Public safety & law — Topics

8 Sep 2014

Effectiveness of Police CCTV Cameras in Preventing Crime

Alex Yam asked about the effectiveness of police CCTV cameras in preventing or solving crime and the timeline for installing PolCams in Yew Tee.
Teo Chee Hean stated that 18,000 Police Cameras have been installed across 3,300 HDB blocks and car parks, with completion of the remaining installations, including in Yew Tee, expected by 2016.
Over the last two years, police have used camera footage to solve more than 200 cases and obtained investigative leads in over 450 cases.
Residents have welcomed the cameras and reported an improved sense of safety, and the government will continue evaluating the programme's effectiveness.

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8 Sep 2014

Appeals to Overturn Traffic Summonses

The Traffic Police received about 2,600 appeals per month and the Land Transport Authority received about 7,900 appeals per month in 2013.
Both agencies adopt a firm but fair enforcement stance, carefully considering each appeal on its merits, and only accept appeals with very strong extenuating factors, especially for moving offences which pose serious danger.
Handling these appeals requires considerable resources, but the overall policy is to uphold traffic rules to ensure road safety and deter errant behaviour.

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8 Sep 2014

Juvenile Crime Trends

The number of juvenile offenders arrested decreased by 11% over the last three years, with first-time offenders making up about 71-74% of cases, primarily for theft-related crimes, and recidivism rates for recent cohorts ranging from 16.6% to 18.9%.
The government uses a range of sentencing options for juvenile offenders, including diversionary programs for first-time offenders and probation or juvenile homes for higher-risk or repeat offenders, with a focus on rehabilitation through holistic assessments and support.
Collaborative efforts across ministries and agencies coordinate a whole-of-government response to juvenile crime, emphasizing upstream measures like parent outreach and youth guidance programs to prevent at-risk juveniles from offending.

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8 Sep 2014

Effectiveness of Police Speed Laser Cameras

Ms Lee Li Lian inquired about the effectiveness of Police Speed Laser Cameras (PSLC) since implementation and their deployment details, particularly for Sengkang East Drive.
Teo Chee Hean stated that the Traffic Police uses portable cameras flexibly for enforcement based on feedback, violations, and accidents, publishing over 50 potential deployment locations to deter speeding.
Sengkang East Drive is one such location where operations occurred, with about 460 speeding violations detected in 2012 and 2013, mostly via these cameras.

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8 Sep 2014

Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill

The bill expands the offence of driving while using a mobile communication device to include all handheld devices and any function (e.g., internet browsing, gaming), but only when the vehicle is in motion and the device is held in at least one hand.
It introduces stricter licensing requirements for foreign vocational drivers, including a six-month deadline to obtain a local licence and higher conversion standards, while also creating a voluntary Safe Driving Course to demerit points for drivers who complete it.
The bill establishes a rebuttable presumption that vehicle owners are liable for certain traffic offences if they fail to provide driver details, and clarifies that drivers involved in accidents must take reasonable steps to report and provide their particulars, even if the other party is absent.

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8 Sep 2014

Tackling Online Scams

The Police are raising public awareness through campaigns, media features, and collaborations with financial institutions to educate citizens about online scams and encourage reporting via existing channels.
Law enforcement is upgrading cyber skills, working with INTERPOL and regional counterparts to handle cross-border crimes, and has established a cybersecurity alliance with government and private sector partners.
Existing laws are deemed adequate and evolving, with ongoing efforts to collect data, collaborate with experts, and protect vulnerable groups like the elderly, while relying on current reporting systems rather than creating new ones.

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5 Aug 2014

Cement Trucks Classified under Euro 1 and Euro 5 Emission Standards

Mr Zainal Sapari asked about the breakdown of cement trucks by Euro emission standards, the rationale for restricting their use of tunnels and highways during peak hours, the discrepancy between LTA and Traffic Police speed limits, and whether restrictions could be reviewed.
Minister Lui Tuck Yew stated that of about 1,600 registered ready-mix concrete trucks, 19% are pre-Euro or Euro I and 4% are Euro V, with the low number of Euro V trucks due to the standard being implemented only in January.
The minister explained that a 40 km/h speed limit is imposed for safety due to the risk of overturning from wet concrete in their drums, and such trucks are prohibited from expressways at all hours to minimize collisions, though exceptional permits for off-peak use can be granted.
He noted that the speed limit is set by the Traffic Police for safety and applies even where road limits are higher, and the restrictions are reviewed periodically, but no immediate changes to peak-hour tunnel or highway bans are planned.

