Public safety & law

Tin Pei Ling raised concerns regarding the potential increase in illegal ride hailing in Singapore over the past six months and sought information on the extent of this increase and further enforcement actions by the LTA. Jeffrey Siow referenced a previous written reply provided for a related question addressed during the Parliament Sitting on September 23, 2025, indicating that additional details would be available in that document.

Rachel Ong asked about the Ministry of Health's involvement with Dementia Singapore in developing the CARA mobile application and whether it supports reporting missing persons for caregivers of children with autism or special needs. Ong Ye Kung confirmed that the CARA app, co-developed with various agencies, allows caregivers of individuals with dementia to report missing loved ones. Caregivers of children with autism or special needs can obtain a Developmental Disability Registry Identity Card, which includes their contact details and requires a police report if a person goes missing. The CARA app and DDR card are tailored for their specific target groups' needs.

Liang Eng Hwa questioned the effectiveness of existing measures to prevent scams and inquired about further actions needed given the significant financial losses to scams. K Shanmugam referred to a report detailing recent and future anti-scam initiatives, noting a 26% decrease in scam cases and a 13% decrease in losses in the first half of 2025 compared to 2024. He emphasized that scammers adapt to countermeasures, highlighting the importance of public vigilance in preventing scams, particularly since 79% of scams involved self-effected transfers by victims. Singaporeans are encouraged to verify suspicious requests for money by calling 1799 before responding.

Shawn Loh asked about the number of taxi and private hire car drivers turning 75 from 2022 to 2024 and the rationale for maintaining a maximum age limit of 75 for vocational licenses. Jeffrey Siow provided the requested data on drivers turning 75. He emphasized the importance of ensuring drivers' fitness to drive for safety reasons, noting that the age limit was established after reviewing accident statistics and consulting the Singapore Medical Association.

Cai Yinzhou asked if regulations for Personal Mobility Aids (PMAs) and Power-Assisted Bicycles (PABs) could require periodic inspections for safety compliance, similar to the requirements for Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs). Jeffrey Siow explained that PMDs must meet the UL2272 fire safety standard and undergo inspections every two years, while PABs must conform to the EN15194 standard before registration, which includes anti-tampering measures. There are currently no widely recognized international fire safety standards for PMAs, and the government will keep monitoring developments in this area. The Land Transport Authority enforces strict measures against illegal modifications of motorized active mobility devices.

Cai Yinzhou questioned the Acting Minister for Transport about public feedback on irresponsible riding behaviors and related enforcement actions by the LTA. Jeffrey Siow responded that from 2022 to 2024, the LTA received over 1,800 feedback cases, leading to enforcement actions against more than 100 riders for irresponsible behaviors like speeding. Additionally, over 3,000 active mobility devices were seized due to offences involving non-compliant devices. The LTA acknowledged that most riders operate safely and will continue promoting responsible riding through education and outreach.

Gerald Giam Yean Song asked about potential reviews to the Animals and Birds Act to introduce an aggravated cruelty category for serial offenders or cases resulting in severe harm. He inquired about the proposed definition of this category and the rationale behind the current maximum 18-month jail term for animal cruelty. Chee Hong Tat stated that the question has been addressed in a written reply concerning multiple questions on the matter, referring to an official report scheduled for 22 September 2025.

Shawn Loh requested information from the Minister for Manpower regarding average fines imposed on migrant domestic workers and their unofficial employers for unpermitted domestic work from 2020 to the present, as well as whether income levels were considered in setting these fines. Tan See Leng explained that enforcement actions are based on various factors, and most cases involve warnings rather than fines. From 2020 to 2024, 66 illegal employers received fines averaging $3,100, while two migrant domestic workers faced fines of $2,000 and $4,000. For cases taken to court, illegal employers and workers were fined averages of $8,800 and $5,000 respectively, based on individual circumstances.

He Ting Ru requested an update from the Minister for Manpower regarding the potential default publication of anonymized judgments from the Employment Claims Tribunal. Tan See Leng explained that the Executive generally defers to the Courts on publication decisions, which currently do not mandate the publication of ECT judgments by default. Starting from the second half of 2026, the Judiciary plans to publish a curated selection of ECT judgments to improve public understanding of legal rights in employer-employee relationships. The publication strategy aims to enhance access to justice while preserving confidentiality in proceedings. Judgments may still be available upon request with Court approval.

Lee Hong Chuang asked about lessons learned from recent cyber threats and plans for expanding cyber defense units in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). Chan Chun Sing responded that cyber threats are evolving and the SAF's Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS) collaborates with government and private sectors to protect critical infrastructure. The DIS established the Defence Cyber Command (DCCOM) to consolidate cybersecurity efforts and enhance partnerships with agencies like the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore. The DIS aims to strengthen its cyber talent pipeline through initiatives targeting youth and introducing work-learn schemes for students, while also redeploying Operationally Ready National Servicemen with relevant skills to cyber defense roles.

Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim raised concerns about security measures in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve following an incident where a cyclist entered a live-firing exercise area. Chan Chun Sing stated that unauthorized access to such areas is prohibited under the Military Manoeuvres Act for public safety. Despite existing warning signs at entry points, additional signs have been added after the incident to further caution the public against trespassing into restricted zones.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked about the proportion of residential fires in HDB flats caused by active mobility devices (AMDs) or their batteries in 2023 and requested a breakdown by device type. K Shanmugam responded that in the first half of 2025, fires involving AMDs accounted for less than 2% of HDB flat fires, totaling eight cases. Among these, one fire was caused by power-assisted bicycles, while seven were attributed to personal mobility devices.

Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim questioned the Minister for Home Affairs about the challenges the Internal Security Department (ISD) faces in combatting youth radicalisation amidst evolving extremist ideologies and technology. K Shanmugam reported that since 2015, the ISD has dealt with 18 youths under the Internal Security Act, highlighting the rapid self-radicalisation online and the emergence of diverse extremist ideologies. The government employs a multi-faceted strategy to address youth radicalisation, incorporating legislative measures and educational initiatives, including workshops and guides for educators and parents. Schools teach students about the dangers of extremism and critical thinking skills to navigate online content, while community organizations conduct outreach and utilize social media to promote anti-radicalisation messages.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked about the circumstances under which Permanent Residents and Work Pass holders in Singapore would have their residency or passes revoked for committing a criminal offense. K Shanmugam responded that foreigners, including these groups, can have their passes canceled and be barred from re-entry for breaking laws or engaging in undesirable behavior. There is a framework in place to assess each case, considering factors such as the nature of the offense, the individual's family ties in Singapore, and their contributions to the country.

Edward Chia Bing Hui asked if the Ministry of Home Affairs will consider using cameras to enforce illegal U-turns and inquired about the monthly deployment of enforcement personnel for traffic violations. K Shanmugam responded that Traffic Violation Enforcement Cameras will be introduced by 2026 to help enforce various traffic rules, including illegal U-turns. He noted that the Traffic Police deploy officers across Singapore, prioritizing accident-prone and violation hotspots, with deployment numbers varying based on operational and manpower needs.

Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked about the impact of Tokenize Xchange's operations ceasing on customers, including the number affected and the amount of funds involved. Gan Kim Yong clarified that Amazingtech Pte Ltd was unlicensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and was operating under a temporary exemption before being required to wind down after its license application was rejected. The interim judicial management reported that as of mid-August 2025, the total amount owed to customers was approximately $266.3 million, with 2,241 customers having registered claims. MAS emphasized that cryptocurrency is unsuitable for retail investors and advised caution regarding dealing with unlicensed entities and risky schemes.

Cai Yinzhou questioned the Ministry of Transport about the criteria for banning certain electronic products on flights and the collaboration with international aviation authorities regarding such bans. Jeffrey Siow explained that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) provides guidelines that address safety risks associated with electronic devices, including electromagnetic interference and lithium battery fire hazards. The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) aligns its safety regulations with ICAO guidelines, which include restrictions on lithium battery capacities and usage. Singapore carriers must follow CAAS regulations but have the option to enforce stricter policies.

Fadli Fawzi questioned the Prime Minister regarding the differences in anti-money laundering (AML) breaches by financial institutions (FIs) penalized in 2016/2017 and again in 2025. Alvin Tan explained that the earlier breaches were primarily due to transaction monitoring failures, while the 2025 breaches involved issues in customer risk assessment and related areas, though some transaction monitoring issues persisted due to inconsistent implementation. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) noted that while FIs made improvements following 2016/2017, evolving criminal tactics necessitate ongoing adaptations in AML controls. The involved FIs acknowledged their shortcomings and have taken steps to enhance oversight and remediation measures.

Cai Yinzhou asked if the Ministry of Trade and Industry would consider registration or certification requirements for power banks sold in Singapore to ensure compliance with safety standards. Gan Kim Yong responded that all power banks must already meet international safety standards as specified in the Consumer Protection (Consumer Goods Safety Requirements) Regulations. The Consumer Product Safety Office conducts regular market surveillance and enforces compliance, with penalties for violations. The government will continue to monitor the situation and assess the need for additional pre-market requirements for power banks.

Rachel Ong raised questions about the potential for increased regulations on the 3D printing industry to prevent the production of illegal items and the responsibilities of retailers and online platforms in preventing misuse. Gan Kim Yong stated that the government employs a risk-based approach to regulation, emphasizing strict penalties for the import and manufacture of dangerous items, including those made via 3D printing. The Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control Act 2021 has been established to regulate the manufacture of guns through 3D printing and includes provisions against unauthorized possession of related blueprints. No further regulations on 3D printing are planned, but the government will remain responsive to emerging risks, encouraging vigilance among businesses and consumers.