Public safety & law — Topics

3 Nov 2014

Rehabilitation of Prison Inmates with Mental Illness

Denise Phua asked how the Singapore Prison Service rehabilitates inmates with mental illness, using a recent case of a mother with mental illness convicted for her son’s death, and under what circumstances such inmates may receive a shorter sentence.
Teo Chee Hean explained that inmates with mental illnesses are regularly seen by prison psychiatrists, and those needing dedicated treatment are housed in a psychiatric unit run with IMH, receiving therapy and counselling from a multidisciplinary team.
Inmates with stable mental conditions are housed with the general population and participate in standard rehabilitation programmes, with all inmates required to serve their full sentences unless granted remission for good behaviour or placed in community-based programmes.
After release, the Singapore Prison Service may arrange aftercare with IMH or voluntary welfare organisations for ongoing psychiatric treatment, based on individual circumstances.

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3 Nov 2014

Incidence of High-rise Littering

From September 2013 to September 2014, the National Environment Agency received feedback on 2,200 high-rise littering cases, with most resolved through outreach and education.
During the same period, 169 litterbugs were identified through surveillance cameras, and since 2012, over 1,500 cameras have been deployed in HDB estates, leading to the apprehension of 273 litterbugs.
The Minister emphasized that high-rise littering is a safety hazard and each case will be rigorously investigated to apprehend culprits.

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3 Nov 2014

Use of Electric Scooters on Roads and Walkways

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked about enforcement against electric scooters on roads and walkways, why they are allowed to be imported, and whether importers will be actioned.
Lui Tuck Yew explained that electric scooters cannot be used on public roads under current rules but can be imported and used on private premises with owner consent, while Traffic Police caution their use on footpaths due to speed concerns.
He noted that current regulations may be too rigid and a committee is reviewing how to reasonably facilitate personal mobility devices while ensuring safety.

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3 Nov 2014

Prevention of Human Trafficking Bill

The Prevention of Human Trafficking Bill was strongly supported by the government, with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Manpower emphasizing it will complement existing laws, provide a comprehensive definition of trafficking, and impose severe penalties including imprisonment and caning.
Discussions highlighted the bill's alignment with international standards such as the UN Protocol, its enhanced enforcement powers for agencies, and provisions to protect victims and informants while encouraging reporting of trafficking crimes.
Concerns about victim protection measures were addressed by explaining the current flexible, needs-based approach, which avoids hard-coding specific entitlements to prevent abuse and ensure tailored support, alongside ongoing efforts in public awareness and regional cooperation.

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3 Nov 2014

Prevention of Human Trafficking Bill

The bill establishes a dedicated legal framework to criminalize human trafficking with penalties including imprisonment, fines, and caning, targeting all actors involved in the trafficking chain.
It empowers enforcement agencies with investigation and arrest powers while providing measures for victim protection, such as temporary shelter, counselling, and in-camera court proceedings.
Concerns were raised that the bill emphasizes enforcement over victim support, with suggestions to enhance protections like access to legal aid, work rights during cases, and defined definitions for key terms like forced labour and deception.

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3 Nov 2014

Government's Account of Clash between Protesters and Charity Event Performers at Hong Lim Park

Mr Zainal Sapari sought a full account of the Hong Lim Park incident on 27 September 2014, details on any non-compliance by event organizers, and follow-up actions to prevent recurrence.
The Minister for National Development, Mr Khaw Boon Wan, declined to provide specifics because the police investigation was incomplete and legal proceedings were ongoing.
The minister emphasized that it was not appropriate to answer the questions at that time due to the ongoing processes.

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3 Nov 2014

Singapore Armed Forces' Contribution to Fight against ISIS

The Minister for Defence confirmed that the SAF will join the US-led coalition against ISIS by providing non-combat support, including liaison officers, a tanker aircraft, and an imagery analysis team, but will not deploy combat troops to Iraq or Syria.
The government emphasized that ISIS poses a direct transnational threat to Singapore and the region, citing the presence of Southeast Asian fighters in Syria and Iraq and the need for international cooperation to address the security risk.
Singapore has taken diplomatic steps against ISIS, including supporting UN resolutions and condemning its actions, while also engaging in domestic efforts to counter radicalization through community and religious leaders.
The Minister reassured that security measures are in place to monitor and prevent Singaporeans from joining extremist groups, with laws allowing detention of those who show intent to travel for militant purposes.
The debate highlighted the importance of national unity and resilience, urging Singaporeans to remain vigilant but not allow fear to divide society, while the SAF and other agencies work to protect citizens.

