Public safety & law

Lee Hui Ying questioned whether studies have been conducted on the risks associated with light brightness, flickering, and strobe lights on active mobility devices (AMDs) and whether the Ministry of Transport plans to regulate these lights. Jeffrey Siow acknowledged that while lights enhance safety, certain types can endanger other road users; users must use lights considerately. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) will monitor AMD light usage and public feedback, reviewing guidelines as needed, while promoting safe riding practices through education and enforcement.

Rachel Ong asked if grants could be provided to assist lower-income PMD owners with battery replacement costs, focusing on purchases from LTA-compliant suppliers to enhance safety. Masagos Zulkifli explained that PMDs are general transport devices, unlike personal mobility aids, which are for individuals with mobility challenges. He mentioned that eligible seniors and persons with disabilities can apply for subsidies through specific funds. Additionally, lower-income PMD owners on ComCare can receive cash assistance to help cover battery replacement costs.

Ng Shi Xuan questioned the Coordinating Minister for National Security about the new workload for the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) due to the classification of etomidate as a controlled drug and measures in place to ensure sufficient resources and manpower. K Shanmugam stated that the CNB and Singapore Police Force are collaborating with the Ministry of Health on enforcement and rehabilitation efforts related to drug abuse and vaping. To address the increased workload, additional officers are being temporarily recruited while 13 CNB officers have been seconded to the Health Sciences Authority to support vaping investigations, with discussions ongoing to recruit over 300 retired officers. These adjustments are expected to present challenges but are necessary to meet national security needs.

Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat questioned whether settlements mediated by the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management could automatically become Court judgments, including penalties for employer defaults. Tan See Leng explained that the Ministry of Manpower lacks the legal authority to convert settlements into Court orders, but registered settlement agreements with the District Court are enforceable. Without registration, enforcement requires a separate legal process, but the Ministry has measures to assist workers in receiving agreed payments, including penalties for non-compliant employers.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked about the cause of the fire at the River Valley Road shophouse on 8 April 2025 and the lessons learned on fire prevention and escape strategies for educational and shophouse premises. K Shanmugam responded that investigations are ongoing and preliminary findings indicate the fire likely started in a storage area on the second storey, with identified non-compliances regarding fire safety, including unauthorized partition works.

Cai Yinzhou requested an update on the installation of fire extinguishers at lift lobbies of HDB blocks, the number of incidents where they have been used, and the possibility of extending the initiative to all blocks. K Shanmugam reported that fire extinguishers are being installed at Lifesavers' Emergency Points since October 2023, with over 90% of targeted blocks already equipped and a completion goal set for 2028. More than 220 fire extinguishers have been used in minor fire incidents. The focus remains on completing the current roll-out before considering further extensions.

Saktiandi Supaat raised questions about the review of evacuation procedures for high-rise fires in older HDB blocks and the potential adoption of new technologies by the SCDF. K Shanmugam responded that HDB units are designed as fire compartments to aid in firefighting and safe evacuation. The SCDF focuses on evacuating residents from affected floors and those above, while allowing unaffected residents to stay in their units unless necessary. Although SCDF regularly reviews its procedures, there are currently no plans to adopt smoke curtains or evacuation chairs, as they are deemed to offer limited additional benefits. SCDF remains open to reviewing other technologies that could enhance operations.

Saktiandi Supaat asked about the number of fires in HDB estates caused by charging Active Mobility Devices (AMDs) over the past five years, preventive measures by the Ministry, and a review of fire safety guidelines for AMD storage and charging. K Shanmugam reported that there were 98 fires related to AMD charging from 2020 to 2024. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has enhanced regulations on AMDs, requiring compliance with safety standards for importation and use. LTA will continue to review storage and charging guidelines and is considering tougher enforcement against non-compliant AMDs to improve safety.

Gerald Giam Yean Song questioned the protocol for investigating foreign visitors detained for crimes, the influence of diplomatic intervention on legal outcomes, and the leniency shown to two Italian swimmers involved in shoplifting. K Shanmugam explained that the swimmers were treated according to a standard framework applicable to all offenders, both local and foreign. Upon arrest, foreign detainees are informed of their right to consular access, which does not affect the investigation or legal outcomes. The swimmers stole items worth $150, which were recovered, and following assessment, they received a 12-month conditional warning and an entry ban, as deemed appropriate by the Police and Attorney-General's Chambers.