Public safety & law — Topics

2 Apr 2024

Vaping Feedback Sent by Public, Educational Institutions, Police and Central Narcotics Bureau

The Health Sciences Authority received 1,700, 1,500, and 2,070 vaping-related feedback in 2021, 2022, and 2023, respectively, without a breakdown of sources, while enforcement is handled through a multi-agency approach involving agencies like NEA, NParks, and ICA.
There were approximately 7,600, 5,600, and 8,000 vaping offences in 2021, 2022, and 2023, with the majority being purchase, use, and possession offences, and HSA issues Notices of Composition for these cases.
HSA’s enforcement team is supplemented by outsourcing and support from other agencies, with ongoing collaboration to address vaping through education, online monitoring, and border checks, while protocols are being developed to align processes across agencies.

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7 Mar 2024

Data on Students in Institutes of Higher Learning with Criminal Records or Criminal Antecedents

Patrick Tay asked for the number of students with criminal records admitted to polytechnics and autonomous universities from 2019 to 2023, and whether the Ministry would start collecting such data if it is unavailable.
Chan Chun Sing stated that the Ministry of Education does not track the number of students with criminal records or antecedents admitted to Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs).
IHLs assess all applicants based on abilities and interests, and applicants are asked to declare any criminal antecedents during admissions for confidential pastoral care and support purposes.
The Ministry emphasized that IHLs are committed to providing a safe learning environment for all students and staff.

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7 Mar 2024

Law Enforcement and Other Matters Bill

The Law Enforcement and Other Matters Bill aims to amend several acts including the Miscellaneous Offences Act and Police Force Act to update procedures and introduce new offences.
The bill was presented by the Minister of State for Home Affairs on behalf of the Minister for Home Affairs and received its first reading in parliament.
The second reading of the bill is scheduled for the next available sitting on or after 1 April 2024.

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7 Mar 2024

Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) (Amendment) Bill

The Bill amends the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act 1955 to update and enhance the legal framework for addressing criminal activities.
It was presented by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, on behalf of the Minister for Home Affairs.
The Bill received its First Reading in Parliament and is scheduled for a Second Reading at the next available Sitting.

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7 Mar 2024

Law Enforcement and Other Matters Bill

The Minister of State for Home Affairs introduced the Law Enforcement and Other Matters Bill to amend several acts, including the Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act 1906, to update law enforcement procedures and insert new offences.
The Speaker corrected the minister’s initial reference to another bill, directing attention to the correct legislation on the Order Paper.
The second reading of the bill was scheduled for the next available sitting on or after 1 April 2024.
The Leader of the House requested a brief delay to present the physical copy of the bill, which the Speaker approved.
The minister concluded the introduction and moved to address the second bill as instructed.

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6 Mar 2024

Introduction of Temperature Threshold and Issuance of Stop-Work Orders When Threshold Is Crossed

Louis Ng asked the Ministry for Manpower about plans to issue stop-work orders based on a Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) threshold and whether it would consider implementing such a threshold.
The Ministry responded that a single WBGT threshold is not practical due to varying work conditions and worker fitness, so employers should conduct risk assessments and implement tailored measures.
Enhanced measures for outdoor workers include providing suitable clothing, cool water, and redeploying vulnerable workers, with a mandatory 10-minute hourly rest break when WBGT reaches 32°C.

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6 Mar 2024

Road Safety Initiatives for Motorcyclists and Elderly Pedestrians

Minister Shanmugam confirmed the existence of new initiatives to enhance road safety for motorcyclists and elderly pedestrians, referencing recent official reports and parliamentary replies for details.
The government is employing tougher enforcement actions, such as against speeding and red-light running, to protect vulnerable road users.
Technology and innovative solutions are being explored, as indicated by the inclusion of a specific written answer on road safety initiatives for motorcyclists and elderly pedestrians in the official report.

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6 Mar 2024

State-sponsored Cyber Attacks on Singapore Government Systems

The Ministry confirmed that Singapore has not been listed among the foreign governments affected by recent alleged state-sponsored cyber breaches, and that relevant agencies continuously monitor and respond to threats, though specific operations are not publicly disclosed.
The government employs a multi-layered cybersecurity strategy for public sector systems, including preventive measures like secure internet surfing, proactive security testing, 24/7 monitoring by the Security Operation Centre, and regular cybersecurity training for civil servants.
The authorities are actively assessing the broader cyber attack surface beyond government domains, including critical infrastructure like utilities, and are focused on identifying and mitigating potential convergence points of risk to prevent disproportionate failures.