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5 Aug 2014

Attorney-General (Additional Functions) Bill

The Attorney-General (Additional Functions) Bill empowers the AG to represent specific Statutory Boards, like MAS and SLA, in judicial review and other court proceedings if conditions such as request, ministerial consent, no conflict of interest, and public interest are met, with the AG's decision being final.
Supporters argue this will align litigation across the public sector, foster coherent public law principles, and provide cost-effective legal representation, while phasing in more Statutory Boards to manage workload.
Concerns were raised about potential impacts on AGC resources and workload, with clarifications that fees will be cost-recovery based and the phased approach ensures sustainable implementation.

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5 Aug 2014

Decision on Locations of Speed Cameras and CCTVs

Ms Lee Li Lian sought to expedite CCTV installations in HDB blocks with high crime reports, and asked if new BTO flats would have CCTVs installed upon obtaining TOP, with coordination from the Ministry of National Development.
The Second Minister for Home Affairs confirmed that police cameras are being installed at all 10,000 HDB blocks and multi-storey car parks, with 18,000 cameras already installed in 3,300 blocks by May 2012, and full coverage targeted for completion by 2016.
The installation schedule is regularly reviewed based on crime trends, community feedback, and Town Council recommendations to maximize crime deterrence and detection, alongside broader community policing initiatives.

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4 Aug 2014

Sale of National Day Parade Tickets

Baey Yam Keng raised concerns about the sale of National Day Parade tickets, asking for data on those caught, the possibility of heavier penalties, and whether admission could require proof of identity.
Ng Eng Hen responded that the NDP Executive Committee imposes a three-year ban from ticket balloting for those caught selling tickets and is considering heavier penalties.
He explained that while proof of identity is required during ticket collection, additional measures at admission could cause delays and are not aligned with practices at major events.
The current admission process focuses on physical security checks to ensure safety, which has been effective in past years.
The committee is continuously reviewing the ticketing system to address issues like ticket sales while maintaining efficient and secure event operations.

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4 Aug 2014

Move-on Orders by Police under the Public Order Act

Since the Public Order Act came into force in 2009, 20 move-on orders have been issued by the Police.
Move-on orders are used to stop unauthorised assemblies and activities in public places that could cause alarm or disorder.
These orders help discontinue illegal actions and disperse those involved without the need for arrests.

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4 Aug 2014

Criteria for Locations of Speed Cameras and CCTVs

Ms Lee Li Lian inquired about the criteria used to decide the installation of speed cameras and CCTVs in accident-prone areas to deter speeding.
Teo Chee Hean stated that the Traffic Police consider factors such as the number of road traffic accidents (especially speeding-related ones), terrain suitability, and public feedback when selecting locations for speed enforcement cameras.
The Traffic Police have more than 20 static camera locations and over 50 potential sites for portable cameras, with details available on their website.
The network is being expanded under the Safer Roads Singapore plan, with an ongoing study to identify additional useful locations.
Feedback from Members of Parliament is appreciated and will be considered in the review process.

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4 Aug 2014

Emergency Evacuation Plans at Sports Hub

Ang Hin Kee queried the safety and evacuation plans at the new Sports Hub to prevent disasters like the Bradford City and Hillsborough incidents.
Lawrence Wong stated the Sports Hub follows both local and UK safety codes, adopting the stricter guidelines and using advanced evacuation modelling.
He added that the Sports Hub's operational team has global experience and trains with local authorities, with ongoing reviews to ensure public safety.

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4 Aug 2014

Transboundary Haze Pollution Bill

The Minister introduced the Transboundary Haze Pollution Bill to hold companies accountable for haze pollution in Singapore, imposing criminal penalties and civil liability for entities causing or contributing to haze, even if they operate overseas.
The Bill includes features such as extraterritorial reach, daily fines up to a cap of $2 million, and civil claims for affected individuals, with legal presumptions to aid enforcement and investigations.
Supportive speakers emphasized the need for stronger penalties, whistleblower protections, and consumer awareness to pressure companies, while also highlighting the importance of regional cooperation, especially with Indonesia, to address the root causes of haze pollution.

