Public safety & law — Topics

3 Oct 2023

Solitary Confinement for Young Persons Staying in State-run Homes

Gerald Giam asked the Ministry for Social and Family Development for statistics on solitary confinement for young persons in state-run homes over the past 10 years, the youngest age, average duration, and any research on neurodevelopmental effects.
Minister Masagos Zulkifli clarified that solitary confinement is not practiced; instead, separation from other residents is used under law for safety and to deter serious misdemeanours, with an annual average of 80 youths separated over the past three years.
The average separation period is four days, and it is only permitted for youths aged 12 or older, with the Ministry emphasising that separated youths continue attending programmes and receiving visits.
The Minister stated that separation is conducted with the youth's safety and well-being as primary considerations, including a bright and airy room, constant staff communication, prior medical screening, and ongoing support from guidance officers, caseworkers, and psychologists.
International research cited by the Ministry indicates short-term separation can help youths "cool off," and post-separation support is provided to address underlying behaviours and aid rehabilitation.

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3 Oct 2023

Reasons for 60% Increase in Road Traffic Fatalities in First Half of 2023

The increase in road traffic fatalities in the first half of 2023 was partly attributed to higher traffic volumes following the lifting of pandemic measures, with fatalities rising to 71 from 45 in the same period last year.
Elderly pedestrians and motorcyclists remain disproportionately affected, with jaywalking and lapses in attention cited as key causes, prompting targeted education and engagement initiatives like safety concerts and reward schemes.
The Traffic Police will continue to enforce against dangerous behaviors such as speeding and drink-driving while using technology like enforcement cameras, but emphasizes that road safety is a shared responsibility among all users.

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3 Oct 2023

Ensuring Sale of Second-hand Power Assisted Bicycles Are in Compliance with Regulations

It is an offence to sell or alter a non-compliant power-assisted bicycle (PAB), whether new or second-hand.
The Land Transport Authority conducts enforcement operations, seizes non-compliant devices, and takes action against violators.
The public is advised to buy only compliant PABs and ensure registration is transferred to their name during purchase.
LTA will continue public education and enforcement with support from stakeholders.

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3 Oct 2023

Safeguards to Ensure Safety of Fostered Children Who are Returned to Their Original Homes

The Ministry of Social and Family Development continually reviews safeguards and has implemented measures such as the National Family Violence Networking System and enhanced Penal Code protections to support children reunified with their families.
After reunification, Foster Care Officers conduct regular safety checks and monitoring for at least 12 months, with the duration tailored to each family's needs.
Since 2020, the Ministry has expanded training for over 7,100 individuals to detect and report family violence and strengthened community coordination to track children's well-being.
The Ministry notes that child abuse incidence rates remain low but emphasizes the importance of public vigilance and reporting through the National Anti-Violence and Sexual Harassment Helpline.

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3 Oct 2023

Singapore's Anti-Money Laundering Regime

The government announced a major anti-money laundering operation that resulted in ten arrests and the seizure of assets worth over S$2.8 billion, demonstrating the strength and effectiveness of Singapore's detection and enforcement capabilities.
Officials outlined Singapore's three-pronged anti-money laundering strategy—prevention, detection, and enforcement—which involves robust legal frameworks, mandatory suspicious transaction reporting, and strong action against violators across financial and non-financial sectors.
An inter-ministerial committee will be formed to review and strengthen the regime, focusing on areas such as corporate structures, financial institution controls, and the roles of gatekeepers like real estate agents and corporate service providers.

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3 Oct 2023

Additional Steps to Detect and Prevent Money Laundering Activities

Parliamentarians raised concerns about how movable assets like gemstones, jewellery, and luxury watches are being used for money laundering and asked about measures to prevent circumvention of regulations, such as the Precious Stones and Precious Metals Act.
Questions were posed about the investigation of foreign nationals arrested in connection with the S$1 billion money laundering case, including whether they are part of organised crime syndicates and whether landlords of private properties are required to report suspicious transactions.
MPs inquired about additional steps to protect Singapore’s real estate market, the sharing of suspicious transaction information among agencies like MAS, ICA, and the Ministry of Manpower, and the use of forfeited assets for public benefit.
The debate covered the monitoring of dormant companies and nominee directors by ACRA, the need for public-private partnerships to share intelligence, and how Singapore compares to other global financial centres in anti-money laundering efforts.
The Minister of State for Home Affairs indicated that a comprehensive ministerial statement would be delivered later to address all the questions raised in the debate.

