Public safety & law — Topics

8 Jul 2014

Family Justice Bill

The Family Justice Bill was introduced to establish the constitutional framework, jurisdiction, and powers of the Family Justice Courts and to improve the administration of justice in family-related matters.
The bill also aims to make consequential and related amendments to other written laws to ensure consistency across the legal system.
It was presented by Senior Minister of State for Law Ms Indranee Rajah, read for the first time, and scheduled for a second reading in a future parliamentary sitting.

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7 Jul 2014

Government Agency to Protect Companies from Fake Organisations

There is no government agency that operates a "Singapore Company Register" database or asks companies to verify information under threat of deletion, and ACRA is the sole statutory body that handles business information filings and updates without such threats.
ACRA requires companies to state their name and registration number in all business correspondences, with a maximum fine of S$1,000 for breaches, and has investigated 10 entities for non-compliance in the past four years.
ACRA investigated a company that sent letters falsely representing a "Singapore Company Register," brought 104 charges against it, and referred the case to the Commercial Affairs Department, while advising the public to use ACRA's free search function to verify business identities.

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7 Jul 2014

Singapore's Ranking in Trafficking in Persons Report

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef questioned the government about Singapore's Tier 2 ranking in the 2014 US Trafficking in Persons Report and the effectiveness of the National Plan of Action.
Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean acknowledged the US report's observations but called for more objective and consistent methodology from the US, while outlining Singapore's serious commitment to combating trafficking.
Singapore has strengthened its efforts through an inter-agency task force, specialist investigation teams, a case referral mechanism, and public awareness grants since 2012.
The government supports a Private Member's Bill by Christopher de Souza on preventing human trafficking, which will provide stronger legal tools to address trafficking crimes.

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7 Jul 2014

Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) (Amendment) Bill

The bill proposes amendments to strengthen Singapore’s anti-money laundering framework, including increasing maximum imprisonment for money laundering offences from 7 to 10 years and introducing substitute property confiscation orders to seize assets of equivalent value when crime instruments are unavailable.
New measures require precious stones and metals dealers to conduct customer due diligence and report cash transactions above S$20,000, while the cross-border cash reporting threshold is lowered from S$30,000 to S$20,000 to better monitor large cash movements.
The bill formalises the role of the Suspicious Transaction Reporting Office (STRO) and enhances international cooperation by allowing intelligence sharing with foreign counterparts without requiring formal agreements, subject to confidentiality safeguards.
Amendments broaden the definition of foreign serious offences to include tax evasion, aligning Singapore’s laws with international standards and addressing concerns about illicit funds flowing through its financial system.
The bill aims to maintain Singapore’s reputation as a trusted financial centre by ensuring its legal framework stays relevant against evolving transnational crime threats, with ongoing consultation and guidance for affected industries.

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7 Jul 2014

Radiation Protection (Amendment) Bill

The Minister for the Environment and Water Resources introduced the Radiation Protection (Amendment) Bill to align Singapore’s laws with international obligations under the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM) and its 2005 Amendment, enhancing nuclear safety and security.
Key amendments include criminalizing acts related to nuclear material that cause death, injury, or property damage, increasing penalties for unlicensed dealings, and introducing the death penalty for severe sabotage of nuclear facilities intended to cause death.
The Bill also facilitates international cooperation by enabling mutual legal assistance, extradition for nuclear offences, and information sharing, while extending the Act’s provisions to cover government use of radioactive materials.
Parliament members raised concerns about regional nuclear risks, preparedness of checkpoint officers, and food safety from Fukushima, with the Minister assuring robust controls and multi-agency response plans are in place.
The Bill was passed after a quorum was ensured, with unanimous support emphasizing Singapore’s commitment to protecting its population from radiological risks amid growing regional nuclear activities.

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7 Jul 2014

Government's Response to Report of Committee of Inquiry into 8 December 2013 Little India Riot

The Committee of Inquiry found the 2013 Little India riot was triggered by a fatal accident and fueled by crowd misperceptions, alcohol, and a cultural sense of retributive justice, but was not due to systemic issues with foreign worker conditions.
The government accepted all COI recommendations, including doubling the Special Operations Command, improving command and control systems, enhancing surveillance and infrastructure in congregation areas, and implementing stricter alcohol regulations.
Ministers emphasized that while the Home Team's overall response was effective in containing the riot without loss of life, the incident provided critical lessons for improving public order preparedness and foreign worker management.

