Public safety & law — Topics

3 Nov 2021

Protection for Point-to-point Drivers when Ferrying Patients to and from PCR Test Venues

The Senior Minister of State outlined that passengers using private transport for PCR tests must inform drivers of their health status, with drivers advised to switch off air conditioning, open windows, clean vehicles, and passengers sitting diagonally behind, as these measures are deemed sufficient without requiring full PPE.
Concerns were raised about clearer safety protocols and support for drivers who must self-isolate, prompting commitments to enhance communication to both drivers and passengers, including potential in-vehicle reminders and updated website information.
Support mechanisms for affected drivers include rental waivers from taxi operators, medical leave insurance from Grab and Gojek, and a one-time $3,000 relief through The Courage Fund for frontliners who contract COVID-19.

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3 Nov 2021

Investigations into Whether Singapore-based Individuals or Financial Institutions were Implicated in Pandora Papers Disclosures

The Minister for Finance, representing the Prime Minister, assured Parliament that the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) takes the Pandora Papers disclosures seriously and will investigate any Singapore-based entities or individuals implicated.
MAS noted that while two foreign-incorporated trust companies with Singapore subsidiaries were mentioned, its initial assessment found no significant concerns regarding the anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing controls of Singapore financial institutions, though it is engaging with relevant institutions to assess if tighter controls are needed.
The Minister emphasized that Singapore has clear regulatory requirements for financial institutions to identify beneficial owners and scrutinize unusual transactions, and highlighted that two trust companies mentioned in the papers had already been subject to MAS enforcement actions before the disclosures.

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2 Nov 2021

Effective Threshold before a Nuisance is Considered an Offence of Public Nature under Penal Code and Environmental Public Health Act

The Environmental Public Health Act addresses public nuisances affecting the public or community at large, with no specified threshold, and each case is assessed based on facts and circumstances, including those affecting persons in their homes.
The Penal Code also does not specify a threshold for the number of persons affected to constitute a public nuisance offence, with determinations made on a case-by-case basis.
Both laws rely on factual evaluation rather than a fixed numerical or qualitative threshold for defining public nuisance.

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2 Nov 2021

Annual Cases of Odometer Tampering in Past Five Years and Plans to Educate Consumers against Such Practices

The Minister for Transport, S Iswaran, reported that between 2016 and 2020, an average of 14 cases of odometer tampering were reported annually.
Odometer tampering is considered an unfair trade practice and is an offence under the Penal Code when done with intent to deceive.
Consumers affected by such practices can seek assistance from the Consumers' Association of Singapore (CASE).
CASE has published a Standard and Functional Evaluation (SAFE) Checklist to help prospective buyers assess the quality and condition of pre-owned cars.
The debate highlighted existing measures to address odometer tampering, including legal consequences and consumer education resources.

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2 Nov 2021

Enforcement against Cyclists Not Wearing Helmets or Involved in Accidents on Expressways and in Tunnels

From January 2018 to September 2021, the Traffic Police detected 545 helmet-related offences by cyclists, and a small number of cyclists were found not riding at the far-left edge of the road.
Over the same period, the Land Transport Authority detected more than 300 cyclists riding on expressways and in tunnels, all of whom were issued notices of traffic offences and composition fines.
From 1 January 2022, composition fines for serious cycling offences, such as riding on expressways or not stopping at red lights, were increased to $150 to strengthen deterrence.
Authorities are partnering with stakeholders to promote road safety through education, including developing a checklist for bicycle retailers and installing more prominent no-entry signages at expressways and tunnels.
For serious accidents causing injury, offending cyclists or motorists may be charged in court and face higher fines or jail sentences if convicted.

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2 Nov 2021

Data on Suspected and Actual Instances of Foreign Interference in Last 10 Years

The Minister for Home Affairs declined to provide specific annual statistics on suspected or actual foreign interference cases, citing national security reasons and bilateral considerations.
The Ministry previously disclosed some foreign interference incidents and case studies during the debate on the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Bill, which the Workers' Party supported as necessary.
Some past cases were handled under existing laws like the Internal Security Act, while others required the new powers proposed in the Bill for effective response.

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2 Nov 2021

Data on Police Raids on Massage Establishments, Public Entertainment and Nightlife Outlets since July 2021

Melvin Yong asked for the number of police raids, arrests, and repeat offenders from July 2021 related to massage and entertainment outlets.
K Shanmugam stated that police checked 495 massage establishments and 293 entertainment outlets from July to October 2021.
He added that 196 people were arrested under various laws, with 14 of them being repeat offenders.

