Public safety & law — Topics

8 Nov 2022

Speed Limiters for Lorries Ferrying Workers

Melvin Yong asked for an update on when speed limiters will be required for lorries ferrying workers and how to expedite their rollout.
K Shanmugam stated that the Ministry of Transport announced in March 2022 the mandate for certain lorries to be fitted with speed management devices.
The Traffic Police is evaluating cost-effective and tamper-resistant speed limiters, considering small business owners, and reviewing various technologies and overseas experiences.
Implementation plans are being developed to ensure sufficient market capacity, authorized installers, and minimal vehicle downtime.
The evaluation and rollout plan are targeted for completion by early next year.

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8 Nov 2022

Upstream Preventive Strategies to Counter Misperceptions of Vaping

The Health Sciences Authority enforces Singapore’s ban on e-cigarettes by removing illegal online listings, prosecuting peddlers, and intercepting border imports, with a public reporting channel for offences.
The Ministry of Health and Health Promotion Board will launch a digital campaign in early 2023 to educate the public on vaping’s health risks and counter misconceptions, alongside media outreach.
Schools work with the Ministry of Education to address vaping among youths through awareness programs and disciplinary actions, including suspension or caning for students caught using e-cigarettes.

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8 Nov 2022

Online Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill

Leon Perera highlighted concerns about loot boxes in video games linking to problem gambling, urging stronger regulation, warning labels, or potential bans, citing international studies and recent research.
Gan Thiam Poh questioned the enforcement of the Bill’s provisions, particularly on defining “Singapore users,” the impact of VPNs, and aligning global online content with Singapore’s legal and cultural standards.
Both speakers supported the Online Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill while raising specific issues about loot boxes and the practical challenges of regulating online safety.

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8 Nov 2022

Online Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill

The Bill introduces a regulatory framework for online communication services, starting with social media platforms, to protect Singapore users from harmful content like self-harm advocacy, violence, and racial hatred, by requiring platforms to implement safety measures and allowing IMDA to direct takedowns of egregious content.
The approach is accretive and outcome-driven, building on existing laws like POFMA and POHA, with designated services required to comply with a Code of Practice that mandates user protection tools, transparency reports, and accountability for harmful content.
While supporting the Bill, MPs raised concerns about privacy, free speech, and the scope of coverage, calling for safeguards against abuse of power, clarity on definitions like "egregious content," and greater support for victims, including education and legal aid.

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7 Nov 2022

Effects of Recent Data Breach at Eight Shangri-La Hotels in Asia

The Minister stated that the data breach at Shangri-La Hotels affected some guests of the 19th Shangri-La Dialogue but most dignitaries registered via Embassies without personal details, limiting the impact on Singapore’s reputation and prompting enhanced safeguards with event organisers and the hotel.
The Personal Data Protection Commission is investigating the breach, and the Personal Data Protection Act requires organisations to implement reasonable security measures to protect personal data from unauthorised access or disclosure.
Singapore is promoting data protection through published guides and cybersecurity toolkits to help organisations strengthen their cyber defences and prevent future breaches at high-level events.

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7 Nov 2022

Training of Security Officers on Dealing with Abusers

Christopher de Souza asked how the Ministry for Home Affairs works with private security agencies to train officers in dealing with abuse.
K Shanmugam stated that preventing abuse requires a whole-of-society approach and noted security officers' exposure to conflict in their duties.
The Ministry is collaborating with tripartite partners to enhance training in public engagement and conflict management skills for all security officers.
Training will be made more relevant for new officers and incorporated into refreshers for serving officers.
The Ministry will continue to ensure security officers' welfare and intervene where necessary.

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7 Nov 2022

Effect of Increased Penalties on Cases of Abuse of Security Officers

Christopher de Souza asked if increased penalties have reduced abuse of security officers, while Minister K Shanmugam noted that the law was amended in 2021 and implemented in May 2022, with higher penalties for abusing security officers compared to the general public.
The Minister stated that it is too early to assess the impact of the new penalties as only six months have passed since their implementation.
Anecdotally, the amendments have increased awareness among security officers of their legal protections and encouraged them and their employers to report abuse or harassment incidents.

