Public safety & law — Topics

21 Oct 2013

Speed Limiters for Heavy Vehicles

The government confirmed that heavy vehicles over 12 tonnes for goods and 10 tonnes for public service are already legally required to have speed limiters set to 60 km/h.
Despite existing rules, speeding violations by heavy vehicles have increased, suggesting limiters may be malfunctioning or tampered with.
From November 2013, vehicles found speeding will face mandatory additional inspections to ensure speed limiters are functioning properly, with increased frequency for repeat offenders.

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21 Oct 2013

Measures to Prevent Terrorist Attacks on Shopping Malls

The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted that Singapore faces a persistent terrorism threat, particularly against soft targets like shopping malls, and emphasized a multi-layered security approach involving border checks, community engagement, and public vigilance.
Measures include collaboration with building owners through Safety and Security Watch Groups, Guidelines for Enhancing Building Security, and training private security personnel under Project Guardian to handle crises effectively.
The government stresses the importance of combined efforts from the police, private sector, and the public to deter attacks, with ongoing efforts to strengthen security capabilities and maintain vigilance against potential threats.

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21 Oct 2013

Cases of Non-payment of Employees' Salaries

Between 2010 and 2012, the Commissioner for Labour inquired into about 3,800 salary claims, with employers paying in roughly three-quarters of cases.
In the remaining quarter where employers did not pay, workers could enforce payment through the Subordinate Courts without needing a lawyer, and MOM officers assisted with procedures and documents.
Many defaulting employers were small companies in financial difficulty or that had ceased operations, but MOM will enhance penalties under the Employment Act later this year to deter non-payment.

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21 Oct 2013

Safety Measures at Construction Sites

Foo Mee Har called for a comprehensive review to strengthen safety measures at construction sites involving cranes following recent accidents.
The Ministry of Manpower emphasized strict enforcement and collaboration with the National Crane Safety Taskforce to improve crane safety through enhanced training, regulations, and industry awareness campaigns.
While safety measures have led to a decline in crane-related accidents and fatalities, the government stressed that employers must ensure worker training, adherence to guidelines, and proper equipment maintenance to prevent further harm.

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21 Oct 2013

Off-peak Hours Cycling on Expressways

Foo Mee Har asked the Ministry of Transport to consider allowing cyclists to use selected expressways during off-peak hours like 5 am to 9 am on Sundays.
Lui Tuck Yew emphasized that safety is a key concern, noting the large speed difference between cyclists and motorists on expressways.
He explained that cyclists are especially vulnerable at slip-road entrances and exits where vehicles join or leave at high speed.
Lui stated that allowing cyclists on expressways could lead to severe injuries or fatalities for cyclists and collisions for motorists.
The Ministry is not in favour of allowing cyclists on expressways due to these safety risks.

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21 Oct 2013

Resolution of Loan Shark Harassment Cases

In the first half of 2013, reported cases of unlicensed moneylending and harassment dropped by 9.5% compared to the same period in 2012, continuing a declining trend since 2010.
Police arrested 3,896 individuals for related offences in 2011-2012, a 60% increase from the preceding two years, reflecting enhanced enforcement efforts.
Authorities are implementing a holistic strategy that includes stiffer penalties, deployment of police cameras in HDB blocks, and public education campaigns to deter and address loan shark harassment.

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21 Oct 2013

Safety and Remedial Measures for Reactor Accident or Radioactivity Leak Affecting Singapore

Strict measures prohibit fuel handling or reactor repairs on nuclear-powered vessels at Changi Naval Base, and foreign governments must submit annual safety audit reports.
An Integrated Environment Monitoring System provides continuous tracking of air, water, and seabed radiation levels, with all readings to date within international safety limits.
A whole-of-government emergency response plan involving multiple agencies is in place to address and contain any incident.

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21 Oct 2013

Singapore Government's Requests to Web Services Companies for User Data

Pritam Singh questioned the government on the number of requests for non-public user data made to tech companies without user knowledge, the types of information sought, reasons for requests, non-criminal matters involved, and the safeguards in place for such requests.
Teo Chee Hean explained that law enforcement agencies may request user data from internet companies during criminal investigations, with requests properly documented and companies informed of the offence being investigated.
From 2010 to 2012, agencies made about 600 requests per year to Google, Facebook, and Microsoft, primarily for non-content data like account details, with most requests related to cybercrime and other offences such as corruption and terrorism.

