Public safety & law — Topics

23 Feb 2023

Data on Use of Child Car Seats in Private Hire Vehicles and Instances of Non-compliance

Louis Ng asked the Ministry for Transport about data on child car seat usage in private-hire vehicles, violations of child restraint regulations, and whether such data would be collected if not already available.
The Ministry of Home Affairs reported that violations of child restraint rules in private-hire cars decreased from 66 cases in 2018 to 29 in 2019, and to just one or two cases annually from 2020 to 2022, with enforcement priorities unchanged.
Ride-hail operators offer family-friendly services and child car seats upon request, with about 415,000 such trips per year over the past three years.

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23 Feb 2023

Actions to Prevent Foreigners from Staying Illegally in Singapore Following Cancellation of Work Pass

The Ministry of Home Affairs highlighted that the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority conducts regular enforcement operations and checks at addresses of foreigners whose passes have expired, and that employers and homeowners must verify the immigration status of foreigners to prevent overstaying.
In response to a query about overstayer arrests, the Minister stated that from 2018 to 2022, the median duration of unlawful stay for arrested overstayers was about three months, and penalties for overstaying include jail and caning.
The Ministry noted that it is investigating the two cases of Chinese nationals who stayed illegally for 13 and 15 years, but cannot provide further details as the investigation is ongoing.

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23 Feb 2023

Working with International Partners and Financial Institutions to Tackle Cross-border Money Laundering

MAS collaborates with financial institutions and international partners to detect and mitigate cross-border money laundering and terrorist financing risks using data analytics and information sharing.
The AML/CFT Industry Partnership, co-chaired by MAS and the Singapore Police Force, facilitates proactive risk analysis and best practices among financial institutions to strengthen collective defenses.
Singapore maintains a legal framework aligned with international standards and actively exchanges information with global counterparts to combat cross-border financial crime.

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23 Feb 2023

Due Diligence Checks on New Clients Opening Accounts to Prevent Mule Accounts for Scams

MAS mandates that banks in Singapore implement robust controls to identify customers, evaluate risks, and monitor accounts for suspicious activity, including preventing mule accounts for scams.
MAS and the Singapore Police Force have introduced an advisory to warn applicants that accounts must be for personal use only and that misuse may facilitate criminal activities.
MAS encourages banks to use data analytics and share emerging mule typologies across the industry, leading to improved detection and collaboration with law enforcement agencies.

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23 Feb 2023

Government Officers Allocated to Deal with Wildlife Trade

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for National Development about the number of officers in the National Parks Board Wildlife Trade branch over the past five years and whether the Ministry would consider increasing manpower for the branch.
Desmond Lee explained that various NParks officers, including those from the Wildlife Trade Branch and the Centre for Wildlife Forensics, are involved in regulating and enforcing wildlife trade, providing evidence for prosecution.
NParks collaborates with agencies like Singapore Customs and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, as well as international partners such as INTERPOL, to tackle illegal wildlife trade through risk-based screening and information exchange.
NParks also works with industry stakeholders on public education to raise awareness about illegal wildlife trade, employing a Whole-of-Government and multi-pronged approach.
The Ministry will continually review regulatory and enforcement frameworks to ensure sufficient manpower and leverage science, technology, and partnerships to support wildlife trade efforts.

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23 Feb 2023

Frequency of and Items Checked in PUB's Fire Hydrant Inspections

Dennis Tan asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment about the frequency of and items checked in PUB's fire hydrant inspections, including whether the frequency could be increased and the differences between PUB and SCDF checks.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary replied that PUB and SCDF conduct periodic checks on all public fire hydrants, with PUB's inspections occurring every four years as part of broader water network maintenance and SCDF performing annual serviceability tests.
PUB checks for obstructions, corrosion, leaks, and ensures the valve pit is clear of debris, while SCDF conducts functional tests including water flow and pressure measurements, with PUB rectifying defects found by SCDF.
The current frequency of checks by PUB and SCDF is deemed sufficient to ensure fire hydrants function effectively.

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23 Feb 2023

Conviction and Deterrence of Road Touts

The Minister reported that between 2018 and 2022, there were two or fewer police reports on road touting each year and no convictions in the last five years.
Measures to deter and detect road touts include enforcing the Miscellaneous Offences Act and addressing related offences like traffic violations and harassment, with action taken based on case facts.
The Minister noted that motorists often handle road touts by disengaging calmly and seeking help from insurers or legal counsel for civil remedies.
A follow-up question highlighted public concern about the prevalence of road touting and asked about measures targeting both touts and the workshops facilitating fraudulent claims.
The Minister affirmed that road touting is an offence, and authorities will act where necessary if reports indicate a serious issue.

