Public safety & law

Gabriel Lam raised questions regarding the Monetary Authority of Singapore's review of the Shared Responsibility Framework, particularly related to banks' accountability for unauthorized digital transactions and the adequacy of rules for reversing fraudulent transactions. Gan Kim Yong responded that most scams involve authorized transfers initiated by victims due to deception rather than unauthorized transactions. Banks are enhancing fraud detection systems and have protocols for blocking potentially fraudulent transactions, but distinguishing between legitimate transactions and fraud is challenging. The Shared Responsibility Framework requires banks to hold suspicious transactions for 24 hours, balancing user protection with convenience. Banks encourage customers to report fraud promptly, use account safeguards like kill-switches, and adopt protective measures to reduce risks.

Cassandra Lee inquired about the number of fines issued to foreign motorists in 2024 and 2025, as well as the breakdown by vehicle type and potential future enforcement efforts. K Shanmugam reported that foreign-registered vehicles received 86,492 fines in 2024 and 126,820 in 2025, covering offences related to traffic, parking, and emissions. In 2024, 26% of fines were for cars, 41% for motorcycles, and 33% for other vehicles; in 2025, this changed to 20% for cars, 38% for motorcycles, and 42% for other vehicles. Agencies conduct regular operations at checkpoints to enforce fines, with the possibility of denying entry to vehicles with outstanding fines.

Dr. Choo Pei Ling inquired about the installation of police cameras (PolCams) in Plantation Village and Grove precincts, including timelines and considerations for high-risk areas. K Shanmugam confirmed that PolCams are typically installed within a year of granting temporary occupation permits, but a delay has occurred in these precincts due to necessary rectification works, with installation expected to begin in March 2026. The police's approach to camera deployment takes into account operational needs, crime rates, and public feedback, focusing on areas with significant foot traffic.

Gerald Giam Yean Song asked about the number of summonses issued to cyclists for not displaying required lights at night over the last three years. Jeffrey Siow reported that 167 summonses were issued between 2023 and 2025, with the majority given to cyclists on roads. The summonses included 42 in 2023, 79 in 2024, and 46 in 2025. The Government engages stakeholders to conduct school talks aimed at raising awareness of safe cycling practices, including the proper use of bicycle lights.

Rachel Ong raised concerns about the health risks of smart vapes designed to resemble gaming consoles or phones, particularly their appeal to youths, and inquired about potential heavier penalties for manufacturers using deceptive designs. She also asked for data on e-vaporisers disguised as electronic devices seized in the past year and whether stronger sentencing for importers of such products would be considered. Jackson Lam sought clarity on how enforcement agencies adapt to detecting vapes disguised as everyday items and the adequacy of current detection powers. Ong Ye Kung responded that the Health Sciences Authority has encountered cases of smart e-vaporisers and is enhancing collaboration with enforcement agencies for better identification and enforcement, confirming that stiffer penalties are planned for importers and suppliers of deceptive e-vaporisers.

Cassandra Lee raised concerns about the safeguards for vulnerable users of X's Grok app, including measures against harmful content and regulatory oversight. Mrs. Josephine Teo stated that the IMDA is engaged with X regarding harmful content issues, noting existing measures to mitigate user exposure to inappropriate material. The Codes of Practice for Online Safety require social media services and app stores to implement safeguards, including content moderation and community guidelines. The upcoming Online Safety (Relief and Accountability) Act will enable victims to seek redress for online harms, and an Online Safety Commission will be established by June 2026. The Ministry will continue to monitor and work with X to enhance user safety.

The debate on the Land Transport and Related Matters Bill covered various topics related to transport safety and regulation in Singapore. The key points from the discussion include:

• The Bill seeks to modernize transport laws, including the introduction of the Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) 2.0 system, which aims to improve traffic management and reduce congestion by transitioning to a more data-driven road pricing model.
• Enhancements to regulations governing personal mobility aids (PMAs) were discussed, including the introduction of a Certificate of Medical Need for users, reduced speed limits of six kilometers per hour for PMAs, and stricter penalties for illegal modifications to vehicles.
• Concerns were raised about the impact of these regulations on delivery workers who rely on PMAs for their livelihood, with calls for transitional support and clarification on how enforcement of these rules will be carried out to prevent undue hardship.
• There were discussions on the importance of consistent and effective enforcement mechanisms, including the use of enforcement cameras and community involvement to curb misuse of mobility devices and ensure public safety.
• Several Members highlighted the need for public education on the new regulations to ensure that users, particularly vulnerable groups, are aware of the requirements and can comply without confusion or additional burdens.

Jackson Lam questioned the Minister for Health on how the Ministry collaborates with foreign entities to disrupt cross-border vape supply chains and the effectiveness of blocking measures over the past two years. The Minister of State for Health, Rahayu Mahzam, stated that joint operations and intelligence sharing with authorities have led to significant seizures of e-vaporisers. The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) works with various online platforms to eliminate listings of e-vaporisers, having removed over 10,000 advertisements in the last two years, with 99% linked to overseas platforms. Rahayu acknowledged the need for continual improvement in enforcement efforts and emphasized a multi-pronged approach that includes public education alongside enforcement.

