Public safety & law — Topics

29 Nov 2022

Retention of Manual Payment Methods for Seniors

The Government ensures manual payment methods remain available for seniors through in-person support at agencies, ServiceSG centres, and non-digital options like physical CDC vouchers and cash or NETS payments at hospitals.
To address scam risks, the Government focuses on enhancing security measures, such as backend prevention and detection, rather than avoiding digitalization, and highlights that scams affect all age groups through various means.
Public education is a key anti-scam strategy, with targeted programs for seniors by agencies like the Singapore Police Force and Cyber Security Agency of Singapore to raise awareness and promote cyber hygiene.

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29 Nov 2022

Post-appeal Applications in Capital Cases Bill

Ms Hany Soh supported the Bill but raised concerns about legal representation under LASCO for post-appeal applications, the number of judges hearing such applications, and the need for written decisions and clarifications when applications are summarily dismissed.
Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim emphasized due process and suggested safeguards like multi-judge panels for complex cases, clearer cost liability rules for lawyers, and international awareness efforts to explain Singapore's capital punishment approach.
Senior Parliamentary Secretary Rahayu Mahzam addressed the queries, clarifying that the Bill allows judicial discretion, specifies procedures for post-appeal applications, and responds to points on legal representation, judge assignments, and costs orders, while affirming support for the Bill.

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29 Nov 2022

Post-Appeal Applications in Capital Cases Bill

The Bill introduces a new process for post-appeal applications in capital cases (PACC) to provide clarity and a structured procedure, requiring applicants to first seek permission from the Court of Appeal based on criteria such as new material and reasonable prospect of success.
The government emphasizes that the reforms maintain access to justice, do not prohibit new evidence or arguments, and aim to streamline the process while preventing vexatious or abusive applications that delay execution.
Parliament members supported the Bill but raised clarifications on discretionary powers, standards like "reasonable prospect of success," and abuse-of-process provisions to ensure fairness, particularly for prisoners and their legal counsel.

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29 Nov 2022

Recent Workplace Safety Offences and Incidence of Repeat Offenders

During the recent enforcement operation from August to October 2022, 558 companies were penalised, with slightly more than half being repeat offenders who received stiffer penalties and more frequent inspections.
The government has introduced measures like the Heightened Safety Period, the Approved Code of Practice for Directors and CEOs, and the StartSAFE programme to hold leaders accountable and help SMEs improve workplace safety, with over 140 companies joining StartSAFE since September.
Early results from the Heightened Safety Period show a reduction in fatal accidents from 4.5 to 2 per month, with plans to review whether to extend the period beyond February 2023 based on outcomes.

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29 Nov 2022

Time Taken for Anti-Scam Centre to Investigate Cases

The Anti-Scam Centre's investigation time varies based on factors like scam type and whether funds were transferred overseas, with no fixed average or longest/shortest times provided.
Individuals with frozen accounts can apply to courts under Section 35(8) of the Criminal Procedure Code for access to funds for essential expenses, and police may advise them of this option.
For ongoing transactions like salaries, it is recommended to open a separate bank account, as frozen accounts cannot receive new deposits during investigations.
Police may share investigation updates with banks, but banks retain discretion on risk assessments, and information sharing is limited to avoid compromising probes.

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28 Nov 2022

Cause of Landslide at Clementi NorthArc BTO Flat Construction Site

The Building and Construction Authority is investigating the cause of the 2 September 2022 landslide at the Clementi NorthArc BTO construction site and will consider enforcement actions under the Building Control Act.
No legal proceedings have been initiated against contractors or subcontractors pending the completion of the investigation.
Agencies managing public land conduct regular slope inspections near park connectors adjacent to large drains, canals, or rivers and may increase inspection frequency during intense wet weather.

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28 Nov 2022

Attendance in Mandatory Counselling Programme in Family Violence Cases

Between 2017 and 2021, approximately 4,300 counselling orders were issued under the Women's Charter for family violence cases.
About 8% of respondents did not attend any sessions of the mandatory counselling programme.
The Ministry does not track data on the percentage of Personal Protection Orders withdrawn after counselling, so no figures are available for this.