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22 Feb 2023

Cases of Individuals Who Do Not Affix New Address Labels to Their Identity Cards

The Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed that individuals who change their address with ICA must affix the new address label to their NRIC or face fines up to $3,000 or imprisonment up to two years.
Using an outdated address on the NRIC for fraudulent purposes, such as deceiving others or inducing illegal loans, can lead to charges for cheating under the Penal Code with penalties up to three years in prison.
Providing false residential information to unlicensed moneylenders may result in up to 12 months' imprisonment under the Moneylenders Act.
Members of the public who suspect their address is being misused should report to ICA or the Police for investigation.
The Ministry emphasises these legal measures to deter and address fraud involving outdated NRIC addresses.

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22 Feb 2023

Data on Scams Reported in 2022

Christopher de Souza requested an update on the number of scams reported in Singapore in 2022, the means through which the scams were operated, and the age demographics of the victims.
K Shanmugam directed him to refer to the Singapore Police Force’s Annual Scams and Cybercrimes Brief 2022, published on 8 February 2023, for the information.

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22 Feb 2023

Review of Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act 1992 to Reflect Lower Levels of Culpability for Offences Related to Mule Accounts for Scams

The Ministry of Home Affairs is reviewing the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act 1992 to lower the intent threshold for prosecuting money mule accounts used in scams.
Currently, convictions require proof that the mule knew or had reasonable grounds to believe the money was linked to criminal activity, which is difficult to establish.
This high evidentiary bar has led to many arrested money mules being unable to be prosecuted, hindering enforcement efforts.
The proposed amendments aim to make it easier to prove money laundering offences in such scam cases.
More details on the new provisions will be provided when the review is finalized.

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22 Feb 2023

Emergency Response Cases Reported or Attended through myResponder App and Plans to Increase App Subscription

Between 2018 and 2022, Community First Responders attended 7,670 emergency cases via the myResponder app, with 4,525 being cardiac arrest cases and 3,145 minor fire incidents.
To increase app subscriptions and grow the pool of Community First Responders, SCDF is leveraging community events, resilience programmes, and training sessions to promote the app and emergency preparedness.
SCDF is expanding the availability of AEDs and fire extinguishers in the community, with targets to place AEDs within 250 metres in urban areas by end 2025 and install fire extinguishers at HDB lift lobbies.
The AED-on-Wheels Programme is being expanded, with new partners like SingPost joining to add more vehicles equipped with AEDs to the roving response network.
Calls made through the app’s 995 widget are received as standard emergency calls, with no distinction from the regular 995 hotline.

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22 Feb 2023

Fire Incidents Related to Kitchen Exhaust Ducts in Food and Beverage Establishments

Over the past five years (2018-2022), there were 60 fire incidents linked to kitchen exhaust ducts in food and beverage establishments.
The average time between the last cleaning or maintenance of these ducts and the fire incidents was five months.
The Minister for Home Affairs provided these figures in response to a parliamentary question about fire safety in coffeeshops and hawker stalls.

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22 Feb 2023

Review of Resources to be Deployed to Government Agencies to Handle Caseload with Increasing Number of Scams

The Ministry of Home Affairs reorganized resources by establishing the Anti-Scam Command in March 2022, partnering with financial sector agencies and leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and collaboration in handling scam cases.
International cooperation with foreign law enforcement agencies, including operations with INTERPOL and the Asset-Recovery Interagency Network–Asia Pacific, has been key to dismantling scam syndicates and recovering illicit assets.
Upstream preventive measures, such as blocking unregistered SMS and spoofed calls, alongside public education campaigns like the “I can ACT against scams” initiative, are emphasized to protect the public.
Banks are implementing security features like transaction limits, cooling periods for new services, and removing clickable links to balance efficiency and customer protection, especially for seniors.
The approach combines enforcement, technology, international collaboration, and public awareness to address the growing scam caseload, with ongoing discussions to refine measures like differentiating new PayNow numbers for pre-screening.

