Public safety & law — Topics

16 Feb 2024

Statistics for Road Accidents Involving Injuries or Deaths of Children Below Age 18

In the last four years, the number of road accidents involving injuries or deaths of children below 18 increased in 2023 but remained lower than pre-pandemic figures from 2017 to 2019, with detailed figures provided in tables.
The main causes of these accidents were motorist faults, including failure to keep a proper lookout, failure to control the vehicle properly, and failure to give way to traffic with the right of way.
After reviews, the Land Transport Authority enhanced seven fatal accident locations with road safety features like humps, warning signs, and road markings, while other locations were deemed adequately safe or the accidents were due to human behavior.

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16 Feb 2024

Clarification by Minister of State for Home Affairs

Minister of State Sun Xueling confirmed that her earlier statement regarding spent conviction records is correct.
She clarified that detailed reasons are not provided to applicants when applications to render conviction records spent are unsuccessful.
This policy applies to all types of spent conviction applications, not just those related to repealed Section 377A of the Penal Code.

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16 Feb 2024

Determining Whether Conviction Records under Repealed Section 377a of Penal Code Should be Rendered Spent

The Minister of State for Home Affairs confirmed that the Commissioner of Police will consider standard factors, such as the severity of the offence and the applicant's conduct post-conviction, when deciding whether to render conviction records under repealed Section 377A spent.
There have been 302 individuals convicted under Section 377A, but only 17 were convicted for consensual, private acts between adults since 1988; five of these already have their records automatically spent.
The Ministry of Home Affairs stated it has not received any applications to have Section 377A records rendered spent but will consider proactive measures to address this.

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16 Feb 2024

Measures to Ensure Passengers Do Not Overstay in Transit Area of Changi Airport

Passengers are allowed to stay in the transit area up to 72 hours for connecting flights, with those departing within 24 hours granted entry.
Security measures include regular patrols, community engagement, and collaboration with airlines and immigration to monitor and report suspicious or unauthorized stays.
Authorities have mechanisms to handle flight delays or cancellations, working with passengers and airlines to manage extended stays and ensure security.

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16 Feb 2024

Treatment of Offences by Vape Users who Have Participated in I Quit Programme

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked whether vape users participating in the I Quit programme receive immunity from prosecution, how many have benefited, and what happens if they are caught vaping again after joining.
The Senior Minister of State for Health confirmed that programme participants are not immune from criminal prosecution for illegal possession or use of vaping products, and that 112,000 people have joined the programme since May 2014, though it does not track whether they are smokers or vapers.
Assoc Prof Lim expressed concern that the lack of immunity or severe penalties might deter people from joining the programme, and asked about publicity efforts and potential penalties for those caught vaping after participating.
The Health Minister’s representative clarified that participation in the programme does not affect prosecution likelihood or penalties, and acknowledged the suggestion for changes while stating the current policy remains unchanged.

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16 Feb 2024

Data on Inmates Enrolled in Employment Preparation Scheme, Granted Leave and Secured Employment upon Release

Since its launch in September 2022, 339 inmates have been enrolled in the Employment Preparation Scheme, with 71 granted weekend home leave and 35 granted long home leave as of January 31, 2024.
Of the 204 inmates released under the scheme, 196 secured permanent employment upon release.
The Ministry of State for Home Affairs highlighted encouraging support from employers and social service agencies, and is exploring further case management and holistic support to address recidivism and inmate reintegration.

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7 Feb 2024

Workshops Investigated and Penalised for Illegal Vehicle Modifications

Leong Mun Wai asked for data on vehicles subjected to additional inspections due to modification complaints, illegal modifications found, and workshops investigated or penalised over three years.
Chee Hong Tat responded that the Land Transport Authority issued about 9,000, 7,000 and 5,000 notices of offences in 2021, 2022 and 2023 respectively.
The LTA conducted an average of about 1,600 additional inspections per year over the last three years and charged 16 workshops in total.

