Public safety & law — Topics

11 Jul 2016

Promoting Safer Workplace Culture given Spate of Worker Deaths

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef raised concerns about the root causes of recent workplace deaths and injuries, and asked about planned interventions.
Lim Swee Say highlighted a deteriorating workplace safety situation, with a rise in fatalities, especially in construction, due to inadequate risk assessments, poor planning, and low safety awareness.
The Ministry of Manpower outlined a four-pronged strategy focusing on awareness, capability building, stricter enforcement, and harsher penalties, including expanded stop-work orders and targeted inspections.
Additional measures include assistance programmes like SCAV+, industry-wide safety reviews, and new regulations requiring designers and developers to ensure safety during construction.
Emphasis was placed on collective responsibility, with the government, industry, and workers needing to proactively foster a safer workplace culture.

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11 Jul 2016

Cases Filed since Enactment of Protection from Harassment Act

Since the Protection from Harassment Act took effect in November 2014, 203 applications for Protection Orders were filed by the end of April 2016, with no specific breakdown by type of harassment available.
Of these cases, 32 were referred for mediation, 63 Protection Orders and 55 Expedited Protection Orders were granted, and 73 applications were withdrawn, indicating a significant number of amicable resolutions.
The Minister noted that while the Act covers various forms of harassment, including workplace and sexual harassment, the State Courts do not separately track the number of cases for each specific category.

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11 Jul 2016

Recent Spate of Residential Fires

In the first four months of 2016, there were 955 residential fires, which is about 6% and 10% lower than the same periods in 2015 and 2014 respectively.
The main causes of recent residential fires are the indiscriminate disposal of lighted materials (about 50%) and unattended cooking (about 20%), with most fires being small-scale and resulting in no casualties.
The SCDF promotes fire safety awareness through community programs, emergency preparedness events, fire drills, and advisories distributed to homes and grassroots organizations.
The SCDF does not track the percentage of homes with fire extinguishers, as sales are handled by private vendors, but it encourages all households to own one through its community initiatives and advisories.

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11 Jul 2016

Administration of Justice (Protection) Bill

The Administration of Justice (Protection) Bill aims to consolidate and clarify the law on contempt of Court to protect the administration of justice.
It defines the powers of certain Courts in punishing contempt and regulates their procedure for handling such cases.
The bill also makes consequential amendments to other Acts and was presented by Senior Minister of State for Law Ms Indranee Rajah.
It received its First Reading in Parliament and is scheduled for a Second Reading at the next available sitting.

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11 Jul 2016

Cybersecurity Measures to Ensure Banking System Integrity

The Minister stated that MAS and financial institutions in Singapore have robust cybersecurity measures in place, including regular security reviews, threat detection, and recovery capabilities, to protect the banking system's integrity.
MAS supervises financial institutions through onsite and offsite assessments, issues advisories on cyber threats, and collaborates with industry groups like the Association of Banks in Singapore to enhance sector-wide cyber resilience.
Plans are underway to develop a local cybersecurity talent pool, coordinated by the Ministry of Communications and Information and the Cyber Security Agency, to address growing threats across all sectors.
MAS conducts regular audits and penetration tests on specific systems like FAST to ensure they are resilient against cyberattacks, similar to the SWIFT network targeted in the Bangladesh Bank incident.

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11 Jul 2016

Measures to Enhance Anti-money Laundering Compliance

The Singapore government has enhanced its anti-money laundering regime through stricter regulations, rigorous supervision, effective enforcement, and cross-border cooperation, including criminalising the laundering of serious tax offences and strengthening MAS oversight.
MAS took firm action against BSI Bank for anti-money laundering breaches, withdrawing its merchant banking licence and referring senior staff for prosecution, while organisational changes are being made to improve supervisory focus.
Financial institutions face higher compliance costs due to international standards, but these costs are applied uniformly across global institutions to maintain competitiveness in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing.