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4 Aug 2014

Family Justice Bill

The Family Justice Bill establishes a new Family Justice Court system to centralise and specialistise the handling of family and juvenile cases, aiming to reduce acrimony and trauma in divorce proceedings while emphasising the best interests of the child.
The Bill introduces a judge-led approach, streamlined court processes, and new powers for courts to order mediation or counselling, but maintains existing divorce grounds and does not make divorces easier.
During the debate, concerns were raised about in-camera hearings potentially reducing public transparency, the cost implications of court-appointed assessors, and the need for better support for families, with the Minister clarifying that privacy aims to protect families and costs are managed to reduce overall expenses.

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4 Aug 2014

Government's Control over Airlines' Flight Routes over Conflict Areas

Multiple MPs asked whether Singapore airlines, particularly SIA, avoid flying over conflict zones and whether they had flights over eastern Ukraine when MH17 was shot down, with concerns about the adequacy of risk assessments and government oversight.
The Minister for Transport explained that flight route planning is primarily the responsibility of airlines, which use sophisticated systems and assess risks based on information from authorities like Ukraine and ICAO, noting that Ukraine had only restricted flights below 32,000 feet and no international body had advised avoiding the area above that altitude.
SIA had proactively avoided other conflict zones like Crimea and parts of the Middle East but continued using the Ukrainian airspace above 32,000 feet as it was permitted, and immediately rerouted all flights after the MH17 incident.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) requires airlines to have robust flight planning processes, conducts audits, and updates carriers on safety information, and has requested a review of risk assessments post-MH17, while participating in international efforts to improve safety.
MPs raised concerns about the lack of proactive intelligence and stricter protocols, with the Minister responding that while improvements are sought, airlines must make independent judgments and avoiding all conflict zones is impractical, as the alternative routes now involve about a 30-minute deviation.

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9 Jul 2014

Protection for Singapore Companies in Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Parks

The Singapore Government expressed strong concern to Vietnamese authorities about the violent unrest at the Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Parks, which included looting and the burning of the Singapore flag.
Vietnam's leaders conveyed deep regret and assured Singapore that concrete measures would be taken to prevent recurrence, including investigations and compensation for affected companies.
Most affected Singaporean firms have restarted operations, and Singapore will continue working with Vietnam to protect its companies and investors.

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9 Jul 2014

Security Threat Posed by Militants Who Travel Overseas to Fight

The Deputy Prime Minister outlined that the Syrian conflict has drawn thousands of foreign militants, including a few Singaporeans, raising concerns about returning fighters posing security threats and potentially damaging social cohesion, similar to past conflicts like the Soviet-Afghan war.
The government is actively monitoring and investigating individuals showing radicalized tendencies, using the Internal Security Act to detain or restrict those planning to join conflicts, while collaborating with regional and international partners on intelligence sharing.
To counter recruitment, especially via social media, authorities are working with religious leaders and communities to promote moderate Islamic teachings, provide humanitarian aid channels, and encourage early reporting of radicalized individuals to prevent harm.

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8 Jul 2014

Statistics on Youth Criminal Offences

The number of male and female youths arrested for criminal offences decreased from 2009 to 2013, with males dropping from 3,175 to 2,347 and females from 1,096 to 673.
The proportion of youth offenders relative to all arrests fell from 22.8% to 18.2%, though it remains slightly above the youth population share of about 14%.
A multi-agency approach is used, including the Central Youth Guidance Office and the Youth Offenders Unit, with programmes like the Delta (Football) League and patrols to deter youth crime.
The Boys' Clubs were transferred to the People's Association in 1996 and rebranded as Teens Network (T-Net) clubs, with eight currently operating islandwide.

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8 Jul 2014

Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters (Amendment) Bill

The Bill amends the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act to streamline cooperation with foreign countries by removing the dual criminality requirement for non-coercive forms of assistance, such as voluntary witness testimony, while retaining it for coercive measures like search and seizure.
It expands the scope of offences for which mutual legal assistance can be provided by creating a standalone list of serious offences within the Act, including those not necessarily linked to money laundering, and adds a "catch-all" provision for offences carrying a maximum sentence of at least four years' imprisonment.
The amendments enhance Singapore's ability to enforce foreign confiscation orders for instrumentalities of serious offences and align the Act with updates to domestic anti-money laundering legislation, reinforcing Singapore's commitment to combating transnational financial crimes.
During the debate, MPs sought clarifications on processing times, regional cooperation frameworks like the ASEAN Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty, and the criteria for deciding on requests, with the Ministry assuring timely handling and a facilitative approach within legal bounds.

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