Public safety & law — Topics

15 Oct 2012

Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Bill

The Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Bill was introduced to amend Chapter 68 of the 2012 Revised Edition, presented by Senior Parliamentary Secretary Ms Sim Ann for the Ministry for Law.
The bill received its First Reading and was scheduled for a Second Reading at the next Parliament sitting, with instructions for it to be printed.
The debate centered on procedural formalities for legislative amendment, with no substantive policy details or objections outlined in the initial presentation.

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15 Oct 2012

Penal Code (Amendment) Bill

The Penal Code (Amendment) Bill was presented by Senior Parliamentary Secretary Sim Ann to amend the Penal Code.
The bill received its First Reading and was scheduled for a Second Reading at the next Parliament sitting.
The amendment process was formally initiated to update the existing Penal Code.

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15 Oct 2012

Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Bill

The Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Bill was introduced to amend the Misuse of Drugs Act and make a related amendment to the Criminal Procedure Code.
The bill was presented by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Mr Teo Chee Hean.
The bill received its first reading and was scheduled for a second reading at the next parliamentary sitting.

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15 Oct 2012

Blocking Online Access to "Innocence of Muslims" Film Trailer

The government requested Google to block access to the "Innocence of Muslims" film trailer in Singapore as a pre-emptive measure to prevent potential social unrest and protect inter-racial and inter-religious harmony, citing escalating violence in neighboring countries.
Officials emphasized that while the public responded calmly, the decision was based on the principle that freedom of expression does not extend to insulting others' religions, and such actions reinforce laws against incitement to hatred.
The debate highlighted the government's ongoing challenge in balancing online freedom with social stability, noting that each case is assessed on content and potential impact, but the trailer block was an exception due to its global inflammatory nature.
Concerns were raised about whether this approach weakens Singapore's ability to handle future hate speech, especially from foreign sources, but the government affirmed that decisive action reassures the public and maintains social peace.
The discussion also touched on integrating new citizens and residents into Singapore's culture of tolerance, with officials stressing that education and modeling behavior are key to upholding shared values in a multi-racial society.

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11 Sep 2012

Grading of Private Security Officers

Zainal Sapari asked if the Ministry will create a system to grade private security officers based on training and competency to differentiate remuneration.
Teo Chee Hean stated that the Police Licensing and Regulatory Department will identify specialist functions requiring additional training and certification for security officers.
This approach aims to enhance professionalism, with better-trained officers adding more value and earning higher wages.
For example, security officers performing screening with X-ray or metal detectors must now complete specific Workforce Skills Qualifications training.
The department is considering imposing similar training requirements for other security functions.

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11 Sep 2012

Use of Space at HDB Lift Lobbies

Mr Baey Yam Keng asked about SCDF guidelines for items in HDB lift lobbies and whether flexible placement of non-obstructive items like flower pots and bicycles is allowed.
The Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs explained that SCDF guidelines prioritize fire safety and emergency evacuation, requiring combustible items to be prohibited and maintaining a minimum 1.2-metre clearance, with enforcement by Town Councils.
Mr Baey sought clarification on whether non-combustible items like bicycles and plants could be permitted in spacious lobbies, citing strict Town Council enforcement and requesting flexibility for reasonable use.
The Senior Minister of State clarified that SCDF’s rules focus on safety hazards like combustibles and obstructions, while other matters like decorations fall under MND and Town Councils, suggesting a separate query to MND.
The Speaker directed Mr Baey to file a parliamentary question to MND for broader guidance on common area usage beyond fire safety concerns.

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11 Sep 2012

Breach of Rules for Outdoor Rallies in Elections between 2001 and 2012

The Ministry of Home Affairs reported 31 breaches of outdoor rally regulations between 2001 and 2012, involving issues like barricade specifications, lighting, crowd management, and exceeding rally end times, with police generally issuing warnings.
All political parties, including the PAP, were implicated in these breaches; the police emphasized a non-escalatory approach but warned that stricter measures like automatic timers or deposits may be considered for persistent offenders to ensure public order and safety.
The debate highlighted concerns that repeated breaches could undermine crowd control and safety, with calls for stricter enforcement beyond reminders, and the police reaffirmed their commitment to taking all breaches seriously regardless of severity.

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10 Sep 2012

Claims before Small Claims Tribunal

Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked if the Small Claims Tribunal Act should be amended to require claimants to prove they have served their claim on respondents before the Tribunal can issue an order.
Minister K Shanmugam clarified that under the current law, the Registrar—not the claimant—is responsible for serving claims and notices to the respondent’s last known address, and a record of service is kept.
The Tribunal or Registrar can issue orders against respondents who fail to appear only if satisfied that service was properly effected; claimants are not required to submit proof of service as they do not handle service.
Respondents who have orders made against them can apply to set aside such orders within one month or a longer period allowed by the Tribunal.