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11 Jul 2016

Rationale for Delinking Civil Servants' Computers with Government Email Capabilities from Internet

The government decided to delink civil servants' computers with email capabilities from the internet due to a significant and escalating cybersecurity threat, including targeted attacks, to better protect sensitive data and citizen information.
Alternative solutions were considered over several years, but internet separation was chosen as the most effective measure, allowing civil servants to access the internet via separate devices without affecting public services or the Smart Nation vision.
The implementation will be phased over a year, with agencies assessing their specific needs, and the government will monitor productivity impacts while providing support and workshops to ensure a smooth transition.

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9 May 2016

Programme on Human Anatomy and Respect for Members of the Opposite Sex for Kindergartens

Dr. Lim Wee Kiak asked if the Ministry will mandate kindergarten programmes to teach children about private body parts, inappropriate touching, and how to report such incidents.
Acting Minister Ng Chee Meng responded that some preschools already integrate body-safety lessons and the Early Childhood Development Agency is exploring further age-appropriate support.
The Ministry of Social and Family Development and ECDA have systems to guide teachers on child safety concerns and abuse reporting.
The Ministry of Education’s Nurturing Early Learners Framework includes guidelines for developing self-concept, values, and teaching children to seek help when unsafe.

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9 May 2016

Fire Safety Provisions for Coffeeshops Located in HDB Blocks

In the last three years, 33 fires occurred in coffee shops in HDB blocks with residential units above, with no spread to the residential units.
The Fire Code requires fire safety measures such as ventilation openings, fire-resistant kitchen walls, or fire-extinguishing systems to mitigate fire risks.
The SCDF and HDB work together to ensure compliance, and the SCDF takes a risk-based approach, assessing the benefit of additional measures like automatic sprinkler systems.

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9 May 2016

Review of L-drivers' Syllabus at Driving Centres and Schools

Dr Lim Wee Kiak inquired about the frequency of syllabus reviews for learner drivers and how driving instructors are regulated to stay current with traffic conditions.
K Shanmugam responded that the syllabus is regularly updated to reflect current traffic rules and safety conditions, with recent additions like slope driving and emergency braking exercises.
Driving instructors are licensed by Traffic Police and must undergo annual evaluations to ensure they remain up-to-date.
Learner drivers must complete the syllabus and pass tests before licensing, with ongoing efforts to educate and enforce road safety.
Traffic Police emphasized that core driving skills taught in the syllabus address issues like vehicle control and awareness, which are linked to recent pile-ups.

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9 May 2016

Profile of Active Female Taxi Drivers

Ang Hin Kee asked about the percentage of female taxi drivers, their demographics, work challenges, and any specific support measures.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that 2.5% of active taxi drivers are female, with an age profile provided, and noted their primary concern is personal safety.
Taxi companies have installed panic buttons to alert the company, police, and nearby drivers when drivers are in distress, addressing safety concerns for both female and male drivers.

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9 May 2016

Traffic Light Sequence at Potong Pasir Avenue 2 and Potong Pasir Avenue 1 T-Junction

Sitoh Yih Pin requested re-configuring the traffic light sequence at the T-junction of Potong Pasir Avenue 2 and Avenue 1 to prevent near accidents by only allowing right turns from Avenue 2 to Avenue 1 or pedestrian crossings on Avenue 1 at any one time.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that the Land Transport Authority will adjust the traffic light timing to give pedestrians a headstart and allow motorists to see crossing pedestrians while waiting to turn right.
Additional road markings and signs will be installed to remind motorists to give way to pedestrians, enhancing safety at the junction.
The measures aim to reduce near accidents by improving visibility and pedestrian priority at the traffic light sequence.
The response addresses the safety concerns raised without implementing the specific exclusive right-turn or crossing-only timing requested.

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9 May 2016

Installing Additional Road Safety Features

Leon Perera inquired about the criteria for implementing road safety tools like speed bumps and raised zebra crossings, the Ministry's initiatives for traffic safety in private estates, and the mechanism to measure the effectiveness of these initiatives.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) introduces safety measures in high-risk or speeding-prone areas, assessing effectiveness by comparing accident rates and vehicle speeds before and after implementation.
LTA and the Traffic Police collaborate with communities to promote road safety in both private and public estates, such as by installing advance "STOP" markings in Gerald Estate based on resident feedback.