Indranee Rajah responded to a question about the Legal Profession Act during a motion concerning Mr. Pritam Singh's conduct. She clarified that section 94A addresses legal practitioners convicted of fraud or dishonesty and indicated that referrals are managed by the Law Society, AGC, and Courts. Subsequently, she issued a written statement correcting the reference from section 94 to section 94A of the Legal Profession Act.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked if the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has independently tested claims that the electric public buses in Singapore cannot be remotely controlled. Jeffrey Siow responded that LTA has conducted technical reviews with manufacturers confirming the buses lack such capabilities and is performing additional independent assessments. The government does not publicly disclose details of cybersecurity findings due to security concerns.

Eileen Chong Pei Shan asked about the inclusion of PWD holding point functionality verification and accessibility checks in Fire Certificate inspections. K Shanmugam explained that under the Fire Certificate Scheme, building owners must have annual inspections that verify the functionality of communication devices and alarms at PWD holding points. He mentioned that the SCDF conducts audits to ensure compliance with these inspections and checks that escape routes are unobstructed. There have been no complaints regarding non-functional PWD holding points in the past five years.

Eileen Chong Pei Shan asked about the compliance of buildings with Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) holding points as required by SCDF's Fire Code 2023. K Shanmugam explained that building owners must have a Registered Inspector certify fire safety compliance before occupancy, which includes PWD requirements. He noted that SCDF has found no non-compliance related to PWD holding points in enforcement checks over the past five years. Additionally, SCDF does not track retrofitting of buildings built before the PWD requirements were established.

Low Wu Yang Andre asked about the $615,000 lost to concert ticket scams between January and October 2025, specifically regarding the recovery percentage and the number of prosecutions. K Shanmugam reported that over $190,000 was seized from bank accounts tied to these scams, though some funds may come from other sources. The Police do not actively track the number of prosecutions specifically related to concert ticket scams.

Patrick Tay Teck Guan asked about the annual data from 2015 to 2025 regarding persons sentenced to offences attracting caning, along with specifics about their demographics. K Shanmugam indicated that comprehensive data for the entire period is not readily available but provided figures for 2024, showing that 279 individuals were convicted of serious offences warranting caning. Among these, 76 were males under 50 who received at least one stroke, 53 were males aged 50 or above, and 13 were females.

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked about plans to install police cameras around all places of worship to enhance security. K Shanmugam responded that over 200,000 police cameras will be deployed nationwide by the mid-2030s, focusing on public areas, including some vicinities of places of worship. The Government is implementing various security measures for places of worship, including security audits and training through collaborations with the Singapore Civil Defence Force and religious organizations. Additionally, the SGSecure movement promotes public vigilance and provides resources for recognizing and responding to suspicious activities and potential emergencies.

Gerald Giam Yean Song asked about Singapore's actions regarding etomidate analogues and its coordination with international bodies to address new psychoactive substances. K Shanmugam clarified that etomidate is not included in international drug conventions, and no proposals to schedule it have been made due to the lack of scientific assessment confirming its abuse potential. Singapore temporarily lists etomidate under its Misuse of Drugs Act while gathering data on its impacts. Singapore collaborates with international organizations like the CND and UN Office on Drugs and Crime to monitor drug threats and engages ASEAN members for intelligence sharing and best practices.

Ng Shi Xuan asked if criminal records are shared with agencies like the Ministry of Social and Family Development and the Ministry of Education to screen employees who work with vulnerable groups. K Shanmugam confirmed that the Ministry of Home Affairs does share relevant criminal records with these agencies during pre-employment screening for such positions.

Gerald Giam Yean Song asked about the testing of coloured play sand for asbestos in Singapore, investigations into local supply chains, and the possibility of issuing interim safety guidelines for preschools and indoor playgrounds. Gan Kim Yong responded that the Consumer Product Safety Office oversees safety for children's toys, including coloured play sand, which must meet safety regulations. Following overseas recalls, checks revealed no affected products sold by major retailers in Singapore, though some e-commerce listings were removed. As no asbestos was detected in local products, the government sees no need for interim safety guidelines but will continue monitoring.

Poh Li San questioned the Acting Minister for Transport about efforts to educate teenagers on safe cycling, particularly regarding helmet use and group riding on main roads. Jeffrey Siow responded that helmet usage and group size regulations are mandated for cyclists on roads. The Land Transport Authority and Traffic Police hold school talks to promote safe cycling habits. Community volunteers under the Active Mobility Community Ambassadors scheme also encourage safe path sharing, and joint enforcement operations are carried out to deter violations.

Ng Shi Xuan raised concerns with the Minister for National Development regarding the parking of personal mobility devices (PMDs) and aids (PMAs) at HDB multi-storey carparks (MSCPs) for safety reasons, following multiple fire incidents. She suggested considering designated parking spaces or fire-resistant charging infrastructure in MSCPs. Chee Hong Tat referred to a previous response from the Ministry regarding the piloting of fire-rated outdoor charging cabinets for PMDs, indicating that the issue had been previously addressed.