Public safety & law — Topics

2 Aug 2022

Door-to-door Donation Scams

Since 2021, there have been about 30 reported cases of unlicensed door-to-door donation scams, with perpetrators identified in roughly two-thirds of them.
The government requires a House to House and Street Collections licence for such solicitations and advises the public to use the "Ask, Check, then Give" method to verify legitimacy through the Charity Portal or Police apps.
Authorities issue scam alerts, share crime prevention tips through grassroots volunteers, and urge public vigilance to combat these fraudulent activities.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

2 Aug 2022

Effectiveness and Extension of Electronic Tagging of Accused Persons Released on Bail

Murali Pillai asked for statistics on the use of electronic tagging for accused persons on bail since 2018, including those who absconded, and whether there are plans to extend it to all serious charges.
Minister Shanmugam stated that in the first half of 2022, about 200 accused persons were electronically tagged, with two currently wanted for missing court proceedings.
The Criminal Procedure Code prohibits bail for offences punishable by death or life imprisonment; for other serious crimes, flight risk assessments consider factors like crime type and penalties.
Courts can impose electronic tagging, remand, impound travel documents, or adjust bail conditions if absconding risk is high, with MHA regularly reviewing these policies.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

2 Aug 2022

Further Efforts to Minimise Abuse of Security Officers

MHA amended the Private Security Industry Act in 2021 with stronger penalties that took effect in May 2022 to deter abuse of security officers.
The ministry is promoting the use of body-worn cameras and enhancing officer training in public and conflict management to improve safety and reduce incidents.
Tripartite partners and industry associations are running public education campaigns, including anti-abuse decals and social media efforts, to foster respect for security officers.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

2 Aug 2022

Singapore Armed Forces and Other Matters Bill

The Ministry of Defence introduced the Singapore Armed Forces and Other Matters Bill to establish the Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS) as a fourth service alongside the Army, Navy, and Air Force, addressing growing cyber and digital threats.
The Bill includes updates to disciplinary processes, such as introducing composition fines for minor offences and adjusting penalties, while also allowing military manoeuvres in PUB catchment areas with approval.
Parliament broadly supported the Bill, with debates focusing on DIS’s role, talent recruitment, inter-agency coordination, and safeguards against misuse of powers, while some members raised concerns about manpower and environmental impacts.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

1 Aug 2022

Preventing Fall-from-height Fatalities at Workplace

The Ministry of Manpower has launched targeted inspections in high-risk sectors, resulting in numerous Stop Work Orders, fines, and compliance notices to address preventable safety lapses causing fall-from-height fatalities.
Stiffer penalties for Workplace Safety and Health breaches are calibrated based on culpability and harm, with enhanced accountability for company leaders through a new Approved Code of Practices for directors.
Besides fatal injury rates, MOM assesses major and minor injuries and dangerous occurrences to evaluate the effectiveness of preventive measures and identify emerging safety concerns.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

1 Aug 2022

Blocking Unsolicited Messages on Unlicensed Loans and Illegal Gambling Websites

Tan Wu Meng asked about additional safeguards to prevent unsolicited messages on unlicensed loans and illegal gambling, tracking their origins, and current actions against syndicates, to which the Minister responded that SPF and IMDA collaborate with telcos and ISPs to block such messages and websites, tighten SIM card registration, and take enforcement action when perpetrators are identified.
The government works with telecommunication providers to terminate phone numbers linked to unlicensed moneylending and illegal gambling, while also collaborating with Internet Service Providers to block related websites.
SPF and IMDA take enforcement actions based on public complaints, and where possible, track and prosecute individuals behind the unsolicited messages.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

1 Aug 2022

Risks of Electric Vehicles Catching Fire and Training of First Responders to Handle Such Fires

The Minister for Transport outlined that all vehicles, including electric vehicles (EVs), must meet stringent international safety standards like UNECE Regulations, and EV charging systems in Singapore comply with the national Technical Reference 25; as of end-July 2022, there have been no reported EV fires from normal operation in Singapore.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and Expressway Monitoring Advisory System (EMAS) recovery crews have been trained to handle EV-related fires and damaged EVs, respectively, ensuring first responders are prepared.
Public awareness is encouraged through the 2021 Civil Defence Emergency Handbook, which includes guidelines on handling EV fires, and the government will continue monitoring developments to update safety protocols and training.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

