Public safety & law — Topics

12 Aug 2013

Surveillance for Places with Frequent Youth Gang Fights

Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs what more can be done to ensure safety in places where youths frequent and where youth gang fights have occurred that resulted in casualties or fatalities.
Teo Chee Hean responded that youths frequent public, social and recreational areas and that public entertainment outlets are subject to licensing conditions requiring reports of unlawful activities to the Police, while Police conduct visible patrols, enforcement checks, and provide crime prevention advice to youths.
Police have increased patrols, enforcement checks, and security measures following recent youth gang incidents, including intensive checks at locations like Cineleisure and Scape Park, and are working with management to improve and expand CCTV systems to detect and deter crime.
The Government has reviewed and refined strategies to deal with youth crime and violence, with recent recommendations from an Inter-Ministry Working Group on Youth Gangs focusing on enhanced coordination, upstream measures for at-risk youths, improved family involvement, and strengthened anti-gang legislation.
The youth crime and gang situation in Singapore remains under control, and efforts will continue to help youths stay crime-free while taking action against threats to public safety, with a call for parents and the community to play their part.

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12 Aug 2013

Appeals by Families against Court Sentences for Road Accidents

The Minister clarified that fatal road accidents can lead to both criminal prosecution by the state and civil claims for compensation by the victim's family.
In criminal cases, only the state (through the Attorney-General's Chambers) can decide to appeal a court sentence; families cannot directly appeal but may raise concerns for the prosecution’s consideration.
Civil proceedings for compensation can be initiated by the deceased’s estate against the errant driver, separate from any criminal sentence.

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12 Aug 2013

Disciplinary Procedures for Law Enforcement Officers

Sylvia Lim asked for the shortest and longest processing periods for disciplinary cases of law enforcement officers over the past five years and the circumstances under which armed officers are relieved of their firearms during pending proceedings.
Teo Chee Hean explained that disciplinary procedures follow the Civil Service framework, with two regimes: police officers below Inspector rank under the Police Force Act and senior officers under Public Service Commission regulations, with most cases concluded within months to two years depending on complexity.
For cases involving criminal charges, disciplinary processes are suspended until criminal proceedings conclude, and armed officers under investigation for criminal offences are immediately barred from carrying firearms.
Supervisors monitor armed officers undergoing disciplinary action and may bar them from carrying firearms and redeploy them to non-operational roles if they are deemed a risk to themselves or others.

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12 Aug 2013

US' Requests for Singapore's Assistance on Counter-Terrorism Intelligence

The US has made multiple requests for counter-terrorism intelligence and law enforcement cooperation with Singapore over the past two years, but the exact number cannot be disclosed for operational security reasons.
Singapore’s security agencies have provided full assistance and acted expeditiously on these requests, communicating findings promptly, but some requests could not be fully met due to insufficient information or legal constraints.
There have been instances where the US was unable to assist Singapore due to its own constraints, and no specific concerns have been raised by the US over any particular cases.

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12 Aug 2013

Prevalence of Accidents at Lentor Avenue-Yio Chu Kang Junction

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked about fatal accidents, penalties for motorists causing death, and safety improvements at the Lentor Avenue-Yio Chu Kang Junction.
Minister Lui Tuck Yew confirmed one fatal accident in the first half of the year and noted no major accidents in the prior three years, with a review leading to full traffic light control for right-turn movements by year-end.
Motorists causing death through reckless driving face up to five years’ imprisonment, fines, and a driving ban, aligned with penalties under the Penal Code for unintentional death.

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12 Aug 2013

Installation of Police CCTV Cameras at HDB Void Decks

The Police have deployed CCTV cameras at HDB blocks and multi-storey car parks since May 2012, with 350 blocks fitted so far, and plan to cover all HDB blocks by 2016.
As of July 2013, there are 3,700 CCTV cameras installed by Police in public areas, HDB blocks, and multi-storey car parks.
Police can access CCTV footage from other Government agencies and private entities for investigations, including cameras from LTA and private establishments.

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12 Aug 2013

Terrorism (Suppression of Financing) (Amendment) Bill

The government introduced amendments to the Terrorism (Suppression of Financing) Act to strengthen Singapore’s counter-terrorism financing regime, including raising maximum fines for individuals and entities and aligning penalties with international standards like those of the Financial Action Task Force.
The bill introduces new offences such as “tipping-off” to prevent the disclosure of information that could prejudice investigations, and provides protections for informers to encourage more reporting of suspicious activities.
Concerns were raised by members about the broad definitions of “terrorist,” potential overreach in exemptions for basic expenses, and the need for clearer safeguards to prevent misuse, with the minister assuring that existing procedures provide sufficient oversight and balance.

