Public safety & law — Topics

21 Feb 2014

Actions against Parties Responsible for Oil Spills

The Ministry of Transport and Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) enforce the Prevention of Pollution of the Sea Act, prosecuting responsible parties for oil spills with fines up to $1 million, imprisonment, or both, and share investigation findings with the International Maritime Organization and shipping community.
In response to recent vessel collisions, MPA conducts thorough investigations, takes swift cleanup actions, and implements interim measures like safety briefings and navigational advisories to prevent future incidents.
The Parliamentary Secretary assured that while investigation reports are shared with IMO and stakeholders, public scrutiny is facilitated through IMO channels, and environmental protection remains a priority through collaboration with relevant organizations.
Measures include enhancing navigational safety via the Port Operation Control Centre, developing safe passage guides, and emphasizing preventive efforts to minimize risks to marine habitats and public safety.

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21 Feb 2014

Delay in Issuance of Notices of Traffic Offences

The Senior Minister of State reported that from 2012 to 2013, only 0.15% of traffic offence notices were issued more than a year late, mainly due to complex investigations or delivery issues.
Zainal Sapari suggested setting a two- or three-month deadline for issuing notices, after which the offence could be voided or an advisory issued, citing today's technology for efficiency.
Masagos Zulkifli clarified that 98% of notices are issued within seven days, and the Police cannot forgive offences without legal consultation or legislative changes.
Cases involving disputes over the driver’s identity or memory of the event contribute to delays, but these are a very small percentage of overall offences.
The debate highlighted the balance between timely justice, operational challenges, and the legal constraints on waiving offences.

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18 Feb 2014

Public Order (Additional Temporary Measures) Bill

The Bill introduces temporary, targeted measures to maintain public order in Little India, including calibrated search powers and restrictions on business operations, with safeguards like judicial review and training requirements for auxiliary police officers.
The government emphasizes that these powers are limited compared to existing laws, proactively address risks identified after the riot, and are interim solutions pending the Committee of Inquiry's findings and longer-term alcohol control policies.
Stakeholder concerns about economic and social impacts are acknowledged, with assurances that measures will be monitored, adjusted, and balanced to preserve Little India's vibrancy while ensuring public safety.

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18 Feb 2014

Public Order (Additional Temporary Measures) Bill

The government introduced the Public Order (Additional Temporary Measures) Bill as a temporary 12-month law to replace the broader Public Order (Preservation) Act, granting police targeted powers to maintain order in Little India following the December 2013 riot, including alcohol restrictions and enhanced search authority.
Supporters argued the Bill is necessary to prevent another incident, is more limited than existing laws, and addresses public safety concerns, while critics questioned its timing before the Committee of Inquiry's findings, its focus on alcohol, and potential overreach or discriminatory impact.
The Bill establishes a "special zone" in Little India, prohibits public alcohol consumption and sales, creates a permit regime for exceptions, and empowers police to search, question, and ban individuals, with safeguards like appeal mechanisms and accountability for misuse.

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18 Feb 2014

MRT Track Intrusions

The Parliamentary Secretary reported 177 MRT track intrusions since 2003 and outlined Standard Operating Procedures that include stopping trains, cutting power, and contacting SCDF for injuries.
The procedures ensure staff safety and allow response teams to access the track, with station managers trained to provide first aid before ambulances arrive.
Png Eng Huat confirmed the number and asked if staff receive basic first aid training and carry first aid kits, referencing an incident where passengers were asked for scissors.
The Parliamentary Secretary affirmed that station managers and staff are trained in first aid for various on-ground situations and emphasized ongoing training for effective response.

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17 Feb 2014

Compulsory Third-party Insurance and Traffic Rules Training for Cyclists

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah proposed making third-party insurance for cyclists compulsory and requiring cyclists to undergo compulsory traffic rules training to protect victims and enhance public safety.
Lui Tuck Yew responded that mandatory insurance and training for all cyclists are impractical, noting that similar programs in other countries like the UK and Australia are voluntary.
The government’s approach is to promote safe cycling through targeted educational platforms such as community talks, exhibitions, and school programs rather than imposing compulsory measures.