1 Aug 2022

Personal Mobility Device-related Fires in HDB Blocks

Yip Hon Weng asked about the number of PMD-related fires in HDB blocks in the past year, whether there is an increasing trend since 2021, how many cases were due to non-compliance with UL2272 standards, and if penalties apply for non-compliance.
K Shanmugam replied that in 2021, there were 18 PMD-related fires in HDB blocks, all involving non-compliant or unverified PMDs, and from January to June 2022, there were five such fires, down from 11 in the same period of 2021, with all also involving non-compliant or unverified devices.
An inter-agency taskforce investigates PMD-related fires, and users of non-compliant PMDs can be fined up to S$10,000, imprisoned for up to six months, or both.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

1 Aug 2022

Joint Efforts to Detect and Prevent Advertisement of Controlled Substances in Closed Social Networks

Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked the Minister for Home Affairs about government efforts with telecom and social media companies to detect and prevent drug ads in closed social networks like group chats.
Minister K Shanmugam stated that the CNB collaborates with foreign counterparts and engages private sector entities such as social network services, e-commerce businesses, and technology companies to take down ads, ban accounts, and issue anti-drug advisories.
Through these partnerships and enforcement actions, CNB arrested 86 suspected drug traffickers using specific applications between 2019 and 2021.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

1 Aug 2022

Employees of Major Banks Co-located at Government's Anti-Scam Centre

Christopher de Souza asked if all major banks in Singapore have employees working from the Anti-Scam Centre to improve cooperation against online scams.
K Shanmugam confirmed that having bank staff co-located with police enables real-time assistance, coordination of investigations, tracing of funds, and freezing of accounts.
As of July 2022, staff from DBS, OCBC, UOB, HSBC, and Standard Chartered Bank are co-located at the Anti-Scam Centre.
The Anti-Scam Centre and the Monetary Authority of Singapore are working to have more banks co-locate their staff for better coordination.
This arrangement facilitates timely intervention and stronger collaboration in targeting and dismantling online scams.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

1 Aug 2022

Organisations Partnering Anti-Scam Command in Raising Awareness on Scams

The Ministry of Home Affairs leads anti-scam efforts through the Inter-Ministry Committee on Scams, working with agencies like the Agency for Integrated Care, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Manpower, and MoneySense to disseminate advisories to seniors, students, migrant workers, and professionals.
The Police collaborate with RSVP Singapore under Project PRAISE to train senior volunteers as anti-scam advocates to share prevention tips with peers.
The Police and National Crime Prevention Council partner with the Association of Banks in Singapore on initiatives like online quizzes and advisories to educate customers on not sharing One-Time Passwords.
The Police work with the Infocomm Media Development Authority to advise the public not to answer calls with overseas prefixes like “+” or “+65” if unexpected.
The government emphasizes a whole-of-society effort, urging the public to stay alert and share scam prevention tips widely.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

1 Aug 2022

Home Team Science and Technology Agency and Anti-Scam Centre's Success in Deterring Scammers and Recovering of Monies

The Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX) has deployed an AI tool called the Online Cybersquat Hunter to detect and take down fake websites spoofing government agencies, with plans to expand to other government sites.
The Anti-Scam Centre works with financial institutions to quickly freeze accounts suspected of being involved in scams and enhance banks' fraud controls to block suspicious transactions.
Authorities collaborate with telecom operators to block numbers used in scams, including those spoofing government agencies, and have developed the ScamShield app to filter scam messages and calls.
The Minister emphasized that enforcement alone is insufficient due to the transnational nature of scams, and urged a whole-of-society effort where the public remains vigilant and checks with authoritative sources before responding to suspicious requests.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

1 Aug 2022

Countering Dangers of Indoctrination Via Social Media Targeted at Vulnerable Groups and Youths

The Ministry of Communications and Information has proposed two new Codes of Practice to enhance online safety, including measures to protect young users and mitigate exposure to harmful content on designated social media platforms.
The Ministry of Home Affairs is strengthening legal frameworks to address dangerous online materials, such as terrorist propaganda and content inciting violence, while also driving public awareness through initiatives like the SGSecure movement.
Government agencies and community partners, including the Internal Security Department and the Religious Rehabilitation Group, conduct ongoing outreach activities like workshops and digital campaigns to counter radicalization and educate youths and educators.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

