Public safety & law — Topics

11 May 2015

Rehabilitation of Youth Offenders

The Ministry of Social and Family Development, Singapore Prisons Service, and Institute of Mental Health collaborate to support youth offenders with mental health issues based on individual risk and needs.
Youth on probation or in juvenile rehabilitation centres receive specialized treatment, therapeutic programs, and are encouraged to engage in education, vocational training, and enrichment activities.
Youths in prison with mental health issues are regularly reviewed by medical teams and referred to IMH for specialized care when necessary.
Government agencies work with families, schools, and community organizations to monitor progress and strengthen social support to prevent relapses.
Support is tailored to the youth’s background, circumstances, risk of re-offending, and mental well-being.

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11 May 2015

Enforcement against Cyclists Riding on Walkways and Overhead Bridges

The Minister explained that enforcement against cycling in prohibited areas like walkways and bridges is currently done by agencies like the Traffic Police and National Parks Board, mostly in response to public complaints, with some Town Councils also taking action on HDB property.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) will now lead cycling-related policies and coordinate enforcement across agencies to ensure consistency, but the Minister stressed that cyclists must also follow rules, cycle safely, and give way to pedestrians.
LTA and the Traffic Police are working with community leaders to conduct talks and distribute information at schools, workplaces, and dormitories to promote safe cycling habits.
LTA is finalising the details of a consultation exercise on the wider use of bicycles, motorised bicycles, and scooters and will share them shortly.

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11 May 2015

Prime Minister's Founders Forum Smart Nation Singapore Reception Speech and Cyber Security Incidents

Mr Zaqy Mohamad inquired whether there had been cybersecurity incidents involving government IT systems, referencing a speech by the Prime Minister.
Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim acknowledged that governments worldwide, including Singapore, face regular cyber threats and cited past incidents such as breaches in the US and malicious attacks during APEC 2009.
The Minister confirmed a recent security breach in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ IT system, which was contained and addressed with strengthened measures.
The government emphasises proactive monitoring and continuous adaptation of cybersecurity practices, with agencies like the Cyber Security Agency and Infocomm Development Authority leading efforts to protect networks.
The response highlighted that no organisation is immune to breaches, but vigilance and readiness to respond are critical to mitigating threats.

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11 May 2015

Activities of Itinerant Door-to-Door Salesmen

The Police do not track complaints about itinerant door-to-door salesmen as their activities are not a criminal offence, but illegal hawking without a licence is enforced by the National Environment Agency with fines up to $5,000.
The Police collaborate with the National Environment Agency on cases involving public nuisance or offences like cheating, and advise residents to verify the identity of salesmen before allowing entry.
Neighbourhood Police Centres will include advice on handling such salesmen in their crime prevention outreach activities for HDB residents.

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11 May 2015

Track Intrusion at North-South Line near Chua Chu Kang MRT in February 2015

Zaqy Mohamad inquired about the identification and arrest of the track intruder at the North-South Line near Chua Chu Kang MRT on 27 February 2015, and the measures to prevent future intrusions.
Lui Tuck Yew confirmed the suspected intruder was charged in court on 28 April 2015.
SMRT strengthened perimeter fencing and enhanced inspections at at-grade tracks to reduce intrusion likelihood.
The Public Transport Security Committee is implementing additional measures, including crash-rated bollards and strengthened structures against forced entry.

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11 May 2015

Ex-offenders Applying for Taxi Vocational Licence

Lee Li Lian questioned whether ex-offenders can apply for a taxi vocational licence and, if not, the reasons for any restrictions.
The Land Transport Authority assesses offences based on severity, debaring applicants for life for extremely serious crimes like rape and for three to five years for less serious offences such as housebreaking.
Offences like being part of an unlawful assembly do not result in debarment, reflecting a calibrated approach to balance public safety with providing ex-offenders a second chance.

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11 May 2015

Unmanned Aircraft (Public Safety and Security) Bill

The Bill amends the Air Navigation Act and Public Order Act to regulate unmanned aircraft (drones) for public safety and security, prohibiting flights over protected areas, special events, and carrying dangerous substances without permits, with penalties including fines up to $100,000 and jail terms up to five years.
Speakers supported the Bill but raised concerns about privacy, enforcement methods (e.g., shooting down drones), and the need for public education, while the Minister clarified that current laws address privacy issues and enforcement will be calibrated to minimize collateral damage.
The Minister emphasized a risk-based approach, requiring commercial operators to obtain permits and assuring that CAAS will serve as a one-stop agency for permit applications, typically processed within two weeks, to balance innovation and safety.

