Public safety & law — Topics

28 Jan 2016

Countering Emergence of Radical Groups

The Minister explained that Singapore manages Islamic diversity through initiatives like the Singapore Muslim Identity project and guidelines from MUIS, which issues fatwas and engages groups to counter errant ideologies while promoting community cohesion.
The Religious Rehabilitation Group was highlighted as a key effort to counter radicalisation by providing counselling and resources, with a call for community leaders to speak out against divisive doctrines.
In response to Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef’s query on educational outreach, the Minister noted the Asatizah Recognition Scheme helps guide community members to certified religious teachers and that efforts are being studied to enhance its publicity and use.

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28 Jan 2016

Measures to Prevent Radicalisation of At-risk Youths

The Government engages religious organisations, community groups, and youth leaders through bodies like IRCCs and MCCY to raise awareness and vigilance against radicalisation.
Informal religious groups are monitored for any teachings or actions that threaten social harmony or national security, despite constitutional freedom of religion.
Visits by overseas religious leaders are approved based on a protocol that checks their teachings; those promoting intolerance are denied entry, regardless of prior publicity.
The Ministry continues to work with self-help groups and the local Muslim community to counter extremist ideologies and tailor messages for youths.
The government emphasizes a transparent but firm approach, denying entry to leaders whose teachings undermine Singapore's multiracial and religious harmony.

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27 Jan 2016

New Technologies in Home Team to Detect and Deter Crime

The Home Team is deploying police cameras in HDB blocks and carparks to deter crime and assist investigations, with completion of 10,000 blocks targeted this year and more cameras being studied for other public areas.
Technology initiatives include the Police@SG app for crowdsourcing evidence, the Vehicle on Watch Scheme for in-car cameras, and redesigned police posts with automated services to free up officers for frontline duties.
Next-generation vehicles and drones are being equipped with advanced analytics and surveillance technology to improve situational awareness and dynamic resource deployment.
The Ministry will study expanding camera angles to staircase entries and adjusting bin sizes in response to residents’ concerns about security and crime prevention.
Data analytics and video-trawling technologies will be integrated to aggregate and analyze real-time information, enhancing threat detection and investigative efficiency.

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27 Jan 2016

Ensuring Security in Light of Recent Terrorist Attacks

In response to heightened terror threats across Southeast Asia and Singapore's status as a travel hub, the government has adopted a multi-pronged approach to strengthen border security, enhance internal vigilance, and improve preparedness for attacks.
Key measures include enhanced checks at air, land, and sea checkpoints; increased patrols and surveillance (including more CCTV cameras and public cooperation via apps); and collaboration with businesses through the Safety and Security Watch Group (SSWG) to harden potential targets.
The government emphasises community resilience and vigilance, noting that terrorism aims to instil fear and divide society, and that collective effort is needed to prevent and respond to attacks.

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15 Jan 2016

Prime Minister's Office (National Security Coordination Secretariat)

Singapore faces an increasingly complex threat landscape, including terrorism, viruses, cyber threats, and social fissures, which the NSCS addresses by anticipating risks and coordinating preparedness across agencies and stakeholders.
The NSCS collaborates with schools, businesses, and the public through the "Let's Stand Together" campaign to raise awareness and gather feedback for enhancing civic responsibility and social resilience.
NSCS studies interdependencies among critical infrastructures like energy, water, and transport to identify vulnerabilities and minimize systemic impacts during crises, emphasizing the need for societal bounce-back and unity.
Social resilience is central, with NSCS working to understand factors like social trust and the dual role of social media in managing crises, while promoting collective readiness in a Smart Nation context.
The NSCS engages in cross-agency research and solutions for cybersecurity and ICT challenges to protect Singaporeans in an increasingly connected digital environment.

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15 Jan 2016

Ministry of Law

The Ministry of Law will continue to advance access to justice, the Rule of Law, and legal services to support Singapore’s economy and society, including through reforms in civil, criminal, and family law as well as the implementation of the Community Disputes Resolution Act.
Singapore is being positioned as a hub for international legal services and dispute resolution through institutions like the Singapore International Commercial Court, the Singapore International Mediation Centre, and the expansion of Maxwell Chambers, while encouraging legal practices to adopt new technologies and enhance productivity.
Efforts to develop Singapore into a global IP hub include IOPS becoming an international patent authority and reviewing copyright and design laws, alongside training new lawyers through UniSIM Law School and supporting continuing professional development for legal practitioners.
The Ministry will strengthen cross-border enforcement of Singapore judgments, promote Singapore as a neutral venue for international disputes, and work with the Singapore Land Authority to optimize land use, enhance geospatial capabilities, and simplify land registration processes.
Measures are being introduced to improve financial regulations and consumer protection, such as funding criminal legal aid, strengthening the moneylending and pawnbroking regimes, and reforming bankruptcy and insolvency laws to encourage rehabilitation and responsible credit management.