1 Aug 2022

Measures to Prevent Access to Websites on How to Make Dangerous Weapons

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) uses the Internet Code of Practice and the Broadcasting Act to block or remove websites with prohibited content related to weapons, though complete blocking is not feasible.
The Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control Act (GEWCA) introduced in 2021 includes an offence for possessing digital blueprints of guns for 3D printing, with operationalisation expected by year-end.
Authorities have enhanced intelligence capabilities to detect threats, and the public is urged to report suspicious behavior via hotlines, SMS, or the SGSecure app.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

1 Aug 2022

Number of Prisoners Who Passed Away Due to Old Age and Offences Committed

From 2017 to 2021, 14 prisoners aged 65 and above passed away due to natural causes such as cancer, heart disease, and pneumonia.
The offences leading to their imprisonment included crimes like murder, drug trafficking, and other serious offenses.
As of June 2022, the oldest incarcerated prisoner was 90 years old, serving a 20-year sentence for unauthorised import or export of a controlled drug.
The 90-year-old prisoner is housed in an assisted living unit due to fall risk but remains independent in daily activities without mental deterioration.
The data reflects the age-related challenges and medical conditions among older prisoners, prompting considerations for their care and management.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

1 Aug 2022

Education and Reskilling Programmes for Prisoners

Minister K Shanmugam stated that education and reskilling programmes for inmates are provided by the Singapore Prison Service and Yellow Ribbon Singapore, with admission based on factors like entry requirements, conduct, medical condition, interest, and remaining incarceration time.
He confirmed there is currently sufficient capacity for these programmes, and inmates not placed in them did not meet the admission criteria, rather than facing waiting lists due to capacity constraints.
Inmates serving long sentences, such as life imprisonment or 20 years or more, can access programmes if they meet admission considerations, but must have enough time left to complete most of the curriculum while still incarcerated.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

1 Aug 2022

Preventive Drug Education for Youths Travelling Overseas Given Legalisation of Cannabis Trade in Thailand

Minister K Shanmugam highlighted that cannabis use carries significant short-term and long-term harms, including cognitive impairment, mental health risks, and irreversible brain damage, and reiterated that it remains a controlled drug in Singapore.
Singapore law enforces extraterritorial jurisdiction, making it an offence for citizens and permanent residents to consume cannabis abroad, even if legally in another country.
The Central Narcotics Bureau conducts preventive education through advisories, social media, and tailored programmes for schools and youth influencers, including collaborations like the "The Adventures of Piller Parker" and "Drug Abuse, No Excuse" campaigns on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

1 Aug 2022

Results of Review Arising from Phishing Scam on OCBC Customers

Desmond Choo asked about the interim arrangement for loss sharing pending a new framework and whether bank-targeted scams have decreased since safeguards like removing clickable links were implemented.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam responded that banks have implemented anti-scam measures and are coordinating with police to freeze accounts and recover funds, leading to a drop in phishing scams from 839 in December 2021 to 113 in May 2022.
He added that MAS will publish a consultation paper on an equitable loss-sharing framework but expects banks to investigate cases fairly and not burden customers who practised good cyber hygiene.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

1 Aug 2022

Exclusive Motorcycle Lane on Expressways Given High Casualty Rate amongst Motorcyclists

Murali Pillai proposed a feasibility study for exclusive motorcycle lanes on expressways to address the high casualty rate among motorcyclists and pillion riders.
S Iswaran responded that dedicated lanes for each vehicle type are impractical due to land scarcity and high utilization of expressways in Singapore.
The government is taking a holistic approach to road safety, with agencies like LTA, Traffic Police, and the Singapore Road Safety Council conducting outreach campaigns.
Recent measures include enhanced helmet safety requirements and increased penalties for selling non-approved helmets, reflecting ongoing efforts to protect motorcyclists.
The Ministry recognizes the over-representation of motorcyclists in accidents and will continue exploring initiatives to improve road safety for all users.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

1 Aug 2022

Wrongful Dismissal Claims and Salary Disputes Pertaining to PMETs and Number of Cases Successfully Prosecuted

In 2021, about a quarter of salary claims and 40% of dismissal claims lodged with the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management pertained to managers and executives.
There was only one case of a wilful employer refusing to pay salary arrears despite having the means to do so in 2021.
This single case is currently pending prosecution, and no other similar cases were identified for that year.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source