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2 Nov 2021

Facility for Individuals to Prevent Outbound Funds Transfer from Bank Accounts of Close Family Members Suspected to be Victims of Scams

Gerald Giam asked if there's a way to prevent close family members suspected of being scam victims from making outbound bank transfers and what recourse families have to protect their savings.
The Prime Minister's representative stated there is no such facility, as banks act only on the account holder's instructions to protect their rights, but families can advise the suspected victim to contact their bank and make a police report.
If the suspected victim does not agree, concerned family members can contact the Singapore Police Anti-Scam Hotline for independent advice and share resources like scamsalert.sg and ScamShield to help with prevention.
Families are encouraged to discuss pre-emptive measures such as setting transaction limits and lowering alert thresholds, while the authorities continue to explore additional scam defense measures.

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2 Nov 2021

Complaints of and Summonses for Speeding Vehicles along Woodlands Avenue 5

Mr Vikram Nair inquired about the number of complaints and summonses for speeding and illegally modified vehicles along Woodlands Avenue 5, and whether a speed camera could be installed there.
From October 2020 to September 2021, the Traffic Police received 16 complaints and issued 160 summonses for speeding, while the Land Transport Authority received 17 feedback and issued 20 summonses for illegal vehicle modifications in the area.
The Traffic Police conducts regular patrols and targeted enforcement operations, and will consider installing a speed camera after assessing the terrain's suitability and effectiveness for detecting violations.

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2 Nov 2021

Proposal to Increase Period that Offender is Disqualified from Owning Any Animal or Class of Animals under Animals and Birds Act

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked whether the maximum period of disqualification from owning animals under the Animals and Birds Act could be increased beyond the current 12 months, and if so, whether the Ministry would consult stakeholders and the public.
Desmond Lee affirmed the government's serious stance on animal cruelty, outlining existing penalties including fines, jail terms, and a disqualification period of up to 12 months as an added deterrent.
The Ministry is currently reviewing penalties under the Animals and Birds Act to ensure their effectiveness, with stakeholder and public consultation to be considered as part of this process.

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2 Nov 2021

Classifying Contraventions in Endangered Species (Import and Export) and Wildlife Acts as Serious Offences in Schedule of Organised Crime Act 2015

Mr Louis Ng asked whether contraventions of specific wildlife trade sections could be classified as serious offences under the Organised Crime Act 2015.
The Minister explained that such classification requires the offences to pose a serious threat to public safety and be linked to organised crime, and noted that current investigations have not found such links in Singapore.
He emphasised that these wildlife trade offences are already treated seriously and are listed as serious offences under the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act to facilitate international cooperation.

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2 Nov 2021

Increasing Deterrent Measures to Penalise Those who have Taken Part in Perpetration of Phone Scams

Minister Shanmugam stated that existing cheating-related offences under the Penal Code already carry imprisonment terms of up to 10 years, and the penalties are currently deemed adequate for tackling scam perpetration.
The government is addressing the challenge of overseas-based scammers through a multi-pronged approach led by the Inter-Ministry Committee on Scams, which includes strengthened enforcement and collaboration with foreign law enforcement agencies.
Initiatives such as the ScamShield app, which blocks scam messages and calls, and regulatory measures by IMDA to block spoofed international calls are key components of the strategy.
Public education and awareness campaigns are being intensified to help citizens discern and avoid scams, recognizing that an informed public is a critical line of defence.

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2 Nov 2021

Police Reports on Conduct of Debt Collection Agencies over Past Three Years

From 2018 to 2020, Police received an average of 400 reports annually on debt collection agencies, with 97% classified as Intentional Harassment under the Protection from Harassment Act.
Police investigated 192 cases during this period, with prosecution or other actions taken only when there was a prima facie case and evidence beyond reasonable doubt.
Thirteen cases resulted in warnings and six led to convictions.
The Ministry of Home Affairs plans to introduce new legislation to regulate debt collection companies and will soon conduct public consultations.

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2 Nov 2021

Ensuring Due Diligence Checks are done in Singapore's Financial Services Sector Following Pandora Papers Leak

Murali Pillai questioned what steps MAS will take to ensure Singapore-based professionals, trust companies, and financial institutions are properly conducting due diligence to prevent money laundering, terrorist financing, and tax evasion following the Pandora Papers leak.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam, speaking for the Prime Minister, deferred the answer to a future sitting, referring to an official report on investigations into whether Singapore-based entities were implicated in the Pandora Papers disclosures.