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15 Jan 2016

Ministry of Home Affairs

The Minister highlighted evolving global and regional security threats, including terrorism, transnational crime, and cybercrime, which are exacerbated by demographic shifts and technological changes, necessitating enhanced preparedness and new operating models for the Home Team.
MHA will focus on four key areas: strengthening security responses to terror threats through border security, community vigilance, and police camera installations; developing data-driven, tiered response models to manage manpower constraints; adopting holistic safety measures with updated laws, public education, and international cooperation; and building a more integrated Home Team with improved recruitment, training, and career development.
The Home Team will leverage technology, community partnerships, and international collaboration to address emerging challenges, ensure operational excellence, and maintain Singapore's safety and security amid growing complexities and constraints.

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18 Aug 2015

Bombing in Central Bangkok

The Minister condemned the Bangkok bombing that killed over 20 people and injured 120, including one Singaporean fatality and seven injured Singaporeans, extending condolences to victims and solidarity with Thailand.
He confirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Singapore's embassy are actively assisting affected Singaporeans, providing consular support and hospital visits.
The Minister emphasized that such attacks on civilians are unjustifiable and called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.
He acknowledged this as part of a recurring pattern of terror attacks and expressed deep regret over the tragic loss of innocent lives.
The Singapore government reaffirmed its commitment to helping victims and cooperating with Thai authorities on the ongoing investigation.

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18 Aug 2015

Foreign Vehicles with Illegal Modifications

The Ministry of Transport outlined that foreign vehicles failing to meet international standards or with outstanding fines are fined or barred from entry, with enforcement conducted by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) at checkpoints and notifications issued to drivers at border crossings.
Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar highlighted ongoing issues with foreign vehicles having illegal modifications and unpaid fines, proposing enhanced enforcement such as stricter checks at immigration and re-entry bans for repeat offenders.
The Senior Minister of State acknowledged the challenges of enforcement due to high traffic volume but noted that offences are rare, representing about 0.3% of monthly visits, and committed to studying localized issues and improving measures in collaboration with LTA.
Er Dr Lee Bee Wah raised concerns about accident claims involving foreign vehicles, to which the Ministry suggested submitting a formal parliamentary question for a detailed response.
The debate concluded with an agreement to continue monitoring and addressing the issues, emphasizing ongoing efforts by LTA to ensure compliance and payment of fines.

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18 Aug 2015

Video Footages or Photographs of Traffic Offences

Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap inquired about procedures for individuals to access video footage or photographs of their traffic offences for verification before compounding.
The Second Minister for Home Affairs stated that photographic evidence is available for most red-light and speeding offences detected by cameras, but not for all violations, such as those observed by officers or via radar guns.
Offenders can view available photographs at the Traffic Police Headquarters by arranging an appointment via the hotline, but access is limited to offences with photographic evidence.
The Minister emphasized the importance of safe driving and adherence to traffic rules for road safety.
The response highlights that not all traffic offences have photographic documentation, and the process for viewing evidence is specific to camera-detected violations.

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17 Aug 2015

Non-payment of Fares and Acts of Violence against Taxi Drivers

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked about the number of cases of fare refusal and violence against taxi drivers over the past three years, whether penalties should be raised as a deterrent, and if insurance for loss of income and medical treatment should be made mandatory for taxi drivers.
The Minister for Transport reported 355 cases of fare evasion and 162 cases of assault in the past three years, with current penalties including fines up to $2,000 or jail for fare evasion and fines up to $5,000 or jail up to two years for assault, while also noting protection under the Protection from Harassment Act.
The Ministry indicated that current penalties are appropriate and will be reviewed regularly, and while encouraging taxi drivers to obtain insurance, it declined to make it mandatory, stating that individual drivers should decide based on their needs.

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17 Aug 2015

Fraudulent Foreign Property Transactions

David Ong asked the Minister for National Development about the number of cases involving fraudulent foreign property transactions by licensed estate agents over the last two years.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that the Council for Estate Agencies received 12 complaints against five licensed estate agents from January 2014 to July 2015, with three complaints found unsubstantiated.
The remaining nine complaints are under investigation, involving issues such as developer liquidation, contractual fees, investment returns, project delays, deposit refunds, and alleged misrepresentation.

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17 Aug 2015

Effectiveness of Reform Programmes for Individuals Caught in Cycle of Re-offending

Corrective Training and Preventive Detention are longer-term regimes for repeat offenders, combining incarceration with rehabilitation, vocational training, and conditional release to reduce re-offending.
The average recidivism rate for inmates released from 2008–2012 under these programmes is comparable to other repeat offenders, indicating similar effectiveness in reducing re-offending.
The Singapore Prison Service is reviewing both regimes to enhance structured supervision and aftercare support upon release, but emphasises that personal responsibility is key to preventing re-offence.

