Public safety & law

• Dennis Tan asked for annual road traffic accidents and deaths per billion vehicle kilometres over the past five years.
• The Minister said the Annual Road Traffic Situation 2023 report on the Police’s website provides the annual number of road traffic accidents.
• The Traffic Police do not track road deaths per billion vehicle kilometres but instead use per 100,000 population and per 10,000 vehicles as indicators.
• These indicators align with Global Health Observatory and Sustainable Development Goals tracked by the World Health Organization.
• The response clarifies the data availability and the metrics used for road safety monitoring in Singapore.

• Between 2019 and 2023, there were six cases of theft by airport staff, including one involving an ICA officer, and all Home Team officers undergo strict recruitment, annual financial declarations, and credit bureau screening.
• ICA officers are monitored by supervisors, deployed in pairs for security checks, and searches are conducted with travelers present and under CCTV, with body-worn cameras used to review conduct.
• While measures are effective in preventing misconduct, occasional incidents may occur, and when detected, officers face disciplinary action and criminal investigations with enhanced punishments.

• Leong Mun Wai asked for more details about the death of a full-time National Serviceman at Pasir Laba Camp on 27 September 2024.
• Ng Eng Hen referred to the MINDEF statement released on the same day, citing the ongoing police investigation and the need to respect the family's privacy.
• He stated that MINDEF and the SAF would not provide further details at this stage.
• He extended deepest condolences to the serviceman's family.
• He confirmed that MINDEF and the SAF are providing assistance to the family during this time of grief.

• The Minister highlighted that the Lebanon incidents underscore the risks of compromised communication devices and the need to secure supply chains, which Singapore addresses through supplier clearance, transport monitoring, and equipment screening.
• MINDEF and the SAF employ a risk-differentiated approach to safeguard supply chains, including cybersecurity testing and collaboration with local agencies and international partners to share intelligence on vulnerabilities.
• The Ministry will continue reviewing and improving its safeguards, taking a comprehensive view across the supply chain and engaging with relevant agencies to ensure Singapore's security is not compromised.

• Miss Rachel Ong proposed that the Ministry of Transport consider third-party safety testing and regular maintenance for motorised PMAs stored in HDB flats to protect users and neighbours.
• Chee Hong Tat stated that the Land Transport Authority is reviewing safety standards for lithium-ion batteries in PMAs and has ongoing measures to enhance device safety.
• The LTA and Singapore Civil Defence Force are educating the public on safe device usage, including using original batteries and following manufacturer guidelines without modifications.

• The Ministry for Home Affairs said the Singapore Police Force collaborates with agencies like the Singapore Land Authority, National Parks Board, and Ministry of Defence to monitor forested areas, share information, and conduct joint operations to prevent illegal activities and national security threats.
• The police use specialized units such as the Gurkha Contingent and Special Operations Command, along with technological tools like drones with thermal imaging, to respond to suspicious incidents and conduct search and rescue operations.
• Common illegal activities detected in forested areas over the past five years involve illegal immigrants and vice activities.

• Mr. Louis Ng asked whether the Ministry has data on the number of prosecutions against parents for breaching bond terms under Care and Protection Orders over the past five years.
• Minister Masagos Zulkifli stated that from 2019 to 2023, there were no prosecutions for such breaches.
• The Ministry noted that most parents comply with bond terms, and for non-compliance, they first discuss consequences before taking statutory steps to safeguard the child if necessary.

• Joan Pereira asked the Ministry for National Development whether it will review regulations on building panels and attachments due to stronger winds from extreme weather, and how safety checks and enforcement will be enhanced.
• Desmond Lee stated that current building regulations already account for wind loads to prevent dislodgement, and building owners must maintain exteriors under existing laws.
• He noted that a Periodic Façade Inspection regime started in 2022 requires inspections of older buildings every seven years, with over 2,000 buildings inspected to date.
• The government will continue to review regulations and inspection regimes regularly to ensure building safety and resilience amid changing weather conditions.

• Gan Thiam Poh asked if the Police would restrict the number of people gathering in HDB common greens during quiet hours (after 10.30 pm and before 7.00 am) due to noise concerns.
• K Shanmugam explained that the law governs when permits are needed for public gatherings and that Police only intervene when there are law and order issues.
• He noted that Police would not restrict gatherings that do not require permits and do not cause law and order problems.

• MOE and COMPASS have refreshed the Guidelines for School-Home Partnership through consultation with parents and teachers to promote respectful communication and support children's development, with plans to raise awareness through schools and Parent Support Groups.
• The Ministry has introduced a new Engagement Charter that outlines firm actions against parents with unreasonable behavior, including warnings, disengagement, and calling the police if staff safety is threatened.
• For the most serious cases of harassment, legal action may be pursued, including under the Protection from Harassment Act, to ensure teachers are protected.

• From April 2022 to July 2024, the Small Claims Tribunals issued about 10,750 money and work orders.
• The Ministry of Law does not track compliance with these orders or the reasons parties fail to enforce them.
• Parties needing legal help to enforce orders can get free advice from the Community Justice Centre or other legal clinics.