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19 Sep 2023

Protocols and Platforms for Reporting Alleged Abuse of Children in Childcare Centres

Miss Rachel Ong inquired about the existence, details, and potential creation of protocols and platforms for whistle-blowers, especially childcare staff, to report alleged abuse or negligence by centre managers and principals.
Masagos Zulkifli B M M referred to a previous parliamentary reply from September 18, 2023, indicating that the matter had already been addressed in a specific update on investigations into alleged mistreatment at a preschool chain.
The debate highlights a focus on ensuring safe and confidential reporting channels for staff to raise concerns about child welfare in childcare centres.

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19 Sep 2023

Protocols in Place for Reporting Abuse of Children in Preschools

Dr Wan Rizal inquired about the protocols for reporting and investigating incidents where parents report that their children return home from preschool with injuries, and how parents are informed and involved in these processes.
The Minister for Social and Family Development referred to a prior reply on this matter, directing attention to an official report from September 18, 2023, regarding investigations into alleged mistreatment at a preschool chain.

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19 Sep 2023

Ensuring Safety and Well-being of Children Enrolled in Preschools

Dr Wan Rizal asked about immediate measures to protect children, how the Ministry is preventing similar incidents in other preschools, and steps to hold school management accountable for alleged child abuse.
The Minister referenced a prior reply from 18 September 2023 regarding investigations into alleged mistreatment at a preschool chain, directing further details to the Official Report.
The debate highlights government accountability and the need for proactive safeguards in preschools following abuse allegations.

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19 Sep 2023

Ensuring Safety and Well-being of Children in Early Childhood Space

Mr Don Wee inquired about the oversight and enforcement mechanisms, including independent inspections, that protect young children in childcare centres, kindergartens, and school buses without mandatory CCTV installations.
Minister Masagos Zulkifli referenced a prior parliamentary reply on investigations into alleged mistreatment at preschool centres, indicating that details on safety measures are addressed in that official report.
The exchange highlights the government's reliance on existing inspection frameworks and documented responses rather than implementing new mandatory surveillance for child safety.

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19 Sep 2023

Abuse against Security Officers

Member Melvin Yong asked about the number of abuse cases against security officers since May 2022, whether the trend has decreased since new offences were introduced, and if there are plans to enhance penalties.
Minister K Shanmugam reported an average of 27 cases per month since May 2022, higher than the 13 cases per month average from 2018-2021, attributing the increase to more reporting due to enhanced protections under the amended Private Security Industry Act.
The Ministry will continue monitoring the situation, as it has only been slightly over a year since the amendments took effect.

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19 Sep 2023

Obligation of Property Developers to Report Property Buyers Failing Customer Due Diligence Checks

Ms Mariam Jaafar asked whether property developers must report buyers who fail Customer Due Diligence checks and how many such failures have occurred to date.
Mrs Josephine Teo indicated that multiple queries on anti-money laundering operations and frameworks have been received across ministries.
The Ministry of Home Affairs will issue a comprehensive Ministerial Statement in October to address these questions.

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19 Sep 2023

Working with International Agencies to Tackle Online Child Sexual Exploitation

Christopher de Souza inquired about the Singapore Police Force’s international collaboration to address online child sexual exploitation.
K Shanmugam highlighted a joint forum in July 2023 with US Homeland Security Investigations to share strategies and boost regional cooperation.
The forum aimed to strengthen enforcement and investigative practices across ASEAN nations.
He referenced an SPF press release and an address by Ms Sun Xueling for further details on the approach.