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8 Oct 2014

Police's Role in Enforcement against Timeshare Companies

Christopher de Souza urged the Police to take a more active role in investigating timeshare companies for criminal offences like cheating, rather than leaving aggrieved customers to bear the cost of civil claims.
The Second Minister for Home Affairs explained that the Police assess each complaint for potential criminal offences, having investigated about half of the 110 annual reports over the past five years, with some cases leading to charges under the Penal Code.
The Minister highlighted challenges in gathering evidence due to overseas incorporation and false identities of companies, while noting that consumer protection laws have been revised to provide greater recourse.
Christopher de Souza questioned why some cases with alleged dishonesty were treated as civil matters, and whether elderly victims and large financial losses should prompt special investigative considerations.
The Minister responded that each case is assessed individually, and while public awareness campaigns are important, enforcement must remain fair until an offence is proven.

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7 Oct 2014

Measures to Prevent Increase in Workplace Injuries

The Ministry of Manpower has intensified enforcement in high-risk sectors, issuing thousands of inspections, Stop Work Orders, Composition Fines, and Notices of Non-Compliance, while applying for stronger penalties for serious breaches.
An enhanced Demerit Points System is being developed to identify and debar contractors with poor safety records, with simplified and recalibrated penalties for violations.
The Ministry is increasing assistance to businesses through Safety Compliance Assistance Visits and promoting behavioural change via mandatory Design for Safety requirements for future building projects.

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7 Oct 2014

Remote Gambling Bill

The government introduced the Remote Gambling Bill to prohibit all forms of remote gambling in Singapore, citing law-and-order concerns and the risk of harm to vulnerable individuals, particularly youth, due to the accessibility and addictive nature of online gambling.
The Bill criminalizes participation, facilitation, and operation of remote gambling, including by overseas operators targeting Singapore customers, and introduces measures such as website and payment blocking, advertising bans, and enhanced penalties for offenses involving young persons.
A controversial exemption regime allows not-for-profit, Singapore-based operators to apply for tightly controlled certificates to provide limited remote gambling services, aimed at preventing underground criminal activity while enforcing strict social safeguards, though some members of parliament argued for a total ban without exemptions.

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7 Oct 2014

Prevention of Human Trafficking Bill

Christopher de Souza introduced a Private Member's Bill to prevent human trafficking, punish offenders, and protect victims.
The Bill aims to deter trafficking, assist trafficked persons, and amend the Children and Young Persons Act.
The motion to introduce the Bill was agreed to, and it was read for the first time.
The Second Reading of the Bill is scheduled for the next available parliamentary sitting.

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7 Oct 2014

Supreme Court of Judicature (Amendment) Bill

The Supreme Court of Judicature (Amendment) Bill was introduced to establish the Singapore International Commercial Court and make related legal amendments.
The bill was presented by Senior Minister of State for Law Ms Indranee Rajah and underwent its first reading in Parliament.
The bill is scheduled for a second reading in the next parliamentary sitting and will be printed for review.

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7 Oct 2014

Enhancing Security at New BTO Flats

The Minister confirmed that the Police will install cameras at all 10,000 HDB blocks and multi-storey car parks by 2016, with installation already one-third complete and design integration for new blocks to expedite the process.
In response to concerns about timing, it was explained that while new BTO flats completed in the next two years will have cameras installed, the rollout is transitional and full in-tandem installation with new developments will occur after 2016.
The Minister noted that camera placement considers local crime trends, community feedback, and Town Council inputs, and that Police work with HDB on crime prevention advisories and resident engagement events.
A member raised that extending CCTV coverage to bicycle bays had reduced theft, and the Minister responded that further expansions would be considered based on local priorities and community feedback.
The debate highlighted coordination between MHA, HDB, and Town Councils to enhance estate security through cameras, advisories, and community partnerships.

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7 Oct 2014

Diplomatic Pressure on Self-declared Islamic State in Iraq

Singapore strongly condemned the acts of the Islamic State (IS) and supported United Nations Security Council Resolutions 2170 and 2178 to combat terrorism and foreign fighter movements.
The Minister highlighted the global threat posed by IS, including the mobilization of fighters from over 80 countries and the risks of returning terrorists, citing examples in Belgium, Australia, and within the region.
A multi-faceted approach was emphasized, combining international military coalitions with political solutions in Iraq and Syria, and countering extremist ideologies through community and religious engagement.