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12 Aug 2013

Follow-up Actions after Death of Inmate in Prison

Deputy Prime Minister S Iswaran detailed the timeline and actions taken following the death of inmate Dinesh Raman, including independent police investigations, a Committee of Inquiry review of prison protocols, the conviction of a senior prison officer for negligence, and the initiation of disciplinary proceedings against other officers involved.
The Minister confirmed that the Government accepts liability and is discussing compensation with the inmate’s family, while noting that the Committee of Inquiry found the prison’s Control and Restraint techniques to be safe overall but identified specific procedural lapses that have since been addressed through updated training and protocols.
Multiple MPs raised concerns about the duration of the investigation, the discontinuation of the Coroner’s inquiry, the accuracy of media reports, and the safety of restraining methods, with the Minister responding that the investigation was complex, the Coroner’s decision was lawful, and the prison’s systems remain appropriate with ongoing improvements.

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9 Jul 2013

Punishment for Conmen Passing off as HDB Contractors

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah inquired about the penalties for bogus HDB contractors, asking for the maximum penalty, whether they can be prosecuted for cheating by impersonation, and if penalties will be reviewed for heavier deterrence.
Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean stated that offenders can face up to five years' imprisonment, a fine, or both under section 419 of the Penal Code for cheating by personation, depending on the case facts.
The Police view current penalties as adequate, noting such cases make up less than 1% of cheating and theft incidents, and emphasized public vigilance and community education to protect vulnerable residents.

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9 Jul 2013

Incidence of Hit-and-Run Accidents

From 2008 to 2012, hit-and-run accidents decreased by 60%, falling from 330 to 133 cases annually.
Between 2010 and 2012, heavy vehicles were involved in approximately 2.6% of hit-and-run incidents each year.
The Traffic Police enforce strict penalties, including licence suspension, fines up to $3,000, imprisonment up to one year, and mandatory disqualification from driving for at least one year.
Authorities continue education and enforcement efforts to encourage hit-and-stay behavior, urging motorists to stop and assist after accidents.

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9 Jul 2013

Investigations into Claims of Police Brutality for Bus Drivers on Strike

The Police Internal Affairs Office and the Attorney-General's Chambers completed an investigation into claims by former SMRT bus drivers He Jun Ling and Liu Xiangying that they were abused by Police during investigations related to their involvement in an illegal strike, and found the allegations to be baseless.
The drivers' allegations were made in online video clips months after their arrest and release, despite numerous prior opportunities to report abuse, including during medical examinations, court appearances, and bail; they later retracted their statements during the investigation.
The investigation involved interviews with 10 people, including six Police officers, and concluded the allegations were not substantiated, a finding endorsed by the Attorney-General's Chambers.
The government emphasized that it takes allegations of police abuse seriously and investigates them thoroughly, but will also defend officers against baseless and false accusations that undermine public trust.

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9 Jul 2013

Campaigning by Foreign Politicians

Mrs Lina Chiam inquired whether foreign politicians can conduct election campaigning in Singapore and sought clarification on the Public Order Act.
The Senior Minister for Home Affairs affirmed that Singapore strictly prohibits foreign interference in domestic politics and will not allow any foreign political activities that contravene local laws.
Applications for permits under the Public Order Act are assessed based on whether they involve foreign politics or threaten public order, with firm actions taken against violators.
Mrs Lina Chiam asked about future policies regarding foreign politicians campaigning, and the Minister reiterated that such activities are disallowed.
The exchange underscores Singapore’s firm stance against foreign political interference to maintain domestic harmony and international relations.

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9 Jul 2013

Illegal Protest at Merlion Park by Malaysians

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs, through Mr S Iswaran, clarified that the 8 May 2013 protest at Merlion Park by Malaysians was illegal as no permit was sought or issued, and the Police acted to maintain public order and safety, resulting in 55 persons charged and four more under review.
The Minister emphasized that all those investigated were foreigners and warned that they must abide by Singapore's laws, not import domestic issues from their home countries, and that those who break the law face firm actions including termination of work passes and visas.
In response to Mr Zaqy Mohamad's questions about prior awareness and the Police's delayed response, the Minister stated that the Police cannot monitor all online activities but respond to specific reports, and that officers arrived within 15 minutes of a report, made a tactical assessment to observe and identify participants before intervening, which led to actions taken after the protest had largely concluded.