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14 Feb 2023

Cooperative and Unified Smart Traffic System Project's Ability to Detect Bicycles

Leon Perera asked whether the Cooperative and Unified Smart Traffic System project will detect bicycles to enhance cyclist road safety.
The minister explained that the CRUISE project uses AI and multi-sensor data to dynamically adjust traffic lights for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists using pedestrian crossings.
Detecting cyclists on roads would require algorithm enhancements and more trials, increasing system complexity and cost.
The government has implemented initiatives like new regulations and safety handbooks to improve road safety for cyclists and motorists.
Authorities will continue studying ways to enhance road safety for all road users.

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14 Feb 2023

Quality Assurance Control for Aviation Companies in Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Sector and Feedback on Non-compliance

Dennis Tan asked whether all aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul companies must appoint a quality assurance manager and how the public can report non-compliance by such managers.
S Iswaran confirmed that under Singapore Airworthiness Requirements 145, approved companies must appoint a qualified quality manager to ensure compliance with standards.
The public can provide feedback via the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore website or the confidential "Tell Sarah" portal for reporting safety hazards and unsafe practices.

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14 Feb 2023

Deployment of Mobile Speed Cameras to Encourage Motorists to Comply with Speed Limits on Roads

Murali Pillai questioned the effectiveness of mobile speed cameras since 2017 and whether more would be deployed to address rising speeding violations and accidents.
K Shanmugam explained that mobile speed cameras are flexible tools and may lead to fixed cameras if speeding is rampant in a specific area.
The 2022 mid-year report noted an increase in speeding violations and accidents due to higher traffic volume post-COVID, though numbers remain below pre-pandemic levels.
The Traffic Police will continue monitoring and may strengthen enforcement actions as needed.
Mobile speed cameras are part of a broader enforcement strategy that includes fixed cameras, red-light cameras, and patrols.

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14 Feb 2023

Penalties for Money Mules who Sold Control of Bank Accounts or Singpass Details for Scams and Money Laundering Activities

Yip Hon Weng asked about common penalties for money mules who sold bank accounts or Singpass details for scams and money laundering, whether such offences were voluntary or coerced, and if penalties could be increased as a deterrent.
K Shanmugam explained that money mules are prosecuted under various acts like CDSA, Penal Code, CMA, and PSA, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment, and that most offences are voluntary due to monetary incentives.
He noted that current laws need enhancement to better prove intent, so the Ministry of Home Affairs is considering amendments to strengthen accountability for money mules and curb Singpass abuse.

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14 Feb 2023

Data on Those in Reformative Training Detained Past Minimum Detention Period

Leon Perera asked the Minister for Home Affairs for statistics on Reformative Training detainees from 2019, including how many received supervision orders at the minimum detention period, the average months detained past the minimum before supervision orders, and how many served the maximum 54-month period.
From October 2018 to December 2022, 473 persons were given supervision orders, with 201 released at the minimum detention period and the remainder detained an average of five months beyond the minimum before release.
No trainees have served the maximum detention period of 54 months to date.

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14 Feb 2023

Proposal for Inclusion of Registrar's Empowerment Clause in Court Orders to Facilitate Sale and Transfer of Matrimonial Assets

Carrie Tan proposed adding a Registrar's Empowerment Clause to all court orders on matrimonial asset sales to prevent divorcees from facing housing limbo due to ex-spouses delaying or refusing compliance.
The Minister of State responded that such a clause is not imposed by default because most parties comply with orders, and default inclusion could disempower parties and undermine the therapeutic justice approach.
The Minister noted that remedies already exist for rare cases of non-compliance, such as applying to vary the order, and the Court can then include a Registrar's Empowerment Clause if needed.
The debate highlighted concerns about balancing enforcement needs with preserving party autonomy and promoting positive post-divorce resolution.
The discussion emphasized existing legal mechanisms to address delays without mandating proactive empowerment clauses in all orders.

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14 Feb 2023

Empowering Community Disputes Resolution Tribunals to Require Medical Assessments of Claimants and Respondents

Dr. Tan Wu Meng asked whether Community Disputes Resolution Tribunals (CDRTs) can be empowered to require medical assessments for parties involved in disputes where a significant medical condition may cause harm.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary explained that CDRTs currently use a multifaceted approach, including preliminary mental health assessments by court psychologists, referrals to specialists, and possible compliance bonds to ensure medical treatment.
An inter-agency committee is reviewing the dispute management framework to address neighbour disputes linked to mental health and to consider empowering CDRTs to issue Mandatory Treatment Orders.

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