Public safety & law

He Ting Ru questioned the Minister for Home Affairs about the number of visa-free visitors arrested or identified as persons of interest for criminal offenses from 2021 to June 2024, requesting a breakdown by offense type and country of origin, as well as information on enhanced screening measures and the potential implementation of an electronic travel authorization system. K Shanmugam highlighted that there are over 150 visa-free countries, stating it is impractical to publish crime statistics for these visitors and that it could negatively impact bona fide travelers. He mentioned that the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority employs a risk-based, multi-layered approach for border security and sees no current need for an electronic travel authorization system, as it could complicate travel to Singapore.

Derrick Goh asked about the number of fire incidents in residential areas involving active mobility devices (AMDs) in the first half of 2024 and trends over the past five years. K Shanmugam reported 17 such incidents in the first half of 2024, with a significant decrease in annual incidents from 78 in 2019 to 35 in 2023. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) enforces strict regulations on non-compliant AMDs, requiring approval for imports and conducting enforcement operations against violators. Penalties for non-compliance can range from fines up to $20,000 or imprisonment, while public education on AMD safety is ongoing through the Active Mobility Fire Safety Taskforce.

Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim raised concerns to the Minister for Home Affairs about fire risks associated with overcharged electric vehicles (EVs) in basement car parks and asked about potential risk mitigation measures. K Shanmugam responded that Singapore's car parks are designed according to the Fire Code, featuring fire-rated walls, ventilation, and sprinkler systems to contain fires. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) has required an emergency main isolation shut-off switch near EV charging stations since March 2022 to cut power in case of fire. Additionally, a multi-agency EV Safety Taskforce has been established to monitor and manage EV-related fire risks and will regularly review safety requirements.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong requested statistics from the Minister for Home Affairs regarding drink driving incidents and traffic accidents involving drivers aged 21 and below over the past three years. K Shanmugam provided data indicating that this age group represented 1.35% of all drivers caught for drink driving and 4% of all drivers involved in traffic accidents. The figures reveal a specific focus on the behavior of younger drivers compared to the broader driver population.

Derrick Goh raised concerns about the Monetary Authority of Singapore's assessment of Worldcoin regarding risks related to data privacy, scams, and cryptocurrencies, as well as measures to deter related criminal activities. Gan Kim Yong responded that these issues were addressed in a previous parliamentary reply to another member. Further details were provided in the Official Report on regulations concerning the sale of WorldCoin accounts.

Tan Wu Meng asked the Minister for Transport about the tracking of road traffic incidents, including near misses and accidents without police reports, by the LTA and other agencies. Chee Hong Tat responded that the Traffic Police do not track near misses or accidents without injury and that LTA monitors traffic using surveillance cameras. LTA analyzes data from damaged road infrastructure to identify high-risk areas for safety improvements. Additionally, LTA installs portable CCTV cameras at locations with safety concerns and higher accident risks based on public feedback.

Hazel Poa questioned the Minister for Digital Development and Information about the Cyber Security Agency’s (CSA) involvement in investigating the Mobile Guardian hacking incident from August 2024, and the roles of CSA in assessing other government IT systems' vulnerabilities. Josephine Teo explained that CSA prioritizes higher risk systems known as Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) and supports them during cyber incident investigations. Non-CII systems are managed based on a risk-based approach by their owners, who may seek CSA and GovTech's expertise as needed. A task force has been established to learn from the CrowdStrike incident to enhance the security and resilience of Singapore's digital infrastructure.

Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Transport about safety measures for fires involving personal mobility devices on public transport. Chee Hong Tat emphasized that commuters are prohibited from bringing fire-risk items onto trains and buses, and only approved mobility devices are allowed. He assured that trains and buses are constructed with non-combustible materials, and have fire safety systems in place for emergency evacuations. In case of a fire, established SOPs are in effect for safe evacuation, with operators trained in using fire extinguishers and conducting regular emergency drills with the Singapore Civil Defence Force.

He Ting Ru asked about measures to prevent reoffending by pet business workers guilty of animal cruelty and how the Animal and Veterinary Service ensures adherence to disqualification orders. Desmond Lee explained that the Animals and Birds Act imposes fines and/or imprisonment for animal welfare offences, with harsher penalties for professionals in the field and repeat offenders. Disqualification orders can prevent individuals or businesses from owning animals or operating pet-related businesses for up to 12 months, with NParks responsible for revoking licenses during this period. Offenders are required to surrender or rehome their pets and cannot obtain new pet-related licenses while under disqualification. Public reporting of animal welfare offences is encouraged, and NParks will investigate and take appropriate action.

Gerald Giam Yean Song questioned the Minister for Manpower about the criteria for issuing Change of Employer (COE) letters to migrant workers who are victims or innocent of wrongdoing. Tan See Leng clarified that migrant workers must have a permit to work in Singapore, which is a privilege, not a right, and may be denied or canceled under various circumstances, including employer actions. During law enforcement investigations, these workers receive a Special Pass to remain in Singapore, and they can seek a new employer if found innocent, with the Ministry of Manpower facilitating the application, subject to public interest and work pass criteria.

