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Civil Defence Shelter and Fire Safety (Miscellaneous Amendment) Bill›Second Reading Bills23 turns · 20,084w
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bill-805
The Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs (Mr Goh Pei Ming) (for the Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and the Minister for Home Affairs)3335 words
[+3 sentences]Mr Speaker, on behalf of the Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and the Minister for Home Affairs, I seek to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." As part of our efforts to ensure the Singapore Civil Defence Force's (SCDF's) regulatory regimes remain relevant and up to date, we have reviewed the Civil Defence Shelter Act and the Fire Safety Act to tighten SCDF's regulatory oversight over regulated shelter products and to reduce the regulatory burden on businesses involved in petroleum and flammable material (P&FM) activities. This Bill covers the following themes. One, to strengthen SCDF's oversight over regulated shelter products and empower SCDF to take appropriate actions against parties in the supply chain for non-compliance; two, to introduce a class licensing regime for the regulation of P&FM activities; three, to allow SCDF to appoint SEOs to conduct compliance checks for the transport of P&FM; and four, to clarify the responsibilities of premise owners and occupiers in relation to fire safety measures.[+11 sentences] We also have other miscellaneous amendments. Allow me to first explain the key amendments in turn. Today, SCDF sets the specifications and standards for shelter products, such as household and storey shelter doors. These standards ensure that occupants are adequately protected from blast effects during a bombardment. One important way we ensure only compliant products are installed in our buildings is by mandating that suppliers of shelter products must obtain a Certificate of Conformity (COC) that attests these products meet SCDF specifications and standards before they can be used in Singapore. These COCs are issued by private certification bodies recognised by the Singapore Accreditation Council (SAC). As part of this process, these private certification bodies affirm that SCDF's specifications and standards have been met through tests by accredited laboratories. At present, if a certification body is found to be non-compliant, SCDF can work with SAC to suspend or withdraw its accreditation. We have also placed requirements on home owners under section 4 of the Civil Defence Shelter Act to maintain their shelters in accordance with SCDF's regulations. However, SCDF has no enforcement powers against other parties in the supply chain. These include test laboratories, suppliers and installers involved in certifying, supplying or installing non-compliant products. The amendments will close this gap and give SCDF enforcement powers against errant laboratories, suppliers and installers of non-compliant shelter products.[+2 sentences] I should emphasise that to date, SCDF has not observed any non-compliance regarding shelter products. However, we have seen cases of non-compliance involving fire safety products, such as fire-rated doors, which are similarly regulated. In December 2018, a COC holder for fire-rated doors had utilised its certification status and provided a non-certified company with 50 labels to be pasted on non-compliant doors that were then installed in various buildings.[+5 sentences] Therefore, the proposed amendments are anticipatory, to allow SCDF to deal with cases involving non-compliant shelter products, to take action against errant parties in the supply chain and to help safeguard public safety. Let me elaborate. Clause 3 introduces a new Part 2A in the Civil Defence Shelter Act to strengthen controls over regulated shelter products. This has been adapted from Part 5 of the Fire Safety Act, which has proven effective in regulating fire safety products and ensure these new controls are grounded in a tested and familiar framework. Let me highlight four key aspects that the new Part 2A introduces. First, there are new offences covering parties across the shelter products supply chain who may compromise public safety. These offences cover: one, accredited laboratories that issue false test reports; two, persons who provide false information to accredited certification bodies to obtain COC; three, certification bodies that certify non-compliant shelter products; four, suppliers who pass off non-compliant products as certified ones; and five, installers who fit non-compliant products or install them in a way that undermines the shelter's ability to function safely.[+14 sentences] These offences apply not just to deliberate wrongdoing, but also to cases where parties were reckless or negligent in carrying out their responsibilities. Second, SCDF will be able to instruct a relevant party, whether the certification body, supplier, or COC holder to send a shelter product for testing at an accredited laboratory, when there are grounds to believe the product may be non-compliant. This will allow SCDF to determine whether the product is compliant. Third, if a product is found to be non-compliant, SCDF may direct the relevant parties in the supply chain to address the problem. For example, SCDF may direct the relevant parties who are distributing the product to recall the product, stop supplying it, or remove the product from the shelters where they had been installed. SCDF may also direct the relevant parties to dispose the recalled non-compliant product or rectify contraventions of the specifications issued under the Civil Defence Shelter Act for products that have been installed. SCDF may also direct the certification body to cancel the COC for a particular product, or temporarily stop issuing new COCs to a person whom SCDF has reason to believe has supplied non-compliant shelter products. This allows SCDF to take swift action to protect innocent persons from products which are non-compliant and which put people in danger because they do not meet the required safety standards. Fourth, if a party refuses or fails to comply with SCDF's direction, SCDF may enter the premises, such as a supplier's warehouse, to carry out the direction such as to cease the supply of non-compliant shelter products. In most cases, SCDF will give the owner or occupier at least 24 hours' notice or obtain a warrant from a Magistrate before entering. However, if SCDF has reasonable grounds to believe that a non-compliant shelter product poses an imminent danger affecting public safety, SCDF may enter the premises without notice or a warrant. This exceptional power may be exercised only with the expressed authorisation of the Commissioner of SCDF. When seeking entry, the authorised officer must produce their SCDF-issued identification card and a document showing the Commissioner's authorisation. These two documents together serve as a safeguard that the power to enter the premises is exercised only by duly authorised officers. Today, the number of entities involved in supply of shelter products is relatively small, for example there are only five approved shelter door suppliers.[+3 sentences] As we have found these suppliers to generally be compliant, we do not expect SCDF to need to exercise these new powers on a regular basis. However, these powers are important to ensure that SCDF can act promptly when needed, so that shelters provide the required protection. Finally, we will make two further changes to align the Civil Defence Shelter Act with the Fire Safety Act. We will introduce an appeal mechanism to the Minister for Home Affairs for parties aggrieved by SCDF's directions under the new Part 2A in relation to regulated shelter products. We will also raise the maximum composition sum from $500 to $5,000.[+5 sentences] In 2024, we have consulted relevant industry stakeholders on the proposed amendments and no concerns were raised. SCDF will also issue circulars and brief relevant stakeholders ahead of operationalising these amendments. Shelters continue to remain a critical component of civil protection in times of national emergency. These amendments aim to ensure that the shelters are able to protect our people when the need arises. I will now move on to amendments to the Fire Safety Act. Today, SCDF issues more than 6,500 individual licences annually for the storage, transport and conveyance of P&FM in Singapore.[+7 sentences] However, not all P&FM activities carry the same fire safety risks. That is why SCDF will introduce a class licensing regime for lower-risk P&FM activities. With a class license, eligible premises will no longer have to apply annually for an individual licence to store P&FM after making a one-time submission to notify SCDF of their storage premises. This will reduce regulatory burden on businesses whilst maintaining fire safety standards. Clause 21 provides for a class licensing regime that will apply in lieu of individual licences for such activities. The categories of premises and their corresponding licensing conditions will be prescribed by the Minister in subsidiary legislation. SCDF will implement the class licensing regime for the storage of P&FM. It will cover four categories of lower-risk premises: one, petrol stations; two, construction sites; three, Category C and D laboratories as specified in the Singapore Standards, which are laboratories assessed to be of low and minimal fire hazard risk respectively; and four, buildings which store diesel solely to fuel their emergency generators. These four categories account for approximately 15% of all P&FM storage licensees.[+19 sentences] They were identified in view of their lower inherent risk characteristics such as controlled storage and dispensing settings, and comparatively lower risk of fire spread. There were no reported fires originating from these premises between 2020 and 2025. All other P&FM storage facilities, such as refineries and petrochemical facilities, will continue to require individual licences. The transport and conveyance of P&FM will also remain licenced activities. There is one other P&FM activity – dispensing – that is also currently limited to individually licensed storage premises. Clause 20 allows class licensed premises such as petrol stations to dispense P&FM as part of their business operations, subject to the conditions of the class licence. While the P&FM class licensing regime will reduce regulatory burden on businesses, SCDF will continue to maintain strict oversight of these activities. Businesses must still comply with existing fire safety requirements and periodic inspections will be done to verify this. Clause 30 makes it an offence for any licence applicant or class licensee to knowingly provide false or misleading information to SCDF, or to be reckless or negligent as to whether the information they provide to SCDF is false or misleading. SCDF will not hesitate to take stern enforcement action against such behaviour by licence applicants and class licensees. SCDF has engaged companies in the P&FM sector, and they have welcomed the class licensing regime, which will reduce regulatory compliance burden on businesses when implemented. SCDF will engage the P&FM licensees ahead of the implementation of the class licensing regime. Next, I will address the proposal to appoint Supplementary Enforcement Officers (SEOs) to conduct compliance checks for transport-related P&FM activities. This expands the roles of SEOs by outsourcing more straightforward functions and allows SCDF to focus its limited manpower resources on higher risk areas. We amended the Fire Safety Act in 2019 to allow SEOs to be appointed to conduct fire safety inspections for buildings and to exercise certain enforcement powers during such inspections, such as the issuance of Fire Hazard Abatement Notices for simple and straightforward cases. Since then, SEOs have proven themselves up to the task. They have strengthened our enforcement presence on the ground, while enabling SCDF officers to dedicate attention to more complex cases. To grant SEOs powers to conduct checks on vehicles transporting P&FM, we need to specify in greater detail SCDF's powers pertaining to transport of P&FM so that it is clear what powers SEOs will be exercising. We have done so in clause 24. Apart from clarifying existing powers such as stopping and inspecting vehicles transporting P&FM, and taking samples of the P&FM for testing, clause 24 will also empower SCDF to direct a vehicle to be driven along approved routes to a suitable location for the safe disposal of the transported P&FM.[+13 sentences] Meanwhile, clause 9 will allow SCDF to appoint SEOs to exercise relevant powers under clause 24. The end result is that SEOs will be able to conduct checks of vehicles transporting P&FM that are, for example, entering Singapore or restricted areas such as the Central Business District. If non-compliance is detected, the case will be handed over to SCDF officers, who will conduct further investigations and take the appropriate enforcement action against errant parties. I want to assure Members that SCDF will continue to ensure that the SEOs are suitably trained prior to their deployment. In addition, SCDF will continue to implement safeguards that currently apply to existing SEOs, such as requiring the SEOs to wear body-worn cameras, wear SCDF-approved attire and display SCDF-issued authority cards when carrying out their duties. This will ensure that the SEOs are held to high standards of professionalism and minimise the risk of any abuse of authority by these officers. To ensure that SCDF can effectively respond to fire incidents, it is critical that fire safety measures such as rising mains, fire hydrants and fire engine access roads are kept operational and unobstructed, so they do not hamper SCDF's firefighting operations. This is regardless of whether the fire safety measures are located inside or outside a building. However, SCDF does encounter such issues from time to time. For example, we have come across unauthorised structures such as temporary tentages which block fire engine access roads or accessways to a building. These are serious fire hazards, and we should hold the relevant persons accountable under the Fire Safety Act. Currently, the Fire Safety Act defines fire hazards broadly to cover situations which would materially hamper SCDF's firefighting efforts. However, while it is currently clear who is responsible for hazards within a building, it is less clear when it comes to hazards outside of a building. Clause 6 therefore makes clear that a fire hazard includes the obstruction of fire safety measures outside of a building such as fire engine access roads and accessways.[+5 sentences] For comprehensiveness, it also makes clear that hose reels and rising mains, when installed on the facades of buildings, are external fire safety measures. Clauses 10, 11 and 12 make it clear that obstructing, interfering with, or otherwise failing to keep in proper working order such fire safety measures are serious offences for building owners and occupiers, as well as any person who causes or contributes to such an outcome. Building owners or occupiers who do not take reasonable steps to remove or prevent fire hazards will also be held liable. These changes will collectively strengthen SCDF's ability to ensure the upkeep, non-obstruction and maintenance of all fire safety measures. I will now move on to other miscellaneous amendments to the Fire Safety Act. In line with the whole-of-Government pro-enterprise efforts to reduce regulatory burden on businesses, clause 26 increases the maximum duration of any licence or permit issued under Part 6 of the Fire Safety Act from three years to five years.[+10 sentences] Notwithstanding this, licensees and permit holders must remain fully responsible for ensuring their P&FM premises, vehicles and activities continue to comply fully with licensing conditions at all times. I want to assure Members that SCDF will still subject licensees to verification checks and will not hesitate to take errant licensees to task. Clauses 7 and 13 empower the Minister for Home Affairs to appoint a member of the Registered Inspectors Inquiry Panel and the Fire Safety Engineers Inquiry Panel respectively for a period as determined by the Minister, instead of a fixed term of two years. Clause 33 of the Bill repeals the Chemical Weapons (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act 2019 (or CWPAA). Currently, chemicals listed under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) are regulated by Singapore Customs under the Chemical Weapons (Prohibition) Act 2000. I will refer to these chemicals as "scheduled chemicals". All entities involved in various activities related to scheduled chemicals, including acquiring, producing, or stockpiling, are to apply to Singapore Customs for a licence. In 2019, the CWPAA was passed to strengthen our regulatory control over the transportation of scheduled chemicals within Singapore. Specifically, it would have required licensed entities which wanted to transport scheduled chemicals above the prescribed amount within Singapore to seek approval from Singapore Customs. However, before operationalising the CWPAA, the Government reviewed the existing transport controls and assessed that it would be more resource-effective to align the transport controls for scheduled chemicals and other chemicals within Singapore. As the National Environment Agency (NEA) and SCDF were already regulating the transportation of hazardous substances and P&FM respectively, it made sense to expand both agencies' mandates to also cover scheduled chemicals.[+3 sentences] Indeed, the transport controls in the CWPAA had themselves taken reference from NEA and SCDF's practices under the respective regulatory regimes. We effected regulating of transport of scheduled chemicals under NEA and SCDF in 2023 via amendments to legislation and subsidiary legislation under the Environmental Protection and Management Act, and the Fire Safety Act. To date, we have not received any adverse feedback for this initiative. With these changes, persons transporting scheduled chemicals have benefited from the streamlined arrangement as they are only required to either apply to NEA or SCDF, depending on the type of chemical being transported.[+1 sentence] There is no need to separately apply to Singapore Customs for transport approval. With processes working well since 2023, we are hereby repealing the CWPAA.[+6 sentences] For the avoidance of doubt, the repeal affects only the CWPAA. The Chemical Weapons (Prohibition) Act continues to be in force, and Singapore remains fully compliant with our international obligations under the CWC. Let me now say a few words about the broader state of fire safety in Singapore. This Bill focuses on specific aspects of our wide-ranging fire safety regime – from how we regulate specific fire safety measures, to how we can simplify and extend various licences for businesses. These are meaningful improvements. However, Members of this House may wonder why we are pursuing amendments in areas where there are generally no pressing safety concerns. At the same time, there have been a series of news reports this year about various fire incidents in our Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats, commercial shops and industrial buildings. This is borne out in data too – the SCDF responded to more than 2,000 fire calls in 2025, which is a 10% increase compared to 2021.[+7 sentences] Some may ask: why are we not implementing more aggressive regulations to deal with these other aspects of fire safety? We take each and every incident seriously, because behind each fire are families and business owners who have to struggle to overcome adversity and pain, when lives and property are irrevocably lost. I have spoken on many occasions in this House on our strategies to improve fire safety in our HDB flats, our commercial shops and industrial buildings – whether through increasing public education, strengthening enforcement to ensure compliance with our regulations, or tightening our regulations on dangerous items such as modified batteries in active mobility devices. Some of our amendments today will add to this, such as our amendments to clarify the roles and responsibilities for fire safety measures outside of a building. But I would like to reassure the House that there is much ongoing work beyond this Bill to improve fire safety in our heartlands, much of it occurring behind the scenes as we go about our everyday lives. And the good thing is that we remain in a position of strength. Our overall fire fatality rate remains amongst the lowest internationally, according to a report by the International Association of Fire and Rescue Services. The incidence of residential fires has also decreased slightly, from 0.067% in 2021 to 0.065% in 2025, even as our housing stock has actually increased over the same period.[+6 sentences] So, let me assure Members that even though this Bill does not revisit our broader strategies to improve fire safety in our HDB flats, commercial shops and industrial buildings, these areas remain a key priority for the SCDF. As for the amendments before the House today, they will strengthen our civil defence shelter and fire safety regulatory regimes respectively. They will reduce regulatory burden on lower-risk activities, while ensuring that SCDF can undertake enforcement action where needed. They reflect our commitment to act early, strengthen our frameworks, and keeping our fire safety regime effective. And they underscore a critical point: if we work together – building owners, occupiers, businesses and suppliers – we can continue to safeguard Singapore's fire safety and civil defence preparedness efforts and ensuring a safe and secure Singapore. Mr Speaker, I seek to move.
Mr Speaker4 words
[+1 sentence]Ms Lee Hui Ying.
Ms Lee Hui Ying (Nee Soon)1342 words
[+11 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the Bill. I welcome the Government's intent to streamline licensing processes. This is a move that will be well-received by the business community as we simplify regulatory processes while upholding public safety standards. When it comes to fire safety, one fire is one too many. This Bill gives us an opportunity to strengthen our systems before an incident happens. The objective is not merely to respond better after a fire, but to prevent more fires from happening in the first place. To this, I have three clarifications: first, on the class licensing regime; second, on leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance SCDF's enforcement and audit capacity; and third, on addressing the risks of ageing infrastructure. First, on class licensing. I support the overall approach taken by the Ministry. It is a sensible way to reduce compliance costs, provided that the obligations under the class licence are clear and the consequences of non-compliance are credible. Under this approach, greater trust and greater responsibility is placed on individual companies. Could the Ministry provide greater clarity then, on the criteria that companies must meet before they can operate under a class licence?[+3 sentences] How will SCDF assess the company's safety systems, past compliance record, competence of its responsible officers and ability to manage P&FM safely? Can the Senior Minister of State also share greater details on the anticipated scope and frequency of post-licensing audits? It is vital that we accord trust to businesses in a manner that is proportional to their assessed credibility. Will the audit regime be purely periodic, or will it also respond dynamically to risk indicators such as previous breaches, changes in operations, incident reports, or significant turnover of safety personnel?[+12 sentences] It is key as well that trust is accorded to businesses in a manner proportionate to their assessed credibility. A company with a strong compliance record should not face the same intensity of oversight as someone with repeated breaches. At the same time, a class licence must not become a lower standard of safety. It should be a different regulatory mechanism, with the same underlying safety objective. The Bill also provides that SCDF may take enforcement action or revoke a class licence where breaches are detected. This is important. Could the Ministry share how it intends to ensure that these enforcement powers are applied consistently, transparently and promptly? Businesses should understand not only what is expected of them, but also how they can rectify deficiencies and return to compliance. Second, on expanding regulatory capacity through artificial intelligence (AI), as regulatory regimes evolve, enforcement mechanisms must keep pace. I would like to ask how the SCDF is exploring AI and automated technologies such as autonomous drones for hazardous and hard-to-reach inspections, computer vision for visual analysis and automated compliance filing. These tools should support but not replace the professional judgement of SCDF officers. They should also be introduced with appropriate safeguards, including human review, clear accountability for decisions, cybersecurity protections and proper management of personal and commercially sensitive data. Could the Ministry share whether SCDF is already currently piloting such technologies and whether it has identified particular inspection or compliance processes where automation would deliver the greatest benefit?[+9 sentences] It would also be useful to consider a regulatory technology sandbox, where SCDF, industry, technology providers and researchers can test these new tools in controlled settings before they are deployed more widely. The objective is not simply to conduct more inspections. It is to conduct smarter inspections – to identify higher-risk premises earlier, deploy officers where their expertise is most needed, and give businesses clearer and more timely guidance on compliance. This would strengthen both operational effectiveness and public confidence in community fire safety. Finally, on ageing infrastructure and risk-proportionate oversight. Infrastructure naturally experiences wear and tear over decades. Fire safety systems may become obsolete, building layouts may change and maintenance practices may not always keep pace with the original design intent. These call for targeted, risk-based oversight rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. In Nee Soon South, for example, we have a petrol kiosk built around 1993, situated in close proximity to HDB blocks and a place of worship. As such facilities across Singapore cross the 30- or 40-year mark, does the Government intend to mandate periodic safety audits and proactive lifecycle maintenance to mitigate long-term structural and fire safety risks?[+19 sentences] Age of infrastructure should be considered alongside other risk factors: the type and volume of P&FMs stored, the condition of critical systems, changes in surrounding land use, the facility's incident and compliance history and the vulnerability of nearby communities and residential populations. Could SCDF consider a risk-based lifecycle framework that identifies when a facility should undergo a deeper safety review? Such a framework can provide greater certainty to businesses while ensuring that older or higher-risk premises receive the attention they require. Mr Speaker, Sir, fire safety is not only the responsibility of the Government and businesses. It is a shared responsibility of the community. More can be done to equip residents to prevent fires, respond to them quickly and protect one another. I encourage the Ministry to work with us, schools, and community partners to strengthen fire prevention education in the heartlands, especially in older estates where residents may face more complex risks. This can be done via clear, shareable content where different organisations can share with residents through trusted local networks. This could cover practical topics, such as keeping corridors and access routes clear, maintaining household shelter doors and fire safety equipment, responding to cooking fires, charging devices safely, and knowing when and how to call for help. Public education should be simple, multilingual, visually accessible and designed for repeated use. When residents know what to do before an emergency, they become the best and important responders of Singapore's fire safety system. Mr Speaker, in Mandarin, please. (In Mandarin): When it comes to fire safety, one fire is one too many. We cannot take chances. As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. This Bill gives us the opportunity to strengthen our systems before an incident occurs, rather than merely improving our response after a fire. I support the authorities' approach to class licensing. This is a sensible way to reduce compliance costs, provided that the licence obligations are clear and the consequences of non-compliance are credible. Under this approach, individual companies are accorded greater trust while also bearing greater responsibility. Could the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) provide further details on the criteria that companies must meet before commencing operations under the respective class licences? In particular, how will the SCDF assess a company’s safety systems, past compliance record, the professional competence of its responsible officers and its ability to manage P&FMs safely? Could the Minister also provide more details on the expected scope and frequency of post-licensing audits?[+1 sentence] The trust accorded to businesses must be proportionate to their assessed credibility. Will the audit regime be periodic or will the audit frequency be adjusted dynamically according to risk indicators, such as previous breaches, changes in business operations, incident reports or significant changes in safety personnel?[+11 sentences] A company with a good track record should face a different level of regulatory scrutiny from one with repeated breaches. At the same time, a class licence must not become an excuse for lowering safety standards. Although it is a different regulatory mechanism, it must uphold the same safety objective. The Bill also provides that, once a breach is detected, SCDF may take enforcement action or revoke the class licence. This is an important point. Could the Ministry explain how it will ensure that these enforcement powers are exercised consistently, transparently and promptly? Businesses should understand not only the standards they must meet, but also how they can rectify deficiencies and return to compliance. (In English): Mr Speaker, smart regulation is not about choosing between business efficiency and safety. It is about achieving both through smarter tools, clearer standards and vigilant oversight. It ensures that Singapore remains safe and also enterprise friendly. Notwithstanding these clarifications, I support the Bill.
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Andre Low.
Mr Low Wu Yang Andre (Non-Constituency Member)908 words
[+2 sentences]Mr Speaker, in January, I spoke in this House about fire safety in our homes. It remains a concern for many. Just recently, between 28 July and 1 September, five residents died following separate fires in HDB flats.[+16 sentences] While we should not assume that these incidents share a common cause, even so, five deaths in just over a month should give us pause as we consider this Bill. As such, I very much welcome the Senior Minister of State's commitments that broader fire safety considerations beyond the ambit of this Bill remain a top priority for the Government, and I look forward to further developments in our fire safety regime. Back to the matter at hand, I support the Bill. It strengthens the regulation of products installed in civil defence shelters, tackles obstructions of firefighting access and fire safety systems, and gives SCDF stronger powers over vehicles transporting P&FM. I will keep my comments today focused on two areas. Firstly, I wanted to reiterate my call from January to replace existing keyed front gates with an alternative that could be open from the inside without a key and secondly, clarifications regarding the new powers over vehicles carrying P&FM. Mr Speaker, my first point concerns escape from the home. This was a central issue in my Adjournment Motion in January, and I would like to reiterate the calls I made then. This Bill gives us a timely opportunity to consider how my proposals fit within the strengthened approach to escape routes and fire safety obstructions that are contained in this Bill. Clauses 10 and 11 of the Bill strengthen the law against obstructing firefighting access and interfering with internal and external fire safety measures. Clause 12 covers acts that obstruct an escape route, passageway or common property, where escape during a fire may become more difficult, and the obstruction cannot easily be removed by someone trying to get out. These are important provisions. In a fire, every second counts. Smoke reduces visibility and panic can affect judgement. A previously familiar route may become a maze and every obstruction increases the risk further. There were similar concerns that led me to suggest back in January that the biggest barrier for many Singaporeans when it comes to escaping our own homes, our front gates be made as safe as possible by allowing for easy escape without fumbling for a key. The present Fire Code generally requires exit doors to be openable from the inside without a key, a tool or special knowledge. However, residential units remain exempt from that requirement and it does not seem that the Bill changes this position. Therefore, I ask the Senior Minister of State if they could clarify If the new section 27A(v) of the Fire Safety Act on obstructions would therefore apply to a residential entrance gate with a double cylinder keyed lock or a padlock that forms the only practical route out of a unit.[+3 sentences] Relatedly, would SCDF consider allow reviewing the residential exemption in the Fire Code from keyless egress alongside the strengthened statutory approach of this Bill regarding to broader escape provisions, perhaps with a graduated transition period to allow home owners to become compliant and also, supporting households that need help meeting the cost? As I noted in January, newer Build-To-Order (BTO) flats already use gates with an interior thumb turn that allows for easy escape. Therefore, the concern remains older flats and apartments. Can the Senior Minister of State update the House on whether MHA or his colleagues in the Ministry for National Development have considered my January proposal to use the Home Improvement Programme (HIP) as a means to upgrade older flats to gates with an interior thumb turn?[+12 sentences] Can we also update the House on whether there is a commitment to have every new or replacement gate supplied through a subsidised government or public programme be required to be openable from the inside without a key and have double similar keyed locks removed as options. For estates with no upcoming upgrading scheduled, can alternative schemes support the phased replacement of gates that require a key to open from the inside? I will move on. Mr Speaker, my second point concerns the new powers over vehicles carrying P&FM. The new section 86A of the Fire Safety Act allows the SCDF to stop and detain a vehicle, inspect its equipment and documents, and require information directed to a suitable place for unloading and specify a route. A driver must comply with the lawful directions issued by the SCDF at the scene. However, enforcement after the danger has passed should account for who selected the vehicle, packed and loaded the material, controlled the documentation and planned the route and trained the driver. An employee may have very little authority over these decisions and therefore, liability for failing to comply with an SCDF requirement is and should be a separate question from responsibility for the unsafe transport arrangements themselves. I therefore ask how will the SCDF ensure that its investigations relating to this new section 86A and the broader P&FM regime will also examine failures controlled by employers, licence holders, carriers, suppliers, consigners or loaders? Will enforcement guidance reflect each party's legal duties and practical control, and not impose disproportionate burdens on drivers alone? Mr Speaker, the Bill moves our fire safety framework in the right direction. I support the Bill and I look forward to the Senior Minister of State's clarifications.
Mr Speaker2 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Muhaimin.
Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik (Sengkang)1362 words
[+2 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, I believe that this Bill arrives at the right time and I welcome the Government's move to improve fire safety in Singapore at this time. There has been an upwards trend in fire incidents in recent years – which is worrying. Fire injuries rose from 80 in 2024 to 94 in 2025, and fire fatalities from five to six over the same period. More alarming still, in the short span from 31 July to 1 September this year alone, five lives have already been lost to fire incidents.[+28 sentences] Behind each of these figures is a family and a home. That is the reality we should keep in mind as we consider the measures before us today. Sir, I note that both sets of amendments further empower Government officials to regulate and prosecute offences relating to the provision and installation of fire safety products used in our shelters and to sanction those who obstruct or neglect our firefighting infrastructure. I do not think any Member in the House would disagree with these objectives. Where lives are at stake, the relevant authorities must be able to act swiftly and effectively. I support that objective. But precisely because these are powers of enforcement and persecution, I would like to seek several clarifications from the Senior Minister of State so that this House can be satisfied that the powers are both necessary and proportionate. Sir, my first area of concern relates to the new sections 4J and 4K. Section 4J provides for an authorised officer to obtain a warrant from a Magistrate before entering a property. That is unobjectionable and is exactly the safeguard one would expect. My concern is with section 4K which permits entry without a warrant and which sets out the conditions under a warrant may be dispensed with. This is not unprecedented. Clauses exist in other legislation which empower officials to enter premises without a warrant where the conditions for it are met. What is less clear to me is why the case has been made out for it here in the specific context of fire shelters within residential or commercial premises. The key condition for entry without warrant is "imminent danger affecting public safety" as determined by the Commissioner. But under the proposed amendments, entry without warrant seems to have a pre-emptive purpose. Therefore, I will ask the Senior Minister of State if there have been previous cases where the Ministry or SCDF determined afterwards that damage could have been prevented or mitigated if inspection officers have not needed a warrant to deal with uncooperative owners of premises. Are there other operational gaps that have been identified which directly relate to the need for a warrant by inspection officers? Entering a person's property without a warrant is a significant power, and the House should grant it with clear understanding of why it is needed. Sir, I turn to the amendments to the Fire Safety Act, which fall broadly into two categories. The first concerns obstruction of our firefighting infrastructures and facilities. The second concerns activities relating to chemicals, absorbing everything previously covered by the Chemicals Weapons Act, and going somewhat further besides. On the chemical side, I will welcome from the Senior Minister of State a clear explanation of what is new in this Bill beyond consolidation. Specifically, what conducts becomes an offence under this Act, and that was not already caught before? That clarity matters to industry and the public so that they know precisely where the line now falls. But it is the first category and in particular, clauses 11 and 12, specifying the offences on which I wish to dwell. If I read these clauses correctly, the concern is that maintenance of the dry rises and other firefighting infrastructure is, in some cases, not being kept to the standard it should be. That is a fair concern and one worth addressing squarely. The House will recall that, in several recent fires, SCDF reported that it could not get the dry rises to work and that its, officers were forced to carry hoses up the stairs to fight the fire by hand. This was especially unfortunate because the maintenance records indicated that those very rises had been serviced and pressure tested and were found to be in order. That gap between a record that says serviced and a riser that fails at the moment of truth is exactly where lives can be lost.[+17 sentences] A dry riser that does not deliver water when SCDF arrives is not a paperwork failure. It is a potential life-threatening failure. So, if clauses 11 and 12 are the Government's answer to that gap, I am inclined to support them, but I would ask the Senior Minister of State to clarify three things. First, how will these provisions fix responsibility for firefighting infrastructure that sits in common property? Much of this infrastructure, including dry risers, is not maintained by the owner of the land, but by the party having charge management and control of the common areas. In the case of an HDB estate, the Town Council and its appointed servicing contractor. I would therefore ask the Senior Minister of State to make clear whether liability under these clauses attaches to the owner, to the occupier or managing agent in a day-to-day control, or to the contractor whose certification did not hold up. This is important so that the offence falls on the party generally in control and not on whoever is easiest to charge. Second, what will the Government do to ensure that regularly maintain means actually functional, that servicing regimes are tested against real performance and not merely logged in a register? Third, I will ask the Minister to clarify the reach of the new obstruction provisions in the common corridor context. Obstruction that hinders escape is already a specified fire hazard and Town Councils control corridor clutter through by-laws. But do these amendments now also capture obstruction that hinders firefighting, for example, household items a resident leaves along a common corridor that impede our firefighters access and if so, where does responsibility fall – on the resident who placed the item or on the Town Council that permitted or failed to remove it? Mr Speaker in Malay, please. (In Malay): Mr Speaker, I fully support this Bill to enhance fire safety in Singapore. Notwithstanding, I seek some important clarifications from the Minister to ensure that the enforcement powers are necessary and proportionate. My questions focus on two main areas. First, on entry into homes without any warrant or written authorisation. Section 4K allows this on the grounds of “critical danger”.[+1 sentence] In relation to this provision, I would like to ask the Senior Minister of State whether there have been past cases or operational gaps that prevented officers from carrying out their duties effectively. Second, on the amendments to the Fire Safety Act, regarding chemicals, I would like the Minister to elaborate on what is new in this Bill, beyond simply consolidating the existing legislation. On cases involving fire, there have also been recent incidents where dry riser systems failed to function even though they had only recently been serviced.[+1 sentence] I would like to ask the Minister where responsibility or liability lies when something like this happens – is it with the Town Council, the managing agent or the contractor? Furthermore, how will the Government ensure that infrastructure, such as dry riser systems mentioned earlier, is in working order? And where common corridors are obstructed by residents’ belongings, should the residents or the Town Council be accountable?[+5 sentences] (In English): Sir, I began by saying that this Bill arrives at the right time and I stand by that. The threats we face do not wait for our legislation to catch up. Nevertheless, I have raised questions on sections 4J and 4K and clauses 11 and 12, not to obstruct the Bill, but to strengthen it and to make sure that the powers we grant today are necessary, proportionate and properly targeted. If the Senior Minister of State can address these points, I will be glad to give the Bill my full support. Sir, notwithstanding this clarification sought, I support the Bill.
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Gabriel Lam.
Mr Gabriel Lam (Sembawang)1197 words
[+10 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the Civil Defence Shelter and Fire Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill. When we talk about civil defence and fire safety, there is one simple principle we should keep in mind: the time to find out that something does not work is not during an emergency. I support the direction of this Bill. I would like to raise three practical points – on shelter products, fire safety and the expanded role of SEOs. First, on civil defence shelter products. Most of us do not think very much about our household shelters. We use them for storage and hopefully, we will never have to use them for their intended purpose. Many of my residents in Canberra live in HDB flats with household shelters. They trust that the shelter and the products installed in it will work when needed. That trust has to be warranted. The Bill strengthens SCDF's powers over regulated shelter products, including testing and certification, and the ability to direct non-compliant products to be recalled, removed or rectified.[+23 sentences] I support the intent. But I understand that compliance with shelter products has generally been good and there are relatively few shelter door suppliers. I think the Senior Minister of State earlier said there were five of them. So, I would like to understand what has prompted the strong regime now? Are there emerging risks, changes in the market, or gaps in the existing framework that these amendments are intended to address? I ask this because the new powers are significant. For example, SCDF can direct a supplier to recall a product where there are reasonable grounds to believe that it is non-compliant. There is an appeal mechanism, but the direction can continue to have effect while the appeal is being considered. I understand why this may be necessary for safety. But we should also be mindful of the impact on a supplier who genuinely believes that its product complies with the required standards. There is also the question of cost. If additional testing and compliance requirements increase costs for suppliers, some of these costs may eventually be passed on to home owners. We should strengthen oversight where it is needed, but the regulatory response should remain proportionate to the risk. There is another practical issue for home owners. An ordinary home owner is not a shelter-product expert. If I engage a contractor to carry out work in my house, I would reasonably expect the contractor and supplier to know which products are compliant and how they should be installed. The Bill provides defences where reasonable steps have been taken. So, I hope SCDF will give home owners simple and clear guidance on what those reasonable steps are. For example, is it sufficient to check that a product has a valid certificate and to engage an appropriate contractor? The person best placed to know whether a product is compliant is usually the supplier or installer – not the home owner. The rules should reflect that practical reality. Second, on fire safety and accessways. When a fire breaks out, every second matters. The Bill strengthens provisions dealing with the obstruction of access roads and accessways and interference with fire safety measures.[+17 sentences] I support this. A fire-engine accessway is not an ordinary parking space. It is emergency infrastructure. But in our estates, there are delivery vehicles, movers, contractors and service vehicles coming in and out every day. Sometimes, an obstruction may be temporary. Sometimes, it may be caused by a third party without the building owner or occupier being directly involved. The Bill addresses situations where an owner or occupier knows, or ought reasonably to know, about an obstruction and fails to take reasonable steps. So, my question is a practical one. What would "reasonable steps" look like on the ground? If an owner or managing agent has repeatedly told a contractor or delivery operator not to obstruct an accessway, but the third party continues to do so, what more would the owner reasonably be expected to do? Clear guidance would be important, particularly because some of these offences operate on a strict liability basis. I would also encourage SCDF to work with Town Councils, building managers and other relevant parties on clear signs, markings and education. Where there is a genuine obstruction, enforcement should be firm. But where we can prevent the obstruction through better awareness or design, we should do so. The objective is not to issue more fines. The objective is to make sure that when a fire engine is needed, the way is clear. Third, on SEOs. The Bill expands their role to conduct compliance checks relating to the transport of P&FM.[+3 sentences] I can see the operational benefit. If SEOs can undertake routine checks, SCDF officers can focus their expertise on more complex inspections and incidents. But stopping a vehicle carrying petroleum or flammable materials is quite different from conducting a routine inspection of premises. The powers include stopping and inspecting vehicles, checking documents, taking samples and where necessary directing a vehicle elsewhere for safe unloading or disposal.[+12 sentences] These powers have real consequences for both safety and businesses. My main concern is therefore how we ensure consistency and accountability. SEOs need to understand not just the law, but also the risks involved in transporting these materials. If two drivers are stopped in similar circumstances, they should broadly expect the same treatment. So, I would ask how SCDF will train and supervise SEOs to ensure that these powers are exercised consistently and what avenue an operator has if he believes that a direction has been wrongly issued. I support the use of SEOs. But SCDF must ultimately remain accountable for how these statutory powers are exercised. There is also something we should not lose as we delegate more routine checks, which is experience. Routine inspections help officers understand what is actually happening on the ground. They see recurring breaches. They understand how operators work. And sometimes, they spot a new risk before it becomes a bigger problem. Today's routine inspection may provide the experience needed to handle tomorrow's complex incident. So, as SEOs take on more of this work, I hope SCDF will ensure that what we see and learn is fed back into the organisation and that our SCDF officers continue to build operational experience themselves.[+1 sentence] Mr Speaker, Sir, the three areas I have raised are different, but the principle behind them is the same. We need strong rules where public safety is at stake. But those rules also need to work in practice.[+3 sentences] For home owners, it should be clear what is reasonably expected of them. For building owners and occupiers, it should be clear what they need to do to keep emergency accessways clear. And for businesses dealing with our enforcement officers, there should be consistency and accountability. Ultimately, stronger powers must translate into better safety on the ground.[+5 sentences] For residents, the rules must be clear. For businesses, compliance must be practical. And for our enforcement officers, there must be proper training and accountability. If we get these things right, we strengthen public safety while keeping the system fair and practical. With these clarifications, I support the Bill.
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Ms Sylvia Lim.
Ms Sylvia Lim (Aljunied)1247 words
[+5 sentences]Mr Speaker, I understand the rationale for this Bill. Nevertheless, I have concerns about the parts of the Bill that appear to relax fire safety requirements and will seek clarifications on them. In addition, I will raise some concerns about fire safety in our housing estates and how these are being tackled. According to MHA's media release on 4 August, one of the main aims of the Bill is to, and I quote, "ensure that SCDF's regulatory and enforcement powers for fire safety incidents and regulation of P&FM remain robust and pro enterprise," unquote. Among the changes is a class licensing regime for what are deemed to be lower-risk P&FM. The other significant change in the Bill is to extend the maximum validity period of licenses and permits issued under the Fire Safety Act from three years to five years.[+15 sentences] Sir, while it is clear how these changes will reduce the compliance burden for businesses, there is a need for the Ministry to assure the public that the regulation of P&FM remains robust. Let me first deal with the proposed class licensing regime. MHA has stated that the proposed regime will apply for a start to the storage of such materials at construction sites, petrol stations, certain laboratories and buildings storing diesel for emergency generators. There will be no need for such business to apply to be individually licensed. Instead a class license would apply to all eligible businesses. In addition, the class licences are not time-bound. We are given to understand that these businesses operating under the proposed class licence will still be subject to SCDF's routine inspections, audits and enforcement checks. On the proposed class licensing regime, I have three questions. First, could the Ministry elaborate on the definition used by SCDF to determine if a business activity involving P&FM is a lower risk one? Second, when it is said that the class licences would still be subject to SCDF's routine inspections, audits and enforcement checks, how rigorous is this? For example, would the inspections be conducted annually? What about the frequency of audits? Would they be regular, ad hoc or based on whistle-blowing or feedback? Sir, I note that in 2025, SCDF conducted 14,755 safety enforcement checks but is not clear which industries were involved and whether the checks were conducted routinely, randomly or in response to complaints. Sir, next, on the extension of licence and permit duration. Clause 26 of the Bill proposes to extend the validity period of licences or permits issued under the Fire Safety Act from three years to five years to reduce compliance costs for businesses.[+7 sentences] My fundamental question is: is there any potential safety compromise being made by this change? The licences and permits issued under Part 6 of the Act concern the control of P&FM. These licences and permits imposed requirements on the storage of such materials, how they are transported and dispensed and on the safeguarding of pipelines conveying such materials. In order to obtain such licences and permits, applicants need to provide the SCDF with detailed information, such as building plans, precise locations of containers or tanks storing such materials, means of ventilation and escape, type and location of all fire extinguishing equipment and fire safety measures, relevant pressure test reports – and a whole lot more. Sir, workplace conditions can drastically change over three years, let alone five years. Containers and tanks may be moved due to workplace exigencies, fire extinguishing equipment can lack maintenance, or malfunction. Means of escape may become obstructed. With the extension of the validity period of licenses and permits from three to five years, is the fire safety risk increased?[+10 sentences] Sir, to be fair, I understand that fire safety checks are not dependent on the licensing regime alone. There are requirements for other checks depending on the type of premises. For higher risk premises, SCDF may itself conduct yearly surveys and compulsory tests for emergency response teams. For other premises, there may be stepped down requirements, such as yearly inspections by qualified persons, professional engineers or fire safety managers. Could the Ministry elaborate on the concurrent requirements that it believes will mitigate the fire safety risk potentially caused by the extension of the validity period for licenses and permits? Sir, in the final section of my speech, I would like to highlight that there are other premises using flammable materials that require attention. What I am most concerned about are premises which members of the public frequent daily such as food establishments. Such establishments may not be required to obtain the licences and permits covered by the Bill because they are considered lower risk. Nevertheless, many of them such as coffee shops and food centres do contain flammable materials, such as gas used for cooking. Any lapses in fire safety could inflict devastating harms on many. Residents in my ward experienced this first-hand in May this year when a fire not only guttered the coffee shop itself but had distressing ramifications for residents living above it.[+13 sentences] Some were hospitalised for smoke inhalation, others had their homes damaged, common pipes melted and the water supply took several days to restore. Residents' lives were disrupted in one way or another for more than a month. Today, their claims for loss and damage are still being investigated by the insurer of the relevant coffee shop stallholder. Sir, that said, one important positive outcome was that in restoring the coffee shop back to business, it had to undergo a compulsory fire safety upgrade. The coffee shop was required to install a fire suppression system and in addition, liquefied petroleum gas isolation valves were installed at each individual stall. Sir, in order to understand more about how fire safety at coffee shops were safeguarded, I filed a Parliamentary Question in July. MHA replied that the fire code applied to such establishments, that SCDF did enforcement checks, both scheduled and unannounced, to complement HDB's annual checks. While this basic structure is there, there is a separate question as to whether the stallholders and assistants handling the flammable materials are trained in fire safety. In July, I asked another Parliamentary Question to the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) as to whether those who are applying for a cooked food stallholders' licence should also be required to be trained in fire safety before being licensed. The MSE's answer implied that there was no such requirement. Instead, the MSE stated that regular engagement and education on fire safety was done for stall operators in hawker centres. Sir, even for this type of outreach, it is not clear the extent to which stallholders operating in coffee shops or eating houses were included. The use of cooking gas can be hazardous. If a fire were to happen, how many of the personnel at the food establishments would know how to contain it? How many know that there are emergency shut-off valves, or snap valves to cut off gas supply and are trained to operate it? Do they know how to use fire extinguishers?[+4 sentences] An appropriate and timely first response could make a world of difference. Sir, let me conclude. As in all things, fire safety is only as strong as its link. In Singapore's densely populated urban environment, any fire incident has the potential to affect hundreds at a time in devastating ways. Even as this Bill seeks to ease the compliance burden on businesses, we must never lose our commitment to fire safety as a non-negotiable priority.
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Gerald Giam.
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song (Aljunied)931 words
[+3 sentences]Mr Speaker, like many Members of Parliament who serve in their respective Town Councils, I see that the daily practicalities of managing common spaces in housing estates in my role as Chairperson of Aljunied-Hougang Town Council. It is from this shared ground perspective that I welcome the Civil Defence Shelter and Fire Safety Bill 2026. This Bill introduces a range of vital updates to our Public Safety Framework. The establishment of strict liability for obstructing fire access ways and fire safety measures brings much needed clarity to statutory compliance, elevating standards for shelter products through mandatory certification and accredited laboratory testing ensures that emergency shelters retain their protected integrity when residents need them most.[+4 sentences] Furthermore, introducing a streamlined class licensing system for P&FM seeks to balance regulatory oversight with business efficiency. These reflect the forward-looking approach to fire safety regulation. It is precisely because this legislation provides such robust new mechanisms that we have available opportunity to refine how these provisions are operationalised on the ground. By aligning daily administrative processes with the new legal tools in this Bill, we can achieve even greater speed and effectiveness in keeping the common spaces in our estates safe. Currently, when a fire safety concern in an HDB flat is flagged, SCDF typically notifies the Town Council about the specific unit involved. However, under section 28 of the Fire Safety Act, if an issue remains outstanding past SCDF's strict three-day action window, sometimes due to practical ground difficulties, such as uncooperative residents or individuals who briefly remove clutter only to replace days later, SCDF may serve a formal Fire Hazard Abatement Notice to the Town Council.[+8 sentences] Under the current practice which I have observed, serving a statutory notice tends to result in a massive enforcement operation across the entire block with multiple units served abatement notices by the Town Council. These can create significant friction and disruption for residents across the whole block while introducing an administrative layer that actually delays taking swift targeted action on a specific unit causing the hazard. Because of this, using Town Councils as administrative intermediaries under section 28 is not always the most expeditious way to ensure fire hazards are removed. At the same time, there is a need to address another growing challenge on the ground – the operational tendency for fire safety enforcement to become complaint-driven. It is not uncommon for fire safety complaints submitted to SCDF to be weaponised as part of ongoing neighbour disputes. When this happens, both SCDF and Town Councils may end up expending substantial time and resources addressing localised disputes rather than focusing on genuine high-risk fire hazards. It is therefore important that enforcement against fire safety hazards is dictated primarily by objective risk, assessments and proactive checks, rather than complaints. This Bill provides SCDF with clear legal tools to move towards a far more direct objective and expeditious enforcement posture. Specifically, clause 12 replaces section 27 of the Fire Safety Act to make it an explicit statutory offence for any person to cause an obstruction to an escape route, or common property that renders escape in the event of a fire more difficult.[+6 sentences] Furthermore, clause 10 inserts sections establishing the obstructing access ways of fire safety measures is an offence. By removing the need to prove intense or prolonged negligence, the legislation provides SCDF with a clear direct path to engage an offender immediately. Clause 9 also amends section 21 to expand the powers of SEOs, providing the statutory foundation for SCDF personnel to operate directly on the ground. To maximise the efficiency of these new provisions, I seek clarification from the Senior Minister of State on four specific operational points. First, when SCDF officers independently identify a unit specific violation during their own estate checks, will SCDF issue direct advisories on notices to that specific occupier rather than only issuing a Fire Hazard Abatement Notice to the Town Council? Secondly, where individual fire safety hazard requires formal intervention due to persistent non-compliance, will the Ministry leverage clause 9 to deploy SCDF officers and SEOs to engage a specific unit directly so that the hazard is removed more expeditiously? Third, when SCDF issues an Fire Hazard Abatement Notice to a Town Council, can the notice specify the exact offending unit numbers rather than broadly citing the entire block which obliges Town Councils to execute blanket enforcement operations across the whole block?[+12 sentences] Fourth, in light of the strict liability provisions in clause 10, how will SCDF ensure that its enforcement priorities are guided by objective professional risk assessments of genuine hazards rather than being drawn into localised neighbour disputes? Mr Speaker, let me be clear. I fully accept and embrace Town Councils' statutory duty to maintain common property and enforce estate by laws. I am not seeking to pass off Town Councils' estate management responsibilities to SCDF. However, when it comes to fire safety enforcement, the focus should be on ensuring the expeditious removal of specific fire hazards. Residents recognise SCDF as the nation's premier fire safety authority. When SCDF officers engage residents directly on fire hazards, they carry an unquestioned institutional authority that will likely command faster compliance and resolve hazards at the source. The legal tools in this Bill allow us to build a more collaborative and efficient model. Town Councils will continue managing routine estate upkeep and resident education while SCDF exercises its direct legal powers to resolve specific fire safety infringements. This ensures accountability falls directly on the individual creating the hazard and most importantly keeps our estate safe. Sir, notwithstanding these points. I support the Bill.
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Mr David Hoe.
Mr David Hoe (Jurong East-Bukit Batok)2045 words
[+7 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, I support this Bill. Fire safety and civil defence preparedness is something that most of us hopefully never have to think too much about. But when an emergency happens, everything has to work. Our household shelters are also known as bomb shelters to our residents must work as it is intended. A fire engine must be able to reach the building. Firefighters must be able to get the equipment that they need and residents must be able to get out safely. We cannot wait until an emergency to discover that something is defective, block or no longer working properly. In 2025 alone, SCDF responded to 2,050 fire calls, more than half, or 1,051 of these calls were fires in residential premises. There were 94 injuries requiring hospital admissions and six fatalities.[+14 sentences] The past eight months have also featured a number of residential fires. Unfortunately, resulting in deaths that have been reported in the media. And this reinforces why stronger powers in this Bill matters. I have two main areas concerning residents that I would like to seek clarification on and a brief point on the new class of licensing regime. First, what happens to regulated shelter products, especially bomb shelter doors after they have been in our homes for many years? The Civil Defence Shelter Act has required households or storey shelters in new residential developments since the late 1990s. This means household shelters or bomb shelters in our home today, for some, could be nearly three decades old. Today, home owners are expected to maintain their shelters. For example, home owners should check whether the shelter door works properly and the parts are not rusting. But there is also existing product certification and surveillance regime. Under the SCDF requirement, household shelter products are subject to cyclic testing every three years whereas with the other aspects of water tightness, dimension quoting, rubber gasket tested annually. There is an important difference. Testing whether a product or model continues to meet the SCDF standards is one thing. Knowing whether the actual door that has been sitting in someone's home for 20 or 25 years is still in a good condition is another. That particular door may have deteriorated because of age, rust or wear and tear. So, my first question to the Senior Minister of State is do we have a proportionate way of making sure that this older shelter product remains serviceable over an entire lifespan?[+26 sentences] I am not suggesting mandatory inspection by SCDF for every bomb shelter for every few years. That would be excessive. Rather, perhaps there could be simple guidance for home owners on what to look out for, recommendations on when the older doors should be professionally checked by our targeted inspection if problems are found in a particular model or batch. Can the Senior Minister of State share whether something like this already exists or is it being considered? There is a second issue. Imagine a particular bomb shelter that has been properly certified that has been installed about 20 years ago. Years later, we discover that there is a defect affecting hundreds or thousands of these doors. SCDF's current requirement today uses serial labels to help to trace regulated sheltered products to their installation location. But does the traceability extend to older doors that was installed many years ago? I understand that the number of entities today that is providing this is small. But my question is – for those that were built 30 years ago, are we able to trace their installer? If a defect is discovered in an older model or batch, will SCDF be able to identify and notify all households quickly, including where the records may sit with our HDB developers and also other parties. And here comes a practical question that residents will naturally ask – who pays? If a home owner bought the flat in good faith and he or she did nothing to cause the defect, should he or she have to pay for inspection or replacement? This becomes even more important if the original supplier or installer is no longer around. We should avoid creating a situation where residents hesitate to report possible defects because they fear footing the cost of inspection or replacement. My view is quite simple. If a home owner neither has known nor prevented a systemic product defect, he or she should not unexpectedly be left to bear with the cost. I also note that the direction takes effect when an appeal is being considered. With such a direction as being issued to the home owner, the home owner will incur substantive rectification cost and if later succeeds in the appeal, how would he or she be able to deal with the cost that has been paid earlier? My second area for clarification is about keeping fire access and fire safety measures clear when they are needed. The Bill strengthens the law against obstruction of fire access and fire safety measures. It places duties on owners and occupiers, but it also applies to other persons who themselves cause fire hazards. Again, I support this principle, because if someone is blocking the firefighters from doing their job, we should deal with it. But from the perspective of the ordinary resident or business owner, it comes down to two very practical questions: number one, what exactly is considered as obstruction; and number two, what am I reasonably expected to do about it? Today, there are already some objective standards. SCDF currently advises that in residential common corridor should retain at least 1.2 metres of unobstructed escape passages.[+27 sentences] Shoe racks and foldable clothes racks may be permitted, subjected to this clearance, while staircase and the immediate landing should remain completely clear. The Fire Code similarly specifies the minimum width for fire engine access roads and accessways, depending on the type of buildings. Earlier in July, I asked a Parliamentary Question (PQ) on whether the fire code of 1.2 metres shopfront clearance should be aligned with the Building and Construction Authority's wider accessibility standards. The Minister explained that the two codes serve two different purposes and 1.2 metres remain sufficient for emergency evacuation. I accept that distinction, but my question is different today. If we are placing clearer legal responsibility on owners and occupiers, can we make applicable standards equally clear to them? This is because, for the everyday, ordinary residents, the question may be simply, can I put my shoe rack here or can I put my cupboard here? For the building operators, it is can the vehicle stop here for a few minutes? For a business, can the goods be stored beside this installation? I also note that when an owner or occupier actually cause such an obstruction, the Bill makes strict liability offence. That makes clarity about what is and is not permitted even more important. Could SCDF therefore translate these requirements into simple visual and scenario-based guidance? At the heart of it, the law may need to be technically broad, but compliance should be as simple as possible. When I previously raised a PQ about evacuation arrangement for seniors and residents with mobility impediments, the Minister highlighted the Fire Safety Kaki's initiative. SCDF and the National Fire and Emergency Preparedness Council and the Peoples' Association have also launched the Better Awareness Safe Homes (BASH) campaign, including a home fire safety checklist and community volunteers who help to identify fire hazards. Can such community channels, together with Town Councils and managing agents also be used to communicate everyday fire safety responsibilities? The other question is what is expected of the owner or occupier when somebody else created that obstruction? The phrase here is know or ought to know, but this goes beyond actual knowledge. Can the Senior Minister of State clarify how will SCDF apply this test? For example, will it depend on how obvious the long-standing obstruction is, whether previous notices have been given, or whether the person or the resident or someone professionally responsible for managing their premises? What constitutes as reasonable steps once a person becomes aware of the obstruction? That is particularly important because the person who create the obstruction may not always be the owner or occupier. A visitor or delivery driver might leave something temporary in the wrong place. A vehicle might be parked across an accessway, or an unknown resident might leave an object on a common property. In these circumstances, what is the responsibility of the owner or occupier's duty? What are the reasonable steps that he or she has to take that would be considered reasonable? For example, where removal is not within the owner or occupier's control, could reasonable steps include promptly reporting the obstruction, contacting the responsible person or managing agent, and arranging for removal within a reasonable period? In 2025, SCDF conducted 14,750 fire safety enforcement checks, issuing 2,668 fire hazard abatement notices and 1,209 notice of offences.[+5 sentences] So, when an obstruction is inadvertent, can readily be rectified and presents no immediate serious danger, will SCDF generally continue to emphasise on education and rectification first, including through fire hazard abatement notice where appropriate? And conversely, will stronger enforcement be focused on serious repeated willful failures to comply? I think that balance matters. The objective should not be to catch people out, but to make sure that when there is an emergency, firefighters can get in, residents can get out and equipment that is supposed to protect us actually works. Finally, I have a few questions on the new class licensing regime for P&FM. I support reducing unnecessary regulatory burden for activities that genuinely shows lower risk. I understand for a start that MHA has identified four categories of activities for class licensing.[+1 sentence] Could the Senior Minister of State share the risk assessment and the methodology used to determine these activities that are sufficiently lower risk to move away from individual licensing? [restates an earlier point]As mentioned, there were no fires reported involving these categories between 2020 and 2025 earlier.[+3 sentences] So, does the absence of the fire necessarily means that the activities are inherently lower risk, or could their good safety record also be at least in part because of the current licensing regime that has been effective in keeping operators compliant? If so, how has the SCDF satisfied itself by moving away from individual licensing that will inadvertently remove a safeguard that has contributed to good safety record? And this brings me to my second question. With class licensing, eligible premises will no longer go through the same periodic individual licence approval or renewal process with SCDF.[+3 sentences] I understand that inspections, audits and enforcement check will continue. Can the Senior Minister of State share how frequently class licence premises will be inspected or audited, and how SCDF will ensure that the level of safety of assurance continue to remain strong under the new regime? More broadly, how will we make sure that something assessed as lower risk today remains lower risk over time? For example, will SCDF monitor inspection findings, rates of non-compliance, near misses or actual incidents across each case, and are there thresholds or indicators that would prompt SCDF to review whether a particular class of licence should continue unchanged? The Bill provides the ability to vary and revoke a class licence, as well as disapply to a particular operator. Could the Senior Minister of State share what would trigger these actions?[+2 sentences] Finally, where class licence premises is found to be non-compliant, what enforcement actions will SCDF take? In particular, when would SCDF require ratification, impose stronger conditions, display their class licence so that the particular operator ought to take more serious enforcement action? Reducing unnecessary administrative burdens makes sense, but lighter touch regulation must give us the same confidence as the underlying safety outcomes.[+4 sentences] Mr Speaker, most of us hopefully will never have to rely on a bomb shelter or many of these fire safety systems but when we do, they must work. For me, this means making sure that our older equipment remains serviceable, making fire safety responsibility clear and practical, and making sure lighter touch regulation remains justified as circumstances change. Fire safety cannot be something that we set once and assume that it will remain fine forever. I support this Bill.