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7 Feb 2024

Update on Man Hours of Volunteers in Citizens on Patrol Scheme

Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Home Affairs for the total man hours and monthly average of patrols by volunteers in the Citizens on Patrol scheme over the last five years.
Minister K Shanmugam stated that the scheme grew from about 5,000 volunteers in 2019 to 7,000 in 2023.
Over the past five years, volunteers contributed an average of around 16,500 hours annually, with a dip during COVID-19 and 24,000 hours in 2023, averaging 2,000 hours per month.

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7 Feb 2024

Training for SingPost Employees to Detect Drugs, Contraband and Hazardous Materials

SingPost employees are required to support ICA officers in screening parcels for drugs, contraband, and hazardous materials, following established safety protocols and using protective equipment when necessary.
ICA provides screening equipment at SingPost Centre and deploys sniffer dogs only when needed, rather than routinely.
Upon detection of prohibited materials, the article is referred to the competent authority for investigation, ensuring that SingPost employees are not solely responsible for handling such materials.

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7 Feb 2024

Singpass Facial Verification Security Preparedness and Safeguards

Hazel Poa asked the Prime Minister if any breaches of Singpass facial verification have been detected since its launch and what safeguards exist against deepfakes or AI clones.
Mrs Josephine Teo, responding for the Prime Minister, stated that no breaches have been detected since the launch of facial verification on Singpass.
The Government Technology Agency (GovTech) continuously monitors, tests, and works on improvements for Singpass facial verification security.

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7 Feb 2024

Suitability Screening for Individuals Who Have to Work with Children

Assoc Prof Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim asked if the Ministry of Education plans to register and screen private or in-home tutors, including religious education providers, for suitability to work with children.
The Minister of State for Education confirmed that the Government is reviewing how to strengthen the screening framework for individuals working with children, including freelance tutors.
The Government will provide an update once the review of the screening framework is completed.

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7 Feb 2024

Teaching Students to Recognise and Report Physical, Sexual and Emotional Abuse in School Settings

The Ministry of Education teaches students in primary schools to recognize and report physical, sexual, and emotional abuse through the Character and Citizenship Education curriculum, focusing on personal safety, boundaries, and seeking help from trusted adults.
The Ministry regularly reviews these programs in consultation with other government agencies to evaluate their effectiveness and ensure a supportive environment for students to speak up.
Teachers and school counselors are trained to detect signs of distress in students, provide a psychologically safe space for them to share concerns, and support victims without blame or shame.
Students are encouraged to look out for one another, confide in friends if afraid to speak to parents, and understand their right to be treated with respect and taken seriously when reporting abuse.
The Ministry also emphasizes ongoing training for teachers to address abuse situations effectively and prevent harm from occurring in school settings.

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6 Feb 2024

Statistics of Financial Abuse and Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults Reported in Past Five Years and Current Preventive Measures

The Ministry of Social and Family Development reported that its Adult Protective Service investigated between five and 18 cases of alleged financial abuse of vulnerable adults annually over the past five years, with perpetrators commonly being immediate family members such as adult children forcing parents to monetize assets or withdraw money without consent.
Existing preventive measures include industry guidelines for frontline professionals like banking staff to detect signs of financial abuse, and recourse options for victims include civil lawsuits to recover assets and potential criminal liability for perpetrators, alongside support from Family Service Centres and the National Anti-Violence and Sexual Harassment Helpline.
The Ministry emphasized that financial abuse is an emerging issue with negative effects on victims and the community, and social workers may identify cases while assisting clients facing family violence.

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6 Feb 2024

Update on Cost of Installing Traffic Enforcement Camera at Signalised Intersection

Leong Mun Wai asked about the cost of installing traffic enforcement cameras at signalised intersections and whether more cameras will be deployed for red light offences.
K Shanmugam stated that the installation cost ranges from $100,000 to $170,000 depending on site conditions.
He explained that Traffic Police uses a risk-based approach, deploying cameras at locations prone to accidents and violations, and will install more where merited.