• Miss Rachel Ong proposed that HDB car parks have allocated spaces and time-controlled charging points for motorised personal mobility aids, with priority for residents of smaller flats.
• The Minister for Transport noted that such devices can currently be charged using standard home wall sockets and urged users to follow safe charging practices.
• The government will assess the suggestion of public charging points in HDB car parks to enhance safety for device users and the public.

• Ms. Hazel Poa queried the Minister for Manpower about reviewing safety procedures and specific measures to strengthen safety at worksites after the deaths of two workers at Lentor Avenue and one at Resorts World Sentosa.
• The Ministry of Manpower issued Stop Work Orders to the contractors involved, requiring them to review safety measures, conduct risk assessments and audits, and submit plans to address recommendations.
• Investigations into the incidents are ongoing, and MOM will determine if additional safety measures are needed for all worksites after they conclude.
• The Multi-Agency Workplace Safety and Health Taskforce has rolled out enhanced requirements for public sector construction and mandatory video surveillance for worksites with contract values of $5 million and above to strengthen safety standards.
• These measures, part of efforts since 2022, have contributed to a decline in the workplace fatal and major injury rate in the construction sector from 41.3 to 30.5 per 100,000 workers between the first halves of 2022 and 2024.

• The Minister of State for Law introduced the Statutes (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No 2) Bill, which makes clarity, terminology, and operational improvements across 12 Acts, including updates to juvenile age definitions in the Criminal Procedure Code, technical corrections to the Copyright Act and Insolvency Act, and administrative changes to the Legal Aid Bureau's funding.
• MP Sylvia Lim supported the Bill, highlighting the alignment of the juvenile definition with international standards and noting progress in extending the Appropriate Adult Scheme to 16- and 17-year-olds, while inquiring about the operationalization of Youth Court jurisdiction for older youths under the Children and Young Persons Act.
• The Minister of State confirmed that the Ministry of Social and Family Development will announce the operationalization date for the Youth Court amendments later this year, ensuring age-appropriate rehabilitation for older youth offenders.
• The Bill was debated and passed with no objections, incorporating minor amendments to streamline legal processes and enhance policy delivery across multiple statutes.

• The bill seeks to amend the Administration of Justice (Protection) Act 2016 to clarify specific situations that constitute contempt of court.
• It was introduced by the Minister of State for Law, Mr Murali Pillai, on behalf of the Minister for Law, and received its first reading in Parliament.
• The bill is scheduled for a second reading at the next available parliamentary sitting and will be formally printed thereafter.

• The bill amends the Extradition Act, Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act, and Trustees Act to implement Financial Action Task Force recommendations and strengthen international legal cooperation.
• It aims to enhance the framework for extradition and mutual assistance in criminal matters, ensuring Singapore’s laws align with global anti-money laundering standards.
• The amendment also includes consequential changes to other Acts to maintain legal consistency and effectiveness.

• The Minister defended the current definition of "public servant" under the Penal Code as broad and fit for purpose, emphasizing that it ensures high standards of conduct and protects officials, while noting that the government reviews anti-corruption laws regularly and is open to future changes if needed.
• Sylvia Lim raised concerns about the handling of a former minister's case, questioning the reduction of charges, the lack of a full trial due to a plea bargain, and the sentencing disparity, suggesting these issues may undermine public confidence and warrant a review of anti-corruption laws.
• The Minister responded that charge amendments and sentencing differences are common in legal proceedings, assured that enforcement agencies like CPIB and AGC performed their duties thoroughly, and stated that clear rules and decisive enforcement are key to attracting talent to public service.

Gerald Giam Yean Song questioned the Minister for Transport about guidelines for public transport operators to ensure safer bus services, including alighting closer to the kerb, reducing jerky driving, and improving attention to traffic signals. Chee Hong Tat emphasized that safety is a priority, with stringent standards set for operators and regular safety guidance provided by the Land Transport Authority. Bus safety training for new captains includes messages about stopping near the kerb, attentive driving, and smooth operation techniques. Additionally, technology such as telematics systems is used to monitor and provide feedback on bus captains' driving behaviors, aiding in their training and safety awareness.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong questioned whether zebra crossings are permitted in HDB carparks and if the government would consider them for pedestrian safety. Desmond Lee responded that zebra crossings can be installed in HDB carparks if they can be implemented safely with good visibility for pedestrians and motorists. When zebra crossings are not feasible, HDB will improve safety using courtesy crossings or traffic calming measures like road humps. He emphasized that safety is a collective responsibility among all carpark users.

Liang Eng Hwa asked the Minister for Law about the effectiveness of the Small Claims Tribunal (SCT) in resolving contractual disputes, possible increases to the claim limit, and additional legal support for claimants. K Shanmugam reported that the SCT issued approximately 12,200 orders related to disputes over the past three years, but there are no plans to raise the current claim limit. The SCT is intended to be a quick and cost-effective venue for small claims, requiring parties to represent themselves and minimizing the need for legal advice. Filing fees are low, with options for fee waivers for individuals facing financial difficulties.