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Fadli Fawzi.
Mr Fadli Fawzi (Aljunied)468 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Speaker, the current Civil Defence Shelter Act sets out that owners and occupants must not carry out or permit another person to carry out any repair or alteration or anything else which is likely to damage or otherwise impair the efficient use of the household or storey shelter as such. One significant effect of the current Bill is to amend the Civil Defence Shelter Act and grant the Commissioner of civil defence with enhanced powers so that SCDF can better exercise its regulatory oversight over shelter products.[+2 sentences] Presently, SCDF lacks the power to directly deal with the suppliers, manufacturers and installers who create, sell or install non-compliant shelter products. However, when this Bill passes, the Commissioner can now act against these parties by issuing a section 4H direction. According to the Bill, the Commissioner can issue a section 4H direction if he or she has reasonable grounds to believe that (a) the direction is necessary for public safety; and (b) the shelter product is either non-compliant or was installed in a manner that impairs or is likely to impair the safe and efficient use of the shelter. As the Senior Minister of State explained, the new section 4H directions cover an existing enforcement gap.[+1 sentence] This is all well and good. However, I also note that a 4 August 2026 CNA report stated that SCDF has not identified any cases of non-compliant shelter products.[+6 sentences] This is something that the Senior Minister of State also confirmed earlier. Hence, could the Senior Minister of State offer some examples of specific regulated shelter products that are meant to be covered under the Bill, other than fire-rated shelter doors? It would also be helpful if the Senior Minister of State could clarify whether there is anything in the market which is prompting the SCDF's concerns about shelter products and motivating the Bill. Furthermore, Mr Speaker, while we are on the topic of bomb shelters, please permit me to ask three questions about how flat owners or occupants can put their HDB household shelters to use. First, can the Government clarify whether such HDB household shelters are suitable for long-term human occupancy in non-emergency situations? Second, is SCDF of the view that the installation of fixtures to support long-term human occupancy in HDB household shelters, such as a loft bed, meets the statutory requirement of not being an alteration, which is likely to damage or otherwise impair the efficient use of the household or storage shelter, as such? Third, can SCDF also confirm that the installation of a wall-mounted air-conditioning, or a wall-mounted fan would be prohibited if they are fixed using power-driven nails onto the internal walls of the household shelter, and that this applies to both HDB and non-HDB household shelters?[+1 sentence] Mr Speaker, my clarifications not withstanding, I support the Bill.
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Saktinadi Supaat.
Mr Saktiandi Supaat (Bishan-Toa Payoh)2518 words
[+5 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the Civil Defence Shelter and Fire Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill. At first glance, this may appear to be a fairly technical Bill, covering shelter products, fire safety measures, accessways, licensing for P&FM and enforcement powers. But behind these provisions lie a very simple and important principle. When an emergency happens, the systems that we have put in place to protect lives must work and they must work immediately. This is something that became very real for me last year. In 2025, a major fire broke out at a residential block along Lorong 8 Toa Payoh in my constituency.[+16 sentences] I was on the ground in the aftermath, speaking with affected residents and seeing first-hand the anxiety and disruption that a serious residential fire can cause, not only for the families directly affected, but also for their neighbours and the wider community. One thing that struck me from that experience was how quickly a fire becomes much more than an incident affecting one household. Residents may have to leave their homes, elderly residents may require assistance, families worry about when they can return and neighbours understandably ask whether their own homes are safe. In those moments, residents do not distinguish between the different components of our fire-safety system. They simply expect the system to work: equipment to function, access routes to be clear, building systems to perform as intended and our emergency responders to be able to reach them quickly. That is why resilience has to be built into the entire chain before an emergency happens. I also saw the demanding conditions under which our SCDF officers operate. When a serious fire occurs in a high-rise residential environment, every part of our fire-safety ecosystem matters, from access and equipment, to building systems, maintenance, preparedness and the ability of our emergency responders to act quickly. That experience reinforced something which is easy to overlook when we discuss legislation, such as this. So, fire safety is ultimately about the last mile. It is not enough for safety requirements to exist on paper. What matters is whether our buildings, equipment, accessways and safety systems are properly maintained and ready to perform when an emergency actually occurs. It also reminded me that fire safety is not only about hardware. There is a human element, whether residents know what to do, whether evacuation routes are kept clear, whether those who may need additional assistance can be helped, and whether building managers and residents are prepared before an emergency happens. It is from this perspective that I support the thrust of the Bill, and I have several points for clarification. First, keeping fire access and safety measures effective. The Bill strengthens the provisions dealing with obstruction of fire-engine access roads and accessways, as well as interference with fire-safety measures.[+11 sentences] Owners and occupiers will have responsibilities not only where they themselves cause an obstruction or interference, but also, in certain circumstances, to take reasonable steps where they know or ought to know that a problem exists. Some of these offences operate on a strict-liability basis. I support the objective. In an emergency, an accessway that is obstructed or a safety installation that cannot function properly can impede the work of our emergency responders when time is critical. However, I would appreciate the Minister's clarification on how responsibility will be determined in more complex situations. In an HDB estate, condominium, commercial development or mixed-use building, responsibility for a particular space or safety measure may involve different parties – an owner, occupier, Management Corporation Strata Title (MCST), managing agent, tenant or contractor. Where there is shared responsibility, how will SCDF determine who is accountable? And particularly where strict liability applies, will SCDF provide practical guidance on what constitutes the "reasonable steps" expected of owners and occupiers? Strong enforcement should be accompanied by clear expectations, so that people who genuinely want to comply know what they need to do. Second, can technology help us move from periodic maintenance towards more continuous assurance? This is an area where I believe there is considerable potential. For high-rise residential buildings in particular, could SCDF, together with HDB, Town Councils and the relevant agencies, explore the wider use of smart sensors, Internet-of-Things monitoring and other technologies to continuously monitor the operational status of critical fire-safety equipment?[+5 sentences] Where technically feasible, such systems could provide early warning when equipment is showing signs of deterioration or malfunction, rather than relying only on a fault being discovered during the next scheduled inspection. Over time, we should consider whether appropriate critical systems can move towards predictive maintenance, identifying problems before they become failures. I recognise that this will have cost and implementation implications, particularly for older buildings. So, perhaps this can be risk-based, prioritising older equipment, higher-risk buildings or systems where the consequences of failure are greatest. Could particular attention, for example, be given to older high-rise HDB blocks with more constrained evacuation routes or with one stairwell? Relatedly, could we consider whether older critical fire-safety equipment should be subject to more regular operational testing or drills as it ages, and whether there should be clearer triggers for accelerated replacement where equipment repeatedly develops faults or is approaching the end of its reliable service life?[+6 sentences] The objective is not technology for technology's sake. It is to give building managers and the authorities greater assurance that when critical equipment is needed, it will actually work. There is a broader principle here. Across many industries, maintenance is increasingly moving from fixed schedules towards condition-based and predictive maintenance. Instead of asking only whether equipment was inspected six months ago, technology can increasingly help us ask a more useful question: what is its condition today? Fire safety should progressively benefit from the same approach. Not every piece of equipment needs a sensor and the economics may not make sense everywhere. But for critical systems where failure could have serious consequences, SCDF could consider pilots with HDB and Town Councils, particularly in older or higher-risk buildings, and assess the costs, reliability and actual safety benefits before wider deployment.[+7 sentences] The aim is simple: detect deterioration before failure, rather than discover failure when the equipment is most needed. There is one further dimension we should not overlook: the preparedness of residents themselves. We can have good equipment, strong regulations and effective enforcement, but residents also need to know what to do when an emergency occurs. This is particularly important in older estates, where there may be more elderly residents, including some who live alone or have mobility difficulties. Alongside improvements in hardware, I hope SCDF can continue working with Town Councils, grassroots organisations and community partners on practical preparedness: evacuation procedures, keeping escape routes clear and identifying residents who may require additional assistance. Technology can strengthen our systems, but community preparedness remains an important part of resilience. Third, protecting residents without placing unreasonable burdens on them. The Bill introduces a regulatory framework for "regulated shelter products" used in household and storey shelters. These products will be subject to applicable standards and certification requirements, including COCs.[+19 sentences] There are also offences dealing with false test reports, improper certification, false representations and the supply or installation of non-compliant products. This is important. If a shelter is intended to protect residents during an emergency, residents should be able to trust that the components installed in it meet the required standards. But I would like to look at this from the perspective of an ordinary home owner. Most residents are not engineers or fire-safety experts. If a home owner engages a contractor and is told that a particular shelter product is approved and compliant, the home owner will naturally rely, to some extent, on the expertise and representations of that contractor. So, could the Senior Minister of State clarify what reasonable due diligence is expected of an ordinary home owner? And could SCDF consider making compliance as straightforward as possible, for example, through a simple online registry or digital verification mechanism that allows a resident to check whether a product or certification is valid? The principle should be straightforward: we should come down firmly on manufacturers, suppliers, certifiers or installers who knowingly compromise safety, while ensuring that residents who have acted reasonably and in good faith are not inadvertently caught out. Fourth, supporting the shelter product industry to adapt and transition. I would also like to say a few words about the impact of these amendments on the businesses and individuals who operate in this space. The Bill introduces new offences and enforcement powers. These are necessary. But they also represent a significant change in the regulatory environment for manufacturers, suppliers and installers. As these amendments come into force, I would encourage SCDF, if possible, to work closely with the industry to ensure that the transition is well-supported. This means clear and accessible guidance on what the new requirements entail, what constitutes compliance and what businesses should do if they are uncertain. It also means giving businesses sufficient lead time to adjust their processes, supply chains and documentation practices before enforcement begins in earnest. For the shelter products sector in particular, the new COC requirements will place greater demands on suppliers. Given that the sector is relatively small and concentrated, it should be possible for SCDF to engage each of them directly and ensure that they are well-prepared. I am heartened that the Senior Minister of State mentioned that SCDF had previously consulted the industry in 2024 on these changes. But I would also like to ask the Senior Minister of State to consider: first, as the regulatory framework matures and the approved supplier list potentially expands, how would SCDF ensure that new entrants to the market are adequately supported to meet the required standards from the outset, rather than discovering gaps only after a product has been supplied or installed?[+17 sentences] There is an important regulatory principle here as well. Particularly when a new regime is introduced, we should distinguish between businesses that deliberately circumvent safety requirements and businesses that are genuinely trying to comply, but need time and guidance to understand a new framework. The former should rightly face firm enforcement. But for the latter, especially during the transition, regulatory engagement and education may sometimes achieve better outcomes than enforcement alone. Ultimately, our objective is not to maximise the number of enforcement actions. It is to maximise compliance and through that, improve safety. If suppliers understand what is required and non-compliant products can be identified before they reach consumers, the regulatory system has succeeded before enforcement becomes necessary. Good regulation should not only deter non-compliance. It should also make compliance straightforward for those who genuinely want to do the right thing. I hope SCDF will approach implementation with that principle in mind. Fifth, strong enforcement powers must remain proportionate. The Bill gives the Commissioner significant powers in relation to non-compliant shelter products, including directions for removal and rectification. Where there is non-compliance with a direction, there are powers to enter premises. And where there are reasonable grounds to believe that a non-compliant shelter product poses an imminent danger affecting public safety, the Bill provides for entry without a warrant in specified circumstances. I can understand the need for this. But if there is an imminent danger to residents or the public, authorities must be able to intervene quickly. But entry into someone's home is also a significant exercise of state power. Could the Senior Minister of State therefore elaborate on how the threshold of "imminent danger affecting public safety" will be applied in practice and what safeguards and internal authorisations will govern the use of such powers?[+8 sentences] This is not an argument against strong powers. It is about ensuring that strong powers are accompanied by appropriate safeguards and exercised proportionately. Sixth, risk-based regulation for businesses. I also welcome the introduction of class licensing for certain regulated activities involving P&FM. The Bill allows specified persons or classes of persons to undertake regulated activities under a class licence, subject to prescribed conditions, rather than requiring every operator to obtain an individual licence. This is a sensible direction. Good regulation should focus regulatory resources where the risks are greatest. Where risks are standardised and well understood, we should avoid imposing administrative requirements simply because that has historically been the way regulation was structured. Could the Senior Minister of State share what risk criteria will determine whether an activity is suitable for class licensing and how SCDF will continue to monitor compliance?[+7 sentences] It would also be useful to know whether the Ministry expects the change to generate meaningful savings in compliance costs or processing time for businesses. If we can maintain the same or indeed, a higher level of public safety while reducing unnecessary regulatory friction, that is a good regulatory outcome. And finally, Mr Speaker, strengthening controls over the transport of hazardous materials. The Bill strengthens SCDF's powers over vehicles transporting P&FM. These include powers to stop and inspect vehicles, examine documents and where necessary, direct vehicles to suitable locations. SCDF may also specify routes or escort vehicles. These are significant powers, but the potential consequences of an incident involving hazardous materials on our roads can also be significant. Could the Senior Minister of State elaborate on how such interventions will be coordinated operationally with other agencies, where necessary, particularly where a vehicle has to be stopped, diverted or escorted on a busy road?[+13 sentences] And looking ahead, I hope we will continue to explore how technology and data can strengthen this regime, whether through digital permits, better information-sharing or more risk-based monitoring of higher-risk movements. Mr Speaker, let me return to where I started. My experience with the Lorong 8 Toa Payoh fire reinforced for me that fire safety is ultimately tested not in our regulations but in an emergency, at the last mile, when residents and our emergency responders depend on every part of the system working as intended. Indeed, we can think of fire safety as a chain. We need the right standards, credible testing and certification, proper installation, regular maintenance and testing, clear accountability, effective enforcement and ultimately, the ability to respond quickly and effectively when an emergency occurs. A weakness at any point can compromise the effectiveness of the entire system. And increasingly, technology should allow us to strengthen that chain, moving where appropriate, from periodic checks towards earlier detection, remote monitoring and predictive maintenance and save lives. At the same time, technology cannot replace preparedness. We should continue regular drills, public education and targeted outreach, particularly for older estates and residents who may need more assistance during an emergency. The test of our fire-safety regime is therefore not simply whether we have the right regulations, or whether the required systems have been installed. The real test is whether the entire safety ecosystem works effectively on the day it is needed. The Bill strengthens that ecosystem. My questions are principally about its implementation, ensuring clarity for residents and businesses, supporting industry through the transition, proportionality in enforcement, clearly assigned responsibility and making greater use of technology to identify risks before they become failures. With these clarifications, Sir, I support the Bill.
Mr Speaker49 words
[+5 sentences]Order. I propose to take a break now. I suspend the Sitting and will take the Chair at 3.40 pm. Sitting accordingly suspended at 3.18 pm until 3.40 pm. Sitting resumed at 3.40 pm.
Mr Deputy Speaker7 words
[+1 sentence]Senior Minister of State Goh Pei Ming.
Mr Goh Pei Ming4572 words
[+9 sentences]Mr Deputy Speaker, I thank Members who have spoken and for expressing their support for the Bill. I will first address Members' queries on the regulation of civil defence shelter products, followed by their queries on the amendments related to the Fire Safety Act. I will then briefly address Members' other suggestions. I will begin with the queries relating to shelter products, such as the shelter door of a household shelter. Mr Gabriel Lam asked why a stronger regime is needed now, given the industry's high level of compliance, and the answer lies in the nature of civil defence preparedness. We cannot wait for shelters to be compromised before we put in place the powers to act against errant parties. So, SCDF continually reviews its regulatory toolkit to ensure it remains fit-for-purpose. Arising from these reviews, we are taking the opportunity to close a gap that exists in law, and give SCDF the tools to respond decisively if and when the need arises. Mr Fadli Fawzi asked what shelter products will be covered under the new powers. For now, SCDF will regulate only shelter doors as they are a critical component to structural integrity and effectiveness of the shelter.[+18 sentences] Mr Fadli also asked whether shelters can be used for long-term occupancy. There is no ban today against such use, but the shelter must still be kept useable for emergencies so there can be no permanent fixtures in the shelter. There were also several questions on whether home owners can conduct works, such as drilling in their shelters, without compromising their effectiveness. SCDF has published guidelines on works that are allowed and not allowed. This can be found on their website, but the key point is that works should not compromise the structural integrity of the shelter. Mr David Hoe also asked whether there is a practicable way of looking after the older shelter products over their entire lifespan. SCDF's approach focuses on ensuring compliance at the point of supply and installation. Suppliers of shelter doors are subjected to a robust testing and inspection regime which provides the quality assurance that the doors are durable in the first instance. Also, at the point of commissioning of new doors, on-site inspections are made to ensure that they are installed according to the required technical standards. Taken together, these ensure that shelters are structurally sound and effective over the life of the building in which they are installed. That is why it is important for these laws to be in place, and SCDF properly empowered to test products and take various actions against errant companies throughout the supply chain. The intent of the regime is not to require home owners to undertake elaborate maintenance. If home owners are so inclined, they can take simple preventive maintenance steps, such as lubricating the moving parts, cleaning the rubber seals and operating the shelter door periodically to make sure it works smoothly. Information on the maintenance of household shelters can be found on the SCDF website. Second, Mr David Hoe asked whether there are sufficient records to trace the affected households and to inform them, should a defective shelter product be discovered subsequently. The short answer is yes, they can. This is because the certification body maintains key records, such as the identity of COC holders and records of serial labels issued. Should any systemic defect in shelter products be detected, SCDF can work with the relevant agencies and certification body to locate the affected doors and to make rectifications. Third, on who will bear the cost of inspection or replacement of a defective shelter product if the home owner had bought the flat in good faith.[+1 sentence] Mr Hoe has articulated the right principle. It is also the same principle that guides SCDF's approach, which is to direct the responsible party in the supply chain, whether the certification body, supplier, installer or building owner, to bear the costs of testing and rectification.[+2 sentences] If the person to whom the direction is issued refuses or fails to comply, SCDF may carry out the work and recover costs from that party. This is consistent with SCDF's approach in a previous case involving non-compliant fire-rated doors, where the responsible certification body was directed to bear the costs. The Bill also provides important statutory protection for innocent home owners under the new section 4F.[+5 sentences] If the home owner has purchased a certified product from a supplier, they should not be liable or responsible if there are subsequent issues with the product. This is only fair because home owners are generally not involved in the supply chain and should not be penalised as a result of errant parties in the supply chain. On Mr Hoe's specific concern about where the original supplier has ceased operating, SCDF will address such situations on a case-by-case basis. This can include working with others in the supply chain, such as the building owner or developer, to do the necessary rectification. As I mentioned earlier, with the existing testing and inspection regimes for new shelter products, it is unlikely that there is a widespread issue with products in circulation through the years. In fact, I would also like to remind Members that we have not come across any cases of non-compliant products to date.[+10 sentences] Suppliers of these products have thus far been compliant. They are also established in the market, all of our suppliers have been around for at least a decade and some of them have been supplying shelter doors for more than two decades. Nevertheless, we have made these amendments to ensure SCDF has the necessary powers, so that we can move swiftly if any non-compliance is ever detected. Mr Saktiandi asked what reasonable due diligence is expected of an ordinary home owner. SCDF does not expect home owners to independently test or certify shelter products. Every approved shelter door bears a tamper-proof serial label with a unique serial number. The serial label is located on the vertical ledge of the door leaf on the hinge side and serves as proof that the shelter door has a valid COC and therefore is compliant. Home owners can verify the serial number against the certification body’s online COC and serial label directory should they have reason to believe that the shelter product is not compliant. Mr Saktiandi and Mr Muhaimin also asked about SCDF's powers of entry, how the threshold of "imminent danger affecting public safety" will be applied and what safeguards govern entry without notice or warrant. Let me stress that these powers are intended to be a measure of last resort. Wherever possible, SCDF will give the owner or occupier at least 24 hours' notice, or obtain a Magistrate's warrant.[+1 sentence] I agree with suggestions that there be clear understanding where SCDF enters without notice or warrant. The threshold will be very high such as where there is a real immediate risk of harm to persons.[+15 sentences] So, these powers will be extremely rarely used. For existing fire safety powers which are similar, they have not been exercised at least in the last three years. On safeguards, I mentioned earlier that entry under these circumstances requires the Commissioner’s expressed authorisation. When this power is invoked, the officers will present their identification and the necessary documents to the owner or occupier. Mr Saktiandi asked how SCDF will support businesses and operators as they adapt to the new regulatory requirements. I want to assure the Member that SCDF will not simply legislate and step back. SCDF's earlier consultation with the industry in 2024 is a reflection of the constructive relationship that SCDF has built with the sector. As these amendments come into force, SCDF will engage the relevant industry stakeholders directly to ensure they understand what is expected of them and will provide clear guidance on the new requirements. Given that there are currently only five approved shelter door suppliers, the sector is small and SCDF is well-placed to work with each of them individually. For new entrants to the market, SCDF will ensure that the requirements and the pathway to compliance are clearly communicated to them from the outset. This will make compliance clear for those who genuinely want to comply with the requirements. I will now address queries related to the Fire Safety Act amendments to the Bill. Ms Lee, Ms Lim, Mr Hoe and Mr Saktiandi asked if we could provide the criteria that companies must meet before they can operate under a class licence, and how SCDF will ensure compliance of such entities in a consistent and prompt manner. As mentioned in my Second Reading speech earlier, we have identified the four categories of storage premises for the class-licensing regime. These categories are selected based on their lower inherent risk characteristics, such as controlled storage and dispensing settings, and comparatively lower risk of fire spread. [restates an earlier point]As I mentioned earlier, SCDF has studied the risks professionally, and satisfied itself that this is a safe move as there have not been any reported fires originating from P&FM storage at these premises between 2020 and 2025. In fact, the extent of regulatory compliance in these four categories is strong. There were only two cases of non-compliance from the more than 500 premises in these four categories, and the two cases were due to administrative oversight – paperwork.[+18 sentences] We take a data-centric approach and consider this class licensing regime a reasonable move. All premises that fall within these four categories are eligible for class licensing, so long as they provide details, such as the storage location, types and quantities of P&FM stored as part of the one-time online registration to SCDF. SCDF is open to explore expanding the class licensing regime in the future. Ms Lee and Mr Hoe also asked about the anticipated scope and frequency of inspections and audits. First, let me emphasise that doing away with the need for regular licence renewal does not mean doing away with the inspections. Even after the class licensing regime is implemented, SCDF will continue to conduct regular inspections of class-licensed P&FM storage premises to ensure they continue to store P&FM safely. SCDF takes a risk-based approach in deciding which premises to audit, taking into account factors such as past compliance records, inspection history and data from similar premises and past fire incidents, among other considerations. SCDF will also conduct ad hoc inspections if it receives feedback about potential fire safety violations or breaches of licensing conditions involving these premises. To ensure transparency, the class licensing conditions for P&FM storage will be set out in subsidiary legislation under the Fire Safety Act. SCDF will also engage class licensees on a regular basis to remind them of their licensing obligations. If a class-licensed premises is non-compliant with licensing conditions or violates the Fire Safety Act, SCDF may revoke the class licence. The company will need to submit a rectification plan to SCDF, which must address all the instances of non-compliance. SCDF will then follow up with an on-site inspection to ensure that all non-compliances are rectified before the company is allowed to re-register for the class licence. We will consider past infringements and the severity of the non-compliance, when considering any re-registration, and in the worst case scenarios, class licensing may be refused. Ms Lim sought clarity on the industries and nature of SCDF's enforcement checks. These inspections include both proactive inspections and those in response to public feedback. These numbers include the range of premises which SCDF inspects, from commercial to industrial to residential buildings. Mr Saktiandi asked about savings for businesses arising from the class licensing regime. Based on SCDF's estimates, eligible premises can collectively expect to save approximately $300,000 in licensing fees annually as well as about 330 man-hours annually through the one-time registration process and removal of recurring licence renewal requirements.[+6 sentences] That said, I want to make clear that our primary motivation for implementing the class licensing regime is not cost savings or manpower savings alone. Rather, it is a sensible licensing approach for the storage of P&FM at low-risk premises and allows for scarce SCDF resources to be freed up for more urgent and important areas. This also reduces the regulatory burden on businesses. Ms Lim asked about the measures in place to ensure that the increase in licence validity from three to five years would not increase fire risk. I assure the Member that a longer licence validity does not mean less oversight. SCDF will continue to do enforcement checks and take enforcement actions against any party that breaches the Fire Safety Act or its licensing conditions. Where a licence has been revoked due to non-compliance, SCDF will reduce the validity of any subsequent licence issued to the same business to one year for the next two licensing cycles.[+18 sentences] At this juncture, allow me to reiterate that none of these amendments signify a relaxation of inspection or enforcement. It is very much in SCDF's interest to ensure that our regulations are robust, and that our resources are efficiently deployed in a way that keeps systems fully operational and practicable in an emergency. After all, when an incident occurs, our first responders are the ones who step forward to deal with the situation on the ground. SCDF therefore has every incentive to make sure that they are properly supported and equipped to carry out their duties effectively. I will take this opportunity in the House to acknowledge the hard and selfless work our SCDF servicemen put in every day to keep our homes, communities and people safe. Mr Saktiandi asked how SCDF would operationalise the new powers for transport-related P&FM compliance checks and how SCDF coordinates with other agencies when a vehicle transporting P&FM must be stopped, diverted or redirected. I want to assure the Member that SCDF has existing protocols for such inter-agency collaboration. While I am not able to go into specific details for operational reasons, these protocols cover scenarios whereby a P&FM transport operator is detained for non-compliance or directed off a busy arterial road to a safe location for further inspections. In such cases, SCDF will coordinate with the relevant authorities to manage traffic and road safety. I also want to assure the Member that SCDF will continue to explore technological solutions to make transport-related compliance checks more effective and efficient. Mr Lam asked how SCDF will train and supervise SEOs to ensure their exercised powers are consistent, and what avenue an operator has if he believes that a direction has been wrongly issued. I assure the Member that SCDF will conduct training for the SEOs to equip them with the relevant knowledge and skills required for their role. This will be followed by on-the-job training. SCDF will conduct regular assessments on SEOs' performance throughout the on-the-job training period and arrange for refresher training if required. If a transport operator believes that a direction has been wrongly issued, he can write in to SCDF and SCDF will investigate the grievance. Mr Low expressed concerns that the employee, such as drivers, may be held accountable for non-compliances. SCDF will look at the non-compliance holistically and hold the right party accountable. This is how SCDF works today and the Bill does not change that. Mr Giam had requested to widen the SEO's scope so they can be deployed to engage persistent non-compliant units directly rather than relying on Town Council for item removals. I want to stress that the removal of items from common areas is under the ambit of Town Councils and this is not within the scope of the SEO's responsibilities.[+6 sentences] In fact, we had intentionally scoped the responsibilities of SEOs tightly in this Bill. We do not intend for SCDF to take over roles under the Town Council as doing so would burden SCDF further when their resources and expertise is best spent in other higher risk and more pressing areas. Mr Giam has also made other suggestions about the issuance of notices and advisories. That too is beyond the scope of the Bill, and I would like to reiterate that these matters come under the ambit of the Town Councils as the premises owners as well. Mr David Hoe and Mr Saktiandi asked how different parties responsible for a building or premises can be made aware of their fire safety obligations. This is precisely the spirit of our amendments today. One of the main objectives of clauses 6, 10, 11 and 12 is to make clear that fire safety measures which are located outside the building or on the exterior of the building must be kept unobstructed and in working order.[+21 sentences] The Bill also clearly specifies the parties responsible for keeping these fire safety measures in working condition, and ensures responsible persons and parties understand the standards of compliance. I thank Mr Hoe for his suggestion to develop simple visuals and scenario-based guidance on what constitutes obstruction of fire safety measures so that all owners and occupiers are aware of their responsibilities. Public education on the responsibilities and obligations under the Fire Safety Act is indeed critical to ensuring compliance on the ground. SCDF is already working with community partners and stakeholders including Town Councils, MCSTs and community groups to strengthen public education and outreach on fire safety, and we will continue to do so. Moving forward, SCDF will incorporate into its public education content on the importance of keeping fire engine accessways and access roads unobstructed. Mr Saktiandi asked how responsibility would be determined in complex situations involving different parties such as an individual owner or occupier, MCST, managing agent or contractor. Similarly, Mr Hoe asked how SCDF would reasonably determine whether an owner or occupier "knows or ought to know" about the fire hazard and what constitutes "reasonable steps" for owners and occupiers when fire engine accessways and access roads are found to be obstructed. The question of "reasonable steps" has also been raised by Mr Lam. Let me address each query in turn. I think we can all appreciate that owners and occupiers are best positioned to be primarily responsible for the upkeep of fire safety measures installed in their premises and the amendments give effect to this. In the case of common areas within residential developments, this would typically be the Town Council or the MCST. However, in complex situations involving multiple parties, SCDF will assess the evidence and circumstances of each case to determine accountability. This will include reviewing each party's acts or omissions, knowledge, responsibilities and the steps reasonably available to that party. Relevant records, such as tenancy agreements and approved plans may also be used to establish the relevant facts. Whether a person knew, or reasonably ought to have known, about an obstruction and whether reasonable steps were taken, will depend on the facts and circumstances of each case. I want to assure the House that SCDF will not assign responsibility and culpability lightly. Liability does not arise solely because a person is an owner or occupier. In this regard, Mr Hoe asked whether SCDF would consider the conspicuity and duration of an obstruction as well as the owner or occupier's subjective particular circumstances and capabilities. The answer is yes. Where an owner or occupier of common areas can demonstrate that reasonable and proactive steps have been taken to keep fire safety measures clear and in proper working order, but the obstruction arises from the acts of recalcitrant individual residents or third parties, SCDF will take these factors into account and apply enforcement action in an appropriate, fair and proportionate and manner. This brings me to the final point from Mr Hoe on the proportionality of SCDF's enforcement actions. SCDF already adopts a calibrated and graduated approach to enforcement against fire safety breaches. Abatement Notices are generally issued for minor cases of non-compliance, while composition fines may be imposed for more severe non-compliances or repeated breaches. Prosecution may be considered for egregious breaches or where the responsible party fails to rectify the fire safety non-compliances.[+8 sentences] Where prosecution is pursued, SCDF will have to prove its case before the courts. SCDF will continue to apply its enforcement powers proportionately, having regard to the facts and circumstances of each case. Mr Giam asked SCDF to establish clear guidelines to ensure enforcement is not driven by localised disputes. The Bill clarifies the responsibilities of the different parties. I want to assure the Member that SCDF will remain focused on its duties. Again, it is the Town Council's responsibility to ensure common areas are free from obstruction. Allow me now to briefly address several points raised by Members that go beyond the specific amendments in this Bill. On Ms Lee's suggestion that SCDF leverages AI to augment its enforcement efforts, SCDF is already doing so. For example, SCDF, and Home Team Science and Technology Agency have developed the Targeted On-Site Inspection Tool, which uses an AI-driven predictive model that draws data from various sources, such as building information, inspection and enforcement records to identify premises with a higher likelihood of fire safety violations, and generates a score for each premises.[+14 sentences] This allows SCDF to prioritise its limited manpower resources to focus on problematic premises to reduce the number of fire safety offences over time. SCDF will continue to assess how AI can support its work and I thank Ms Lee for her suggestion of a regulatory technology sandbox that brings together SCDF, industry, technology providers and researchers to test new tools in a controlled environment. SCDF will consider this suggestion as it continues to develop its technology roadmap. Mr Saktiandi suggested using smart sensors, remote monitoring and predictive indicators to strengthen assurance over critical fire safety systems. Indeed, these could be useful tools that can be used to ensure fire safety systems are in good working condition. Building owners and occupiers, working with their managing agents, ultimately make the call on whether to adopt such systems, but SCDF also keeps abreast of industry developments and shares best practices with industry. Together with relevant agencies, such as the Building and Construction Authority, and HDB, SCDF will continue to review how these technological solutions could be better adopted and share these findings at appropriate platforms. We strongly encourage building owners and occupiers to consider such technologies. Mr Saktiandi also suggested for such systems to be trialled for older critical fire-safety equipment to identify problems early before they fail. We welcome this suggestion and will explore the appropriate applications. As the Member has rightly pointed out, enhancing maintenance and inspection regimes can result in costs. There is, therefore, a need to take a balanced approach between risk mitigation, practicality and cost. That said, I want to be clear that all buildings in Singapore are built in accordance with the applicable Fire Code at that point in time. While the Fire Code is regularly reviewed, the introduction of newer Fire Code requirements does not mean that older buildings are unsafe or built to inadequate standards. Where necessary, the Government has required retroactive upgrades to older blocks with critical requirements, such as dry risers and exit staircases.[+4 sentences] Ms Lee also suggested a risk-based lifecycle framework for facilities which have been operational for 30 to 40 years. I can understand where the Member is coming from. SCDF adopts a risk-based approach in our regulation of P&FM facilities. This approach takes into account factors such as the type and quantity of P&FM stored and the licensee's compliance history. For example, higher risk premises, such as oil refineries are required to meet more stringent licensing requirements, which includes regular audits, inspections and testing requirements.[+13 sentences] SCDF does not vary these requirements by the age of the facility. P&FM facilities contain dangerous and volatile substances and we cannot assume younger facilities are safer by default. In the context of facilities, such as oil refineries, this could lead to disastrous consequences. I thank Ms Lim for her suggestion to enhance basic fire safety and include this in the syllabus for licensing as a cooked food stallholder. As part of community outreach, SCDF partners NEA, and the National Fire and Emergency Preparedness Council to regularly engage and educate stall operators on how to prevent and respond to fire emergencies. I thank Mr Low for his suggestions regarding general fire safety. That too, is beyond the scope of the Bill today though. Members are right to be concerned about the recent spate of residential fires. Every fire, of course, is one too many. Each fire is a stark reminder of the real human cost behind the statistics, and of the trauma, disruption and destruction that such incidents bring. The SCDF does not take these incidents lightly and studies them carefully to understand what happened and what lessons we can learn when it comes to improving our fire safety framework. While Mr Andre Low's point on regulating the types of locks in our homes is also not under the purview of this Bill, let me make a few comments about locks. We maintain the view that residents are most familiar with their own homes and should be given the discretion to choose the security arrangements that best suit their needs. Under the HIP, there are two options – a double-cylinder lock and a thumb-turn lock.[+12 sentences] Both locks are safe. HDB will explain the differences between these lock types during the HIP process, including how thumb-turn locks can facilitate quicker evacuation during emergencies. Some seniors may also come to their conclusion that what is best to them for the last 50 years of staying in the same apartment, is the safest arrangement for them. Ultimately, my point is, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. What is important is that residents understand the implications of their choice. And through continued public education and awareness efforts, we will continue to strengthen emergency preparedness and help residents make safer, informed choices in their homes. Some Members may view that this Bill has only modest, technical amendments, but these are, in fact, part of SCDF's efforts to continually keep pace with emerging challenges. This Bill is a necessary component of SCDF's broader strategies, which includes updating laws and regulations. And when viewed in this broader context, this Bill is not a standalone set of technical changes, but a necessary step in enabling SCDF's longer‑term transformation plans and its ability to keep Singapore safe amid evolving fire safety risks. Mr Deputy Speaker, allow me to conclude. Ensuring the public is safe is a collective responsibility. This collective effort is underpinned by having strong laws, as well as clear and risk-informed regulatory regimes. This is what these amendments today seek to reinforce. It provides: (a) better clarity on roles and obligations of businesses, business owners, occupiers and residents, so that they can be more aware of how they contribute to fire safety; (b) this empowers SCDF to take errant suppliers, certification bodies and testing labs to task when violations occur; (c) it frees up scarce enforcement resources so SCDF can focus on more complex issues, such as investigating possible P&FM offences; and (d) ensures that the overall regulatory burden on businesses remains reasonable, by reducing administrative burden where possible, while maintaining high fire safety standards.[+3 sentences] Mr Deputy Speaker, for the laws and the regulations to be effective in keeping us safe, it will require our collective effort from residents and businesses alike. If we continue to work together, we can ensure Singapore will remain safe and secure for many years to come. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to move.
Mr Deputy Speaker76 words
[+3 sentences]Are there any clarifications for the Senior Minister of State? None? . (proc text)]
The Minister for Law (Mr Edwin Tong Chun Fai)4564 words
[+4 sentences]Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." Sir, Singapore is one of the most land-scarce cities in the world. Within our small island, we must accommodate housing, industry, commerce, transport, defence, green spaces, water catchment and more – all of the infrastructure necessary for a modern city-state. Singapore's land constraints shape our approach towards the use of land and property in a very fundamental way. Land in Singapore is a scarce and finite national resource.[+12 sentences] It is therefore critical that we facilitate the renewal and rejuvenation of our urban environment so that our tight land resources can accommodate the evolving needs of Singaporeans. Buildings, like all physical things, they age. And as they age, the maintenance and upkeep become increasingly pressing: in the early years of a development, maintenance is more manageable and costs, perhaps, more predictable. But over time, major components reach the end of their service lives; repair bills grow larger and more frequent; and the fabric of the building – its structure, its systems, its common areas – will require even greater investment, simply to remain functional and liveable. There comes a point, in the life of any ageing development where the question is: whether it is feasible or sustainable to continue investing in major renovations and upkeep; or whether the land can be put to better use through renewal and redevelopment. Sir, that is the question at the heart of this Bill. As many examples from around the world show, older developments that cannot be renewed do not simply stay as they are. Unless effort is put in to properly maintain such developments, they are likely to enter a gradual cycle of decline. Practically, maintenance becomes harder to fund and harder to agree upon collectively. The physical environment deteriorates and this impacts quality of life for both the residents as well as occupants. The vibrancy of the surrounding area declines. Owners often find themselves stuck, unable to maintain their properties adequately, but also unable to move forward with renewal. That is not a good outcome for residents and it is also not a good outcome for Singapore. This Bill builds upon previous efforts to ensure that our framework for urban renewal remains fit for purpose – to cater for ageing developments a viable pathway forward where there is support amongst owners for redevelopment and allow for Singapore's urban landscape to continue to renew itself in an orderly and sustainable fashion.[+13 sentences] It is with these objectives in mind that the collective sale regime under the Land Titles (Strata) Act was introduced some 27 years ago. Sir, property rights are a very important fundamental right. But in a strata development, ownership is not only about the individual strata title owner. As explained in this House when the Bill was moved in 1998 to introduce the collective sale regime for the first time, and let me quote: "Strata developments, unlike landed developments, are founded on the concept of community living, shared ownership of common property in designated values and individual ownership of strata title which is essentially air space. All these distinguishing features of strata developments support the new approach based on majority consent for en bloc sales." When you own a unit in a condominium, you own your unit, but you are also a co-owner of the common property, together with every other unit owner. Responsibility for the upkeep and for the maintenance of the common property, the shared infrastructure, rests not with any one owner, but with all owners, collectively. This collective character of strata ownership means that the rights of individual owners, whilst real and important, cannot be viewed entirely in isolation. These rights exist within a framework of shared ownership, shared responsibility and shared decision-making, and must be balanced against the collective interest. When a significant majority of owners in a development reach a view about the future of that development, including to pursue collective sale, that majority view carries legitimate weight. Prior to 1999, however, the law did not reflect this. A collective sale could only proceed with the unanimous agreement of all owners. Every single owner had to consent. A single holdout – for whatever reason, whether principled or otherwise – could thwart the wishes of all the other owners and prevent the sale from proceeding with entirely.[+6 sentences] This held back the much-needed rejuvenation and renewal of many developments. Buildings could not take advantage of enhanced plot ratios to realise their full development potential. Older developments that could have been rejuvenated through the collective sale process were unable to do so. And there was uncertainty, delay and in some cases, acrimony, whilst the property aged. The Government had received many appeals from frustrated owners whose desires to sell en bloc had been thwarted. The law was therefore changed. In 1999, Parliament amended the Land Titles (Strata) Act to allow collective sales if: 80% consent was obtained for developments aged 10 years or more, and 90% for those less than 10 years old.[+21 sentences] This was a significant policy choice. It recognised that in a strata development, the rights of the collective must be weighed against the rights of the individual. The Select Committee that examined the Bill in 1998 before it was passed made an observation that is directly relevant to what we are doing today. It noted that the consent threshold should be pegged to the age of the development, because older developments are more likely to be sub-optimally utilised, have a higher repair bill and are more likely to have more unit owners in favour of en bloc sales. That principle – that age matters, and that the framework should reflect it – has been embedded in the regime from the very beginning. In land-scarce Singapore, the 1999 amendments were, as explained to this House, "even more imperative" than they might have been elsewhere in the world. Removing the unanimity requirement would make available more prime land for higher-intensity development and that rationale has not diminished. If anything, today, that has grown stronger. The regime has, over the past 27 years, delivered real and tangible benefits for owners, for the urban landscape and for Singapore. Collective sales have enabled the renewal of ageing developments and the creation of new homes in established, well-connected locations. They have refreshed neighbourhoods and also improved liveability. They have allowed Singapore's limited land resources to keep pace with a growing economy and the housing needs of successive generations. Some notable examples include the Golden Mile Complex, which I am sure Members would be familiar with. It was sold collectively in 2022. It is being conserved and adaptively reused, preserving an architecturally significant building, whilst at the same time, unlocking its development potential and delivering new homes in the heart of the city. Another example is Gillman Heights, a former Housing and Urban Development Company (HUDC) estate with 607 homes. Sold collectively in 2007, the site was renewed and intensified, giving rise to The Interlace, a modern, architecturally iconic development with 1,040 new homes. These two are examples where owners were able to unlock the value and potential of their older developments, intensify them, and that has also facilitated the renewal of our urban landscape. When the regime was introduced in 1999, Singapore's stock of private strata developments were, on the whole, still relatively young. The oldest then were, on average, about two to three decades old. The picture today, however, is different, and it will be increasingly so. Approximately one in 20 non-landed private residential units are now aged 40 years or older, and that is around 20,000 dwelling units in close to 250 developments.[+15 sentences] That is the number today. This number will only grow due to the developments that took place during Singapore's rapid urbanisation in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. Over time, more owners will have to deal with the question of whether it remains feasible or sustainable to invest in the maintenance and upkeep of their property. To understand why, it is useful to know what ageing means for a reinforced concrete building, which is typical of most high-rise residential developments in Singapore. Buildings do not have expiry dates. A well-maintained reinforced concrete building can continue to stand and function relatively safely beyond any age. What changes over time is the nature and the cost of what is required to keep that building in good condition. Whilst ageing is more of a gradual process than a cliff edge, professional engineering and structural design standards, including Singapore's own, recognise that beyond a certain point, a building begins to require more than just routine maintenance. Cracking and spalling of concrete become more frequent. Structural repairs become more extensive. The building continues to stand, but the cost and the complexity of keeping it in genuinely good condition will rise significantly, and the returns on continued investments just to upkeep and maintain it, will begin to diminish. It is this trajectory of rising cost and diminishing returns that frames the challenges that this Bill seeks to address. Major building components also have their own lifecycle costs that compound this picture. Take lifts as an example. The Building and Construction Authority's (BCA's) guidelines on lift modernisation recommends building owners to start assessing their lifts' condition and planning for modernisation programmes around the 15th year of operation, so that upgrading needs can be anticipated and budgeted for in advance. The estimated cost of modernising a single lift starts from $120,000.[+6 sentences] Full replacement costs lie somewhere between $200,000 and $300,000 per lift. For a development with multiple lift shafts, that is a significant capital outlay – and it is one that recurs, because even a modernised lift has a finite service life. And lifts, as Members know, are just one component of many. Repainting works can cost several millions in larger developments. The cost of mandatory façade inspections, spalling concrete repairs, waterproofing and structural inspections will all need to be factored in as well. As a development ages, the demands of all these works on the sinking fund and the management corporation grows larger and more frequent. To fund this, it is only logical for maintenance fees and sinking fund contributions to be raised significantly as developments age – in some cases by as much as 50%.[+5 sentences] For the owners, this represents a real and growing burden. At some stage, continued investment in upkeep yields diminishing returns and owners who wish to pursue renewal may nonetheless find themselves unable to do so under the existing framework. When we do a horizon scan internationally, we see that Singapore is not alone in grappling with this challenge. Hong Kong, Japan, many states in Australia, have similar legislative frameworks that deal with the issue of ageing multi-owner developments that cannot be renewed. Hong Kong is an example of a land-scarce city which faces a similar challenge as we do. Their equivalent of the collective sale regime is the compulsory sale regime for redevelopment – the Land (Compulsory Sale for Redevelopment) Ordinance – that, like Singapore's collective sale regime, came into effect in 1999.[+23 sentences] Whilst there are, of course, broad differences between Singapore's framework and Hong Kong's, broadly speaking, Hong Kong's framework originally required an applicant to have assembled no less than 90% of all undivided shares for all classes of lots, before making a compulsory sale application. Hong Kong first lowered its thresholds in 2010 for certain specified classes of lots, including lots where each building was issued with an occupation permit of at least 50 years. The thresholds were more recently further lowered in 2024, under a new framework that takes into account both age as well as, in their case, geographic location, with buildings aged 50 to 59 years within certain designated areas requiring 70%, and buildings aged 60 years or more within certain designated areas requiring 65%. So, broadly a framework that is not dissimilar to what we have proposed in this Bill. Like Singapore, Hong Kong is a densely populated and land-scarce jurisdiction. They have had to grapple seriously with the renewal of old developments. And they have found that their framework needed to be recalibrated as their building stock ages. There have been similar shifts in other jurisdictions, where in those cases, land might not be as scarce as in Singapore. In Australia, both New South Wales as well as Queensland have also updated their legislation in recent years, to provide new pathways for collective sale, redevelopment or termination of multi-owner developments without requiring unanimity. And Japan has also recently revised legislation to relax the rules for collective sale or rebuilding of condominium buildings. These are jurisdictions that do not face the same land constraints as we do, at least not as acutely as we do in Singapore. But they too have found it necessary to introduce lower thresholds, to expand pathways, to deal with the issue of renewal. Sir, it was against this backdrop of both ageing stock as well as the increasingly rising maintenance costs that we undertook a very careful review and also extensive consultation. Over the years, there have been quite extensive feedback that we have received from individual property owners on their experiences as well as giving their suggestions on the collective sale regime. Since 2023, we have also actively engaged a broad range of other stakeholders to better understand the issues with the current framework and what possible enhancements might look like. Two clear threads emerged from the views shared with us. The first was a call to update the consent thresholds to facilitate the renewal of older developments. Let me just read to you, verbatim, feedback from an owner which I think sums up the issue quite succinctly: "while the existing two-tiered consent thresholds were novel, innovative and necessary in 1999, conditions have changed since then. It cannot be right that a 10-year-old development and a 44-year-old development continue to face the same threshold." The second thread which emerged from these consultations came from owners in developments who worry about being subjected to repeated and protracted collective sale attempts that disrupt the harmony of community that is in the condominium and create prolonged uncertainty. Sir, the Bill therefore proposes amendments in two broad areas: first, supporting the renewal of ageing developments; and second, strengthening safeguards for non-consenting owners. Let me take Members through each bucket of changes in turn. To support renewal, we propose to recalibrate the consent thresholds for collective sales in older developments. The Bill introduces two new tiers: for developments aged 40 to 59 years, a new threshold of 70%; for developments aged 60 years and older, a new threshold of 65%. The existing 90% and 80% consent thresholds that you see today in the legislation will continue to apply to newer developments, those below 10 years old and those from 10 to 39 years old, respectively.[+16 sentences] In summary, Sir, we are not adjusting the consent thresholds for these newer developments. We are introducing two additional tiers to facilitate the renewal of older developments. The rationale behind the age bands is quite straightforward. As I have explained, the older a development, the more acute its maintenance challenges are likely to be and the stronger the case for enabling renewal. This is consistent with the principle that Parliament endorsed in 1999, that the consent threshold should reflect the age and the circumstances of the development. At the same time, we have been careful to ensure that even for the oldest developments, those aged 60 years and above, a significant majority is still required before any sale can proceed. Collective sale remains a majority choice and the framework respects the owners who choose not to sell. The second set of amendments, therefore, deal with strengthening of safeguards for non-consenting owners. For a non-consenting owner, a collective sale exercise is not an abstract legal process. It is a period of real uncertainty, unfolding in the place where they call home. The existing regime already contains procedural and substantive protections for non-consenting owners, including the requirement for a sale to be approved by a Strata Titles Board (STB) or the General Division of the High Court, which must be satisfied that the transaction is in good faith, taking into account factors like the method of apportionment of sale proceeds. In addition, a sale cannot proceed if an objector will suffer financial loss, or if the proceeds of sale to be received by any objector are insufficient to redeem any mortgage or charge in respect of his or her unit. These are protections which currently exist in our legislation today and they remain fully in place. Our proposed amendments build on this foundation. We will introduce three additional safeguards that directly address the concerns we heard during the consultations, about the ease with which collective sale attempts can be initiated, the duration of the process and the potential for repeated attempts in developments for which there is really no genuine majority support. First, we are raising the threshold to initiate a collective sale attempt. Currently, a requisition to convene an Extraordinary General Meeting for the formation of a Collective Sale Committee (CSC) must be signed by 20% of owners by share value, or 25% of owners by number of units. The Bill raises this to 35% of owners by share value or number of units.[+1 sentence] This ensures that collective sale exercises are only initiated where there is serious intent and support, reducing the risk of owners being subjected to a prolonged and disruptive process that is not likely to succeed. Second, we are reducing the time period that CSCs have to obtain signatures to the Collective Sale Agreement (CSA), from 12 months to six months.[+9 sentences] The duration of the signature collection window is not simply about how long proponents have to collect signatures. It is also about how long owners should be expected to live with uncertainty. This is a period where owners can be subject to significant pressure, either from fellow owners; or sometimes, from professionals appointed in the collective sale, to sign the CSA. Non-consenting owners who have made their position clear sometimes find themselves subject to persistent lobbying throughout this entire period. And I am sure some of my colleagues in this House would have read reports or have had personal experiences in your own constituencies of such instances over the years. Shortening the window will help to mitigate this. Based on feedback received as well as the data that we have collected from recent successful collective sale exercises, we have assessed that six months is a reasonable period for owners to consider and decide on whether to sign and this includes in the case of larger developments as well. A shorter signing window will provide greater certainty to all owners, who will know sooner whether there is sufficient support for the sale. It also reduces the gap between the start of signature collection and the launch of the development for collective sale, which, in turn, then reduces the likelihood of market fluctuations after owners have started committing to the CSA. Third, we are extending the restriction period after a failed collective sale attempt from two years to three years.[+3 sentences] Where support is insufficient, owners should not be subjected to repeated attempts for a collective sale soon after. During the three-year restriction period, any attempt to convene a general meeting to form a new CSC will be subject to heightened requisition thresholds. As with the current legislation, the first attempt during the restriction period will continue to require support from at least 50% of owners by share value or number of units. For any second or subsequent attempt, the requisition threshold will be aligned to the applicable overall consent threshold based on the age of the development. So, in this case, 70% for developments aged 40 to 59 years old, and 65% for developments aged 60 years and above.[+15 sentences] The new restriction period of three years, therefore, gives owners a longer window of certainty whilst preserving a route forward if sufficient support genuinely subsequently emerges. The intention is that owners should honour not just the letter of these requirements, but also the spirit. The STB can invalidate a collective sale application if it is satisfied that there has been non-compliance with the requirements in the Land Titles (Strata) Act that prejudices the interest of any person. This can include conduct that approximates what a collective sale process would involve, such as setting up a pro-tem committee or by any other name, a committee equivalent to a CSC, or doing something similar to a CSC, without obtaining the requisite thresholds prescribed in legislation. Finally, the Bill also raises the limit on Court-ordered increases to the sale proceeds paid to objectors, from 0.25% to 0.5% of the sale proceeds for each unit, or $2,000 for each unit, whichever is higher. Sir, this provision was first introduced in 2007 as a protection for objectors. It applies where objectors' circumstances are such that the General Division of the High Court is satisfied that it would be just and equitable to order an increase in the proceeds of sale to be received by the objectors. Raising this limit provides greater protection to non-consenting owners in such cases, for example, an objector who had invested significantly in renovation works just prior to the collective sale exercise. Sir, the two sets of amendments that I have just outlined form an integrated package that facilitates the renewal of older developments, whilst at the same time, providing greater certainty and also stronger protections for non-consenting owners. The lower consent thresholds make broad-based renewal more accessible for genuinely ageing developments where there is support amongst the owners. At the same time, the higher initiation threshold, shorter signature window and extended restriction period ensure that the framework cannot be used to mount repeated, disruptive attempts in developments for which there is really insufficient majority support. These two sets of measures are meant to be taken together, as a whole, for balance. The amendments also build on the existing substantive protections in the regime – the good faith requirements, the financial loss safeguards, the oversight of the STB as well as the General Division of the High Court, all of which remain fully intact. What this Bill does is add on to the existing framework. Sir, in addition to the two broad areas of change, this Bill also makes amendments to expand the collective sale regime for non-strata-titled private residential developments. Specifically, the new section 84FC will allow collective sales when the consent thresholds based on the age of the development are met for private wholly residential non-strata-titled developments, where flat owners hold a leasehold tenure of less than 850 years in their units, but do not own the underlying land.[+6 sentences] Today, such developments are not covered by the collective sale regime. A collective sale is only possible in these cases if there is unanimous agreement among flat and landowners, the pre-1999 scenario that I talked about for strata-titled developments. The new provision changes this. The collective sale can now proceed based on the revised consent thresholds, subject to safeguards to protect the landowner's interests. The provision is framed generally and will apply to any development that satisfies the statutory criteria. Based on our scan, only a small number of developments will come under the new section 84FC. Specifically, five developments where the land is owned by the Minister for Finance, as incorporated under the Minister for Finance (Incorporation) Act 1959 (or MOF (Inc)). These were developments that were sold as public sector staff benefits many decades ago or owned by Government for security reasons. These five are: Neptune Court, Townhouse Apartments, Orchard Court, One Tree Hill Mansions and Paterson Court.[+1 sentence] They are all older developments, above 40 years old. MOF (Inc) is prepared to divest its interest in these developments at fair market value.[+12 sentences] At this point, Sir, I would like to declare that Neptune Court falls within my own constituency at Joo Chiat and I have been engaging with residents there over a period of time, including on the subject of a collective sale, and have also reflected their views and suggestions to the Government. What the Bill does is to ensure that owners, such as owners in Neptune Court, along with the others, like owners in any other private development, have access to a fair and workable process, with proper protections on all sides. But what it does not do is to pre-determine the outcome. That still remains a choice and a decision for the owners themselves to make. I should also note that the pool of developments covered by section 84FC is limited and should diminish over time if any of these developments are redeveloped, either in a manner which has been outlined or in some other way. Developments on land owned by Housing and Development Board (HDB) are excluded from section 84FC. The rejuvenation of developments on HDB land is undertaken through frameworks which consider broader public housing policies and considerations. Finally, Sir, let me briefly touch on the transitional arrangements to deal with developments which are in the midst of collective sale exercises. Owners who have already signed a CSA should not find that the rules have changed midstream. Hence, the transitional arrangements provide that the existing collective sale framework will continue to apply where signature collection has already begun. However, for developments aged 40 years and older that are currently in the midst of gathering signatures, which means that you already collected the first signature and you are in the middle of the process, there is an opt-in route that this Bill contemplates, if they wish to avail themselves of the new framework to be introduced in this Bill, if it is passed. They may in this case convene a general meeting to decide whether to terminate the existing CSA and proceed afresh under the new framework. In which case they will have seven months from the commencement date to achieve the requisite consent threshold.[+9 sentences] This provides Collective Sales Committees with a meaningful opportunity to opt into the new framework if they are currently in midstream, whilst ensuring that owners who do not wish to sell are not subjected to a prolonged process. Sir, let me conclude by returning to where we began. The fundamental policy impetus at the heart of this Bill is the same one that Parliament endorsed when it introduced the collective sale regime back in 1999 – that Singapore's land scarcity makes urban renewal not merely desirable, but really imperative. Parliament made a deliberate choice to move away from unanimity – recognising that the consent threshold should reflect the age and the circumstances of the development – because older developments are more likely to need renewal. Lowering the thresholds for older developments now is really a logical step, which coheres with the original design intent. The stock of developments in Singapore has aged. The challenges that Parliament anticipated even back then in 1999 is now a present one and it will grow more pressing with each passing year. These amendments recalibrate the framework accordingly – making renewal more accessible where there is genuine majority support, whilst at the same time, ensuring that owners are protected from repeated and disruptive attempts where there is not. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to move.