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21 Oct 2013

Soccer Match-fixing

Alex Yam asked when authorities became aware of match-fixing, if Singapore is a hub for syndicates, and what measures will be taken to keep the country free of such crime.
Teo Chee Hean stated that agencies have investigated 10 football corruption cases over 10 years, with six convictions and firm action against illegal betting, and highlighted penalties including fines, imprisonment, and confiscation of gains.
Investigations into recent arrests were hampered by overseas activities, but a joint team with INTERPOL and Europol led to the arrest of 14 suspects in September 2013, with some detained under temporary provisions.
Authorities work with international agencies and the Football Association of Singapore through education, polygraph testing, and cooperation to combat cross-border match-fixing.
The government affirmed continued firm action and legal enforcement to ensure Singapore remains free of match-fixing crime.

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21 Oct 2013

Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Amendment Bill

The Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Amendment Bill was introduced by the Second Minister for Home Affairs, Mr S Iswaran, to amend the existing Act.
The bill was presented, read for the first time, and scheduled for a second reading at the next parliamentary sitting.
The bill will be printed for further legislative review and debate.

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16 Sep 2013

Welfare of Car Park Attendants

Car park attendants paid by service providers engaged by the Ministry earn an average gross monthly salary between $1,300 and $1,800, based on work experience, qualification, and performance.
Over the past three years, 53 cases of abuse against car park attendants were reported, with abuse including threatening, verbal, or physical confrontations by motorists.
Of the 53 cases, 45 were reported to the Police, five were resolved on the scene, and three were not pursued by the attendants; among the 45 Police reports, 23 investigations are complete with three charged in court, while 22 remain under investigation.

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16 Sep 2013

Fire Safety Plans for High-rise and High-density Public Housing

Mr Alex Yam Ziming asked whether the Ministry has considered fire safety plans for high-rise and high-density public housing to ensure residents are aware of evacuation routes and fire prevention.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that SCDF stipulates fire safety standards under the Fire Code, requiring alternate escape routes, refuge floors, and fire lifts for high-rise buildings, with all HDB blocks complying with these standards.
He noted that evacuation routes and staircases are displayed at lift lobbies, and SCDF and PA conduct regular awareness programmes, including Emergency Preparedness Day drills and the Community Emergency Preparedness Programme.
SCDF also provides a Civil Defence Emergency Handbook in multiple languages, available in hardcopy and online, to guide residents during emergencies.

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16 Sep 2013

Emergency List of Items

R Dhinakaran proposed circulating an emergency items list to residents during peace time to prevent panic buying, shortages, and profiteering, and asked how the government would ensure residents have this list ready.
Ng Eng Hen highlighted that the SCDF already provides a Civil Defence Emergency Handbook with guidance on essential items for emergencies, distributed through various channels and available online, with plans to disseminate via mobile apps.
The government encourages individuals to prepare personalized ready bags, including items like N95 masks based on past experiences, and assists vulnerable groups through distributions like WeCare Packs, emphasizing shared responsibility between the government and citizens for emergency preparedness.

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16 Sep 2013

Safety and Security in Areas Close to Foreign Worker Dormitories

The Ministry has implemented inter-agency measures including providing recreational facilities within dormitories and near clusters to meet workers' social needs and reduce congregation in public areas.
Increased deployment of Auxiliary Police Officers, Security Officers, and CCTV surveillance in high-concentration areas to patrol, deter crime, and enforce anti-social behavior, thereby enhancing safety for nearby residents.
Programs such as the Foreign Workers Ambassador Initiative and volunteer crime-prevention groups involve workers directly in maintaining order and educating peers on Singapore's laws and social norms.