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17 Feb 2014

Number of Magistrate's Complaints Relating to Offence of Voluntarily Causing Hurt

Ms Sylvia Lim asked the Minister for Law about the number of Magistrate's Complaints for voluntarily causing hurt in 2011, 2012, and 2013.
The Minister responded with the specific numbers: 513 in 2011, 880 in 2012, and 943 in 2013.
The data shows an increase in such complaints over the three-year period.
The debate focused solely on the factual numbers without discussing causes or implications.
No further questions or debates followed the exchange.

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17 Feb 2014

Reported Cases of Serious Sexual Crimes

Sylvia Lim inquired about the median time taken for police investigations into serious sexual crimes to be ready for prosecution and the percentage of reports not prosecuted.
Teo Chee Hean reported that about 180 serious sexual crime cases were reported annually from 2011 to 2013, with nearly 30 charges filed each year.
The remaining cases resulted in outcomes like stern warnings or no further action, with investigations averaging 12 months but varying based on case complexity.

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17 Feb 2014

Reported Cases of Voluntarily Causing Hurt

In 2011-2013, there were approximately 10,000 reported cases of voluntarily causing hurt annually, equating to about 200 cases per 100,000 population each year.
Over 600 criminal charges were filed annually against persons accused of voluntarily causing hurt during this period, with many cases resolved through self-resolution or magistrate mediation.
Cases involving clear harm to public interest or vulnerable victims may be investigated and prosecuted in court under the Criminal Procedure Code.

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17 Feb 2014

Strength of Auxiliary Police Forces

The total strength of Singapore's auxiliary police forces is approximately 6,000 officers.
The majority of these officers are Singaporean citizens, with the rest primarily being Malaysian nationals.
The practice of employing Malaysians in auxiliary police roles began in the 1970s and continues today.

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17 Feb 2014

Updating SCDF Emergency Handbook to Include Response Recommendations on Handling Unruly or Destructive Crowds

Ms Tan Su Shan asked if the SCDF Emergency Handbook will be updated to include response recommendations for large unruly or destructive crowds.
The handbook currently covers first aid, fire safety, peacetime and wartime emergencies, and terrorist threats, and is regularly reviewed.
The SCDF and SPF will consider including advisories for the public on handling unruly crowds in the next edition.
The advisories would target members of the public at locations with large crowds or those encountering unruly behavior.
The update is planned for the next edition of the handbook, which is periodically revised.

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17 Feb 2014

Inactive Liquor Licences in Proclaimed Area of Little India

Assoc Prof Tan Kheng Boon Eugene asked for data on inactive liquor licences in Little India from 2009 to 2013, including reasons for inactivity and renewals.
Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean explained that inactive licences were not tracked as there was no requirement for licensees to notify authorities, with no data available until 2013.
Following the 2013 riot, police identified 43 inactive licences out of 374 in Little India and will consider requiring licensees to report business cessation.

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17 Feb 2014

False Motor Insurance Claims

Zainal Sapari asked for the number of reported false motor insurance claims, police considerations for investigations, and prosecution statistics over the last three years.
Teo Chee Hean stated there were 244 reports of motor vehicle insurance fraud in the past three years.
The police investigate such claims if there is sufficient evidence that a criminal offence has been disclosed.
Fifty-seven individuals have been prosecuted for motor vehicle insurance fraud in the last three years.

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17 Feb 2014

Motorists Caught by Adjustment to Speed Limits

Baey Yam Keng asked about the number of motorists caught speeding at specific exits and entrances on the KPE where the 70km/h limit remains, comparing pre- and post-29 December 2013 numbers, and whether signs need enhancement.
Lui Tuck Yew responded that speeding violations at the location increased to about 55 per day in January 2014 from about 30 per day in October 2013.
The LTA will add two pairs of "Reduce Speed Now" signs per direction near the affected stretches to remind motorists of the 70km/h limit.

