Public safety & law — Topics

6 Aug 2024

Reasons that Wrong Recipient Names Were Sent Out on Single Sender “gov.sg” SMSes

More than 7,000 scam advisory SMSes were sent with wrong recipient names on 1 July 2024 due to an officer’s administrative error in sorting the recipient list.
The Police immediately sent a follow-up SMS to affected recipients, apologised, and confirmed that personal data was not compromised.
Authorities acknowledged that while training is provided, human errors can occur, and efforts will focus on preventing systemic recurrence.

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6 Aug 2024

E-commerce Scams Reported since Launch of E-Commerce Marketplace Transaction Safety Ratings

Gan Thiam Poh asked the Ministry for Home Affairs for monthly e-commerce scam data since the Transaction Safety Ratings (TSR) was launched in May 2022 and its effectiveness assessment.
Minister K Shanmugam reported that e-commerce scams rose from 4,762 in 2022 to 9,783 in 2023, but average losses per case remain low.
Platforms like Shopee, Amazon, and Qoo10 that implemented TSR-recommended safety features saw significant reductions in scams, while those that did not saw increases.
The TSR has helped prevent scams by incentivizing better safety features and educating users, with additional measures like revised Technical Reference 76 and the E-Commerce Code of Practice.
The ministry urged all online platforms, including social media, to enhance safety, as scammers exploit various channels beyond traditional e-commerce marketplaces.

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6 Aug 2024

Regulations to Disallow Unlicensed Moneylender Advertisements on Social Media Platforms and via Communication Applications

The Minister confirmed that existing laws, including the Criminal Procedure Code and the Online Criminal Harms Act, empower the Government to direct telcos and online platforms to restrict or terminate services used by unlicensed moneylenders.
Between January 2023 and May 2024, authorities flagged over 4,500 phone numbers and more than 5,300 online accounts and advertisements for termination due to unlicensed moneylending activities.
The Police collaborate with online platforms on proactive measures to pre-emptively detect and block accounts involved in unlicensed moneylending to protect Singapore end users.

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6 Aug 2024

Process for Coordinating Technical Takedown, Legal Assistance and Victim Support across Ministries for Deepfake-related Crimes

The Minister stated that police protocols for takedown, investigation, and victim support do not differentiate between deepfake-related crimes and other online crimes, with directions issued under the Online Criminal Harms Act and compliance enforced through Codes of Practice.
Response times and interagency coordination for deepfake incidents are handled similarly to other online crimes, with the Anti-Scam Centre model not specifically differentiated, though police investigate predicate offences and collaborate with other agencies as needed.
To address the technical challenges of deepfakes, authorities are developing detection technologies through the Home Team Science and Technology Agency and the Centre for Advanced Technologies in Online Safety.

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6 Aug 2024

Contingency Plans and Dispersal Measures for Proper Crowd Control for Large-scale Events at Sports Hub

KASM coordinates with agencies like LTA, SMRT, and SPF through a Traffic Management and Crowd Control Committee to plan crowd dispersal, with most events cleared within 15 minutes.
On event days, additional marshals manage traffic, and government agencies deter illegal parking in surrounding areas, with feedback channels for residents via Residents’ Committees.
KASM uses event guides, media, and direct SMS to encourage public transport and early arrival, and pilots crowd management tactics like emcees at MRT stations.
For events expecting over 5,000 people, KASM notifies SPF under the Public Order Act and operates an Integrated Command and Control Centre for incident response.
Successful examples include the Taylor Swift concerts, where officers stationed at car parks prevented illegal parking and ensured resident access.

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6 Aug 2024

Anti-Money Laundering and Other Matters Bill

The Bill aligns Singapore’s anti-money laundering framework with international standards, including lowering customer due diligence thresholds for casinos and designating foreign environmental crimes as predicate offences to enhance detection and enforcement.
It enhances investigative powers by allowing greater data sharing between government agencies and financial intelligence units, and simplifies prosecution by removing the need to prove the complete trail of illicit funds.
The legislation improves processes for handling seized properties by enabling earlier sales to preserve value and introduces safeguards to prevent absconded suspects from claiming assets without cooperating with investigations.