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7 Jul 2014

Illegal Hawking

Ms Tin Pei Ling inquired about the extent of illegal hawking, actions taken against offenders, and assistance for vulnerable Singaporeans who cannot afford hawker licensing costs.
The Second Minister explained that NEA acts against illegal hawking to protect public health and prevent nuisance, with two-thirds of recent offenders being foreigners and penalties escalating from composition sums to court prosecution.
The government investigates financial circumstances of Singaporean illegal hawkers and refers them to social service offices and CDCs for job and financial assistance.

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7 Jul 2014

Protection of Students against Sexual Predators

MOE outlined a comprehensive strategy to protect students, including stringent teacher screening, a formal Code of Professional Conduct, and ongoing training and vigilance to uphold professional boundaries.
The Ministry emphasized that any educator misconduct will be thoroughly investigated and severely dealt with, while also teaching students about their right to safety and protection.
A parent suggested engaging parents more formally to recognize signs of distress and implementing a buddy system for teachers to monitor colleagues, with the Minister agreeing to study these proposals.

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7 Jul 2014

Breach of SingPass User Accounts

Zaqy Mohamad, Mary Liew, and Yee Jenn Jong raised concerns about the SingPass breach, asking about investigation outcomes, security improvements, and measures for less internet-savvy citizens.
Minister Yaacob Ibrahim explained that the breach involved 1,560 accounts linked to suspicious mobile numbers, with no system vulnerabilities found, but weak passwords or malware were likely causes.
The government plans to implement two-factor authentication for sensitive services by Q3 2015, enhance password requirements, and improve analytics to detect anomalies.
IDA will work with agencies and the National Crime Prevention Council on cybersecurity awareness campaigns, including a CrimeWatch episode to educate the public.
The Minister emphasized that while costs for additional security measures would not fall on users, there might be temporary inconvenience from more frequent password changes.

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30 May 2014

Indonesian Fugitives in Singapore

Mrs Lina Chiam asked about the presence of corrupt Indonesian fugitives in Singapore from 2007 to 2013 and the measures to prevent them from residing or seeking refuge in the country.
Teo Chee Hean stated Singapore's zero-tolerance policy on corruption, supported by the CPIB and CDSA, and noted strict immigration rules that deny entry to or remove known fugitives.
He mentioned that Singapore and Indonesia signed an extradition treaty and defence cooperation agreement in 2007, which are pending ratification, but cooperation continues through mutual legal assistance.
The public is encouraged to report information on corrupt activities or fugitives to the CPIB or police for investigation.

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29 May 2014

Illegal Vehicles Operating as Taxis

Mr Ang Hin Kee asked about enforcement against private vehicles operating as taxis, the number of illegal vehicles caught in the past year, and a regulatory framework for third-party taxi booking apps.
Minister Lui Tuck Yew stated that under the Road Traffic Act, only licensed taxis can operate for hire, with penalties including fines up to $3,000, imprisonment up to six months, or vehicle forfeiture.
There were no convictions for unlicensed taxis in the past year.
The Land Transport Authority is reviewing the impact of third-party taxi booking applications on the industry and will share details later.

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29 May 2014

Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters (Amendment) Bill

The Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters (Amendment) Bill was introduced to amend the existing Act and was presented by Senior Minister of State for Law Ms Indranee Rajah.
The bill received its first reading and was scheduled for a second reading at the next parliamentary sitting.
The debate focused on legal and procedural updates to enhance international cooperation in criminal matters.
The amendments aimed to streamline and strengthen Singapore's framework for mutual legal assistance with other jurisdictions.

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29 May 2014

Good Samaritan Law

The Minister for Law reaffirmed that a Good Samaritan law is not needed in Singapore, citing that current laws already protect those who assist in good faith by only holding them to a reasonable standard of care based on their skills.
The Senior Minister of State explained that examples from other jurisdictions show Good Samaritan laws typically require gross negligence or recklessness for liability, which aligns with Singapore's existing legal framework.
The debate highlighted that there is no evidence of people in Singapore refraining from helping due to fear of liability, though the government will re-examine the issue if the context changes.

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28 May 2014

Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) (Amendment) Bill

The bill aims to amend the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act to strengthen legal measures against serious crimes.
It was presented by the Second Minister for Home Affairs, Mr S Iswaran, and received its First Reading in Parliament.
The bill is scheduled for its Second Reading at the next available parliamentary sitting and will be printed for further review.

