Public safety & law — Topics

19 Jan 2015

Measures Imposed on MRT Train Operators against Security Breaches at Train Depots

Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked about measures to prevent security breaches at MRT train depots, and Lui Tuck Yew responded that investigations into specific vandalism incidents are ongoing and details cannot be disclosed.
Following the incidents, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) directed operators to review and strengthen security, including securing drainage entry points, enhancing patrols, and maintaining pre-operation checks on trains.
LTA is collaborating with agencies and operators to review depot security, enforces baseline standards via its Code of Practice, and plans to introduce new security requirements in the Operating Performance Standards, with penalties up to $1 million or 10% of annual fare revenue for non-compliance.

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19 Jan 2015

Heavy Vehicles Caught without a Working Speed Limiter

Ang Wei Neng asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs for the number of heavy vehicles caught without a working speed limiter over the past five years.
Teo Chee Hean stated that the law requires speed limiters for goods and public service vehicles exceeding 12 and 10 tonnes laden weight, limiting their speed to 60 km/h.
He noted that vehicle owners must install and maintain working speed limiters, and over the past five years, 20 owners were caught for not maintaining them.
Teo Chee Hean added that 37 drivers were caught using vehicles with faulty or tampered speed limiters.

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19 Jan 2015

Safety of Diners Eating at Roadside Sections of Food Outlets

Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked the Minister for National Development about government action to protect diners eating in roadside sections of food outlets.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that such areas are called Outdoor Refreshment Areas (ORAs) and are typically allowed on small scales along covered walkways, separated from roads by open walkways and planting verges to shield diners from traffic.
In selected areas like Club Street and Ann Siang Road, F&B outlets can lease road spaces for interim ORAs during road closure hours, subject to approval from the Urban Redevelopment Authority.
Operators must meet regulatory requirements from various government agencies to ensure public safety and minimize disamenities to pedestrians and the community.
If operators violate the rules, relevant government agencies will take enforcement action.

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19 Jan 2015

Impact of Increasing Fines System in Housing Estates with Insufficient Car-parking Facilities for Residents

Alvin Yeo questioned how the escalating fines for repeat illegal parking would be enforced in residential areas with insufficient parking for residents.
Lui Tuck Yew stated that illegal parking threatens safety and traffic flow, and from 1 January 2015, repeat offenders within 12 months will face higher fines on all public roads, including private estates.
He noted that parking issues in private estates can be addressed through community engagement with the Land Transport Authority to discuss appropriate schemes.
The increased fines aim to serve as a stronger deterrent against repeat illegal parking offences.
The policy applies uniformly across public roads, including those within private residential areas.

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19 Jan 2015

Clearing of Obstructions in Common Areas

The Ministry of National Development highlighted that Town Councils have by-laws guided by SCDF to regulate and enforce against obstructions in common areas, which pose fire hazards and impede evacuations.
HDB conducts regular exhibitions, roadshows, and outreach programs to raise public awareness about the dangers of such obstructions and promote gracious living.
Town Councils use websites, newsletters, and notice boards to communicate with residents, while residents are urged to clear corridor clutter to maintain a safe environment.

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19 Jan 2015

Basic Theory and Practical Driving Tests for Foreign Drivers

Member K Karthikeyan proposed requiring foreigners to take Basic Theory Tests, Final Theory Tests, and defensive driving courses to convert foreign driving licences.
Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean stated that existing rules already require foreign licence holders to pass the Basic Theory Test to convert to a local motorcycle or Class 3/3A licence.
For heavy vehicle licences, foreign driving licence holders must pass Class 4 or 5 Practical Driving Tests before obtaining a local licence.
The government reviewed licence conversion for foreign workers and, from 1 June 2015, will require Work Permit and S Pass holders to pass both the Practical Driving Test and Basic Theory Test to convert a Class 3 licence.
The changes aim to ensure foreign drivers are competent and familiar with Singapore’s traffic rules, signs, and road conditions.