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17 Feb 2014

Security Risk Assessment before Engaging Security Services

Zainal Sapari proposed making security risk assessments mandatory for businesses, building owners, and individuals engaging security services, with standards defined by a certified professional agency.
Teo Chee Hean stated that such assessments are currently mandatory only for critical infrastructure, where MHA collaborates with agencies and owners to assess entire sites.
For non-critical buildings, including residential premises, security risk assessments are not mandatory, but the government offers outreach programs and guidelines to encourage best practices.
Measures include MHA’s guidelines on building security, MOM’s guidebook on sourcing security services, and incorporating risk assessments into the grading of security agencies.
These initiatives aim to foster collaboration between security agencies and building owners to tailor solutions and enhance overall security outcomes.

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17 Feb 2014

Fire Safety Measures in Commercial and Residential Buildings

Patrick Tay questioned whether fire safety and security requirements for commercial and residential buildings need review and if regulations ensure personnel have adequate protection, skills, and training for incidents like fires.
Teo Chee Hean explained that the Singapore Civil Defence Force sets fire safety standards via the Fire Code, which mandates refuge floors, exit staircases, and fire lifts for high-rise buildings, with regular stakeholder consultations.
The Fire Safety Act requires Fire Safety Managers and Company Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) for large buildings, and security officers are part of CERTs and must complete compulsory training modules, though personal protection equipment is not typically covered for residential settings.
Following the fire investigation, the Security Industry Skills and Training Council will review findings to assess if enhancements are needed for security officers' training and response to fire incidents.

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17 Feb 2014

Cyber Threats to Government and Public-access Online Sites

Mrs Lina Chiam questioned whether the government website downtime on 2-3 November 2013 was due to maintenance or hacking, which specific sites were affected, and if sensitive data like SingPass was compromised.
Minister Yaacob Ibrahim clarified that the downtime was due to technical difficulties during scheduled preventive maintenance, not hacking, and all websites were restored by 5:20 pm with no sensitive data compromised.
The government emphasized heightened vigilance and ongoing efforts to strengthen cyber security in response to declared threats, ensuring rapid service restoration and data integrity if breaches occur.

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17 Feb 2014

Measures Adopted by Schools to Prevent Fatal Incidents during Physical Education Classes

Patrick Tay Teck Guan asked the Minister for Education for an update on the recent deaths of two Secondary school students during PE lessons and the measures being taken to prevent future incidents.
Heng Swee Keat expressed deep sadness over the tragedies and confirmed that police are investigating the causes, while MOE has reviewed and confirmed that safety protocols were followed in both cases.
MOE has reminded all schools to regularly review risk assessments, collect medical declarations from parents, conduct checks on students' well-being before PE lessons, and ensure warming-up and cooling-down exercises are performed.
PE teachers are trained in first-aid and CPR, and schools are required to follow safety procedures for all physical activities to ensure a safe environment for holistic student development.

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17 Feb 2014

Air Navigation (Amendment) Bill

The Air Navigation (Amendment) Bill updates Singapore's aviation safety regulations to align with international standards and address new developments in aircraft types and technologies.
It empowers the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) to make subsidiary legislation, introduces modular regulations for greater clarity and accessibility, and strengthens enforcement options including financial penalties.
The Bill transfers certain powers from the Ministry of Transport to CAAS while retaining key areas like air accident investigations and aviation security under the Ministry's purview.

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17 Feb 2014

Safety Measures at Construction Sites Given Recent Spate of Accidents

The Ministry of Manpower announced a multi-pronged strategy to address the recent rise in construction site accidents, including stricter penalties, tighter conditions for lifting Stop Work Orders, expanding the Business Under Surveillance Programme, and reviewing the Demerit Points System, while also increasing support through Safety Compliance Assistance Visits.
Officials emphasized that safety is a shared responsibility across the entire construction value chain, with initiatives like Design for Safety and industry-led programmes aimed at fostering a proactive safety culture beyond enforcement.
The Ministry confirmed that workplace safety records are considered in government tender evaluations and that measures are in place to ensure worker fitness and to empower foreign workers to report safety concerns.

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