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11 May 2015

Monetary Authority of Singapore (Amendment) Bill

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (Amendment) Bill strengthens MAS’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing supervisory powers, aligning with international standards, by centralising inspection powers, enhancing information sharing with foreign and domestic authorities, and codifying customer due diligence requirements in primary legislation.
Members supported the Bill but raised concerns about potential conflicts for financial institutions balancing client confidentiality with regulatory duties, the need for effective extradition processes for cross-border crimes, and the importance of safeguarding banking confidentiality while cooperating with foreign supervisors.
The Minister assured that MAS will ensure a level playing field among financial institutions, has robust safeguards against misuse of information, and emphasises a holistic, multi-agency approach to AML/CFT efforts across government sectors.

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11 May 2015

Deterrents against Serious Crimes Committed by Young Persons

The Second Minister affirmed that existing penalties for serious crimes like vandalism and hurt are adequate, with the courts weighing factors such as gravity, proportionality, and public interest to decide on appropriate sentences, including deterrent punishments for young offenders.
The Ministry of Home Affairs will continue to monitor and review the need for stronger laws or measures, while working with law enforcement and community partners to ensure high certainty of being caught and dealt with firmly.
Prevention efforts include programs like the Youth Engagement Programme, Youth GO!, and parental notifications to engage at-risk youths early, divert them from crime, and avoid stigmatization while promoting productive activities.

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11 May 2015

Sanctions against Employers who Withhold Wages for Foreign Employees

The Minister for Manpower highlighted that the Employment Act protects both local and foreign workers, with employers required to pay wages within seven days after the salary period, and violations can lead to fines, imprisonment, or suspension of foreign hiring privileges.
Following 2014 amendments, penalties were increased with mandatory minimum fines of $3,000 for first-time offenders and $6,000 for repeat offenders, and enforcement was strengthened, including 645 employers actioned last year, 49 prosecuted.
The Ministry clarified that of 1,630 Labour Court cases last year, two-thirds received full payment, while one-third faced partial or no payment due to financial issues, with 20% of employers unable to pay.
To address gaps, the Employment Claims Tribunals will be established by year-end to help workers not covered under the Employment Act, and the Ministry is exploring holistic enhancements to worker protection.

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11 May 2015

Rehabilitation Programmes for Youth Offenders who make Seditious Remarks

The Ministry of Social and Family Development implements rehabilitation programmes for youth offenders who make seditious remarks, including counselling, community service, and mentorship to foster respect for different races and religions.
Collaboration between the Ministry of Social and Family Development and the Ministry of Education includes cyber-wellness curricula and school counsellors to address online behaviour and support parents in guiding youth.
Programmes like OnePeople.sg’s Explorations in Ethnicity offer experiential learning to help youth navigate sensitive topics online, with strong support from relevant ministries.

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13 Apr 2015

Update on Investigations into Recent Crawler Crane Crash along Pheng Geck Avenue in Sennett Estate

Sitoh Yih Pin requested an update on the investigation into the crawler crane incident at Pheng Geck Avenue on 24 February 2015, where a crane toppled into a house compound.
Minister Tan Chuan-Jin stated that investigations are ongoing, a stop-work order was issued and later lifted after safety compliance, and an Authorised Examiner certified the on-site tower crane as safe, while mobile and crawler cranes remain disallowed until a robust risk management plan is in place.
MOM expressed concern over seven crane-related incidents since the start of 2015 compared to one in the same period last year, and announced stepped-up enforcement efforts, including a nationwide operation from 16 March to 2 April 2015, alongside industry-led safety initiatives such as a "Safety Time Out" in March 2015.

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13 Apr 2015

Licensing Requirements for Spa Operators in HDB Estates

The government requires spa operators in HDB estates to obtain CaseTrust accreditation as part of a licensing framework that categorises Massage Establishments (MEs) to prevent illicit vice activities and social problems.
Category I MEs, which have the highest operating standards and must be CaseTrust-accredited, are allowed to operate in HDB estates, while Exempted MEs can also operate there under stricter conditions like no partitions and visible massage areas.
The Ministry maintains that there is no distinction in licensing based on whether establishments claim to serve only male or female clients.

