Public safety & law — Topics

4 Mar 2022

Committee of Supply – Head Q (Ministry of Communications and Information)

Parliament debated balancing Singapore's digital transformation with social inclusion, cybersecurity, and protecting vulnerable groups from online harms, with multiple MPs raising concerns about elderly access, scams, and regulatory pace for emerging technologies like cryptocurrencies and the metaverse.
The Minister outlined new Codes of Practice to enhance child safety, user reporting, and platform accountability, while also announcing plans to review and update the Cybersecurity Act to cover virtual assets and critical digital infrastructure by 2023.
Initiatives were highlighted to support SMEs and workers in digital adoption, including industry digital plans, skills training, and infrastructure upgrades like nationwide 5G and faster broadband, alongside efforts to boost local tech talent and women in tech.

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4 Mar 2022

Ensuring Preschools Remain a Safe Environment and Preventing Cases of Violence by Staff against Any Child

ECDA enforces strict regulations prohibiting corporal punishment, harsh responses, and deprivation of meals, requiring preschools to adopt positive child management practices and monitor staff interactions regularly.
Preschools must report any suspected child mismanagement to ECDA within 24 hours, with serious cases referred to police, and ECDA conducts unannounced visits and investigations, imposing penalties for non-compliance.
In response to incidents, preschools are required to provide CCTV footage and other evidence to parents and authorities, while staff receive ongoing training in child management and resilience, including awareness of family violence signs.
When children miss school, preschools are encouraged to contact parents and collaborate with Child Protective Services to check on well-being and address potential neglect or abuse at home.

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3 Mar 2022

Cases of Suicide among Suspects, Accused Persons and Convicted Persons in Last Five Years

Between 2017 and 2021, there was one case of suicide among individuals in official custody, though the government does not track cases for those not under official custody, noting that multiple unrelated social and environmental factors often contribute to such incidents.
The police and investigative agencies refer accused persons or suspects identified with mental health needs to the Institute of Mental Health for assessment and treatment, or to the Home Team Community Assistance and Referral Scheme for social interventions like counselling, but emphasize that families play a key role in early identification and seeking help.
For convicted persons, the Singapore Prison Service conducts mental health assessments, housing those with stable conditions in general population with regular psychiatric oversight and those needing specialised care in the Psychiatric Housing Unit with multidisciplinary support, while also arranging post-release follow-up care through IMH or polyclinics.

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3 Mar 2022

Committee of Supply – Head R (Ministry of Law)

Members proposed various measures to enhance access to justice, such as simplifying probate processes, revising legal aid means-test limits, and expanding conditional fee agreements to domestic litigation to help those unable to afford legal representation.
The Minister outlined plans to streamline enforcement of court judgments, including empowering courts to trace assets and introducing measures to penalize non-compliance, benefiting SMEs and self-represented litigants.
Discussions highlighted the need to support the legal profession amid high attrition rates, with initiatives like extending training periods and exploring leadership training to retain talent and adapt to evolving demands.

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3 Mar 2022

Committee of Supply – Head P (Ministry of Home Affairs)

Murali Pillai proposed reducing the Ministry of Home Affairs' budget by $100, focusing on two main areas: enhancing support for the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) to combat complex white-collar crime, and reviewing the deterrent effect of the death penalty for serious offenses like drug trafficking and murder. He suggested implementing whistle-blower legislation and better resourcing for CAD, and questioned whether the death penalty's impact has weakened despite policy adjustments since 2013.
Minister K Shanmugam defended the mandatory death penalty, presenting data showing its strong deterrent effect historically and regionally, citing surveys indicating public support and a reduction in serious crimes. He emphasized the societal harms of drugs, using videos to illustrate the severe consequences of drug abuse, and argued against abolition, stating it would increase drug trafficking and endanger Singaporeans.
Multiple MPs raised additional issues, including the need for community involvement in rehabilitation to reduce recidivism, the use of technology like police cameras and digital tools for crime prevention and border management, and concerns about scams, youth drug abuse, and foreign interference. Ministers responded with updates on Home Team initiatives, such as expanding camera networks, enhancing digital services, and strengthening partnerships with community and international agencies.

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3 Mar 2022

Annual Number of Job Scam Victims Aged 60 and Above in Last Three Years

From 2019 to 2021, seniors aged 60 and above made up about 2% of the 4,722 job scam victims reported, with the majority of victims being younger adults aged 20 to 39.
The government is addressing job scams through public education campaigns like "Spot the Signs. Stop the Crimes," targeted outreach to seniors via agencies such as AIC and SGO, and enforcement operations that have led to arrests and collaboration with foreign law enforcement.
The Minister of State noted that the best defense is a discerning public and highlighted ongoing efforts to work with stakeholders, including considering suggestions to integrate scam prevention into job coaching for seniors.

