Public safety & law — Topics

14 Feb 2023

Legislative Levers to Strengthen Internal Security Department's Capacity Given Increase in Cases of Youths being Self-radicalised

Murali Pillai questioned if additional legislative measures are needed to help the Internal Security Department effectively counter self-radicalised youths, especially given the difficulty in identifying such threats.
The Minister of State affirmed a zero-tolerance approach, citing the effectiveness of the Internal Security Act and existing laws like the Broadcasting Act and Online Safety Act to block extremist content online.
The Ministry of Home Affairs is developing a new framework to tackle online criminal activity, including terrorism, which will complement current laws and introduce further legislative levers.
Pillai commended the ISD's timely interventions that prevented potential harm and asked for specifics on the legislative levers being contemplated to address self-radicalisation.
The Minister of State confirmed that more details on the proposed framework and new legislative levers would be released shortly.

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7 Feb 2023

Clarification by Minister for Home Affairs and Law

The Minister for Home Affairs and Law, Mr K Shanmugam, clarified the conditions under which police can intervene in a situation.
He corrected his earlier oral reply to state that police can intervene if there is a threat of danger, violence, or assault.
The correction was made to the reply originally given during the sitting on 7 February 2023 regarding parliamentary questions 5 and 6.
The clarification was submitted as a written statement to correct a prior misstatement about police intervention rules.
The key point remains that police intervention is limited to cases involving imminent threats of harm or violence.

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7 Feb 2023

Measures to Maintain Racial Harmony and Security in Migrant Workers Dormitories

The Ministry of Manpower implements the Settling-in Programme for new work permit holders, introducing Singapore laws and social norms in their native languages to promote harmonious living among diverse races and religions.
MOM collaborates with NGOs, dormitory operators, employers, and community partners to organize regular multicultural social activities and celebrations, fostering appreciation and interaction among migrant workers of different backgrounds.
The Friends of ACE (FACE) Network, comprising migrant worker volunteers, helps bridge communication between peers and MOM to identify and address ground concerns early for proactive intervention.
Dormitory operators are required to respect religious and cultural sensitivities, implement measures to minimize conflicts, and respond swiftly to incidents, with MOM taking strict action such as revoking work passes for violent disturbances.

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7 Feb 2023

Reports Received on High-rise Littering Involving Faeces since 2017

Dr Tan Wu Meng asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment for annual statistics since 2017 on high-rise littering involving faeces, including the number of reports, identified perpetrators, and penalties imposed.
Grace Fu Hai Yien responded that the National Environment Agency does not track the specific types of litter in high-rise littering cases.
She stated that all high-rise littering offenders are charged in court, facing fines of up to $2,000 for a first conviction, $4,000 for a second, and $10,000 for subsequent convictions.
Offenders may also be issued a Corrective Work Order requiring them to clean public areas for up to 12 hours in addition to fines.

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7 Feb 2023

Measures to Ensure Safe Passage of Ships in Singapore Strait

The parliamentary debate was prompted by a rise in piracy and armed robberies in the Singapore Strait in 2022, with Shawn Huang Wei Zhong asking for measures to ensure safe passage for ships.
The Minister for Transport, S Iswaran, referred to a written reply from the 6 February 2023 sitting, which addressed the reasons for the continued increase in such incidents.
The official response is documented in the Official Report, Vol 95, Issue 81, under the Written Answers to Questions section, providing detailed information on the measures taken.
The debate underscores the government’s focus on addressing maritime security concerns through official channels and documented replies.
It highlights the collaborative approach between parliament and the transport ministry to ensure the safety of ships transiting the Singapore Strait.

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7 Feb 2023

Updates on Recommendations in Committee of Privileges' Report Presented to Parliament on 10 February 2022

Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim requested an update on the Attorney-General's investigations or decisions following the Committee of Privileges' report presented on 10 February 2022.
K Shanmugam stated that Parliament referred the conduct of Mr Pritam Singh and Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap to the Public Prosecutor after the report.
The Public Prosecutor has referred the matter to the Police for ongoing investigations.