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9 May 2016

Helmets and Insurance for Users of Personal Mobility Devices

Zainal Sapari asked whether the Ministry of Transport will mandate safety helmets and insurance coverage for personal mobility device users.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that most countries do not require helmets or insurance for PMD users, and Singapore’s current rules restrict PMDs to footpaths and shared paths with speed limits to protect pedestrians.
The Ministry has decided not to impose compulsory helmets or insurance to avoid additional costs for all users, but will monitor the situation and remain open to future changes.
Education and enforcement will continue to ensure PMD users give way to pedestrians and follow safety rules, emphasizing considerate and gracious behavior.

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9 May 2016

Acquittal of Female Offender of Sexual Assault Charges

Alex Yam and Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked the Ministry of Home Affairs whether it will amend the Penal Code to make sexual assault laws gender-neutral, including applying sexual penetration to female offenders and reviewing all relevant sections.
The debate follows a High Court judgment that acquitted a female offender of sexual assault charges, highlighting potential legal gaps in non-gender-neutral provisions.
K Shanmugam, speaking for the Ministry, stated that the Prosecution has appealed the High Court's decision and the Ministry will await the appeal's outcome before considering any amendments.

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9 May 2016

Statutes (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill

The Bill amends several Acts to extend legal presumptions to online official publications, align appeal rights in family proceedings, and grant immunity to court-appointed child representatives and professionals acting in good faith.
Amendments include empowering the Minister to designate other political officeholders to hear appeals, extending immunities to donees under the Mental Capacity Act, and allowing the designation of international organisations like ITLOS for privileges in Singapore.
Changes to the Legal Profession Act enable SILE to administer Part A courses, recognise the new UniSIM Law School, and adjust the categorisation of lawyers by years of practice, while also amending the Government Proceedings Act to allow courts to certify costs for more than two government lawyers in certain cases.

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9 May 2016

Recent Spate of Fires at Coffee Shops

Yee Chia Hsing raised concerns about recent HDB coffee shop fires and requested potential warranties for floor tiles in affected residential units above.
The Senior Minister of State for National Development explained that SCDF investigates fire causes and HDB holds tenants liable for negligence-related damage, requiring them to handle repairs.
Yee followed up by asking which agency ensures exhaust system maintenance and whether residents could claim for delayed tile damage, to which Desmond Lee clarified tenant responsibility and noted that claims depend on warranty periods and causes.

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9 May 2016

Aligning Definition of "Animals" in Two Legislation

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked whether the definition of "animals" in the Road Traffic Act should be updated to align with that in the Animals and Birds Act.
The Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs explained that the two Acts have different objectives, with the Road Traffic Act focusing on road user safety and restitution for farm animal accidents.
The Ministry will review the definition in the Road Traffic Act to ensure it aligns with road safety considerations and the protection of all road users.

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6 Apr 2016

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

Parliament debated the heightened terrorism threat, with MPs urging stronger counter-terrorism measures, community vigilance through the SG Secure initiative, and improved regional cooperation to address evolving risks like ISIS and lone-wolf attacks.
Manpower constraints across the Home Team were highlighted, with discussions on extending retirement ages for officers, optimizing National Servicemen deployment, and leveraging technology to enhance operational efficiency amid rising demands.
Rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders were emphasized, focusing on reducing recidivism through better in-prison programs, post-release support, and employment opportunities, while addressing youth drug abuse trends and the misuse of cannabis.

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5 Apr 2016

Cases of Fraud in Productivity and Innovation Credit Scheme

IRAS investigated 488 cases of fraud under the PIC scheme since its inception as of 31 December 2015.
Eight cases have been prosecuted with convictions, involving $213,000 in cash payouts, and three cases are pending trial.
None of the 11 court cases involve consultants as subjects of proceedings.

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