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19 Jan 2015

Death from Food Poisoning

Dr Lee Bee Wah and Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan raised concerns about the death of a boy from food poisoning at a Northpoint food court, questioning why the case was not publicized immediately, the number of recent poisoning deaths, and measures to prevent recurrence.
The Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Vivian Balakrishnan, stated that NEA inspected the stall on the day of notification, suspended its license due to hygiene lapses, and imposed fines after court action, with no other fatalities since 2010.
The Ministry emphasized stricter enforcement, increased penalties for hygiene violations, and the importance of food handlers practicing good hygiene to ensure public safety.

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19 Jan 2015

Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Bill

The Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Bill aims to regulate the supply and consumption of liquor in public places.
The bill includes consequential and related amendments to other written laws.
Second Minister for Home Affairs Mr S Iswaran presented the bill for its First Reading.
The bill is scheduled for its Second Reading in the next available Parliament sitting and will be printed.

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19 Jan 2015

Possibility of Criminal Prosecution for Dishonest Retailers

Lim Biow Chuan asked whether the Police will investigate complaints against dishonest retailers at Sim Lim Square and prosecute those who cheat tourists to protect Singapore’s reputation.
The Second Minister for Home Affairs explained that the Police assess complaints and investigate only if a criminal offence like cheating is suspected; otherwise, they advise civil remedies.
The Minister noted that the Police consult the Attorney-General’s Chambers on prosecution decisions, and investigations into Sim Lim Square cases are ongoing.

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19 Jan 2015

Penalties for Dishonest Retailers

The Ministry of Trade and Industry is reviewing the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act to enhance penalties, prevent errant retailers from forming new companies, and streamline consumer complaint processes with CASE and the Small Claims Tribunal, with amendments targeted for completion before mid-year.
Enforcement will be strengthened through closer collaboration between the Ministry, CASE, the Police, and mall operators, including investigating criminal elements under the Penal Code and considering an agency to handle consumer protection investigations.
Interim measures are being implemented, such as working with mall management on tenancy agreements, raising retailer standards, and monitoring complaints, while public consultation will occur before finalizing legislative changes.

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19 Jan 2015

Singapore's Participation in Coalition against ISIS

Mr Alex Yam asked about the number of troops deployed, their involvement, and potential requests for greater support in the coalition against ISIS, to which the Minister for Defence responded that the SAF has sent assessment teams and liaisons and will deploy planners and a tanker, but it is premature to determine further support requests.
The Minister emphasized Singapore's commitment to the coalition due to the transnational threat of ISIS, noting global efforts have degraded ISIS capabilities and that neighboring countries like Malaysia have increased vigilance.
Mr Yam raised concerns about heightened risks to Singapore following attacks in other countries linked to coalition participation, and the Minister advised directing security assessments to the Ministry of Home Affairs while stressing the importance of national unity and community resilience against extremism.

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4 Nov 2014

Medical Disciplinary Cases where Courts Reduced Legal Costs to be Paid by Losing Parties

Between 2011 and 2013, seven out of 44 SMC disciplinary cases had their legal costs taxed down, with reductions ranging from 37% to 78%, totaling about $926,000 in costs that were not recovered from the losing parties.
The Minister explained that taxation determines the share of costs borne by the losing party when disputed, often resulting in a gap between the winning party’s incurred costs and what is recoverable.
SMC paid the legal fees in each taxed case and emphasized the need to pursue disciplinary actions to protect patient interests, even if costs are high, while ensuring fees remain reasonable.

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4 Nov 2014

Rejection of Renewal or Application of Security Officer Licence

Police may revoke a security officer's licence or reject new applications based on factors such as criminal records or breaches of licensing conditions.
Applicants with revoked or rejected licences may be reconsidered if they remain crime-free for a period, with eligibility depending on the nature and severity of the past offence.
There is no fixed debarment period; it varies depending on the specific circumstances of each case.