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5 Mar 2024

Clarification by Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Transport

The Senior Parliamentary Secretary clarified that illegally modifying, selling, or using non-compliant devices on public paths and roads is an offence.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) conducts enforcement on paths and roads and operations against retailers.
From January 2020 to December 2023, LTA detected about 5,100 offences involving non-compliant devices.
The clarification corrected the earlier statement to explicitly include roads alongside public paths in the scope of enforcement.
The written statement was circulated to formally update the record of the initial reply.

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5 Mar 2024

Police Processes to Detect Indicators of Potential Abuse and Trafficking when Arresting Vice Workers

The Police conduct interviews with every commercial sex worker during vice enforcement operations to gather case circumstances.
Officers are trained to recognise indicators of physical, sexual, financial abuse, and trafficking during these interviews.
If prima facie criminal offences are identified, further investigations are initiated.

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5 Mar 2024

Enforcement against Retailers and Distributors of Batteries for Non-original Active Mobility Devices

The Ministry of Transport, through the Land Transport Authority (LTA), is enforcing against non-compliant active mobility devices (AMDs) and their batteries, with penalties including fines up to $20,000 and imprisonment for retailers and individuals who illegally modify or sell such devices.
LTA collaborates with retailers and the Active Mobility Fire Safety Taskforce to educate consumers on safe battery use and is reviewing standards for additional fire safety features like retardant casings or shut-off mechanisms.
Challenges in enforcement include online and overseas sales of non-compliant devices, prompting efforts to engage Singapore-based online platforms and review regulations to strengthen supplier responsibility.

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5 Mar 2024

Proposed Safe Riding Programme for Freelancers Using Motorcycles for Delivery Work

Ms See Jinli Jean proposed a structured safe riding programme for freelance delivery riders in partnership with NTUC’s National Delivery Champions Association and urged collaboration with motor insurers to boost safety awareness.
The Minister of State for Home Affairs welcomed partnerships to enhance road safety and confirmed that the Traffic Police will reach out to the mentioned organisations.
The debate highlighted the rise in accidents involving motorcyclists and the need for targeted safety measures for freelancers using motorcycles for delivery work.

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4 Mar 2024

Effectiveness and Adequacy of Road Safety Measures Around Schools

The Land Transport Authority’s School Zone scheme, established in 1996, includes features like lower speed limits, signalised crossings, textured red road surfaces, and a demerit point system to deter unsafe driving, with recent increases in penalties.
Collaboration with schools, communities, and the Singapore Road Safety Council involves awareness campaigns, educational booklets, digital materials, and programmes like Safe Route to School and Path Safety to promote student safety.
Traffic management during school hours is addressed through school protocols, designated drop-off zones, marshals, and staggered operating times, while the new ERP 2.0 system will alert drivers in School Zones.

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4 Mar 2024

Risks and Benefits from Widespread Adoption of Facial Recognition Technology and Oversight Mechanisms to Ensure Responsible and Ethical Use

Mrs Josephine Teo highlighted that facial images are considered personal data under the Personal Data Protection Act, which governs the private sector's collection and use of facial recognition technology (FRT) in Singapore, emphasizing compliance and ethical considerations.
She noted that a primary benefit of FRT in Singapore is enhancing security, while also acknowledging potential risks related to privacy and data protection, as outlined in the Guide on the Responsible Use of Biometric Data in Security Applications published in 2022.
Oversight mechanisms include the Model AI Governance Framework by IMDA and PDPC, which provides guidance on ethical deployment of AI technologies like FRT, alongside existing legal frameworks to ensure responsible use.
The government is engaging with the public and stakeholders through published guides and frameworks to foster responsible development and application of AI in FRT, though specific steps for broader engagement were not detailed in the response.

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4 Mar 2024

Accidents Caused by Use of Handphones while Driving

Yip Hon Weng asked about the number of road accidents linked to handphone use while driving, plans to increase enforcement and penalties, and details on enhancing road surveillance with more cameras.
K Shanmugam responded that between 2019 and 2023, there were no road accidents directly attributed to mobile phone use while driving, and current penalties are deemed sufficient.
The Traffic Police will continue enforcing against handphone use while driving, but existing cameras cannot detect such offences, though new speeding enforcement functions will be activated in Red-Light Cameras from Q2 of this year.