Mr Deputy Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Alex Yeo.
Mr Alex Yeo (Potong Pasir)1339 words
[+2 sentences]Mr Deputy Speaker, this Bill seeks to update the collective sale regime to better support the renewal of ageing strata-titled private developments and optimise land use. The key change is in the calibration of the consent thresholds for collective sales. The practical effect is this: a smaller majority of owners will now be able to push through a collective sale if their strata-titled developments are 40 years or older.[+12 sentences] Putting aside urban renewal, a key concern of private strata-titled developments is the rising costs of maintenance and depleting sinking funds. Lift replacements, for example, is a costly capital expense. Estates need to be maintained and upgraded, to be safe, liveable and meet residents' needs, particularly for seniors. A lowering of the consent thresholds seeks to provide owners of older developments with a practical solution or option, if there is broad support. However, the reality is that owners of older developments are really caught between a rock and a hard place. Let us look at an illustration of an elderly retired couple who live in a small apartment on a high floor of a multi-block, 50-year-old development. The lifts, for example, in all the blocks in the developments are old and often break down. Upgrading or replacements will cost say, more than $2 million. The sinking fund cannot cover this cost and there are other major works required in the development to the plumbing and electrical systems. The MCST is considering having owners pay special levies for the urgent works. In the face of such maintenance cost pressures and a lower consent threshold for a collective sale, would some home owners, like the elderly couple, be left with no other choice but to accept lower and less competitive collective sale bids? We should avoid a scenario where the collective sale of older developments becomes a fait accompli. In this context, I wish to raise three issues in relation to the Bill: first, to consider further equitable safeguards for the larger minority of non-consenting owners; second, expediting upstream changes to the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act to mitigate the issue of inadequate sinking funds for maintenance and repair; third, whether these amendments are sufficient for strata-titled developments where subsidiary proprietors own a lease of 99 years or more but there is an ultimate developer landowner who owns the freehold tenure.[+13 sentences] Mr Deputy Speaker, let me start with strengthening safeguards. The Bill, as it stands, seeks to enhance safeguards for non-consenting owners. These safeguards are to minimise the duration and frequency of collective sale exercises, especially where there is unlikely to be sufficient support. Strengthening these procedural safeguards are important. However, if we anticipate that lowering the consent threshold could result in some downward pressure on the sale price, the Government should explore putting in place more equitable safeguards to ensure that the now larger minority non-consenting home owners are not unduly prejudiced. Currently, section 84A(7) and (8) of the Act, together with the Fourth Schedule, offers protection from "financial loss" for home owners subject to a collective sale. In short, any home owner, who will suffer a financial loss or if the sale proceeds are insufficient to redeem a mortgage or charge, can object to the collective sale. Section 84A(8) deems a home owner to have suffered a financial loss if the proceeds from the sale, after considering any stamp duty, legal fees or costs related to the collective sale, exceeds the original purchase price. Would the Minister consider expanding the range of associated costs taken into consideration in the Fourth Schedule? In Western Australia, for example, their equivalent legislation, takes into consideration, the tax burdens and legal costs associated with the creation or discharge of mortgages, including for the acquisition of any replacement property. The intention, I gather, is to better support non-consenting owners who do not profit from the collective sale and ensure that they are not unduly out-of-pocket in having to move and purchase a replacement home. Also, home owners in Singapore are subject to seller's stamp duty if their property is sold within four years of purchase. Home owners, who object to a collective sale are also subject to this, if the collective sale take place within those four years. Would the Minister consider exempting this class of home owners from seller's stamp duty, particularly if they had purchased their homes before the announcement of the lowering of the consent threshold?[+4 sentences] As the Minister had shared, in 2024, Hong Kong similarly reduced the consent thresholds for collective sales. Alongside its changes, a dedicated office of Support Services for Minority Owners under Compulsory Sale was set up to provide minority non-consenting owners professional advice, mediation assistance and assistance in finding alternative accommodation. While the needs of non-consenting home owners in Singapore may differ, would the Minister consider setting up a support mechanism to provide assistance, particularly for senior home owners who may require advice and support on their rights and relocation prospects in the collective sale process? Mr Deputy Speaker, as I mentioned earlier, in a collective sale exercise for an ageing strata-titled development, home owners may find themselves having to consider a lower reserve price when faced with the alternatives of high maintenance fees or the prospect of a special levy to top up the sinking fund. The question for such home owners is no longer sell or stay, but sell or pay costly fees for maintenance. This could be mitigated, however, by corresponding upstream changes to the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act to require MCSTs to build up and maintain their sinking funds for upgrading and maintenance works and/or ringfence monies for costly works, such as lift replacements.[+2 sentences] While these changes may not come soon enough to address the current ageing developments, it could go some way to mitigate the issue for newer developments as they age over time. This is not a novel idea. Town Councils for example are required to ring-fence a percentage of all Service and Conservancy Charges (S&CC) collections into a lift replacement fund and a minimum percentage of the same into an ordinary sinking fund.[+1 sentence] If MCSTs are required to do the same, home owners of older strata-titled developments will face less pressure to press for a collective sale and hopefully be able to achieve a reserve price that is more equitable to both consenting and non-consenting home owners. In fact, earlier this year, the Government had announced a review of the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act to address these issues, I would like to ask if the Minister could share if more details will be forthcoming soon and ideally, in tandem with the changes proposed here for the collective sale regime. Lastly, Sir, I would like to highlight that class of strata-titled developments where the landowner developer of freehold land, develops and sells leasehold strata-titled units to home owners while retaining the reversion. These do not represent a large stock of our private strata-titled developments, but significantly, unlike leasehold developments on Government land put out to tender for development, there is no valuation mechanism for a topping up of the lease, which is a crucial element in the viability of collective sale exercises.[+4 sentences] For these developments, the landowner of the freehold land has the ultimate power on the price of the top-up or whether to give any top-up at all. The landowner can effectively hold any collective sale attempt to ransom. They can demand an unrealistic sum to make any collective sale unviable or simply refuse to top-up. In such instances, ageing developments that fall into this class may be at an impasse, with rising maintenance costs and no prospect of a collective sale, even with the revised consent threshold. For such developments, I would like to ask the Minister if there are plans to address the situation, such as by setting a valuation-based mechanism, which mandates that the landowner either re-acquires the development by collective sale or agrees to top-up the lease.[+1 sentence] Mr Deputy Speaker, notwithstanding the points I have raised above, I support the Bill.
Mr Deputy Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Fadli Fawzi.
Mr Fadli Fawzi (Aljunied)1134 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Deputy Speaker, this Bill represents a critical and timely recalibration of Singapore's urban renewal framework. By adjusting the consent thresholds required for collective sales based on the age of development, we are providing owners of older properties with a far more realistic and practical avenue to consider redevelopment.[+3 sentences] At the same time, the Bill introduces vital safeguards to protect dissenting home owners who, for good reason, wish to safeguard their living spaces. Striking this delicate balance between enabling necessary rejuvenation and protecting private property rights is complex, but the Bill moves our property regulations firmly in the right direction. Mr Deputy Speaker, Singapore is ageing rapidly and so is our built environment. Today, about one in 20 private non-landed residential units are over 40 years of age, while more than 1,000 of Singapore's 3,750 private residential developments are at least 30 years old.[+12 sentences] In many of these older estates, critical infrastructure is reaching the absolute end of its design life. Lifts breakdown, water proofing systems deteriorate leading to persistent ceiling leaks and structural spalling concrete, and fire safety systems need to be upgraded. Fixing these systemic issues requires massive capital injection yet not all estates have accumulated sufficient sinking funds or reserve funds over decades to undertake such extensive overhaul works. This presents a financial predicament for many residents, particularly older retired home owners living on fixed incomes. They might be rich in equity, but cash poor, lacking the free cash flow needed to pay heavy special levies, which can easily run into thousands of dollars per household to top-up depleted sinking funds. The resale market for very old condos may also shrink, making it harder for owners to sell and move away from older estates. As condo estates get older, a collective sale or en bloc can be a vital welcome lifeline that grants them an exit route that frees up locked in equity to support their retirement, downsize to a more manageable unit or transition into housing better suited for their twilight years. Lower thresholds for collective sales in older developments are not just about market efficiency. They are about pragmatic compassion for home owners caught in ageing buildings. From a broader nation-building perspective, it also makes sense to recalibrate the thresholds for collective sales. Many older private residential projects, such as the former HUDC estates sit on sprawling low density land parcels located in mature, well-connected townships. If redeveloped efficiently, these under-utilised sites could yield significantly more homes to meet the pressing housing demand of current and future generations of Singaporeans. In Aljunied Group Representation Constituency (GRC) for example, Affinity at Serangoon and The Minton were both redeveloped with more than 1,000 units, each on former HUDC estates that had 244 units and 342 units respectively.[+9 sentences] It is far better for Singapore to focus our development energies on redeveloping low density, aged, brownfield housing estates than to continually clear precious greenfield sites, like Maju Forest. Recycling land that already possesses established transport links, utility networks and community infrastructure is the essence of sustainable urban planning. At this juncture, I would also like to call upon the Ministry of National Development (MND) to actively assess whether plot ratios for select older private developments can be selectively increased in future masterplan reviews. Enhancing the development baseline for older sub-optimally used plots would boost redevelopment potential, making en bloc sales far more financially viable for property developers while offering home owners fair compensation to facilitate their relocation. Sir, while I support lowering the en bloc thresholds for older estates, we must remember that a home is not just a financial asset. Homes are locations where families are built. They are places that carry deep emotional weight, stability and memories. While some owners wish to liquidate, others deeply cherish the spacious layouts and large land offered by older developments. These are luxuries rarely seen in modern private condominiums. For many long-term residents, even with a successful en bloc payout, it may be virtually impossible to purchase a unit of comparable size, character and location in today's property market. Thus, I welcome the safeguards built into this Bill to protect dissenting or hesitant home owners, such as a shorter timeframe that CSCs have to collect signatures for a CSA and an extended restriction period to prohibit repeated aggressive en bloc attempts where underlying support remains insufficient.[+9 sentences] Raising the threshold required to initiate subsequent attempts prevents minority owners from facing persistent harassment year after year. However, Mr Deputy Speaker, I wish to highlight a practical concern regarding the shortened six-month signature period, specifically as it applies to larger developments. In large condominiums with hundreds or even over a thousand strata units, the administrative burden on the volunteer CSC is immense. Gathering signatures is not merely a matter of sending an email. It involves door-to-door verification, coordinating with overseas owners, navigating complex probate matters for deceased owners and holding multiple town hall discussions to address individual anxieties. A rigid six-month window may inadvertently penalise large estates where a vast majority of owners may actually favour a sale, but where the sheer logistics may prevent the committee from reaching the final finish line in time. To resolve the issue without compromising the intent of the law, I urge the Government to consider two potential refinements. Firstly, the Ministry of Law (MinLaw) could consider tiered timelines based on the size of the estate. It may be better to calibrate the signature collection period based on the unit count. For example, the signature collection period could be maintained at six months for smaller developments, but MinLaw could allow nine months for estates with more than 300 or 500 units to collect the requisite number of signatures.[+1 sentence] Secondly, the MinLaw could consider introducing automatic grace period extensions to the signature collection period. For example, if a CSC manages to reach within five percentage points of the requisite consent threshold at the end of the initial six months, they could automatically receive a one-off three-month extension to secure the remaining signatures. Would the Government consider these adjustments to ensure that larger estates are not unfairly penalised in obtaining the requisite number of signatures?[+3 sentences] Mr Deputy Speaker, urban renewal is a continuous journey. Redevelopment is a crucial pathway in ensuring that our housing stock remains safe, modern and sustainably built. This Bill strikes a crucial balance stance. It gives older developments a viable mechanism to redevelopment and relieve asset-rich, cash-poor owners from crushing maintenance costs, while protecting home owners from unrelenting pressure. However, to further enhance the effectiveness of this Bill, it should be coupled with active upzoning to create additional incentives for home owners and property developers to redevelop ageing developments and increase the availability of housing in mature estates throughout Singapore.[+1 sentence] Mr Deputy Speaker, notwithstanding my clarifications, I support the Bill.
Mr Deputy Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Dr Wan Rizal.
Dr Wan Rizal (Jalan Besar)1000 words
[+4 sentences]Mr Deputy Speaker, the Bill addresses a real and growing challenge. Singapore's private housing stock is ageing. Some older developments require substantial expenditure on maintenance and other essential infrastructure. Where there is broad support, collective redevelopment can renew these estates, make more efficient use of scarce land and provide more homes for future generations. The Bill therefore lowers the collective sale consent threshold to 70% or 65%, depending on the development's age. At the same time, it offers counter-balancing safeguards. It raises the level of support required to initiate the process, lengthens the cooling-off period following an unsuccessful attempt, shortens the signature period from 12 months to six months, and increases the percentage limit relevant to the Court's power to increase the proceeds payable to objectors.[+18 sentences] These measures seek to balance urban renewal with owner protection and I support that objective. However, lowering the consent threshold does not merely make collective sales easier. It also enlarges the minority that can ultimately be required to sell without having consented. We must therefore examine not only whether the process is efficient, but whether its safeguards remain sufficiently robust. My first concern is the uniform six-month period of obtaining signatures. Six months may be adequate for a smaller development where owners are easily contacted and the issues are relatively straightforward. It may be considerably more challenging for an estate with several hundred units, owners who are constantly overseas, elderly owners who require much assistance, complicated powers of attorney or a mixture of residential and commercial interest. A shorter period may reduce prolonged uncertainty and campaigning, but an unrealistically short period could also create pressure to obtain signatures quickly, increases the tension between neighbours and reduces the time available for owners to understand the valuation method of apportionment and replacement housing implications. So, I ask whether the Ministry will monitor the effects of this change and consider a limited extension mechanism for an exceptionally large or complex development. Such an extension could be subject to objective criteria and a firm maximum period so that it does not recreate the uncertainty of the present system. My second and most important concern relates to elderly and vulnerable owner-occupiers who I met over this weekend, mainly from my constituency. Some elderly residents have lived in the same home for several decades. They may have fully paid for it and plan to spend the rest of their life there. Some have limited mobility too. Their homes may already be adapted to their needs. Their neighbours may form part of their informal care network, while their doctors, markets, transport routes and family support are all nearby. For these residents, their home is not simply a financial asset. It is part of their care infrastructure, independence and a sense of security. A collective sale premium may compensate for the market value of the property, but it does not automatically compensate for the difficulty of moving, the loss of familiar support networks or the challenge of finding accessible replacement home easily. So, I ask whether the Government will introduce a vulnerable owner protection protocol for the elderly, for those who are disabled and immobile owner occupiers.[+10 sentences] Could this include early identification of residents requiring support? And with that we allow a dedicated relocation case officer who could offer independent advice and assist in finding an accessible replacement home. I was asked whether severe non-financial relocation hardship should be expressly considered within the approval or objection process. I am not proposing an automatic veto based on age. This could make redevelopment practically impossible and may not serve the wider interest of an ageing estate, but residents with the least ability to relocate should not be left to manage the consequences alone. My third concern is the method of apportionment. Our existing law already provides important safeguards. The method of distributing sale proceeds forms part of the good faith scrutiny exercise by the STB and the Court. CSCs and their professional advisors are also expected to act transparently and even-handedly. The question is whether these safeguards are sufficiently understandable and accessible to ordinary owners when as much as 35% of them may not be compelled to sell? Will the Government consider requiring a standard simple plain language explanation of apportionment method, including how strata area, share value and valuation affect different categories of units?[+8 sentences] Owners should also be told why the selected method was preferred over reasonable alternatives, how the resulting premiums differ among unit types and whether there are relevant commission arrangements or conflicts of interest. Such disclosure would not dictate one compulsory formula. It would help owners make informed decisions and allow questionable arrangements to be identified earlier. My fourth concern is replacement affordability. Residents of older developments may occupy homes that are substantially larger than newer ones. Even a seemingly attractive collective sales payment may not enable an elderly couple or multi-generational family to purchase a reasonably comparable home in the same area. I ask whether the Government has studied the replacement outcomes of owners affected by collective sales, including legal expenses, renovation costs, financing constraint and any Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) exposure not covered by existing remission arrangements? Finally, will the Government commit to review these reforms after three years? The review should examine the number and success rate of collective sale attempts, disputes between owners, the use of shorter signature period outcomes for dissenting and vulnerable residents, and whether owners were able to secure suitable replacement housing.[+1 sentence] Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, urban renewal and home owner protection are not competing objectives. A legitimate and durable collective sales system requires both. We should facilitate the renewal of ageing developments where broad support exists. But we should also remember that for an elderly resident, a home is not merely a parcel of redevelopment value.[+2 sentences] It may be the place that a resident hopes to live safely, independently and with dignity for the remaining years of his or her life. With these questions and proposed safeguards, I support the Bill.
Mr Deputy Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Andre Low.
Mr Low Wu Yang Andre (Non-Constituency Member)1352 words
[+6 sentences]Mr Deputy Speaker, I support the principle of lower collective sale thresholds for older developments. Owners facing rising maintenance costs and major repairs should have a workable route to renewal. However, lowering the thresholds also allows a smaller majority through the statutory process to require unwilling owners to sell their homes. Parliament must therefore consider the safeguards that should accompany that change. Last September, I raised in Parliament questions around issues of voting fairness and replacement housing under the forthcoming Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme (VERS). The decisions we make on this Bill will, in all likelihood, also inform how we approach similar questions in public housing as well. First, I would like to ask the Government to explain what MinLaw expects these lower thresholds to deliver. This Bill lowers the consent thresholds to 70% for developments from 40 to under 60 years old; and to 65% from 60 years old onwards.[+19 sentences] What evidence supports these particular threshold amounts and which developments are likely to be affected? Recent debates over Maju and Gillman Forest has also shown how much Singaporeans care about our natural spaces around us. The proposed Western Island has also raised concerns about our marine habitats. As we plan for further growth for Singapore, we should also examine how much more we can accommodate on land that we have already developed before accepting the loss of places that would be difficult to replace. That gives us a very strong reason to make urban renewal work. Redeveloping ageing developments can provide more homes where infrastructure already exists and may ease pressure to develop other land. But securing enough signatures alone is only part of the task of urban renewal. An estate still needs a purchaser willing to proceed on acceptable terms. So, I ask if the Government has assessed how far lower consent thresholds alone can encourage urban renewal? Increasing plot ratios or building smaller units may also help make more redevelopment viable, but there are limits to the density that our neighbourhoods can accommodate, and how small we should expect homes to become. New private developments are already launching at eye-watering prices, even outside the central region. How much further can we expect home buyers to stretch to make redevelopment viable? Where a project needs selling prices that buyers cannot afford, developers may offer existing owners less or decline to bid on collective sales altogether. What wider approach does the Government envisage for ageing estates that cannot attract a viable redevelopment? Will this include support for major refurbishment works where rebuilding is unsuitable? Secondly, a successful collective sale can still leave a household struggling to afford a move. Owners may have good reasons to support a sale, whether they want to avoid major repairs, move to a more manageable home or realise the value of their property. Under existing safeguards, owners approve the CSA, including the reserve price and the apportionment of proceeds. The process includes a public tender or auction, an independent valuation at tender close and scrutiny of good faith. Objectors also have protections against statutory financial loss or being unable to redeem a mortgage or charge on their property. However, because the financial-loss test is principally tied to the original purchase price of the property, an owner may clear the test and the mortgage, and yet, still have too little left for suitable replacement property somewhere else.[+1 sentence] For an older owner, making up the shortfall could mean drawing further on retirement savings; and a younger family with limited savings may need substantial new borrowing, if they can obtain a loan at all. For a household that opposes a collective sale, it may still have to bear these costs despite wishing to remain in their home. I therefore ask whether the Government has assessed how many affected owners could clear the existing financial-loss and mortgage tests, yet still face difficulties? What safeguards does it consider adequate for them? I note that the Bill also expands the aggregate pool available for certain adjustments to sale proceeds, from 0.25% to 0.5%, while retaining the $2,000 floor as an alternative.[+18 sentences] How was this increase calibrated and what does experience with the existing mechanism tell us about the difficulties it may address? Does the increase go far enough to address the legitimate concerns of objecting households, especially seeing that now there may be more of them? I also ask the Government to consider requiring a standardised disclosure of the likely financial and rehousing consequences before owners sign the CSA. Owners should be able to see indicative net proceeds based on the reserve price and apportionment method, with sale costs and relevant mortgage and Central Provident Fund (CPF) implications clearly explained. Realistic replacement-housing scenarios should also be modelled and show possible top-ups, and the financing or eligibility conditions that may affect the home owners' options. Owners also need the relevant maintenance and planned work costs for the existing development to compare the cost of staying versus selling. Since management corporations already hold much of this information, including sinking fund records, the disclosure should draw on these existing records to avoid the expense of duplicate work. CSCs and their advisers could prepare the disclosures using prescribed formats, based on a format that the Government has suggests, obtaining independent input on material assumptions where required. The Government should keep the scope proportionate and examine the additional cost before deciding what to require. The figures would begin as estimates, which the committee and its advisers should update when an actual offer becomes available. And owners should be able to seek advice independent of the bidder about how those figures apply to their circumstances, while keeping their household financials confidential. With this information, owners could then reconsider the reserve price, seek more time to move or decide against launching a sale. There will also be households whose difficulties require support beyond better information. My colleague Ms He Ting Ru will develop that issue and its implications for urban renewal in her subsequent speech. Mr Deputy Speaker, finally, I come to the issue of VERS. When I asked about VERS last September, I raised the position of seniors who expected to remain in their flats for life. How would we protect those who might have to draw on retirement savings for replacement accommodation? And how would the needs of residents who disagreed be met if a majority voted to proceed? The Minister for National Development then agreed that voting required careful consideration because the stakes were higher than in an upgrading exercise and said that relocation options were also being studied. The Bill before us today puts a closely related decision in Parliament's hands, about how far to lower the barrier to renewal and what safeguards should accompany the greater power of a majority to require others to leave. VERS will involve public funding, housing subsidy and state land.[+3 sentences] So, this Bill does not settle its eventual rules, as there are different considerations at play. But the principles we accept here will nevertheless be instructive when we reconsider that scheme. In particular, the concern I raised last September about affording a replacement home also arises under this Bill. A majority may favour renewal while some of the households required to move face substantial new debt or a draw on retirement savings.[+5 sentences] How we address that difficulty here today will help establish what Singaporeans can expect of other renewal schemes in the future. Parliament should, therefore, scrutinise these lower thresholds together with the protections for affected households, conscious that our decisions will have implications beyond this Bill. Mr Deputy Speaker, I ask the Government to explain whether the safeguards accompanying these lower thresholds adequately protect unwilling home owners and to consider the disclosure requirements I have suggested. As Singapore's housing estates age and as more competing demands for limited land and the needs of the environment come to the fore, we will face more decisions about renewal and the people it requires to move. We should take care now to establish a fair approach that can guide those decisions, including when we return to VERS in the coming years.
Mr Deputy Speaker4 words
[+1 sentence]Ms He Ting Ru.
Ms He Ting Ru (Sengkang)1543 words
[+14 sentences]Mr Deputy Speaker, this Bill proposes to lower consent thresholds for developments of different ages, streamline certain procedures pertaining to strata sales and clarify provisions for collective sales in complex cases. I believe this lowering of consent thresholds is the most consequential from a national, public policy perspective and I will concentrate my remarks in this area. The Bill deals with two fundamental principles, which both lie at the heart of modern capitalism: property rights and urbanisation. First, we wish to ensure the security of rights over property, in this case, real estate. Evidence shows that protection from expropriation of property can affect economic growth in the long run. Efforts that weaken these rights should thus only be undertaken under certain circumstances. Pulling against this is how urbanisation has become a core part of modernisation and urban renewal is central to the continued vibrancy of cities. Vibrant cities promote creativity, foster knowledge and spur economic activity. A small handful of owners who hold out, even for justifiable reasons, may end up causing regions to fall behind, with knock-on adverse effects on the district and also country. Both of these principles are thus important and necessary. Our debate today should consider how we balance these competing interests and to minimise the impact on the minority who disagree and may otherwise feel bullied into having to accept the decision of the majority. My Sengkang colleague, Assoc Prof Jamus Lim had in the 2024 Committee of Supply debates, suggested proposed lowered consent thresholds as a property's lease winds down, with 75% supermajority for a remaining 50-year lease, and a simple majority for one when the lease has just 25 years to go. The lowered thresholds would only apply for sufficiently old leases. And to me, this makes sense in the name of urban renewal, because decisions for upkeep and maintenance of property would ultimately also be taken to effect, with an eye on the number of years left in a lease. The proposed new thresholds in the Bill retain the existing threshold of 90% and 80% for titles less than 10 and 40 years old, but we now add a new, lower 70% threshold for leases between 40 and 60 years old, and another 65% level for developments over 60 years old.[+2 sentences] Owners of properties who may have expected to hold on to their homes for the indefinite future, that is, those of 999-year and freehold leases, will, with these new, lower thresholds, be subject to greater uncertainty of a potentially early lease termination. In such cases, the individual property rights run more forcefully against the public interest. A Parliamentary Question, filed in 2025, indicated that approximately 14% of landed housing stock sit on 999-year leases; and 73% on freehold leases.[+11 sentences] Could the Minister clarify what this percentage is for non-landed private properties, to give us a better idea of the effect that the changes will have on existing properties? A second concern is how we deal with owners who, under the new rules, might be compelled to sell their flats despite being unwilling to do so, because the relevant threshold was reached. When we discuss this, it is helpful to consider the two main reasons leaseholders may not wish to sell. First, those who hold out in the hope of getting a higher price. We can assume that their resistance is a financial one, and that if the price is high enough, they would eventually agree to sell. In these cases, redevelopment would eventually go ahead, and developers and contractors would just have to deal with the possibility of lower profits. Second, those who may feel there are no housing alternatives. They may be elderly, in poor health or vulnerable in other ways. Whatever we think of the reasons they are holding out, they may feel that they are being dispossessed of their home against their will. For them, no amount of money would truly be able to make up for what they see as their loss. This is where the Government can be more proactive. The recent removal of the 15-month wait-out period to purchase HDB flats will certainly help these owners to find a new home. But can the Minister clarify: what specific bridging support or relocation assistance, if any, can be extended to elderly or vulnerable minority owners who did not consent to the sale, but are nonetheless compelled to give up their primary home under these lowered thresholds? Additionally, will the Government establish a dedicated, independent mediation mechanism, together with a proper framework of financial and psychological support, to accompany this legislation?[+16 sentences] Transition support cannot simply only be measured in just dollars and cents. Feelings and the well-being of such owners are also important. Psychologists have noted that moving house is a highly stressful life event. Being made to move against one's will would undoubtedly make the experience even harder. There is an emotional toll that is extracted from them, which cannot be measured by or compensated away with money. Mr Deputy Speaker, an additional effect is that these new thresholds also might have implications on urban renewal of our public housing stock, especially given upcoming programmes, such as VERS. While details of VERS are still unavailable today, I believe we should similarly think about how we balance the interests of displaced residents against the need for urban renewal, which will be especially pertinent in the case of public housing. The question about whether the staggered, new lowered thresholds will be ported over to public housing in the form of VERS is already a question that was asked last month in the Business Times. The proportion of lower-income elderly with few other options is only likely to increase in the case of public housing. Many HDB flat owners decided to buy their flats decades ago with an eye to live in those units for the remainder of their time on earth. This is especially for those who may have only bought one flat in their entire lifetime or those who downgraded, buying a flat that they believed would be their final home. This raises a natural question. It is not too early to ask what redevelopment strategy will VERS adopt. Would VERS be done at a cluster-level rather than block-by-block basis, as was previously suggested by the Minister? If so, how would the thresholds be calculated? Even amongst existing public housing redevelopment schemes, how thresholds are calculated differ. The Home Improvement Programme (HIP) requires 75% in each block, while the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP) takes a cluster view of the threshold.[+5 sentences] To help the public understand why this is the case, we should clearly explain the reasoning behind such differences, including for VERS. While such questions may be argued to go beyond the direct scope of the Bill before us, we must take note if there is a chance that if the principles voted upon today will carry over to how we design VERS. Would property age-linked voting thresholds apply to VERS as well, and what does the Government envisage the starting thresholds to be? Does MinLaw work with MND to use lessons learnt in these new thresholds to inform the design of what will eventually comprise VERS? This is especially more important when you consider the lessons that were learnt from issues beyond dollars and cents. A 70% threshold for flats between 40 and 60 years old may already be a high bar to clear.[+3 sentences] This is especially if you consider that for public housing, displacement would be even more disruptive, particularly for residents who bought their flats with no intention of moving again. There is a further complication. Unlike private en bloc sales where premiums over valuation can be substantial, the Government has already signalled that this would probably not be so for VERS. This may mean that HDB flat owners may be even more reluctant to sell. We saw this during the Ang Mo Kio's Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme episode where some owners were concerned to hear that they had to pay cash in order to buy a replacement flat of the same size nearby even though the economics may eventually have ultimately worked in their favour.[+5 sentences] Relocation assistance for those who vote against a VERS redevelopment will thus be an important safeguard. This could take the form of a dedicated department within HDB that matches these families with replacement housing in other matured estates not slated for redevelopment. This can be done just as HDB already manages its stock of Sale of Balance Flats, opening booking flats or even rental units. Mr Deputy Speaker, this Bill is consequential for more than one reason. It does not just set out a voting framework to govern the redevelopment of private housing in Singapore. The decisions we make today may also be a precedent for how we handle ageing public housing stock which makes up a super-majority of how we house our citizens.[+3 sentences] Today's debate should thus not foreclose a fuller separate examination of the parametres that should apply to VERS and public housing redevelopment when that time comes. The considerations at play there will be different and they deserve to be considered on their own terms. Mr Deputy Speaker, notwithstanding what I just said, I support the Bill.
Mr Deputy Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Ms Cassandra Lee.
Ms Cassandra Lee (West Coast-Jurong West)1442 words
[+17 sentences]Mr Deputy Speaker, I support the Bill. This Bill deals with the collective sales of private property. It is not a debate on VERS. VERS is also a matter for MND, not MinLaw. But the policy thinking behind this Bill has implications on how we eventually design VERS. I would like to make two main points. First, if we accept a tiered approach to redevelopment for private housing, we should consider whether the same approach should apply to public housing under VERS. Second, if age matters in deciding when private estates should have an easier pathway to redevelopment, we should also ask whether flats' age of 70 years should remain the starting point contemplated for VERS. This Bill recognises a simple reality. As buildings age, the balance changes. Maintenance becomes more costly. Repairs become more frequent. Upgrading becomes harder and takes longer. At some point, redevelopment starts to make more sense than maintenance. I hear this directly from residents. When I visit residents living in condominiums in West Coast and Pasir Panjang, those in developments approaching 30 years old, or already in their 30s, tell me that the costs of upkeep and upgrading are getting harder to keep up with. The Bill responds to this by introducing a tiered framework. For developments between 40 and 59 years old, the consent threshold falls to 70%. For those aged 60 years and above, it falls further to 65%.[+13 sentences] There is a logic to this, which is informed by the increased cost of maintaining older developments, and the need for urban renewal. My question is whether that same logic should inform VERS. Conceptually, the thinking behind VERS is very similar – to provide a voluntary pathway for the redevelopment of ageing homes. This being the case, I ask that when MND develops the VERS framework, it considers whether the same percentages and tiered approach can apply to public housing. Of course, private and public housing are not identical. Public housing serves wider social objectives. The Government also has different responsibilities towards HDB home owners. It takes the lead in maintaining HDB flats and renewing HDB estates, which it does not do for private housing. But where the policy objective is the voluntary redevelopment of an ageing estate, any significant difference in treatment should have a clear policy basis. Otherwise, residents may reasonably ask why a 60-year-old private estate has a 65% pathway to redevelopment, while a 60-year-old public estate has no such pathway under VERS. This brings me to my second point. Under this Bill, collective sale remains available to private developments throughout their lifespans. The threshold becomes progressively lower once a development reaches 40 years. VERS, based on what has been announced so far, is intended for selected HDB precincts around the age of 70.[+33 sentences] That is a significant difference. The oldest HDB estates in Ayer Rajah are not yet 50 years old. Yet even today, I can see the challenges that come with ageing homes. And I am not just talking about spalling concrete. Residents tell me about leakages which return every few years, cracks that need to be repaired again, older flats where sound travels so easily that residents can hear what their neighbours two floors up are doing, older pipes and installations which no longer meet the needs of today's households, but which still need to be maintained. Problems recur. We repair them. But several years later, they return. Because repairs can only last so long. It is for this reason that many residents of mine are interested in VERS applying to them. This is why I think we need to look at the economics of ageing estates more broadly. We have HIP. We have had Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP). We have NRP and other upgrading programmes. These programmes have made a real difference to residents. They remain important. But when does it come to a point when we should ask a different question – not what do we need to repair, or what should we upgrade next, but when does the comprehensive redevelopment make better sense? Repeated repairs and successive upgrading programmes carry costs. There is the direct financial cost. There is also the repeated disruption to residents, not just in having to provide access to contractors, but also in the effect on our residents' general quality of life, and indeed, in some cases, their safety. And there is the opportunity cost of continuing to extend older infrastructure when comprehensive redevelopment could give the estate a new lease of life. This is especially relevant because our older estates were built for a very different Singapore. Teban and Pandan Gardens, for example, were developed in the 1970s by JTC, originally in connection with the Jurong Industrial Estate. The needs of those communities today are very different from those of almost 50 years ago. Redevelopment allows us to do things that upgrading cannot always achieve. We can reconsider density, we can reconsider connectivity, we can reconsider community spaces, housing layouts, accessibility, infrastructure. We can ask how the land should serve residents for the next 50 years, rather than only how we can extend the life of what has been designed 50 years ago. So, as VERS is developed, I hope we do not treat 70 years as an automatic starting point simply because that was the age first contemplated. Instead, we should look at the economics across the full life of an estate. What will repeated HIP, NRP, LUP and other upgrading interventions cost? How frequently are the same problems recurring?How well does the existing infrastructure still meet residents' needs? And what value could comprehensive rejuvenation unlock?These considerations should help determine when VERS becomes available. There is one further issue arising from these changes which I hope MND will study, perhaps jointly with MinLaw. The 15-month wait-out period for eligible private home owners buying non-subsidised HDB resale flats has recently been removed.[+11 sentences] At the same time, this Bill seeks to make collective sales more accessible for older private developments. Both changes have their own policy rationale. But we should also consider their combined effect. If more older private estates go en bloc, some owners may then enter the HDB resale market with substantial funds. Where will that demand go? Analysts have suggested that former private home owners may gravitate towards larger HDB flats. That is understandable. Someone who has lived for many years in an older, larger condominium may still want to live in a home with comparable living space. But these are also the homes that our larger families need. At the National Day Rally, the Prime Minister spoke about making Singapore more family-friendly. Housing was an important part of that. Prime Minister recognised that larger families often need bigger homes, which cost more, and asked MND to consider additional housing support for them.[+5 sentences] I support this direction, but we should make sure that developments elsewhere in our housing market do not inadvertently work against it. For a family with three or four children, or a multi-generational household, an additional bedroom may be more a genuine housing need than a luxury. And there may be an imbalance in purchasing power. Someone coming out of a successful en bloc sale may have substantial funds to purchase their next home. A young family trying to move from a smaller HDB flat into a larger one may not. I support former private home owners being able to buy HDB flats. However, I am concerned that the combined effect of these policies could increase competition for our limited stock of larger HDB flats – whether larger families may find it more difficult to afford the space they genuinely need.[+5 sentences] As supporting growing families with their housing needs is a national priority, I ask that we watch this carefully. Mr Deputy Speaker, this Bill recognises that age changes the balance between continued maintenance and redevelopment. It responds with a calibrated, tiered framework. I think there is merit in that approach. When MND finalises VERS, I hope we can apply the same logic to public housing. Consider similarly tiered consent thresholds, consider whether 70 years should be the point at which the VERS option arises, and consider the total cost of repeatedly upgrading an ageing estate against the benefits of rejuvenating the land and rebuilding for the needs of the next generation.[+2 sentences] I recognise that this is a MinLaw Bill, while many of the issues I have raised ultimately fall within MND's purview. But that is also my point. The policy choices we make for private and public housing affect each other.[+2 sentences] We should design them with that in mind. Mr Deputy Speaker, I support the Bill.
Mr Deputy Speaker4 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Ang Wei Neng.
Mr Ang Wei Neng (West Coast-Jurong West)1407 words
[+25 sentences]Mr Deputy Speaker, I rise today in support of the Land Titles (Strata) (Amendment) Bill 2026. But before I speak about percentages, procedures and schedules, I would like to talk about one person. Mdm May Phua is 78 years old. She owns a top-floor, walk-up apartment in the East. Forty years ago, when Mdm Phua bought her apartment, she was young and energetic. Climbing four storeys was not a problem. Even carrying a heavy load of groceries up the stairs was simply part of everyday life. She loved her spacious three-bedroom apartment. She loved its familiar surroundings and its proximity to East Coast Park. For four decades, this apartment has been more than a property. It has been her home, her neighbourhood and a place filled with memories. But time has changed things. Today, at 78, Mdm Phua finds it increasingly difficult to climb four flights of stairs, even without groceries. And the challenges do not stop there. She recently had to spend thousands of dollars renovating her toilets because of water seepage and complaints from her downstairs neighbours. She has also noticed water marks on her ceiling, suggesting possible water leakage from the rooftop. For a younger home owner, these may be manageable inconveniences. For an elderly home owner living on the fourth floor of a walk-up apartment, they can become a daily burden. Mdm Phua had hoped that a collective sale might provide a way forward. Unfortunately, the last attempt by the CSC failed because the required 80% consent could not be obtained. Mdm Phua was disappointed, but with this Bill, her hope has been rekindled. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, Mdm Phua is not alone. Many private property owners live in developments that are now 40, 50 and even 60 years old or more. As buildings age, pipes deteriorate, waterproofing fails, roofs leak and lifts become increasingly expensive to maintain or replace. For some elderly residents, maintaining an ageing property is no longer simply a question of convenience. It becomes a question of whether they can continue to live comfortably and safely in a home they have owned for decades. This is why I believe the relaxation of the collective sale threshold is both timely and necessary.[+7 sentences] It gives owners another option. It does not force anyone to sell. It simply gives owners a better chance of reaching a collective decision when an ageing development has become increasingly difficult and expensive to maintain. Many property owners and industry players I have spoken to therefore welcome the relaxation of the collective sale criteria. At the same time, they have raised some practical questions and concerns about other aspects of the Bill. I believe these concerns are worth considering because the objective should not merely be to make collective sales easier. We should make the process fair, workable and practical for all parties. First, the First Schedule, paragraph 2(1)(a), reduces the period available to the CSC to obtain signatures to the CSA, from 12 months to six months.[+9 sentences] I understand the rationale. We do not want non-consenting owners to be subjected to prolonged pressure. Their interests must be protected. However, developments are not all the same. A development with 50 units and one with 500 units may both be given six months under the law, but the practical challenges are very different. In a large development, the CSC may have to engage hundreds of owners. Some may be overseas. Some may act through powers of attorney. Some properties may be held through estates or other arrangements. Reaching every owner, explaining the proposal, answering questions and giving owners sufficient time to make an informed decision takes time. Therefore, I respectfully suggest that the Minister consider a mechanism allowing larger developments, for example, those with 250 or 500 units and above, to apply for an extension, perhaps up to nine months, where there are genuine practical difficulties.[+9 sentences] This would strike a reasonable balance: protecting non-consenting owners from unnecessary prolonged pressure, while recognising that large developments should not necessarily be treated in exactly the same way as small ones. Second, I commend the Bill for embracing technology. The Second Schedule provides for electronic communication, virtual meetings and electronic voting. This is a progressive step. The COVID-19 experience has shown us that many things can be done securely and effectively without requiring people to be physically present. In the same spirit, may I seek clarification from the Minister on whether remote witnessing of the signing of a CSA by an appointed solicitor through livestreaming could be accepted, subject to appropriate safeguards? These could include proper identity verification, confirmation of the document being executed and maintenance of a clear audit trail. This would be particularly helpful for owners living overseas, as well as elderly or mobility-impaired owners who may find it difficult to travel. If we are prepared to embrace electronic communication and electronic voting, we should also consider whether technology can remove unnecessary barriers to participation, while preserving the integrity of the collective sale process. Third, I welcome the introduction of section 84FC. This is an important provision because it creates a collective sale mechanism for certain legacy residential developments where flat proprietors do not own the underlying land, such as Neptune Court, Paterson Court and Townhouse Apartments, to name a few.[+6 sentences] Section 84FC(2) provides that proprietors of 25% of the flats may apply to the Registrar for notional shares in the land to be assigned to each flat, based on the method used by the Commissioner for the allocation of share values. I would like to seek clarification from the Minister on whether this necessarily requires a fresh survey. Could existing official records, approved plans or other reliable records of unit floor areas be relied upon where appropriate? If a fresh survey is mandatory in every case, it could add significant time and cost. Where reliable records already exist, I hope the Ministry can consider allowing them to be used, subject to the necessary verification and safeguards. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, before I end, let me bring the House back to Mdm Phua and to my own experience. More than 25 years ago, my family bought an apartment in a development that was already around 30 years old. We encountered many of the problems associated with ageing developments: sewage problems, water leakage, rubbish bin choking and even a costly lift replacement programme.[+7 sentences] Like many other owners, we hoped that one day the development could undergo a collective sale. But despite our hopes, we could never obtain the required 80% consensus. Eventually, my family sold the apartment three years ago. It was not an easy decision. We loved the charm of the development. We loved the location. Most of all, we liked our neighbours and the community. We did not sell the apartment because we stopped loving the place. We sold the flat because the building was ageing, maintenance was becoming increasingly difficult and costly, and the existing collective sale framework did not give owners a realistic path forward.[+1 sentence] If this Bill is passed today, many of my former neighbours may finally have that opportunity. For them, reducing the collective sale threshold to 70% is not merely a change in number.[+3 sentences] It may mean relief from years of uncertainty. It may mean relief from escalating maintenance costs. And it may mean that owners who have lived in an ageing development for decades finally have a genuine choice about their future. For someone like 78-year-old Mdm Phua, it may mean that she no longer has to face another 10 years of climbing four flights of stairs, dealing with leaks and paying for increasingly expensive repairs simply because a collective sale could not previously obtain the required consensus.[+9 sentences] Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, we must, of course, protect the rights of those who do not wish to sell. Collective sale legislation must always strike a careful balance between the interests of the majority and the rights of the minority. But fairness should also mean recognising the legitimate interests of owners who wish to move forward. This Bill gives owners of ageing developments a choice. It does not force them to sell. It does not take away their homes. It gives them a better chance to decide their collective future. For elderly residents, for families and for the many Singaporeans living in ageing developments, this Bill offers something very important – hope, choice and the possibility of a new beginning. I therefore support the Bill.
Mr Deputy Speaker4 words
[+1 sentence]Assoc Prof Kenneth Goh.
Assoc Prof Kenneth Goh (Nominated Member)747 words
[+2 sentences]Mr Speaker, I rise in support of the Bill. As our private housing stock ages, collective sales can help renew older developments and make better use of scarce land. The Bill retains the existing thresholds for younger developments, but lowers them to 70% for developments aged 40 to 59 years and 65% for those aged 60 years or more.[+8 sentences] I understand the rationale for treating older developments differently. My questions are therefore not about the objective of the amendments, but about their calibration. The consent threshold performs an important balancing function. If it is set too high, redevelopment may remain blocked even where there is substantial owner support and a viable opportunity for renewal. But a lower threshold also means a larger minority of dissenting owners may ultimately be bound by the sale. At a threshold of 70%, up to 30% of owners may not support the sale. At 65%, more than one-third may not support it. That does not mean these thresholds are necessarily too low. But it does mean the Ministry should explain how these thresholds were arrived at. So, my first question is: how did the Ministry arrive at these thresholds – 70% for a 40-year development and 65% at 60 years?[+16 sentences] Were alternative thresholds considered? Was there modelling of how many additional developments might be able to proceed under different thresholds? And what evidence gave the Ministry confidence that these particular reductions would materially advance urban renewal? The Ministry has explained why the regime needs revisiting: more developments are ageing, with rising maintenance pressures. But that does not necessarily tell us why these particular thresholds strike the right balance. Nor can we infer too much simply from where an unsuccessful exercise stopped. A development that reached 75% support may appear to have been blocked by the 80% threshold. But owner consent also depends on the terms offered, including the reserve price. A different reserve price may produce a different level of owner support. Conversely, for exercises that do reach the consent threshold and proceed to tender, the market provides another test. If bids repeatedly fall short of owners' reserve prices, lowering the consent threshold may have a more modest effect on actual renewal. So, the level of owner consent, the terms of sale and the eventual market response need to be considered together. In calibrating these amendments, what has the Ministry learnt from previous collective sale exercises about these different points at which they stall? I recognise that each exercise is different and market conditions change. If we are changing the statutory consent threshold, we should understand the role it plays in whether owners and purchasers can arrive at a viable transaction. Mr Speaker, I also recognise that the Bill strengthens safeguards for non-consenting owners. The threshold required to requisition a meeting to form a CSC will rise to 35%; the period for collecting signatures will be shortened from 12 months to six months; and tighter restrictions will apply following an unsuccessful attempt.[+10 sentences] I welcome these changes. They should reduce prolonged or repeatedly unsuccessful exercises. And these safeguards should improve the process, but they do not themselves establish why 70% and 65% are the right thresholds. Finally, I would like to ask about the evidence we will have to evaluate these amendments over time in the future. My understanding is that much of the relevant information is already generated during individual collective sale exercises. The CSA records the reserve price, consent levels are tracked and where an exercise proceeds to tender, the market response is known. Does the Ministry collect this information centrally, including for exercises that do not ultimately succeed? If not, could it consider bringing together a limited set of this existing information when each exercise concludes? This could include the highest consent achieved, the reserve price and any revisions, the tender outcome and where the exercise ended. The underlying information may need to be collected exercise by exercise, but it need not be published for each development. Aggregated reporting by age band, consent level and outcome would allow us to see where collective sale exercises still get stuck and whether that changes under the new thresholds.[+2 sentences] Looking at both would give us a much better basis for assessing whether the new thresholds are helping owners and the market arrive at viable redevelopment outcomes and whether the balance Parliament is being asked to strike today, remains appropriately calibrated over time. Mr Speaker, I support the Bill.
Mr Speaker4 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Lee Hong Chuang.
Mr Lee Hong Chuang (Jurong East-Bukit Batok)1560 words
[+15 sentences]Mr Speaker, I support of the Land Titles (Strata) (Amendment) Bill. Let me start with the scale of the issue. Government figures show that around 20,000 private non-landed homes are more than 40 years old, while more than 360,000 are younger. That is only about one in 20 today. The number is still limited. But every year, more developments will cross the 40-year mark. This is not a problem that appears overnight. It grows one year at a time. We are legislating not only for 2026 but for 2040 and beyond. My first point is that this Bill can help Singapore renew land that is already in use. Where owners support it and planning and site conditions allow, an ageing development may be redeveloped to support more homes. A lower threshold does not guarantee a successful sale. It simply gives owners of ageing developments a more workable option. Some of the homes Singapore will need tomorrow can come from the city we have already built. My second point is that the Bill takes a balanced approach. The present thresholds remain unchanged for developments below 40 years old – 90% for those who are 10 years and 80% for those between 10 and 39 years. For developments that are 40 to 59 years old, the consent threshold will be 70%. For those that are 60 years or older, it will be 65%.[+3 sentences] In both cases, the threshold must be met by share value and by the strata area. It is not a simple headcount. At the same time, the request to call the meeting that forms a CSC will need signatures representing at least 35% by share value and by number of owners. The period to collect signatures will be six months instead of 12.[+47 sentences] After a failed attempt, the restriction period will be three years instead of two and any fresh attempt during that period will need a higher level of support. I support this combination. The lower final threshold gives ageing developments a more realistic route to renewal. The higher starting threshold and the longer restriction period make repeated attempts with weak support less likely. The Bill does not simply make en bloc easier. It makes an attempt with weak support harder to start and harder to repeat. Mr Speaker, I have three questions for the Minister. First, the six months signature period. A shorter period can reduce prolonged pressure on owners who do not wish to sell. But a very large and mixed-use development, six months may still be difficult. It may take more time to reach owners who live overseas and to explain a more complex sale. Could the Minister explain how the six months period were assessed, especially for very large or mixed-use developments and whether the Ministry will review how it works after the new framework has operated for some time? Second, I welcome the stronger safeguards for owners who do not consent. But we should also be ready for serious hardship that cannot be measured only in dollars. At the 65% threshold, a sale may still bind owners who did not consent. A majority consent system cannot give every owner an absolute veto. But there is a real difference between an owner saying, "The price is not good enough" and an elderly owner saying, "I have lived here for 40 years. I am frail and I do not know where I can move to." I am not asking for an absolute veto or an open-ended delay. But could the Ministry consider an early and neutral advisory channel for elderly or vulnerable households, so that they can better understand the timeline and available options before the matter reaches the formal objection stages? Third, this Bill does not affect homes alone. As drafted, the new age-based thresholds also apply to strata-titled commercial and mixed-use developments. Older developments may contain small owner-operated shops and long-standing tenants. For a home owner, en bloc means finding another home. For a small business, it means rebuilding the business and losing a shopfront, a location and a customer base. A shop unit can be an asset on paper and a livelihood in real life. I recognise that existing law preserves a tenant's rights to compensation from the unit owner, but many small businesses may still not know what this means in practice. Could there be clearer guidance on what happens to an existing lease, when the premises must be handed over, how compensation may be pursued and how much time the business will have to move? This would help small owner occupiers who may be outvoted and tenants who have no vote but may still lose the location on which their business depends on. Mr Speaker, now I will continue my speech in Mandarin. (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, I wish to make three points from the residents' perspective. First, before signing, owners should not only work out the figures but also think through future steps. When discussing a collective sale or en bloc, the question most often asked is: “How much can it be sold for?” But for a family, the more practical questions should be – after repaying the loan, calculating CPF refunds and related costs, how much cash will remain? Will it be enough to buy the next home? When do I have to move? Will I need to rent in the interim? I suggest that, in addition to the existing legal documents, a simple, standardised and easy-to-understand checklist could be provided so that every household can work through its loan, CPF refund, transaction costs, relocation timeline and possible interim rental arrangements, item by item. This is not about the Government deciding for owners whether to sell. It is about enabling owners to understand clearly the decision they are making. Property is often a family’s largest asset. Such a decision should not be based only on an expected sale price or on information passed among neighbours. The clearer the information, the more confidently owners can make their judgement. Second, older owners should know earlier what their next steps are. An older development does not mean that every resident is elderly. However, many owners who have lived in such developments for years are retired or nearing retirement. For them, moving is not simply a change of address. They may worry about whether medical care will remain accessible, where their children live, whether shopping and getting around will be convenient, whether there are lifts and barrier-free facilities, and whether long-standing neighbourhood ties can be maintained. Therefore, I hope that older persons, persons with mobility issues and families with caregiving needs can receive clear guidance earlier from a neutral channel on when decisions must be made, when they may need to move, how finances should be arranged and where they can seek help if difficulties arise.[+9 sentences] This does not mean that the Government must take care of everything, nor does it necessarily require new subsidies. The key is to give residents time to prepare, rather than leaving them scrambling at the last moment. Completing a collective sale is a legal and commercial process. Completing a smooth and reassuring move is a process that affects a family’s daily life. Land can be redeveloped, but lives cannot be restarted at the touch of a button. Third, we should not view en bloc solely as a transaction. It also concerns how Singapore invigorates a mature city. As buildings age, owners should have more choices – not have choices made for them. Some developments are suitable for redevelopment. Others can continue to serve for many years after repairs, facility replacement, accessibility improvements and energy-efficiency upgrades. Therefore, before owners invest substantial time and money, three matters should be explained separately and clearly: what existing planning parameters currently allow; which matters still require separate approval; and which figures are merely consultants' estimates based on market conditions.[+10 sentences] This is not intended to push owners to sell. It is to ensure that owners who support or oppose en bloc make their decisions based on the same facts. If redevelopment is ultimately chosen, we should not ask only how many more units have been built or how much land value has increased. We should also ask: is the new development more suitable for older persons? Is it easier to move around? Is it more energy-efficient and better able to cope with extreme heat and heavy rain? Does it make the whole community a better place to live? Mr Speaker, as Singapore has developed to where it is today, the landscape has continued to change. The memories of our communities and people’s sense of belonging are equally worth cherishing. In the decades ahead, we must enable a mature city to continue moving forward while preserving its human touch through renewal. Good urban renewal is not simply about replacing old buildings with new ones. It should also give owners the information to make decisions, help older residents transition with peace of mind, ensure that small businesses are not overlooked and make redeveloped communities more liveable than before.[+3 sentences] We should, of course, realise greater long-term value from our limited land. But as we renew the land, we must also care for the people who live on it. The ability to renew reflects a city’s capability, giving people confidence in renewal reflects a society's resilience. (In English): Notwithstanding all the above, I support the Bill.
Mr Speaker4 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Yip Hon Weng.