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7 Oct 2014

Security Threat from Islamic State of Iraq and Syria

Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean confirmed an increased security threat to Singapore from ISIS, citing the group's recruitment of foreign fighters, brutal tactics, and potential for inspiring attacks in coalition countries, with historical precedent from Al-Qaeda's 2002 embassy bombing plot.
Singapore is taking proactive measures, including monitoring foreign fighter movements, implementing UN-mandated laws against joining extremist groups, and using the Internal Security Act where necessary, while also engaging communities to prevent radicalization and maintain social cohesion.
Ang Wei Neng and Low Thia Khiang inquired about Singaporeans fighting for ISIS and potential ASEAN involvement in military actions; Teo confirmed two Singapore citizens are in Syria and declined to comment on specific military cooperation.
Zaqy Mohamad asked about threats to social fabric from associating radicalism with Muslims; Teo emphasized ongoing community efforts, including collaborations with Muslim leaders, to counter ISIS ideology and prevent backlash.

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7 Oct 2014

Unauthorised Entry of People and Goods into Singapore

The Deputy Prime Minister outlined Singapore’s multi-layered maritime security regime involving the Republic of Singapore Navy, Maritime and Port Authority, Police Coast Guard, and Immigration and Checkpoints Authority to monitor and intercept unauthorized vessels.
Physical barriers and surveillance technologies have been deployed along 63 km of coastline, with plans to expand to cover 143 km of the 197 km coastline to deter illegal landings and channel traffic.
Between 2011 and 2013, authorities seized 46 vessels and arrested 144 persons for illegal maritime entry, with 49 arrests in 2014 alone and nearly 2,900 vessels stopped from entering territorial waters.
The government emphasized ongoing reviews of security processes, collaboration with private partners such as marina owners, and community vigilance to report suspicious activities.
The response followed an August 2014 incident where three foreigners illegally entered via Raffles Marina outside operational hours, highlighting vulnerabilities in off-hours maritime border control.

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9 Sep 2014

Preventing Major Underground Gas Leaks

Senior Minister of State Lee Yi Shyan detailed robust safety measures for Singapore’s gas pipelines, including risk assessments, high-strength materials, burial depths, regular inspections, leak surveys (monthly near MRT stations, annually elsewhere), and systematic replacement of pipelines nearing their 50-year service life.
The official highlighted that natural gas in Singapore dissipates quickly if leaked, unlike the heavier gas involved in the Taiwan incident, and that petrochemical pipelines on Jurong Island are under separate, stricter supervision with only one high-pressure leak case in the past five years.
Over the last five years, 500 minor gas leaks were detected (0.1 per km of pipeline), a rate comparable to Hong Kong and better than major cities like New York and London, with no casualties reported.
Water pipes are also maintained with a dynamic leak detection program checked at least annually, resulting in a low leak rate of six per 100 km of pipes, and older pipes are being systematically replaced with more durable materials.

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9 Sep 2014

Setting Up Community Dispute Resolution Tribunal

The Community Dispute Resolution Tribunal will be established next year as a last resort for resolving long-standing neighbour disputes, with streamlined court processes and mandatory pre-hearing mediation.
The framework emphasizes early community-based solutions, public education, and training for grassroots leaders to promote neighbourly conduct and prevent disputes from escalating.
Enforcement mechanisms, such as injunctions issued by the Tribunal, will work alongside other approaches like penalties or demerit points, with resources being secured to support the Tribunal’s implementation.

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9 Sep 2014

Effectiveness of Moneylenders Licensing Regime in Reducing Harassment Cases

The Senior Minister of State reported that unlicensed moneylending and related harassment cases decreased by 31.6% in the first half of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013, with a steady decline since 2010, which he attributed to tough laws, enforcement, community support, and the availability of licensed lenders.
Christopher de Souza acknowledged the reduction but raised concerns that some licensed moneylenders were using harassment tactics similar to unlicensed ones to recover debts, asking for more oversight of these practices.
Masagos Zulkifli clarified that while licensed lenders can take reasonable steps to recover debts, they are prohibited from harassment, and borrowers should report such behaviour to the police; he also noted that an advisory committee was formed in June to review and strengthen the regulatory regime, including debt collection practices.

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8 Sep 2014

Updates on Victim Care Cadre Programme

The Victim Care Cadre (VCC) programme was launched as a pilot in June 2014 to provide emotional support to victims of serious sexual crimes, with 15 volunteers trained and certified to date.
Volunteers must be at least 21 years old, have relevant qualifications in counselling or social work, and undergo specific training, but they are not allowed to accompany victims during police interviews.
The programme complements existing services, requires victim consent for assignment, and will be evaluated in June 2015 after the one-year trial period.

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