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7 Feb 2023

Plans for Review of Criminal Disclosure Obligations in Criminal Procedure Code 2010

Murali Pillai questioned if the Government plans to update the criminal disclosure obligations in the Criminal Procedure Code 2010 based on recent Court of Appeal rulings.
K Shanmugam confirmed that a review of statutory and common law disclosure obligations in criminal cases is underway.
The Government is considering amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code as part of this review.
Further details on the plans will be provided once the review is complete.

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7 Feb 2023

Details on Fire at East Coast Road on 9 January 2023 where Pit Cover of Fire Hydrant was Stuck

Gerald Giam inquired whether the stuck fire hydrant pit cover at the East Coast Road fire on 9 January 2023 caused a delay in drawing water and contributed to the fire's spread.
The Minister confirmed the nearest hydrant's cover was initially stuck due to dirt and sediment, but SCDF used the next nearest hydrant and established water supply within minutes, with the fire engine's internal tank providing sufficient water in the interim.
The stuck cover was later removed, and the firefighting operation was not affected; the hydrant had been inspected by SCDF and PUB prior to the incident, with annual testing regimes in place to ensure functionality across Singapore's network of about 23,000 hydrants.

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7 Feb 2023

Stricter Measures to Prevent Smuggling of Opium through or into Singapore

Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked the Minister for Home Affairs about stricter measures to prevent opium smuggling into Singapore, given increased opium cultivation in Myanmar.
Minister K Shanmugam stated that the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) collaborates with international partners through intelligence sharing and joint operations, including within ASEAN task forces for airports and seaports.
No opium transhipment has been detected in Singapore for over 10 years, and there have been no opium seizures in the last five years.
CNB continues to enforce efforts against all drugs, including heroin derived from opium, and will monitor the situation with ASEAN partners.

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7 Feb 2023

Number of Road Traffic Accidents Involving Car-sharing Vehicles and Resulting in Casualties in 2021 and 2022

Gerald Giam asked the Minister for Home Affairs for statistics on car-sharing vehicle accidents resulting in casualties in 2021 and 2022, whether the incidence rate is higher than general cars, and what measures are being considered to reduce such accidents.
Minister K Shanmugam stated that the Traffic Police do not track whether vehicles involved in accidents are car-sharing vehicles, and traffic safety measures are aimed at reducing all accidents.
The Minister confirmed that the Traffic Police will continue to engage and educate motorists on safe driving and enforce the law to address overall road safety.

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7 Feb 2023

Case of Man Awarded $20,000 for being Wrongly Imprisoned in 2017

Mr Leong Mun Wai asked about lapses in a wrongful imprisonment case, why it took so long, actions taken against officers, and preventive measures, to which Minister K Shanmugam responded that the case is under review and may be appealed due to concerns about the court's impact on police powers under the Mental Health Act.
The Minister emphasized that Singapore's high safety levels stem from public trust in the police, supported by checks like body cameras, independent reviews, and court prosecutions, with 78 officers facing disciplinary proceedings annually and about 10 charged criminally over the past three years.
He cautioned against unfair scrutiny of police actions, as it could lead to defensive policing and erode public trust, while affirming that officers are given latitude to make decisions in good faith in dynamic environments.
Regarding the specific case, the Minister noted the court's findings that the detainee's behavior did not qualify as mental disorder symptoms and that an officer may have made up observations, which the police dispute, and that AGC is advising on whether to appeal.
The government is studying the court's legal comments on the Mental Health Act to determine if an appeal or legislative changes are needed, ensuring police powers align with policy intent and public safety.

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7 Feb 2023

Verification of Mental or Physical Health of Inmate against Public Hospital Records at Time of Admission

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked whether the Singapore Prison Service verifies inmates' mental or physical health against public hospital records at admission.
K Shanmugam stated that all inmates undergo health screening upon admission, including checks of the National Electronic Health Records for pre-existing conditions and mental health.
The Prison Medical Officer also consults the National Immunisation Registry for vaccination records and uses a screening questionnaire and physical examination to assess health and detect urgent or infectious conditions.

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7 Feb 2023

Cases of Singapore Companies Convicted of Corruption Overseas and Prosecuted in Singapore

Hazel Poa inquired about the number of Singapore companies convicted of corruption overseas since 1965 and how many were prosecuted in Singapore.
Indranee Rajah, speaking for the Prime Minister, indicated that the question had already been addressed in a prior reply from February 2023.
The prior reply referred to findings from the Keppel Offshore & Marine corruption probe, as documented in the Official Report.