Mr Yip Hon Weng (Yio Chu Kang)1880 words
[+13 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, I grew up in the Tiong Bahru and Outram area. As a kid, I remembered that above the neighbourhood stood Pearl Bank Apartments, an iconic horseshoe shaped tower that seemed permanently part of the skyline. Completed in 1976, Pearl Bank became an architectural landmark. But buildings age differently from memories. By its later years, residents faced broken lifts, leaking sewage pipes, peeling panes and rat infestations. Maintaining it had become increasingly difficult. The owners tried to sell it in 2007, 2008 and 2011. Three attempts, three failures. On the fourth attempt in 2018, Pearl Bank was sold collectively for $728 million. Pearl Bank captures the balance at the heart of this Bill. Where I live today, I too, have experienced an en bloc discussion entering an estate. I know the uncertainty it creates, the division between neighbours and whether a familiar home must give way. Ageing developments need a pathway to renewal. Deteriorating infrastructure may require redevelopments, and collective sale thresholds may need to fall as buildings age. That is why I support the Bill's central reform, lowering the threshold to 70% for developments aged at least 40, but below 60 years, and to 65% for developments aged 60 years or more.[+20 sentences] I also support section 84FC, which extends the framework to certain developments where registered flat lessees do not own the underlying land, well protecting the affected landowners. But numbers cannot capture everything a home means. At 65%, a substantial minority may still disagree – elderly residents intending to age in place, families living near schools, caregivers close to ageing parents and people whose lives are rooted in that neighbourhood. I support renewal, but my support rests on one central conviction. If Parliament lowers the threshold for renewal, Parliament must raise the standard of fairness. Three principles should therefore guide this framework. Renewal must rest on durable consent. Compensation must preserve real choices and speed must not outrun fairness. First, Mr Speaker, Sir, a collective sale attempt affects residents even when it fails. Residents wonder whether to renovate, whether they will be uprooted and where they will go. A household cannot plan confidently while its home remains under a recurring question mark. The cost is not merely financial. A resident may desperately want to stay while a long-time neighbour actively pushes to sell. That disagreement enters corridors, lifts, WhatsApp groups and friendships. A failed bid may end the legal process, but it does not end the human consequences. This comes close to home in Yio Chu Kang. A CSC was formed at Far Horizon Gardens in 2018 to unlock value from an ageing estate. After earlier unsuccessful efforts, residents have again confronted collective sale. For them, en bloc fatigue is not abstract. I, therefore, welcome the Bill's safeguards. The threshold for requisitioning a meeting to constitute a CSC rises to 35%. After a relevant unsuccessful event, another attempt will generally be restricted for three years unless stronger support is shown: 50% for the first early requisition and subsequently, the age-based threshold.[+18 sentences] A CSC will also be dissolved if important milestones are missed. Put simply, the Bill makes renewal easier where support is real, but harder for failed campaigns to be reopened repeatedly without broader support. Renewal should reflect durable support, not consent manufactured through exhaustion. I ask the Government to review these safeguards after three years, measuring whether repeated attempts, disputes and uncertainty have declined, not merely whether sales succeeded. Good safeguards must work in people's lives, not merely read well on paper. Residents will trust lower thresholds only if the law measures the age of their developments fairly. Under section 84FE, the age of a development if completed in phases will generally be determined by the latest relevant completion date among its buildings. This is clear administratively but may be unfair. If most blocks are over 40 but a small block was completed later, the entire estate may be treated as younger. Yet legal classifications cannot erase leaking pipes, breakdown-prone lifts and heavy maintenance burdens. I ask the Government to assess such anomalies and consider a narrow, independently assessed review where the later phase is minor and objective evidence shows that the development overwhelmingly reflects its older buildings. Clause 26 also warrants scrutiny. It concerns registration of a strata title plan, not consent to a collective sale. Even so, under section 127(3A), agreement by just 25% of flat lessees can result in the remaining 75% being legally deemed to agree to that registration. I understand the intention to overcome deadlock. But because the legal effect extends to every lessee, the Minister should explain why 25% is sufficient, what notice the others will receive and what recourse will be available where the application or its terms are disputed. Consent should empower residents, not be presumed through technical fine print. Second, Mr Speaker, Sir, if an owner is required to leave, can that owner realistically replace the home that has been lost? The Bill strengthens protection for objectors by raising from 0.25% to 0.5% of sale proceeds, the aggregate limit the High Court must consider when adjusting distribution.[+9 sentences] It also clarifies when an owner is regarded as suffering financial loss. I support these protections. But financial loss and relocation fairness are not the same. An elderly resident may receive more than the original purchase price yet be unable to remain near children, a familiar doctor, a place of worship or a support network. The law may find no financial loss. The resident may still lose the practical ability to remain near family, care and community. We should also distinguish genuine home owners from speculative risk. Contrast a family that bought near a school or ageing parents and unexpectedly faces an en bloc attempt with a purchaser who entered after formal disclosure and paid a price reflecting that prospect. Minority safeguards should prevent injustice, not create a one-way bet in which a purchaser retains the upside while transferring the downside to every other owner. Under the Bill, purchase price remains relevant unless an owner bought after the CSC signed the sale and purchase agreement.[+10 sentences] That may be too late. Speculative expectations can arise earlier. The framework should consider an earlier, objectively verifiable milestone, such as formal disclosure that the process has begun together with the purchaser's written acknowledgment. This avoids attempting to read a buyer's motives while ensuring that known risks are not shifted to neighbours. That is why owners need a realistic relocation picture before signing, not after the sale is secured. They need to know what comparable homes nearby cost, what they will pay in stamp duty, moving and other transaction expenses, and how long they will have to relocate. I, therefore, ask that owners' information packages include indicative prices for comparable nearby homes, major relocation costs and the expected timeline and timetable. This would not guarantee replacement. But it would reveal the real cost of starting again. Renewal should unlock land value without destroying social value. Third, Mr Speaker, Sir, the Bill shortens the CSA execution period from 12 months to six.[+13 sentences] I understand why campaigns should not drag on. But older estates naturally have older owners. An owner may pass away, a family may await probate or letters of administration, or a co-owner may be ill or overseas. In developments 40, 50 or 60 years old, these are ordinary facts of life. I welcome section 84FD, which clarifies that a co-owned unit does not count unless all co-owners agree. Yet practical hurdles remain. If an elderly owner passes away during the signature collection, the children may support the sale, yet nobody can sign until an executor or administrator is empowered. The unit cannot count, not because the family objects, but because estate administration does not follow an en bloc timetable. I ask the Government to permit a tightly controlled extension where an objective impediment, such as pending probate, is documented. Retain the discipline of the six-month period and impose a clear maximum extension to prevent abuse. Families should not lose the opportunity to participate merely because legal processes take time. Fairness is not only about having enough time. It is also about having the capacity to exercise one's rights. At 65%, a substantial minority may be required to sell without agreeing.[+2 sentences] Elderly residents, persons with disabilities and those less financially or legally confident may struggle with property law, valuations and Court procedures. They must understand their rights independently of those promoting the sale. The Government should provide a neutral guide and access to independent legal or financial advice, separate from CSC, marketing agent and purchaser.[+37 sentences] A faster process must not become a less fair process. Finally, I welcome the transitional pathway for qualifying developments aged at least 40 years already in the process. Some have incurred costs for valuations, lawyers, agents and meetings. Early guidance should specify which steps must be repeated so residents do not bear unnecessary duplicated expense. In conclusion, Mr Speaker, Sir, let me return to Pearl Bank. It was demolished and One Pearl Bank rose on the site. Yet, the story has one final chapter. When One Pearl Bank was launched in 2019, dozens of former residents returned as prospective buyers. After seeking a sale for some years, some wanted to come home. One was 77 years old. His former 1,324 square-foot apartment yielded about $1.8 million. A roughly comparable new three-bedroom unit cost more than $2.5 million. The law might not regard that as financial loss, yet he could no longer afford to return home. The building had been renewed. Coming home had become harder. The former Head of the Civil Service, Mr Lim Siong Guan, put this national aspiration memorably, "Singapore is the best place in the world for you to have the opportunity to become the best you can be according to your talents and abilities. By all means, study and work anywhere, but always come home, where your hopes live and your memories are made." A home is where hopes live and memories are made. These are not obstacles to renewal. They are the human interests that fair renewal must carry forward. I think, too, of the private estates I represent in Yio Chu Kang: Far Horizon Gardens, Bullion Park, Seasons Park, Castle Green, Nuovo and The Calrose. At Far Horizon Gardens, these questions have arrived. The others are at different stages, but every estate ages, and today's rules shape tomorrow's choices. Pearl Bank shows what renewal can achieve. Far Horizon Gardens shows what prolonged uncertainty can exact. Across Yio Chu Kang, today's decisions will reach into Singaporeans' homes for years. We cannot preserve every building or resist every change. But if Parliament lowers the threshold for renewal, Parliament must raise the standard of fairness. Renewal must rest on durable consent. Compensation must preserve real choices. Speed must not outrun fairness. Whether in Tiong Bahru and Outram, where I grew up, or in Yio Chu Kang, which I represent today, our responsibility is the same. We must make room for tomorrow without being careless with yesterday. We must renew buildings without uprooting belonging. We must renew our city without diminishing the dignity of those who make way. Then Singapore can keep changing, keep renewing and still feel like home. Mr Speaker, Sir, I support the Bill.
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Minister Edwin Tong.
Mr Edwin Tong Chun Fai4461 words
[+5 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, I thank the Members who have spoken and for all the Members who have spoken, I thank you for your unanimous support for the Bill. Let me just quickly jump into the questions that have been raised and I grouped them into different categories. The first group of questions relate to how we arrived at the revised thresholds and also the timelines in the Bill. Prof Kenneth Goh, Mr Lee Hong Chuang, Mr Yip Hon Weng, Mr Fadli Fawzi, Mr Andre Low, amongst others, raised questions on this. First, let me talk about the calibration of the consent thresholds. Members would remember that I said at the start, the idea is to have a differentiated gradient. So, the older it is, we lower the threshold.[+8 sentences] I must say that we took into account the views expressed at consultations, as I expressed earlier but really, there is no science to it. It is a question of just it being a lower threshold than a younger development. Let me also add that the success and failure of a collective sale, any collective sale, depends on many factors apart from the threshold levels alone. These include the site's specific location issues, the development potential, the terms of the sale offer and market conditions at that time, what is negotiated or capable of being negotiated between owners and developers and there really is a significant variation across developments. I have explained the importance of facilitating the timely rejuvenation of older developments and that, at the end of the day, remains the primary consideration behind what we are doing in this Bill. This Bill seeks to strike a balance between differentiating the consent thresholds to ease the requirements for collective sales as developments age whilst at the same time preserving a meaningful level of majority support even for the oldest developments that this Bill caters for before any sale may proceed. So, that, in short, is the logic behind the differentiated levels and as I said, there is really no science to it. It is a question of judgement and how we differentiate the different tiers of the age of the developments. Second, Members also asked about the signature collection period, lowered from 12 months to six months.[+25 sentences] Let me elaborate on the point a bit more and explain our thinking behind this. This period of time, as I said at the start, is usually the most difficult and, perhaps, the most polarising phase of a collective sale exercise for all owners. There will be sustained uncertainty and pressure, in some cases, persistent lobbying. In one example, we received feedback that information on units that had not or refused to sign the CSA were then named on social media, on WhatsApp chatgroups, other communication groups, to try and pressure these owners into agreeing to the sale. I know it does not happen to everyone, does not happen across developments but by and large, the longer a period there is, the more likely it is that you find such practices. At the same time, the uncertainty of whether or not a sale will go through also means that the MCST and the residents are, perhaps, less inclined to make investments into items that might require maintenance. For example, if you have a lift shaft, the example I cited earlier, that needs to be replaced, you have a number of lift shafts across different blocks, you might ask yourself: "Should I refrain from doing it whilst there is uncertainty given that we have an open period for signatures to be collected?" So, these are among some of the considerations behind why we felt that a more focused period of time – six months – will drive parties to help to focus their minds on a collective sale decision and avoid the process from being too protracted. It also, at the same time, enables earlier certainty on whether there will be sufficient support. And by doing that, reduces the exposure to market fluctuations between the start of the signature collection and the eventual launch of the sale. Otherwise, you could have a 12-month, if not, more period between when you first commit to the CSA on a certain fixed price and when you actually launched the development for sale. We had considered the merits of a differentiated signature collection period, which some Members have suggested, based on criteria, such as the size of the development. But in the end, we decided not to do so because size really not necessarily the only indicator of complexity in the context of an en bloc sale. And in fact, earlier on, I was listening carefully to the speeches. Mr Fadli Fawzi talked about size. So, he says maybe 300, maybe 500. Actually, that itself represents quite a big distinction – how big is big? Mr Yip Hon Weng then talks about maybe the older developments have older owners and that might need more time. So, where do you draw the line on complexity? What do you recognise? I think, yet, other Members talked about development having mixed units – residential and commercial – itself being more complicated and more complex. So, if you start recognising each of these different characteristics, you will find that the general rule of six months or any timeframe that we want to enforce, will then get whittled away. And having a differentiated approach with different criteria itself then leads to even more complexity and inherently more uncertainty for the collective sale scheme. Likewise, as I said, it is also not practical to cater to all types of situations where individual owners might face impediments to getting signatures. At the same time, let me assure Members of this House that before we decided on the timeframe here, we looked at past cases, cases that had been successful in the past. The six-month period is supported by data collected from recent successful collective sale exercises.[+2 sentences] Data involving larger developments of more than a hundred units show that the rate of signature collection is seldom linear. In fact, it is non-linear during the collection period. A significant majority of signatures are typically gathered within the first four months or within a concentrated window of one to two months during the signature collection period.[+21 sentences] We looked at several large developments as well and they were able to reach the 70% threshold within the six-month period. So, we use this data to inform, ultimately, how we saw the revisions. Collective sale exercises really have a better chance of succeeding when there is strong owner support and prior preparation by those driving the exercise. Let me finally also add that in relation to the six-month timeframe. It does not just start when the window for signature collection opens up. In fact, there is a prior preparatory period. As you are convening the CSC, there would have been general meetings. You would have had to discuss how you deal with the sale proceeds, what is the pricing like, what are the terms and conditions. All that happens before you start to collect signatures. And of course, at that period of time, owners would already began to exercise their minds on whether they would be prepared, in principle, to a collective sale. So, it is not just the six-month period where this becomes live. In this preparatory period, owners would have already started to think about and consider their position on the collective sale. Having a focused, shorter period will mean that the CSC should ensure that the necessary information can be gathered up and shared with all relevant parties, including, as some Members mentioned, overseas owners and owners who are not residing in their properties. And this and other preparatory steps can be done ahead of the formal six-month signature collection period. Overall, in our view, a single clear six-month timeframe will minimise disruption to owners in developments where there is insufficient support, as well as reduce the period where other important decisions, such as the maintenance and upkeep of the development, are put on hold pending the outcome of the collective sale process. We will, of course, as some Members have suggested, continue to monitor this regime closely, including if this Bill is passed, the new regime, taking in feedback from stakeholders after the amendments come into effect. The next set of comments from Members relate to the strengthening of the existing safeguards. Let me address them in turn. Starting with Mr Alex Yeo and Dr Wan Rizal's questions on whether stamp duty exemptions can be granted to owners involved in a collective sale. Sir, the current provisions already provide meaningful and targeted protection for non-consenting owners in relation to stamp duties. I mentioned this in my opening speech earlier. Under the present rules in the Act today, a collective sale cannot proceed if it results in a financial loss to an objecting owner, and an objecting owner is considered to have incurred a financial loss if, amongst others, the proceeds of sale for their lot, after allowable deductions, are less than the price they originally paid for the unit.[+4 sentences] The allowable deductions include stamp duties paid or payable on the sale or purchase of the unit, such as the Seller's Stamp Duty (SSD). Hence, if the proceeds of sale result in a financial loss for an objector, taking into account the SSD, the sale cannot proceed. SSD is designed to discourage short-term holding of residential properties and curb speculative activity. It is quite a different policy rationale from the en bloc collective sale regime that we are introducing in this Bill. Owners who participate in a collective sale may incur SSD if the sale occurs within the applicable SSD holding period, which ranges from three to four years depending on when the property was acquired.[+6 sentences] Other allowable deductions include legal fees and other specified costs. And this is found in the Fourth Schedule which remains unchanged by this Bill. So, therefore, for a collective sale to succeed, the CSA will have to account for any such stamp duties or any other deductibles for that matter, payable by non-consenting owners, when determining the apportionment of sale proceeds. So, as the sale and purchase agreement is negotiated, you have to look at the overall purchase price and on top of that, look at the apportionment to the individual owners, taking into account all of the deductibles allowed by the Fourth Schedule. Sir, it would not be appropriate to exempt any class of owner completely from stamp duties as this regime, as I mentioned, serves an entirely distinct and different policy purpose. ABSD, for example, aims to moderate investment demand for residential property to promote a stable and sustainable property market. It may apply to some owners who are purchasing a replacement property following a collective sale. But for a Singapore Citizen who has sold his/her existing property under a collective sale and does not own any other residential property at the time of purchasing a replacement residential unit, that person will not be liable for ABSD for the purchase of the replacement unit.[+2 sentences] Second, on why the financial loss safeguard excludes units transacted after the S&P is signed with the purchaser, a point that I think Mr Yip Hon Weng raised, let me explain this. We have to strike a balance between allowing genuine transactions to continue unhindered and discouraging speculative behaviour, which I think is the point that Mr Yip was raising. The current milestone, which is tied to the signing of the sale and purchase agreement, is the point at which the purchase price for the development has been formally agreed, crystalised, with the purchaser.[+6 sentences] That is the fixed price as agreed in the sale and purchase agreement. This means that at that time, the sale proceeds that each unit will receive becomes clear and the buyers can then take that into account when transacting. Prior to that, you might have an indicated price or you might have a potential market price, but nothing is fixed. At earlier milestones in this process, another of Mr Yip's suggestions, if you go earlier than the sales and purchase agreement, such as when the CSA is opened for signature, at that juncture, it is not certain whether the collective sale will even proceed and if so, at what final price it will be. The negotiations are still going on and it will still be impacted by market conditions. And at the same time, setting the milestones earlier could then also disadvantage genuine buyers of the development purchasing the property for non-speculative reasons. Third, on the requirement, which is existing for the lawyers appointed for the collective sale to be present, when an owner signs the CSA in Singapore, a point Mr Ang Wei Neng raised, let me just say that this is not just a matter of witnessing or a formal evidential requirement. We introduced the requirement for the physical presence of a lawyer in 2007 to address concerns that some owners were pressed to sign the CSA under duress or misrepresentation.[+8 sentences] It is a substantive safeguard. Earlier, Ms He Ting Ru and Mr Andre Low also asked about whether there could be recourse to owners, information that they might seek. This is why we introduced the presence of a lawyer. If you go back to the Hansard and look at why we said it would be useful to have a lawyer introduced into the process, we said it would be useful to have a lawyer present as this offers owners an opportunity to ask lawyers to explain the legal terms, liabilities, what is outstanding on a mortgage, what they might have to incur by way of costs, address any doubts that they might have. And so, this was the logic behind the 2007 amendments that remains today. This requirement, as I said, gives the opportunity for owners to ask lawyers to explain the legal terms, explain the liabilities and address their doubts. For example, it might be on the matter of apportionment, what are deductibles and how would the apportionment exercise take into account the deductibles and what amounts would be left as their sale proceeds. Retaining this physical requirement therefore will better ensure that this safeguard is not weakened. If needed or necessary, CSC can already work with the appointed lawyers, to make special arrangements to accommodate signing by individuals in Singapore, who may face mobility issues or might, for some reasons, require additional assistance. I would add that the requirement of a physical presence of a lawyer only applies where the CSA is signed in Singapore, not when it is signed overseas.[+11 sentences] Fourth, Members have suggested introducing further safeguards to mandate that certain support or information be provided to owners. Again, Mr Yip raised it; Mr Lee Hong Chuang, Mr Alex Yeo, Dr Wan Rizal and I think Mr Andre Low as well. I would say that much of this information and support already exists in this framework but we will be happy to consider whether any additional support might be necessary. But let me just broadly sketch out what is now available. Information is available on the collective sale process on the website of the STB. Owners can also tap into legal support resources available to members of the public generally, including from Pro Bono SG's Community Legal Clinics. And we will work with the STB to enhance the relevant information after these amendments are introduced as well as the guides that are available on the collective sale process, so that those who are affected by collective sales will be better informed. In addition, the Act, the Land Titles (Strata) Act, also already requires that individuals standing for election as a member of a CSC has to declare their own position, potential conflicts of interests at the general meeting convened for the election of these members. The terms and conditions of the CSA and the apportionment of sale proceeds are to be approved by owners at such a general meeting. CSCs are also to provide a preface to the CSA, which states the clause numbers and page numbers where key information can be found, including the apportionment method for the proceeds of sale. That perhaps is the most important information for a seller, as well as the fees payable to parties involved in handling the collective sale, such as lawyers, professional agents and the like. Beyond this, we do not see a need for the law to be prescriptive on what exactly you provide, by who and at what juncture, because each set of owners within each development will have different considerations.[+8 sentences] For some of these matters, such as more administrative; and maybe convenience matters, such as relocation arrangements, these are terms that can be negotiated directly with the purchaser. Some might need more of it if you have more elderly, more senior members. Some might not need them. And so, we decided not to prescribe what exactly you need to do or cater for in the statute itself. We often find that appointed marketing agents step in to help, because at the end of the day, they want to facilitate the sale, they want to see whether or not they are able to assist the non-consenting owners with some of their concerns, and they step in. So, we would rather leave the market to decide and negotiate and handle these specific concerns. There is sufficient time between the signing of a CSA and the eventual legal completion of a sale. So, it does not happen in quick succession, there is a timeframe for this. For example, even after the collective sale threshold is reached, owners then have up to 12 months to find a prospective buyer and make submissions to the STB, and this is also time to review their applications.[+4 sentences] Should an order be issued for the sale, there are further downstream steps before legal completion will be undertaken and before the units need to be vacated. So, my point is that, there is a timeframe and it will not be overnight upon the signing of the CSA, or upon finding a buyer with a sale and purchase agreement, that parties then have to quickly move and vacate. Lastly, enquiries on planning parameters can already be made today as part of a collective sale exercise. So, for example, a CSC can make an application for outline planning permission to the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) during the collective sale process to test proposals for future users of the site. Ultimately, it is in the interest of the CSC and owners to clarify the development potential of the site, as it reduces misalignment with potential buyers, and also improves the prospects of a successful sale and purchase agreement being concluded.[+1 sentence] Let me also assure Members who have raised the issue of continual reviews that we will do so, as we do with every piece of legislation and all the Bills that we introduce. We will review the collective sale framework, taking into account feedback from all stakeholders and the suggestions given by various Members today.[+9 sentences] Let me say that today, information is already collected for a successful collective sale exercise when the sale application is filed with the STB. Of course, there is no requirement in legislation for such information to be provided when the collective sale exercise fails. We are working with the relevant agencies, such as MND and URA, to explore other ways of collecting more information, which can then better inform future policy reviews. But we stopped short of introducing such a requirement in legislation as it would likely be onerous and it could then lead to legal disputes between owners if parties fail to comply with reporting requirements, particularly if penalties are introduced for late or non-submission. Next, let me turn to the series of technical queries raised by some Members – Mr Yip Hon Weng, Mr Alex Yeo, in particular. First, on the age of the development and how we compute the age, which are completed in phases. I heard Mr Yip's speech earlier. He comes from the perspective of why not allow a development to be counted as older, even if some parts of the development might be newer. I think that is the nub of Mr Yip's speech. What we have done is: we take reference from the date of completion of the latest building and this ensures that the newest unit in the development will then still be subject to the respective consent thresholds for at least the prescribed minimum period of time.[+7 sentences] So, if you buy into a unit, you are the last block of the development to complete, you will be able to avail yourself of the consent thresholds at the higher levels, at 80%, 90%, before you go into the older thresholds, and it is for this reason that we felt it was fairer, because you then measure it based on the youngest unit, youngest development, rather than the oldest one. This is fairer to the owner of the newest unit. There was also a query on section 127 of the Land Titles (Strata) Act, I think again from Mr Yip. This applies where there are subsisting flat leases registered under the Registration of Deeds Act and the land in the development is vested in the flat lessees as tenants in common in the shares shown in the share register. It is a technical amendment. Currently, section 127 provides for a strata title application to be lodged with the Registrar by flat lessees who, altogether, own at least 25% of the total number of flats. Our amendments do not change this. The new proposed 127(3A) is a clarification amendment, which inserts a deeming provision that the agreement of this 25% of flat lessees will bind the remaining flat lessees and cause the strata title application to be registered, on par with the existing sections 125(6) and 126(5).[+10 sentences] The flat lessees who are not part of the 25% will not be disadvantaged by this strata title plan application under section 127, because under the new strata title plan, they will still own their flats as well as their share of the underlying land, so there is no prejudice to these owners. Mr Alex Yeo asks about a private land owner's reversionary interest in the land. He says that the unit owners in such developments question about the valuation. The response is: the unit owners in such developments can today already trigger a collective sale of their leasehold development, based on the consent thresholds in the Act today. There is a limited number of such developments. If there is a need for the unit owners or developer to acquire an interest in the underlying land from another party to facilitate redevelopment, this needs to be mutually agreed by all parties involved. Mr Ang asked about the issuance of notional shares. We agree. We try, as far as we can, not to inconvenience the owners, and it is not always the case that a fresh survey will be required. Owners can submit existing official records that are sufficiently verified, and it is only if additional information or documentation that might be needed to work out the shares that the Registrar will follow up with the owners concerned on a case-by-case basis. Mr Yeo, I think, asked about the sinking funds. This review is overseen by MND and I understand that BCA has completed a round of public consultation on the proposed areas of review of the Building (Strata Management) Act and will provide an update when ready.[+6 sentences] Finally, a few Members have asked about VERS – Ms Cassandra Lee, Mr Fadli Fawzi, Mr Andre Low – a number have talked about it. But as Ms He Ting Ru says, the issue of VERS goes beyond the scope of this Bill. This Bill deals with private strata developments, and it deals with a situation where parties, owners come together by majority and decide on what to do in effecting a sale, and it deals with altering the thresholds for these private strata developments. VERS is for HDB. HDB, in contrast, maintains and upgrades the HDB flats through its own programmes. So, it is quite a different platform. Having said that, I accept what Ms Cassandra Lee says about there being learning points between both the public as well as the private market, and these are factors that will be taken into account, and at the appropriate time, the relevant Ministry will come back with VERS. And I want to assure Members as well that when we put up a programme, whether it is a Bill like this to amend the collective sale framework, or eventually, when VERS is brought to this House, it will have the support of the Government. MND will talk to MinLaw, we will share our experiences on the collective sale regime and the learning points will be shared across the different agencies.[+12 sentences] While I am on this point, I just want to, on a related note, comment on Mr Andre Low and Mr Fadli Fawzi's comment. I think it is also not relevant to this Bill, but there was a comment that, oh, if we can do en bloc collective sale regimes like this, why not consider doing this, in place of having to use Maju or Gillman Barracks for developments? Let me just say that this is both too simplistic, as well as unrealistic. And it also betrays a lack of understanding of both frameworks. In the context of this Bill, as I said, we are facilitating the options for older developments to undertake an en bloc. Whether it happens, we have no control. When it happens, we have no control. It might be a big development. It might be a small development. Again, we have no control. In contrast, HDB plans its housing estates many years in advance. It is simply not possible to decide to plan for an HDB housing estate based on the fact that we might have a collective sale. And so, I hope the Members understand that the two issues are not to be conflated, and to try and do so, I think, represents a too simplistic and as I said, an unrealistic approach.[+2 sentences] Sir, to conclude, let me thank the Members again for their unanimous support for this Bill, as well as for their thoughtful feedback and suggestions. We will take all this on board. We will continue to make the necessary improvements to the regime, to ensure that it continues to be fit for purpose, meets Singapore's objectives and allows us the ultimate objective of rejuvenation and renewal in land-scarce Singapore.[+1 sentence] Sir, with that, I seek to move.
Mr Speaker16 words
[+2 sentences]Before I ask Members for clarifications. Leader, would you like to move the Exempted Business Motion?
[+2 sentences]We have time for clarifications for the Minister. Mr Andre Low.
Mr Low Wu Yang Andre115 words
[+3 sentences]Thank you, Speaker. I just wanted to clarify the point about why I raised about Maju and Gillman Forest. I never tried to make any insinuation that this regime might have saved Maju Forest in any way. I think I was just drawing the analogy that Singaporeans are concerned about the use of our land and the competing demands for it. And I did say that I am in favour of urban renewal and therefore, this Bill is another feather in our cap that we can use to facilitate the process of urban renewal.[+1 sentence] And I was just using the illustration of Maju and Gillman to show that Singaporeans care very much about these issues.
Mr Speaker7 words
[+1 sentence]Minister Tong, do you wish to respond?
Mr Edwin Tong Chun Fai75 words
[+3 sentences]Well, I thank Mr Low for the clarification. I think I take it that he accepts that the two issues are not to be conflated and there is really no question that any discussion we have on the use of land – whether Gillman and, I think, he mentioned the Western Islands as well, Maju – has got nothing to do with the use of land arising from en bloc sales. Would that be correct?
Mr Speaker2 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Low.
Mr Low Wu Yang Andre61 words
[+1 sentence]I would not necessarily agree with that definitive statement. I was just trying to set out the broader picture of urban redevelopment and urban renewal. And I think that there are many sources for land that we can find in Singapore – brownfield redevelopment or en bloc sales of private properties.[+1 sentence] So, I was just trying to set out the landscape.
Mr Edwin Tong Chun Fai117 words
[+3 sentences]Well, Mr Low had talked about the debates on Maju Forest and Gillman that show how much Singaporeans care about the natural space around us. He also talked about the proposed Western Islands and then he said, "As you plan for further growth in Singapore, we should examine how much more we can accommodate on land we have already developed before accepting the loss of places that would be difficult to replace." I read this as him linking the use of Maju, Gillman and Western Islands with the issue at hand today, which is land that we can develop. So, I am just seeking clarification that, in fact, those two ought not be linked.[+1 sentence] Am I right?
Mr Speaker2 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Low.
Mr Low Wu Yang Andre58 words
[+1 sentence]Then, I think our opinions differ. I do think the issues are linked, albeit not directly, which the Minister seems to be insinuating. I think the insinuation that I understood from the Minister's closing speech was that if we had implemented this collective sale regime earlier, potentially, we could have saved Maju Forest.[+1 sentence] I was not insinuating that.
Mr Edwin Tong Chun Fai8 words
[+1 sentence]Sir, I thank Mr Low for that clarification.
Mr Speaker73 words
[+2 sentences]Any other clarifications for the Minister? No. . (proc text)]
Scams (Countermeasures) and Other Matters Bill›Second Reading Bills19 turns · 15,166w
· 98 highlighted
bill-808
Mr Speaker12 words
[+1 sentence]Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs.
The Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs (Mr Goh Pei Ming) (for the Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs)4498 words
[+2 sentences]Mr Speaker, on behalf of the Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and the Minister for Home Affairs, I move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time". Sir, Singapore's scams situation has improved since 2025. After consecutive years of increases, both scam cases and losses fell in 2025. This improvement continued into the first half of 2026, where reported scam cases fell by 14.4% to about 16,800 cases, while losses fell by 17.9% to about $411 million, compared to the same period last year.[+8 sentences] This progress is a result of our strong public-private collaboration, robust enforcement and legal framework, and the adoption of technology. I would like to thank Members of this House for your strong support in our anti-scam efforts, and your personal contributions to spreading anti-scam public education to your constituents. Our fight, however, is far from over. We still receive on average about 90 reported scam cases, involving about $2 million lost, every day. Globally, the scam situation continues to worsen, as syndicates evade international enforcement action. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimated that scam losses in East and Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand approximately tripled between 2023 and 2025. Scammers are also using increasingly sophisticated technologies to deceive victims. Singapore's wealth density makes us an extremely lucrative target and scam syndicates spare no effort in adapting and attempting to overcome our safeguards. This is why addressing scams remains a top priority for the Government. This Bill advances our fight against scams in three ways: one, it supports information exchange between the Police and various service providers for scam disruption; second, it enhances the Government's legal levers to combat scams on online platforms; and third, it strengthens the Police's ability to disrupt the supply of scam accounts and conduct anti-scam operations.[+13 sentences] Sir, I will first touch on amendments supporting information exchange. Scammers rely on enablers, such as phone lines, online accounts and bank accounts, to reach victims and carry out their schemes. These enablers are provided by different service providers, including banks, digital payment token service providers, telecommunications companies and online service providers. When scammers register for or use these enablers, they leave behind digital footprints that can serve as scam signals. These signals allow us to identify and disrupt other parts of the scam infrastructure. For example, a phone number detected by a telecommunications company as being used for scams, may also be linked to a bank account used to receive scam proceeds. Today, scam signals are not being shared widely or quickly enough to disrupt scams effectively. To overcome technical limitations on this front, I announced during the Ministry of Home Affairs' (MHA's) Committee of Supply debate earlier this year, that the Police and the Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX), are developing the National Scams List (NSL). The NSL is a platform to facilitate the exchange of information on suspicious scam accounts between the Government and service providers at speed and at scale. This Bill, in turn, provides the legal powers to enable and safeguard such information exchange on NSL and other information-sharing platforms. Information-sharing platforms, like the NSL, allow the Police to disrupt scam accounts early and facilitate information disclosure. To empower the Police to operationalise such platforms, clause 7 introduces new orders into the Protection from Scams Act 2025. First, we will introduce Account Disabling Orders (ADOs). ADOs will empower the Police to direct a service provider to disable an account, if the Police suspect or have reason to believe that the account has been or will be used preparatory to or in furtherance of a scam-related offence.[+4 sentences] This threshold is lower than the existing threshold for disruption under the Criminal Procedure Code. This is necessary for the Police to proactively disable the account even before the scam takes place. This allows a shift in approach from reactive to proactive. The Order may identify the specific account to be disabled or specify conditions for identifying suspicious accounts that should be disabled. Accounts may be disabled under ADOs for up to 30 days, with one possible extension of up to another 30 days.[+32 sentences] Clauses 8 and 9 amend the Protection from Scams Act to allow persons affected by ADOs to appeal to the Commissioner of Police. The Commissioner may designate an officer not below the rank of Superintendent, or its equivalent, to hear and determine the appeal. Non-compliance with an ADO will be a criminal offence. Second, we will introduce Disclosure Orders (DOs). DOs will allow the Police to direct service providers to disclose information relating to an account provided by the service provider. The Police will need to be satisfied that the disclosure is necessary or expedient to prevent the commission of a scam-related offence and believe on reasonable grounds that the service provider is capable of disclosing the information. The wilful and reckless submission of false and misleading information pursuant to a DO, as well as the non-compliance with a DO, will be an offence. Service providers have raised concerns that participating in information-sharing platforms could expose them to additional liability, especially where they act voluntarily. For example, civil liability could arise from breaches of confidentiality obligations. This Bill balances these considerations by providing immunity from liability, while limiting it to actions taken for the prevention and detection of scam-related offences. Clause 10 introduces protections for service providers from criminal and civil liability for actions done, or omitted to be done, in good faith and with reasonable care to comply with an ADO or DO. Clause 11 introduces protections for prescribed service providers for voluntarily disclosing information. These service providers may voluntarily disclose information to a specified officer or a prescribed Singapore public service agency. This is despite confidentiality obligations, including under the Personal Data Protection Act and the Banking Act. Certain circumstances need to be met, including: first, the information is disclosed to a specified officer or a prescribed Singapore public sector agency in the prescribed form and manner; second, the information is disclosed for the purpose of preventing a scam-related offence; third, the information disclosed was obtained by the service provider in the course of complying with, or on the basis of information contained in an ADO or DO, that was issued to the service provider; and lastly, the disclosure was done in good faith and with reasonable care. Clause 11 also introduces protections for service providers from civil liability for voluntarily preventing the use of an account for up to 30 days. Similarly, certain circumstances need to be met, including: first, the service provider suspected or had reason to believe that the account has been or will be used for a scam-related offence; second, this suspicion or belief was wholly or partially based on information shared via an ADO or DO; and third, it was done in good faith and with reasonable care. To protect the confidentiality of shared information, clause 7 makes it an offence for the unauthorised disclosure or use of information obtained through an ADO or DO. Service providers will also be required to implement safeguards, prescribed through subsidiary legislation, to protect the confidentiality of such information. Failure to do so will be an offence. Let me now move on to changes to the Online Criminal Harms Act 2023 (OCHA). OCHA was passed in Parliament in July 2023 and since its commencement in February 2024, the Police have used OCHA to fight scams in two main ways. One, to issue ex-post directions to online service providers to take down scam-related content; and two, to issue ex-ante Codes of Practice or Implementation Directives, to require designated online service providers to impose preventive anti-scam measures on their platforms. Today, the designated online services are WhatsApp, Telegram, WeChat, Apple, Google, Carousell, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. After two years of operationalisation, MHA is now proposing three amendments to ensure that the law remains an effective tool in our fight against scams. First, we will empower the Competent Authority to impose financial penalties on designated online service providers for non-compliance with the Codes of Practice or Implementation Directives. Today, platforms that fail to comply with a Code of Practice requirement may be issued with a Rectification Notice. Non-compliance with a Rectification Notice or Implementation Directive is an offence punishable with a fine not exceeding $1 million, and to a further fine of $100,000 for every day or part of a day during which the offence continues after conviction. These fines are imposed by the Courts upon conviction. While criminal prosecution remains necessary in serious cases, charging non-compliant platforms in Court may not be an efficient way to deal with less egregious cases. This Bill empowers the Competent Authority to issue an administrative financial penalty to more swiftly address and deter non-compliant behaviour. Clauses 21, 23 and 27 amend the framework in OCHA for non-compliance with Codes of Practice and Implementation Directives. Going forward, for each instance of non-compliance with the Code of Practice, the Competent Authority may impose a penalty of up to $10 million, or issue a Rectification Notice to rectify the non-compliance with the Code of Practice. Where the non-compliance relates to an Implementation Directive, the Competent Authority may similarly impose a penalty of up to $10 million or issue a compliance order to the Implementation Directive.[+5 sentences] Failure to comply with a Rectification Notice or compliance order is a criminal offence. The Courts may impose a fine not exceeding $10 million and in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine not exceeding $300,000 for every day or part of a day during which the offence continues after conviction. Let me make two points about these changes. First, this approach retains criminal prosecution as an option, alongside the new financial penalty regime. The Competent Authority will decide which is appropriate, based on the facts of each case, considering factors which include the nature and severity of scam harm caused by the non-compliance, the culpability of the platform and its antecedent. Second, we have set the maximum administrative financial penalty and fine that the Competent Authority and the Courts respectively can impose at $10 million. This maximum penalty will be the highest fixed quantum financial penalty in Singapore's statute book.[+9 sentences] We do not take this decision lightly. But it is necessary to provide an adequate deterrent against non-compliance by online platforms, commensurate with the scale of the challenge we are facing, and the severity of harm that scams delivered through online platforms can cause. Members will recall that a scam victim lost $4.9 million from a single scam case involving the impersonation of senior Government officials on several online platforms, including WhatsApp. Imagine what the scam losses would be had this modus operandi been executed at scale. As the new penalty regime will allow the Competent Authority to impose administrative financial penalties directly on designated online service providers without going through the Courts, we will introduce safeguards to ensure due process. Clause 23 will require the Competent Authority to inform the designated online service provider of its intent to impose penalties and to allow the designated online service provider to make written representations explaining why the penalty should not be imposed. The designated online service provider will have at least seven days to make these representations and the Competent Authority may decide, after assessing the written representation, whether to proceed, vary or withdraw the penalty. If the Competent Authority decides to proceed to impose financial penalties, the designated online service provider may appeal to the Minister for Home Affairs, whose decision is final. While we fully intend to continue our collaborative approach of consulting and working with designated online service providers, the Government will not hesitate to take firm action against errant online service providers that allow their platforms to be exploited by scammers. The second key amendment to OCHA is in clause 19, which will allow OCHA directions to be given by the operation of a computer program, including those leveraging AI or machine learning technologies.[+20 sentences] Members will be aware that scammers have been using sophisticated technologies, including generative AI, to create highly convincing scam content, faster and at lower cost. To stay ahead, we too must leverage AI more extensively in our scam disruption efforts. We want to use AI not just to assist in human decision-making, but also to issue OCHA directions in situations where scam content has been identified with a high degree of confidence. To ensure human accountability for the issuance of OCHA directions, clause 19 provides that a direction can be given by a computer program for which the head of the agency using the program is responsible. For example, this could be the Permanent Secretary of a Ministry or the Chief Executive of a Statutory Board. The existing appeal mechanism for OCHA directions continues to apply. Appellants may apply to a designated officer for reconsideration and thereafter, to an independent Reviewing Tribunal comprising a District Judge or Magistrate. We will also ensure that AI systems are implemented with the appropriate safeguards, such as human assessment for lower confidence decisions and regular audit checks. The last key amendment to OCHA will support a more comprehensive approach to scam prevention. Clause 20 will allow the Competent Authority to impose requirements on designated online service providers, which indirectly counter the commission of scams or malicious cyber activity, such as public education initiatives. This allows the Government to direct the online platforms to work with us on scam education initiatives, which are a vital component of our whole-of-society anti-scam strategy. Clause 22 makes clear that measures imposed by an Implementation Directive are to be implemented until the Implementation Directive is cancelled or substituted. Clause 26 makes clear that the Competent Authority can require a designated online service provider to provide information to assess their compliance with any Code of Practice or Implementation Directive, or to assess whether a Code of Practice or Implementation Directive should be issued to the service provider. This allows the Government to evaluate the performance of online service providers vis-à-vis requirements set by the Competent Authority. Mr Speaker, the amendments I have shared so far focus on legislative amendments that underpin our collaboration with service providers to combat scams. I will now move to amendments directed at those who facilitate scams. Let me first turn to those who misuse online accounts, such as Carousell or WhatsApp accounts, to facilitate scams. We have observed instances where individuals sell their online accounts to scammers. These accounts may even have been Singpass-verified, and can be very convincing to potential victims, luring them into a false sense of legitimacy. We must take a firm stance against such misuse of online accounts. Clause 16 introduces new offences against those who misuse accounts from designated online services, to facilitate criminal activity. In particular, under the new sections 39GA and 39GC of the Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act 1906 (or MOA), it will be an offence for a person to supply or offer to supply a designated online account to another person; or provide or offer to provide personal information to another person, or consent or offer to consent to personal information being used by another person for the purpose of opening a designated online account, if the person knew or had reasonable grounds to believe that the designated online account will be used for an unlawful purpose.[+2 sentences] Like other scam-related offences, such as the misuse of SIM cards and bank accounts, we expect the Police to face evidential difficulties in proving the offender's criminal intent. Scam mules often claim that they acted because they were paid and were unaware of the serious consequences of their actions. To address this, going forward, a person is presumed to have known that the designated online account will be used for an unlawful purpose in any of the following scenarios: one, the person supplied the designated online account or provided or consented to the use of his or her personal information for any gain; two, the person failed to take reasonable steps to ascertain the identity and the physical location of the person receiving the designated online account, or using the personal information to open a designated online account; or three, the person failed to take reasonable steps to find out the recipient's purpose for obtaining the designated online account, or using the personal information to open a designated online account.[+4 sentences] Under the new section 39GB of MOA, it will also be an offence for a person to receive or offer to receive a designated online account, or retain control of a designated online account opened using another person's personal information if the person does so with the intention to use or supply the designated online account for an unlawful purpose. Similarly, a person who receives a designated online account is presumed to have intended to use or supply the account for an unlawful purpose, if the person received the account for any gain. This is intended to address the challenge of proving criminal intent. The penalties for the new offences for misuse of online accounts will be pegged to the misuse of SIM cards under MOA. Offenders who are individuals will be liable for a fine not exceeding $10,000, or imprisonment not exceeding three years, or both. As for the offences under the new sections 39GA and 39GB regarding supplying designated online accounts, receiving designated online accounts and retaining control of designated online accounts opened using the personal information of others, the prescribed penalty for a second or subsequent conviction in respect of an individual person is a fine not exceeding $20,000, or imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years, or both. In addition, discretionary caning of not more than 12 strokes will apply where the individual knew or intended that the designated online account would be used to commit or facilitate any scam offence.[+18 sentences] All the new offences will also apply to corporations and unincorporated associations. As such entities cannot be subjected to imprisonment or caning, the maximum fines for entities will be double the amount for individuals. Similar to the offences for the misuse of SIM cards, the offences for the misuse of online accounts will also apply extraterritorially, as long as there is a proven link to harm in Singapore. This is necessary, as most scam syndicates operate from overseas. The offences for the misuse of online accounts will also be arrestable. To be clear, we do not intend to catch those who use designated online accounts for a lawful purpose. A person who receives, supplies or retains the control of a designated online account or provides personal information to another to open a designated online account will not be liable for an offence, if the person has reasonable grounds to believe that the purpose of the act was to facilitate the use of or access to the designated online account for a lawful purpose. So, what constitutes such reasonable grounds to believe, would depend on the facts of the case. For example, if a person sets up a WhatsApp account for his or her parent or child thinking that it is solely for their legitimate personal daily use and is able to provide a credible explanation as to why he or she was led to think so, reasonable grounds to believe may be established. On the other hand, if a person does so for a stranger with no questions asked as to the purpose of the stranger, or was paid by the stranger to do so, reasonable grounds to believe would likely not be established. Ultimately, this would have to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Next, we will empower the Police to impose restrictions on certain individuals' access to services that could be exploited to facilitate scams. In October 2025, the Singapore Police Force (SPF), the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and the Government Technology Agency of Singapore (GovTech) implemented the Facility Restriction Framework. Under the framework, scam mules who: one, have been warned, issued with composition sums, prosecuted or convicted of mule-related offences; or two, are under investigation for mule-related offences and are assessed to be at risk of further facilitating scams may face targeted restrictions on their access to facilities, and these facilities may include digital banking, card and automated teller machine (ATM) services, the subscription of new telephone lines and the use of Singpass. These restrictions are risk-calibrated and take into account these individuals' basic financial and communications needs. Service providers, such as banks and telecommunications companies today comply with the restrictions imposed under the Facility Restriction Framework either voluntarily or pursuant to requirements determined by their sectoral regulators. The Police today cannot compel service providers to impose such restrictions on persons. Clause 7 of the Bill introduces a new set of orders, Service Limitation Orders (SLOs), under the Protection from Scams Act 2025. SLOs empower the Police to require service providers to restrict the provision of services to a person for a period of up to three years.[+10 sentences] The Police may issue an SLO if the Police suspect, or have reason to believe, that the identified person will use the service specified to commit or facilitate a scam-related offence. Service providers that do not comply with an SLO will be liable for an offence. Service providers that comply with an SLO in good faith and with reasonable care, will be protected from criminal and civil liability. Individuals subjected to restrictions pursuant to an SLO may appeal to the Commissioner of Police, and the Commissioner of Police may designate an officer not below the rank of Superintendent or equivalent to hear and determine the appeal. Finally, I will touch on two legislative amendments that will be introduced to support Police operations. First, with the launch of the Cyber Command in July 2026, SPF will be recruiting civilian talent with the right aptitude and skillsets to the Cyber Command. To support this and the Police's future manpower needs, clause 31 amends the Police Force Act to empower the Minister for Home Affairs to appoint Civilian Specialist Officers (CSOs). CSOs will be accorded the necessary powers to investigate any suspected offence which appears to him or her to have been committed under any written law. These include the powers to search, arrest, seize and request for documents. SPF may also deploy CSOs to support other Police units, requiring specialist skillsets in the future. Second, clause 6 amends the Protection from Scams Act 2025 to empower specified officers, including Police Officers, Commercial Affairs Officers and CSOs, to obtain information on persons who must be notified of the issuance of a Restriction Order under the Protection from Scams Act.[+3 sentences] This is necessary as banks are today unable to provide information necessary for the Police to notify persons affected by the Restriction Order, given the banking confidentiality obligations under the Banking Act. Mr Speaker, before I conclude, let me say a few words in Mandarin. (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, scam cases and losses in Singapore have fallen significantly since last year, but scams continue to pose a serious threat to our people. At present, the Police has received an average of about 90 scam reports every day, with average daily losses amounting to $2 million.[+16 sentences] Scammers are relentless and their methods are constantly evolving. They constantly exploit new technologies to find new ways to swindle our people out of their hard-earned money. As a highly developed economy, Singapore is naturally an attractive target for scam syndicates. This Bill will strengthen Singapore’s ability to combat scams in three ways. First, we will continue to take firm action against money mules and those who facilitate scams. Scammers often misuse other people’s accounts to conceal their identities and move criminal proceeds. We will further strengthen our laws to combat the misuse of online accounts and impose severe penalties on those who sell or hand over their accounts to others. I urge everyone not to provide others with your online accounts, passwords or personal information. What may appear to be a small favour or an easy way to earn money could cause immense harm to others and expose you to serious legal consequences. Second, we will enhance our capabilities to disrupt scam networks more swiftly and proactively. Scammers rely on networks of various accounts and services to perpetrate scams. This Bill will help the Police and service providers exchange scam-related information more quickly, identify suspicious accounts and take steps to disrupt them before more people fall victim. By intervening early, we can reduce the number of victims and, we hope, the losses suffered. At the same time, we will put in place robust safeguards and appeal and review mechanisms to ensure that enforcement powers are exercised carefully and fairly. Third, we will require online platforms to shoulder greater responsibility. Online platforms remain the main channel through which scammers reach victims. In the first half of this year, about 90% of scam cases involved online platforms.[+1 sentence] The Government will therefore increase the penalties for designated online service providers that fail to fulfil their anti-scam obligations. For platforms that breach a Code of Practice or Implementation Directive under the OCHA, the maximum penalty for each instance of non-compliance will be raised to S$10 million.[+17 sentences] Everyone has a part to play in combating scams. Government agencies, businesses, families and individuals all have important roles. By not selling our accounts, heeding anti-scam warnings and proactively sharing anti-scam advice with our seniors, each of us can contribute to scam prevention. Scammers do not just take away money. They can destroy years of savings, erode trust between individuals and rob our seniors of their peace of mind. The Government will continue to strengthen our relevant laws and enhance our capabilities to combat scams so that Singapore remains a safe, secure and trusted home to live and work in. (In English): Mr Speaker, Sir, every scam is more than a statistic. Each case involves a victim who may have lost his hard-earned life savings, destroyed his confidence in digital transactions, or demolished his trust in the people around him. Scams strike not only at individual victims, but at the very trust underpinning our digital economy and our way of life. The measures in this Bill are firm, but they are also calibrated. They preserve accountability, provide safeguards and appeal mechanisms, and support constructive collaboration with service providers. This balance is important – we must act decisively against scammers and their enablers, while maintaining public confidence that powers will be exercised carefully and fairly. The improvement in our scam situation shows that our efforts can make a tangible difference. But scammers will continue to adapt and so must we. Our response must be sustained, coordinated and always forward-looking. The Government will continue to review our laws and strengthen our operational capabilities against scams, so that Singapore remains a trusted, safe and secure place to live, work and transact. Sir, I beg to move.
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Ms Jessica Tan.
Ms Jessica Tan Soon Neo (East Coast)1238 words
[+14 sentences]Mr Speaker, scams today are not just crimes of deception. They are crimes of exploitation. They target people at their most vulnerable. Seniors who struggle with digital interfaces, young people navigating online spaces, migrant workers far from home, families who simply want to trust that the messages they receive are safe and even digitally literate individuals who fall prey because the scam looks legitimate or because they are caught off guard in a moment of urgency or distraction. These are ordinary people going about their daily lives. And scammers exploit not just digital gaps, but human moments – trust, fatigue, routine and instinct. The Scams (Countermeasures) and Other Matters Bill is fundamentally about protecting these groups. It strengthens our ability to detect scams early, disrupt them quickly and hold accountable those who enable them, whether individuals or large online platforms. So, why is this Bill necessary? Scam losses have risen sharply in recent years. Behind every statistic is a person who has lost savings, confidence and often, dignity. Many victims tell us they feel ashamed, even though they did nothing wrong. They were simply targeted at a moment of vulnerability. Scammers today operate across multiple platforms – bank accounts, e-wallets, SIM cards, social media, messaging apps. They exploit gaps between systems and the Bill closes these gaps. It gives the Police practical tools to act faster: (a) the DO that compel banks, telcos and platforms to share information quickly when an account is suspected to be involved in scams; (b) ADOs that allow the Police to temporarily disable scam linked accounts for up to 30 days, extendable once; and (c) SLOs that limit access to digital services for individuals assessed to be enabling scams.[+14 sentences] These powers are designed for speed. They allow intervention at the earliest signs of suspicious activity, before more victims are drawn in. While this Bill is necessarily reactive, it comes into play when scam activity has already surfaced, but it is still essential because frauds continue to occur despite preventive safeguards and we need swift powers to minimise harm once they are detected. For many scams, timing is everything. Once a fraudulent account or phone line is identified, every hour that passes means more people may be deceived. The Bill's new Orders, especially the ADOs, allow the Police to act within hours, not days. This is crucial for seniors who may not recognise scam patterns until it is too late and for families who may respond instinctively to urgent messages. We should also look at how advanced artificial intelligence (AI)-driven and multi-layered protection can stop scam activity and financial fraud before it reaches businesses and users. Instead of relying only on rigid, reactive, rule-based systems, many technology companies today are already using global threat intelligence and machine learning models to deliver real time, proactive risk assessment at scale. I hope that our Government agencies will continue working closely with industry players to tap these capabilities for faster detection, quicker escalation and rapid takedowns. I also urge us to pay closer attention to small and medium enterprises (SMEs). SMEs often do not have the same resources as large corporations to invest in sophisticated cyber defences, fraud monitoring tools or dedicated response teams. As scammers increasingly target weaker links in the ecosystem, helping SMEs strengthen their safeguards is not only important for business continuity, it also protects consumers, employees and the wider supply chain. Many vulnerable groups rely heavily on trust – trust in banks, trust in Government messages and trust in online platforms. By raising penalties for non-compliant platforms from $1 million to $10 million, the Bill compels platforms to invest in better verification, clearer warnings and faster takedowns of scam content.[+4 sentences] This is especially important for those who may not know how to distinguish between legitimate messages from fraudulent ones. Reducing the shame and stigma of being scammed. When the system responds quickly and visibly, victims feel supported rather than blamed. The Bill signals that responsibility does not fall solely on individuals, it is shared across institutions, platforms and regulators. The criminalisation of online account mule activity is a significant step.[+13 sentences] We know that youths are increasingly targeted to sell or to lend their online accounts, often without understanding the consequences. This Bill sends a clear message: online accounts are gateways to harm and misuse will be taken seriously. But it also allows early intervention before young people are drawn deeper into criminal networks. With stronger powers must come stronger safeguards. The Bill provides avenues for appeals, limits the duration of account restrictions and requires clear evidence before orders are issued. For vulnerable individuals who may be wrongly flagged, these safeguards are essential. They ensure that the enforcement is firm but fair and that trust in the system is maintained. But could this Bill have gone further in enabling faster disruption? Mr Speaker, the Bill makes meaningful progress. But as scams evolve, we must ask whether more can be done to act faster. There are three areas where enhancements could be considered. One, real time cross platform alerting. Today, DOs allow information sharing when the Police initiate action. A future step could be automated, real time alerts between banks, telcos and platforms when suspicious behaviour is detected, without waiting for a formal order.[+3 sentences] This would mirror how fraud detection works in financial institutions and could stop scams within minutes. Pre-emptive restrictions for high-risk accounts. Some accounts show repeated patterns of suspicious behaviour but do not yet meet the threshold for disabling. A tiered system of preventive friction, such as temporary limits or mandatory identity re-verification could prevent losses while investigations continue.[+1 sentence] Third, mandatory rapid response protocols for platforms. This Bill increases penalties for non-compliance, but it does not yet specify response time standards. Setting clear expectations, for example, requiring platforms to act within a defined number of hours within notification of scam content, could significantly reduce exposure time for victims.[+5 sentences] These are areas for future consideration and I raise them because vulnerable groups benefit most when intervention is not just strong, but swift. Ultimately, this Bill is not just about enforcement. It is about building a digital environment where people, especially those who are vulnerable, feel safe to participate, transact and communicate. It strengthens coordination across agencies. It compels platforms to step up and it gives the Police the tools they need to act decisively. Scams and fraud must also be tackled collectively, both domestically and internationally, because the infrastructure of deception rarely respects national boundaries. I hope we continue to deepen partnerships with industry and overseas counterparts, including through global signal exchange, priority flagging and rapid takedown arrangements for phishing sites, impersonation accounts and other scam enablers.[+9 sentences] But legislation alone is not enough. We must continue investing in public education, in community outreach and in digital literacy programmes. Vulnerable groups need not just protection, but empowerment. At the same time, these measures should not lead citizens to become over-reliant on Government's safeguards. Protection must go hand in hand with personal vigilance, sound judgement and responsibility for the choices we make online, including the accounts we lend, the links we click and the information we share. Mr Speaker, scams erode trust, trust in institutions, trust in technology, and trust in one another. This Bill helps rebuild that trust. It protects those who are most at risk, holds accountable those who enable harm and strengthens Singapore's resilience against evolving digital threats. I support the Bill.
Mr Speaker4 words
[+1 sentence]Ms He Ting Ru.