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19 Sep 2023

Plans for Improving ECDA's Oversight of Staff and Management of Preschools and Childcare Centres

The Minister for Social and Family Development clarified that plans to improve ECDA's oversight and reporting policies were addressed in a previous parliamentary reply dated 18 September 2023, as referenced in the Official Report.
The discussion focuses on enhancing ECDA's ability to detect and deter child abuse or misconduct, with an emphasis on maintaining effective oversight of staff and management at preschools and childcare centres.
Strengthening reporting policies, including measures to encourage and protect whistle-blowers, was noted as a key component of the strategy to improve accountability and child safety.

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19 Sep 2023

Mandatory National Child Safeguarding Standards for Organisations that Provide Services for Children and Young Persons

Assoc Prof Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim asked the Minister for Social and Family Development whether the Ministry will develop and implement mandatory national child safeguarding standards for organisations providing services for children and young persons.
Masagos Zulkifli B M M responded that the question was addressed in a previous reply to Oral Questions on 18 September 2023, directing attention to the Official Report on investigations into alleged mistreatment at preschool centres.
The debate highlights a parliamentary inquiry about establishing enforceable national standards for child safety across all service providers for young people.
The government's reply indicates that the matter has already been addressed in a specific prior session, referencing an investigation into preschool centres as the context.

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19 Sep 2023

Length of Time Member of Parliament S Iswaran will be Absent from Parliament

Pritam Singh asked the Prime Minister for an update on how long MP S Iswaran will be absent from Parliament.
Chan Chun Sing, responding for the Prime Minister, stated that Iswaran was granted leave of absence due to an ongoing investigation.
The Prime Minister’s Office declined to provide a specific update, citing the need to avoid prejudicing the investigations.

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19 Sep 2023

Traffic Accidents involving Lorries Transporting Workers in Rear Deck that were Attributable to Driver Fault

The Minister for Home Affairs stated that Traffic Police data only covers accidents involving lorries carrying passengers that resulted in casualties or deaths, with no tracking of passenger occupation, seating position, or driver fatigue.
Over the past five years, in such accidents, the lorry driver was at fault in about 45% of cases, while the driver of the other vehicle was at fault in about 56%.
The percentages exceed 100% because some accidents involved shared fault between both drivers, and in some cases, fault could not be determined due to insufficient evidence.

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19 Sep 2023

Measures to Prevent Criminals from Getting Away with Lighter Sentences by Exploiting Maximum Amount of Mitigating Options Available to Them

The Minister clarified that the Sentencing Advisory Panel's guidelines on reducing sentences for guilty pleas do not introduce new reductions but provide structure to existing court practices, offering flexibility while maintaining consistency and transparency.
The guidelines are not expected to result in criminals receiving significantly lighter sentences, as courts already have discretion to grant reductions for guilty pleas, and sentences cannot fall below mandatory minimums set by law.
Courts retain the authority to deviate from the guidelines if applying them would be contrary to public interest, ensuring that reductions remain just and proportionate to the circumstances of each case.

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19 Sep 2023

Keeping Workplaces Safe Beyond the Heightened Safety Period

Melvin Yong highlighted a spike in workplace fatalities after the Heightened Safety Period (HSP) ended and proposed four "SAFE" suggestions: design workplaces for safety, require dedicated WSH professionals, increase financial penalties, and tighten enforcement.
Senior Minister Zaqy Mohamad acknowledged post-HSP fatalities but noted that the 12-month fatality rate remains close to the 2028 target, and affirmed that most HSP measures—including personal accountability for senior management—are retained.
The government has introduced new measures like the Safe Accountability, Focus and Empowerment (SAFE) framework, expanded the Demerit Points System, and enhanced reporting tools such as SnapSAFE to sustain workplace safety culture beyond the HSP.

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19 Sep 2023

Suspension of Member

Hazel Poa moved a motion to suspend Minister Iswaran for the remainder of the parliamentary session, citing his suspension from duties, an ongoing corruption investigation, and the need to prudently use taxpayers' money while allowing for back pay if he is cleared.
The motion contrasts with the Government's motion to only consider the matter later, arguing that maintaining the status quo allows an MP under investigation to continue receiving full allowances without performing duties.
During clarification, the Leader of the House questioned the legal basis for suspension, leading to a debate on whether the motion was a specific case targeting Iswaran or a broader principle for any MP under investigation for serious crimes.

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