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10 Sep 2012

Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP) for Blocks with Single Lift

Zainal Sapari raised concerns about HDB’s Lift Upgrading Programme for blocks with only one lift, questioning the due diligence by BCA, risk assessments for high-floor emergency rescues, and BCA’s recommendations for unforeseen evacuation scenarios.
Khaw Boon Wan clarified that BCA approves lift shaft designs and installations to ensure structural safety, and the Fire Code requires at least one operational lift in high-rise buildings during upgrading.
For blocks with a single lift, HDB works with Town Councils and lift companies to monitor performance and ensure faster fault response, while emergency evacuations rely on staircases with SCDF assistance if lifts are unavailable.

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10 Sep 2012

Housebreaking and Thefts in Dwellings

Sylvia Lim asked about trends in property crimes, particularly housebreakings and thefts in dwellings, in the first half of 2012 versus the previous year, and the conditions under which police signboards are displayed to inform residents of offences in an area.
Teo Chee Hean stated that property crimes overall decreased over the past three years, with a slight 1.6% increase in the first half of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011, while thefts in dwellings rose but housebreakings declined.
Police signboards are displayed in areas with multiple reported cases of a specific crime to raise awareness, seek public assistance, and remind residents to stay vigilant, without indicating a widespread alarm.
The public is advised not to be alarmed by such signboards and to contact the nearest Neighbourhood Police Centre with any relevant information or concerns.

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10 Sep 2012

Licensed Armed and Unarmed Security Officers

Mr Zainal Sapari requested a breakdown of armed and unarmed private security officers licensed by the Police and engaged by the Government in outsourced contracts, along with the total estimated value of such security contracts for the current year.
Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean reported that as of July 2012, there were 6,408 armed Auxiliary Police Officers and 65,679 unarmed security officers licensed by the Police.
The Government engaged about 1,200 unarmed security officers and 1,800 armed Auxiliary Police Officers through outsourced contracts in the current year.
The estimated value of all security contracts outsourced by the Government in the current year is about $175 million.

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10 Sep 2012

Action Plans in Case of Flooding at Underground MRT Stations

The Minister explained that existing MRT stations comply with PUB's drainage codes and have flood protection measures like floodgates and barrier walls, with additional protections being implemented in phases for low-lying stations.
LTA requires Public Transport Operators to have robust flood management plans and conducts periodic exercises with agencies like SCDF and PUB to handle flooding incidents.
The Minister confirmed that contingency and evacuation plans are in place, and these are included in regular emergency drills to ensure preparedness for unforeseen flooding.

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10 Sep 2012

Overcrowding in Public Transport

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah inquired whether the public rail operators use the Passengers In Excess of Capacity (PIXC) value, what plans exist to address safety and health concerns from overcrowding, and if fines would be imposed for dangerously crowded trains.
Lui Tuck Yew explained that Singapore does not use PIXC but enforces Operating Performance Standards, limiting train loading to 1,600 passengers per six-car train or 800 per three-car train, with fines up to $1 million for breaches.
He emphasized that these limits are set below the safety capacity of 1,900 passengers per six-car train, and authorities are actively monitoring and managing crowding to ensure commuter safety.

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10 Sep 2012

Domestic Violence amongst Live-in Partners

Mary Liew questioned the number of domestic violence reports from unmarried live-in partners over five years, measures to protect such women, and whether laws like Personal Protection Orders need review.
Teo Chee Hean stated that police do not track such cases separately and cannot provide specific statistics, but affirmed that existing laws like the Penal Code and Women’s Charter apply equally regardless of marital status.
Protection Orders under the Women’s Charter, along with non-legal interventions via the National Family Violence Networking System, are available to all victims, including those in unmarried live-in partnerships, with services like counselling and crisis shelters.

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10 Sep 2012

Worksite Accident at Downtown Line Bugis Station

Arthur Fong asked the Acting Minister for Manpower about the causes of the concrete roof collapse at the Downtown Line Bugis station worksite, whether safety measures were breached, and if workers, including two deceased foreign workers, were working beyond prescribed hours or if their employer violated employment regulations.
The Acting Minister confirmed the accident resulted in two deaths and eight minor injuries, with preliminary investigations focusing on formwork design, material quality, compliance with approved plans, and possible fatigue from extended working hours; the Ministry ordered a stop-work order, which was lifted after a safety review and recovery plan submission.
The Minister noted that investigations will continue, with enforcement actions taken if breaches are found, and acknowledged the complex rescue operation by SCDF's DART officers, including chemical burns, with after-action reviews planned to improve future responses.
Alex Yam raised concerns about potential non-compliance with formwork weight requirements and the placement of workers under scaffolding, prompting the Minister to state that if violations are found, actions will be taken and the investigation outcomes will guide any necessary regulatory adjustments.

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10 Sep 2012

National Strategy to Promote Safe Cycling on the Roads

The Ministry of Transport is prioritizing the construction of dedicated off-road cycling paths in HDB towns and new developments, with over 50 km planned by 2014, while considering limited on-road options due to land constraints.
Safety measures include public education campaigns, targeted training for different cyclist groups, and enforcement reviews to ensure penalties for errant cyclists and motorists are commensurate with offenses.
The government is studying international models for cycling integration and will engage stakeholders to refine infrastructure, education, and regulatory frameworks, though cycling is primarily viewed as a complementary mode for short-distance travel.

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