Public safety & law

Tan Wu Meng questioned the Minister for Home Affairs about the number of police reports on fraudulent merchandise sold on e-commerce platforms and the reasons these cases might be classified as commercial disputes instead of scams. The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Sun Xueling, explained that the Police assess each case based on the surrounding facts and determine if a criminal offense has occurred, invoking the Trade Marks Act or Penal Code when applicable. Affected buyers can report to the Police and pursue recourse through the Consumers Association of Singapore, the Small Claims Tribunal, or civil proceedings; however, data on such reports is not tracked. Tan shared a specific case of a resident who faced challenges in obtaining redress after purchasing counterfeit merchandise, to which Sun suggested the possibility of legal action and seeking Legal Aid if assistance is needed for legal fees.

• The debate focused on the awareness of first-time migrant domestic workers (MDWs) regarding the legal consequences of child and elder abuse.
• Miss Rachel Ong inquired about the inclusion of legal briefings and mental health support in the Settling-In Programme for MDWs.
• Minister Tan See Leng confirmed that all MDWs must attend the Settling-In Programme, where they are educated on legal repercussions for abuse and provided resources for mental well-being.
• The programme includes information on fostering good relationships with employers and managing stress, along with access to helplines for support.

• As of December 2024, approximately $2.79 billion in assets related to the $3 billion money laundering case have been surrendered to the state, with $1.54 billion in cash or financial assets and the remainder in non-cash assets.
• A total of 54 properties, 33 vehicles, and 11 country club memberships have been liquidated, with proceeds from these sales to be paid into the Consolidated Fund.
• About $1.8 million has already been paid into the Consolidated Fund, with an additional $390 million pending payment in the financial year 2024.
• The Police incurred over $600,000 in costs for the safekeeping of these assets in the financial year 2023.

• Christopher de Souza raised concerns about the need for a review of flight safety and ground control procedures at Changi and Seletar Airports following recent aviation incidents globally.
• He inquired about additional measures being considered to improve aviation safety in Singapore.
• Chee Hong Tat responded that the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has a safety framework aligned with international standards and is actively monitoring global aviation safety events for insights.
• CAAS plans to review recent incidents for lessons once more information becomes available from relevant authorities.

• The debate focused on measures to prevent vehicular ramming attacks in high-footfall areas, with questions raised about existing security protocols and risk assessments.
• The Ministry of Home Affairs conducts regular threat assessments and implements security measures, including requiring event organizers to adopt specific security protocols for large gatherings.
• Security measures include the use of concrete barriers, vehicle bollards, and CCTV in high-risk buildings and areas, along with high-visibility police patrols.
• Collaboration with building owners and stakeholders is emphasized, alongside the importance of public vigilance in maintaining security.
• The need for a balance between security measures and maintaining an open society was highlighted, indicating that not all details of security assessments can be disclosed.

• The Ministry of Transport is prioritizing the safety of workers transported on lorries and is actively seeking stakeholder feedback to improve safety measures and consider a potential ban on this practice.
• The government is implementing a multi-pronged approach, including reducing the need for lorry transport by co-locating worker dormitories and encouraging the use of buses instead of lorries.
• While some stakeholders suggest banning lorry transport, the government argues that this is impractical for many small and medium enterprises due to operational challenges and a shortage of bus drivers.
• Recent safety measures include requirements for dual-role drivers, vehicle buddies, and mandatory rain covers for lorries, which took effect on January 1, 2023.
• The government is committed to ongoing collaboration with NGOs and industry associations to enhance worker safety while balancing the operational needs of businesses.

• The debate focused on enhancing safety measures at places of worship, schools, hospitals, and other institutions in light of recent assaults and rising extremist threats.
• Members of Parliament raised concerns about the need for better collaboration between the Ministry of Home Affairs, religious institutions, and community organizations to prevent security threats.
• The Ministry of Home Affairs outlined ongoing efforts, including crisis preparedness programs for religious organizations and schools, regular emergency drills, and collaboration with healthcare institutions to improve security resilience.
• The Police will increase patrols and engage stakeholders during heightened security situations to ensure public safety.
• The SGSecure movement aims to foster community resilience and preparedness for potential terror attacks.

• Ms. Nadia Ahmad Samdin inquired about the process for notifying employers when their foreign domestic workers are investigated for unlicensed moneylending or other offences.
• Minister K. Shanmugam explained that employers may be informed by the Police during investigations, and they may also be contacted for assistance.
• He emphasized that an investigation does not imply guilt and that the Ministry of Manpower will inform employers about any decisions regarding the worker's permit after investigations conclude.

• Mr. Mohd Fahmi Aliman raised concerns about unauthorized changes to residential addresses, asking for statistics, preventive measures, and updates on investigations and prosecutions related to these incidents.
• The Minister for Home Affairs, K Shanmugam, indicated that the questions would be addressed in a combined reply to be provided on a later date, specifically referencing a previous official report.
• The debate highlights ongoing issues with cybercrime and the security of Singpass accounts, emphasizing the need for effective measures to prevent misuse.

• Concerns were raised in parliament regarding the potential impact of reported kidnappings by scam operators on tourist arrivals to Singapore.
• Both Mr. Gan Thiam Poh and Mr. Edward Chia Bing Hui inquired about the effects of these incidents on tourism and sought strategies to reassure visitors.
• Minister Gan Kim Yong stated that there has been no observed negative impact on tourist arrivals, with a 21% increase in international visitors expected in 2024.
• Singapore's reputation as a safe tourist destination is emphasized, along with ongoing efforts to enhance tourism offerings and maintain low crime rates.

