Public safety & law — Topics

8 Mar 2013

Committee of Supply – Head R (Ministry of Law)

Several MPs proposed expanding legal aid resources, including allowing retired lawyers and law students to assist in pro bono work, and introducing pre-trial guidance for unrepresented accused to reduce anxiety and improve informed decision-making.
There were calls for video recording of police statements to enhance integrity and save court time, and for expanding the criminal case disclosure regime to include more statutes like the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Discussions on bankruptcy laws suggested more liberal discharge policies for business failures and consumer credit debts, while concerns were raised about protecting HDB flat sale proceeds from creditors during financial distress.
Proposals included establishing a tribunal for neighbor disputes with compulsory mediation, and creating a bureau to help the public identify and remove inappropriate online content, alongside a review of hate speech laws.
The Ministry of Law highlighted recent legislative reforms, the growth of Singapore's legal and arbitration sectors, and plans to develop an intellectual property hub, while noting ongoing reviews of bankruptcy and insolvency regimes.

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7 Mar 2013

Committee of Supply – Head P (Ministry of Home Affairs)

The Ministry of Home Affairs highlighted the rising regional drug production and local shift towards methamphetamine ("Ice") abuse, noting that 56% of new abusers in 2012 chose methamphetamine, often underestimating its severe health risks.
To combat re-offending, the Ministry is introducing a Conditional Remission System and Mandatory Aftercare Scheme, enhancing supervision for released inmates and expanding community rehabilitation centres to support ex-offenders in reintegration.
The Ministry emphasized community partnerships, including the expansion of the Community Outreach Project and Community Befriending Project, to provide holistic support for offenders' families and individuals, alongside employment initiatives like the Yellow Ribbon Project to aid job matching.

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7 Mar 2013

Committee of Supply – Head P (Ministry of Home Affairs)

Members of Parliament raised concerns about community disputes, such as neighbour conflicts and foreign worker congregations, urging for more effective mediation frameworks and enforcement to maintain social harmony.
The debate highlighted challenges in crime prevention, including unlicensed moneylending, youth involvement in illegal activities, and the need for enhanced community policing and CCTV deployment.
There were calls for updates on terrorism threats, drug abuse trends, and recidivism rates, emphasizing the importance of rehabilitation and reintegration programs for ex-offenders.
Road safety was a key focus, with suggestions for stricter enforcement, education for vulnerable road users, and technological solutions like digital cameras to reduce accidents.
The Ministry outlined its three-pronged approach—robust laws, effective enforcement, and community partnerships—to address evolving security challenges and maintain public safety.

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6 Mar 2013

Emergency Response to Recent Newton MRT Station Fire

Asst Prof Tan Kheng Boon Eugene questioned the Ministry of Transport on the emergency response to the Newton MRT station fire, including the fire alarm and evacuation procedures, and asked for stronger inspection and maintenance requirements for the rail network.
The Minister for Transport emphasized passenger safety, stated the fire was small and localised, confirmed a preliminary cause of a short circuit due to cable insulation issues, and outlined immediate measures like cable replacement and enhanced insulation tests.
The Minister assured that investigations are ongoing to improve future incident management, noting that SCDF responded swiftly with no injuries, and highlighted the role of regular joint emergency exercises.
Asst Prof Tan expressed concern about passengers milling around and taking photos during the incident, questioning if this aligned with safety protocols, especially in enclosed areas.
The Minister responded that passengers were quickly ushered out of the station, contrary to the impression they were allowed to linger, and acknowledged the need to further examine protocols to prevent photography during emergencies.

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25 Feb 2013

Number of Singaporean Victims of Crimes in Johor

Mr Ang Wei Neng asked the Deputy Prime Minister for statistics on Singaporean crime victims in Johor over the past five years and details on police cooperation, but the Minister noted that the Singapore Police Force does not collate such data as crimes occurred outside Singapore’s jurisdiction.
The Singapore Police Force and the Royal Malaysian Police maintain a strong working relationship, recently collaborating on crime prevention initiatives like producing joint pamphlets for travellers.
These pamphlets aim to guide travellers on avoiding crimes such as theft and scams, and include emergency contact information for both police forces.
The Minister urged Singaporeans to remain vigilant and avoid letting their guard down when overseas.

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25 Feb 2013

Investigations into Bus Drivers' Claims of Police Brutality

Yee Jenn Jong questioned the legality of police officers' attempted seizure of a filmmaker's devices, asking if it followed the Criminal Procedure Code and what the legal basis was.
Senior Minister of State Indranee Rajah stated that while the brutality allegations were under investigation, the drivers planned to plead guilty and a full account would be given after proceedings concluded.
Yee pressed that the concern was about the investigation process, noting officers seemed unable to cite specific legal grounds when challenged.
Indranee reiterated that answering while investigations were ongoing could hinder the process, and urged deferring the question until after proceedings to provide a complete response.