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2 Nov 2021

Update on COVID-19 Potential Treatments and Tightening Control over Drugs Sold Illegally

The Ministry of Health tracks illegally imported, distributed, or sold prescription drugs through audits of licensed importers and distributors, collaboration with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, and monitoring of online sales platforms.
Legal penalties for contravening the Health Products Act include fines up to $50,000 and/or imprisonment up to two years, and all prescription medicines require HSA approval before legal supply in Singapore.
Singapore has secured a portfolio of five classes of COVID-19 therapeutics, including steroids, anti-virals, monoclonal antibodies, IL-6 inhibitors, and JAK inhibitors, by tracking global developments and engaging pharmaceutical companies.
The Health Sciences Authority actively monitors and stops illegal imports while working with law enforcement to ensure prescription drugs do not reach the wrong hands.
Regular audits and compliance checks are conducted to tighten control over the supply chain of prescription medicines in Singapore.

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2 Nov 2021

Review of Enforcement Agencies' Investigation Protocols for Teenagers and Those with Special Needs

Several MPs asked about extending the Appropriate Adult Scheme to suspects aged 16–17 and improving protocols for minors and those with special needs, especially in drug cases and mental health situations.
The Minister of State outlined current measures, including video recording of interviews and the use of Appropriate Adults for those under 16 or with mental disabilities, while confirming a review on extending the scheme to older teens.
Concerns were raised about identifying vulnerable persons during initial contact, the training and staffing of officers, and ensuring family involvement, with the Minister noting ongoing training and collaboration with agencies.
Questions about statistics on young persons with mental health conditions were addressed by explaining that such data is not tracked, but diversionary programmes are used for most youth offenders to avoid prosecution.
Following the case of Justin Lee, the Minister emphasized the need for clearer messaging on drug dangers and rehabilitation, while clarifying that his death occurred while on bail, not in custody.

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2 Nov 2021

Universal Definition of Mental Disorder and Mental Disability Across All Legislation

Dr Shahira Abdullah proposed a universal definition for mental disorder and mental disability across all legislation and a review of criminal laws to better protect persons with mental conditions in the justice system.
The Second Minister for Law explained that current legislation uses context-specific definitions tailored to different policy intents, such as protection, detention, or capacity, and noted existing safeguards in the criminal justice system.
The Minister stated the government is open to a common definition if it can meet all policy intents and invited suggestions for improvements.
Dr Shahira asked about upcoming reviews and whether the Interagency Taskforce for Mental Health could help establish a common definition for future laws.
The Minister welcomed ongoing suggestions and highlighted the need to balance different contextual needs when considering a universal definition.

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1 Nov 2021

Probe into Recent Fatal Accident at Tuas Incineration Plant and Enhancement of Safety Measures

Melvin Yong inquired about a public inquiry into the fatal accident at Tuas Incineration Plant, existing safety measures for workers there, and whether further enhancements are needed.
Tan See Leng explained that the accident involved electrical work in a switch room, with existing safety measures including risk assessments, competent personnel, electrical isolation, adherence to manufacturer procedures, and appropriate personal protective equipment.
He stated that while public inquiries are convened for catastrophic or technically complex accidents, this case does not warrant one based on current investigations, though a thorough ministry investigation will proceed.
The Minister expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and hopes the investigation will provide closure.

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1 Nov 2021

Inspections Targeting High-Risk Activities and Sectors and Enforcement Actions Taken for Non-compliance

From 2019 to September 2021, MOM conducted about 15,000 routine inspections annually, with around 5,000 targeting high-risk sectors, and the inspection level remained stable except for a reduction in 2020 due to suspended workplace activities.
Over 9,000 non-compliances were detected during this period, with an increase from 1.74 non-compliances per inspection in 2019 to 1.95, aided by data analytics to identify higher-risk workplaces.
Annually, MOM issues about 60 stop-work orders for severe unsafe practices, around 700 composition fines, and notices of non-compliance for the remaining cases.

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1 Nov 2021

Training Programmes to Educate Migrant Domestic Workers from Falling Prey to Cyber Scams

Christopher de Souza asked if more training could be provided to migrant domestic workers (MDWs) to prevent them from falling victim to cyber scams.
Tan See Leng outlined existing measures, including the Settling-In-Programme (SIP) where MDWs learn about scam prevention, and regular dissemination of scam alerts and infographics in their native languages.
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) collaborates with NGOs and embassies to share anti-scam advisories and conduct talks tailored to the MDW community.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will continue working with SPF, NGOs, and other partners to educate MDWs on scam prevention.
Efforts include advising MDWs not to share personal or bank details and to seek help from authorities or employers when needed.

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