity after attacks, drawing lessons from incidents like the London 7/7 bombings to prevent distrust and ensure communities support each other regardless of race or religion.
The initiative's pillars, "Stay United" and "Stay Strong," aim to help communities pull together, bounce back quickly, and show they will not be cowed by attacks.
SGSecure will be launched by the Prime Minister on 24 September, with programmes rolled out across schools, workplaces, National Service, and community groups.

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13 Sep 2016

Countries with Extradition Treaties with Singapore

Singapore currently has bilateral extradition treaties with the United States, Hong Kong, and Germany, along with arrangements with 40 Commonwealth countries and special agreements with Malaysia, Brunei, and a pending treaty with Indonesia.
An extradition treaty with another country, such as Thailand, requires mutual agreement, a reciprocal arrangement for law and order, and compatibility between both countries’ legal systems and procedures.
The government is aware of concerns about crimes committed by foreigners who flee to neighbouring countries and is exploring a model ASEAN Extradition Treaty to facilitate future bilateral agreements among ASEAN members.

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16 Aug 2016

HDB Blocks without Fire Engine Access Roads

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for National Development about the number of HDB blocks without fire engine access roads, how older blocks are ensured to have such access or alternatives, the existence of maintenance guidelines, and how regular maintenance is guaranteed.
Lawrence Wong responded that all HDB blocks now have either a fire engine access road or access to a fire rising mains breeching inlet, as fire safety provisions have been enhanced over the years.
He noted that Town Councils are responsible for maintaining these access roads as part of common property, in accordance with the Fire Code.

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16 Aug 2016

Security Clearance for Those Applying for Jobs at Government Agencies

Leon Perera asked the Minister for Home Affairs about the contexts in which government agencies share job applicants' data with the Internal Security Department for security clearance and the safeguards for information accuracy.
Minister K Shanmugam responded that security checks for government jobs are common internationally and depend on factors like job classification, nature of work, and confidentiality, without providing specific details due to operational confidentiality.
The Minister stated that information for security checks is assessed for reliability and accuracy against other relevant data, with guidance from supervisors, but declined to elaborate further to protect confidential procedures.

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16 Aug 2016

Traffic and Pedestrian Accidents Related to Mobile Phone Usage

Zainal Sapari inquired about the number of road accidents linked to mobile phone use by pedestrians over the last three years, educational efforts to highlight the dangers, and the possibility of banning device use while walking or crossing roads.
K Shanmugam responded that while pedestrian accidents have been stable at around 952 annually, there is no specific data on those involving mobile phones; he deemed a ban impractical and emphasized instilling good road safety habits through outreach and education.
The Traffic Police conducts programs like the "Use Your RoadSense" movement to promote awareness, focusing on keeping pedestrians alert and reducing distractions on roads.

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16 Aug 2016

Enhancing Competency of Home Team to Tackle Online Crime

Desmond Choo questioned the Ministry for Home Affairs on how it is training Home Team officers to tackle online crimes and whether it is collaborating with the private sector to enhance detection and forensics capabilities.
K Shanmugam stated that the Singapore Police Force provides specialised training, including hands-on instruction for new officers and additional forensic training for Investigation Officers, along with the establishment of a Cybercrime Command and Cybercrime Response Teams.
The Police are engaging financial institutions and online platforms to detect and prevent scams, while also partnering with international and local organizations to strengthen cyber-forensic capabilities.

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