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25 Feb 2013

Heavy Vehicles in Residential Areas

Alex Yam raised concerns about heavy vehicles in residential areas, suggesting limits on non-essential access, alternative routes for industrial areas, and improved safety measures near schools, citing a recent accident in Tampines and ongoing issues in Yew Tee with speeding and limited access routes.
The Parliamentary Secretary responded that existing plans already keep industrial traffic away from residential zones, with LTA coordinating access routes and implementing safety measures like school zones and traffic calming, and committed to reviewing further safety improvements.
Baey Yam Keng suggested reviewing the ban on cement mixers on expressways and involving local advisers to plan safer routes for heavy vehicles in residential estates, which the Parliamentary Secretary agreed to consider.
Ang Hin Kee highlighted coordination challenges among multiple government agencies for road access during construction near schools, and the Parliamentary Secretary affirmed a whole-of-Government approach to address safety concerns.
Overall, the debate emphasized balancing infrastructure needs with community safety, with MPs seeking more targeted interventions and the Ministry committing to collaboration and policy reviews.

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7 Feb 2013

Elderly-friendly Road Safety Features

Denise Phua Lay Peng proposed estate-specific elderly-proof road safety master plans for areas with high elderly populations, such as North Bridge Road and Kampong Glam.
The Parliamentary Secretary affirmed that road safety is a top priority, highlighting existing measures like traffic-calming features, pedestrian refuges, lift retrofits, and extended crossing times for the elderly.
The Ministry expressed openness to the idea and offered to collaborate with MPs to develop tailored plans for areas with many elderly residents.
Phua emphasized the need for priority in elderly-heavy estates to ensure timely implementation of safety facilities.
Both sides agreed to work together to enhance road safety, particularly for the elderly, across relevant constituencies.

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6 Feb 2013

Surveillance Cameras in Potong Pasir HDB Blocks

Sitoh Yih Pin asked if the Police can install surveillance cameras in Potong Pasir HDB blocks to deter loan sharking and other illegal activities.
Teo Chee Hean stated that police cameras are already being deployed in public housing estates, including Potong Pasir, and will be progressively installed in all 10,000 HDB blocks by 2016 under the Community Policing System.
By the end of the current year, all Town Councils, including Potong Pasir, will have some blocks equipped with police cameras, with locations chosen based on operational needs and input from Town Councils.
While cameras aid in crime deterrence and investigations, they are not sufficient alone; the Police will strengthen Neighbourhood Police Centres and enhance community engagement under COPS, urging the community to remain vigilant.

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6 Feb 2013

Campaign on Good Driving Habits

The Ministry of Home Affairs conducts public education on good driving habits through various platforms and enforces traffic rules, noting that tailgating is not a specific offence but can lead to charges for careless driving, while road hogging is an offence with demerit points and an average of 1,750 summonses issued annually over the past three years.
In response to concerns about road safety, the Ministry plans to deploy more Traffic Police officers and increase enforcement to address errant driving behaviours.
The Ministry will use more technology, including traffic cameras, to detect violations, and will consider installing cameras along Yishun Avenue 1 if deemed necessary.

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5 Feb 2013

Modesty Outrage on Crowded Public Trains and Buses

The number of outrage of modesty cases on public transport has increased over the past five years, but the rate per one million passenger trips has remained stable due to rising ridership.
Police use a comprehensive approach including patrols by Public Transport Security Command and Transit Security Officers, as well as crime prevention posters to deter and detect such offences.
Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and report incidents promptly, while continuing to enhance measures to address these opportunistic crimes.

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5 Feb 2013

Work Injury Claims under New Laws

Since the Work Injury Compensation Act amendments in June 2012, about 7,300 claims have been filed, with 5,400 resolved and 94% awarded in favour of employees, primarily for injuries from being struck by objects or slips and falls.
Employers must pay compensation within 21 days, and the Ministry conducts audits and takes legal action against non-compliant employers, including fines, imprisonment, and barring them from hiring foreign workers.
The Ministry also prosecutes workers who make fraudulent claims, with penalties including fines and jail terms, while emphasizing the need for workplace safety to prevent accidents.

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4 Feb 2013

Traffic Accidents near Dunearn Road Exit on PIE

Dr Lam Pin Min asked about the number, causes, and safety measures for accidents on the PIE towards Tuas between BKE and the Dunearn Road slip road over the last three years.
Minister Lui Tuck Yew reported 32 accidents in 2010, 29 in 2011, and 18 in 2012, primarily due to drivers failing to control their vehicles and maintain proper lookout.
Safety measures include a reduced speed limit of 80 km/h for this stretch, along with Curve Alignment Markers and broader lane markings to assist drivers navigating the bend and slight slope.