He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Health about the enforcement actions related to unauthorized sales of GLP-1 agonist drugs over the past two years. Ong Ye Kung confirmed that 16 cases of unauthorized sales or illegal advertisements have been investigated since 2022, with ongoing investigations and no prosecutions yet. Additionally, 82 non-compliant listings of these drugs have been removed from e-commerce platforms. He emphasized the challenges of enforcing regulations on the Internet and advised consumers to avoid purchasing medicines from unverified online sources due to health risks.

Yeo Wan Ling asked about regulations regarding taxi and private hire vehicle drivers' obligations when passengers refuse to wear seat belts despite reminders. Chee Hong Tat explained that seat belt regulations require all vehicle occupants, including those in taxis and private hire cars, to wear seat belts, with stipulated penalties for violations. Drivers are responsible for ensuring compliance and may face demerit points if passengers do not wear seat belts. If passengers refuse to wear seat belts, drivers can safely terminate the trip without facing penalties.

Rachel Ong raised questions about the existence of thermal runaway regulations for electric vehicles (EVs) and whether they include battery safety certifications and manufacturer information for consumers. Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked if the government would impose maximum charging limits in residential car parks for fire safety and how to balance EV adoption with fire risks in urban areas. Chee Hong Tat responded that international data shows EVs have lower fire incident rates than traditional vehicles and highlighted the establishment of a multi-agency EV Safety Taskforce to manage fire risks. He mentioned existing regulations mandate strict safety standards for all vehicles, including EVs, and emphasized the importance of building regulations designed to mitigate fire risks in car parks.

Joan Pereira raised concerns about increasing penalties to deter able-bodied individuals from misusing personal mobility aids (PMAs). Alex Yam Ziming requested the implementation of guidelines from the Active Mobility Advisory Panel due to a rise in incidents involving errant PMA users. Dennis Tan Lip Fong sought updates on the Land Transport Authority's (LTA) preparations for enforcing new PMA regulations set for 2025, including engaging current PMA owners and retailers. Xie Yao Quan inquired about the number of non-compliant PMAs impounded in 2023 and the challenges LTA faces in enforcement. Chee Hong Tat confirmed that new regulations accepted in March 2024 will restrict PMA use to certified individuals and lower the speed limit for motorised PMAs, with a transition period for stakeholders to adjust.

The Casino Control (Amendment) Bill seeks to enhance the regulatory framework for casinos in Singapore by tightening regulations, improving operational effectiveness, and increasing protections for vulnerable individuals. The bill introduces new penalties for specific offenses related to gambling activities, strengthens the ability of the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) to oversee various gambling activities, and facilitates information sharing between casinos to combat money laundering. The amendments also criminalize breaches of Family Visit Limits and streamline processes for the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) to adjust exclusion orders and visit limits for at-risk individuals. The bill was supported by members of parliament, reflecting a collective commitment to balancing regulatory effectiveness with the welfare of affected families.

Patrick Tay and other Members of Parliament raised concerns over a cybersecurity incident involving the Mobile Guardian Device Management Application, which wiped students' study notes and compromised personal data. The Minister for Education, Chan Chun Sing, explained that the Ministry is actively assisting affected students and is reviewing the use of technology in education to prevent future incidents. The Mobile Guardian app has been removed, and legal actions are being pursued against the supplier, with plans to implement a new device management solution by January 2025. He emphasized the importance of digital hygiene practices, including regular data backups, in light of the incident and the ongoing reliance on educational technology.

• From 2019 to 2023, NParks investigated about 1,200 animal cruelty and welfare cases annually, with dogs and cats being the majority of animals involved.
• An average of 50 cases per year resulted in enforcement actions such as warning letters, fines, or court prosecution, while many others lacked evidence or were unrelated to cruelty.
• The Minister clarified that enforcement figures exclude ongoing investigations and that most non-enforced cases involved disputes, disamenities, or accidental deaths rather than intentional cruelty.

• Mr. Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked for data over the past five years on the number of care and protection orders requiring parents to sign bonds, the number of bond breaches, and actions taken against breaching parents beyond bond forfeiture.
• Minister Masagos Zulkifli B M M responded that the Youth Court does not track the requested data, but a breach of bond terms is an offence punishable by a fine up to $2,000.

• CAD seized $15.16 million and US$4.97 million from Sunshine Empire, released all funds including interest to liquidators after a High Court order in September 2020.
• Professional liquidators are assessing over 4,000 creditor claims and expect to conclude the liquidation by mid-next year.
• The process involves verifying complex claims and ensuring fair distribution to entitled claimants.

• He Ting Ru asked whether the Ministry of Transport conducted surveys and longitudinal studies on community support and road safety impacts of Friendly Streets and Silver Zones, and if findings could be shared.
• Chee Hong Tat responded that the Land Transport Authority implements these schemes to slow traffic and improve pedestrian safety, with Silver Zones showing an 80% reduction in accidents among senior pedestrians since 2014.
• Community engagement before implementation yielded positive responses, with 90% of residents near pilot Friendly Streets supporting the measures and over 80% of motorists and pedestrians at Circuit Road Silver Zone agreeing it improved safety.