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1 Mar 2024

Update on Conversion of Discretionary Turn Signals at Heavy Traffic and High Footfall Junctions

The Land Transport Authority has implemented Red-Amber-Green arrows at nearly 1,200 junctions since 2018, prioritising school zones, Silver Zones, and accident-prone areas, resulting in about a 40% reduction in right-turn accidents.
Speed warning devices are required for goods vehicles up to 3,500 kg, while speed limiters are mandated for heavier goods and public service vehicles; a phased expansion of speed limiters to lorries between 3,501 kg and 12,000 kg began in January 2024 and will complete by July 2027.
Traffic Police will enhance enforcement by activating speed functions in red-light cameras from the second quarter of the year and stepping up penalties for speeding offences across all vehicle types.
Additional traffic measures such as road markings, integrated pedestrian countdown timers, and signage may be introduced alongside the signal conversions to further improve safety.
Road safety is emphasised as a shared responsibility, with agencies focusing on enforcement, education, and public engagement to protect all road users.

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1 Mar 2024

Tougher Enforcement Actions Against Speeding and Red-light Running

The Minister announced that the Traffic Police will significantly step up enforcement against speeding and activate speed enforcement in red-light cameras starting Q2 2024, focusing on accident-prone areas.
Tougher laws are already in place, including increased maximum imprisonment terms and fines for irresponsible driving offences under the Road Traffic Act, as well as expanded demerit points and fines in School and Silver Zones.
The Minister stated that fines and demerit points will be further increased later this year to strengthen deterrence against irresponsible driving behaviour.
Enforcement deployments, such as speed traps and red-light cameras, will prioritize areas with high footfalls of vulnerable pedestrians like elderly and children near schools, markets, and shopping belts.

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1 Mar 2024

Regulations Governing Speed of Heavy Vehicles on Roads and Effectiveness of Existing Enforcement Measures

The Ministry of Home Affairs states current regulations are sufficient, with heavy vehicle speeding accidents remaining low and stable from 2016 to 2023, and speed limiters are mandatory for goods vehicles over 12,000 kg, with phased implementation for lighter lorries by June 2027.
Enforcement includes strict licensing, frequent vehicle inspections, penalties like fines or imprisonment for tampering, and targeted operations with higher composition sums for speeding, while the ministry is reviewing penalties to strengthen deterrence.
Technology is leveraged through island-wide speed cameras and red-light camera enforcement starting Q2 2024, alongside driver education via road safety talks, with effectiveness assessed through monitoring speeding incidents.

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1 Mar 2024

Multi-Mode Passive Detection System for Illegal Shipments of Wildlife and Wildlife Products

Louis Ng asked the Minister for National Development for an update on the testing of the Multi-Mode Passive Detection System (MMPDS) and whether the Ministry is exploring other technologies to detect illegal wildlife shipments through ports.
Desmond Lee responded that Singapore uses a whole-of-government approach, with agencies like NParks, Singapore Customs, and ICA collaborating to screen goods and travellers at checkpoints using technologies such as radiographic scanners and hand-held devices.
ICA tested the MMPDS in 2020 but found radiographic scanners more reliable for detecting wildlife products, leading to the deployment of enhanced radiographic scanners with high throughput and sensitivity.
NParks has developed a mobile app with Microsoft and Conservation International to identify illegally traded shark species using AI, and is exploring advanced techniques like electronic smell sensors and DNA sequencing.
The government will continue to explore and leverage new technologies to strengthen enforcement against illegal wildlife trade.

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1 Mar 2024

Committee of Supply – Head R (Ministry of Law)

The Ministry of Law highlighted efforts to enhance access to justice, including updates on the Public Defender’s Office and plans to revise eligibility thresholds for legal aid, while also discussing initiatives to support small law firms and encourage industry consolidation.
Ministers emphasized Singapore’s commitment to strengthening its position as a global legal hub, detailing enhancements in international arbitration, intellectual property commercialisation, and support for the legal profession through training and technology adoption.
The Ministry outlined reforms to family justice and community dispute resolution, including the upcoming Maintenance Enforcement Process, simplified divorce tracks, and plans to mandate mediation and improve tribunal processes for community disputes.

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