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7 Feb 2023

Drug Offenders and Traffickers under Ages of 14 and 16

The Minister for Home Affairs stated that there has been no increasing trend in drug offences among offenders under 14 or 16 years of age over the past decade.
An average of 49 youths under 16 were arrested annually for drug offences, with about 10% under 14, and only four trafficking cases per year involving those under 16.
Drug trafficking among the very young is rare, with less than 6% of the under-16 trafficking cases involving those under 14, and only two arrests of children under 14 in 10 years.
The Central Narcotics Bureau continues to monitor youth attitudes, noting some permissiveness toward drugs like cannabis, and maintains preventive education efforts.

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7 Feb 2023

Naming of Keppel Offshore & Marine Staff Given Stern Warning over Probe into Petroleo Brasileiro Bribery Case

Dennis Tan Lip Fong questioned whether it is in the public interest to disclose the names of six former KOM management staff given stern warnings for their roles in a S$73 million bribery case, despite standard practice of not naming individuals who receive stern warnings.
He also asked how the CPIB decided to issue stern warnings given the scale of the bribes and KOM’s US$422 million fine, and requested a detailed account of the facts behind the bribe payments.
Gerald Giam Yean Song inquired about CPIB’s overseas investigative efforts since December 2017 and why the six former senior management staff were not named, seeking their ages and nationalities.
Indranee Rajah, speaking for the Prime Minister, stated that the questions had been addressed in a previous official reply from 6 February 2023.

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7 Feb 2023

Extension of Heightened Safety Period to Ensure Continued Workplace Safety

Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Manpower whether the heightened safety period introduced in September 2022 was effective, what considerations would lead to its extension beyond February 2023, and what other measures would be taken to improve workplace safety.
The Minister for Manpower, Tan See Leng, stated that the question had already been addressed in a combined oral reply to Questions 40 and 41 on 6 February 2023, referring to an official report on workplace fatalities and the extension of the heightened safety period.

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7 Feb 2023

Proportion of Thefts in Supermarkets Involving Theft of Milk Powder

Between 2018 and 2022, there were 398 cases of theft of milk powder from supermarkets, accounting for 7% of all supermarket theft cases, with the police identifying the perpetrators in 77% of these incidents.
A study of recent cases showed most perpetrators did not have children under two years old who would need the milk powder, indicating the thefts are not primarily for personal use.
Some cases involved stealing milk powder to resell for profit, highlighting economic motives behind the thefts.

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7 Feb 2023

Assaults at Dormitories involving Migrant Workers from Different Nationalities

From 2020 to 2022, about 990 assault cases involving migrant workers at dormitories were reported to the Singapore Police Force, including affray and rioting.
A minority of these cases involved persons of different races, but none were reported to be racially motivated.
Police collaborate with dormitory operators on safety measures, including security arrangements, CCTV systems, and engagement on crime prevention as part of licensing conditions with the Ministry of Manpower.

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7 Feb 2023

Reviewing Enforcement Measures on Users and Sellers of Vaporisers and Related Consumables

The Ministry of Health is reviewing enforcement and education strategies to address the rising popularity of vaping, noting concerns about attractive flavours, online sales, and misconceptions about its harms.
Officials emphasize a multi-pronged approach involving the Health Sciences Authority, Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, schools, and health promotion boards to curb illegal imports and raise youth awareness.
Despite existing efforts, there is a worrying upward trend in vaping, prompting calls for stronger community involvement and digital campaigns to counter misinformation and encourage a nicotine-free lifestyle.

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7 Feb 2023

Ready Availability of Mobile Devices and Impact on Youth Education on Harms of Drugs

The Central Narcotics Bureau uses social media, youth advocates, and school collaborations to deliver anti-drug education through videos, campaigns, and curriculum integration.
Authorities engage tech companies to remove drug-related content and enforce laws against online dissemination of harmful drug information, with penalties including imprisonment and fines.
The most commonly abused drugs among youths under 16 are methamphetamine, cannabis, and new psychoactive substances, with efforts continuing to adapt to emerging trends.

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