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7 Nov 2022

Breakdown of Traffic Accidents Reported in Sengkang Town in Last Five Years

Ms He Ting Ru requested data on the number of road traffic accidents in Sengkang Town for the last five years, including a breakdown by accident type and cases involving cyclists.
The Minister for Home Affairs, K Shanmugam, provided tables showing the reported accidents from 2017 to 2021 in Sengkang GRC, fulfilling the request for a detailed breakdown.
The response included specific figures for each year, covering overall accident counts and the sub-categories mentioned in the query.

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7 Nov 2022

Investigations into Wildlife Trafficking and Links between Syndicates and Individuals in Singapore

NParks seized 20 rhinoceros horns worth about S$1.2 million at Changi Airport on 4 October 2022, leading to the arrest of a South African national and ongoing investigations under the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act.
Authorities are investigating financial trails and potential money laundering linked to the illegal wildlife trade, with the Commercial Affairs Department and Monetary Authority of Singapore involved in probing illicit monetary flows and enforcing anti-money laundering rules.
Agencies are examining possible links between wildlife trafficking syndicates and individuals in Singapore, while also collaborating with international partners such as CITES and INTERPOL on the case.

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7 Nov 2022

Post-appeal Applications in Capital Cases Bill

The bill introduces a new procedure for post-appeal applications in capital cases, aiming to address specific circumstances like abuse of process.
It amends the Supreme Court of Judicature Act and Criminal Procedure Code to review earlier appellate decisions and make related procedural changes.
The legislation also includes a consequential amendment to the Coroners Act 2010, presented by the Senior Parliamentary Secretary on behalf of the Minister for Law.

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7 Nov 2022

Review of Security Officers' Working Conditions and of Penalties for Abuse of Security Officers

The Minister of State for Home Affairs highlighted that enhanced penalties under the Private Security Industry Act were introduced in May 2022 to better protect security officers from abuse, though it is still too early to assess their effectiveness.
Efforts to improve safety include promoting the use of body-worn cameras, which have been approved for many security agencies, and enhancing training for officers in conflict management and public engagement.
The Ministry is working with tripartite partners on public education and support services, such as the Union of Security Employees’ mobile app, to discourage abuse and provide avenues for help.
Mr Melvin Yong urged the mandatory use of body-worn cameras for higher-risk officers and asked for a timeline for the next review of penalties, to which the Minister responded that such decisions involve industry consultation and that future reviews will include all partners.
The Minister emphasized that preventing abuse requires a whole-of-society approach and that while body-worn cameras are encouraged, their compulsory use will depend on factors like deployment needs and costs.

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20 Oct 2022

Detection of Labour Trafficking In and Through Singapore In Last One Year

Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Manpower about any detection of labour trafficking in or through Singapore in the past year.
As of 1 October 2022, one alleged case was reported in 2022 but was not found to be trafficking-related after investigation.
The Ministry of Manpower proactively detects and investigates potential cases, prosecutes trafficking under the Prevention of Human Trafficking Act, and engages migrant workers during inspections and settlement programmes.
The Ministry encourages the public to report any suspected labour trafficking cases to them.

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20 Oct 2022

Need to Toughen Punishment for Importers and Users of Electronic Vaporisers

Desmond Choo inquired about stricter penalties for those importing and using electronic vaporisers.
Ong Ye Kung stated that the Ministry of Health will continue collaborating with partner agencies to enhance existing measures against e-cigarette supply and demand.
He mentioned that a more comprehensive reply on this matter will be provided during the next parliamentary sitting, referencing a previous official report on preventive strategies.

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20 Oct 2022

Precautions in Place to Ensure Safety of Imported Cough Syrups

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) approves cough syrups for sale only after assessing them against international standards for quality, safety, and efficacy, including clinical data and manufacturing processes.
HSA requires manufacturers to test all batches for contaminants and conducts regular inspections and post-market surveillance, including risk-based product testing.
If cough syrups fail to meet standards, HSA can stop sales, issue recalls, and prosecute offenders, who may face up to two years' imprisonment or a $50,000 fine.