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16 May 2014

Ministry of Law

The Ministry of Law is modernising laws and justice systems, including reforms to harassment protections, criminal law rationalisation, and family justice to make processes less adversarial and more child-focused.
MinLaw is enhancing legal education and regulation by establishing new law schools, strengthening standards, and creating a new regulatory authority to oversee legal practice.
Singapore aims to become a leading hub for legal services, intellectual property, and dispute resolution, with initiatives to grow law firms and support IP and land development.
Legal aid is being expanded for civil and criminal cases, and reforms are being introduced for moneylending, bankruptcy, and community dispute resolution to improve access to justice.

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16 May 2014

Ministry of Home Affairs

The Deputy Prime Minister outlined that Singapore faces new security threats including terrorism, cyber-attacks, cross-boundary crime, and rising drug abuse, requiring the Home Team to adapt its strategies, invest in new capabilities, and foster stronger community partnerships.
The Home Team will implement new measures such as the Community Policing System (COPS), enhanced rehabilitation and aftercare programs, an Organised Crime Act, and expanded use of technology like police cameras, biometric passports, and advanced command systems to improve safety and response.
Investments will be made in infrastructure and equipment, including new police stations, fire stations, patrol boats, and unmanned firefighting machines, while boosting officer training, specialization, and community engagement to maintain a proactive and comprehensive approach to security.

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14 Apr 2014

Victim Compensation Orders Granted by Courts

Section 359 of the Criminal Procedure Code mandates courts to consider compensation orders in every criminal case, with data for 2012 and 2013 showing a total of 1,232 orders granted.
Over 70% of these orders were for hurt, mischief, and theft offences, while the rest included cheating and other crimes.
Compensation amounts varied, with 70% under $2,000, 20% between $2,000 and $10,000, and 10% above $10,000, the highest being $63,716.
The system aims to provide an easy pathway for victims to receive compensation directly from offenders through court-ordered payments.
The Minister highlighted that the compulsory consideration of compensation orders helps ensure victims are not left without recourse after criminal proceedings.

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14 Apr 2014

Abduction of Sombath Somphone in Laos

Mr Charles Chong questioned the government about its efforts to trace Sombath Somphone, a Singaporean citizen's husband abducted in Laos in 2012, including any assistance requested from Laos and updates from the embassy.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, K Shanmugam, stated that the Singapore Embassy has provided consular support to Sombath's wife and facilitated meetings with Lao officials, with the government consistently raising concerns at the highest levels in Laos.
The Lao authorities have assured Singapore they are investigating seriously and doing all they can, though the case remains under Laos' jurisdiction, and Singapore will continue seeking regular updates.

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14 Apr 2014

Liquor Licences Issued to Establishments within or Near Institutions of Higher Learning

Assoc Prof Tan Kheng Boon Eugene asked about the number of liquor licences issued to establishments near institutions of higher learning (IHLs) over the past five years, whether the Liquors Licensing Board regulates such licences, and what measures can prevent IHLs from becoming “alcohol-friendly.”
Teo Chee Hean responded that there are 33 valid liquor licences at IHLs, including staff clubs, restaurants, and retail outlets, with IHL management deciding on alcohol policies and police assessing each licence application based on law and order considerations.
For IHLs with students under 18, police require management’s consent before issuing liquor licences, and licences include conditions prohibiting sales or consumption by those below 18.
The Ministry of Home Affairs will review existing liquor control measures as part of an ongoing review of the liquor licensing regime.

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14 Apr 2014

Measures to Address Shortage of Police Officers

The Singapore Police Force is enhancing recruitment by targeting school leavers, mid-career professionals, and former National Servicemen to attract more officers, aiming to fill vacancies and support new initiatives like the Community Policing System and traffic police resources.
The force has grown its uniformed staff by 10% over the past decade and plans to add 450 officers for the Community Policing System, which will increase the number of officers at Neighbourhood Police Centres by 16% by the end of 2015 to improve community engagement and tackle local crime.
The Police actively use volunteers, including 767 Volunteer Special Constabulary officers and thousands of National Servicemen, to supplement regular officers in patrols and operations, while also partnering with community groups to strengthen safety and security without replacing trained manpower.

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