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6 Feb 2024

Sensitivity Training for Officers and Tracking Workplace Discrimination within Police Units through Peer Support Programmes

Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked if the Police provides mandatory sensitivity training for commanders and officers to detect and deter discrimination in their units.
He also inquired whether the Police would track counselling services through peer support programmes to assess discrimination trends while ensuring officer confidentiality.
Minister K Shanmugam referred to his earlier written answers and ministerial statement on 6 February 2024 regarding allegations surrounding the suicide of Sgt Uvaraja s/o Gopal.

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6 Feb 2024

Individuals Charged under Section 165 of Penal Code

Gerald Giam asked for statistics on charges, convictions, and sentencing under Section 165 of the Penal Code from 1965 to 2023, as well as the rationale for using this section instead of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
K Shanmugam stated that records for the entire period are unavailable, making it impossible to provide the requested numbers or averages.
The Minister noted that charges against ministers are rare, with only three cases since independence, including the current case against Mr Iswaran.
The Attorney-General’s Chambers does not publicly disclose reasons for choosing specific charges, as prosecutorial discretion depends on case-specific evidence and factors.

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6 Feb 2024

Maintaining Safety of Outdoor Workers Given More Frequent Occurrences of Extreme Weather Situations

The Ministry of Manpower regularly reviews and updates safety measures for outdoor workers, including new guidelines allowing delivery riders to seek shelter during bad weather without penalty and requiring employers to identify and redeploy workers vulnerable to heat stress.
MOM and the WSH Council have collaborated with platform operators and associations to enhance safety protocols, and information is disseminated through websites, social media, unions, and industry partners.
Employers are encouraged to inform workers about their safety rights, including the ability to remove themselves from imminent danger without fear of reprisal.

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6 Feb 2024

Permitting Motorcycle Helmets Approved under International Safety Standards for Use in Singapore

Murali Pillai asked whether the Traffic Police could allow helmets approved under international safety standards in addition to the local Singapore Standard 9:2014, and if so, how to prevent the import of counterfeit helmets from overseas.
K Shanmugam explained that the Singapore Standard 9:2014 was developed in 2014 with industry and expert consultation and is currently mandatory for all motorcycle helmets.
He noted that a working group involving Traffic Police, public and private sector stakeholders, testing labs, and academia has been convened to review the helmet standard, including assessing international standards for compatibility with local safety requirements.
The review is supported by the Singapore Standards Council and overseen by Enterprise Singapore, with an update expected once the group completes its work this year after necessary industry consultation and publication reviews.

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6 Feb 2024

Clarification by Minister for Home Affairs

Minister Shanmugam clarified that while police morale remains high due to strong esprit de corps, severe manpower shortages are causing unreasonable workloads that could negatively impact morale.
He highlighted specific shortages, such as for investigating officers, which have not been resolved and are part of a broader public service manpower constraint.
The minister cautioned that the situation is not entirely positive, with potential problems ahead that are difficult to address due to caps on public sector growth.

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6 Feb 2024

Prevention of Proliferation Financing and Other Matters Bill

The debate centered on the Prevention of Proliferation Financing and Other Matters Bill, with MPs Yip Hon Weng and Neil Parekh supporting it as necessary to align Singapore's laws with international FATF standards and protect its financial hub status, while highlighting concerns about compliance burdens on small businesses and emerging fintech risks.
Key concerns raised included ensuring fair implementation for SMEs, providing education and lead time for regulated sectors like jewelers and pawnbrokers, and addressing evolving threats from virtual assets and crowdfunding platforms, with calls for regular risk reviews and inter-agency coordination.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary affirmed the government's holistic strategy, including inter-agency collaboration and private sector engagement, addressed queries on FATF engagement and recent money laundering cases, and assured that compliance measures are proportionate with guidance and support for affected businesses.

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