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9 Jul 2013

Rate-rigging Activities at Banks in Singapore

Monetary Authority of Singapore imposed additional statutory reserves and censured 20 banks for governance failures after 133 traders attempted to influence key financial benchmarks, but found no conclusive evidence of actual benchmark manipulation or senior management awareness.
MAS defended the reserves penalty as proportional to Singapore’s smaller market size and aligned with international actions, noting criminal prosecution was impossible due to insufficient evidence and lack of specific laws against benchmark rigging, though legislation will be strengthened.
Banks will implement remedial measures and industry-wide improvements to benchmark governance, but individual traders face employer-led sanctions like termination rather than consistent MAS penalties, with reference checks to deter future misconduct.

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8 Jul 2013

Measures by Employers to Ensure Health and Safety of Employees Exposed to Higher Risks Due to Haze

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) focused on providing clear guidelines and working with the Workplace Safety and Health Council to educate employers and employees on mitigating haze risks.
MOM established a framework to assist small and medium enterprises with N95 mask shortages and collaborated with tripartite partners to adjust work arrangements to minimize employees' exposure to the haze.
Enforcement was primarily handled through feedback channels, with 98 complaints received and resolved; MOM warned that it will take action against employers who blatantly disregard worker safety.
The debate did not provide specific figures on workplace inspections, stop-work orders issued, breaches of such orders, or prosecution plans, as the focus was on guidance and assistance over the short term.

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8 Jul 2013

Soliciting of Passengers by Drivers of Private Vehicles along Rochor Area

Ang Hin Kee inquired about cases of private vehicles, including Malaysian-registered ones, soliciting passengers in the Rochor area and whether there are plans to regulate or educate on the risks.
Lui Tuck Yew stated that the Road Traffic Act prohibits private vehicles from being used for hire, with enforcement including fines, jail, and vehicle forfeiture, and noted that LTA issued warnings to three Malaysian vehicle owners in 2013 for suspected illegal hire in the area.
He emphasized that passengers using such vehicles risk having no insurance coverage or compensation in accidents, as motor insurance does not cover illegal hire purposes.

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8 Jul 2013

Mandatory Stickers in Taxis to Show Penalties for Cheating and Assaulting Taxi Drivers

Ang Hin Kee proposed mandatory stickers in taxis to display penalties for assault or fare cheating.
Lui Tuck Yew confirmed that decals on fare evasion penalties already exist and are encouraged in taxis.
The government has no plans for stickers on assault penalties, but takes such offences seriously and ensures driver safety through training and distress buttons.

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8 Jul 2013

Measures to Prevent Money Laundering and Tax Evasion in Transactions in High-End Artwork, Precious Stones and Metals

Foo Mee Har asked about measures to prevent money laundering and tax evasion in high-end art, jewellery, watches, precious stones, and metals in Singapore.
Teo Chee Hean stated that such transactions are regulated under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes Act, requiring professionals to report suspicious transactions.
The Commercial Affairs Department has conducted workshops to raise industry awareness of these anti-money laundering measures.

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8 Jul 2013

Recommendations by Working Group on Youth Gangs

The Inter-Ministry Working Group on Youth Gangs announced recommendations in November 2011, which agencies like MHA, MSF, MOE, and the Police have been implementing through coordinated programmes, enhanced upstream interventions, and legislative amendments.
Key initiatives include an inter-agency forum for information sharing, a Youth Offenders Unit to oversee prevention programmes like the Delta League, and mandatory intervention programmes for youths at early stages of gang association, with a focus on family support.
Proposed legislative amendments will strengthen police powers against gang formation and recruitment, while existing laws already address illegal associations and violent offences; youth crime numbers have declined, but authorities remain vigilant, especially after recent incidents.

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8 Jul 2013

Alleged Retention of Film Maker's Materials in Connection with Police Investigations

Mr Yee Jenn Jong asked whether Singapore Police Force officers attempted to retain or confiscate a film maker's laptop, desktop computer, and mobile phone in connection with investigations into alleged police brutality by former SMRT drivers, and if so, whether this complied with legal procedures.
Minister K Shanmugam explained that police investigated the serious allegations of brutality, which could affect the voluntary nature of confessions in ongoing criminal proceedings, and used their powers under the Criminal Procedure Code to secure relevant evidence, including the film maker's equipment.
The police sought the film maker's cooperation to examine her external hard drive, laptop, and mobile phone to verify video authenticity, but did not seize the items; the hard drive was returned after investigations, which found the allegations unsubstantiated and later retracted by the drivers.
The Minister emphasized that publicly posting allegations during ongoing trials interferes with the administration of justice, as all such claims should be raised in court to ensure fair hearings.

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