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17 Aug 2015

Organised Crime Bill

The bill defines organised criminal groups as groups of at least three persons whose objective is to obtain material benefits from serious offences, and criminalises membership, recruitment, instruction, and facilitation of such groups, with enhanced penalties for crimes committed for an organised crime group.
It introduces preventive orders, such as the Organised Crime Prevention Order and Financial Reporting Order, which can be issued on a non-conviction basis to restrict individuals' activities and require financial reporting, alongside a civil confiscation regime to seize benefits from organised crime without a criminal conviction.
The bill's proponents argue it is necessary to disrupt transnational organised crime threatening Singapore, while supporters seek clarifications on evidence standards, safeguards against abuse of preventive orders, and the reversal of the burden of proof in civil confiscation, with the minister assuring appropriate safeguards and judicial oversight.

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17 Aug 2015

Tackling Abuse of the Elderly

The Minister outlined measures to support caregivers and strengthen the system for detecting and responding to elder abuse, including expanding eldercare services, training community partners, and introducing a new Vulnerable Adults Bill to empower public officers to intervene.
Discussions highlighted the importance of community involvement, with neighbours, friends, and healthcare workers acting as "eyes and ears" to report abuse, and the need for education and awareness to overcome barriers to recognizing and reporting elder abuse.
The Minister emphasized that while mandatory reporting by health professionals is under consideration, the focus remains on community-wide efforts and education, akin to the adage that it takes a village to care for the elderly.

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14 Jul 2015

Inter-agency Cooperation to Search for Missing Persons with Dementia

Ang Wei Neng questioned whether the Police could enhance cooperation with other agencies to trace missing persons, particularly those with dementia or similar conditions.
Teo Chee Hean outlined that Police conduct investigations, interview complainants, and prioritize searches for high-risk missing persons such as the elderly and those with dementia.
The Police already have procedures to collaborate with Government agencies like hospitals, schools, and MSF, and may issue public appeals to locate missing persons.

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14 Jul 2015

Police Investigation Protocol for Suspects with Psychological Disorders

Police have established procedures, including the Appropriate Adults Scheme (AAS), to assist suspects with intellectual disabilities or mental disorders during investigations by providing support persons for effective communication.
The AAS, implemented fully since May 2015, involves volunteers recruited by the Law Society and is activated based on suspect disclosures, agency records, or observed behavior indicative of disorders.
After investigations, Police submit findings and medical reports to the Attorney General's Chambers, which holds final discretion on whether to charge the suspect.

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14 Jul 2015

Maritime Offences (Amendment) Bill

The Maritime Offences (Amendment) Bill seeks to update Singapore's laws to align with the 1988 SUA FPP protocol, which targets unlawful acts against fixed offshore platforms like oil rigs.
The amendment introduces new offences including hijacking, intentional destruction or damage, and violent threats against fixed platforms, with penalties of life imprisonment.
The Bill extends jurisdiction to cover acts regardless of location or nationality and allows extradition of offenders to other countries party to the SUA FPP.
The changes aim to protect Singapore's maritime sector, which contributes 7% to GDP and employs over 170,000 people, by enhancing safety and security for fixed platforms.
The amendment underscores Singapore's commitment to international maritime security efforts and ensures domestic laws meet SUA FPP obligations before accession.

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14 Jul 2015

Regulations for Use of Coloured Powder at Public Events

The Deputy Prime Minister outlined that while highly flammable substances require SCDF licences, less combustible powders like corn flour are not covered, but Police and SCDF can assess events and impose conditions like prohibiting ignition sources or using non-combustible materials.
In response to questions, the Minister noted that events like Colour Run and Rang De Holi have previously been permitted, with safety assessments conducted, and lessons from a recent Taiwan incident are being reviewed to potentially add more conditions.
The government uses a risk-based approach rather than creating a separate category for combustible materials, as listing all substances would be impractical, and authorities retain the power to restrict or stop events deemed unsafe.

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14 Jul 2015

Regulation of Motorised Bicycles

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked whether motorised bicycles can carry pillion passengers, the number of accidents involving them in the past three years, and if there is inter-Ministry consultation on their importation.
The Parliamentary Secretary responded that pillion passengers are allowed if there is a seat, the passenger is at least 16 years old, and both wear helmets, with 13 accidents recorded in the last three years.
The government enforces use of only LTA-approved motorised bicycles via serialised seals and plans a public consultation on rules for such devices and other personal mobility devices.

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