Ms He Ting Ru (Sengkang)2257 words
[+3 sentences]Mr Speaker, scams are a scourge on our society. There has been progress made in public education efforts, but an unfortunate situation has arisen where most of us know someone who refuses to answer phone calls from unknown numbers or decide against using Internet banking services out of an abundance of mistrust for fear being scammed. This is against a decline in the number of reported scam cases and amounts lost to scams, breaking the upward trend recorded from 2021 to 2024. SPF's 2025 Scams and Cybercrime Brief reported a 27.6% drop in scams compared with 2024 and an approximately 17.92% decrease in the total amount lost to scams within that same period.[+1 sentence] Yet, the problem is still sizeable. As Second Minister for Home Affairs Sim Ann pointed out during the Second Reading of the Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Offences) Bill last year, between 2020 and the first half of 2025, scams comprised approximately 60%, an outright majority of all crimes reported to the Police.[+4 sentences] The scam mitigation and enforcement efforts set out in this Bill are important. But we have to ensure, at the same time, that we tackle the problem on all fronts and that the measures enacted, especially those which involve law enforcement intervention are fair, transparent and understandable to the public. Crucially, our anti-scam efforts should do more to target dismantling the networks and systems that fuel such crimes, providing restitution to victims, and ensuring that communities are well-equipped to guard themselves against scams. This Bill strengthens the Government's arsenal of anti-scam enforcement tools. Clause 7 introduces two new orders which law enforcement can issue to service providers, whether they are banks, payment services, telecommunications companies, or online service providers. An ADO requires service providers to disable specific accounts for anti-scam purposes, while a SLO, which builds on the provision set out in the facility restriction framework, mandate service providers, restrict a specific user from using a scam enabling service.[+20 sentences] At the same time, clause 19 of the Bill allows a responsible officer to use computer programs to issue a Part 2 directive under OCHA. Such programs may also involve the usage of artificial intelligence (AI) to flag suspicious accounts. This matches the call in the Workers' Party's 2025 manifesto, which specifically asked for AI to be used to detect suspicious transactions. The idea is that such programs increase efficiency in combating scammers who themselves turn to technology to perpetuate their crimes, and it is one which should be supported. Such identification of potential cybercrime, enabling accounts via AI tools can aid authorities in their fight to limit or prevent damage being dealt, but necessary guardrails and ultimately, human oversight must be put in place. Any usage of AI tools, especially within law enforcement contexts, must be done in cognisance of the potential for unfair bias against marginalised groups, an issue that I previously raised when debating the Motion on Singapore's AI transition. Such AI-enabled tools are also known to throw up false positives. For instance, the New York Times reported in July this year that when Meta deployed AI tools to detect accounts flouting its terms of service, many accounts belonging to small business owners and even non-profits were wrongfully banned, and some deleted with their appeals turned down. This affected livelihoods and operations, with Meta eventually acknowledging that mistakes were made and restored some accounts after the times inquired after the incidents. This example highlights a potential pitfall of purely using AI to enforce any rule or regulation, especially when it appears that no human oversight was available to appeal against decisions that those affected claimed were erroneous. In the case of clause 19, although it is explicitly noted that responsibility for the results and actions taken by the computer program would be borne by a responsible officer, could the Senior Minister of State elaborate on the processes in place to ensure that the deployment of such computer programs would be fair and accurate? And also clarify about how human oversight and review plays into the operations of such decisions. The powers granted to law enforcement, while having the well-intentioned aim of tackling scams and cybercrime, should also be open to independent scrutiny by both Parliament and members of the public. In this vein, would the Government release a report annually detailing key metrics and indicators, such as total numbers of SLOs, ADOs and DOs issued, as well as the error rates of automated directives, appeal volumes and the average resolution timelines for false positives, for citizens to better understand the action and efforts behind our efforts against scams? Clause 6 of the Bill expands on the provisions of the Protection from Scams Act by granting law enforcement the ability to order banks to furnish information, such as the name, contact details and residential addresses of users whose accounts are subject to a restriction order, something that was previously disallowed under the Banking Act. The new subsection 5(ac) also allows for the disclosure of any other prescribed information. Could the Senior Minister of State clarify what other information is envisioned by this catch or flip clause, and more generally, how does this new power balance against our wider financial ecosystem, in particular, the principle of banking secrecy? Moving to enforcement and the new powers under clause 7, introducing SLOs and ADOs to the Protection from Scams Act, even as we assume that executive powers would be exercised carefully and responsibly, these orders imposed on an innocent party or unwitting mule would at least be a mild inconvenience and at worst, debilitating to daily life. Individuals who have their accounts frozen might end up unable to receive salaries or to foot the cost of their daily necessities and medical bills, if their sole bank account or e-wallet account is completely frozen. In the case of businesses, especially smaller proprietors, this might cause business operations to grind to a halt and result in the non-payment of employees. On this specific concern, a Parliamentary reply from September last year noted that persons whose accounts are blocked under the facility restriction framework could still have access to basic banking services, receive payments, such as their salary and government benefits, as well as withdraw and deposit money at physical bank branches.[+12 sentences] Would this principle be retained with the enactment of this Bill into law? The Minister also stated in another Parliamentary reply this year that graduated restrictions are not being prioritised due to the need for significant system upgrades and changes. The same reply noted that banks expeditiously review and facilitate each request by holders of accounts subject to a restriction order to withdraw funds and that the Police approved all requests made to withdraw money for daily use. Could the Senior Minister of State shed light on the average processing time for approved requests to withdraw funds from bank accounts subject to a restriction order, and how would the Government work with banks towards eventually developing a system that allows for graduated restrictions? Our anti-scam efforts should also be more victim-centred. For instance, the current Shared Responsibility Framework (SRF) requires banks and telecommunications companies to bear the full cost of losses arising from a scam, should they fail to carry out their responsibilities according to the framework, else the costs would be fully borne by the victim. This is not considered enough, that other parties within the ecosystem, such as social media and messaging service companies, also play a very crucial part in stamping out scams. SPF's brief on scams and cybercrime noted that social media and messaging services were the highest and second highest methods of contact adopted by scammers. While the Code of Practice governing social media and messaging services was recently updated, this Bill raises the penalties for service providers who fail to comply. We can and should do more to hold social media and messaging services responsible for their action or inaction in our fight against scams. Additionally, the SRF also needs to be more sensitive to the needs of the consumer, who is likely to be in a far weaker position should they have to bear losses arising from the scam. In a multi-pronged approach, jurisdictions worldwide are looking to victim reimbursement systems. For instance, the United Kingdom (UK) has mandated that payment service providers refund banks up to £85,000 if a victim reported that they were subject to a scam unless the victim was grossly negligent or did not provide the payment service provider with all the information required for the investigations.[+1 sentence] The victim might also have to foot a £100 excess, depending on which provider they came from. Australia is also planning to implement a similar scheme with a lower cap of AUD3,000, and with responsibility shared equally between the banks, telecommunications companies and social media platforms.[+2 sentences] Such an approach seems to be working. An independent study of the UK system found a decrease in the number of fraud cases and the total amount lost to fraud involving faster payment or fast equivalent transfers. This also forced banks to step up their anti-scam measures by hitting them directly in the wallet. Therefore, I would like to repeat the call contained in the Workers' Party's 2025 manifesto to have an insurance scheme to cover losses from scams with a consumer liability cap of up to $500 and to look into a scam victim restitution fund financed by recovered funds.[+9 sentences] Mr Speaker, while the provisions under this Bill are largely centred around mules, we must dedicate more of our energy and resources towards dismantling the vast money laundering infrastructure that enables scams to flourish. According to the latest Financial Action Task Force (FATF) mutual evaluation report on Singapore's Anti-Money Laundering (AML) efforts, domestic low ranking money mules comprise the majority of Singapore's AML investigations and convictions, despite other stakeholders within the wider ecosystem facilitating and benefiting from such ill-gotten gains, such as professional enablers and the masterminds playing a significant role in such operations. I believe this is best summed up by a young money mule who was apprehended back in 2021 when he was just 17 years old. He noted that, "I am just a pawn, but there is always a queen and a king. They are never going to get caught because they are going to have people before them that will get caught." I could not have put this better myself. It is also concerning that the task force report noted that sanctions against natural persons convicted on money laundering, consisting of either a fine of up to $500,000, 10 years jail time, or both, while proportionate, were deemed neither effective nor dissuasive. I hope that this will be addressed when the Government studies the implementation of the FATF's recommendations. Another recommendation prescribed by the report is for the authorities to diversify sources of false scam detection. The report notes that 82% of Singapore's money laundering investigations arose from Police reports filed by victims of cyber-enabled fraud, a stark contrast to the 2% from financial and other intelligence sources.[+2 sentences] In view of this, can the Senior Minister of State clarify how our law enforcement agencies intend to step up their proactive identification of money laundering offences via financial intelligence? We can also work towards strengthening our financial intelligence sharing capabilities, especially amongst banks. Since its inception in 2024, the Collaborative Sharing of Money Laundering/TF Information and Cases (COSMIC), the Monetary Authority of Singapore's (MAS') customer information sharing platform aimed at curbing financial crime, has helped in closing over 1,000 suspicious customer accounts, with suspicious transaction reports filed for up to $1.6 billion in aggregate fund flows, according to a response to a Parliamentary Question I filed just last month.[+2 sentences] As we look to expand COSMIC, participation in the programme by all financial institutions should eventually be mandatory rather than voluntary, thus strengthening our corpus of financial intelligence. Finally, beyond enforcement our anti-scam efforts should also target segments of the population such as those who are less digitally savvy. Despite accounting for about 14.8% of victims in 2025, elderly scam victims lost an average of approximately $42,347 from scams during the first half of 2026, up from $35,374 over the same period in 2025, leaving them in a financially precarious state.[+1 sentence] The Minister in May this year noted that approximately 40% of senior scam victims fell victim to impersonation scams where scammers posed as Government officials and prominent figures to extort money from victims. In one instance, over S$6.1 million was lost to scammers impersonating the Immigrations and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) or Chinese officials, while another case involved a scammer extorting around $600,000 by posing as Elon Musk.[+6 sentences] Given this, could the Minister clarify how the Government is reviewing anti-scam efforts such as SG Cyber Safe Seniors Programme to ensure that it is up to date with the latest developments and to maximise its reach amongst the elderly in particular. In conclusion, as we step up our anti-scam enforcement efforts, the expansion and use of these law enforcement powers, while helpful, should be made clear to the public. We must look beyond mules, target the complex money laundering infrastructure that sustains scams and adopt a multi-pronged approach towards tackling scams beyond enforcement. Members of the public rely on law enforcement to defend and take action against scams. Knowing and understanding how these powers are used will only bolster public confidence in our law enforcement and go towards addressing the many concerns that the public has about the scams that currently plague our society. Mr Speaker, I support the Bill.
Mr Speaker5 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik.
Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik (Sengkang)2157 words
[+3 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, scams are no longer a small problem in Singapore. They are the most prevalent type of crime in Singapore and account for greater losses than all physical crime combined. The mid-year statistics released on 26 August show some hard won progress, but they also point to a stubborn reality. Losses fell to about $410.6 million in the first half of 2026, down some 18% from $500.2 million lost in the same period a year before.[+7 sentences] And the number of cases fell too. That is real progress and it reflects the combined effort of the Government, the industry and the community. But in the same breath, the Police told us that about around eight in 10 victims still handed their money over voluntarily, meaning they were manipulated, not hacked. Since 2019, Singaporeans have lost more than $4 billion to scams. So, while the trend line is encouraging, no one in this House should mistake it for victory. Sir, behind every one of those figures is a person. Our older residents in particular are being targeted and the losses they suffer are severe. Statistics from the police show that the average amount lost per elderly victim rose from about $35,000 in the first half of 2025, to over $42,000 in the same period this year.[+18 sentences] What should trouble us most is that so many of these victims are not hacked but manipulated. They were befriended by strangers with ill intentions and subsequently coaxed and deceived into transferring their own savings. In some cases, they continue paying even after they begin to suspect that something is wrong. This is not a story about foolish people. These are our parents and grandparents. It is a story about how sophisticated the manipulation has become. This Bill tackles that framework from several directions at once, amending five separate statutes, the Protection from Scams Act, the Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act, the OCHA, the Police Force Act and the Banking Act. I will confine my remarks to a few provisions where I believe the powers are welcome, but where the House should press for safeguards. The SLOs and ADOs under the new Part 2(A) are, I believe, powers that most Singaporeans will welcome. The logic is sound if we can freeze an account or cut off the line the moment there is reason to believe it is being used to move scam proceeds, we interrupt the crime while the money is still in reach. The condition-based account disabling order, which lets an officer disable a whole class of accounts meeting specified criteria, is a sensible response to syndicates that operate at scale through networks of mule accounts. But I must raise one concern that I suspect every Member will recognise from our Meet-the-People Sessions (MPS). My concern is not with the freezing of accounts. It is with how quickly they are unfrozen when the account holder turns out to be innocent and in particular, with the longer suspensions that fall outside the 30-day limit this Bill sets. Sir, we must remember that innocent people can be caught in the middle of these schemes through no fault of their own. A person may find funds transferred into their account by a scammer or may have unwittingly dealt with someone who turned out to be a fraudster and suddenly find their own account frozen. For a working person, losing access to the account is not a minor inconvenience. The impact can be disproportionately high on lower-income earners. It can mean rent going unpaid, installments being missed and real strain on the family. So, my questions to the Minister are these: first, how was the 30-day period for an account disabling order arrived at?[+5 sentences] And is there a scope to make it shorter still? I welcome that this new order carries a hard limit of 30 days, extendable once, because a defined cap is itself a safeguard, and it disciplines the exercise of the power. But that welcome cap prompts a larger question. The hardship my residents bring to our MPS rarely comes from a 30-day freeze. It comes from accounts suspended for many months under banks' own processes or during ongoing investigations where no equivalent statutory limit applies. That is where the strain is felt most keenly. So, I will ask the Minister what service standards govern the lifting of these longer suspensions once an innocent party is cleared and what records does that person have to have their account restored sooner?[+20 sentences] I say candidly to this House with these powers, we should expect more MPS cases from residents whose accounts have been frozen, asking us to help appeal for the orders to be lifted. When that happens, they should be able to get a swift response and a fair process. Sir, one of the most significant features of this Bill, to my reading, is the creation of civilian specialist officers under the new sections in the Police Force Act. These officers will be granted police grade powers of investigation and arrest. To my understanding, these powers would be comparable to those of officers of the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD), with an initial focus on cyber-crime. I have two questions. First, where will this new body sit? The powers mirror those of a CAD officer, but the Bill does not make clear whether these officers will operate under CAD, under some new unit or elsewhere within the force. I would like some clarity on the command structure and importantly, who will be accountable for these powers. Second, I put this plain plainly. The Bill states that it will not involve the Government in any extra financial expenditure. If that is so, I will ask the Minister from where is the manpower for this civilian specialist officers to be drawn? Are they to come from existing SPF, MHA, or wider Public Service establishments? If we are asking existing officers to take on this work, we should also be clear about what may have to give elsewhere. We need to be confident that we are not stretching our enforcement capacity too thin, especially when we are asking more of it. Sir, I want to flag clause 19, which allows a Part 2 direction, which may include a direction to take down an online location. This direction could be issued by the operation of a computer program with a responsible officer accountable for it. If I read this correct correctly, this is among the first times that our enforcement framework, expressly contemplates an automated system making such a decision. I understand entirely why. Malicious websites are spun up faster than any human team can act. In the first half of this year alone, the Police disrupted tens of thousands of scam-related mobile lines, WhatsApp lines and malicious websites.[+12 sentences] Automation is how we keep pace, but precisely because this is a novel step, I will ask the Minister to set out the safeguards. What human oversight sits behind the responsible officer? What audit and review mechanisms will apply? And what records exist where a legitimate site is caught by mistake? Speed and due process need not be in tension, but we must design for both. Sir, the Bill introduces caning for those who traffic in the tools of scams, those who sell, buy or supply designated online accounts or hand over their personal particulars to open them knowing they will be used for scams. I expect it will be hard for any Member to speak against this, and I do not intend to. Scams have imposed a heavy toll on affected Singaporean households. Savings have been wiped out and victims left with nothing but the shame and embarrassment they will have to endure. Given the toll, I believe most Singaporeans will support firmer deterrence against those who knowingly enable this trade. I will only observe that the Bill wisely targets the knowing enabler, with evidential presumptions that a person who does this for any gain, or who fails to check who they are handling their credentials to, is presumed to have known. We saw recently how this trade operates in practice. A young man charged with buying e-wallets from work permit holders, paying them around $50 each, through which nearly $10,000 in scam proceeds flowed.[+21 sentences] The $50 seller and the syndicate buyer are both links in the chain and it is the right that the law reaches both. I will ask the Minister only to confirm that our enforcement and our public education will continue to distinguish clearly between the syndicate operative and the naive and desperate individual who is themselves being exploited. Sir, if I may broaden the lens for a moment, part of protecting Singaporeans is being clear about what these numbers include and what they leave out. In an earlier Sitting. I ask how the police classify a case as a scam, where a seller fails to complete a transaction and multiple buyers lose money, and what distinguishes such cases from ordinary civil or commercial disputes. The Minister's answer was instructive. Where a seller deceives buyers into paying with no intention of ever delivering, that may amount to cheating under the Penal Code, but where a seller simply fails to deliver without fraudulent intent, no cheating offence is disclosed, and the buyer's recourse is a civil one. The Police assess each case on its facts, for instance, where the seller impersonated a legitimate shop or become uncontactable the moment payment was received. I raise this not to quarrel with the distinction, which is legally correct, but to make a point about the resident's experience. To a buyer who is out of pocket, the line between scam and civil disputes feels academic. The money is gone either way and a civil claim for a few hundred dollars is rarely worth pursuing. As we build this formidable apparatus against scams, I will ask the Government not to lose sight of these residents who fell into the gap. Those cheated of smaller sums or left to the civil courts for whom our new powers offer little. Consumer protection and accessible redress for small value e-commerce disputes must advance alongside our anti-scam enforcement, not lag behind it. Mr Speaker, in Malay, please. (In Malay): Mr Speaker, scam cases are no longer a minor problem in Singapore. They are the most prevalent form of crime and have resulted in greater losses than all other physical crimes combined. I welcome the new enforcement orders under Part 2A. However, there are several issues I would like to raise, based on feedback from MPS. Prolonged account freezes often affect scam victims adversely. I would like to ask the Minister to consider putting in place regulatory processes and the right to appeal for the lifting of freezing orders for those who have been proven not to be involved in the scam. The establishment of CSOs under a new section in the Police Force Act gives them investigative and arrest powers equivalent to those of police officers of the same grade.[+10 sentences] I would like to ask the Minister where this new organisation will be located, and where the manpower for these new officers will come from. I would like to draw attention to clause 19, which allows an order to take down a website or online location to be issued directly by a computer program under a “responsible officer”. Will there be human oversight in this process, and will there be audit and review procedures? I strongly support the introduction of caning as punishment for those who traffic in scam equipment. However, I would like to ask the Minister to look at scam cases and distinguish enforcement between syndicate masterminds and individuals who may be desperate or may themselves be victims. We need to be mindful of the distinction between something that is considered a “scam” and a “civil dispute”. Consumer protection and easy access to channels for seeking compensation for small-value e-commerce claims must develop alongside our anti-scam enforcement efforts. (In English): Mr Speaker, Sir, this Bill grants the authorities broad and in places sweeping powers and it mandates firmer punishments. Given what scams have done to this country, that is not surprising, and on balance, I support it. Powerful tools are warranted against a threat of this scale, but powerful tools demand equally serious safeguards. The measure of this Bill will not only be how many syndicate accounts we freeze. It will be how quickly we free the innocent ones we freeze by mistake, how transparently our new officers and our new automated system are held to account and whether residents who loses their money in the grey zone still finds a door open somewhere in Government. I hope the Minister can address the concerns I have raised on the lifting of orders on the manpower, the placement of CSOs and on the oversight of automated decisions.[+1 sentence] Sir, notwithstanding the questions and clarification I have raised, I support the Bill.
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Jackson Lam.
Mr Jackson Lam (Nee Soon)1122 words
[+2 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, last year, for the first time in several years, the number of scam cases in Singapore fell by almost a quarter, to under 38,000. That is encouraging. But Singaporeans still lost $913 million to scams in 2025.[+1 sentence] That is about $29 lost every second. And while there were fewer cases, the median loss increased from $1,389 to $1,644.[+23 sentences] So, the scam threat remains serious. This is the backdrop against which we consider the Scams (Countermeasures) and Other Matters Bill. Scams have also changed. In the past, it could be a phone call followed by a request for money. Today, scams operate through bank accounts, payment accounts, digital tokens, telephone lines, online accounts and digital platforms. Our laws must keep up. Last year, the costliest scams were not random. Investment scams, Government official impersonation scams, job scams, phishing and business email compromise accounted for the bulk of the money lost. These are not simple tricks. They are well-organised operations that study how Singaporeans think and behave. I would like to raise three points. The first point, we must disrupt scams earlier and faster. I welcome the expansion of our anti-scam powers beyond banks. The Bill allows authorities to restrict services and disable all related accounts and platforms that may be used for scam-related offences. This is important because when it comes to scams, speed matters. Once money has moved through several accounts, recovering it becomes much harder. Our approach should therefore be: "Detect early. Disrupt quickly. Stop the scam before the victim loses his or her money." I would like to ask the Minister: once the Police flag a suspicious account, telephone line or online account, how quickly will service providers be expected to act? And will there be common response standards across banks, telcos and online platforms? A strong power is only useful if we can act quickly enough. I would also like to raise the cross-border nature of this problem. Between March and May this year, Operation FRONTIER+ III saw Singapore and nine other jurisdictions arrest more than 3,000 people and freeze more than $200 million in scam-linked funds across the region. Singapore's own Anti-Scam Centre accounted for $35 million of that total.[+43 sentences] This tells us that many of the people behind these scams sit beyond the reach of our domestic laws alone. I would also want to ask the Minister whether this Bill strengthens our ability to cooperate with regional partners and whether Singaporeans can expect more joint operations of this kind. Second point, we must protect innocent users. I understand why we need strong powers to disable accounts. But there may be situations where an account is wrongly identified. For an individual, losing access to a bank account could affect his daily needs. For a business, it could affect payments and operations. Many small businesses and SMEs operate on a single account. They do not have the reserves or the alternative banking relationships that larger companies do. A few days of being locked out could mean not paying suppliers and being unable to pay staff on time. The Bill provides an appeal mechanism to the Commissioner of Police, which I welcome. But could we also have a fast review process for genuine cases where an account has been wrongly disabled? There should be a clear channel for affected persons to provide evidence quickly and have their accounts reviewed. The principle should be simple: act fast against scammers, but correct mistakes just as fast when innocent people are affected. I would also ask whether the Ministry will track the number of accounts disabled, the number of appeals and how many orders are subsequently changed or overturned. This will help us understand how accurate the system is. My last point, online platforms must do more. The Bill creates new offences relating to the misuse of designated online accounts, including supplying such accounts where there is knowledge or reasonable grounds to believe they will be used for criminal activity. I support this. We have tackled money mules and SIM-card misuse. But online accounts are increasingly another tool used by scammers. A single social media or messaging account can potentially reach thousands of victims. However, we should not only go after the individuals providing these accounts. The platforms themselves must also take responsibility. The amendments to OCHA allow significant financial penalties against designated providers that fail to comply with certain requirements. For large global technology companies, the penalties must be meaningful enough to change behaviour. More importantly, we should focus on outcomes. Are scam advertisements being removed faster? Are fake and impersonation accounts being detected earlier? Are suspicious accounts being stopped before they reach Singaporeans? These are the outcomes that matter to Singaporeans. I would also ask how this framework deals with content generated using AI. Scam advertisements and fake profiles can now be produced automatically and in large numbers, making them harder to distinguish from genuine content. I would ask whether platforms will be required to detect AI-generated scam material specifically and whether the codes of practice under OCHA will be updated as this technology develops. The Bill also allows certain directions under the OCHA to be issued through a computer program. I understand the need for this. Scammers operate at speed and scale, and technology can help us respond faster. But I would ask the Minister: what human oversight will there be? How will false positives be identified? And how will we ensure these automated systems remain accurate? Technology can help us move faster, but accountability must still rest with our people. Finally, the Bill allows for the appointment of CSOs with significant investigative powers. This makes sense as cybercrime becomes more specialised. But I would also like to ask how these officers will be selected, trained and supervised, given the powers they will exercise. I would also suggest that the Government consider a statutory review of this Bill, perhaps after three to five years, to assess whether these powers remain proportionate and effective as scam tactics continue to evolve.[+1 sentence] Mr Speaker, Sir, scammers will continue to adapt. When we close one channel, they will look for another.[+1 sentence] Our laws, therefore, cannot stand still. I support this Bill because it allows us to go beyond targeting individual scammers and disrupt the wider infrastructure that enables scams. As we implement these stronger powers, three principles should guide us: speed in stopping scams; safeguards for innocent users; and accountability from Government and service providers.[+1 sentence] Every dollar lost to scams represents someone's savings, salary or retirement funds. If we can stop the money before it reaches the scammers, we would have protected not just someone's money, but often years of hard work and savings.[+1 sentence] Mr Speaker, Sir, I support the Bill.
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Fadli Fawzi.
Mr Fadli Fawzi (Aljunied)1263 words
[+4 sentences]Mr Speaker, last year, Singaporeans lost $913.1 million, down from more than $1.1 billion the year before. The Police, the Anti-Scam Centre and our banks have made real progress against an adversary that adapts faster than most of our institutions can. I would like to acknowledge the recent formation of the cyber command by the SPF as another important step towards combating scams and other cybercrimes. Nevertheless, I want to direct our attention to clauses 7 and 8 of the Bill, which introduces the ADOs that allow the Police to disable bank accounts that may be facilitating scam-related offences. An ADO will be kept at 30 days, extendable once and no further, while clause 8 gives the user of a disabled account a right of appeal.[+7 sentences] I welcome this procedural protection for those affected by account disabling orders. I also understand that these account disabling orders are primarily targeted at accounts implicated in scam-related offences. However, can the Minister clarify how the Police will use these orders in cases where the bank accounts belong to vulnerable individuals, for example, the elderly, the young adults or migrant workers who may have been manipulated by criminal syndicates into allowing their accounts to be used for money laundering? It is my hope that the Police and banks will always be circumspect and judicious when exercising their powers to freeze the bank accounts of individuals, whether under the provisions of today's Bill or otherwise. The freezing of bank accounts, and bank restrictions more generally, can cause considerable difficulties and hardship for individuals affected, especially given the pervasiveness of digital banking and e-payment services in our society. Sir, I acknowledge that in terms of banking restrictions, the introduction of ADOs is not new. There are many other circumstances in which an individual's bank account may get frozen. For instance, this House passed the Protection from Scams Act last year, which empowers the Police to step in and issue restriction orders to banks if there is reasonable belief that account holders will be making transfers to scammers. However, such account holders are still permitted access to funds for essential daily living expenses and bills. n response to the Parliamentary Question from my hon friend, Mr Kenneth Tiong, MHA revealed that as of February 2026, only 12 restriction orders have been issued under the Protection from Scams Act. The Police approved withdrawals for daily expenses in 10 of the 12 cases, while no requests for withdrawal were made in the remaining two cases.[+1 sentence] And beyond the powers conferred in today's Bill and the Protection from Scams Act, section 35 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) allows an officer of, or above, the rank of inspector to direct a bank to allow no dealings with an account, and I quote, "for such period as may be specified in the Order". Unlike restriction orders and account disabling orders, section 35 of the CPC contains no maximum period, no automatic review and no duty to give reasons.[+15 sentences] Moreover, accounts frozen under section 35 have no mechanism for appeal at all. Instead, affected individuals have to make an application to Court, to release the money for, and in the words of the statute, "foodstuffs, rent, the discharge of a mortgage, medicine, medical treatment, taxes, insurance premiums, and public utility charges." In November 2025, my hon friend Mr Dennis Tan asked whether restrictions would remain on a person the Courts had acquitted and whether there was any recourse where a restriction had harmed the livelihood. The hon Member Mr Cai Yinzhou also asked how many of those investigated had unknowingly lost the control of their accounts and what interim support they would be given. In response, the Minister pointed to his reply of 15 October 2025, where he said that restrictions are lifted when they are no longer required or when where a person is acquitted in Court. In that reply, the Minister also added that individuals subject to banking restrictions will still have access to basic banking facilities and can continue to receive incoming payments, including salaries and Government benefits. I recognise that today's Bill does not seek to amend section 35 of the CPC but rather introduces a different form of banking restriction to address bank accounts involved in scams. In light of this, I would like to ask the Senior Minister of State whether the Police intends to continue using the section 35 of the CPC against bank accounts that may be facilitating scam-related offences or if the Police would consider issuing ADOs against these bank accounts instead as a first resort once the Bill is passed. Sir, I hope the House takes the point that losing access to basic banking facilities, for whatever reason, can cause severe hardship to anyone affected. Hence, if the relevant authorities receive report of cases where individuals subject to banking restrictions report losing their access to basic banking facilities or encounter difficulties as a result, I hope that such reports will be taken seriously and that the claims will be investigated thoroughly. I also have two specific suggestions in this regard. One, the Government can consider legislating provisions to simplify the process for modest sums to be released automatically from frozen bank accounts for subsistence so that an ordinary person need not file a Court application or seek Police permission to buy groceries or pay for public utilities. Two, the Government should also consider extending a guarantee of basic banking to Singapore citizens, permanent residents and all holders of work passes so that no resident is left without an account, he or she can use in the event that their bank account is frozen under the provisions of the Bill or otherwise. The idea can be modeled after the European Union's Payment Account Directive, which guarantees residents with the right to access to a basic payment account since 2014. Banks are given 10 working days to reach a decision and must provide written reasons if they want to refuse a customer. On a related note, Mr Speaker, I hope the Government can share more details about how many bank accounts have been frozen and on what basis. I understand that the Anti-Scam Command froze more than 15,000 accounts last year and more than 16,700 accounts were frozen in 2022. Can the Senior Minister of State provide a breakdown of the number of bank accounts that have been frozen, including for non-scam related reasons. In each of the past two years, under which statutory provision and the average and median duration that these accounts were frozen?[+2 sentences] Finally, Mr Speaker, section 6A of the Bill will let the Police limit a person's access to financial and telecommunications services for up to three years. This may be well justified for those who sell their identities to syndicates, but I hope that hardship will not be caused to anyone unknowingly or wrongly caught up by these provisions. Can the Senior Minister of State reassure the public that such an SLO will be levied sparingly and carefully.[+4 sentences] Also, can the Senior Minister of State clarify how the Police will ensure that such orders will only be issued against those who are truly deserving of such a punishment? Mr Speaker, I am fully supportive of the Police being equipped with every tool necessary to protect Singaporeans from scams. However, I hope that the Government can also consider the suggestions that I have offered to strengthen the procedural safeguards for those whose accounts are frozen under the provisions of this Bill or otherwise. Thank you, Mr Speaker, and I await the Minister's clarifications.
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Gabriel Lam.
Mr Gabriel Lam (Sembawang)1293 words
[+6 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, in May this year, a Singaporean businessman received a WhatsApp message from someone claiming to be a Cabinet Secretary. He was invited to a Zoom call with the Prime Minister. The call looked real. Prime Minister Wong appeared on screen, so did the President and a Minister. They spoke about an urgent request for funds linked to the Strait of Hormuz. But what the businessman saw on that call had been fabricated using deepfake AI technology. By the time the businessman realised what had happened, he had transferred at least $4.9 million.[+3 sentences] This happened this year, here in Singapore, to someone who had every reason to believe he was being careful. It shows us how quickly technology is changing. Scammers are now able to make something look and sound real enough to fool even people who are cautious. Scams cost victims in Singapore $913.1 million last year.[+5 sentences] That figure is already known to this House. What I want to focus on today is not just the amount of money lost, but how we can respond better. I think this Bill is an important step forward. The Bill gives the Police stronger powers to act earlier. DOs will allow the Police to require service providers to provide information linked to specified accounts and scam-related activities. ADOs will allow accounts suspected of facilitating scam-related offences to be disabled for up to 30 days, with one possible extension of up to another 30 days.[+42 sentences] SLOs will allow scam-enabling services to be restricted for identified persons for up to three years. The Bill also creates four new offences to deter the misuse, supply and receipt of online accounts for criminal activity on designated platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Telegram, WeChat, TikTok, Carousell, Google and Apple. Scammers have not given up on SIM cards. That is why Parliament tightened the rules on the misuse of local SIM cards, after losses involving local mobile lines used in scams and other cybercrimes nearly tripled between 2021 and 2023, reaching $384 million. But scammers have also moved beyond SIM cards. They are using chat apps, social media, shopping accounts and other online services. The number of scams perpetrated on TikTok rose by 37.8% last year. Losses from cryptocurrency scams now account for about one-fifth of all scam losses. So, even when we close one door, scammers will look for another. That is why I think this Bill is the next step in how we deal with scams. The Protection from Scams Act gave the Police powers to intervene when a victim remains deeply at risk of transferring money to a scammer. As of 15 February 2026, 12 Restriction Orders (ROs) had been issued. One had been lifted, two had ended after reaching the statutory limit and nine remained in effect. Ten of the 12 recipients had also asked for withdrawals for daily expenses, which the Police approved. This Bill allows us to step in even earlier. Instead of waiting until a victim is targeted, the Police can act against the accounts and services that scammers rely on. I think that is the right direction. But as we give the Police stronger powers, we should also make sure that innocent people are protected. I have three points. First, open data. The Ministry has already been providing regular updates on ROs under the Protection from Scams Act. I would ask that similar information be provided for the new powers under this Bill. For example, how many DOs, ADOs and SLOs are issued? How many are challenged or withdrawn? How long do these orders usually remain in place? This information will help us understand whether these powers are being used properly and whether they are working as intended. If we are giving the Police stronger powers, we should also give the public confidence that these powers are being used properly. Second, speed for innocent users. There is another side to this. Some of the accounts affected by these new orders may belong to innocent people. They could be victims whose accounts have been hacked. They could be people whose identities have been stolen. They could also be accounts wrongly linked to scam activity. Under the Protection from Scams Act, 10 of the 12 people placed under ROs had asked the Police for permission to withdraw money for their daily needs, and these requests were approved. This shows that there is already a process to help people who are affected. I would ask the Ministry to explain how the existing appeal mechanisms for the new orders will work in practice, and whether additional safeguards are needed. Where an innocent person can show that an account has been wrongly affected, the process to review the case should be clear and fast. Once it is clear that there is no longer a risk, access should be restored in hours, not days. This is important because for an innocent person, being locked out of an account can itself cause real harm. Third, shared responsibility. The Police have an important role, but preventing scams cannot be the responsibility of the Police alone. Banks, telcos and online platforms are also part of the system through which these scams take place. In fact, the Bill's definition of service providers already covers financial institutions, telecommunications service providers and providers of online services. This Bill also provides for financial penalties of up to $10 million for each instance of non-compliance by designated online service providers.[+1 sentence] Where a direction to rectify the breach is not complied with, there can also be a further fine of up to $300,000 for every day or part of a day that the offence continues after conviction. I would ask the Ministry to say more about how these powers will be used. I would also ask whether the Government intends to set different duties or standards for the different types of service providers covered by the Bill, given that a bank, a telco and an online platform may see different parts of the same scam.[+11 sentences] If one part of the system can see that something is wrong, should it have a duty to step in? I think this is something we should continue to look at. This does not mean shifting all responsibility away from individuals. Public education will remain important. Singaporeans will still need to be careful about the links they click, the people they speak to online and the money they transfer. But scams are becoming more convincing. When a fake Prime Minister can appear on a video call, we cannot simply tell people to be more careful and leave it at that. We also need to make it harder for scammers to operate. Mr Speaker, I began with the businessman who lost at least $4.9 million after receiving a fake Zoom call. Law alone may not have been able to show him that the person on his screen was not real. But the law can help us disrupt the accounts, phone lines and online services that scammers use. And the earlier we can step in, the more victims we may be able to prevent. This is especially important for our seniors, who last year suffered the highest average loss per scam victim among all age groups, at $37,053 each.[+2 sentences] Education will continue to matter. But education alone is not enough. We need to act earlier, protect innocent users and make sure that everyone in the scam system plays a part in stopping scams. Overall, I think that this Bill is a step in the right direction and I hope the Ministry will continue to strengthen our approach, especially in the areas of open data, protection for innocent users and shared responsibility.[+1 sentence] Mr Speaker, Sir, I support the Scams (Countermeasures) and Other Matters Bill.
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Gerald Giam.
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song (Aljunied)765 words
[+7 sentences]Mr Speaker, scams continued to inflict immense financial and emotional distress on Singaporeans, and I welcome the Government taking actions to strengthen our legislative toolkit. I am heartened to see that the Scam (Countermeasures) and Other Matters Bill reflects key principles I advocated for during the Second Reading of the Protection from Scams Bill in January 2025. To begin with, I had previously highlighted the need for a centralised mechanism to share threat intelligence and disrupt scam vectors across sectors. The Bill moves in this direction by establishing statutory powers for DOs, enabling crucial information sharing across banks, telcos and digital platforms to facilitate cross-sector fraud prevention. I had urged the Government to prioritise real-time intervention before stolen funds vanish. This Bill tackles these high-speed scenarios by empowering specified officers to issue swift ADOs and service limitation orders to freeze suspect bank accounts, crypto wallets and communication channels. We have already seen the value of proactive real time action in the recent joint Police operation with crypto exchanges, which successfully foiled almost $9 million in scam losses through rapid detection and data sharing. I stress the importance of greater accountability from digital platforms and service providers. This Bill strengthens the deterrence by increasing maximum administrative financial penalties for non-compliant online providers to $10 million, alongside targeted measures to crack down on money mules who surrender their credentials.[+1 sentence] However, there are several critical areas that require further strengthening to build a more comprehensive framework. First, the Government should establish a clear statutory victim compensation framework that holds financial institutions, telcos and digital platforms accountable when their anti-scam measures failed to protect customers.[+4 sentences] Second, a dedicated independent investigative body should be set up to handle claims under the SRF. Under the current SRF guidelines, the financial institution acts as the overall point of contact and conducts the initial assessment to determine whether it met its duties. While these are internal investigation teams independent of business units, this remains an internal process operated by the bank itself, presenting an inherent conflict of interest as the bank acts as both the investigator and the interested party with the financial incentive to deny liability. Furthermore, while dissatisfied customers can escalate disputes to the Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre (FIDReC), FIDReC is a dispute resolution and mediation body, rather than a dedicated investigative agency with direct statutory powers to extract system logs, fraud detection records or independently audit technical records. Third, MAS and IMDA should introduce a standardised public rating system to regularly assess and publish the anti-scam performance of financial institutions, telcos and online platforms.[+6 sentences] These public ratings need not disclose specific technical vulnerabilities. Rather, clear and standardised ratings would serve as a powerful incentive for entities to continuously improve their anti-scam measures. Public transparency enables consumers to make informed choices and vote with their wallets, creating healthy market forces that drive a race to the top. Fourth, regulators should build upon the account disabling powers in this Bill by mandating real time fraud monitoring for digital wallet transactions after setup, as well as expanding algorithmic anomaly detection across retail stock brokerages and flag messaging channels. Scammers routinely exploit social engineering to trick victims into approving initial digital wallet set-ups on services, like Apple Pay or Google Pay, after which subsequent draining transactions can proceed without triggering multi-factor authentication. Similarly, in stock ramp and dump schemes, scammers lure victims through chat groups to buy foreign microcap stocks on licensed exchanges, requiring real-time patent monitoring, such as flagging sudden coordinated retail buy orders or reported scam invitation links, will better ensure proactive intervention before funds are lost. Fifth, a dedicated scam victim restitution fund should be established.[+7 sentences] As I raised in a Parliamentary Question on 28 February 2025, such a fund could be financed by confiscated assets so that local scam victims can receive a portion of recovered proceeds. While I acknowledge the operational complexities raised, establishing a structured fund would demonstrate tangible solidarity with victims who currently face low fund recovery rates. During that exchange, then-Minister of State Sun Xueling mentioned that various proposals were being considered to see how best to return recovered scam proceeds to victims. Could the Senior Minister of State update this house on what proposals are currently being considered or implemented? Mr Speaker, while this Bill provides vital emergency breaks, we can build greater resilience against scams by incorporating these structural safeguards. I urge the Government to address these proposals in future legislation and regulations to better ensure protection and recourse for Singaporeans who are victims of scams. Notwithstanding these concerns, I support the Bill.
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Prof Kenneth Poon.
Prof Kenneth Poon (Nominated Member)529 words
[+4 sentences]Mr Speaker, I rise in support of the Bill. Scams have become increasingly sophisticated and the harm they cause can be devastating. I, therefore, support the stronger powers in this Bill to disrupt the services and accounts through which scams are facilitated. These are significant powers. SLOs can restrict access to scam-enabling services for up to three years, while ADOs can restrict the use of bank and payment accounts, telephone lines and online accounts.[+9 sentences] I would like to raise one consideration about their implementation: how we protect people from harm while preserving their agency as far as possible. Mr Speaker, we often think about scams in terms of two groups: the scammer and the victim. But human behaviour can be more complicated. A person whose bank or online account is being used to facilitate a scam may knowingly participating in criminal activity. However, there may, as highlighted by other Members this evening, also be individuals who themselves have been manipulated into facilitating a scam. Some people may have cognitive limitations that make it more difficult to recognise deception, understand the consequences of their actions, or disengage once they have become involved. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities are one group whom this may be relevant, although there may be others who, because of their circumstances, are especially susceptible to manipulation. I am not suggesting that such individuals constitute a significant population of persons affected by these provisions. I would like, however, to raise a broader principle, that the person through whom a scam operates may sometimes also be a person who has been manipulated by the scammer. Our implementation framework needs to be capable of recognising this possibility. I therefore ask the Minister how proportionality and individual vulnerability will be considered when these powers are exercised.[+3 sentences] Where someone presents a genuine risk of facilitating further scams, intervention is clearly warranted. However, where the risk can be adequately managed through a more limited intervention, I hope that we will preserve as much of the person's agency as possible. The Bill already provides some flexibility. An ADO may be varied to permit particular transactions, subject to appropriate limits or conditions.[+2 sentences] This could be especially important for a cognitively vulnerable person who has been manipulated into allowing an account to be used by another. Restricting the account may be necessary to prevent further harm, but that person may depend on it to receive wages or benefits or meet ordinary living expenses. Could the Senior Minister of State elaborate on how such circumstances will be assessed and how continued access to essential services will be addressed for persons with particular vulnerabilities?[+5 sentences] More broadly, will operational guidance help officers distinguish, between someone deliberately facilitating a scam and someone whose involvement reflects manipulation or significant cognitive vulnerability? Mr Speaker, protection and agency need not be opposing principles. Good protective systems should and can intervene decisively, when necessary, while preserving a person's ability to conduct their ordinary life wherever that can safely be done. It is thus that I hope that the implementation of this Bill will combine strong protection against harm with sensitivity to vulnerability, proportionality and individual agency. Mr Speaker, I support the Bill.
[+2 sentences][(proc text) "to amend the Income Tax Act 1947, the Multinational Enterprise (Minimum Tax) Act 2024, and the Economic Expansion Incentives (Relief from Income Tax) Act 1967, and to make related amendments to the Goods and Services Tax Act 1993 and the Property Tax Act 1960", (proc text)] [(proc text) recommendation of President signified; presented by the Second Minister for Finance (Mr Jeffrey Siow); read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available Sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. (proc text)]
[+2 sentences][(proc text) "to amend the Financial Services and Markets Act 2022, and to make related amendments to the Banking Act 1970, the Financial Advisers Act 2001, the Financial Holding Companies Act 2013, the Insurance Act 1966, the Securities and Futures Act 2001, the Trust Companies Act 2005 and the Variable Capital Companies Act 2018", (proc text)] [(proc text) presented by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and National Development (Mr Alvin Tan) (on behalf of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry (Trade) in his capacity as Minister in-charge of the Monetary Authority of Singapore) read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available Sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. (proc text)]
Digital Infrastructure Bill›Bills Introduced1 turns · 90w
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bill-intro-696
Speaker not recorded90 words
[+2 sentences][(proc text) "to provide for the licensing of providers of major foundational digital infrastructure services and operators of data centres in Singapore, and for matters relating thereto, and to make related amendments to the Cybersecurity Act 2018", (proc text)] [(proc text) presented by the Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information (Mr Tan Kiat How) (on behalf of the Minister of Digital Development and Information) read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available Sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. (proc text)]
Land Transport and Related Matters (No 2) Bill›Bills Introduced1 turns · 85w
· 0 highlighted
bill-intro-697
Speaker not recorded85 words
[+2 sentences][(proc text) "to amend the Active Mobility Act 2017, the Electric Vehicles Charging Act 2022, the Road Traffic Act 1961 and the Small Motorised Vehicles (Safety) Act 2020, and to make consequential and related amendments to certain other Acts", (proc text)] [(proc text) presented by the Minister of State for Transport (Mr Baey Yam Keng) (on behalf of the Minister for Transport) read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available Sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. (proc text)]
Clarification by Minister for Social and Family Development›Clarification4 turns · 116w
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clarification-3019
The Minister for Social and Family Development (Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M)22 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Speaker, I would like to make a clarification in relation to a written answer that was made on 7 April 2026.
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Please go ahead.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M83 words
[+4 sentences]This was in response to a Parliamentary Question filed by Ms Mariam Jaafar on the take-up of caregiver support schemes. The answer cites the average number of Home Caregiving Grant beneficiaries every year from 2023 to 2025 as 72,300. The correct figure ought to be 51,300. [Please refer to "Breakdown of Uptake of Caregiver Support Schemes in Past Five Years by Household Income and Age Groups", Official Report, 7 April 2026, Vol 96, Issue 27, Written Answers to Questions section.] Thank you, Speaker.
Mr Speaker8 words
[+2 sentences]Ministerial Statements. Prime Minister and Minister for Finance.
Clarification by Coordinating Minister for Public Services›Clarification3 turns · 81w
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clarification-3021
Mr Speaker10 words
[+1 sentence]Minister Chan Chun Sing, you wanted to make a clarification?
The Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister for Defence (Mr Chan Chun Sing)47 words
[+3 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, I omitted one sentence from my speech just now, for the Nominated Members of Parliament (NMPs). The Committee recommended to retain the peg for their allowances at 15% of the MPs' allowance and the new updated figure will be $2,775 per month. Thank you.
Mr Speaker24 words
[+3 sentences]It was shown on the slides though. Order. The Clerk will now proceed to read the Orders of the Day and Notice of Motion.
Building a Sustainable Educator Workforce for the Next Phase of Education Reform›Matter Raised On Adjournment Motion9 turns · 4,069w
· 24 highlighted
matter-adj-3024
The Leader of the House (Ms Indranee Rajah)15 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Speaker, I move, "That Parliament do now adjourn."
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Dr Wan Rizal.
Dr Wan Rizal (Jalan Besar)47 words
[+2 sentences]Mr Speaker, I would like to inform you that hon Member Mr David Hoe is also keen to speak on the Motion standing in my name under Standing Order 2(8)(b), and therefore, I propose to share the 20 minutes of speaking time with him. May I proceed?
Mr Speaker2 words
[+1 sentence]Yes, please.
Dr Wan Rizal1637 words
[+15 sentences]Mr Speaker, as we mark Teachers' Day, let us thank the educators who have shaped our lives and continue to shape our children's future. We honour our teachers, allied educators, early childhood educators and school support staff, and all who contribute to our children's learning and development. During a recent dialogue, a beginning teacher spoke about wanting to be better at teaching, to reflect on his lessons, understand what helped students learn and improve the next lesson. Yet, alongside classroom teaching came co-curricular activities (CCA) duties, committee work and other responsibilities. Finding time for that reflection often meant continuing the work after the school day. But what stayed with me was the educator's desire to grow in the profession. We should nurture that commitment by giving our educators the time and support to develop their craft. That is the question at the heart of this Motion: how do we build a sustainable educator workforce that can carry Singapore's next phase of education reform? As a former educator, a labour Member of Parliament and an adviser to the Singapore Teachers' Union (STU), I am grateful for the opportunities to interact and work with our education unions through dialogue. This year, STU marks its 80th anniversary, while the Singapore Tamil Teachers' Union celebrates its 75th. We recognise the generations of union leaders and members who have strengthened the profession and improved educators' working lives. I also acknowledge the contributions of the Education Services Union, the Singapore Chinese Teachers' Union and the Singapore Malay Teachers' Union. I thank my fellow STU advisors and our National Trade Unions Congress (NTUC) and union colleagues whose research, consultations and proposals have helped shape this Motion. Sir, as we broaden what success means for our students, we ask educators to support their well-being, respond to the diverse needs and guide them through the technological change. The sustainability of education reform depends on the sustainability of its educators. Their morale, growth and retention must be treated as a strategic national issue.[+6 sentences] I will propose three shifts: how we measure reform, how we redesign educators' work and how we support the wider education ecosystem. My fellow STU adviser, Mr David Hoe, will then develop our proposals on programme workload and operational support. First, measure what reform means to the educator. The Ministry of Education (MOE) has introduced support through its refreshed Teacher Work Management Framework, flexible work arrangements and clearer school-home communication boundaries. We welcome these measures. The question is whether teachers experience consistent improvement in their daily working lives. In our dialogues, some teachers supported leaders who stopped programmes and simplified their work.[+1 sentence] Others felt new activities kept on accumulating. I, therefore, ask MOE to work with STU and the relevant education unions to define and publish a set of educator-sustainability indicators, tracked alongside student outcomes.[+13 sentences] These should address real questions. Are excessive working hours coming down? Is the protected time for planning and professional development usable? Are well-being and retention improving? Are the gains reaching teachers across subjects, school levels and career stages? Sir, MOE informed this House in November 2025 that its data showed teachers working an average of 53 hours a week. Its monitoring covers teachers across primary, secondary, junior college and centralised institute levels. The Ministry also acknowledged that while total working hours had remained stable over the years, the complexity of teachers' work had continually increased. That distinction matters. Stable hours do not, by themselves, tell us whether the demands within those hours are sustainable. Sir, workload is also shaped by the number and range of learning needs of the students whom the teacher has to support. I am aware that MOE already implements smaller class sizes on a needs basis. Would the Ministry consider reducing class sizes in more instances, particularly where teachers are supporting students with complex learning needs? Smaller classes could give teachers more scope and opportunity to provide individual attention, build relationships and respond to the different learning needs. This is why I ask MOE to work with our education unions to publish educator sustainability indicators alongside student outcomes, that covers workload, morale, professional growth and retention.[+18 sentences] These would help us assess whether our reforms are giving teachers the time and support to do their work well. The indicators should draw on existing information and representative sampling, with minimal additional reporting. Their purpose is to guide improvements in working conditions. Recognition matters, too. Mother Tongue teachers raised concerns about how their expertise and contributions to cultural and school-wide programmes are being recognised, and sometimes not. Experienced colleagues wanted the capacity to mentor new teachers properly. Others continued teaching through flexi-adjunct arrangements while managing family commitments. We should learn what makes these arrangements sustainable, what makes sense, while providing sufficient cover so that colleagues do not simply absorb the remaining work. Educators should be able to grow professionally and care for their loved ones while continuing to serve our children. Second, use the artificial intelligence (AI) momentum to redesign work together with unions. Sir, there is a history that we can build on. Mr Teo Chee Hean, then Minister for Education, recalled that when the first computer masterplan was ruled out in schools in 1997 and 1998, teachers' union members wanted to help train their members to use computers for teaching. And as STU marks its 80th anniversary, I hope MOE and our education unions will deepen this partnership and shape the next transition together. We welcome MOE's support for teachers in using AI, including the Teacher AI Literacy Professional Learning Roadmap. One teacher explained that adapting an AI-generated lesson still required training time and support; and considerable judgement, because the teacher – only the teacher – understood the students' needs. Others struggled to attend professional development in competing duties. This is where the Labour Movement brings practical experience here. Through Company Training Committees (CTCs), unions and employers work together on transformation and workforce development. As NTUC reported in August, more than 3,800 CTCs had been formed.[+21 sentences] AI-Ready SG supports workers and businesses in adapting to AI. We can bring that partnership approach into education, adapted to schools' needs. So, I ask MOE and the relevant unions to jointly review the workload impact of major AI and EdTech rollouts, with evaluation proportionate to their scale, through the Teacher Work Management Framework. Teachers and our unions can work together early to identify tasks to stop, simplify or redesign. Training should include protected time, peer support and clear guidance on responsible use. The review must account for the work of learning the tool, checking its output and completing retaining processes. We should avoid introducing a digital system while retaining the manual process. Most importantly, we should establish whether time saved is returned as protected planning time, student engagement or even rest for our teachers and whether these excessive total hours are eventually reduced. This would enhance our teachers' well-being, which in turn will enhance our children's well-being. Third, support the wider education ecosystem. Sir, we must also recognise early childhood educators, allied educators, private and adjunct educators, tutors and student-care staff. Their roles differ, but their working conditions matter to the children and families they serve. Let me begin with the primary school student care. Following the abrupt closure of a student-care operator earlier this year, teachers took on additional responsibilities in advisory roles. I raised concerns about the extra load. Building on MOE's governance review, we should strengthen student care's standards, staffing and operational resilience, while keeping it affordable through appropriately targeted assistance. Continuity arrangements should mobilise suitable providers and support staff to reduce the impact to teachers and students. A dependable after-school care ecosystem supports working families and protects teachers' capacity for their core responsibilities. Early childhood education deserves attention too. During a dialogue, a kindergarten teacher described photographing activities of her children and documenting the learning that took place, while trying to remain attentive to the students. She suggested fewer and more meaningful observations. Her account connects with Education Services Union's (ESU's) survey of 1,312 respondents: 49% were concerned with administrative load and the same proportion with work-life balance; 65% identified inclusion and diverse learning needs as an additional training priority. These findings provide agencies, employers and ESU with a basis for focused action. So, I ask MOE to work with closely with Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) and ESU on documentation demands, staffing and relief covers, predictable working arrangements, protected breaks and practical well-being support.[+11 sentences] Professional development should include specialist advice, mentorship and career pathways that recognise growing expertise through appropriate progression and remuneration. For private and adjunct educators, we should, likewise, make workforce upskilling and job redesign support more accessible, including some CTC-style partnerships and relevant AI-Ready SG training. We can support these workers while maintaining a broader understanding of educational success. Their professional contribution deserves recognition without encouraging greater pressure on children to pursue just grades. Sir, these three shifts are connected: measure whether conditions improve, redesign work with educators and strengthen support across the ecosystem. Let me return to the beginning teacher I spoke about earlier in my speech, who wanted time to reflect on lessons and become better at teaching. We should make room for such aspirations. Our children benefit when their teachers have the time and energy to understand and help them grow. I look forward to deepening our work with educators, together with the unions and MOE and turning these proposals into improvements educators can feel in their daily lives. This Teachers' Day, let our appreciation be reflected in the time, support and confidence we give educators to build a lasting career in education. Mr David Hoe will now develop our proposals on managing programme workload and strengthening operational support, so that teachers have more time for the students who need them.
Mr David Hoe (Jurong East-Bukit Batok)1020 words
[+37 sentences]Mr Speaker, I thank Dr Wan Rizal for sharing his time. I will build on the Labour Movement's proposals by addressing two questions. First, how do we properly account for work that teachers undertake beyond the classroom lessons; and second, who should carry its operational demands when it comes to this work? Our students benefit from CCAs, learning journeys, Values in Action and these experiences are beyond classrooms. Our schools also organise Speech Day, Open House, sports meets along with programme requests from other agencies. These experiences matter. In a recent conversation I had with young working adults that pursue things that were slightly different from what they have originally studied, some shared that this experiences that they have experienced beyond classroom, help them to gain greater clarity of what they wanted to do. These experiences that they have experienced out of classroom help them to discover their strengths, their interest in things, like events, management, coaching others, public speaking and the list goes on. So, I do not think that the answer to educators workload is simply by giving students fewer opportunities. Given the impact that this has on our young people, it is important that we resource them properly. But behind every activity is a considerable amount of preparation and follow-ups – coordinating of schedules, obtaining quotations, arranging transport, communicating with parents and much more. The broader question, therefore, is whether every part of this work needs to sit with a teacher. Hence, my first point is that we need to properly account for the full workload involved. In this regard, I ask MOE to continue requiring every school to account annually for the programme commitments beyond classroom. The teacher hours that this requires. Beyond simple accounting, what is more important is how it is implemented. Do our educators today, are they sufficiently clear and do they have consistent guidance on what should be included in these hours that are calculated? For instance, it is not just the actual time spent on carrying out the activity. Time spent in thinking about how to design, redesign and also how to deal with unexpected changes. If we define workload too narrowly, we risk missing a significant part of the work, but if definitions are too broad, it becomes difficult to apply consistently. So, there is value in making clearer to teachers and school leaders what should be reasonably included. At the same time, I also just want to say that these figures must be understood with context and in context. A teacher taking a particular responsibility for the first time may reasonably need more time than a colleague who has handled this role for many years. The aim, therefore, should be to be able to capture fuller workload of teachers while recognising differences in experiences and circumstances. Such review will ultimately help schools to establish a realistic workload ceiling calibrated to circumstances with proper justification and additional resourcing when exceptions are necessary. And when deciding what programmes to introduce, continue or sunset, we should ask a few basic questions. Number one, how does this programme benefit the students against the other opportunities that are available? How much work would it create for the educator and school? What support will it come with? And more importantly, when something new comes into the calendar, should something else be removed? Individually, many programmes may be worthwhile; but collectively, it can create a workload that may be difficult to sustain. My second point is therefore about how we staff these activities. There are aspects of these programmes where teachers are indispensable. You see at CCA, our teachers know our students. A teacher may notice a young person struggling, encourage someone who lacks confidence or exercise professional judgement when something does not seem right. The relational and pastoral role matters. But arranging buses, chasing quotation, coordinating vendor or reconciling expenditure requires a different set of operational capabilities. In its response to 2022 Adjournment Motion on educators, MOE pointed to school administrative teams, funding for vendors to assist with events, enrichment activities and camps. Our proposal is to strengthen the capacity and importantly, to ensure it results in meaningful transfer of work away from teachers. I therefore ask MOE to add a dedicated programme and events' execution post in every school establishment over and above current plans.[+7 sentences] By making this responsibility explicit, we become more intentional in how work is distributed, so that teachers can focus their time and attention on the development of the students. Such a post should have clearer responsibility for areas, such as procurement, coordination, scheduling, event administration and more. Teachers should be able to hand over operational tasks with confidence, with the main responsibility on caring for the child. My final point is this: as we shift work away from teachers, we should also strengthen the wider supporting workforce that takes on these responsibilities. The same principles apply to appropriate parts of uniform group activities, sports and specialised CCA training, where suitable, trained adult instructors can safely take on specialised instructions or operational responsibility. We should make fuller use of them while teachers continue to provide pastoral judgement and care that only the school can provide. Work together with the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, SportSG, NTUC, the National Instructors and Coaches Association and our education unions. MOE should set out a multi-year plan to expand and professionalise such workforce. Such a plan should include set targets for qualified coaches, instructors and trained adult volunteer officers. For paid workers, additional responsibility that we ask of them must be accompanied by fair contracts, development opportunities and sustainable career pathways. The work we take off teachers should land with people with time, skills and support to do well.[+3 sentences] In conclusion, teachers should be where teachers add the greatest value. That is teaching, mentoring, exercising professional judgement and building relationships with our children and if we want our educators to be able to give their best to their students, then we must also be serious about giving their time back to where their work matters most. We look forward to the Ministry's response.