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20 Oct 2022

Cryptocurrency-related Scams Reported Annually in Past Three Years

In 2019, 125 cryptocurrency-related scam reports were received, increasing to 397 in 2020 and 631 in 2021, indicating a rising trend.
Most cryptocurrency scams are perpetrated by scammers based outside Singapore, making investigation and recovery challenging due to reliance on overseas cooperation.
The Police established a cryptocurrency task force in 2018 to enhance investigations and work with overseas agencies, while MAS and MoneySENSE continue public education efforts to warn about the risks of cryptocurrencies.

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20 Oct 2022

Reasons for Newly-admitted Prison Inmates' Non-participation in Yellow Ribbon Community Project

Approximately 40% of newly-admitted inmates do not request to join the Yellow Ribbon Community Project (YRCP), with the most common reason being the belief that their families do not need assistance or are already receiving support, while others fear stigma or have no family.
The Singapore Prison Service (SPS) actively promotes YRCP through officer explanations and broadcasts on inmates’ tablets, and allows inmates to join at any time during their incarceration.
SPS has established multiple touchpoints for family assistance, including triaging inmates with young children for referrals to Family Service Centres and providing walk-in support at Family Resource Centres in Changi Prison Link Centre.
Community partners such as The Salvation Army and New Life Stories are engaged to deliver family programmes, ensuring additional support channels beyond YRCP.

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20 Oct 2022

Legislation to Prevent Pedestrians Crossing Roads Whilst Interacting with Mobile Devices

Murali Pillai proposed legislation to ban pedestrians from using mobile devices while crossing roads to improve safety for everyone.
K Shanmugam responded that many distractions exist beyond mobile use, making a legal ban impractical and hard to enforce.
He emphasized fostering personal responsibility and road safety habits through education and public campaigns by the Traffic Police.
The Traffic Police conducts outreach like infographics and videos to highlight dangers of distracted crossing and jaywalking.
The government prefers educational efforts over new laws to address pedestrian safety concerns.

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20 Oct 2022

Percentage of Fire Incidents in HDB Flats Affecting Neighbouring Units

Miss Rachel Ong asked the Minister for Home Affairs for the percentage of HDB fire incidents that spread to or affect neighbouring units.
From January 2020 to September 2022, there were 2,441 HDB fire incidents, with only three involving vertical fire spread affecting up to two floors above, and no cases of lateral fire spread across units.
Less than 5% of HDB fire incidents since January 2020 resulted in smoke inhalation injuries to residents in both the affected unit and neighbouring units.

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20 Oct 2022

Inclusion of Monies Lost to Scams by Migrant Workers in MAS' Framework for Equitable Sharing of Losses

Miss Rachel Ong inquired about the amounts lost by migrant workers to scams over the past three years, whether MAS’s loss-sharing framework includes them, and if special compensation considerations would be made due to their vulnerability.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam reported that migrant workers lost S$4.5 million in 2019, S$10.4 million in 2020, and S$24.9 million in 2021, with phishing and job scams being the most common, and noted ongoing government efforts in education and enforcement.
The government is taking multi-faceted actions to combat scams, including public education campaigns in multiple languages and outreach through NGOs and community partners specifically targeting migrant workers.
MAS is developing a framework for shared responsibility among relevant parties to incentivize vigilance against scams, which will apply to customers of financial institutions but did not explicitly confirm inclusion of migrant workers in this framework.

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20 Oct 2022

Prevalence of Use of Cashless Payment Platforms and Number of Scams Reported

Tharman Shanmugaratnam reported that nearly 5.5 million bank accounts are registered with PayNow, and SGQR, launched in 2018, is the unified payment QR code standard accepted by over 90% of merchants in Singapore.
Usage of PayNow, including payments to merchants and businesses, reached S$46 billion in 2021, with SGQR facilitating the adoption of multiple payment schemes like PayNow, Dash, FavePay, and GrabPay.
The Singapore Police Force recorded only 20 reported scam cases involving fake QR codes or fraudulent Scan and Pay transactions from 2020 to the first half of 2022, indicating such scams are not prevalent.
Measures to prevent scams include MAS education initiatives like the MoneySENSE website and Seniors Go Digital programme, which teach safe e-payment practices and cyber risk awareness, alongside SGQR rules requiring merchant acquirers to educate merchants on fraud prevention.
MAS continues to work with industry and government agencies to review and enhance anti-scam measures for cashless payments, while emphasizing consumer vigilance to ensure payments go to intended merchants.

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