• Joan Pereira inquired about increased enforcement at pedestrian hot spots where jaywalking occurs at signalised traffic junctions.
• K Shanmugam confirmed that the Traffic Police has intensified enforcement efforts in 2023, focusing on accident-prone areas and jaywalking hotspots.
• The Traffic Police also prioritizes education on road safety, particularly for elderly pedestrians, and collaborates with the Land Transport Authority to improve road safety through design changes.
• Emphasis was placed on the collective responsibility of all road users to adhere to traffic rules and ensure safety.

• Christopher de Souza inquired about the enforcement measures and detection capabilities being developed to address drug traffickers hiding controlled drugs in e-vaporisers at Singapore's checkpoints.
• K Shanmugam responded that the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) collaborates with the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) to detect controlled drugs, including those in e-vaporisers.
• The ICA performs pre-arrival risk assessments on travelers and cargo, with higher-risk cases undergoing stricter checks, while CNB and HSA conduct regular inter-agency operations to deter smuggling.
• Concealment of drugs in e-vaporisers is currently a minority of drug seizures, and CNB maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards drug trafficking and importation.

• There has been a decrease in smuggling cases of e-vaporisers into Singapore, from 152 cases in 2022 to 67 in 2024.
• E-vaporisers are legal in neighboring countries, which limits cross-border enforcement collaboration.
• The Health Sciences Authority is enhancing cooperation with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority to improve enforcement checks at checkpoints.

• The Ministry of Defence regularly surveys Singaporeans' awareness and support for Total Defence, with a recent survey indicating about 90% willingness to participate.
• Digital Defence, introduced as the sixth pillar of Total Defence in 2019, focuses on protecting against online threats like disinformation and scams.
• Initiatives such as the National Cybersecurity Campaign and workshops aim to educate various population segments on cybersecurity and resilience against cyberattacks.
• The Critical Infrastructure Defence Exercise (CIDeX) is conducted annually to enhance the cyber readiness of Singapore's Critical Information Infrastructure systems.
• MINDEF emphasizes the importance of raising digital literacy and good cybersecurity habits among Singaporeans to create a safer digital environment.

• Mr. Yip Hon Weng raised concerns about the effectiveness of age verification measures for app stores, particularly regarding children accessing inappropriate apps through parents' accounts.
• The Minister of State for Digital Development and Information outlined the upcoming Code of Practice for Online Safety, effective March 2025, which mandates age assurance measures for app stores to protect young users.
• The Code allows app stores to choose their own methods for age verification, including facial estimation technology, but does not enforce specific technologies.
• The government emphasizes the importance of parental education in online safety, launching initiatives to equip parents with resources to manage their children's digital experiences.
• Ongoing collaboration with the industry is planned to ensure effective implementation of age assurance requirements and enhance online safety in Singapore.

• Mr. Mohd Fahmi Aliman inquired about the statistics and penalties related to public urination and anti-social behavior over the past three years.
• The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Ms. Sun Xueling, stated that the Police do not specifically track anti-social behavior cases, and investigations depend on the nature of the conduct.
• Public urination is primarily addressed by the National Environment Agency (NEA), which can impose fines up to $1,000 for first-time offenders under environmental regulations.
• The approach to deterring anti-social behavior involves collaboration between the government, community leaders, and educational institutions to promote social responsibility.
• Enforcement and education are key components in addressing and preventing anti-social behavior in public spaces.

• The Parliament referred the conduct of Mr. Pritam Singh and Mr. Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap to the Public Prosecutor following a report from the Committee of Privileges.
• The Public Prosecutor decided not to charge Mr. Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap but issued an advisory for him to understand the expected conduct of MPs.
• Mr. Pritam Singh was charged with making false answers during the Committee's examination, resulting in a conviction and a maximum fine of $7,000 for each charge.
• Mr. Pritam Singh retains his seat in Parliament as the fines imposed do not meet the disqualification criteria outlined in the Constitution.

Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Transport about the collaboration of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) with international bodies for threat intelligence, criteria for determining air route safety, and requirements for training flight crews on security risks. Chee Hong Tat emphasized that flight safety is a priority for CAAS and that they have protocols to share threat intelligence with Singapore-registered carriers. Carriers perform risk assessments, implement measures to avoid conflict zones, and develop contingency plans using threat information. CAAS also conducts regular safety audits to ensure carriers effectively manage flight safety risks.

Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked about the rise in reported child abuse cases in 2021, seeking details on the sources of reports and the effectiveness of awareness campaigns. Masagos Zulkifli reported an increase in calls to the National Anti-Violence and Sexual Harassment Helpline, indicating greater public awareness of domestic violence. Reports from the general public and family members increased slightly, but public institutions continued to account for approximately 95% of child abuse investigations from 2021 to 2023, down from 98% in 2020.

Hazel Poa raised a question about whether the assault incident at Admiralty Secondary School on 7 January 2025 has prompted a review of the existing punishment and procedures for handling assault and bullying in schools. Chan Chun Sing indicated that this issue was addressed in a previous oral reply on 4 February 2025, referring to an official report for more information.