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3 Mar 2022

Seniors Reached via SG Cyber Safe Seniors Programme

The SG Cyber Safe Seniors Programme reached over 14,000 seniors in the latter half of 2021 and aims to engage 50,000 by 2023 through various channels like community hubs, webinars, and walk-in sessions.
The programme’s curriculum is regularly updated to address evolving cyber threats, including recent additions to combat online scams, and is complemented by other government initiatives that also promote digital and cyber hygiene.
The Ministry for Communications and Information plans to expand outreach by involving caregivers, family members, and Silver Generation Ambassadors to enhance scam education and peer learning for seniors.

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2 Mar 2022

Update on Enforcement Actions against Purveyors of False Claims of Pharmaceutical Products' Efficacy in Treating COVID-19

The Ministry of Health and Health Sciences Authority monitor and act against false claims about pharmaceutical products treating COVID-19, such as ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine, issuing public advisories and a Correction Direction to a website in October 2021.
From February 2020 to January 2022, 740 misleading online listings were removed and over 150 sellers warned, with legal penalties including fines and imprisonment under the Health Products Act.
Individuals distributing unapproved treatments face action under the Medical Registration Act, and doctors prescribing outside guidelines may be referred to the Singapore Medical Council.

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2 Mar 2022

Annual Number of Applications to Legal Aid Bureau to Appoint Deputy under Mental Capacity Act

The Minister for Law, K Shanmugam, provided statistics on the annual number of applications to the Legal Aid Bureau (LAB) for appointing a deputy under the Mental Capacity Act from 2017 to 2021.
Applicants must pass both a means test and a merits test to qualify for legal aid from LAB, with unsuccessful applicants able to seek assistance from other legal clinics or engage private lawyers.
The government highlighted alternative avenues for legal support, including the Law Society Pro Bono Services, the Community Justice Centre, and over 50 community-based legal clinics.
Litigants-in-person can apply for urgent short-term orders (up to $5,000) and long-term orders (up to $80,000) under the Mental Capacity Act through the Family Integrated Application Management System (iFAMs).

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2 Mar 2022

Breakdown of Cases Prosecuted for Illegal Import and Export of Endangered Species in the Past Five Years

From 2017 to 2021, 18 cases were prosecuted for illegal trade of endangered species, with seven involving persons only transporting the species and no evidence they were selling or keeping them for personal use.
Of the remaining 11 cases, four involved persons transporting species to sell them, while seven were transporting for personal use.
NParks has not found evidence of syndicates or organized crime in these cases and shares investigations with INTERPOL and foreign agencies, with no reported links to larger networks.
The government collaborates with financial institutions and uses public-private partnerships to detect and report suspicious transactions linked to illegal wildlife trade, with ongoing vigilance and coordination with agencies like MAS.

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1 Mar 2022

Data on Divorce Rates Amongst Inmates and Ex-offenders

The Ministry of Home Affairs does not track divorce rates among inmates and ex-offenders or their correlation with recidivism, but acknowledges that incarceration can strain marriages and potentially increase recidivism risk.
The Singapore Prison Service collaborates with community partners and government agencies to provide family and marital support programs, such as the Family Reintegration Programme and group therapy sessions, to help inmates maintain relationships.
Inmates can be referred to Family Resource Centres for assessment, and their spouses may receive marital counselling through agencies funded by the Ministry of Social and Family Development, with ongoing support available after release.

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1 Mar 2022

Contributing Factors Leading to Current Record Low Two-year Recidivism Rate

The two-year recidivism rate fell to a 30-year low of 20% for the 2019 cohort, attributed to coordinated efforts by the Singapore Prison Service, Yellow Ribbon Singapore, and community partners, alongside new programmes like the Enhanced Drug Rehabilitation Regime and the Mandatory Aftercare Scheme.
Recent initiatives such as the Extended Drug Supervision Regime in 2019 and the Throughcare Volunteer Framework have strengthened support for ex-offenders, with volunteers building rapport in prison and continuing mentorship after release.
While the five-year recidivism rate has decreased slightly from 43.2% to 41.1%, further reduction is challenging due to factors like community and family support, the ex-offender’s ability to reintegrate, secure employment, and personal influences.

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1 Mar 2022

Employers Issued with Warnings, Composition Fines or Charges for Kickback Offences

Between 2016 and 2020, MOM took enforcement action against an average of 102 employers annually for kickback offences, affecting about five migrant workers per employer on average.
MOM does not track structured data on kickback amounts, but typical payments ranged from $1,000 to $3,000 per worker, and employers are required to return these funds to affected workers.
Victims are supported through referral to employment agencies for fee-free job changes, with about 20% finding new work and 30% staying with their current employer after issues were resolved.
MOM uses data analytics and mining to detect kickback patterns, alongside education efforts through programmes and apps to encourage migrant workers to report malpractices.