Mr Speaker15 words
[+2 sentences]You had five seconds to spare, well done. Senior Parliamentary Secretary Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education (Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi)1303 words
[+12 sentences]Mr Speaker, I thank Dr Wan Rizal and Mr David Hoe for raising this important issue, which matters deeply to my Ministry and our educators. A strong teaching profession underpins a quality education system. Good outcomes depend on skilled and dedicated educators who nurture, inspire and bring out the best in every student. Our educators do far more than impart knowledge. They shape character and pass on our values to the next generation, they support students' well-being in and beyond the classroom and they prepare our young minds for a complex and uncertain world that is very different from the one we know of today. That is why MOE is committed to growing and supporting our teaching corps by: one, attracting and retaining good teachers; two, developing their capabilities; and three, addressing workload and well-being. Dr Wan Rizal has raised two important questions. First, how should we measure whether our educator workforce is thriving and sustainable? Second, as we introduce new technology and AI-enabled tools, how do we know they are making a meaningful difference to teachers' work? On educator sustainability indicators, MOE tracks a range of indicators relating to our educator workforce. These include teacher retention, participation in professional learning, workload and well-being trends, as well as feedback gathered through our regular engagements with teachers, school leaders and indeed our unions, including STU and the ESU. We look at a variety of workforce, well-being and engagement indicators to guide policy and strengthen support for educators holistically. One important indicator of the health of the profession is our ability to attract and retain good educators. We have more than doubled our hiring over the past three years, from 600 in 2023 to more than 1,300 teachers in 2025. The mean annual resignation rates of teachers have also remained low and stable at around 2% to 3% over the past few decades – and this is not something that we take for granted.[+4 sentences] MOE will continue to strengthen the appeal of education careers and our recruitment efforts so that we maintain a strong pipeline of educators. To keep education careers attractive and fulfilling, MOE periodically reviews salaries to ensure that our educators' overall remuneration remains competitive. Beyond pay, career progression allows educators to grow, to deepen their expertise and to contribute in different ways throughout their careers. Educators have different aspirations and strengths too. MOE therefore offers three career pathways – the Teaching, School Leadership and Senior Specialist Tracks – so that educators can pursue their interests and also fulfil their potential.[+26 sentences] Another important indicator of a sustainable profession is whether educators continue to grow and develop throughout their careers. Our teachers' professional growth remains a priority for us. In schools, School Staff Developers and Teacher Leaders support teachers' professional learning. Master Teachers work alongside them to strengthen teaching practices and lead professional learning communities that build competence and confidence. MOE's Teacher AI Literacy Professional Learning Roadmap helps teachers build AI literacy progressively, from foundational knowledge to advanced applications that ease day-to-day work and enhance teaching and learning. We also value a diverse professional experience. Under the MOE's Teacher Work Attachment-Plus programme, educators can undertake short stints in the people, public and private sectors. These complement rotations within MOE and attachments to other Government agencies. MOE regularly monitors workload indicators based on actual returns from teachers, in areas that Mr David Hoe has already mentioned. We acknowledge that while teacher workload has remained stable in terms of hours, the work is indeed becoming more complex. This is why MOE will continue to work on strategies to reduce workload. MOE also shares Dr Wan Rizal's view that technology and AI should meaningfully improve teachers' work and free up time for what matters most. Technology is introduced to automate routine administrative tasks and reduce unnecessary workload so that teachers can focus on teaching, on learning and on supporting our students. MOE has introduced various technology and AI-enabled platforms to reduce teachers' workload. Parents Gateway, as Dr Wan Rizal has pointed out, has streamlined administrative processes. Similarly, HeyTalia helps teachers draft communications. AI-enabled tools in the Singapore Student Learning Space support teachers to plan lessons, and also in marking and providing feedback to their students. This creates space for teachers to tend to the uniquely human aspects of teaching – and that is to nurture character and values, and building meaningful relationships with their students. At the same time, technology alone cannot solve workload challenges. Sustainable workload management requires changes in how work is organised, supported and distributed across the school system. Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes an entire ecosystem to nurture the next generation. Beyond teachers, the education ecosystem and community comprise parents, school leaders, allied educators, administrative staff and community partners too. The Teacher Work Management Framework guides our School Leaders on how they can help teachers focus on purposeful work by creating a safe and empowering school culture and continually reviewing and streamlining school programmes. The wider education community provides vital support to our educators as well. Adjunct teachers share the teaching load and help schools meet short-term staffing needs. Allied educators provide specialised support for students of different strengths and needs. Over the past decade, we have doubled the number of allied educators in priority areas such as counselling and special educational needs, from about 800 to 1,600 across all schools. We have also increased administrative staffing in each school by 50% on average, which frees up valuable and meaningful bandwidth for our teachers.[+7 sentences] Schools can also engage coaches, student well-being support and vendors for other administrative tasks, events management and student programmes. Such support enables our teachers to focus on what they do best – to educate our students. And we will continue to review non-teaching staff support in schools to better support our teachers and our students. To Mr David Hoe's point on shared provisions across schools, MOE will also continue to look at how best to optimise resources such as clustering CCAs and centrally organising student programmes. For example, our Strategic Partnership CCAs (SP-CCAs) are centralised, non-school-based CCAs, conducted in conjunction with SportSG, to allow secondary school students to pursue their interest in sports. SP-CCAs are conducted by professional instructors and coaches. Dr Wan Rizal asked about smaller class sizes, so that teachers have more capacity to support students. MOE already provides for smaller classes on a needs-basis and we will continue to review this approach.[+13 sentences] We recognise that education reforms and new initiatives can temporarily increase workload. To support schools and teachers, MOE provides flexibility for schools to pace and where needed, even defer new system-wide initiatives. Beyond workload management, MOE supports teacher well-being through school-based initiatives such as Staff Well-Being Committees and Wellness Ambassadors. Parents also play an important role by respecting boundaries for parent-teacher communication and maintaining reasonable expectations. Together, these measures help educators sustain the vital work of teaching and caring for students. Singapore’s education system rests on the dedication, professionalism and commitment of generations of educators. Dr Wan Rizal and Mr David Hoe are right that sustaining a strong educator workforce must remain a national priority. MOE shares this commitment. When we invest in educators, we are investing in every child, every learner and in Singapore's future. It is fitting that Dr Wan Rizal and Mr David Hoe raised this issue in the month when we have just celebrated Teachers' Day. The occasion is not only an affirmation of teachers' dedication, but also a reminder to appreciate and support them as they shape our next generation. On behalf of MOE, our students and parents, I thank all our teachers for their dedication. Thank you very much to our teachers.
Mr Speaker27 words
Pursuant to Standing Order 2(3)(a), I wish to inform hon Members that the Sitting tomorrow will commence at 10.30 am.[+3 sentences] Order. Order. Adjourned accordingly at 9.27 pm.
Government's Responses to the "2026 Review of Salaries for Political Appointment Holders and Members of Parliament"›Ministerial Statements8 turns · 10,044w
· 80 highlighted
ministerial-statement-3020
The Prime Minister and Minister for Finance (Mr Lawrence Wong)6219 words
[+4 sentences]Mr Speaker, in December last year, the Government appointed an independent Committee to review the political salary framework. We are releasing the report today. At the same time, we are setting out the Government’s response. It is important that Members and Singaporeans see the two together. The Committee has reviewed the framework and made its recommendations.[+5 sentences] But how those recommendations are implemented is a judgement for the Government to take responsibility for. So, rather than release the report on its own and leave people to speculate about what it means in practice, we are setting out our response at the same time. The salary framework itself is not new. It was debated extensively in this House in 2012. Members are familiar with how it works. The Committee has affirmed that the framework remains sound, while updating its parameters and recommending some refinements.[+1 sentence] The Government accepts the Committee's recommendations. But we do not intend to move immediately to the proposed salary levels in one step.[+19 sentences] I will explain our approach and the considerations behind it in my Statement. Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister-in-charge of the Public Service Chan Chun Sing will then elaborate on the details in another Statement. Following these Statements, we will have a full debate on our response on Thursday. Members will have the opportunity to raise their views and questions, and Minister Chan and I will respond. Sir, political salaries are a difficult and emotive issue. The sums involved are more than what most citizens earn. So, I understand why Singaporeans scrutinise them closely and why many feel strongly about the matter. It is certainly not an issue Ministers themselves find easy to discuss. But we run an open system and believe in being transparent about Ministerial salaries. We cannot avoid this issue simply because it is politically difficult. And this is not just a matter of pay. It is ultimately whether Singapore will continue to have the quality of political leadership we need to take our country forward and to serve Singaporeans well in the years ahead. In the last debate in 2012, there was considerable convergence between the People's Action Party (PAP) and the Workers' Party (WP). The WP proposed a different formula from ours, but the resulting salary levels were broadly in the same range. More importantly, both sides of the House agreed on the following underlying principles: that political salaries should be transparent with no hidden perks and privileges; that they should be competitive enough to enable us to recruit people of the necessary calibre, while incorporating a substantial discount to reflect the ethos of public service. Since then, the Government has repeatedly exercised restraint in making any salary adjustments under the framework. In 2017, the independent review Committee recommended an upward adjustment. The Government decided not to proceed. A further review was scheduled for 2023, but this was deferred. As a result, the salary norms for political office holders have remained unchanged for 15 years.[+5 sentences] Over the same period, salaries elsewhere have moved. Private sector pay has risen. Civil Service salaries have been adjusted. Judicial salaries have been updated. Ministerial salaries have therefore fallen further behind. The gap is most obvious when compared with the private sector. But even in the Public Service, some senior Permanent Secretaries earn more than Ministers.[+11 sentences] It is not because the framework changed. But because successive governments have decided, at different points, to hold back. At each point, there were good reasons for doing so. Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong had in fact hoped to settle this issue before he stepped down as Prime Minister. He told me that he would have preferred not to leave a difficult issue like this to his successor. But the circumstances then did not allow him to make an adjustment. So, the responsibility now falls to me. It would have been easier politically for me to leave things as they are. But that would not be the right thing to do. We cannot affirm a framework in principle, but disregard it indefinitely in practice. Otherwise, over time, the framework loses its meaning. Restraint cannot become neglect – and that is why I have decided we must act now.[+73 sentences] Our starting point is this: good government depends on good leadership. Institutions are only as effective as the people who lead them. Systems and processes matter. But they do not run themselves. Especially at the top, the quality of leadership makes a decisive difference. Companies understand this very well. That is why boards spend so much time on succession planning. They know that people at the top determine the quality of decisions, the calibre of their team and ultimately, what the organisation can achieve. I learnt this lesson myself in the Public Service, how important it is to have the best person running an organisation. I was Chief Executive of the Energy Market Authority (EMA) when the Government took over the liquefied natural gas (LNG) project. So, the task of building the LNG terminal fell to EMA. No one in EMA had experience doing this. So, I searched widely for the best person to lead the project. I eventually found someone. To bring him on board, I had to offer him a competitive package – far more than what I was earning as Chief Executive of EMA. The human resources (HR) people were concerned about whether we should pay him so much, but I decided to proceed and he proved his worth. He built up the LNG team from scratch and delivered the LNG terminal safely – on time and within budget. Some say that Ministers are different. After all, Singapore already has a first-rate Civil Service. Surely, capable civil servants can keep our system running. Sir, I spent many years in the Civil Service and I am very proud of our civil servants. They analyse the issues, develop options and give Ministers their best professional advice. And once decisions are made, they work hard to implement them well. But there are decisions that civil servants cannot and should not make. For example, how fast should we restructure an industry if jobs may be lost in the process? How should the costs of stronger social safety nets be shared among individuals, the community and the Government? How much should we tax today and how much should we leave for future generations? These are not just technical questions. They involve choices about priorities, interests and values. So, a strong civil service is no substitute for effective political leadership. Ministers have to set the direction for their Ministries, decide the priorities and make the strategic calls. If those calls are wrong, even the best civil servants will struggle to deliver good outcomes. They may execute well, but they will be executing in the wrong direction. Over time, the quality of political leadership also affects the quality of the civil service itself. Capable officers want to work for leaders they respect and can learn from. They want Ministers who understand the issues, ask the right questions, make sound judgements and take responsibility for decisions. If Ministers consistently fall short, good officers will become frustrated. Many will leave. Some may stay on, but they will be less willing to contribute their best ideas or take on the toughest assignments. So, the idea that we can have less capable Ministers sitting above a first-rate civil service, and everything will somehow continue to work, is a fantasy. Older Members will remember watching the British sitcom "Yes, Minister", where the civil servants always seemed smarter than the Ministers. But even that is a benign version of the story because at least capable people remain in the system. The more serious risk is that weak political leadership eventually weakens the civil service too. And this is not a theoretical risk. We have seen it happen elsewhere. Countries once known for highly capable governments have seen their civil services deteriorate when political leadership at the top weakened. What are we looking for in a Minister? First, character. That is a veto factor. If someone does not have the integrity, values and commitment to serve, then however capable he or she may be, that person should not be a Minister. But character alone is not enough. Ministers also need competence, the judgement, ability and leadership to do the job well. And this is where remuneration becomes relevant. It does not determine who is capable. But it does affect whether enough capable people are prepared to step forward and take on the responsibility. The Ministerial job itself is demanding. Some may think it is straightforward. After all, Ministers can just go along with the popular view. Indeed, there will always be politically convenient options. We can postpone a difficult reform. We can promise more benefits without being clear about who will pay for them. We can avoid decisions that upset particular groups. All that may be easier in the short term, but eventually the consequences catch up with us. And we see this happen in many countries. Government leaders often know what needs to be done. But the political cost is immediate, while the benefits may come only years later. So, difficult decisions are deferred, sometimes repeatedly. And in the end, citizens bear a much higher cost. Singapore has less room than most countries to govern this way. We are tiny. We have few natural advantages. And we cannot afford to let major problems fester for years before acting. Take the reset of our family policies which I announced at the National Day Rally. Civil servants can review each scheme and propose improvements, but it was Minister Indranee and the other political office holders in the workgroup who looked at the parenthood journey as a whole and helped shape the overall package, deciding where support would make the greatest difference, how the cost would be shared between parents, employers and the Government, and how the different measures should fit together.[+1 sentence] And we can afford to do this now only because of decisions taken over many years. Successive governments have been careful about how we spend and disciplined about husbanding our resources. That meant making difficult decisions including raising the Goods and Services Tax (GST) when we knew our spending needs would rise. And because we acted earlier, we now have the fiscal space to provide stronger support for families in a sustainable way.[+3 sentences] Housing is another example. Over the years, there have been repeated pressures to slow down or postpone the building of more flats. At one time, it was because of weak market conditions and falling property prices. On other occasions, it was because of difficult site constraints. But successive Ministry of National Development (MND) Ministers, including Minister Desmond Lee and now Minister Chee Hong Tat, have kept up the supply because Singaporeans will continue to need homes. When COVID-19 caused a major shortfall, they worked hard to ramp construction back up and recover lost ground. And that sustained effort is why we are now in a stronger position to make further moves on housing.[+22 sentences] These examples illustrate what the job of a Minister requires. It is not simply to do what is popular today. It is to make judgements about what will leave Singapore in a stronger position tomorrow. And that requires mastery of the issues, a clear sense of priorities and the willingness to take difficult decisions. We are fortunate to have Ministers who have demonstrated these qualities in different ways. For example, in the climate change arena, Minister Grace Fu had co-chaired difficult negotiations on global carbon markets and helped countries reach a final consensus. Minister Masagos recently took part in the St Gallen Symposium. A Member of the United Kingdom (UK) House of Lords wrote afterwards to commend his contribution, describing him as a "brilliant ambassador for Singapore". I am not suggesting that Ministers always get every decision right. Ministers do make mistakes. Some will be stronger in certain areas than others and when we fall short, we have to learn, improve and be accountable. But taken as a whole, I believe we have a strong team as Singapore has had over successive generations. Our Ministers are able to master their briefs, exercise judgement, hold their own and earn the confidence and trust of Singaporeans, and when necessary, represent Singapore well on the international stage. People who can do all these things are not easy to find. They must have the character to serve. They must have the competence to carry the responsibility, and enough of them must be willing to step forward. That is why building and renewing a strong political team takes sustained effort and that is why we must ensure that our system continues to give future Prime Ministers the best possible chance of assembling such a team for Singapore. This challenge is not unique to Singapore. Senior Minister Lee once shared with me his conversation with a visiting Prime Minister. This foreign leader had met some of our Ministers and told the Senior Minister how impressed he was with their quality. He shared that his greatest challenge as Prime Minister was finding people of the right calibre to appoint to his Cabinet. He himself had come from the private sector, so he knew the quality of the people outside politics and how difficult it was to persuade the right people to step forward. His experience illustrates the basic tension every political system has to manage: politics must remain a calling to serve our fellow citizens, but if the personal and financial sacrifices become too large, many capable people will simply choose to do something else.[+13 sentences] Different countries have tried to manage this tension in different ways. Because political salaries are highly sensitive, many systems keep the official salary low, but have other substantial benefits and privileges accumulate around the office. In some other places, politicians may supplement their incomes through outside interest or, more often, the larger financial rewards may come after they leave office. So, the headline salary may look modest, but the overall picture is much more complicated. Yet, even with these arrangements, many countries still struggle to attract the people they need. Most countries have much larger populations than us and far larger pools of talent to draw from. Yet they still struggle to form strong and stable governments. Singapore has been an exception. We consistently rank among the leading countries in the world for government effectiveness, integrity and the quality of our public institutions. I meet many people around the world who study governments and public policy. Again and again, they point to Singapore as a model of effective government and an inspiration for others. We have sustained these standards for so long that they can start to feel normal to Singaporeans, but they are not normal elsewhere and they are certainly not guaranteed here either. We did not build this record of good government because Singaporeans are inherently better than others, or because good government somehow comes naturally to us. We achieved it through deliberate choices made over many decades about how our political system should be designed and how it should work. And one of those choices was to deal with political remuneration openly. We recognised that highly able people have alternatives outside politics, so we pay political office holders' salaries that are competitive, but with a substantial discount to reflect political service.[+1 sentence] The full remuneration is transparent. There are no hidden salary components or perks outside the published framework. And that is what we mean by a clean wage.[+3 sentences] In return, Singaporeans rightly expect a great deal from their political leaders. High standards of integrity and conduct, competence, responsibility for the decisions we make and ultimately, accountability to voters at the ballot box. The same broad consideration applies to Members of Parliament (MPs). We chose not to treat the MP allowance as a token allowance. It is a substantial allowance because MPs carry substantial responsibilities in Parliament and in their constituencies.[+16 sentences] Providing a proper allowance has enabled both the PAP and the WP to recruit and field strong candidates. And we can see the result in this House: we have MPs with a wide range of backgrounds and experience who bring different perspectives to our debates. We may disagree strongly across the aisle, but the quality of debate is high and Singapore is better for it. So, if we want our political system to remain effective, we cannot allow its basic terms of service to drift further and further away from reality. That applies to MP allowances. It applies even more importantly to political office holder salaries. Because political renewal is not a one-off exercise. We have to keep bringing in capable Singaporeans from different backgrounds, election after election. Enough of them must be prepared to step forward, contest elections and take responsibility for the future of our country. That has always been an important philosophy at the heart of the PAP's approach to government. We must build not only for today, but for the next generation. And this was perhaps Mr Lee Kuan Yew's greatest legacy. He did not just build a successful government around himself. He worked hard to leave behind a system that could keep Singapore going well after he was gone. Central to that was leadership renewal, continually bringing in good people and preparing the next generation to take over. Mr Lee himself had exceptional colleagues, like Dr Goh Keng Swee and Mr S Rajaratnam, but he also brought in people from the private sector, like Mr Lim Kim San and Mr Hon Sui Sen, later. In fact, when Ministerial salaries were first raised in 1970, Mr Lee Kuan Yew explained in Parliament that one reason was to enable him to appoint Mr Hon Sui Sen, who was then head of the Development Bank of Singapore, as Finance Minister.[+27 sentences] He said that to attract capable people to serve as Ministers, Singapore cannot, and I quote, "Rely on people who are willing to make inordinate sacrifices, particularly when it is at the expense of their families." That approach continued into the next generation with Emeritus Ministers, like Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, Dr Tony Tan, Mr Ong Teng Cheong and Mr S Dhanabalan. They were all from the private sector. Over time, however, it became harder to bring people with substantial private sector experience into Cabinet. And it was not for lack of trying. I have worked with Senior Minister Lee for many years since 2004, first as a civil servant, and later in Cabinet. I saw first-hand how much time and effort he devoted to identifying people, persuading them to enter politics and building up the next team. It was one reason I agreed to enter politics when he approached me in 2011. Now it is my responsibility as Prime Minister, not just to lead the present Cabinet but to build the next team for Singapore, the team that will come after us. I was 51 when I took over as Prime Minister. It is about the same age as Senior Minister Lee when he became Prime Minister. From the outside, the transition may have looked smooth, but those of us who went through it knew the path was anything but straightforward. In fact, Senior Minister Lee had hoped to hand over earlier, but there were unexpected turns. Mr Heng Swee Keat suffered a stroke. COVID-19 intervened. Mr Heng Swee Keat later decided to step aside. The team had to regroup and work through succession again. That experience taught me something important. Leadership succession cannot be planned like clockwork. People and circumstances change. Unexpected events happen. So, we need strength across the team and we need to begin renewal early. That is why when I took over, I was very conscious that the renewal task was pressing. I was then, when I took over, one of the youngest members of the Cabinet. Most were older than me. And several of our most experienced Ministers were advancing in age. But we did not have enough younger Ministers ready to take over the portfolios. This was despite Senior Minister Lee's sustained efforts to renew the team. And the reduction in political salaries in 2012, followed by 15 years without adjustments to the benchmark did not make the task any easier.[+3 sentences] That is why leadership renewal became one of my highest priorities. Ahead of the last General Election, I approached several senior Permanent Secretaries whom I thought had the temperament and potential for political leadership. With their experience, they could potentially take on major portfolios more quickly. In the end, none was prepared to make the move, but I was able to bring in younger officers with strong potential and a longer runway ahead of them, like Mr Jeffrey Siow, Mr David Neo and Ms Jasmine Lau.[+3 sentences] Even so, there is still much more to do. Aside from Senior Minister Lee, the three most senior members of my team are Mr Gan Kim Yong, Mr K Shanmugam and Dr Vivian Balakrishnan. They helm key Ministries: the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. By the next term of Government, all three will be 70 and above. We should not plan on the basis that they will continue helming these Ministries then.[+19 sentences] For the good of the team and for the strength of our institutions, we need the next generation to take over. All three understand this – and in fact, they have been pressing me to put succession plans in place. But they are not so easy to replace. Minister Gan Kim Yong brings experience across both the private and public sectors, and he commands the confidence of investors and international partners. Minister K Shanmugam has decades of experience in law and Government, and an unusual ability to get to the heart of complex issues, weigh competing considerations and frame the choices clearly. Few Ministers have that combination of judgement and experience at the same level. Minister Vivian Balakrishnan has been Foreign Minister for more than a decade and has built up deep knowledge of the issues and an extensive network of relationships. That experience matters greatly, especially as our external environment becomes more complicated. It is very hard to find complete ready-made replacements for Ministers at this level. A senior person would have a shorter learning curve. But the judgement, experience, political authority and relationships needed for these roles take time to build. So, we need to bring good people in early enough, give them progressively heavier responsibilities and prepare them to take over. We are doing that now. But we also need depth in the pipeline, because not everyone we bring in will necessarily grow into these roles. I face the same issue in finding a successor at the Ministry of Finance. I was fortunate to have spent many years there as a civil servant. So, I am familiar with the work. That made it easier for me to take over from Mr Heng Swee Keat when he stepped down. For now, I can continue to double-hat as Prime Minister and Minister for Finance. But ideally, I should have someone take over the Finance portfolio. So, when I look at the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the succession challenge is very real.[+49 sentences] Recruiting from the Public Service is becoming harder. Senior civil servants today have meaningful careers, substantial responsibilities and competitive remuneration as I mentioned just now. Political service would mean giving up that career path, and taking on electoral and public scrutiny. If the gap between Public Service and political salaries continues to widen, that hurdle will become higher. If this is already a challenge in the Public Service, it is greater still in the private sector. That matters, because we cannot build our political leadership from the Public Service alone. I want people in Cabinet who have spent substantial parts of their careers in business or other professional fields – especially in running large organisations and overseeing complex systems. They may not start with the same familiarity with Government. But they bring experience of making hard decisions, managing people and resources, operating under commercial pressure nd delivering results in a competitive environment. These are valuable capabilities to have in the Cabinet. Dr Tan See Leng is a good example. He joined us in 2020, after a long career in the private sector. At the last Parliament Sitting, he spoke with authority about the challenges entrepreneurs face and what more we can do to support them. He did so with conviction, drawing on years of experience running businesses and dealing with these pressures first-hand. So, that gave his speech a conviction that would have been difficult for others in the team to replicate. He brings a different perspective and has made a real contribution to the team. I would like to bring in more people like that. Ideally, some should come in while they are in their 40s, so they have the runway to learn, grow and take on larger responsibilities over time. Just consider the profile of such people in the private sector. Take the chief executive officers (CEOs) of major listed Singapore companies – in banking, telecommunications, aviation, engineering and other sectors – as well as people on track in these companies for such leadership roles. At those levels, remuneration can run into several million dollars a year, well above even the revised MR4 benchmark. We are not trying to match what they earn. We never will. But when we approach people of that calibre, we cannot pretend that the opportunity cost does not exist. Before the last General Election, I spoke to several CEOs and other senior business leaders whom I thought could make a real contribution in politics. They were earning several times a Minister's salary. None said to me directly that pay was the reason they would not join, nor would I want someone whose decision turned mainly on money. But that does not mean remuneration is irrelevant. Look at the decision from their point of view. They have spent years building a successful career. We are asking them to walk away from that, to take a substantial reduction in income, to contest an election with no certainty of success and to start again in a completely new environment. In the end, none of those I approached was prepared to make the move. But I have not given up. I am still looking and I hope to persuade a few to join us in the next election. I recognise that the sacrifice is not only financial. Political life places real demands on families. There is time; time we do not get back. There is scrutiny; scrutiny that spouses and children did not ask for, but nevertheless have to bear with us. No salary adjustment can make up for these things, nor was it ever meant to. The purpose of remuneration is much more modest: to ensure that, on top of all these other sacrifices, we do not make the financial hurdle unnecessarily high. I know, too, that people look at the team they may be joining – what it stands for, how its members lead and carry themselves and whether these are people they want to serve alongside. That is a responsibility I take seriously too. Those of us already in political leadership must conduct ourselves in a way that earns respect, inspires confidence and makes good people want to join us. But even if we do all these things well, I am under no illusion – attracting capable Singaporeans into politics will not become easier. It is a challenge I face today and future Prime Ministers may find it harder still. That is the issue we have to confront in this debate. It is not just about what we pay Ministers today. It is about whether future Prime Ministers will continue to have a realistic chance of persuading capable Singaporeans – from the Public Service, the private sector and other walks of life – persuade them to step forward and build a first-rate team to serve Singapore and Singaporeans. Sir, this brings me to the Government's response to the Committee's recommendations. Based on the latest data, the Committee has recommended updating the MR4 benchmark from $1.1 million to $1.8 million. It has also recommended changes to the other political office holder salaries and to MP allowances.[+1 sentence] The Government accepts these recommendations. The revised framework will take effect from 15 October 2026. The monthly allowances for MPs will increase from $13,750 to $18,500 from that date.[+1 sentence] The adjustments to the salaries of the President, Speaker and Deputy Speaker will also take effect from then. The Prime Minister's salary is set at twice the MR4 benchmark. I have decided that, for the next five years – assuming I remain Prime Minister – I will donate the full increase in my salary arising from this adjustment.[+13 sentences] The Government will continue to pay me the salary provided for under the framework, which is how our system works. I will then donate the increase to suitable good causes. This is my own decision. I do not expect other office holders to do the same. As a general rule, I do not believe in making a public show of charitable giving. But although the salary framework is a Cabinet decision, as Prime Minister I carry ultimate responsibility for it. So, I want to be clear about how I will personally handle the increase and why I am taking these changes forward because I believe they are in Singapore's interest. At the end of the five years, I will review the position afresh, taking into account the circumstances at that time. I fully expect to continue supporting good causes, as I have always done. But I do not want to make an open-ended public commitment or to create an expectation that future Prime Ministers may feel obliged to follow. So, that deals with the salaries and allowances of the President, Prime Minister, Speaker, Deputy Speaker and MPs. For Ministers and other office holders, however, the implementation will be different. We will not move immediately to the new salary benchmarks. Instead, we will make a one-off adjustment now of up to 9% for political office holders.[+2 sentences] I say "up to" because the same increase will not automatically apply to everyone. The adjustment for each office holder will depend on individual circumstances, including performance and when his or her salary was last adjusted. To illustrate, for an MR4 Minister earning the current reference salary of $1.1 million, the full 9% adjustment would bring the salary to about $1.2 million. Thereafter, after this one-off adjustment, there will be no further special adjustments to close the gap to $1.8 million.[+17 sentences] Instead, any subsequent changes will be based on individual performance and responsibilities. So, let me explain how this works. Today, there are four ministerial grades – MR4, MR3, MR2 and MR1. For each grade, there is a range of salary points, which determine the Minister's fixed pay. So, MR4, there is a range of salary points; MR3, likewise; MR2 and MR1. As Prime Minister, I decide the grade of each Minister; where each Minister is positioned within the salary range for that grade; and the individual performance bonus each year. So, at present, 10 out of 16 Ministers are at MR4. The other six are at higher grades, reflecting their seniority and heavier responsibilities, including those serving as Coordinating Ministers. Within each grade, Ministers can move to different salary points over time, based on performance. I will place a new office holder at the lower-end of the salary range. Those who perform well may move to a higher point within the range. And of course, those who do very well may be promoted to a higher grade as they take on greater responsibilities. There are also variable components which make up more than one-third of a Minister's annual remuneration. There is the National Bonus which applies to all office holders, based on the outcomes specified in the framework. The individual performance bonus depends on my assessment of each office holder's performance. Last year, for example, individual performance bonuses for political office holders ranged from three to six months. So, when we refer to the current MR4 reference salary of $1.1 million, this is an all-in reference figure. It includes fixed pay, together with assumed levels of performance and bonus payouts. The actual remuneration received by an individual Minister in any year can, therefore, be higher or lower than the reference salary, depending on his or her salary point and the variable payouts. This is how the system operates today. The Committee has recommended some fine-tuning to the current structure. They have recommended that the MR2 and MR3 grades be combined. So, there will be three Ministerial grades instead of four. They have also recommended that the salary range for each grade be widened to plus or minus 25%.[+3 sentences] We agree with these changes. But the basic approach to assessing and differentiating individual salaries, based on performance, will remain the same as I have explained just now. So, after the one-off special adjustment, I will continue to assess Ministers and adjust their salaries in the usual way, based on performance. On that basis, by the end of this term of Government, I expect most Ministers who remain at MR4 to be at the lower-end of the new salary range – and that is about $1.35 million.[+13 sentences] Those who excel and take on larger responsibilities may move higher within the range, or be promoted to a higher Ministerial grade. In other words, Ministers' salaries will be set within the ranges under the revised framework. But exactly where each person is positioned will depend on performance and responsibilities. So, to be clear, the revised MR4 benchmark of $1.8 million is not a target salary that every Minister must eventually reach. Ministers can be paid above or below the benchmark, within the prescribed range. And as I have explained, after the one-off adjustments, the usual adjustments continue based on salaries; and by the end of this term of Government, I expect Ministers who remain at MR4 to be at the lower-end of the new salary range, and that is $1.35 million. I have described how this will apply to Ministers. The same approach will apply to the other office holders – Ministers of State, Parliamentary Secretaries and Mayors. For these office holders, I will typically consult their supervising Ministers on their performance. But the final decision on their salary points, grades and bonuses rests with me. New office holders appointed in the next term of Government will, likewise, come in at different points within the range, taking into account their experience and their previous remuneration. So, over time, we should expect a wider spread in salaries than we have today. Within the current framework but a wider spread of salaries. And this is the purpose of the revised structure. It gives the Prime Minister more room to differentiate pay according to performance and importantly, to bring in people with substantial experience from outside Government, especially those already earning significantly more in the private sector. We still expect them to make a meaningful sacrifice to enter political service. But we should not make that gap larger than it needs to be. Overall, I believe this will give me and future Prime Ministers a better chance of persuading capable Singaporeans to step forward and of building the strongest possible team for Singapore.[+15 sentences] Sir, good government did not come naturally to Singapore. It was built deliberately over many years and there is nothing automatic about sustaining this. For more than 60 years, Singaporeans have benefited from a Government that is able to plan ahead, take difficult decisions and deliver. Our responsibility is to preserve that capacity for those who come after us. And that is why I have decided to deal with this issue now. And I ask for your understanding and support as we make this adjustment. This is not about the PAP government of today. We cannot predict what the political landscape will look like years from now. But whichever party is in charge, whichever party is in government, surely Singapore will need strong and effective political leadership to serve our people and take our country forward. Good leadership has always been important. It will be even more crucial as we navigate a more uncertain and troubled world. So, let us make the right decision – to keep the path open for capable and public-spirited Singaporeans to step forward, lead and serve. Let us give our children and future generations the confidence that when the time comes, there will be leaders ready to rise to the challenge and take Singapore forward. Thank you, Mr Speaker. Sir, as mentioned earlier, Minister Chan Chun Sing will be making a related Ministerial Statement, and the Government intends to have a debate on both Statements. Minister Chan will give notice to move a Motion for both Ministerial Statements to be considered by Parliament after our Statements. And we will subsequently address Members' clarifications during the debate on the Motion.
Mr Speaker5 words
[+1 sentence]Coordinating Minister for Public Services.
The Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister for Defence (Mr Chan Chun Sing)588 words
[+2 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, I will set out the details of the Government's Response to the 2026 Salary Review Committee's report. Sir, as the Prime Minister has explained, this review is fundamentally about giving ourselves a better chance to build a first-rate team to serve Singapore and Singaporeans. We need to ensure that the salary framework stays updated so that capable and committed people from different backgrounds and at different stages of life, can step forward to serve, not just the financially independent ones or those who have made exceptional lifestyle choices.[+3 sentences] This includes younger Singaporeans in their 30s and 40s, who may be building their careers, raising families and taking on major financial commitments. We want such people to be able to enter public office in their prime with the energy and runway to build up the experience and judgement to make tough decisions, and to bond and build up the trust with Singaporeans to take Singapore forward, especially in difficult times. This will also include those who are more established in their careers, especially in the private sector. As the Prime Minister has said, some CEOs of major Singapore companies earn $6 million or $7 million a year, sometimes more.[+9 sentences] We are not trying to match that nor should we. But we cannot pretend that such opportunity costs do not exist. So, we want to be able to say to capable Singaporeans, "Singapore needs you. And while political service involves sacrifices, it will not come at an unreasonable cost to you and your family." At the same time, money must never be the primary motivation for anyone who is considering political service. If money is your main reason for wanting to be a Minister, frankly, you are not the person we are looking for. We will never be able to match the pay of all the people we hope to get. On the other hand, no matter how much we pay, some will never join for various reasons. This is why we need a balance – a framework that is fair to widen the pool of Singaporeans who can realistically consider serving while preserving the ethos of political service. The current framework was established in 2012, when the Government accepted the recommendations of the Committee led by Mr Gerard Ee.[+1 sentence] The recommendations were implemented retrospectively from May 2011, when the government of the day took office. Since then, the political reference salaries have not been updated.[+1 sentence] In 2017, the Government decided not to proceed with adjustments after an independent review because of prevailing economic circumstances. We further held back a review in 2023. And hence, the result is that the structure of political salaries has been frozen for the past 15 years.[+2 sentences] If we continue to hold off updates, we risk the framework losing its relevance. More importantly, we continue to weaken our ability to build a strong, diverse team of leaders that Singapore needs. As part of the review process, the Prime Minister convened an independent Committee in December last year.[+3 sentences] After much deliberation, the Committee has submitted its report. With your permission, Mr Speaker, Sir, I have asked the Clerk to make the report on the "2026 Review of Salaries for Political Appointment Holders and Members of Parliament", available through the MP@SG Parl mobile application and to be captured in the Official Report. With your permission, Mr Speaker, Sir, may I also display some slides on the LED screens as I walk the Chamber through the recommendations and our responses?
Mr Speaker4 words
[+1 sentence]You have my consent.
Mr Chan Chun Sing2991 words
[+8 sentences]Thank you, Mr Speaker, Sir. Sir, I would like to put on record our appreciation to the Committee led by Chairman Mr Gan Seow Kee and comprising seven other members from across the private and people sectors. Their names are shown on the screen. This was not an easy task. The Committee approached it with seriousness, care and rigour. The Committee also engaged Mercer, a leading global human resources (HR) consultant, for technical expertise and to provide additional information on pay practices and levels. Mr Speaker, Sir, before setting out the Government's response to the Committee's recommendations, let me first set out the core principles that underpin the political salary framework. These principles were established by the 2012 Committee, affirmed by the 2017 Committee and re-affirmed by the 2026 Committee in their review. The Government agrees with the Committee's assessment that the three core principles of the framework remain sound and necessary so that we can build a strong, sustained political core.[+7 sentences] First, calibre. The salary framework should take reference from market benchmarks to ensure individuals of the right calibre are not deterred from stepping forward to lead our country. Mr Speaker, Sir, the concept and carefully chosen phrase being "not deterred". It is not "encouraged" or "attracted". This is to ensure that Singapore can continue to draw from a broad and deep pool of talent to serve in political office. Second, commitment. The salary framework should include a meaningful discount relative to market benchmarks to reflect the ethos of political service. Today, the discount is 40% off the market benchmark.[+23 sentences] And this will continue. Third, a clean framework. The salary framework should ensure a "clean wage" with no hidden perks. Transparency and integrity in remuneration remain fundamental to maintaining public trust. In addition, the Government affirms that salaries should be clearly linked to performance – both individual and collective – based on outcomes that matter to Singaporeans and reflect socio-economic progress. Sir, let me turn to the Government's response to the Committee's recommendations on the benchmark formula and MR4 reference salary, underpinned by these principles. Sir, today, the benchmark salary formula for the MR4 grade is set at the median annual income of the top 1,000 Singaporean earners, with a 40% discount. The benchmark itself reflects the calibre of people Singapore needs for good governance while the discount reflects the ethos of service. For context, as the Prime Minister has said, 10 out of the 16 Ministers today serve at MR4. For its review, the Committee carefully considered whether the benchmark formula itself and the resultant reference salary, remain fair and sound. They examined the composition of the top 1,000 earners and affirmed that the benchmark pool continues to reflect a diverse talent pool, drawn from a wide range of sectors: manufacturing, healthcare, transport, hospitality, wholesale and retail, real estate, and financial and professional services. The benchmark pool also includes Singaporeans from a diverse range of occupations – not just the CEOs but also others in management roles below CEO-level and professionals across a range of fields. The Committee studied the data and affirmed that using the median income rather than the average income of the benchmark pool is more prudent for computing the reference salary. The median is simply the middle value when all salaries are ranked from lowest to highest. Half earn above it, half below. Unlike the average, it is not distorted by outliers. A single ultra-high earner can pull up the average significantly, giving a misleading picture of what a typical person in the pool actually earns. Using the median avoids such outliers from skewing up the benchmark salary. They also went beyond affirming the philosophy of the formula. They looked at information across multiple sources and data from the private and people sectors to affirm the reasonableness of the latest salary benchmark. Mr Speaker, Sir, let me be upfront. No formula will be perfect or able to satisfy everyone. There is no universally ideal benchmark. The key question is this: what is a workable framework and range of figures that allow the Prime Minister, any Prime Minister, to reasonably assemble a team that Singapore deserves? After reviewing the report, the Government has decided to accept the Committee's recommendation to update the MR4 reference annual salary to $1.8 million.[+5 sentences] The 40% discount remains. Without that discount, the reference of the median top 1,000 Singaporean earners would be slightly above $3 million. This deliberate reduction reflects the ethos and sacrifice expected of political service. The difference between the current and new MR4 reference salary may seem significant to many. But this is because the MR4 reference has not been updated for 15 years. Averaging over time, the adjustment works out to be about 3.6% per year.[+7 sentences] Putting this into context, this is lower than the wage growth over the same period experienced by Singaporeans – about 4.3% annually for the median (P50) earner and 4.6% for the lower-income (P20) earner. For reference, over the same period, the Civil Service pay has been adjusted three times: once in 2014, another in 2022 and again in August this year. There were revisions ranging from 2% to 14%, calibrated to close market gaps each time. Sir, the benchmark is not a statement that only the top 1,000 earners can become leaders. It is a practical recognition that we must be able to recruit capable people who have other options. Our objective is simple: to allow Singaporeans from every background to step forward and serve, while recognising that political service involves sacrifice. As the Prime Minister has said, we will not move existing political appointment holders immediately to the new reference salary. Instead, we will make a one-off adjustment of up to 9% for them, depending on individual circumstances, including performance and when his or her salary was last adjusted.[+12 sentences] For an MR4 Minister who might be paid at the current reference salary of $1.1 million, this means an increase to approximately $1.2 million. Beyond this immediate adjustment, any subsequent changes will be considered based on individual performance and responsibilities. Sir, let me now go into the Government's response to the second set of Committee recommendations to streamline the grade structure for the other political appointment holders and widen salary ranges. The Government has decided to accept the Committee's recommendation to widen salary ranges to 75% to 125% of the reference benchmark. The Committee noted that this is in line with market practice, where ranges are generally wider. Importantly, this gives greater room to cater for people joining political service from different backgrounds and at different stages of their careers. Today, the Prime Minister decides where each political appointment holder should be placed within the relevant salary range, taking into account factors such as the person's experience, job scope and previous remuneration package. As the Prime Minister has shared, a new appointment holder will typically start towards the lower-end of the range. Over time, the salary point can be adjusted based on the individual's performance and the responsibilities he or she takes on. At the same time, if we appoint someone who is already highly established in his or her career, we will have the flexibility to place the person higher within the range. The individual is still likely to have to take a pay cut to enter political service, but the wider range will help make the pay cut less steep. With wider salary ranges, the Government accepts the Committee's recommendation to streamline the grade structure for simplicity and merge grades with fewer appointment holders. Specifically, we will combine the MR2 and MR3 Ministerial grades into a single grade, pegged at 1.3 times of MR4. This is the midpoint between today's 1.2 and 1.4 times of the MR4 reference benchmark. We will also merge and set the peg for Mayors, Senior Parliamentary Secretaries and Parliamentary Secretaries at 0.45 times of MR4.[+5 sentences] This is towards the lower end of today’s range of between 0.38 and 0.6 times. For this merged grade, a wider salary range of 70% to 130% of the reference salary will apply. This provides flexibility to cater for greater diversity among appointment holders in these grades. Mr Speaker, Sir, some have said that higher pay does not guarantee higher performance. This is true and this is precisely why we have not simply set an annual salary benchmark and left it there. The salary paid to political appointment holders comprises both fixed and variable pay components, with a split of about 65:35.[+11 sentences] What this means is that only about 65% of the annual MR4 reference salary is fixed and the remaining 35% is variable. Let me explain that: fixed plus variable equals the MR4 reference salary benchmark. It does not mean the reference salary benchmark plus the variable components become the total package, as some may have misunderstood it to be. Fixed plus variable equals total benchmark. This keeps salaries transparent and disciplined, while ensuring that performance and outcomes continue to matter. The variable components, which form part and not on top of the total annual salary, are paid depending on individual performance, as well as national outcomes achieved based on a National Bonus framework. Let me say a few words on how the National Bonus is structured. The National Bonus ranges from zero to six months. It is tied to four indicators that reflect what matters most to Singaporeans, whether people have jobs, whether incomes are growing, especially for those at the median and lower rungs, and whether our economy is growing. The Government accepts the Committee's recommendations to revise the targets for the four indicators. We will tighten the targets on all three socio-economic indicators – specifically, the unemployment rate and real income growth rates of the P50 and P20 Singapore Citizen. For unemployment rate, the target level will be tightened from the current 4% to below 4.5%, to 3% to below 3.5%.[+3 sentences] So, this is a tightening of one-percentage point. For the P50 real income growth rate, the target level will be tightened from the current 2% to below 3%, to 2.5% to below 3.5%. For the P20 real income growth rate, the target level will be tightened from 2% to below 3% to 3% to below 4%. For real gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate, the target band will be updated from 3% to 5%, to 2% to 4%.[+19 sentences] Over the past decade, our average growth rate has been about 2.6%. We have had some fortunate years recently, and the Ministry of Trade and Industry has upgraded the growth forecast to 4.5% to 5.5% for this year, reflecting the strong performance of our economy. However, our projection is that for our maturing economy, these are exceptional years rather than the norm. Looking ahead, over the next decade, the Ministry of Trade and Industry expects our real GDP to be around of 2% to 3% per annum as a maturing economy, with an ageing population and slower workforce growth. All these will affect our long-term growth trajectory. Our responsibility is to set targets that are ambitious, credible and sustainable. That is why the Committee had calibrated the GDP growth indicator to Singapore's long-term growth potential, not the exceptional performance of specific years. Beyond the immediate adjustments to the targets for existing indicators, the Government agrees to explore the inclusion of a robust Quality of Life measure in the National Bonus framework when this becomes available, as the Committee had suggested. The Government also accepts the Committee's recommendation to retain the current practice of paying all political appointment holders one salary package, even if they hold two or more appointments or portfolios. Sir, the principle is simple: one person, one salary. Holding more portfolios does not mean receiving more pay. Sir, let me now move on to the recommendations for statutory appointment holders. Sir, the Government accepts the Committee's recommendations to retain the existing approach for statutory appointment holders, with clear and established pegs to the political salary framework. The President's monthly salary will continue to be pegged to the Prime Minister's monthly salary. The Speaker's salary will also continue to be pegged at 50% of the MR4 Minister reference salary. In turn, the Deputy Speaker's annual package will remain pegged at 15% of the Speaker's salary. Beyond this adjustment, the Committee had recommended to study the peg for Speaker and Deputy Speaker, taking into account how their roles and responsibilities may have evolved over time – in particular, to consider whether their package might be better aligned with the formulation for the President's monthly salary. We will study the Committee's recommendations. Salaries for the President, Speaker and Deputy Speakers will be fully adjusted in line with the framework based on the updated MR4 reference salary, from 15 October. In October, the Government will move the necessary amendments and Motions to give effect to the adjustments for the President, Speaker and Deputy Speakers.[+5 sentences] Sir, I will now touch on the remaining areas in the Government's response related to MP allowances. MP allowances are currently pegged to 17.5% of the MR4 reference annual salary. The Committee has observed that the considerations for community-related roles, such as MPs and Mayors may differ from those for full-time political appointment holders. It has recommended that the Government study establishing a basis for sizing the payments in a way that is delinked from the MR4 benchmark, but that remains adequate for these roles to carry out their duties faithfully and effectively. The Government will undertake such a study. In the meantime, the Government will accept the Committee's recommendation to update MP allowances from $13,750, to $18,500 monthly, to account for inflation.[+3 sentences] We accept the Committee's view that this references the 2012 Committee's earlier assessment that the level of the MP allowance was appropriate at that time. Updating the monthly allowance for inflation over the period is in line with this. This is a practical update to ensure that MPs are adequately supported in discharging their duties on the ground. The Government also accepts the Committee's recommendation to increase the allowance of Non-Constituency Members of Parliament (NCMPs), from 15% of an MP's annual allowance, to 30%.[+2 sentences] This translates to $5,550 monthly. This considers the conferment of full voting rights to NCMPs since 2017 and brings the allowance into better alignment with their Parliamentary responsibilities. The revised allowances for all MPs will also be implemented with effect from 15 October.[+3 sentences] Finally, the Government accepts the Committee's recommendations to retain existing benefits provisions, which continue to uphold the principle of a clean wage, with no hidden perks, no pensions and clear transparency. Medical benefits will continue under the MediSave-cum-Subsidised Outpatient (MSO) scheme, aligned with the Public Service. Sir, as shared earlier, the Government will implement the adjustments within the framework with effect from 15 October 2026. The revised National Bonus framework will be implemented from 1 January 2027, as the data for the indicators are reported on a calendar year basis.[+26 sentences] To keep the framework up-to-date along with changes in market and socio-economic conditions, the Government also agrees that there should be regular, independent reviews of the salary framework every five years. Between reviews, where justified, the Government may make adjustments within the framework, and this will be exercised with responsibility and restraint. Mr Speaker, Sir, there will be inevitable questions on how much more these recommendations will cost the Government. For illustrative purposes, the numbers are as follows: about $5 million more annually, if the maximum of 9% is applied to all the political appointment holders; about $6.6 million more annually for all the MPs. Mr Speaker, Sir, I have taken the House through the key points in the Government's response. Sir, this will always be a difficult topic to discuss, even in the best of times. We understand the diverse concerns of Singaporeans. These are the very issues that Singaporeans expect the Government to deal with and get right. And precisely because these concerns matter, we must ensure that capable Singaporeans are not deterred from stepping forward to address them. Even as we do so, we know that the contributions of political appointment holders and MPs go well beyond pay. The opportunity costs and demands of public life away from families and loved ones are not something we take lightly. We cannot remove these sacrifices, but we can make the choice less prohibitive. And I want to thank all Members, past and present, from all sides of the House, who have stepped forward to serve Singapore nonetheless; and Singapore is better for it. For those considering political service, the question is not only whether the terms are fair, but whether this is a team worth serving with and this is a cause worth fighting for. That is a responsibility that falls on all of us. To inspire through our actions and sense of duty. To bring people together to discuss and work through difficult issues, rather than to divide by exploiting difficult issues for political gains. Let us all commit to do that for Singapore and Singaporeans. Governing well means making clear-headed decisions for Singapore's long-term interests which may be uncomfortable today but necessary for tomorrow. This is what political leadership is about: being upfront with our people on the challenges and options before us. Our principles and framework have not changed. What we are doing is to update salaries within that framework after a 15-year gap, so that they remain relevant and disciplined. Mr Speaker, Sir, this is how we do right by Singapore. This review is less about the individuals of today, who have already stepped forward to serve regardless. It is really about upholding a system that gives us a better chance for the next generation of capable and committed Singaporeans to step forward – so that Singapore's best days remain ahead of us. With your permission, Mr Speaker, I have asked the Clerk to make the slides available through the MP@SG Parl mobile application.
Mr Speaker2 words
[+1 sentence]Permission granted.
Mr Chan Chun Sing158 words
[+1 sentence]Thank you, Sir. Members will no doubt have views on the Government's response and it is important that we hear them. That is why I will move a Motion for this House to consider the Statements made by the Prime Minister and myself.[+2 sentences] May I propose that any Member who wants to seek clarification do so during the debate? And we look forward to the debate and will address any clarifications fully then. To give Members some time to consider both Ministerial Statements made today, I give notice to move a Motion under Standing Order No 44 for the Ministerial Statements, titled "Government's Response to the '2026 Committee Report on Review of Salaries for Political Appointment Holders and Members of Parliament'", to be considered by Parliament on Thursday, 10 September 2026.[+1 sentence] Mr Speaker, Sir, may I also request that this Motion be listed as the last item of business on the Order Paper before the adjournment of Parliament?
Mr Speaker77 words
The Coordinating Minister for Public Services has given notice that he will move a Motion under Standing Order No 44 for both Ministerial Statements to be considered by Parliament on 10 September 2026. Members will then have the opportunity to seek clarification and to debate on both Ministerial Statements at that point.[+5 sentences] We will now move on to the next item of Parliamentary business. Order. End of Ministerial Statements. Introduction of Government Bills. Second Minister for Finance.
Adjournment of Debate›Motions4 turns · 37w
· 0 highlighted
motion-3023
Mr Goh Pei Ming26 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Speaker, Sir, I move that the debate be now adjourned. .(proc text)]
Mr Speaker5 words
[+1 sentence]Resumption of debate what day?
Mr Goh Pei Ming2 words
[+1 sentence]Tomorrow, Sir.
Mr Speaker4 words
[+2 sentences]So be it. Leader.
Government Regulation of Chiropractors for Consumer Protection against Poor Standards and Malpractice›Oral Answers to Questions5 turns · 491w
· 9 highlighted
oral-answer-4181
Ms Poh Li San42 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) whether it will consider a regulatory regime for chiropractors practising in Singapore; and (b) how can consumers be protected from poor standards and even malpractice under the current self-regulation model.
The Senior Minister of State for Health (Mr Tan Kiat How) (for the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health)143 words
When it comes to professional regulation, the Ministry of Health's (MOH's) main consideration is the potential risk to patients. In determining the risk levels, we consider factors, such as nature and scale of practice, patient awareness and evidence of adverse outcomes. As of now, chiropractic services as a form of complementary and alternative treatment are not considered high risk. Hence, our approach is self-regulated through their professional associations.[+4 sentences] Professional associations set standards for their members and help customers identify practitioners who meet these standards. In addition, chiropractic providers remain subject to laws governing advertising and consumer protection. Where there are allegations of malpractice or negligence causing harm, patients may lodge a complaint with the relevant professional association or pursue civil action. Notwithstanding the current approach, MOH will continue to monitor developments in the profession and review this position if the risk profile changes.
Mr Speaker2 words
[+1 sentence]Ms Poh.
Ms Poh Li San (Sembawang West)128 words
[+3 sentences]I thank the Senior Minister of State Mr Tan. I have consulted several patients and chiropractors for their opinions on the need for regulation. I have two supplementary questions. First, since November 2020, the Chiropractic Association (Singapore) has received reports of at least 61 cases of non-chiropractors misrepresenting themselves as chiropractors.[+3 sentences] Some of them have caused harm to clients in the process of treatment, while others have been reported for unprofessional misconduct towards female clients. How can consumers be protected against such fraudulent practitioners? Second, do consumers have a platform to lodge complaints against unprofessional or unethical practices? The context is that since 2015, the Chiropractic Association (Singapore) has received 21 complaints from members of the public against authentic chiropractors, mostly regarding prepaid packages or sub-standard quality treatment.
Mr Tan Kiat How176 words
[+9 sentences]Sir, I will take both supplementary questions together. Firstly, I must say I understand the concerns from Ms Poh. However, there are two separate issues here. The first issue is the fees and treatment packages. That is primarily a consumer issue. Patients should have clear information on what they are paying for and have avenues for recourse where there is a dispute, including through the Consumers Association of Singapore where appropriate. So, it is a consumer protection issue and there are relevant mechanisms and recourse platforms for those consumers. The second issue is on patient safety. We take allegations of harm seriously. Based on the evidence we have, the overall risk of harm from chiropractic services remains low.[+1 sentence] We have not seen major adverse events in Singapore that would warrant statutory registration at this time. But I must remind everyone that self-regulation is not a free pass. We will continue to monitor complaints and adverse outcomes, and if the evidence changes or if the existing safeguards prove inadequate, MOH will review whether stronger regulations are needed.
Impact of SIA's Foreign Associates' Losses and Carrying Capacity on Provision of Essential Transport Services›Oral Answers to Questions9 turns · 2,903w
· 18 highlighted
oral-answer-4182
Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat66 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Transport since Singapore Airlines became a designated operating entity under the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore Act 2009 (a) whether losses from and carrying amount in its foreign associates have been assessed against its capacity to provide essential transport services; and (b) whether such losses, or a continuing pattern thereof, would engage the notification duty in section 67B, and on what criterion.
The Minister for Transport (Mr Jeffrey Siow)598 words
[+2 sentences]Mr Speaker, the Member's question is about the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) Act, but he has spoken publicly about Singapore Airlines' (SIA's) investment in Air India. So, let me answer the question as filed first, and then address the actual concern. SIA became a designated operating entity under the CAAS Act from 15 April 2025, after the Transport Sector (Critical Firms) Act came into force.[+5 sentences] So, this is about 16 months. CAAS considers a variety of factors in assessing whether SIA is able to operate essential services here safely and reliably. These include SIA’s overall financial health, amongst other factors. Section 67B, to be clear, is not a financial reporting rule. It is broader than that. SIA is required to report if there is an event or irregularity that may materially impede or impair the provision of essential transport services, but losses in a foreign associate do not necessarily meet that test on their own.[+11 sentences] The relevant question is whether such losses, or anything else, reach the point of materially constraining the resources available for SIA's fleet, maintenance or network operations here. That is a judgement based on facts. We are nowhere close to this scenario. At present, there is no reason for us to doubt SIA’s ability to deliver air services in Singapore. In fact, SIA's core business had one of its strongest years – record revenue, high operating profit margins and a record number of passengers carried. Let me now deal with the Member's concern about SIA's investment in Air India. SIA has been open about this investment and the considerations behind it. It has discussed this extensively with shareholders at its Annual General Meeting in July and more recently, it set out its considerations in a letter to the Business Times on 29 August. Temasek Holdings, as SIA's major shareholder, has also expressed its support in a separate letter to the Business Times. The Member has also suggested that Singaporeans are somehow paying for the Air India investment. That is not the case. SIA is a listed company that funds its investments from its own balance sheet and earnings, and it has currently more than S$10 billion in cash reserves and over S$3 billion in undrawn credit facilities.[+13 sentences] SIA has not sought further capital from its shareholders. And if it were to do so, that would be a commercial matter between the company and its shareholders. The Member is entitled to his opinion on whether SIA's investment in Air India is a good investment. But what we discuss in this House should not substitute for the careful commercial judgement of seasoned professionals in SIA's management and board. The reasoning behind SIA's investment is not hard to follow. A large share of SIA's air traffic today comprises transfer or transit passengers. To grow further, SIA must expand overseas because there is a limit to how many people will ever fly to or from Singapore. But accessing overseas markets is not straightforward. Aviation is a highly regulated and nationally sensitive sector. Air traffic rights and airport slots often depend on strong local partnerships. Through Air India, SIA gains deeper access to one of the largest aviation markets in the world by passenger traffic and a strategic location for onward connections to Europe and the Middle East. Many overseas investment returns will not necessarily emerge immediately. Whether its specific investment in Air India proves valuable is for SIA and its shareholders to answer. What I can tell this House is that at present, CAAS' assessment remains that SIA's ability to serve Singaporeans is not adversely affected.