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6 Aug 2024

Procedure for Consulting Authorities of Intended Receiving Countries before Proceeding with Deportations of Foreigners Convicted of Offences in Singapore

The Minister stated there is no standard protocol to consult receiving countries before deporting foreigners, as they are treated like other travellers and foreign states decide entry upon arrival.
In the specific case of the money launderer deported to Cambodia, the Minister confirmed no consultation occurred with Cambodian authorities and emphasized the policy of not disclosing such operational discussions.
The Minister clarified that offenders can choose their deportation destination as permitted by their passport, and considering their potential legal advantage in the chosen country is legally irrelevant for the government.

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2 Jul 2024

Clarification by Minister of State for Home Affairs

Minister of State for Home Affairs Ms Sun Xueling clarified that foreigners can be deported to any country their passport allows, specifying that eight deported subjects chose Cambodia or Japan.
The correction noted that the initial statement referenced ten subjects, but the accurate number involved in the specified deportation destinations was eight.
The debate addressed the factors considered in deciding deportation destinations for foreigners after serving sentences in Singapore, as referenced in an official report.

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2 Jul 2024

Coordination of Operational Responses to Oil Spill Incident and Measures to Prevent Recurrence

Members asked about the coordination of operational responses among agencies following the Pasir Panjang Terminal oil spill, the preliminary findings on cause and culpability, and the need for enhanced safety procedures.
Questions were also raised on the number and deployment time of skimmer vessels and storage tanks, the capacity of storage tanks, response team training for oil and ammonia spills, and agreements for international support.
The Minister referred to his earlier Ministerial Statement in Parliament on 2 July 2024 for detailed answers on all matters related to the incident.

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2 Jul 2024

Plans to Introduce In-Vehicle Monitoring Systems for Senior Drivers and Improve Road Safety for All

The Minister for Transport confirmed there are currently no plans to mandate in-vehicle monitoring systems for senior drivers.
In-vehicle monitoring systems are primarily used by companies for fleet management and tracking driving patterns.
Senior drivers can voluntarily install such systems if they find them beneficial for their safety.

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2 Jul 2024

Median and Average Duration for Finalisation of Divorce Cases in Syariah Court

The Syariah Court's divorce process begins with filing an Originating Summons after mandatory counselling and involves three stages: Mediation, Pre-Trial Conference, and Hearing.
In 2023, one-third of divorce cases were concluded at the Mediation stage, typically within about 10 weeks of filing.
For consent-based divorces settled at Mediation, the median and average time to finalise was four months or less.
For contested cases proceeding to Hearing, the median and average time to finalise was within one year from the acceptance of the Originating Summons.

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2 Jul 2024

Child Abuse Cases in Preschools and Teacher Support Measures Identified

Melvin Yong inquired about the number of child abuse cases investigated by ECDA in preschools over the past five years, any rising trends, and upstream measures to support teachers.
Masagos Zulkifli reported a slight increase in child mismanagement cases, from 137 in 2022 to 147 in 2023, attributing this to greater awareness and reporting.
ECDA has strengthened training and is reviewing regulations to enhance penalties for errant operators, aiming to ensure child safety.
Measures to improve teacher well-being include removing Saturday operations, designating additional holidays, creating a relief staff pool, and promoting reasonable parental expectations.
These steps aim to create a safer environment for children while supporting educators in their demanding roles.

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2 Jul 2024

Child Protection Investigation Cases Involving Emotional Abuse and Neglect

Mr. Louis Ng requested data from the Minister for Social and Family Development on the number and percentage of child protection investigation cases involving emotional abuse and emotional neglect over the past five years.
The Minister noted that the Children and Young Persons Act was amended in 2019 to clarify and include examples of emotional and psychological abuse, such as emotional neglect like isolating a child.
Since the 2019 amendments, the Child Protective Service has investigated about 340 cases of emotional and psychological abuse annually, accounting for roughly 16% of all cases.