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1 Mar 2022

Deployment of Tagging Technology to Alert Victims of High-risk or Violent Ex-offenders in Close Proximity

The Minister of State for Home Affairs explained that Singapore does not tag released ex-offenders with electronic monitoring as it is not appropriate unless they commit further crimes, and instead focuses on rehabilitation through correctional programmes and community support.
Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim clarified his query was to prevent stigmatization and promote reconciliation between ex-offenders and their families, suggesting the use of "overcomers" instead of "ex-offenders" and asked about Ministry efforts in this area.
Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim affirmed the focus on reconciliation, detailing how agencies work with families before an offender's release, conduct case conferences, and provide safety plans, while highlighting the 2021 Taskforce on Family Violence recommendations to strengthen protection, support, and perpetrator accountability.

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1 Mar 2022

Measures to Reduce Number of Fire and Gas Leakage Cases in Hawker and Food Centres

The Ministry outlined that hawker centres are equipped with fire safety measures such as manual fire alarms, heat/smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers, and that gas supply is regulated with strict storage, design, and maintenance requirements to prevent leaks and fires.
In response to a suggestion for emergency unlocking mechanisms, the Ministry stated it would review the practicality of such systems while emphasizing that stallholders should prioritize safety by contacting SCDF and practicing fire prevention.
Statistics show that over three years, most stall fires were due to unattended cooking or faulty appliances, underscoring the need for stallholders to maintain vigilance and adhere to safety practices.

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1 Mar 2022

Pet Abandonment Cases Investigates and Prosecuted in Past Five Years

Over the past five years, NParks investigated 180 to 230 pet abandonment cases annually, with 33 persons facing fines or jail terms and about half the cases involving cats.
The government takes a serious view of pet abandonment, with offenders facing fines up to $10,000, jail up to 12 months, or both under the Animals and Birds Act, and penalties are under review.
A comprehensive review of the pet sector is underway, which includes considering micro-chipping for cats and updating the Animals and Birds Act, with hopes to complete it by this year.

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28 Feb 2022

Enhance Public Safety on Buses in Light of Incident where Bus Driver was Assaulted by Intoxicated Passengers

Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Transport to consider driver and passenger safety, the potential for enhancing public safety, and an update on protective barriers, following an incident where a bus driver was assaulted by intoxicated passengers.
The Minister responded that standard operating procedures exist for handling abuse, including de-escalation and involving police, and noted that the bus captain was advised to stop the bus and wait for authorities during the incident.
The Ministry highlighted that protective barriers were trialled but discontinued due to driver feedback about glare, and emphasized a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, with assailants charged and facing legal consequences.

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18 Feb 2022

HDB Units Sold with Recess Areas before 2005 and Now Deemed Not Allowable and Plans to Retrofit Affected Units to Ensure Compliance with Current Safety Guidelines

Leon Perera asked the Minister for National Development about the number of HDB units with recess areas bought before 2005 that are now non-compliant with current HDB and fire safety guidelines, and whether HDB plans to retrofit these units to meet current safety standards.
HDB stated that it does not maintain records of sold recess areas that may no longer meet current conditions because updates to scheme conditions and fire safety regulations are not applied retrospectively.
Flat owners who purchased recess areas before 2005 would have complied with the conditions and fire safety regulations at the time of purchase, so HDB does not track later non-compliance unless renovations are undertaken.
Property owners, including HDB flat owners, who undertake fire safety works are required to comply with the latest SCDF fire safety regulations, meaning any renovations to existing recess areas must meet current standards.
HDB does not plan to proactively retrofit units, but flat owners who renovate their recess areas must ensure compliance with prevailing fire safety regulations as enforced by SCDF.

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18 Feb 2022

Empowering Public in Role as First Responder or as Part of Peer Support Group to Help Detect and Assist Survivors of Family Violence in Community

MSF has refreshed the Break the Silence public awareness campaign to help the public identify various forms of family violence and seek help, including introducing the Signal for Help hand gesture.
The ministry conducts Family and Domestic Violence Awareness Training to equip participants with skills to detect and respond to violence, and has expanded outreach to various organizations.
Public education efforts have led to increased reports, with helpline enquiries rising from 2,906 in FY2018 to 4,574 in FY2020, indicating better community awareness.

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18 Feb 2022

Applications to Community Disputes Resolution Tribunal in 2020 and 2021 and Their Outcomes

From 2020 to 2021, 448 applications were filed with the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunal (CDRT), with 211 in 2020 and 237 in 2021.
Of these, 102 applicants indicated they had attended mediation at the Community Mediation Centre within the six months prior to filing; data on mediation at other venues is unavailable.
By the end of 2021, 383 applications had concluded, resulting in 90 orders granted (51 consent, 22 default, 17 adjudicated), while 293 were withdrawn, discontinued, or dismissed.

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