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4 Feb 2013

Workers Who Receive Employers' Compensation after Labour Court Rulings

Between 2008 and 2012, the Labour Court issued about 7,400 payment orders in favor of workers, with 20% of workers not receiving payment, mostly due to small companies facing financial difficulty or ceasing operations.
Workers who did not receive payment can enforce the orders through the Subordinate Courts using a writ of seizure and sale without needing a lawyer, with Ministry of Manpower officers facilitating the process, though payment depends on whether the company has assets.
The Ministry takes action against defaulting employers by restricting their access to foreign manpower, and in more egregious cases, prosecuting them, resulting in 115 convictions with fines or jail terms and 23 composition fines during the period.

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4 Feb 2013

Legal Aid and Advice (Amendment) Bill

The Legal Aid and Advice (Amendment) Bill aims to expand access to justice by revising the means test to account for rising living costs, which will allow an estimated 300,000 more people to qualify for legal aid.
Key changes include increasing deductibles for personal and dependant expenses, raising the rental relief cap, and disregarding certain assets like life insurance policies and CPF investments when assessing eligibility.
The Bill also grants the Director of Legal Aid greater discretion to relax criteria in exceptional family and child protection cases, and expands legal aid to cover proceedings before the Shariah Court Appeal Board and the Commissioner of Labour.
Members of Parliament expressed support but raised points on the need for a more flexible means test, the potential expansion of legal aid to criminal cases, and the importance of pro bono work and public education on legal rights.
The Senior Minister of State confirmed that the government regularly reviews the means test, clarified the role of the merits test, and highlighted ongoing efforts to support legal aid through funding and collaboration with the legal community.

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4 Feb 2013

Marital Rape

Asst Prof Tan Kheng Boon Eugene questioned the number of false police reports by spouses over the last decade and whether the lack of marital rape as a specific criminal offence leaves married women legally vulnerable compared to unmarried women.
The Second Minister for Home Affairs clarified that marital rape is already criminalized under the Penal Code since 2008 in cases where the marital relationship has broken down, such as during divorce proceedings or when protection orders are in place, and noted only one false report was issued in that context.
The Minister confirmed that the Ministry and the Ministry of Social and Family Development are reviewing marital rape laws to reflect societal norms, though no specific timeline for completion was provided due to the issue's complexity and sensitivity.

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4 Feb 2013

Action Against Vice Activities

Christopher de Souza asked about the effectiveness of anti-vice raids and the number of prostitution-related offences detected since 2012.
The Senior Minister of State reported 2,159 arrests for prostitution-related activities in the first half of 2012, a 7% decrease from the same period in 2011.
Arrests for abetting prostitution activities doubled to 115 in the first half of 2012 compared to the previous year.
Only 0.23% of arrests in the heartlands indicated that such activities are not prevalent in residential areas.
Authorities will continue to target streetwalkers and syndicates to prevent vice activities from spreading to heartlands.

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14 Jan 2013

Illegal Hawking by Foreigners

Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources for the number of foreigners caught for illegal hawking in neighbourhood centres over the last five years and the actions taken to control it.
The National Environment Agency and Ministry of Manpower enforce against illegal hawking by foreigners, with reported numbers of those caught ranging from 549 in 2010 to 1,057 in 2008.
Under revised laws effective November 2012, foreigners convicted of working without a valid work pass face fines up to $20,000, imprisonment up to two years, or both.
The Ministry continues to work with the Ministry of Manpower through regular checks and inspections to address illegal hawking by foreigners.

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14 Jan 2013

Uncertified Companies Displaying Halal Logo

Mr Zainal Sapari asked the Minister about the number of companies found displaying the MUIS Halal logo without certification, actions MUIS can take, and whether financial penalties or suspension orders could be introduced.
Under the Administration of Muslim Law Act, MUIS can prosecute offenders with fines up to $10,000 or imprisonment, issue composition fines up to $2,000, and revoke or suspend Halal certificates for non-compliance.
Over the last three years, MUIS prosecuted one company, issued composition fines to 76 companies, and suspended certificates for 27 companies for violations such as using the logo without certification or storing non-Halal products.

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14 Jan 2013

Computer Misuse (Amendment) Bill

The Computer Misuse (Amendment) Bill expands government powers to proactively counter cyber threats to Critical Information Infrastructure, allowing the Minister to issue certificates directing entities to take preventive measures or provide technical information, with non-compliance punishable by fines or imprisonment.
The bill includes safeguards such as limiting information use to threat-related purposes, granting immunity for actions taken in good faith, and establishing a three-stage consultation process for affected stakeholders.
While MPs broadly supported the bill, concerns were raised about the broad scope of ministerial discretion, potential privacy intrusions, and the need for external accountability mechanisms like periodic reviews.
The amendment also expands the definition of "essential services" to include land transport, aviation, shipping, and health services, and aligns Singapore’s approach with international cybersecurity practices.

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