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4 Nov 2014

Statutes (Miscellaneous Amendments – Deputy Attorney-General) Bill

The Minister for Law introduced the bill to create the new office of Deputy Attorney-General (DAG) and align other statutes accordingly, ensuring the DAG has necessary powers and privileges.
The DAG, assigned by the Attorney-General, will have the powers of the Public Prosecutor, appear on behalf of the Government in court, and lead evidence at inquiries.
A DAG not already a Senior Counsel will be deemed appointed as one, rank after the Attorney-General and before the Solicitor-General, and serve as a Law Revision Commissioner and ex-officio member of the Singapore Academy of Law Senate.

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4 Nov 2014

Supreme Court of Judicature (Amendment) Bill

The bill establishes the Singapore International Commercial Court (SICC) as a division of the High Court to handle international and commercial disputes, with jurisdictional criteria to be defined by Rules of Court rather than the primary legislation.
It introduces procedural changes, including the optional pre-action certificate for jurisdiction certainty, flexible case transfer between the SICC and High Court, and provisions for foreign lawyer representation under specific registration requirements.
Amendments also refine the leave-to-appeal process to the Court of Appeal and align appeal procedures from the High Court's Family Division with other civil proceedings.

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4 Nov 2014

Public Consultations on Proposed Alcohol Restrictions in Public Areas

Public consultations on alcohol restrictions took place between October 2013 and August 2014, with respondents generally supporting measures to address law and order and disamenities, and findings will be released this week.
The government is considering restrictions on public consumption and retail sales hours, drawing on feedback, the Little India alcohol restrictions, and international practices, while balancing stakeholder interests and ensuring rules are practical, clear, and enforceable.
A new liquor control law is targeted for introduction in Parliament early next year.

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3 Nov 2014

Use of Private Vehicles to Pick up Passengers for a Fee

Ang Hin Kee queried the Ministry of Transport on public feedback, the number of complaints, drivers caught, and trends over three years regarding private vehicles used for paid passenger services.
Lui Tuck Yew stated that LTA received an average of 70 complaints annually and caught 51 drivers in total, with a rise in detections in the most recent year.
He noted that convicted offenders may face fines, jail terms, and vehicle forfeiture, indicating enforcement actions are taken against such illegal operations.

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3 Nov 2014

Number of Drug Rehabilitation Centre Inmate Admissions and Releases

Ang Wei Neng asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs for the number of Drug Rehabilitation Centre inmate admissions and releases between 2008 and September 2014.
Teo Chee Hean replied that there were about 6,500 DRC inmate admissions and 5,700 releases during that period.
He stated that the Ministry of Home Affairs is monitoring the drug situation closely and will continue working towards a drug-free Singapore.

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3 Nov 2014

Effectiveness of Community Outreach Programme in Helping Prison Inmates' Families in Securing Employment

Mr Ang Wei Neng asked about the effectiveness of the Community Outreach Project (now Yellow Ribbon Community Project) in helping offenders' families secure employment.
The project supports inmates' families through volunteers who connect them to existing community resources, including job search referrals to agencies like Social Service Offices and Community Development Councils.
The programme has expanded significantly, reaching over 2,100 families with 620 trained volunteers across 63 grassroots divisions.
Success depends on the commitment and self-reliance of the inmates and their families, though many have benefited from the support provided.
The project leverages existing community schemes rather than creating new ones to assist families in need.

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3 Nov 2014

Employment of Ex-offenders within Six Months of Release from Prison

Mr Ang Wei Neng asked the Deputy Prime Minister for the number of ex-offenders who secured jobs within six months of release over the past five years.
The Singapore Prison Service does not track post-release employment status, but SCORE provides pre-release job assistance, with 96% of assisted inmates securing jobs before release from 2009 to 2013.
SCORE also helps ex-offenders after release, assisting about 360 per year in the last five years, with 65% attending interviews and accepting job offers, though success depends on employer needs and ex-offender commitment.

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