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28 Nov 2022

Illegal and Problem Gambling during World Cup 2022

Melvin Yong asked whether illegal gambling spikes during the World Cup and if the government will increase problem gambling messaging for World Cup 2022.
The Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed a rise in illegal football betting during major tournaments and has intensified enforcement, including disabling phone lines, blocking websites, and closing bank accounts linked to illegal gambling.
The National Crime Prevention Council and the National Council on Problem Gambling have launched campaigns warning the public, with ads on TV before and during matches, radio, newspapers, and social media.
The government emphasizes personal responsibility and encourages family and friends to support those at risk by directing them to the NCPG helpline or webchat.
The overall response combines enforcement, public education, and community vigilance to tackle both illegal and problem gambling during the World Cup.

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28 Nov 2022

Community Partnerships to Strengthen Support for Victims of Sexual Crime and Family Violence

The Police collaborate with community partners like SG Her Empowerment Limited and the Victim Care Cadre Programme to provide emotional and practical support to victims during investigations.
Family Violence Community Police Officers are deployed across all Neighbourhood Police Centres to manage cases and refer high-risk victims to social service agencies for early intervention.
A joint Police-MSF training workgroup develops scenario-based training for frontline officers, leveraging expertise from various community and government agencies to improve victim management.
Family Violence Working Groups and public awareness campaigns like "Break the Silence" are used to raise awareness and ensure victims have access to help.

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28 Nov 2022

Efforts to Deter Use of Cannabis in Singapore

Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Home Affairs what additional measures can be taken to deter cannabis use and prevalence in Singapore.
The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) is enhancing public education, especially for youths, through explainer videos, news stories, and resources shared via its website and social media platforms.
CNB is increasing collaboration with the education sector to engage students directly on drug matters and working with youth advocates to correct misinformation about cannabis and encourage anti-drug stances.
Enforcement efforts continue, including cracking down on Telegram channels that facilitate drug transactions.

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28 Nov 2022

Efforts to Monitor and Prevent Cannabis Plant Cultivation in Singapore

Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Home Affairs how the Central Narcotics Bureau monitors and prevents cannabis plant cultivation in Singapore.
The cultivation and possession of cannabis, including any part of the plant, are offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
The Central Narcotics Bureau collaborates with agencies like Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and Singapore Customs to detect and prevent cannabis importation.
CNB takes enforcement action against individuals found cultivating cannabis within Singapore.
The response emphasizes a multi-agency approach to monitor and curb cannabis-related activities in the country.

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28 Nov 2022

Ex-spouses Overstaying in Matrimonial Homes Ordered Sold by Court

Ms Carrie Tan asked the Minister for Home Affairs about the annual number of police requests over the past five years regarding ex-spouses overstaying in matrimonial homes ordered to be sold, and the typical actions taken in such cases.
Minister K Shanmugam responded that the Police do not track such requests and clarified that breaching such court orders by itself is not a criminal offence.
He explained that when requests are received, Police assess each case individually and investigate only if criminal offences are disclosed.

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28 Nov 2022

Persons Under Age 18 Involved in Drug Trafficking and Measures to Protect Youths

Between 2017 and 2021, approximately 19 youths under 18 were arrested and investigated annually for drug trafficking, with 27% under 16 and 2% under 14, while about four were charged yearly, 21% of whom were under 16 and none under 14.
The government has strengthened laws to protect youths, including increasing penalties for adult traffickers who supply drugs to those under 21 and creating new offences for adults who cause young people to traffic drugs or permit underage drug consumption.
The Central Narcotics Bureau collaborates with partners to educate youths on drug harms through school activities, pre-exchange briefings, skits, and resources for parents, counsellors, and educators to spot and address drug abuse.

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28 Nov 2022

Strategies to Prevent Overcrowding and Risk of Stampede in MRT Stations

Murali Pillai asked the Minister for Transport about strategies to prevent overcrowding and stampede risks in MRT stations.
The Minister outlined that rail operators and LTA have incident management plans with station-specific crowd control procedures, monitored 24/7, with measures like adjusting train frequencies, controlling escalators, and diverting commuters.
These plans are regularly reviewed with the Singapore Police Force and tested through joint exercises, with additional contingency plans for major events like National Day Parade and Formula One races.

