Public safety & law

Gho Sze Kee asked about the identification and summoning process for foreign-registered vehicles committing traffic offences in Singapore. K Shanmugam explained that composition fines are imposed on such vehicles, and those with outstanding fines may be denied entry at land checkpoints until payments are made. The Ministry of Home Affairs is also considering further measures against foreign motorists for traffic violations, with details to be announced later.

Melvin Yong Yik Chye raised concerns regarding the adequacy of training for investigators distinguishing between system faults and human error after an autonomous vehicle collision. Jeffrey Siow stated that the Land Transport Authority collaborates with the Traffic Police and fleet operators for AV investigations. Current AV trials are conducted within a regulatory sandbox framework, facilitating a deeper understanding of the technology. The Government is reviewing accountability frameworks and plans to introduce AV-specific legislation to clarify responsibilities of key actors in the industry.

He Ting Ru questioned the Government about potential implications for Singapore from the Epstein Files, including links to human trafficking or offenses involving minors. K Shanmugam reported that the police have found no information indicating possible criminal activities in Singapore related to the Epstein Files.

Nadia Ahmad Samdin questioned the Minister for Home Affairs about follow-up measures for serious cases of misconduct and violence involving children under the minimum age of criminal responsibility. K Shanmugam explained that the law acknowledges these children lack maturity to understand their actions and prioritizes safety and rehabilitation over criminal liability. The police utilize referral mechanisms to support rehabilitation, including connections with schools, Family Service Centres, and mental health assessments. Families are encouraged to be involved in their child's rehabilitation, and in severe cases, can seek a Family Guidance Order for mandated interventions by the Youth Court.

Poh Li San asked whether the Ministry of Transport would consider raising the age limit for Private Hire Car Driver's Vocational Licences above 75 years, given proper medical certification. Jeffrey Siow responded that the age limit will remain at 75, citing concerns about safety and higher accident rates among older drivers. He noted the increasing incidence of health issues in those aged 70 and above and assured that the age limit will be periodically reviewed.

Cai Yinzhou asked about traffic accidents on Tanah Merah Coast Road from 2020 to 2025, specifically the number of incidents involving cyclists. The Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs reported an average of 20 accidents annually during this period, with approximately nine involving cyclists. Key causes of cyclist accidents included disorderly cycling, lack of proper lookout, and poor control of vehicles. The Traffic Police conduct regular enforcement at accident hotspots and collaborate with organizations to promote cycling safety and awareness among both cyclists and motorists.

Melvin Yong Yik Chye questioned the Minister for Manpower regarding the effectiveness of the voluntary Safety Time-out from January 13 to 27, 2026, aimed at improving vehicular safety, highlighting concerns over enforcement and operational pauses. The Minister of State for Manpower, Dinesh Vasu Dash, explained that no inspections were enforced during the Safety Time-out, but companies were encouraged to review safety protocols after recent fatalities. Yong raised issues about driver fatigue and the low uptake of vehicular safety technology, asking if the Ministry would consider mandating such technologies in high-risk sectors. Dinesh acknowledged fatigue as an important concern and noted ongoing investigations, while mentioning the availability of grants to support companies adopting safety technologies and emphasizing a balanced approach to enhancing vehicular safety culture.

Fadli Fawzi raised concerns about an accident involving an autonomous vehicle on January 17, 2026, asking if the Ministry could provide details on the vehicle's response to detecting a small object and whether the accident was due to human error during a manual takeover or the vehicle's response. Jeffrey Siow replied that the question was previously addressed in a response during the February 4, 2026 Parliament sitting.

Eileen Chong Pei Shan asked the Minister for Manpower about the number of migrant domestic workers who reported physical and sexual assault cases against their employers over the past five years, along with outcomes like prosecutions and convictions. Tan See Leng responded that all reported cases are investigated by the Police, with an average of around 300 reports of abuse annually from 2021 to September 2025, mostly found to be unsubstantiated. During this period, 30 employers were prosecuted, 14 were convicted and permanently banned from hiring migrant domestic workers, and about 70 employers received warnings each year.

Eileen Chong Pei Shan asked about the criteria that disqualify individuals from hiring migrant domestic workers, specifically regarding individuals with criminal convictions for violent offenses. Tan See Leng stated that employers can be debarred from hiring migrant domestic workers for serious offences against them, including physical or sexual abuse and non-payment of salary. The debarment period depends on the severity of the offenses, and the Ministry of Manpower assesses the household's suitability before allowing re-hiring. Serious offenders may face permanent debarment.