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16 Sep 2013

Tackling Cross-border Human Trafficking

Christopher de Souza asked for an update on Singapore's regional partnerships to deter human trafficking and how the INTERPOL Global Complex in Singapore would help combat cross-border trafficking.
The Second Minister for Home Affairs outlined Singapore's comprehensive approach, including the Inter-Agency Taskforce on Trafficking in Persons (TIP), a National Plan of Action, and active participation in regional and international efforts like ASEAN and UNODC.
The Minister highlighted the benefits of the INTERPOL Global Complex in Singapore for enhancing information sharing, training, and operational support against transnational crimes like human trafficking.
Christopher de Souza proposed increased cooperation with NGOs to support victims, the creation of extra-jurisdictional legal tools, and a new Act similar to the Misuse of Drugs Act to deter organized human trafficking.
The Minister welcomed NGO cooperation and confirmed that the government is studying the merits of an Organised Crime Act with extra-jurisdictional reach.

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16 Sep 2013

Punishment for Drink-driving

Baey Yam Keng asked if the Road Traffic Act can be amended to differentiate punishments between accidents caused by carelessness versus drink-driving, especially for fatal or injurious incidents.
The Second Minister for Home Affairs explained that existing laws already provide a range of offences and penalties for both negligent and drink-driving accidents, with intoxication treated as an aggravating factor, and thus no need for immediate amendments.
Baey Yam Keng argued that drink-drivers who knowingly exceed legal limits should not be let off lightly and suggested reviewing penalties, including minimum sentences for first-time offenders causing death.
The Minister responded that drink-driving accidents have actually decreased, and mandatory minimum sentences are reserved for exceptional cases, but the government will monitor and review if circumstances change.

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12 Aug 2013

Investigations into Death of Dr Shane Todd

The Singapore Police Force cooperated with the FBI during the investigation into Dr Shane Todd's death, with the FBI providing assistance on matters within its jurisdiction, but the investigation remained under Singapore's sole purview; a public Coroner's Inquiry concluded death by suicide with no foul play.
The Singapore Government assured that investigations were conducted independently without external influence, rejecting unsubstantiated media allegations and inviting a US audit of IME, which was completed without further US queries.
Minister Shanmugam confirmed that US Senator Max Baucus did not mention any intention to block funding to IME during their meeting; IME received about S$875,000 from US sources over five years, mostly for joint research projects.
The government emphasized that Singapore does not bow to external pressure, citing the US Administration's appreciation of Singapore's transparency and the strong bilateral relationship, as evidenced by recent high-level exchanges between leaders of both countries.

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12 Aug 2013

Safety Issues Posed by Shotcreting Technique Used in Construction Works

Ms Tin Pei Ling asked the Minister for National Development about safety concerns with shotcreting in construction, including whether it could worsen landslide risks and if the technique is used locally.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that shotcreting is a safe, proven method used locally and globally for tunnels, retaining walls, and slope stability, providing quick support to prevent erosion.
He cited local projects such as the Fort Canning Road Tunnel, Jurong Rock Caverns, Downtown Line 2 MRT Tunnel at Little India, and earth slopes at Jalan Dermawan and Parbury Avenue as examples of shotcreting use.

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12 Aug 2013

Number of Police Officers Accused of Committing Criminal Offences and Breaching Disciplinary Guidelines

Ang Wei Neng asked the Minister for Home Affairs for the number of regular and National Service Police officers accused of criminal offences and breaching disciplinary guidelines over the last five years.
Teo Chee Hean responded that from 2008 to 2012, an average of 17 regular officers and 23 National Service officers per year were charged in court for criminal offences.
During the same period, an average of 66 regular officers and 62 National Service officers per year were subject to disciplinary proceedings for breaching guidelines.

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12 Aug 2013

Installation of CCTVs in HDB Blocks and Multi-storey Car Parks

Since May 2012, Police Cameras have been installed at 350 HDB blocks and 28 multi-storey car parks, with plans to add another 650 blocks and car parks by the end of the year, including 10 blocks and 1 car park in Yew Tee, as part of the Community Policing System to be completed by 2016.
The cameras, placed at key ingress and egress points like staircase landings and lift lobbies, have helped solve 18 crime cases and provided investigative leads in 109 cases, with early signs of effectiveness in enhancing crime fighting and public safety.
Residents have reported an improved sense of safety and security, and the Police will continue evaluating the programme as it expands across Singapore.

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