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2 Jul 2024

Monitoring Informal and Unregistered Childminding Services to Prevent Abuse

Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim inquired whether the Ministry monitors informal or unregistered childminding services and what steps are taken to educate parents and providers on child safety and reporting abuse.
Masagos Zulkifli B M M stated that informal childminding arrangements are not regulated but childminders are subject to existing laws like the Children and Young Persons Act and the Penal Code.
The Minister noted that anyone suspecting child abuse should report it to the police, and there is no evidence the public lacks this general understanding.

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2 Jul 2024

Complaints Against Judicial Officers in State Courts and Supreme Court for Breach of Judicial Code of Conduct

Lim Biow Chuan asked the Ministry of Law for data on complaints against judicial officers in the State Courts and Supreme Court for breaches of the judicial code of conduct over the past three years.
The Ministry of Law does not keep track of the number of such complaints, but understands from the Judiciary that a small number have been made since January 2021.
Of the complaints, one is pending determination while the others were found to be not substantiated.

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2 Jul 2024

Installation of Enforcement Cameras at Zebra Crossings for Pedestrian Safety

Ms See Jinli Jean proposed installing enforcement cameras at zebra crossings to improve pedestrian safety.
She asked the Minister for Home Affairs to consider this where terrain and traffic constraints permit.
Minister K Shanmugam stated that the Traffic Police already installs cameras at speeding- and accident-prone locations.
The Minister clarified that this is done regardless of whether a zebra crossing is present.
The installation is subject to the assessment of terrain suitability.

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2 Jul 2024

Takeaways from Police's Multi-Jurisdiction Operation's Arrest of Perpetrators of Malware-operated Scams and Cybercriminals

The Minister highlighted that enforcement against transnational cybercriminals is challenging due to their use of technology to cover tracks and their overseas bases, making recovery of scam proceeds difficult and reliant on international cooperation.
The recent arrests and dismantling of scam infrastructure were achieved through strong partnerships with law enforcement agencies in Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, underscoring the importance of cross-border collaboration.
Despite successful operations, many cybercriminals remain beyond reach, so prevention through public education and industry collaboration on upstream measures with banks, telcos, and platforms is emphasized as the most effective strategy.

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2 Jul 2024

Measures to Protect Traffic Enforcement Officers On Duty and Protocol for Emergency Situations

The Minister for Home Affairs stated that Traffic Police and LTA enforcement officers undergo rigorous, customised training including defensive riding/driving and safe engagement techniques, with TP officers also required to attend annual riding refresher courses.
New TP and LTA officers are paired with experienced officers for up to six months and only deployed alone after being assessed as competent, alongside wearing protective gear and using motorcycles with enhanced safety features.
Low-risk enforcement tasks, such as illegal parking, are outsourced to companies that provide appropriate training to their officers before deployment.

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2 Jul 2024

WhatsApp Channel to Provide Seniors Information on Scams or Fake News in All Four Official Languages

Miss Rachel Ong proposed creating a dedicated WhatsApp channel in all four official languages to alert seniors about scams and fake news.
The Minister confirmed that two existing WhatsApp channels already provide scam alerts in four languages: gov.sg and the NCPC ScamAlert channel.
Additional targeted outreach for seniors includes collaborations with community organizations and the SG Cyber Safe Seniors Programme.
A handbook on cyber safety in four languages is distributed to seniors through digital ambassadors.
The government’s current approach leverages multiple channels and programs to address seniors’ needs without creating a separate WhatsApp channel.

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2 Jul 2024

Steps Taken by Police to Combat Fixed Deposit Scams

The Singapore Police Force combats fixed deposit scams by issuing public advisories and sharing them in its Weekly Scam Report, detailing how scammers impersonate banks via SMS to lure victims with high interest rates and trick them into transferring money to fraudulent accounts.
The Inter-Ministry Committee on Scams has implemented measures such as mandating SMS Sender ID registration with IMDA to block unregistered scam SMSes, launching ScamShield to identify and block scam calls and SMSes, and collaborating with telcos to terminate mobile lines used in scams.
Police urge the public to adopt precautionary steps: add the ScamShield app and security features, check for scam signs by verifying offers with official bank hotlines, and tell family and friends while reporting any fraudulent activity immediately.

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