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13 Apr 2015

Housing and Development (Amendment) Bill

The Housing and Development (Amendment) Bill grants HDB officers powers to enter flats without a warrant for urgent repairs in cases of imminent danger to public health or safety, and with a Court warrant for serious issues like persistent ceiling leaks, after a 24-hour notice and exhausting engagement efforts.
It introduces stricter penalties for unauthorised renovations, including higher fines and potential jail terms, to deter structural compromises, and enhances investigation powers for lease infringements like illegal subletting, allowing evidence collection and witness statements.
The amendments include safeguards such as requiring HDB officers to show identification, having at least one officer present during entry, and establishing protocols for harassment or misuse, while addressing concerns about notice periods and potential abuse.

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13 Apr 2015

Unmanned Aircraft (Public Safety and Security) Bill

The Unmanned Aircraft (Public Safety and Security) Bill seeks to amend the Air Navigation Act and the Public Order Act to regulate unmanned aircraft operations in Singapore.
The bill aims to enhance public safety and security by establishing clear legal frameworks for drone activities.
It was presented by the Minister for Transport, Mr Lui Tuck Yew, and underwent its first reading in Parliament.
The bill is scheduled for its second reading at the next available sitting and will be printed for legislative review.

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13 Apr 2015

Potential Drug Abuse Concerns at Cancelled Music Event

The Second Minister for Home Affairs explained that the Future Music Festival Asia 2015 was cancelled because the organiser could not provide adequate security measures to prevent drug abuse, citing the event’s history of drug-related deaths and arrests in Australia and Malaysia.
He emphasized that Singapore’s zero-tolerance drug policy required rejecting the event to avoid risks, contrasting it with other successful large concerts held without incident, and noted the organiser’s failure to address these concerns despite repeated engagements.
The Minister warned of the potential consequences of allowing the event, using the Kuala Lumpur cancellation as a cautionary example, and stated that the event’s track record made it irresponsible to approve in Singapore.
When asked if similar assessments apply to other events, the Minister confirmed that past incidents and engagement outcomes influenced decisions, stressing that authorities did not recommend measures but expected organisers to demonstrate adequate drug prevention plans.

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13 Apr 2015

Access to Aircraft Cockpits

All Singapore-based airlines, including budget carriers, enforce a two-person cockpit rule and require pilots to undergo annual mental health assessments, with older pilots tested every six months, aligning with international standards.
Pilots must declare any ill health at any time, and airlines have procedures for confidential reporting of unfit colleagues to authorities or internal systems.
These measures were introduced by Singapore airlines recently, varying by country, with some nations implementing similar rules post-9/11 or after the Germanwings incident.

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13 Mar 2015

Police Force (Amendment) Bill

The Police Force (Amendment) Bill increases penalties for evading police roadblocks and strengthens internal disciplinary processes for police officers and national servicemen, including setting up Disciplinary Appeal Committees and lifting the limitation period for disciplinary actions for regular officers.
It introduces new civilian roles, such as forensic specialists and community wardens, with specific powers to assist police; clarifies the arrest powers of auxiliary police officers; and streamlines procedures for handling lost property.
The Bill creates new offences to protect police uniforms and insignia from misuse, with penalties for unauthorized manufacture, sale, or possession, while providing transitional arrangements for retailers to clear existing stocks.

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10 Mar 2015

Committee of Supply – Head R (Ministry of Law)

Members raised concerns about access to justice, the supply and training of lawyers, and the impact of legal reforms on practitioners and the public.
The Minister outlined initiatives to enhance criminal legal aid, improve the family justice system, and support Singapore law firms in expanding regionally through new dispute resolution mechanisms.
The Ministry addressed issues on moneylending regulation, outsourcing of call services, and the balance between maintaining legal standards and managing the number of law graduates.

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6 Mar 2015

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

Ministers highlighted a decline in traditional crimes like unlicensed moneylending harassment but expressed concern over the rise in cybercrime, particularly e-commerce scams, which drove a 7.4% increase in overall crime in 2014.
The Ministry outlined plans to expand the Home Team by 2,000 officers over five years, invest in technology like body-worn cameras and police cameras, and enhance community partnerships, including a "Save a Life" initiative for cardiac emergencies.
Drug enforcement remains a priority with zero-tolerance policy, as youth drug abuse and new trends like online drug purchases are noted; road safety efforts will include more speed cameras and education campaigns.

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