Mr Speaker2 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Tiong.
Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat (Aljunied)430 words
[+5 sentences]Thank you, Sir. Senior Minister Shanmugam said over the weekend that it is a commercial decision for SIA's board. Let us hold it to that standard. Four facts and two supplementary questions. Fact: SIA is in net debt. As of 30 June, it held S$10.5 billion in cash against S$10.7 billion in debt.[+14 sentences] And despite doing well in its core business, it posted a net loss for the quarter. The undrawn facilities the Minister cited are loans not yet taken. More debt, not more capital. Fact: airline turnarounds that work show it within three years. Japan Airlines went from bankruptcy to relisting in under three. Qantas went from a record AUD2.8 billion loss to a record profit in two. Air India's own plan in 2022 said five years. Its losses doubled last year, and its chairman now says five to 10. Fact: Indigo carries two thirds of India's domestic passengers. The Air India group carries about 24%. And the ground can shift. Air India's hubs are Delhi and Mumbai – airports run by GMR Group and Adani Group. India is said to be weighing lifting the rule that keeps both GMR and Adani from owning an airline. So, that means that the landlord at each of Air India's hubs would then also be its competitor and could steer the prime slots that the Minister mentioned its own way. Fact: SIA holds 25.1% and does not control Air India.[+3 sentences] Its own filing says future injections will be considered based on Air India's requirements – open-ended by design. I support SIA's ability to make its own decisions, but I do not support further cash infusions from Temasek to stand behind a decision that on these facts, reasonable members of the public are questioning. Two supplementary questions. One, in 2020, Temasek, whose capital is part of our past reserves, underwrote SIA's S$8.8 billion recapitalisation.[+3 sentences] And this House was told the Government would provide more direct support if necessary. If Air India goes wrong, will the Government rule out doing so again? Two, SIA is a designated entity under the Transport Sector (Critical Firms) Act, precisely so that its capacity to provide essential services is safeguarded. Has the Government satisfied itself that there is a limit on SIA's further cash to Air India, a return threshold, a maximum exposure, a point at which it stops? This cannot be a blank cheque, least of all on a minority stake.[+1 sentence] We ask because through the reserves, Singaporeans are SIA's stakeholder of last resort, and the stakeholder of last resort needs to know where the line is.
Mr Jeffrey Siow1065 words
[+10 sentences]Mr Speaker, let me first correct a basic misconception in the Member's argument. SIA owns 25.1% of Air India, but Air India's finances are not SIA's finances. Air India's losses do not automatically become SIA's liabilities. Neither does the capital request from Air India oblige SIA to provide it. SIA has already said that its board will consider any capital request on its commercial merits. That is the right approach. SIA's board and management must decide whether any investment makes commercial sense for it and its shareholders. The Member cited SIA's debt to claim that SIA's financial position is precarious. I think he may have misunderstood SIA's published financial statements. Most of SIA's debt is in non-current long-term borrowing, such as five- or 10-year bonds, which generally have low interest rates. Its current liabilities within the next 12 months are under S$3 billion, which is well within SIA's cash reserves of over S$10 billion.[+14 sentences] Mr Speaker, the Member has told us that he is against putting more money into Air India, but he has not said what SIA should do. Is the Member's position that SIA should never have gone into India, that our flag carrier should not try to participate in one of the fastest growing aviation markets in the world? Or does he think that SIA should sell its Air India's stake now, and if so, to whom and at what price? He has said that he would not support any new capital request, but does he feel that SIA's board should refuse any capital request regardless of the business case? It is easy to criticise, but I suspect it is much harder for the Member to tell us what SIA should do. And so, I would suggest that the best course of action is to leave the board and the management of SIA to make the decisions because it is their duty and their responsibility to do so. Mr Speaker, only last month in our debate on growing local enterprises, the Member himself claimed that Singapore hosts many large companies but builds few of them. Well, building globally competitive companies means entering potentially difficult markets against people who got there first and staying the course when there is turbulence. We cannot have it both ways. We cannot tell our companies to go out and compete, and then treat every tough year abroad as proof that they should stay home. This is true for small and medium enterprises. It is also true for Temasek Portfolio Companies, like SIA. The Member has asked how Temasek, and by extension, our reserves will be affected. Well, the Government does not judge Temasek on any single holding. Temasek has a portfolio of over $500 billion.[+8 sentences] A portfolio that size will always contain investments with different risks and time horizons. Some will look worse than others on any given day – and that is what investing is. If SIA requests capital from Temasek for any reason, Temasek will have to assess this on a commercial basis. I wish to note that in over 50 years of operation, SIA has not requested any funding from Temasek, apart from during COVID-19. But the situation during COVID-19 was fundamentally different. Aviation was at a standstill. Flights were grounded all across the world. Passenger traffic through Changi had fallen by more than 90% and SIA had to cut its scheduled capacity by 96%. SIA's incoming revenue was almost zero and was losing $400 million a month – $4.3 billion that year to be exact.[+5 sentences] And most importantly, SIA did not know or have any control over when that situation was going to end. But that was a totally different situation from the Air India investment. On Temasek being a backstop and what we would do, let me just explain what actually happened again in 2020. The Government provided significant support but this was for the whole aviation sector, not just SIA alone. We supported companies in the sector through enhanced wage support, rental relief and rebates for certain fees and charges, and to protect our air hub. Even with the support, SIA needed additional liquidity and so, we decided to issue $15 billion in fresh equity and bonds to its shareholders.[+15 sentences] Temasek, in turn, made a commercial decision to underwrite this issuance, meaning that it committed to buy any shares or bonds not purchased by other shareholders. Temasek explained the reasons publicly then, that it is because they expected air travel to return. And with the eventual recovery, Temasek made a good return from the equity and the bonds that it purchased from SIA. Mr Speaker, I wish to make one final point. The Member has stated online that he strongly rejects the racist and xenophobic comments that have arisen in the public discussion on Air India. I am glad he agrees with the Government that no one should seek to exploit racial divisions for political purposes. But the Member's public rhetoric goes beyond the question that he puts before this House. In Parliament, he has posed a narrowly-framed technical query on SIA's capacity to provide essential transport services. I have explained that there is no adverse impact. Yet, by asking his question this way, he has drawn an imaginary link between an overseas investment from SIA and its ability to maintain air services in Singapore. Outside this Chamber, on social media, the Member has asked what happens if this deal goes bad? Will Temasek be the backstop and what will this mean for Singaporeans' taxes and their quality of life? He has drawn these multiple tenuous linkages, dressed them up in emotive terms, insinuated that through SIA's investments, Singaporeans somehow owe Air India a living, and suggested that SIA is not making its investment decisions on a commercial basis, but for some other reason. There is no basis for this. The Member is free to question whether Air India will ultimately prove to be a good investment for SIA, but it is quite another thing for a former business analyst to take a commercial investment risk, extrapolate that into the financial failure of our national airline and from there, speculate and whip up alarm about a taxpayer bailout. To insinuate improper motives that any particular investment does not provide or contribute to a healthy climate for our companies to make commercial decisions which serve the best interest of Singapore and Singaporeans.
Mr Speaker2 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Tiong.
Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat579 words
[+5 sentences]I will take the points in reverse order. The Minister talked about racism and xenophobia. Let me just be very clear that I categorically reject both racism and xenophobia. I condemn it. But also, I am puzzled as to why it is brought into a purely commercial matter. The question of Air India and its open-ended capital call on SIA, and possibly Temasek, is a question of great interest for all Singaporeans.[+18 sentences] We need to understand what the risk limits are. And to suggest that the questioning of this issue is being racist or xenophobic or imputing improper motives, I have done no such thing. All I have said is that we need to know where the risk limits are in this case. And I refer everyone to my statement that I made on Facebook on this matter, where I could not have been clearer that I condemn all such racist and xenophobic activities. On the question of what I think SIA should do instead, I think, again, the Minister seems to misunderstand. This is something that is very common in the private sector. For example, if I can draw an analogy: how does a financial fund work? There is an investment team and there is a risk team. The investment team can trade whatever it likes within its risk limits. If you are a commodities team, you can trade zinc back-end spreads, gold leasing and copper arbitrage. The risk team does not pick the trades. It sets the limits and holds the team to them – how much, at what return; where does it stop? That is what keeps the fund honest. No serious fund lets the investment team set its own risk limits. So, Parliament is the risk function for the reserves and SIA's board is the investment team. I am not going to tell SIA what to do, what its strategy should be. I am saying that this is quite risky. I am not saying that it is constituted from improper motives but it is very, very risky. Especially because it is constituted on a 25.1% minority stake.[+14 sentences] So, we need to understand because it could have implications on the reserves and it could have implications for SIA as a designated operator. So, I am not going to direct the investment. And the Minister says, how should we participate in India in any case. I will say that India is a very, very complicated market. As I mentioned, Adani and GMR have potentially been given the option to set up their own airlines. Indigo controls 67% of the domestic market. Friends from India tell me overwhelmingly that Indigo is the de facto national carrier. So, there are many ways to play the Indian market. And I think that the question of control is actually a very, very important one. I agree with Mr Lee Kuan Yew when he said earlier on that, when it was proposed to take a minority stake of 40% with Tata, in Air India, that he thought it would not be a great idea because you lack the operational control to direct the turnaround. And so, I note that in other aviation businesses, such as SATS, for instance, these businesses do actually have some degree of operational control. Whereas with Air India and SIA, it is a completely different story. It is a minority stake, we do not have operational control. So, therefore we need to evaluate this investment very, very carefully.
Mr Jeffrey Siow153 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Speaker, India is indeed a complicated market. By law, no foreign airline in India can have a majority stake.[+5 sentences] But Mr Speaker, I have done a long clarification on the points that the Member has raised. I will not repeat them here. I will just say that the Member's intentions are for him to explain. He is entitled to question whether this investment by SIA will succeed. But the point I wish to make is that the Member has gone much further, leaping without evidence from Air India's losses to SIA's ability to provide essential air services, capital calls on Temasek and consequences for Singapore's taxes and quality of life. Members may ask difficult questions but the claims we make must be grounded in facts, not exaggerated speculation that creates needless public alarm.[+1 sentence] Singaporeans deserve public debate that examines the risks honestly, explains them responsibly and remains anchored on truth and logic.
Mr Speaker8 words
[+2 sentences]I want to move on. Mr Saktiandi Supaat.
Bail Decisions, Monitoring of Persons Under Investigation and Child Protection in Sexual Offence Cases›Oral Answers to Questions4 turns · 1,151w
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oral-answer-4183
Mr Saktiandi Supaat73 words
asked the Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs in light of the recent case where an individual allegedly committed further sexual offences against minors after being arrested and released on police bail for an earlier sexual offence, whether the Police (i) considers an accused person’s access to minors when determining bail conditions and (ii) where warranted, imposes restrictions on contact with minors and coordinates with other agencies.
Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik76 words
asked the Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs in relation to the individual recently sentenced for sexual offences against minors, first arrested in 2021 for molesting a 17-year-old and released on bail the same day (a) whether any monitoring or supervision was imposed after the 2021 arrest; and (b) whether the authorities were aware that the individual continued to present himself publicly as a religious figure while interacting with minors.
Mr Sharael Taha65 words
asked the Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs in light of the recent case where an individual previously arrested for an alleged sexual offence involving a minor subsequently committed sexual offences against younger children while on police bail, whether the Police will review its risk assessment, bail conditions and safeguards for persons under investigation for sexual offences involving minors.
The Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs (Mr Goh Pei Ming) (for the Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs)937 words
[+6 sentences]Mr Speaker, with your permission, I will first address Question Nos 3, 4 and 5 in the Order Paper on bail conditions and measures relating to individuals under investigation for sexual offences against minors, before I address Question Nos 6 and 7 on screening measures for individuals applying for roles involving contact with children and young persons. Acting Minister Zaqy will then answer Question Nos 8 to 15 relating to strengthening safeguards in mosques and religious institutions. We will then take questions from the House. Let me first take Question Nos 3, 4 and 5 in the Order Paper together. The recently concluded case involving an individual who committed sexual offences against minors is of deep concern to all of us. I will share some case facts first, before answering the various questions. The individual in question was arrested in December 2021, following an allegation that he had committed outrage of modesty against a 17-year-old youth.[+2 sentences] Arrested persons must be released on bail by the Police, unless he is charged in Court and the Court exercises the power to order otherwise. In this case, further investigations were necessary to decide whether the person could be charged. The allegation against the individual was being denied and he had no prior record of similar offences. He was therefore released on bail, with the following bail conditions imposed: (a) to report at a place and time as directed; (b) not to commit any offence while on bail; and (c) not to interfere with any witness or otherwise obstruct the course of justice.[+6 sentences] After his release on bail, the individual reported to the Police regularly, as required. A fundamental principle of our criminal justice system is that an individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a Court of law. The Constitution provides that no person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty save in accordance with law. In most cases, once an offender is charged in Court, he must be offered bail unless the offence is a non-bailable one. The Court will consider whether there is clear public interest to deny bail, such as where the offender has committed a serious offence that indicates he is a danger to the public, has shown a risk of re-offending while on bail, or may obstruct justice by absconding or tampering with witnesses. These factors were not present in December 2021 when the individual was arrested. For additional context, there were 762 cases of outrage of modesty reported in the first half of 2026.[+6 sentences] It will not be correct that all these accused persons should automatically be in jail, even before the investigations are concluded. Such an approach would be inconsistent with the principles that underpin criminal justice in Singapore. While the Police may impose additional conditions to mitigate the risk of re-offending, such conditions must be clear, practicable and necessary. They may include prohibiting an accused person from contacting the victim or witnesses. But it would not have been reasonable to impose a broad restriction on contact with all minors, nor would it have been possible to monitor every aspect of his conduct and public activities while investigations were ongoing. If the Police are made aware that an accused person had committed an offence while on bail, they may charge the accused in Court with stronger grounds to object to bail being offered. In this case, a subsequent report was made in 2024, alleging that the same individual had committed rape while on bail.[+21 sentences] Such an allegation is obviously serious. There was also substantive evidence supporting the allegation. This fundamentally changed the assessment. The Police then moved swiftly to arrest and charge him in Court. The Police objected to bail on public safety grounds, and he was remanded until he was convicted and sentenced. As has been explained in this House before, the Police generally do not disclose the names of individuals who are being investigated, including to other agencies. There must be a clear public interest to do so. In making this assessment, the Police must consider whether further harm would likely arise from non-disclosure and whether informing another agency can prevent or mitigate such harm. In this case, the individual was not a registered asatizah. There was also no evidence that he held any formal appointment, role or affiliation with the mosque. He was an individual who engaged in informal religious sharing in his private capacity. On this basis, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura or MUIS) was not informed in 2021. Cases like this are deeply troubling and weigh heavily on all of us – as parents, as members of our communities and as a society. It is only right that we ask what all of us could have done to prevent this. The family is the first line of defence – parents and caregivers are best placed to notice early warning signs. The wider community, including religious communities and social networks, can also help to observe patterns of behaviour, identify those who may be exploiting positions of trust and help intervene early. And the Police and other agencies provide the institutional framework, for dealing with offences. We will continue to safeguard our young, while protecting the rights of persons who may have not yet been found guilty. This is a balance that we need to strike. Next, let me move on and address questions on what additional measures we can put in place to better protect our children from those who may seek to exploit positions of trust and access. This will be Question Nos 6 and 7 in today's Order Paper.
Mechanism for Vetting of Individuals like Coaches or Volunteers for Roles Involving Unsupervised Access to Children›Oral Answers to Questions3 turns · 380w
· 6 highlighted
oral-answer-4184
Dr Wan Rizal76 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether any mechanism exists by which organisations running activities for children, including mosques, madrasahs, self-help groups and community organisations, can be alerted to, or screen for, individuals convicted of sexual offences against minors, in a manner consistent with court orders protecting victims' identities; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider a controlled screening facility for roles involving unsupervised access to children.
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song71 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs whether the Ministry will consider introducing a consent-based, pre-employment and self-voluntary vetting mechanism via Singpass which allows prospective instructors, coaches, tutors and volunteers to generate digital tokens which will enable employers in unregulated sectors, religious organisations and parents to verify the absence of past child sexual offence convictions without disclosing full criminal histories before engaging such individuals.
The Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs (Mr Goh Pei Ming) (for the Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs)233 words
[+1 sentence]My response will also address related questions filed by Members Ms Elysa Chen, Ms Joan Pereira1 and Mr Jackson Lam2 for subsequent Sittings. Today, individuals applying for roles involving sustained contact with children and young persons are screened for past offences, including convictions for sexual offences, if these roles are regulated by public agencies. This includes those applying to be full-time mosque staff, recognised religious teachers under the Asatizah Recognition Scheme, employees in the Ministry of Education schools and Early Childhood Development Agency-licensed preschools, and members of Sport Singapore's National Registry of Coaches. There is presently no requirement for employers in unregulated sectors to verify the criminal records of employees.[+1 sentence] However, they may request that prospective employees declare any past offences and take this into consideration in their hiring decision. The Government has been considering, for some time, the possible expansion of the scope of screening to cover more types of roles involving contact with children and young persons, including whether to introduce voluntary screening for unregulated sectors. This could take the form of a certificate-based system, which several Members have proposed, and the considerations include the practicability of such screening requirements and whether employers, primarily our small and medium enterprises, will be able to handle such screening requirements. However, when it comes to such things, the safety of our children will have to take priority.[+1 sentence] We will share more details when ready.
Surveillance on Religious Teachers Who Bypass Asatizah Recognition Scheme, and Safeguards for Minors in Mosque Activities›Oral Answers to Questions43 turns · 8,622w
· 54 highlighted
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Dr Wan Rizal43 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs what proactive surveillance and enforcement actions is MUIS taking to identify and penalise unaccredited individuals who bypass the Asatizah Recognition Scheme (ARS) by offering informal religious instruction, spiritual mentoring, or home tuition via social media platforms.
Mr Saktiandi Supaat58 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs to what extent will MUIS review safeguards for religious activities involving minors at mosques, including (i) supervision of interactions between adults and children (ii) verification of persons conducting religious instruction or mentoring and (iii) protocols for parents, mosque staff and youths to report individuals who operate outside of the authorised programmes.
Ms Hazlina Abdul Halim69 words
asked the Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs regarding the recent case involving an individual not accredited under the Asatizah Recognition Scheme (ARS) who conducted religious lessons at a mosque (a) whether MUIS has established how he came to conduct such lessons; (b) whether similar unofficial lessons have been reported at other mosques; and (c) what safeguards is MUIS implementing to prevent such unofficial and unauthorised classes from taking place.
Ms Hazlina Abdul Halim66 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs (a) whether the requirement for religious teachers to be accredited under the Asatizah Recognition Scheme (ARS) applies to all persons conducting religious classes on mosque premises, including informal, private or self-organised classes by persons who are not mosque employees; and (b) if so, what measures can mosques take to identify and prevent uncredited religious teachers from conducting such classes.
Mr Fadli Fawzi65 words
asked the Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs (a) why a man recently sentenced for serious sexual offences was reportedly able to conduct religious classes in a mosque for the youth victims and their friends, despite not being a member of staff, volunteer, or an accredited religious teacher; and (b) what safeguards has MUIS implemented to ensure that only accredited asatizahs can conduct classes at mosques.
Ms Hazlina Abdul Halim57 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs (a) with regard to the affected victims of sexual offences at the mosque premises, how is MUIS and MSF supporting them, especially with recent speculations on the victims’ identities online; and (b) whether there are plans to work with social service agencies or Malay/Indian/Muslim organisations to also support their families.
Dr Wan Rizal68 words
asked the Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs (a) whether mosques and Islamic education providers are required to conduct background screening on staff, volunteers and freelance instructors who work with children; (b) how many mosques have a written child safeguarding policy in place; and (c) whether MUIS will publish the findings of its current review and any resulting minimum safeguarding standards, so that parents can see what has changed.
Mr Sharael Taha64 words
asked the Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs (a) when the review of safeguarding measures at mosques will be completed; (b) whether it will strengthen safeguards for informal religious activities involving minors, including the verification of religious teachers, supervision of adult-child interactions and access to secluded areas; and (c) whether consistent mechanisms for reporting and responding to safeguarding concerns will be established across all mosques.
The Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs (Mr Zaqy Mohamad)1572 words
[+14 sentences]Mr Speaker, my response will address Question Nos 8 to 15 in today's Order Paper. Mr Speaker, let me speak plainly about what happened. Two children were sexually violated at the hands of someone they trusted to guide them in their faith. My heart goes out to them and their families. The pain and trauma they have endured should never have happened. The judge described these offences as utterly abhorrent and heinous. I agree, I fully agree, and I share the community’s deep anger and deep sorrow on this matter. Before I address the Members' questions, let me speak plainly to the victims and their family. You were let down by someone who used your trust against you. I am deeply sorry for what has happened. I want to assure you that we will learn from this and work hard to better protect our children. Let me now speak on the support provided to the victims. I will then address the facts of the case. Finally, I will outline what we are doing and what more we will do to keep our children safe. When the case was reported to the Police in April 2024, Victim Care Officers were immediately assigned by the Police to support the victims and their family.[+2 sentences] The family was already receiving professional support from a Family Service Centre, and a medical social worker followed up after the initial forensic examination. When the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura or MUIS) was made aware of the details in August 2026, it also stepped in directly. PELITA, a MUIS initiative, has been working with agencies and community partners to help the children transition to a new school, provide psycho-religious support and offer financial assistance for their relocation and immediate needs.[+8 sentences] We will do our best to continue providing support where needed. I am also aware that the Adviser in the victim's constituency is also actively involved to provide ground support. I also note there has been online speculation about the victims' identities. This must stop. Our children deserve protection and I urge everyone to be responsible. Let me now address the facts of the case. MUIS was informed by the Police in July 2025 that the offender would be charged for sexual offences against minors, including offences at mosque premises. He had already been in remand since April 2024 and posed no further threat to the public. MUIS acted on this and issued an advisory in August 2025 to ensure that all mosques strengthened safeguards for minors, ensuring adequate closed-circuit television (CCTV) coverage and training staff to identify suspicious behaviour.[+33 sentences] Subsequently, when more details were made available in August 2026 – just last month – MUIS investigated his activities more closely to find out how such harm could have happened. The offender was a regular congregant at the mosque. He gathered informally with small groups of youths in the main prayer hall. These were not religious classes that were approved or sanctioned by the mosque. It is quite common practice, as many Muslims know, to sit in the prayer hall and gather sometimes. So, it is not so easy to identify. Under our regulations, religious classes must be conducted by teachers accredited under the Asatizah Recognition Scheme (ARS). The offender also posted religious content on social media. Through that online presence and his interactions with the victims at the mosque, they came to see him as someone they could trust for religious guidance. What were, in fact, informal, unsanctioned interactions felt like religious classes to the victims. This was not a failing on their part. He cultivated that impression deliberately. This case exposes a troubling matter. Someone with no formal authority can still build a following online and position himself as a trusted guide to young people seeking religious knowledge. That trust was then used against them to inflict harm on them. We cannot be complacent about this. In fact, we owe it to the victims and their families to learn from this incident and do something about it. Our mosques already have measures in place – pre-employment staff screening and approval requirements for external religious classes. ARS-recognised asatizahs are also subject to a Code of Ethics and accreditation every three years. So, they are screened, they are filtered, they are accredited. Where concerns and allegations arise, MUIS will take action, including making Police reports and suspending ARS recognition where warranted. These safeguards matter. But rules alone are not enough. We want to build a shared sense of responsibility and partnership with our mosques, parents, children and volunteers. Beyond these existing measures, I have asked MUIS to work with mosques, parents and the community to strengthen our safeguards. We want to be partners, not just regulators, in keeping our children safe. Our mosques must remain open and welcoming while ensuring that every child, every parent, every congregant can worship and learn safely with confidence. This means establishing a common safeguarding approach across mosques, across all our mosques, clearer reporting and escalation protocols, closer monitoring of informal gatherings involving minors, safeguarding awareness training for staff and volunteers and periodic safeguarding checks. It also means partnering with parents, children and youths closely to equip our children to recognise inappropriate behaviour, understand personal boundaries and more importantly, know who to turn to when something does not feel right. Their voices matter in this effort. Some of these efforts are underway and I am grateful for the active involvement of our mosque boards, staff and volunteers. This incident does not diminish their good work over the years. But precisely because our mosques are sacred places of trust, learning and belonging, we must hold ourselves to a higher standard. We can do more together, as a community. So, I will convene a committee to review and examine our safeguards across our religious institutions and propose measures to strengthen them.[+4 sentences] This is not a top-down exercise. It is a partnership with our mosques, asatizah and most importantly, our parents, children and youths, where we can listen and learn from best practices, build safe and open religious spaces. So, we want to create a balance. We want to keep mosques open and welcoming but, at the same time, keep them safe and safeguard our children. The committee will report directly to me and the findings will be shared with the community. It will be led by two chairpersons who are respected by the community – Assoc Prof Razwana Begum and Ustaz Fathurrahman Dawoed.[+3 sentences] I thank them for stepping up to take on this prominent role. They will be putting together their team, and we will announce the composition and terms of reference of the committee shortly. The committee will focus on two areas. First, whether existing safeguards to protect minors, not just in our mosques but also in our religious schools, can be further strengthened. Second, how the community, particularly children and youths, can access religious guidance safely – covering oversight of both formal and informal religious instructions and emerging risks, including online influence.[+15 sentences] In doing this, we will strike a balance. We will strengthen safeguards to keep our children and youths safe while preserving the openness and welcoming spirit of our religious institutions. Mr Speaker, our mosques occupy a position of trust. Parents send their children there because they believe it is a safe and sacred space. That trust is foundational to what our mosques are. We will look hard at where we fell short, strengthen our safeguards and act on the lessons from this case. Every child deserves to feel safe. Their well-being must always come first and that is a responsibility that we will not take lightly. Mr Speaker, in Malay, please. (In Malay): Mr Speaker, what has happened has caused deep anger and sadness in our community. I, too, share this sense of anger and grief over what has happened. We cannot take this matter lightly. I have asked MUIS to work with our mosques, parents and the community to further strengthen existing safeguards. Our aim is to ensure that our mosques remain truly safe, welcoming and open, so that every child, parent and congregant can worship and seek knowledge with confidence. Our mosques play a very important role in the lives of our community. We must therefore always strive to do our best for our mosques and our congregants. I will establish a committee to conduct a comprehensive review of the safeguards in our religious institutions, identify areas for improvements and recommend measures to strengthen existing safeguards.[+12 sentences] We will undertake this effort together – with our mosques, community leaders, parents, children and youths – to share our views, learn from best practices and build religious spaces that are truly safe and open. The committee will report directly to me. It will be led by Assoc Prof Razwana Begum and Ustaz Fathurrahman Dawoed. We will openly share its findings and recommendations with the community. Mr Speaker, our mosques carry a great responsibility. The trust that our community places in our mosques has been built and nurtured over many years. We must continue to protect and uphold this trust. We will learn from what has happened. We will examine what needs to be improved, strengthen existing safeguards and take the necessary steps. Every child has the right to feel safe. Their well-being must always come first. We will carry this trust with utmost responsibility and will never take it lightly.
Mr Speaker31 words
[+3 sentences]Just be clear, the combined answers from Senior Minister of State Goh and Acting Minister Zaqy covered Question Nos 3 to 15. We will now take supplementary questions. Mr Saktiandi Supaat.
Mr Saktiandi Supaat (Bishan-Toa Payoh)287 words
[+13 sentences]Thank you, Mr Speaker. Mr Speaker, my thoughts are with the minors and family affected, and I hope that they are receiving the adequate care, reassurance and support that they need. And I would like to thank Senior Minister of State Goh and Acting Minister Zaqy for answering my two Parliamentary Questions (PQs). Mr Speaker, I have three supplementary questions on information sharing and inter-agency processes. My first two questions are for Senior Minister of State Goh. Acting Minister Zaqy mentioned that Police only informed MUIS of the facts of the case in 2025, when investigations were completed. So, my first question, given the nature of the alleged offences to minors, is whether information could have been shared with MUIS earlier, given the potential implications on youths and activities at places of worship, especially since there were allegations against the offender dating back to 2021? I note Senior Minister of State Goh mentioned that earlier, but given the nature of the alleged offence, especially to minors and potentially to other minors, whether that could be one. My second supplementary question is whether bail processes or conditions could be strengthened to reduce the risk of further offending while investigations are ongoing. This is especially so because of the nature of the alleged offence to minors in this case. My last supplementary question is for the Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs. Will there be clearer or more standardised reporting and escalation of protocols across all mosques going forward? More broadly, how can lessons and near misses be shared, not just across mosques, but in other settings, where children and youths interact with trusted adults beyond the mosque setting, so that weaknesses identified in one place can be addressed elsewhere?
Mr Goh Pei Ming556 words
[+2 sentences]Mr Speaker, I thank the Member for the two supplementary questions directed to me. First, I would like to reiterate that I have addressed the considerations, regarding the considerations back in 2021. Based on the facts of the case, the Police made the assessment that there was no strong public interest to disclose the offence. In 2024, the considerations were quite a bit different because of the serious rape allegations. And therefore, the Police moved in swiftly, arrested the individual on the same day, charged him in Court and the accused was remanded henceforth.[+1 sentence] At the point of the individual's arrest in 2024, the Police did not inform MUIS, as the considerations were similar back in 2021, that the individual was not a registered asatizah, neither did he hold any formal appointment role or affiliation with the mosque. And as the individual had already been remanded, he was no longer an active threat to the community. And therefore, the Police made the assessment that there was no need for the Police to inform MUIS until investigations were completed, which they did in 2025.[+6 sentences] In general, we avoid compromising the integrity of ongoing investigations unless there are very strong reasons which may warrant such disclosure. When I took on this PQ, I also looked into the case and asked Police the question: whether they could have reacted differently in 2024, whether they could have anonymised the case information but inform MUIS, so that MUIS could have done something about it. But the Police shared with me, and I do agree with their position, that sharing anonymised case information can still lead to speculation, which could end up inadvertently prejudicing the rights of the accused. The Police's assessment was that there were insufficient grounds to share information of the case with MUIS in 2024, even with the names withheld, for the following reasons. First, as I mentioned, the individual was arrested in 2024 and been in remand since, and therefore no longer posed a threat to the public or the community. Second, in order for MUIS or Government agencies to put in effective remedial measures where warranted, they need the full and the proper facts, including the circumstances which contributed to the commission of the offence. Such information would only be available after investigations are completed. And therefore, on balance, the Police made the decision and the assessment that there was no strong public interest to inform MUIS until investigations were completed in 2025.[+5 sentences] Let me move on to the Member's second supplementary question. This has to do with whether we can strengthen bail conditions. Indeed, there have been cases where accused persons released on bail have gone on to commit offences and, in some cases, these have included sexual offences. But I think that leads to the point that no bail framework can guarantee zero re-offending unless we deny bail for all suspected offences, which obviously we cannot do. I had explained earlier, I alluded to that, that we have a framework which categorises offences into bailable and non-bailable ones, and the question is therefore not whether re-offending on bail can be entirely eliminated but whether bail conditions are appropriately calibrated to the risk profile of each accused person, and as mentioned in my main reply, the Police imposes bail conditions, which are clear, practicable and necessary.
Mr Zaqy Mohamad366 words
[+3 sentences]I thank the Member for his question on processes and escalation protocols. Currently, MUIS has incident management reporting framework for all our mosques, so that timely interventions can be made. When the incident happens at the mosque, the mosque must verify details and certainly involve the Police where the case is needed. In fact, since MUIS was informed in July 2025, there was one round, as I shared in my reply earlier, where MUIS sent out guidelines to enhance and strengthen protections for our youths and just keeping a lookout, safeguarding our mosques. As we knew of more of the case when the sentencing happened last month, we came up with two rounds of enhancements to our frameworks to strengthen further our mosques by putting in more guidelines, keeping a watch for gatherings involving youths and kids, also putting in CCTVs where we can, and certainly rolling out measures where we consider low-hanging fruits to maintain a certain level of assurance to parents who are concerned about the safety of their kids in our mosques.[+2 sentences] Can we go further? Certainly, and that is why I think it is a good opportunity to take learnings from this case, to see where we can learn from best practices, to learn what else we can do. But at the same time, as I said, keeping that balance to keep our mosques open and welcoming. And that is why we have set up the review committee to look at various areas, such as how we can improve, including even cultural barriers or community settings.[+2 sentences] Speaking to the community, there were concerns whether there were barriers also that prevented others from reporting such incidents from being escalated and even concerns from the community that reporting could harm an offenders' family, for example. So, these are genuine concern sometimes from the community. But we have to overcome some of these barriers and I hope that the committee can look into how we can further strengthen education, awareness, have conversations with the community and engage them to build these new measures together as one. We will announce the committee in due course and certainly, look forward to their outputs in the coming months.
Mr Speaker28 words
[+3 sentences]There are quite a few Members who want to ask supplementary questions. So, I will get to you, but please keep your supplementary questions succinct. Dr Wan Rizal.
Dr Wan Rizal (Jalan Besar)155 words
[+9 sentences](In Malay): Thank you, Mr Speaker. I have three supplementary questions for the Acting Minister. First, how will MUIS ensure that the new safeguards and guidelines are implemented consistently across all mosques, given that each mosque is different? How will compliance be monitored? Second, what changes will be made to the monitoring of informal gatherings or activities involving our children and youths on mosque premises, including activities that are not organised by the mosques themselves? Third, the Acting Minister has said that the offender in this case was not accredited under the ARS. How should parents understand the role and limitations of ARS in safeguarding our children? To what extent does the recognition process assess a person's suitability to interact with children or youths, and what additional screening and safeguards are needed beyond professional accreditation? (In English): To the Senior Minister of State, why is the Government taking a while to strengthen the screening framework?
Mr Zaqy Mohamad569 words
[+5 sentences](In Malay): I thank the Member for his questions. I will answer them in three parts. First, on the implementation of safeguards in our mosques. MUIS implements these measures through four district offices that work closely with the Mosque Management Boards and mosque staff. This is to ensure that all information is clearly communicated to staff and volunteers, so that all existing protocols are properly implemented. When MUIS was informed about this case in 2025, all 70 mosques were given the advisory on measures to strengthen safeguards at mosques.[+11 sentences] MUIS monitored their implementation regularly. First, mosques were required to report on their progress of implementing these measures at quarterly district-level meetings. Mosques were also given further guidance at these meetings. MUIS also regularly reminded mosque leaders of the importance of reporting any serious incidents at the mosque clearly and promptly to the appropriate authorities, including the Police. For the new safeguarding measures, MUIS will ensure that they are implemented consistently across all mosques. In addition, the committee that I mentioned earlier, which will be set up, will study how mosques can better share information so that any issues can be addressed early. Next, we will further strengthen the monitoring of informal activities at mosques. As I mentioned earlier, the offender used his informal interactions to present himself as someone with religious authority and gain the trust of his victims. That trust was thereafter abused. This is very concerning. We are studying ways to further strengthen existing measures. MUIS has tightened the monitoring of informal activities involving children and youths.[+8 sentences] Patrols have also been increased. Staff and volunteers will be trained to identify warning signs and take appropriate action. MUIS will also conduct audits to ensure that safeguards are implemented at mosques. The committee will conduct a broader review of the measures and processes in our religious institutions – not only at mosques, but other religious institutions as well – and recommend stronger framework and reporting protocols. At the same time, what is important is that our mosques remain open and welcoming, but safe for our children and youths. This requires close cooperation with mosques and asatizah, as well as parents, children and youths, so that our mosques remain as safe and welcoming spaces for religious and community activities. Lastly, on the question about our ARS. Accreditation under ARS remains important to ensure that the Muslim community receives proper guidance from qualified and credible asatizah. Every ARS application undergoes a screening process, is subjected to a Code of Ethics, and must be renewed every three years.[+4 sentences] MUIS and the Asatizah Recognition Board (ARB) regularly review the ARS framework. The Code of Ethics for asatizah is also currently being reviewed, and we will share more when the review is completed. However, I agree that accreditation is no assurance of a person's conduct. If there are any concerns about the conduct of an asatizah, they should be reported. MUIS will investigate every feedback or complaint and take appropriate action, including suspending or revoking an asatizah's ARS accreditation.[+3 sentences] The committee that will be convened will also study this matter further, including the appropriate actions to be taken while investigations are ongoing. For example, an asatizah could be placed on a temporary leave of absence until the investigation is completed. We will also look at how reporting and information-sharing among mosques can be improved, so that any concerns can be identified and addressed earlier.
Mr Goh Pei Ming220 words
[+14 sentences]Mr Speaker, to the Member's question on why the Government has taken a while to review the screening framework, there are multiple considerations that we have had to work through. One fundamental question is how much the Government should step in to intervene in unregulated sectors. Should screening be mandatory or voluntary? If we were to mandate it, how can we feasibly implement it across a diverse set of sectors and industries, especially many of those that are unregulated? How about freelance workers? How do we work to screen that group? How do we manage the compliance burden and the operational constraints that we may be inadvertently imposing on employers, on companies and on operators? Another important consideration is the need to strike a balance between the protection of children and young persons, and the rehabilitation and re-integration of ex-offenders. What kinds of offences will we incorporate within this screening framework? I think these are some of the considerations. These are just some of the issues that we are working through with all the relevant agencies overseeing it, who possibly only have a weak link to the various unregulated sectors. All these have to be weighed carefully. We will want to work through them quickly and we will provide updates when ready. So, I seek the Members' patience on this.
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Gerald Giam.
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song (Aljunied)242 words
[+9 sentences]Sir, I agree with the Senior Minister of State that the safety of our children should take priority. But does he agree that the safety of our children should take priority over the privacy of ex-offenders convicted of sexual offences against children? Sir, he said that the family is the first line of defence. Parents and caregivers are best placed to notice early warning signs. However, currently, religious organisations, tuition centres, sports academies or parents do not have a way to vet a candidate or volunteer for past sexual offences against children, apart from relying on self-declarations. Even news searches would not show up anything because perpetrators' names are usually anonymised to protect the victims. To address this gap, I have proposed a consent-based mechanism using digital tokens via Singpass. Under this framework, a candidate authorises a specific organisation or parent to verify their clearance status. This provides verified assurance directly from official records without compromising the ex-offender's broader privacy. Senior Minister of State Goh said that the Government is looking into a certificate-based system, but considerations would include the practicability of such screening requirements and whether employers, primarily our small and medium enterprises (SMEs), will be able to handle such screening requirements.[+2 sentences] The digital token system I just proposed would be easy for SMEs and even parents to use, to vet individuals they are engaging to work with children. So, would the Ministry consider such a system to safeguard our children?
Mr Goh Pei Ming196 words
[+2 sentences]Mr Speaker, I thank the Member for his two supplementary questions. I think the first pertains to the balance between the privacy of ex-offenders, as well as the safety of our children. In my main reply, I have already said that while we need to strike a balance between the two, the safety of our children will have to take priority, which is why we have also committed that we are reviewing the feasibility of how to implement a screening framework.[+7 sentences] So, that will come. I think the prioritisation in this case is clear. Secondly, in terms of how we implement it, I do thank the Member for his suggestions. I think that is one possible way that we can consider implementing it. There are other feasible mechanism measures; and I think we may also have to consider how different sectors and different industries look at it differently. I note that in one of the questions I was replying to, Ms Joan Pereira also highlighted another alternative of how such a screening framework can be implemented. I reassure Members we will look into the various suggestions when we design and suggest the system to the public.
Mr Speaker4 words
[+1 sentence]Ms Hazlina Abdul Halim.
Ms Hazlina Abdul Halim (East Coast)296 words
[+13 sentences]Thank you, Speaker. I declare interest as chief executive officer of EtonHouse Community Fund, a community fund that works closely with children, as well as persons volunteering to work with children. I welcome the responses from both Ministries, signifying that in issues like these, it is often takes collaboration in tackling the safety of children in particular. I wanted to understand a little bit more and I hear from the Senior Minister of State that it is about ensuring that the system we design, whether declaration or certificate-based, is something that does not paralyse the sector that is unregulated. Perhaps sharing on the approach involving key players, a consultative approach as we often take, will that be something that the Ministry would consider? Second, to the Acting Minister, thank you again for convening such a committee, and involving key organisations and experts in the community. If I may also ask a bit more details on the committee. What other considerations will be included, in terms of the members, because as we all can ascertain today, it is not about where it happened; it is the fact that it did and that it involves an adult on the premise of trust and a child or a young person seeking guidance who is premising on trust as well. So, perhaps, if I can ask for clarity on that front? Mr Speaker, in Malay, please. (In Malay): Regarding the committee which has been announced by the Acting Minister, may I ask if the Members could also possibly represent faith organisations beyond just mosques? This is because the lessons that we can learn from this committee, God willing, can also be applied to every institution, as these are shared spaces that are safe. So, perhaps some clarification on this aspect.
Mr Goh Pei Ming278 words
[+6 sentences]Mr Speaker, to the Member's question on various safeguarding measures and the screening framework, whether we will consult with industry and sectors. I think the first answer is that safeguarding measures will vary depending on the sector that we are talking about. However, I think, just to reiterate the point that the priority is the safety of our children. Ultimately, to be able to provide a more comprehensive safety framework and guidelines, the family, the community, society, members of public, schools, agencies, and our Family Service Centres will all have to play their role. And hopefully, through a multi-layered approach, we will ensure that we have a much higher chance that one or more of those layers will be able to catch when one of our children is at risk. I think that is the overall approach that we would want to take. The screening framework that we are looking into now will provide possibly another layer for us to be able to screen and mitigate the risk against such incidents. However, I just want to reiterate that it will not be a fool-proof mechanism.[+1 sentence] It is a layer, but not all cases will be caught with this. In terms of how we will implement the screening framework, as I mentioned, there will be many sectors, especially many of the unregulated ones. We will have to do consultation to understand the challenges and considerations, and to make sure we are able to implement it smoothly.[+1 sentence] A successful implementation is one whereby our children are protected but at the same time, the implementation of the framework also matters because only when it is implemented well, are our children protected.
Mr Zaqy Mohamad364 words
[+3 sentences]I thank the Member for her question. Certainly, this is something that we take seriously on setting up the committee and we hope that the committee will bring strong experience, expertise and valuable perspectives as well to their work. We want the committee to comprise of a strong line of members with relevant experience in the religious sector, as well as expertise in working with families and children, and also how to develop governance protocols within institutions. So, it is not purely a mosque setting or religious setting that we are looking at, but also how we can learn from this, as a community, work collaboratively with parents and community partners to improve child safety in our mosques and religious settings, as well as a wider community if we can. But specific to the committee, I have appointed, so far, Assoc Prof Razwana Begum and Ustaz Fathurrahman Dawoed, largely because they are both respected leaders of the community and they both have expertise working with children.[+6 sentences] Assoc Prof Razwana has had 20 years of experience in the area of child justice and child protection systems and she is also the Chair of the Social Services Advisory Committee and certainly, with a deep voice and expertise in children protection and criminal justice systems. She is also the President of Persatuan Pemudi Islam Singapura (PPIS). So, I think that gives her a good background into how the cultural aspects of our community as well as how our Malay/Muslim institutions work. Ustaz Fathurrahman is also a prominent and well-respected religious leader. He has a vast experience in the religious sector and is also as a full member of the Fatwa Committee and also Executive Director of Andalus Corporation, and also involved in the Association of Muslim Professionals (AMP). Both are quite in tune with the community. The composition of the committee will be further announced in due course. But I do expect the results and outcomes to be published before the end of the year.[+1 sentence] Because I think we do need to also put some clarity on to the ways forward into how our mosque settings and religious teachers can guide better and can be guided better.
Mr Speaker5 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik.
Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik (Sengkang)68 words
[+5 sentences]Thank you, Speaker. I thank the Senior Minister of State and the Acting Minister for the replies. I have one supplementary question for the Acting Minister. The individual builds trust with these children by presenting himself as a religious teacher online without any accreditation. Beyond strengthening the mosque's security, what is being done to address the risk posed by self-appointed religious personalities who reach minors through social media?
Mr Zaqy Mohamad252 words
[+2 sentences]That is a serious concern. It is something we hope to study further as well as, as part of the review committee. One of the mandates that I have put into the review committee is to also look at the emerging risk, including online influences on religious education.[+9 sentences] This is a good lesson for us because we can do so much together in terms of protecting the physical space. But this case has also taught us that influencers or characters out there with social media influence can potentially reach our children, our youths directly. But this is not just for the Muslim community. It is something that we learn from in terms of the wider awareness of what the dangers of online harms to our youths and children. So, we should not see this as a pure religious issue or something that affects just the Muslim community. But I think this is good awareness for all of us with children, youths, the young that we care about, to watch over them, to guide them and to, most importantly, keep them aware of who they can come to if they see something suspicious or harm falls on them. I think that is very important. So, as part of the study, the mosque institutions are something we will look at. But I think, there is a wider issue that we need to also address in the Malay/Muslim community and also, the wider community as well that we should not take these things for granted.
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Sharael Taha.
Mr Sharael Taha (Pasir Ris-Changi)306 words
[+5 sentences]Sir, I thank the Senior Minister of State for the clarification on conditions of bail and the risk assessment framework determining the bail conditions, including the ones surrounding this specific case. Given the circumstances of this case, I would like to reiterate Member Saktiandi's supplementary question: will the Government review and strengthen the risk assessment framework to better assess the risks of further offending against other children while an accused person is on bail? I appreciate that Senior Minister of State has extensively explained that in today's risk assessment framework, it was all the right calls and how onerous it could be for stricter monitoring and the right balance we have to reach. But at the heart of this question is how do we prevent further occurrences? This could include, where warranted, stronger restrictions on access to minors, including monitoring or limiting social media interactions and appropriate monitoring until investigations or Court proceedings are concluded. In this case, despite the bail conditions, they were all the right decisions, the accused was still able to continue to cause harm and it stopped only in 2024 after it was reported when further harm had already occurred.[+5 sentences] While my first question concerns the safeguards around the alleged offender, we must also strengthen the wider safeguarding ecosystem. So, thank you Acting Minister Zaqy for sharing the committee that MUIS is forming to enhance safeguards for our children, youths and families. While this particular incident happened in the mosque, it could really have happened anywhere. I welcome Member Hazlina's proposal of including wider representation from other organisations into this committee. I guess my supplementary question is from a wider perspective – how will the Government ensure that the lessons and the strengthened safeguards that this committee has formed can be read across nationally, so that we can better safeguard our children?
Mr Goh Pei Ming286 words
[+11 sentences]Mr Speaker, I can understand the Member's concerns and urge for us to review our processes in terms of what more can we do to ensure something like that does not happen – whether we have caught the weak signals, whether we have made sure that everything that can be done has been done or will be done in the future. I acknowledge that. But I will reiterate that, in this case, the facts of the case back in 2021 was that the Police report was made, the charges were denied and investigations had to be done. Based on the facts of the offence, it was a bailable offence and therefore, based on what the Police had, the assessment was that it was a bailable offence, subject to certain bail conditions. And in the months and years following, the perpetrator actually complied with the bail conditions. I think I will go back to, perhaps, the point that no bail framework is entirely foolproof and no bail framework can guarantee zero re-offending. We will have to calibrate it according to the risk factors within every single case, whether there are any antecedents and whether there were strong mitigating or aggravating circumstances in each of the cases. I think it has to be managed on a case-by-case basis. Going beyond just the bail framework alone, like I mentioned earlier, there are multiple layers of defence that we have to do within our society, the family, community, and so on. I will not repeat that. All factors, all parts of the ecosystem must work hand-in-hand for us to be able to effectively provide the best living environment for our children to grow up in a safe and secure environment.
Mr Speaker14 words
[+3 sentences]Acting Minister Zaqy, do you want to add anything? No? Okay. Mr Fadli Fawzi.
Mr Fadli Fawzi (Aljunied)261 words
[+7 sentences]Mr Speaker, I want to echo my hon colleagues in extending my thoughts to the victims. I would also like to ask the Acting Minister for some clarity about what happened so that we can better understand the systemic gaps that we need to address, which can help to reassure families that the common safeguarding framework is indeed fit for purpose. So, two questions, please, Mr Speaker. First, did the mosque officials raise or receive any safeguarding concerns about the man in question during the 2022 to 2023 period when he was gathering with minor children for informal religious sharing in the premises of the mosque? Second, and I want to be very careful here so as to respect the gag order and protect the victims, I understand that some members of the public have been able to deduce the identity of the offender from certain publicly available sources dating to the relevant period, among which are videos that raised allegations of sexually improper behaviour against the man in question. As such, the second question is whether mosque officials were aware about the allegations of sexual offences against the man that were circulating online as early as the second quarter of 2021, including a video in late-2022, claiming that Police reports have been filed against the perpetrator for sexual offences? In other words, considering that he was a regular congregant, was the mosque aware of the allegations against the perpetrator that were surfaced prior to and during the period when he was congregating with young children and youths at the mosque?
Mr Zaqy Mohamad519 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Speaker, I think I have outlined the facts so far, to the best of MUIS' knowledge. Just to reiterate, MUIS was only informed of the case in July 2025. We have also checked our records between 2021 and 2025. There were no reports made to MUIS at any point in time by the Mosque Board, asatizahs or any member of the public pertaining to this case or the perpetrator.[+9 sentences] As I shared, the situation was an unfortunate one, because the children and the perpetrator were known to each other. They saw him as a religious teacher even though he was not qualified, not certified and not allowed to run classes in the mosque. It was largely an informal gathering based on what we know now. And small groups, typically, you would find them in the mosque prayer halls doing mengaji, ceramahs and small gatherings, small groupings. So, I think, we have to be quite practical about these. Because if you start banning every small group that gathers in the mosques for mengaji, reading the Quran and so on, that will make our mosques very restrictive. I have met members of the public in the past few weeks. Many also cited their concerns, saying, "Please do not restrict our mosques" because they want these to be welcoming and these are places for community. So, it is a fine balance that we are trying to work with with this review committee – to make sure that as we learn from this incident, we keep our mosques open and welcoming and yet, at the same time, put in relevant safeguards. Are the safeguards today or even then sufficient? But that is also why, in 2025, when we first informed MUIS, within a month, it came up with the first set of safeguarding measures to all our 70 mosques.[+8 sentences] Subsequently, after the sentencing, we understood the facts of the case better because now, more was revealed. So, in the last month, we had two rounds where we have strengthened measures where we can. On hindsight, many things could have been improved and we have done what we can so far. But I think the review committee also shows that we have the appetite to go further and, certainly, learn from this and strengthen governance safeguards. More importantly, how we can educate, engage parents and work more collaboratively with the community to ensure that this does not happen again, because the mosque was just one setting. As Member Sharael Taha earlier spoke about, and the other Members too spoke about, the dangers of online harms can happen anywhere. You have many of the other incidents happen outside the mosque and those are lessons for us too – that if we do not protect, do not make parents aware, not keep our children safe, not having the right or trusted places or persons they can go to when they need help most, I think, that is a failure on our part. This is where we will strengthen and we hope that we will be able to share more of our findings in due course.
Mr Speaker11 words
[+2 sentences]Okay, last few supplementary questions. Ms Elysa Chen, make it short.
Ms Elysa Chen (Bishan-Toa Payoh)151 words
[+5 sentences]Mr Speaker, I would like to declare that I am the Executive Director of Campus Impact. It is a social service agency working with children from vulnerable families. I would like to ask the Senior Minister of State whether, as the law stands, a person convicted of a sexual offence against a child can lawfully advertise as a private home tutor or a freelance sports coach or even serve as a volunteer the day after release, with no legal obligation to disclose that conviction to the parent or organisation engaging him? If so, what are the current measures to mitigate such a risk? I would also like to ask that while the screening framework is being developed, will the Ministry consider an interim voluntary scheme allowing a freelance tutor, coach or volunteer to obtain some kind of document that they can show prospective employers, organisations or parents to provide some assurance?
Mr Goh Pei Ming163 words
[+2 sentences]Mr Speaker, I thank the Member for her question. It is a very important one. For the offences that she has outlined and for ex-offenders who are released from those offences, in terms of regulated sectors, they would not be able to seek employment because there is an established screening framework for public agencies as well as regulated sectors. However, for unregulated sectors, today, no such screening framework formally exists. Which is the reason why we have, also, in my earlier reply, said that we are looking into such a screening framework.[+3 sentences] We think there is merit for such a screening framework to be in place to help protect our children. In the meantime, I note the Member has also suggested possible alternatives to fill the gap. What we want to do is perhaps move a little bit quicker on the screening framework, so that that will become the established format for how we are able to, in unregulated sectors, provide better protection.
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Azhar Othman.
Mr Azhar Othman (Nominated Member)314 words
[+23 sentences]Mr Speaker, this is to the Acting Minister. We look at the situation – and it is a troubling situation, of course – and the actions being taken. For the question I have, there are three parts to it. I will try to make it very short. The victim came from a troubled family. I think they were trying to find solace and of course, where else? The mosque is the right place to go to. My question is, how can we help such families in terms of comfort, in terms of financial and spiritual, so that they do not get into the wrong hands. They were looking for solace, and they got the wrong person to guide them. If they got the right person, they would have been nurtured to be a better human. So, that is the first question; to identify other potential families that may go into this kind of situation. That is number one. Number two is, we realise that crime does not differentiate whether it is a religious setting or not. The point is that mosques must also be aware about that. The committee that is to be set up must be aware that this will happen and can happen. As such, are there precautions being taken, such as security to be added, just like in schools, to ensure our children are safe or the people coming to the mosque feel safe? And mosques play an important role in that part. Thirdly is this; for sexual offences, the statistics have increased over the period. To look at this in totality, not just on a case purely, that if this is the case and it keeps on growing, what caused this to increase? Is it media? Is it pornography exposure? This is something that our institutions or the Ministry will need to look into carefully. We look at the —
Mr Speaker10 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Azhar, we are approaching the end of Question Time.
Mr Azhar Othman23 words
[+1 sentence]So, those are the three questions that I want to ask, if the Senior Minister of State or Acting Minister can please reply.
Mr Zaqy Mohamad322 words
[+16 sentences]I thank the Member. I will take the first two. The Senior Minister of State can take the third one on the wider trends. On the issue of the child and the family, that is what angers me the most. Because the child basically came to the mosque for solace for religious guidance but unfortunately, he got the wrong person. This is where, as part of the review committee, perhaps we can see how we can improve the level of trust, the level of access that members of the community and those who need help can reach and approach the mosque. Today, as I have mentioned, the moment we are able to identify or we are able to get connected with the relevant victims, the schemes and measures at the mosques and MUIS have, I think, are quite significant. The whole of community can come forward. And we do have the resources today – counsellors, engagement, financial assistance – even how to help them relocate, move schools, provide religious guidance and so on. But I think, the issue is then how do we reach out? That, I think, can be strengthened and is something that we can review, for sure. The second question is on the safeguards. I think I have mentioned in my earlier replies that since we knew of the incident in 2025 and subsequently, two times since the sentencing, we have upped the measures in the mosques, including CCTV monitoring and checking on groups that involve children and youths. These are low-hanging fruits. Again, hopefully with the review committee, we can take a more holistic approach, learn from best practices, listen to parents and others in the community, and even youths themselves and kids, on how they view things and see how we can improve the interactions and trust-building. So, I hope that assures the Member, but we will come back in due course with the results and findings.
Mr Goh Pei Ming196 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Speaker, to the Member's question on the broader trends on sexual offences and on outrage of modesty cases, let me cite some trends that we have observed from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The proportion of outrage of modesty cases involving offenders known to victims over the last five years generally has been stable.[+6 sentences] The number of sexual abuse cases involving our children over the last five years has also been stable. Of course, the fact that the numbers are stable, and not decreasing, does not bring us any consolation at all. I think from MHA's end, we take a serious view on all such sexual offences. At the macro view, we can see it as a macro number. But every single case has hurt, damaged and caused long-term impact to not just the child, but also the entire family. The Police will continue to work very closely with other agencies, including our schools, the Ministry of Social and Family Development, and Family Service Centres to make sure that we strengthen public education efforts, helping the public and the wider community understand how to look out for early warning signs and to intervene early.
Mr Speaker58 words
[+2 sentences]Order. End of Question Time. Clarification by Minister for Social and Family Development.[+1 sentence] [Pursuant to Standing Order No 22(3), provided that Members had not asked for questions standing in their names to be postponed to a later Sitting day or withdrawn, written answers to questions not reached by the end of Question Time are reproduced in the Appendix.]
Membership in Public Accounts Committee›Announcement by Speaker1 turns · 56w
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speaker-3018
Mr Speaker56 words
[+5 sentences]Order. I wish to inform Members that under the provisions of Standing Order No 102, I have, on 17 August this year, nominated Ms Valerie Lee to be a Member of the Public Accounts Committee to take the place of Mr Foo Cexiang. The nomination took effect on the same day. Order. Questions for Oral Answer.