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28 Nov 2022

Review of Spent Regime for Criminal Records

Patrick Tay Teck Guan asked the Ministry for Home Affairs to review the crime-free period and offences that can become spent under the Registration of Criminals Act.
K Shanmugam stated that the ministry periodically reviews the spent regime and found the current criteria appropriate for reintegration after the 2021 review.
The Ministry noted that other measures, including rehabilitation programmes and employment support, assist ex-offenders in transitioning back into society.

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28 Nov 2022

Accidents Involving Drivers Aged 65 and Above and Shortening Revalidation Cycle

Yip Hon Weng asked about the percentage of traffic accidents involving drivers aged 65 and above over the past three years, the vehicles and licenses involved, and whether the revalidation cycle for motorcycle and light motor vehicle licenses should be shortened for those with prior accidents.
K Shanmugam reported that between 2019 and 2021, 16% of fatal accidents and 16% of accidents with injuries involved drivers aged 65 or older, with the proportion remaining stable.
Among these accidents, 69% involved motor cars, 17% involved motorcycles, and 14% involved other vehicles such as heavy vehicles.
The Ministry maintains that the current three-year license revalidation cycle balances road safety with the convenience and livelihood needs of senior citizens, and sees no need to shorten it given no deterioration in road traffic conditions.
The Ministry will continue to monitor the situation and review the policy as necessary.

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28 Nov 2022

Prison Inmates Helped by Yellow Ribbon Singapore in Securing Job Placements

Patrick Tay asked the Minister for Home Affairs about the annual number of prison inmates helped by Yellow Ribbon Singapore to secure job placements before and after their release over the past 10 years.
YRSG assisted about 2,200 inmates per year between 2012 and 2021 to secure jobs before their release, matching them based on skills and preferences.
After release, YRSG assisted close to 140 ex-offenders per year during the same period to secure jobs.

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28 Nov 2022

Promoting Safe Riding and Use of Footpaths and Park Connectors

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Transport to encourage all pedestrians and mobility device users to keep left on footpaths and park connectors and to include this messaging in safe riding courses and public education materials.
The Minister responded that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) already promotes the "keep left" message through its Code of Conduct, public campaigns, and educational programs like Confidence on Wheels.
LTA also engages communities directly through Active Mobility Community Ambassadors who advocate for safe and considerate path sharing.
The Ministry plans to continue these public education efforts to foster a safe and gracious path-sharing culture across Singapore.
The Minister urged all path users to follow the rules, be considerate, and look out for one another to enhance shared experiences.

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28 Nov 2022

Statistics on Family Violence Cases and Support Available for Victims

Police reports on family violence slightly increased from 5,134 in 2020 to 5,190 in 2021, with 2,603 reports from January to June 2022 compared to 2,638 in the same period in 2021, and data tracking began in 2020 to support the Taskforce on Family Violence.
Police collaborate with social service agencies to support victims, including referrals to Family Service Centres, crisis shelters, and the application for Personal Protection Orders, while also assessing risk and encouraging victims to seek legal protection.
The Victim Care Cadre Programme has 167 volunteers and has supported over 490 victims of sexual crime and family violence since 2014, with victims able to request urgent or scheduled emotional support during investigations.

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28 Nov 2022

Measures to Safeguard Safety and Security of Cabin Crew and Passengers on Board Airborne Aircraft

The Minister for Transport outlined that Singapore law requires passengers to be seated with seatbelts fastened during take-off and landing, and prohibits intoxicated individuals from boarding or becoming intoxicated in-flight, with the pilot-in-command and authorized crew empowered to take reasonable measures, including physical restraint, to ensure safety.
In-flight threats or offences against crew members are punishable by fines up to $100,000, imprisonment up to five years, or both, and airlines train crew to protect themselves while managing unruly passengers.
Unruly behaviour on Singapore carriers has remained stable at around 1.4 incidents per 1,000 flights over the past five years, with investigations and legal actions taken against offenders where appropriate.

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