Shawn Loh requested the Government to consider lowering barriers for neighbour dispute cases to access the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunals (CDRT) by allowing the Community Mediation Centre to refer failed mediation cases without requiring new applications or additional costs. Edwin Tong explained that while the CDRT is a final recourse after mediation, it must adhere to legal principles, maintaining an affordable and simplified process for users. The Ministry reviewed the possibility of empowering the mediation centre for referrals but faced challenges due to confidentiality issues and potential impacts on mediation willingness. However, individuals attending mediation are informed about CDRT claims, and a new amendment allows the Community Relations Unit to gather evidence for cases at the CDRT. Assistance for filing claims is available at the State Courts Service Hub.

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked about the status of a multi-agency task force aimed at aiding individuals with invisible disabilities in the justice system. Edwin Tong Chun Fai indicated that the task force, announced on 26 March 2025, was formally launched on 8 January 2026, co-led by Eric Chua and Ms. Peggy Yee. The task force consists of a diverse group from various sectors and will focus on supporting individuals with disabilities and mental health issues in the criminal justice system. It is currently in operation and will provide updates on its findings and recommendations in the future. The initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance accessibility and inclusivity in Singapore's legal system.

Valerie Lee asked about the impact of scam vigilance on government agencies' ability to contact residents, particularly seniors, and inquired about measures for verifying agency calls and implementing a nationalised caller ID system. Josephine Teo acknowledged that while heightened vigilance may deter residents from legitimate calls, it has not significantly hindered public service delivery. The government is exploring strategies to help the public recognize genuine calls and has issued advisories on what legitimate government officials will not ask for on calls. They are also piloting a National Simulated Scams Exercise to educate the public on scam tactics.

Ng Shi Xuan asked about updates on strengthening legislation regarding vapes, particularly concerning harmful substances like etomidate. Ong Ye Kung responded that the Ministry of Health is finalizing proposed legislative amendments. These amendments are expected to be tabled in Parliament within the first half of 2026.

Jackson Lam raised concerns about whether youths involved in vaping offences are being exploited as distributors and how these cases are assessed. Ong Ye Kung responded that there is no increasing trend of youth involvement in the supply or sale of e-vaporisers. Stiff penalties are in place to deter such activities, and the Health Sciences Authority evaluates factors like product quantity and intent during investigations. The Courts also consider age and past offences when determining sentences for offenders.

Elysa Chen questioned the regulatory obligations for landlords of commercial properties regarding due diligence on the businesses operating in their premises and the enforcement actions against landlords involved with illegal vice or sex trade activities. K Shanmugam affirmed that property owners must ensure compliance with laws, including preventing their properties from being used for vice activities. If found in violation, property owners can be held criminally liable unless they prove a lack of knowledge or reasonable diligence regarding the use of the premises. Enforcement action will be taken by the police as necessary.

Pritam Singh asked about the usage of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in Housing and Development Board (HDB) towns and the possibility of expanding AED availability to private developments. K Shanmugam reported that over 5,000 AEDs have been installed in HDB blocks under the Save-a-Life initiative, with more than 4,500 uses recorded since deployment. The Singapore Civil Defence Force collaborates with community partners to install AEDs in private developments and maintains a registry of accessible AEDs. Efforts are ongoing to engage businesses in installing and registering AEDs.

Ng Shi Xuan asked whether the Ministry of Home Affairs plans to classify etomidate and its analogues as Class C controlled drugs while the Ministry of Health strengthens legislation on vapes. K Shanmugam responded that the Ministry of Health is finalizing legislative amendments to be presented in Parliament by mid-2026. In the meantime, the Ministry of Home Affairs will extend the classification of etomidate as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act until the new legislation takes effect.

Gabriel Lam asked the Prime Minister if the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has assessed risks to consumers regarding fraudulent transactions when victims are overseas or unable to receive timely SMS alerts. Gan Kim Yong clarified that MAS requires banks to provide real-time transaction alerts via multiple channels, including SMS, in-app, and email notifications. Customers are encouraged to use multiple notification methods to stay informed, especially while overseas. Banks must evaluate scam cases fairly, considering the timing of notifications, and dissatisfied customers can seek mediation from the Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre.

Gabriel Lam questioned the Prime Minister regarding the need for clearer regulatory guidance on consumer protection in cases of fraudulent transactions involving third-party payment platforms. Gan Kim Yong responded that existing guidelines, including the E-Payments User Protection Guidelines, define responsibilities for financial institutions regarding unauthorized transactions, emphasizing protective measures like cooling-off periods and real-time alerts. Customers must report fraudulent transactions to the involved financial institutions, which are expected to investigate and determine liability based on specific circumstances, rather than solely attributing blame to another institution. If dissatisfied with the investigation outcomes, customers can seek mediation or adjudication through the Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre (FIDReC).