Reviewing Treatment of Variable Remuneration and Earnings Across Pay Scheme Computations to Ensure Consistent and Equitable Treatment of Employees›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 211w
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written-answer-24433
Ms Yeo Wan Ling67 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance (a) whether regular sales commissions are included in the computation of Government-Paid Maternity Leave benefits; (b) if not, why may such regular remuneration be excluded when similar variable earnings are recognised in National Service Make-Up Pay computations; and (c) whether the Government will review these frameworks across agencies to ensure consistency and equitable treatment of male and female employees.
Ms Indranee Rajah144 words
[+5 sentences]Government-Paid Leave Schemes are meant to support working parents who need to take time away from work to care for their children, by ensuring that they receive income during the period of child-related leave without unduly burdening employers financially. The remuneration for Government-Paid Leave Schemes is computed based on an employee's gross rate of pay, which is aligned to how compensation for other statutory entitlements such as annual leave and sick leave are calculated. This does not include payments associated with additional work done or business outcomes, such as bonus payments and productivity incentive payments. Whether payments such as those termed "regular sales commissions" qualify as part of gross rate of pay depends on whether they fall within such exclusions. We will continue to work with Tripartite Partners to study feedback and suggestions on how to better support working parents who take child-related leave.
Review of Tax Incentive Framework on Investments in Precious Metals and Growing Singapore's Physical Metal Vaulting Industry›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 218w
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written-answer-24434
Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat71 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance (a) whether the removal of the 5% cap on physical investment precious metals under tax incentive schemes for funds applies to metal vaulted outside Singapore; (b) whether palladium qualifies as investment precious metals and if not, why not; (c) what criteria determine whether an investment precious metals fund is bona fide; and (d) what role increasing Singapore-based metal vaulting plays in these policies.
Mr Gan Kim Yong (for the Prime Minister)147 words
[+6 sentences]The removal of the 5% cap on physical Investment Precious Metals (IPMs) from fund tax incentive schemes provides Singapore-based fund managers and investors with greater flexibility to invest and diversify into IPMs. This will help bring more gold trading activity to Singapore and contribute to the growth of Singapore's gold trading and vaulting ecosystem, even though the 5% cap removal applies regardless of where the IPMs are vaulted. Fund managers or distributors that offer funds (which may include IPM investments) to retail investors must be regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. They are expected to have sound investment, risk management and distribution processes when managing or marketing these funds. The fund schemes use the existing Goods and Services Tax definition of IPM, which covers investment-grade precious metals that are akin to financial assets. Palladium is not included as its market is primarily driven by industrial demand.
New Hedge Fund Investment Programme Framework, Eligibility Criteria, Tax Exemption Interaction and Selection Safeguards›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 292w
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written-answer-24435
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis71 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance (a) what (i) are the gaps in the local investment ecosystem the new Hedge Fund Investment Programme is designed to fill and (ii) is the proposed eligibility criteria, including whether participating firms must hire a minimum number of local investment professionals; (b) how eligibility criteria for the Programme and the new tax exemption interact; and (c) what safeguards will govern MAS's selection criteria.
Mr Gan Kim Yong (for the Prime Minister)221 words
[+8 sentences]The Hedge Fund Investment Programme (HFIP) aims to attract hedge fund managers to establish or deepen their presence in Singapore. The hedge fund sector is a growing segment of Singapore's asset management industry, which has grown at a compound annual growth rate of 7.5% over the past five years to almost S$7 trillion in assets under management. Hedge funds add to the depth and diversity of our financial sector and contribute to investment and trading activities through their transactions with other financial intermediaries. Hedge funds create demand for a range of ancillary services, such as prime brokerage, risk management, legal, compliance, technology and operations, and along with that, good jobs in these areas. In selecting managers under the HFIP, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) will consider developmental commitment factors, such as the nature and scale of their activities to be conducted from Singapore and their plans to build future investment capabilities in Singapore, including their talent development efforts. MAS will also assess their investment strategies and performance track record. MAS will monitor the progress of appointed managers in fulfilling their developmental commitments and review the investment performance of their funds to ensure that the programme continues to meet both its developmental and investment objectives. MAS is currently engaging industry stakeholders on the HFIP and will announce further details when ready.
Impact of China's Offshore Trust Taxation on Singapore's Trust Industry and Common Reporting Standard Exchanges with China›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 406w
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written-answer-24436
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis58 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance (a) what is the MAS's assessment of the impact of China's new tax rules for offshore trusts on Singapore's financial industry and trust industry; and (b) whether Common Reporting Standard (CRS) exchanges with China are confined to financial account information or also capture underlying real estate and immovable property holdings.
Mr Gan Kim Yong (for the Prime Minister)348 words
[+10 sentences]My response will cover the question raised by Mr Saktiandi Supaat and Mr Louis Chua in today's Order Paper, as well as the question filed by Mr Yip Hon Weng for 10 September's Sitting. [Please refer to "Effect of China’s Tax Enforcement on Offshore Trusts and Wealth Structures on Singapore's Wealth Management Sector", Official Report, 8 September 2026, Vol 96, Issue 35, Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer not Answered by End of Question Time section; and "Impact of China's Offshore Trust Tax Rules on Singapore's Family Office and Trust Management Sector, Ensuring Tax Compliance and Maintaining Legitimate Competitiveness", Official Report, 10 September 2026, Vol 96, Issue 37, Written Answers to Questions section.] Key banks in the wealth management industry have told the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) that they have not observed significant impact from China's tax rules thus far, and clients are assessing the implications of China's new measures and the steps needed to meet their tax obligations. Wealth owners choose Singapore for many key reasons, including our high standards of regulation, strong rule of law and comprehensive ecosystem of wealth managers and professional service providers. These wealth owners also come from a diverse range of jurisdictions. Singapore's wealth and broader asset management sector continues to see strong growth, with assets under management rising by 10.1% year on year to $6.7 trillion in 2025. We make continual efforts to strengthen the value proposition and competitiveness of our financial sector. To better support the family office ecosystem, MAS has recently enhanced the fund tax schemes to provide greater flexibility, reduce compliance costs and expand the types of investments eligible under these schemes. Earlier in the year, we also shared that MAS and the industry were working to make account opening more efficient, and the industry aims to bring the median time needed for account opening down to within one month. To the question about the Common Reporting Standard (CRS), it has been implemented by over 100 jurisdictions worldwide, including major financial centres. CRS applies to financial account information and not real estate and immovable property holdings.
Comparative Assessment of Singapore's Proposed Tax Regime Against Hong Kong's Tax Break Bill›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 234w
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written-answer-24437
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis71 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance (a) whether MAS has assessed Singapore's proposed profit-related returns exemption against Hong Kong's Bill gazetted in June 2026 to expand tax breaks; (b) if so (i) how does the scope and tax treatment differ (ii) whether Singapore's regime will be broader or narrower and (iii) what is the projected impact of the Bill on fund manager relocation and assets under management in Singapore.
Mr Gan Kim Yong (for the Prime Minister)163 words
[+6 sentences]The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) closely monitors developments across major financial centres, assesses their implications and implements the necessary measures to enhance Singapore's competitiveness. The key principle and feature of Singapore's proposed tax exemption have been communicated in MAS' announcement on 19 August 2026, and the full details will be announced at Budget 2027. MAS is currently engaging widely with the asset management industry to provide clarifications and hear further feedback. Asset managers' decisions on where to locate and grow their activities are shaped by a range of considerations, including tax treatment, access to talent, market opportunities, regulatory regime and the operating environment. In recent years, the asset management sector has grown strongly as more fund managers have expanded and set up in Singapore. This tax exemption, along with the other measures MAS announced on 19 August 2026, will further strengthen the competitiveness of Singapore's asset management industry, so that it can continue to grow well and provide good jobs for Singaporeans.
Extending Singapore's Medium-term Fiscal Projections Beyond 2030 with Scenario Modelling of Global Minimum Tax for MNCs›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 158w
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written-answer-24438
Mr Shawn Loh62 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance in light of the better-than-expected GDP growth and continued uncertainty over the implementation of global minimum tax rules, whether the Ministry will consider updating its medium-term fiscal projections before Budget 2027 and to (i) extend the projections beyond 2030 and (ii) include different scenarios modelling the responses by MNCs to the global minimum tax.
Mr Jeffrey Siow96 words
[+5 sentences]As indicated during Budget 2026, the Ministry of Finance will publish updated medium-term fiscal projections by next year. We intend to extend the projections to 2035, taking into account the latest revenue expectations and expenditure plans. We will also consider a range of possible scenarios for the implementation of the global minimum tax rules. We intend to publish these projections in the second half of next year. That will give us greater clarity on the impact of global tax changes and allow us to provide a more meaningful assessment of our medium-term revenue and fiscal outlook.
Review of Statutory Penalties and Additional Deterrence Measures for Major Sexual Offences Against Children and Young Persons›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 507w
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written-answer-24458
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song72 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether statutory penalties for major sexual offences against children and young persons, such as rape, penetrative sexual assault and outrage of modesty, will be reviewed in view of recent increases in reported cases; and (b) whether the Ministry has evaluated pharmacological anti-androgen treatments and a sex offender register as additional measures to increase deterrence and reduce recidivism.
Mr K Shanmugam435 words
[+18 sentences]The Government takes a serious view of sexual crimes and imposes stiff penalties, in particular, when the victims are minors. Rape, or penetrative sexual assault, involving a minor under the age of 14 without consent is punishable with a mandatory imprisonment term of not less than eight years and up to 20 years, with minimum 12 strokes of the cane. Outrage of modesty against a minor under the age of 14 is punishable with up to five years' imprisonment, fine and caning. If the minor was hurt or restrained during the commission of the offence, there will be a mandatory minimum imprisonment term of three years, which may extend up to 10 years, and mandatory caning. These are heavy penalties, which send a strong signal to deter such offences. Over the years, we have introduced several legislative amendments. These include introducing a new offence of exploitative sexual penetration of minors between 16 and below 18 in 2019, increasing the maximum imprisonment term for outrage of modesty in 2021, and more recently, commencing the Sentence for Enhanced Public Protection (SEPP) on 31 July 2026. The SEPP deals with offenders who have committed serious violent or sexual offences, including rape and sexual penetration of minors, and who pose a substantial risk of re-offending. Under the SEPP regime, an offender will be detained for a minimum term of between five and 20 years, as determined by the Court. An updated risk assessment will be conducted by a psychiatrist, and the offender will only be released if the Minister for Home Affairs assesses him or her to no longer pose a threat to the public. We remain open to considering measures including pharmacological anti-androgen treatments, also known as chemical castrations, if it is clear that such measures are effective in bringing down crime rates. So far, the evidence is not conclusive on that. The Member also asked about introducing a sex offender register. Today, the Police maintains a non-public record of persons convicted of serious offences, including sexual offences. The Police share these records with selected agencies, including the Ministry of Social and Family Development and the Ministry of Education, when screening individuals applying to roles involving sustained contact with children and young persons. This approach balances the need to safeguard our children and the rehabilitation and reintegration efforts of ex-offenders. To further strengthen safeguards for children, the Government has been considering the possible expansion of the scope of screening to cover more types of roles involving contact with children and young persons, including whether to introduce voluntary screening for unregulated sectors. We will share more details when ready.
Review of Dry Rising Main Servicing and Inspection Regime in Residential Blocks for Reliable Firefighting Water Supply›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 159w
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written-answer-24459
Dr Choo Pei Ling58 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether the Ministry will review the adequacy of the current servicing, testing and inspection regime for dry rising mains in residential blocks; and (b) what measures will be taken to ensure that firefighting water supply systems remain reliable under actual emergency operating conditions.
Mr K Shanmugam101 words
[+4 sentences]Firefighting water supply systems, such as dry and wet rising mains, are among the fire safety provisions required under the Fire Code for residential buildings above 10 metres in height. Building owners, Management Corporations Strata Title (MCSTs) and Town Councils are responsible for the regular maintenance of these systems, as well as ensuring that they are inspected on an annual basis. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) also conducts inspections to verify compliance with the Fire Code. SCDF assesses that these requirements remain adequate, and will continue to work with building managers, including MCSTs and Town Councils, to ensure proper compliance.
Non-public Criminal Record System for Serious Offences and Utilisation of System in Screening Persons for Positions of Trust Involving Children›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 190w
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written-answer-24460
Ms He Ting Ru77 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) when SPF began maintaining a non-public record of persons convicted of serious offences under the Registration of Criminals Act; (b) how many active records relate to sex offenders; (c) how many individuals have been screened out of positions of trust involving children annually since the record's inception; and (d) how many times MOE has approached MHA to screen individuals with this record.
Mr K Shanmugam113 words
[+5 sentences]The statutory basis for maintaining a record of persons convicted of registrable offences can be traced to the commencement of the Registration of Criminals Ordinance 1931. The Ordinance has been reviewed over the years, and is known today as the Registration of Criminals Act 1949. Police share relevant criminal records with Government agencies, including the Ministry of Education, if they need to conduct pre-employment screening for positions of trust that involve access to children. The final employment decision is made by the respective Government agency. Police do not actively track the number of records that relate to sexual offences nor the number of times that they have been approached for such screening requests.
Assessment of Healthcare Subsidy Eligibility Thresholds and Out-of-pocket Expenditure for Households with $2,300 Monthly Per Capita Income›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 120w
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written-answer-24461
Dr Hamid Razak51 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) whether the Ministry has assessed the combined impact of healthcare subsidy eligibility thresholds on households around the monthly per capita household income threshold of $2,300; and (b) if so, what are the findings regarding the resulting out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure.
Mr Ong Ye Kung69 words
[+3 sentences]The Ministry of Health (MOH) monitors and assesses affordability of healthcare after applying subsidies, MediShield Life and MediSave. In designing subsidy frameworks, MOH considers the need to tailor subsidy levels and support for different income segments. An individual with per capita household income of around $2,300 or slightly higher, such as a family of four with a household income of $10,000, would receive substantial subsidies across most healthcare settings.
Premature Funding Terminations of COMIT and CREST Teams and Safeguards to Ensure Continuity of Care for Affected Patients›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 109w
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written-answer-24462
Dr Hamid Razak64 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) how many Community Intervention Team (COMIT) and Community Resource, Engagement and Support Team (CREST) teams have had their funding prematurely terminated in the past five years; (b) what were the main reasons for such terminations; and (c) what safeguards are in place to ensure continuity of care for affected patients and families.
Mr Ong Ye Kung45 words
[+2 sentences]In the past five years, one community mental health team was stood down as the provider decided to exit the programme. The Agency for Integrated Care worked with the provider to transfer its clients to other community mental health teams and kept their families informed.
Expanding Postnatal Support Through Universal or Needs-based Home Visits and Increased Polyclinic Postnatal Service Subsidies›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 113w
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written-answer-24463
Ms Diana Pang Li Yen68 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) whether the Ministry will consider providing universal postnatal home visits by nurses or midwives for maternal recovery, breastfeeding, mental-health screening, infant checks, newborn care and sleep guidance; (b) if universal visits are not feasible, whether targeted visits will be offered based on clinical or social needs; and (c) whether polyclinic postnatal services will be further subsidised.
Mr Ong Ye Kung45 words
[+3 sentences]Polyclinics provide subsidised post-natal services currently, with the Childhood Developmental Screening fully subsidised. The Ministry of Health is working with the Prime Minister's Office to review various fertility health and maternity policies, including additional support for post-partum care. More details will be shared when ready.
Manpower Allocation for Healthcare Professionals Across Public Institutions and Prioritising Primary and Community Care Settings under Healthier SG›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 249w
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written-answer-24464
Dr Haresh Singaraju92 words
[+2 sentences]asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) how postings of healthcare professionals across public healthcare institutions are determined, including roles within the Ministry, MOH Holdings and the clusters; (b) what criteria are applied when allocating posts for each posting cycle; and (c) how these criteria have been adjusted to prioritise the manpower needs of primary and community care settings, in support of Healthier SG and an ageing population. Note: The Member has given notice of his declaration of interest as Head of Queenstown Polyclinic, National University Polyclinics.
Mr Ong Ye Kung157 words
[+6 sentences]The large majority of healthcare professionals in the public sector, such as doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and pharmacists, are practising in the public healthcare institutions (PHIs). They may move between PHIs due to changing service needs or to gain broader clinical exposure, including in primary and community care settings. They may also opt for roles in management, governance or policy in Cluster headquarters, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and its statutory boards, or MOH Holdings (MOHH). Junior doctors are centrally employed and deployed by MOHH, with postings designed to meet training and service requirements, including the requirements of the Singapore Medical Council for full registration in their first year, and curriculum requirements for those in residency or postgraduate training programmes. MOHH also considers individual preferences where possible. In recent years, more junior doctors and nurses have been practising in primary and community care settings in support of Healthier SG and the needs of an ageing population.
Gap Between Average and Healthy Life Expectancy of Singapore Residents and Trends over Past 10 Years›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 95w
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written-answer-24465
Mr Jackson Lam41 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) what is the current gap between the average life expectancy and healthy life expectancy of Singapore residents; and (b) how this gap has changed over the past 10 years.
Mr Ong Ye Kung54 words
[+3 sentences]Estimates for life expectancy and health-adjusted life expectancy for Singapore's total population1 from the Global Burden of Disease 2023 Study are in the table below. The difference between life expectancy and health-adjusted life expectancy has increased from 10.6 years in 2014 to 11.2 years in 20232. The OECD average is 12.6 years for 2023.
Recruiting and Training Migrant Domestic Workers for Dementia Care and Establishing Dedicated 24-hour Outreach Centre›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 182w
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written-answer-24466
Ms Joan Pereira52 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health whether the Ministry of Health will consider working with the Ministry of Manpower to set up a scheme to recruit and train Migrant Domestic Workers who specialise in dementia care and set up a 24-hour outreach centre to support their work.
Mr Ong Ye Kung130 words
[+6 sentences]Migrant Domestic Workers (MDWs) play an important role in supporting many families care for persons living with dementia. We help caregivers, including MDWs, acquire the skills and knowledge they need to provide appropriate care. Families or caregivers of persons living with dementia may apply for the Caregivers Training Grant (CTG) or use SkillsFuture Credits to attend training specific in dementia care. MDWs who are the main caregivers of eligible care recipients may also use the CTG for such training. Caregivers can also tap on home and community care services, as well as dementia helpline and online resources, for advice and support in caring for dementia patients at home. We will continue to review whether these services adequately meet caregivers' needs, including the availability of timely support when they encounter difficulties.
Integrated Shield Plan Legacy Rider Transition, Voluntary Switching Rate and Over-servicing Risks›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 281w
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written-answer-24467
Mr Yip Hon Weng59 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) what proportion of existing Integrated Shield Plan rider policyholders will be required to transition to compliant riders after April 2028; (b) what proportion has switched voluntarily; and (c) whether retaining most legacy riders indefinitely will delay the intended reduction in over-servicing, claims and private healthcare cost escalation.
Mr Ong Ye Kung222 words
[+9 sentences]Before the new Integrated Shield Plan (IP) riders were introduced on 1 April 2026, about 182,000 policyholders downgraded or cancelled their riders in 2025. It is too early to assess trends in policyholder movements since the launch. Under the new requirements, only policyholders who purchased IP riders between 27 November 2025 and 31 March 2026 are required by the Ministry of Health to transition to compliant riders no later than their next policy renewal from April 2028. The Ministry does not track the proportion of legacy rider policyholders that fall within this group. For policyholders who purchased their riders before 27 November 2025, individual IP insurers will decide on their own approach. The revised requirements are designed to instil more discipline in the charging and utilisation of healthcare services and hence, better manage claims. This is reflected in an average reduction of around 35% to 40% in premiums, depending on the age band, as compared to legacy riders with maximum coverage. The Member is right that the impact on the broader private healthcare ecosystem will take longer to materialise, if only a minority of policyholders are on the new riders. It is up to insurers to adjust the terms of legacy riders over time and place them on a more sustainable footing, while enabling more policyholders to benefit from more affordable premiums.
New Measures to Discourage Smoking while Walking on Public Walkways to Minimise Second-hand Smoke in Shared Public Transit Routes›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 124w
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written-answer-24468
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong55 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment whether NEA will consider new measures to discourage smoking while walking along public walkways, such as designated smoking points, or public education campaigns focused on second-hand smoke on the move to minimise the impact on non-smoking pedestrians and enhance the air quality of shared public transit routes.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien69 words
[+4 sentences]Smoking is currently prohibited in more than 49,000 public places in order to reduce the public's exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke. These places include covered or underground pedestrian walkways and common areas of residential buildings. Enforcement will be taken against offenders caught smoking while in these areas. The National Environment Agency will also continue to undertake public education on smoking restrictions and encourage community-led designated smoking points, where appropriate.
Operator Liability for Illegal Sales of Health Products on Licensed Premises and Consideration for Enforcement Actions›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 148w
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written-answer-24469
Ms Diana Pang Li Yen70 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) what responsibilities do operators of food premises licensed by the Singapore Food Authority (SFA) have when individuals repeatedly sell health products illegally on their premises; (b) whether SFA may impose licence conditions, suspend or revoke a licence if the operator knew of the sales; and (c) whether a formal warning framework requiring reasonable preventive steps by the operator will be considered.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien78 words
[+2 sentences]The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) regulates the sale of health products, including those sold at food premises. Under the Health Products Act, HSA may issue a formal warning or prosecute any business or individual who sells illegal health products in Court, with a fine of up to $50,000 and/or up to two years' imprisonment, and up to $100,000 and/or up to three years' imprisonment upon conviction if the products are found to be adulterated, counterfeit or tampered with.
Impact Assessment of Beverage Container Return Scheme on Waste and Litter Reduction and Publication of Scheme's Effectiveness on Broader Environmental Impacts›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 161w
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written-answer-24470
Mr Gabriel Lam59 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) whether the Ministry has assessed whether the Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS) has reduced beverage containers disposed of as waste or litter; (b) if so, what are the preliminary findings; and (c) whether the Ministry will publish periodic assessments of the scheme's environmental impact beyond the number of containers returned.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien102 words
[+6 sentences]During the first five months of the scheme, the Return Right Beverage Container Return Scheme has collected over 20 million beverage containers. We are encouraged to see that the number of containers collected is increasing steadily as we move towards the end of the transition period. These containers have been diverted away from disposal, and we will continue to monitor the overall effectiveness of the scheme. The Ministry will continue to publish periodic updates on the scheme's progress. Updates will cover the number of containers returned and total material recovered. These will provide an indication of the environmental impact of the scheme.
End-of-life Electric Vehicle Battery Management, and Sufficiency of Singapore's Recycling and Disposal Capacity for Future Demand›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 154w
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written-answer-24471
Mr Jackson Lam47 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) what plans are in place to manage end-of-life electric vehicle (EV) batteries as more EVs reach the end of their Certificate of Entitlement cycle; and (b) whether Singapore has sufficient recycling and disposal capacity to meet future demand.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien107 words
[+4 sentences]Electric Vehicle (EV) batteries are regulated under the National Environment Agency's Extended Producer Responsibility scheme for e-waste, which took effect on 1 July 2021. Under this scheme, companies that supply EV batteries in Singapore, whether as standalone batteries or as components of electric and hybrid vehicles, are responsible for the collection and end-of-life treatment of these batteries. These batteries can be either processed by licensed local e-waste recyclers or exported for treatment, where valuable materials, such as cobalt, lithium, nickel and copper, are recovered. We will continue to monitor end-of-life EV battery volumes and ensure that we have sufficient recycling and disposal capacity to meet projected demand.
Monitoring of Heat-stress Threshold in Residential and Commercial Areas and Adequacy of Protection Measures for Mobile Outdoor Workers›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 282w
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written-answer-24472
Mr Saktiandi Supaat65 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) whether the Government tracks the number of days on which heat-stress conditions exceed established risk thresholds in residential and commercial areas; (b) which groups of residents and workers are assessed to be most exposed; and (c) whether current heat-stress measures adequately cover delivery riders, cleaners, security officers and other workers who move between multiple outdoor locations.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien217 words
[+8 sentences]The Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) provides heat stress information on the myENV app, which members of the public can use to plan their outdoor activities. Consolidated heat stress information, including the number of days of high heat stress, is published in the Annual Climate Assessment Report. In 2025, high heat stress was observed on 29 days from MSS's network of 15 Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) stations. The network has since expanded to around 30 stations today, installed at a range of locations, including sports stadiums, parks, residential areas and industrial areas, to provide more information on heat stress at different parts of Singapore. The elderly, children and infants, people who are ill, have recently recovered or have chronic conditions, pregnant women, workers involved in prolonged outdoor work activities, and people who recently travelled from cooler climates face higher risk of heat stress. To complement the general heat stress advisory for the public, the Ministry of Manpower's heat stress framework provides additional guidance for outdoor work and sets out measures tiered by WBGT levels, including mandatory requirements for acclimatisation, drink, rest and shade. It applies to workers who perform prolonged outdoor work, including cleaners and security officers. The Code of Practice for Platform Services also sets out practical measures to reduce heat stress risks for delivery platform workers.
Comparison of Monthly Operating Costs for Stallholders in NEA-Managed and Socially-conscious Enterprise Hawker Centres›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 183w
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written-answer-24473
Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik55 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment what is the average monthly cost incurred by a cooked food stallholder in (i) an NEA-managed hawker centre and (ii) a Socially-conscious Enterprise Hawker Centre, including stall rental and mandatory ancillary charges such as Service and Conservancy Charges, table-cleaning, centralised dishwashing, electronic point-of-sale and other service fees.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien128 words
[+6 sentences]In 2025, the median monthly cooked food stall rent at Socially-conscious Enterprise Hawker Centres (SEHCs) was $1,700, compared with $1,450 for non-subsidised stalls at comparable non-SEHCs. The median monthly Service and Conservancy Charges (S&CC) for cooked food stalls was about $400 at SEHCs, compared with $200 at comparable non-SEHCs. The median monthly table-cleaning fees were about $650 at SEHCs, compared with about $520 at comparable non-SEHCs. These figures should be considered in the context of the different operating models, stall sizes, services and amenities provided at different hawker centres. For example, SEHCs generally have larger stall sizes and may provide additional amenities and services for stallholders. These factors can affect both rental and operating charges, and mean that individual cost components are not directly comparable across hawker centres.
Expanding Reverse Vending Machine Accessibility near Coffeeshops and Supermarkets for Convenient Container Returns›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 215w
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written-answer-24474
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim42 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment whether there are plans under the Beverage Container Recycling Scheme to locate a Reverse Vending Machine in the vicinity of every coffeeshop or supermarket to simplify the return of containers at these high-usage locations.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien173 words
[+5 sentences]The response to this question also addresses a related Parliamentary Question on the location of reverse vending machines (RVMs) filed by Ms Valerie Lee for the Sitting on 10 September 2026. [Please refer to "Data on Schools with Return Right Beverage Container Return Machines Installed and Plans for Expanding into Schools Without Return Machines", Official Report, 10 September 2026, Vol 96, Issue 37, Written Answers to Questions section.] Under the Return Right Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS), RVMs have been deployed in publicly accessible locations with high footfall, such as large supermarkets and hawker centres, as well as in the Housing and Development Board (HDB) estates. This allows over 90% of HDB residents to be within a five-minute walk of a machine. The objective is to make access to RVMs convenient across the community while managing costs and logistical needs. Although there are currently no plans to place RVMs at every location where beverages are consumed, including coffeeshops and school canteens, we will continue to monitor the volume and pattern of return activities.
Data on Private Residential Water Pipe Incidents, Root Causes and Recourse Options Available to MCSTs and Residents›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 246w
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written-answer-24475
Ms Valerie Lee65 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) how many water pipe burst incidents in the past five years have occurred within or affected private residential developments; (b) what were their main root causes and the average age of the affected pipes; and (c) what recourse is available to residents and Management Corporation Strata Titles (MCSTs) for damage or disruption arising from such incidents.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien181 words
[+7 sentences]Over the past five years, there was an average of 20 water pipe leaks per year in the Public Utilities Board's (PUB's) network that affected the water supply to private residential developments. We do not collect data on pipe leaks within private residential developments. The leaks were mainly due to wear and tear of pipes, while a minority of the cases were a result of damage arising from construction activities. The condition of water pipes is affected by various factors, such as their age and the surrounding environmental conditions. The affected pipes had an average age of about 30 years (out of a useful lifespan of 70 years). Overall, PUB's low leak rate of 4.5 leaks per 100 kilometres of water pipe per year places PUB among the top-performing utilities globally. Where water supply is interrupted, PUB offers several forms of support to affected customers, including: one, deploying mobile water wagons and distributing water bags; two, laying temporary connection hoses to bring in alternate water supply; and three, communicating updates on pipe repair status and expected restoration times to affected customers.
Proactive Identification of Persons Lacking Mental Capacity Without Appointed Deputies and Interim Support while Establishing Deputyship›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 253w
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written-answer-24476
Dr Haresh Singaraju59 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Social and Family Development in respect of persons lacking mental capacity with no appointed deputy, including those whose caregiver has died or lost capacity, and beyond the Assisted Deputyship Application Programme (a) how the Ministry proactively identifies such persons before a crisis arises; and (b) what interim support is provided while deputyship is being established.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M194 words
[+6 sentences]Community Outreach Teams, funded by the Ministry of Health, conduct regular outreach to increase awareness of mental health and dementia, and screening to identify persons at risk of or suspected to have these conditions. Neighbours, family members, social service and community agencies can also help identify such vulnerable persons. If anyone encounters individuals lacking mental capacity and with no suitable next-of-kin to be appointed as a Deputy, they may contact Professional Deputies (PD) registered with the Office of the Public Guardian. PDs can apply to the Courts to act on behalf of persons lacking mental capacity, to make key decisions affecting their property and affairs, and personal welfare. While deputyship arrangements are being established, the Agency for Integrated Care can connect individuals with care needs to appropriate community care services. Rather than hoping for Deputyship arrangements to materialise, we encourage everyone to plan ahead to minimise challenges arising from a loss of mental capacity. This includes making a Lasting Power of Attorney to choose a trusted person to make decisions on their behalf, making an Advanced Care Plan, so care preferences are properly documented, and discussing these matters with loved ones ahead of time.
Data on Healthcare Provider Requests for Lasting Power of Attorney Information Through OPGO Portal in Past Three Years and Average Fulfilment Time›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 116w
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written-answer-24477
Dr Haresh Singaraju57 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) in each of the past three years, how many requests for information on a donor's Lasting Power of Attorney have been made by healthcare providers through the Office of the Public Guardian Online (OPGO) portal; and (b) what is the average time taken to fulfil each such request.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M59 words
[+2 sentences]The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) has received five requests from healthcare providers for information on a donor's Lasting Power of Attorney through the Office of the Public Guardian Online (OPGO) portal over the past three years. Such requests are fulfilled within three working days when the complete submission is received, including payment and necessary supporting documents.
Reviewing Child Access Denial for Fathers Following CPS Interventions and Ensuring Transparent Communication of Parental Access Decisions›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 220w
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written-answer-24478
Ms Elysa Chen51 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) what avenues exist for fathers who believe they have been unfairly denied access to their children following Child Protective Service interventions to seek review; and (b) how does the Ministry ensures that decisions on parental access are communicated transparently to affected parents.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M169 words
[+8 sentences]For child protection cases, the overriding consideration in all decisions made by the Ministry of Social and Family Development's Protective Service (PSV) is the safety and well-being of the child. Protection Officers investigate allegations by considering the accounts of all parties, including the child. If there are safety concerns identified, officers will explain to the parents the issue, whether their access needs to be restricted, and the rationale. If the allegations cannot be substantiated and appear to stem from conflict, PSV will not take action against the party complained against. Any care arrangements are formalised in a Voluntary Care Arrangement. If the parents do not agree or if the child is facing serious harm, PSV may exercise statutory powers and apply to the Court for a Care and Protection Order. Access arrangements to the child are revised as circumstances and safety needs evolve. Parents who believe that they are wrongly accused of child abuse to deny them access to their children should seek recourse through the Family Justice Courts.
Data on Educators' Working Hours, Non-teaching Workload and Retention Through ECDA Job Redesign Project›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 106w
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written-answer-24479
Dr Charlene Chen38 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) whether ECDA's sector-wide job redesign project will measure actual changes in educators' working hours, non-teaching workload and retention; and (b) whether the findings and resulting recommendations will be published.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M68 words
[+3 sentences]The Early Childhood Development Agency has embarked on a sector-wide job redesign to enhance the overall value proposition of an early childhood career and improve educators' daily work experience. To validate the effectiveness of the job redesign solutions, we will track actual working hours and workload, among other indicators. The findings and recommendations will be shared with key sector stakeholders to support the scale-up of the final solutions.
Helping Seniors and Residents with Limited Digital Proficiency Access Online TV Programme Information›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 90w
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written-answer-24480
Miss Rachel Ong36 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information what support is available for seniors and residents with limited digital proficiency who face difficulties accessing television programme information due to the discontinuation of printed television programme schedules.
Mrs Josephine Teo54 words
[+1 sentence]This question has been addressed in the written reply to Parliamentary Question No 1715 at the 5 August 2026 Parliamentary Sitting. [Please refer to "Ensuring Equitable Access to Discounts for Seniors and Low-Income Residents Excluded from App-only and Digital Promotions", Official Report, 5 August 2026, Vol 96, Issue 34, Written Answers to Questions section.]
Mandating Baseline Transparency Disclosures for Sensitive Applications of AI in Healthcare, Children and Personal Data›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 188w
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written-answer-24481
Ms Cassandra Lee63 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information in view of the fact that the Transparency Guidelines for Generative AI Chatbots recently released by the Infocomm Media Development Authority are voluntary (a) whether the Government is considering mandating baseline transparency disclosures for sensitive applications of AI, for example in healthcare, children or personal data; and (b) what factors will inform such a decision.
Mrs Josephine Teo125 words
[+3 sentences]The Infocomm Media Development Authority's Transparency Guidelines for Generative AI Chatbots establish a voluntary baseline for organisations to explain the capabilities, limitations and safeguards of their generative AI chatbots. In addition, to address specific risks, the Government will consider further factors, such as how the technology is deployed, the nature of harms that may arise, and the effectiveness of existing measures. These factors were mentioned in the Ministry of Digital Development and Information's reply to Mr Alex Yeo's Parliamentary question about the regulation of high-risk AI deployments on 7 July 2026. [Please refer to "Key Risk Thresholds to Regulate High-risk AI Deployments and Implementing Mandatory Human Oversight for Fully Automated Decisions", Official Report, 7 July 2026, Vol 96, Issue 32, Written Answers to Questions section.]
Evaluating Effectiveness of Online Child Protection Measures and Key Outcome Indicators Used›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 366w
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written-answer-24484
Dr Choo Pei Ling44 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information (a) how the Government evaluates whether successive measures to protect children online are achieving their intended outcomes; and (b) what key outcome measures or indicators are used to assess their effectiveness and guide future policy refinements.
Mrs Josephine Teo322 words
[+13 sentences]Protecting children online is a whole-of-society effort. The Government's focus is on holding relevant online platforms to account for ensuring online safety and supporting parents' efforts to help their children cultivate healthy digital habits. Over the past three years, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has introduced two Codes of Practice for Online Safety to require designated social media services and app stores to minimise Singapore users' exposure to harmful content and children's exposure to both harmful and inappropriate content. Based on the annual reports they submit, IMDA will assess whether the safety measures implemented are comprehensive and effective and publish the results. In the Online Safety Assessment Report on Designated Social Media Services published on 31 March 2026, IMDA highlighted serious weaknesses in measures by X to proactively detect and remove child sexual exploitation and abuse material. Likewise, TikTok’s measures to detect and remove terrorism content were inadequate. IMDA issued Letters of Caution to X and TikTok and placed both services under Enhanced Supervision, requiring them to provide regular progress updates on their rectification measures. Similarly, when IMDA publishes the Online Safety Assessment Report for designated app stores later this year, it will point out areas where they have or have not met the requirements expected of them and hold service providers accountable where they have fallen short. Beyond regulations, protecting children online also means equipping parents to guide and support their children in the digital world. Through the nationwide “Screen Smart from the Start” movement, MDDI aims to provide parents with the tools to nurture healthy digital habits to keep their children safe online. We will assess the movement through indicators such as parental awareness, confidence and adoption of healthy digital parenting practices, to inform future refinement. The online environment is not static. Government will continue to work with platforms, community partners, and families to strengthen safeguards, promote healthy digital habits and create a safer digital environment for our children.
Strengthening Child Social Media Safeguards Against Online Grooming of Minors and Measures Restricting Harmful Accounts›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 455w
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written-answer-24485
Mr Sharael Taha55 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information (a) when the Government expects to complete its review of social media safeguards for children; and (b) in light of recent cases involving online grooming of minors, whether the review will include stronger safeguards against unsolicited adult-child interactions and measures to identify and restrict potentially harmful accounts.
Mrs Josephine Teo400 words
[+15 sentences]My response will cover the question raised by Mr Sharael Taha in today's Order Paper, as well as questions by Ms Cassandra Lee and Ms Charlene Chen filed for subsequent sittings relating to the Government's proposed measures to enhance safeguards for children on social media platforms. [Please refer to "Surveillance on Religious Teachers Who Bypass Asatizah Recognition Scheme, and Safeguards for Minors in Mosque Activities", Official Report, 8 September 2026, Vol 96, Issue 35, Oral Answers to Questions section.] Singapore's preferred approach is to provide tiered access to social media based on age. We have been engaging the designated social media services – Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, X and HardwareZone – on our approach. Firstly, we will require designated social media services to put in place age assurance measures to ensure children below 13 years of age cannot create or maintain social media accounts. Similar to our approach to requiring age assurance for designated app stores, we will allow designated social media services to propose their preferred methods and to implement them after we have assessed these methods to be robust and effective. Thereafter, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) will regularly test their effectiveness. Secondly, for children between 13 and 17, we will require these services to put in place stronger safeguards. This applies to features which may expose children to safety risks, such as direct messaging from strangers, or potentially addictive features, such as autoplay. We are also considering a daily default time limit for each service. These measures are in line with the recommendations of the Ministry of Health's Expert Panel on the Mental Health Impact of Social Media Use, which the Ministry of Digital Development and Information and IMDA have taken into consideration when designing the tiered access approach. The Government recognises that many parents want a say in deciding what is appropriate for their child on social media. We aim to facilitate parents' involvement by letting them adjust the default settings for the proposed safeguards. To support the implementation of these safeguards, we plan to introduce legislative amendments next year. For platforms that are unable or unwilling to introduce these enhanced safeguards for young users, the minimum user age for these platforms may be raised to 18. We will also monitor whether it is necessary to extend these safeguards to other platforms, especially those which are already or have become more popular with young users.
Engaging Non-appointed School Bus Operators on Temporary Fuel Cost Support and Application of Fuel Surcharge Cap›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 199w
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written-answer-24486
Ms Gho Sze Kee61 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Education (a) whether the Ministry engages with school bus operators that are not officially appointed by public schools; (b) whether such operators benefited from the temporary fuel cost support provided from April to June 2026; and (c) whether the MOE-capped fuel surcharge framework from July 2026 will apply to these bus operators and the students they serve.
Mr Desmond Lee138 words
[+4 sentences]The Ministry of Education's (MOE's) temporary fuel cost support from April to June 2026 and the MOE-capped fuel surcharge framework from July 2026, apply to school bus operators appointed by Government and Government-aided primary schools, and Government and Community-funded Special Education schools. This includes sub-contractors engaged by these bus operators, ensuring that relief reaches all affected operators in the chain. These measures do not extend to bus operators serving international or private schools, or those engaged directly by parents via private arrangement. Nonetheless, they are encouraged to take heed of the advisory by the Ministry of Trade and Industry on “Transparency and Independence of Fuel Surcharge for the Private Bus Operator Sector”, issued on 15 May 2026, which encourages operators and customers to work together in good faith to manage temporary cost pressures while maintaining sustainable transport services.
Allowing Students Receiving Gender Dysphoria Treatment to Continue in Mainstream School and Junior Colleges›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 120w
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written-answer-24487
Mr Victor Lye55 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Education (a) whether students receiving medical or psychological treatment for gender dysphoria are permitted to continue their education in mainstream schools and junior colleges; and (b) whether any student has been required or advised to discontinue schooling, transfer institution or defer treatment because of such treatment or the student's gender presentation.
Mr Desmond Lee65 words
[+3 sentences]Students receiving treatment for gender dysphoria may continue their education in mainstream schools, including junior colleges. Decisions concerning a student's schooling are not made on the basis of whether the student has gender dysphoria or is receiving treatment. Schools work with the students, their parents, health and counselling professionals to enable the students to benefit from the range of learning and development opportunities in school.
Impact of Third Language Grading on Edusave Awards, Promotion Decisions and Post-secondary Admission Aggregates and Consideration of Pass/Fail Grading Option›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 155w
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written-answer-24488
Ms Eileen Chong Pei Shan56 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Education (a) whether third language grades count towards Edusave academic award eligibility, school promotion decisions, and post-secondary admission aggregates; (b) whether the Ministry tracks how often third language grades lower rather than improve a student's aggregate; and (c) whether making a pass or fail grading option available to students has been considered.
Mr Desmond Lee99 words
[+5 sentences]Third Language grades are taken into account with other examinable subjects when determining students' in-school progression and eligibility for Edusave academic awards. For post-secondary admissions, the Third Language grade is only counted in the computation of a student's aggregate score if it is among the student's best-performing subjects. It will therefore not worsen a student's admission aggregate. The Ministry of Education (MOE) does not track how often Third Language grades are used in aggregate computation. MOE offers non-examinable language programmes for interest and enrichment, such as Conversational Chinese and Malay, and the Modular Foreign Languages Programme (French and German).
Breakdown of Withdrawal Rates of Third Language Students for Past Five years by Year of Study and Language, and Commonly Cited Reasons›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 129w
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written-answer-24489
Ms Eileen Chong Pei Shan41 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Education for Third Language students, in the past five years (a) what is the withdrawal rate by (i) year of study and (ii) language; and (b) what are the top five most commonly cited reasons for withdrawal.
Mr Desmond Lee88 words
[+3 sentences]The total number of students studying a third language at secondary and pre-university level has grown over the years, rising from around 6,300 in 2023 to around 7,000 students in 2026. For each Secondary 1 cohort, about 30% of Third Language students would complete the course and sit for the GCE "O" Level examination. Common reasons cited by students for withdrawing from Third Languages include difficulty coping with the additional subject alongside other subjects and co-curricular activities in school, scheduling conflicts with other commitments, and loss of interest.
Data on Scope, Design and Reporting Framework of Quarterly Student Well-being Surveys Across Different School Levels›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 328w
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written-answer-24490
Ms Eileen Chong Pei Shan59 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Education regarding quarterly student well-being surveys (a) in which year were they introduced; (b) whether they are administered in all primary and secondary schools and pre-university institutions; (c) which published or validated instruments are the questions based on; (d) whether teachers or students complete them; and (e) whether school-level results are shared with the Ministry.
Mr Desmond Lee269 words
[+11 sentences]I will answer Oral Question No 2914 and 2967, and also written Question No 2007 on today's Order Paper. [Please refer to "Trends and Follow-up Actions from Schools' Quarterly Student Well-being Surveys", Official Report, 8 September 2026, Vol 96, Issue 35, Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer not Answered by End of Question Time section.] The Ministry of Education (MOE) introduced online check-in sessions in 2020 to better support student well-being across primary, secondary and pre-university levels during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, MOE has provided schools with age-appropriate resources comprising student check-in surveys and activities, conducted every school term. The survey responses enable teachers to better understand their students' well-being, and to provide appropriate support. This could be in the form of a conversation with the Form Teacher or further intervention when more serious concerns are raised. The survey questions are designed by MOE. A small number of questions are adapted from established instruments, but the survey is not a clinical diagnostic or screening tool. As the surveys cover a range of items, the proportion of students flagged through them should not be interpreted as overall well-being levels or prevalence of mental health concerns. It is therefore also not a measure of whether student well-being has improved or worsened over time. School-level results are available to MOE and are considered alongside other indicators in informing MOE's support for schools. At the system level, MOE monitors youth well-being trends through a range of indicators, including local research studies, such as the Youth Epidemiology and Resilience Study and the Institute of Mental Health's National Mental Health and Well-being Survey.
Review of AI Detection Tools and Academic Policies at Institutes of Higher Learning and Establishment of Transparent Student Appeals Process›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 118w
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written-answer-24491
Ms Lee Hui Ying49 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Education whether the Ministry will issue updated guidelines to all Institutes of Higher Learning to (i) review their use of AI-detection tools and AI-related academic policies and (ii) establish a transparent, independent and timely appeals process for students who are flagged for suspected AI use.
Mr Desmond Lee69 words
[+1 sentence]The Ministry of Education will provide an oral answer to this Parliamentary Question (PQ), together with other PQs that have been filed on this topic, at the next available opportunity. [Please refer to "Guidelines for Institutes of Higher Learning on Use of AI-writing Detection Tools", Official Report, 10 September 2026, Vol 96, Issue 37, Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer not Answered by End of Question Time section.]
Assessing Risk of Simultaneously Low Solar Generation and Impact on Electricity Reliability, and Measures to Mitigate Supply Risks›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 252w
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written-answer-24492
Mr Gabriel Lam74 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry) (a) whether the Energy Market Authority has assessed the risk of simultaneously low solar generation across Singapore and those imported from Johor over prolonged periods, and its impact on electricity reliability; (b) what reserve capacity or contingency measures are in place to mitigate such correlated supply risks; and (c) whether these resilience assessments form part of the criteria for approving future electricity import projects.
Dr Tan See Leng178 words
[+6 sentences]The Energy Market Authority (EMA) monitors power supply and demand around the clock to ensure that our power systems remain stable. In the event of prolonged low generation from domestic solar installations, we have sufficient domestic generation capacity in the form of natural gas-fired power plants to provide replacement supply. Singapore currently imports only a very small amount of electricity, but if we increase the volume of imports in the future, we will maintain similar backup plans. In addition, we have the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Singapore, which can respond within seconds to mitigate sudden shortfalls from domestic solar or imported electricity. As we increase the deployment of local solar and the volume of electricity imports, we will also deploy more BESS as necessary to maintain stringent power supply reliability standards. Similarly, when EMA evaluates electricity import proposals, it also ensures that our power system will continue to be resilient with the entry of more imported electricity, including in situations when there are simultaneously low volumes of domestic solar energy and imported electricity over prolonged periods.
Addressing Risks of Disproportionate Growth in Electronics Manufacturing versus Domestic-facing Sectors and Measures to Mitigate Concentration Risks›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 152w
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written-answer-24493
Mr Shawn Loh58 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry) in light of stellar overall GDP growth rates (a) whether the Ministry has assessed new concentration risks arising from disproportionately high growth in the electronics manufacturing sector while tepid growth is observed in domestic-facing sectors; and (b) if so, whether there are strategies to mitigate these concentration risks.
Dr Tan See Leng94 words
[+5 sentences]Singapore's economy is well diversified. In 2025, services accounted for around 70% of gross domestic product (GDP) across wholesale trade, finance and insurance, transportation and storage, and information and communications. Manufacturing, which includes electronics, accounted for 18.5% of GDP. Growth in the second quarter of 2026 was broad-based, with manufacturing, wholesale trade, finance and insurance, and information and communications growing by 12.5%, 8.3%, 6.2% and 5.0%, respectively. Nonetheless, we are mindful of the risks of becoming reliant on any particular sector, firm or end-market, and will continue to monitor for potential concentration risks closely.
Data on Rental Rates for Orchard Road Pop-up Spaces, Neighbouring Mall Vacancies and Plans to Support Local Brand Growth Through Pop-up Retail›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 193w
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written-answer-24494
Mr Ng Shi Xuan65 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry) (a) what is the proposed rent for the new pop-up spaces along Orchard Road relative to retail spaces in neighbouring malls; (b) whether the Government has data on the vacancy rates in these malls; and (c) whether there are plans being considered for local brands using such pop-up stores in their next wave of growth.
Dr Tan See Leng128 words
[+6 sentences]The pop-up spaces along Orchard Road aim to inject vibrancy through distinctive lifestyle and retail experiences. These spaces also aim to support emerging local brands by providing a more accessible platform for them to test the market. The proposed rent will be determined by market valuation. It will also take into consideration the short-term nature of the lease (ranging from one to six months) and the Singapore Tourism Board's objective to attract new-to-market brands, brands with new concepts as well as promising local brands. As such, the rents are unlikely to be comparable to longer-term leases in neighbouring malls. The vacancy rate of retail space in the Orchard Planning Area was 7.1% in the first quarter of 2026 and has remained relatively stable over the past two years.
Effectiveness of CaseTrust Prepayment Protections and Update on Consumer Protection Review Panel›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 252w
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written-answer-24495
Mr Alex Yeo74 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry) (a) whether the Ministry has information on (i) what proportion of prepayment losses exceeding $1.9 million in the first half of 2026 arose from CaseTrust-accredited companies with prepayment protection, and (ii) whether CaseTrust-accreditation can be mandated for businesses offering high-value prepaid packages; and (b) for an update from the Consumer Protection Review Panel on its review of the existing protections for high-value package purchases.
Dr Tan See Leng178 words
[+9 sentences]Of the prepayment losses reported in the first half of 2026, 3% arose from CaseTrust-accredited businesses with prepayment protection. For these affected consumers, the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) has been working with the insurer to facilitate refunds for the unutilised portions of their prepaid packages. CaseTrust is currently a voluntary accreditation scheme led by CASE to recognise businesses that commit to fair trading standards, including prepayment protection. Mandating this as a requirement for businesses offering high-value prepaid packages will impose additional costs that might be passed on to consumers. The Government's approach thus far has been to educate consumers to help them make informed decisions and manage prepayment risks. For example, consumers can look out for and transact with CaseTrust-accredited businesses, which have measures in place to safeguard prepayments. Consumers are also encouraged to opt for progressive payments instead of lump-sum payments upfront, especially for large-value purchases. The Consumer Protection Review Panel has been reviewing key consumer concerns, including the adequacy of prepayment protection. The Panel is expected to publish its findings and recommendations later this year.
CaseTrust Accreditation Coverage Across Sectors and Prepayment Safeguards for Wedding, Bridal and Photography Sector›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 194w
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written-answer-24496
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis63 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry) (a) to the Government's knowledge (i) how many businesses are currently CaseTrust-accredited (ii) what proportion this represents of businesses in each covered sector and (iii) whether any wedding, bridal and photography business has ever been eligible for CaseTrust accreditation; and (b) what prepayment protections currently apply to the wedding, bridal and photography sector.
Dr Tan See Leng131 words
[+6 sentences]As of 31 July 2026, there are 909 accredited entities across the various CaseTrust accreditation schemes. The Government does not have the data on the proportion of businesses with CaseTrust accreditation for each covered sector. CaseTrust is a voluntary accreditation scheme to recognise businesses that commit to fair trading standards, including transparent pricing, prepayment protection, proper documentation of contracts and robust dispute resolution processes. Businesses that are willing to commit to these fair-trading standards are welcome to apply to the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) for eligibility of CaseTrust. There are currently no CaseTrust accredited wedding, bridal and photography businesses. CASE will continue to engage industry to encourage adoption of the accreditation scheme and to raise consumer awareness of the benefits of choosing accredited businesses, particularly for transactions involving significant prepayments.
Support for Flat Owners with Rain-damaged Main Doors and Grille Gates in Common Corridors with Inadequate Rain Protection›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 120w
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written-answer-24498
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong57 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for National Development where owners have already installed HDB-approved rain screens or where applications to install rain screens have not been approved by HDB, whether HDB will consider assisting flat owners with the cost of replacing main doors and grille gates that undergo premature deterioration due to rainwater exposure along insufficiently protected common corridors.
Mr Chee Hong Tat63 words
[+3 sentences]When the Housing and Development Board (HDB) receives feedback from residents that the rainwater splashing is severe, HDB will offer to provide a rain screen near their front door if fire requirements can be met. The installation is fully funded by HDB. The replacement of doors and grille gates will be paid for by home owners, if they choose to replace these items.
Scope of Environmental Impact Assessment for Housing Sites to Include Wider Climate Effects and Criteria to Release Nature Areas for Development›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 160w
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written-answer-24499
Dr Hamid Razak53 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether environmental impact assessments for housing sites evaluate wider climate effects, including loss of carbon sequestration capacity, beyond construction-phase impacts; and (b) what criteria are applied when deciding whether a nature area intended to be "kept for as long as possible" may be released for development.
Mr Chee Hong Tat107 words
[+1 sentence]This question was addressed in the Ministry of National Development's reply to the questions asked by Dr Charlene Chen, Mr Christopher de Souza, Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong, Ms Eileen Chong Pei Shan, Ms Elysa Chen, Mr Fadli Fawzi, Ms He Ting Ru, Ms Joan Pereira, Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat, Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin, Miss Rachel Ong, Ms Valerie Lee and Mr Low Wu Yang Andre on 4 August 2026. [Please refer to "Assessments, Consultations and Consideration of Alternative Sites for Housing before Decisions on Clearance of Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest", Official Report, 4 August 2026, Vol 96, Issue 33, Oral Answers to Questions section.]
Rationale and Cost Evaluation for Bundling Soft Services into Integrated Facilities Management Contracts and Nominated Subcontractor Model›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 140w
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written-answer-24502
Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat70 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for National Development (a) what the policy basis is for incorporating soft facilities management services into Integrated Facilities Management contracts, and whether any cost or service-quality evaluation supports it; (b) whether there is information on (i) what proportion of such services is now bundled (ii) how many suppliers have moved from prime to subcontractor as a result; and (c) whether a nominated subcontractor model can be applied.
Mr Chee Hong Tat70 words
[+4 sentences]The Building and Construction Authority promotes Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) to enhance productivity and uplift the Facilities Management (FM) industry. Building owners are not required to incorporate soft FM services into IFM contracts. Depending on their operational needs, they may choose to bundle these services within IFM contracts, nominate subcontractors or contract directly with specialist service providers. Since 2020, around 90% of public sector IFM tenders include soft FM services.
Fulfilling Minimum Occupation Period Post-divorce and Compensation Price Formula for Returned Flats›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 140w
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written-answer-24503
Mr Alex Yeo69 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for National Development in the case of the minimum occupation period (MOP) not having been fulfilled at the point of divorce and neither party is able to retain the flat (a) whether divorced couples can be allowed to serve out MOP by agreement, particularly if a family nucleus remains; and (b) what is the formula of the compensation price for such flats returned to the HDB.
Mr Chee Hong Tat71 words
[+3 sentences]As flat owners who divorced are no longer considered an eligible family nucleus, they cannot retain the flat together to serve out the Minimum Occupation Period. If neither party is able to retain the flat, they would have to return the flat to the Housing and Development Board (HDB). The compensation payable for the flat returned to HDB takes into account the original flat price and the flat owners' individual circumstances.
Age Review Timeline and Announcement of HDB Flat Eligibility for Singles›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 84w
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written-answer-24504
Mr David Hoe50 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for National Development given that the eligibility age of 35 for singles to buy HDB flats has been under review since at least August 2025, and following the BTO income ceiling increase and supply ramp-up, when will (i) the review conclude and (ii) its outcome be announced.
Mr Chee Hong Tat34 words
[+2 sentences]As previously mentioned, the Ministry of National Development is reviewing the minimum eligibility age for singles to buy Housing and Development Board flats. We will share more details when the review has been completed.
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for National Development why an individual who undertakes the Lease Buyback Scheme before age 65 and has already met the Basic Retirement Sum may be required to use additional proceeds for CPF retirement payouts rather than being permitted to withdraw the amount in cash.
Mr Chee Hong Tat82 words
[+4 sentences]The eligibility age for the Lease Buyback Scheme (LBS) is 65. The Housing and Development Board may make exceptions for those with extenuating circumstances to take up the LBS at a younger age. Proceeds from the LBS are first used to top up owners' Central Provident Fund (CPF) Retirement Account, before balance proceeds can be withdrawn in cash. The required CPF top-up may vary depending on individual circumstances, to balance between enhancing retirement adequacy and allowing proceeds to be kept as cash.
Data on Retail Space Occupancy Trends and Vacancy Rates in Past 10 Years›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 126w
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written-answer-24506
Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik44 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for National Development for each of the past 10 years and by URA Planning Area, what is the number and proportion of retail units that have remained vacant for (i) more than six months and (ii) more than 12 months, respectively.
Mr Chee Hong Tat82 words
[+3 sentences]It is more meaningful to measure retail vacancies by floor area rather than by number of units, as retail units can vary considerably in size. Retail vacancies are also measured on an aggregated basis rather than on a unit-basis, as the size and configuration of retail units can change over time. The vacancy rates of retail properties in the Central Region and Outside Central Region over the past 10 years, as a proportion of floor area, are shown in the table below:
Aligning Classification of Research Scholarship Payments for PhD Programmes for Purposes of Housing Grant Assessment and Income Tax Framework›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 110w
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written-answer-24507
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim43 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for National Development in calculating income for the purposes of HDB CPF Housing Grants, why are research scholarship payments for PhD programmes in the autonomous universities treated as income even though IRAS does not regard such payments as taxable income.
Mr Chee Hong Tat67 words
[+3 sentences]The Housing and Development Board (HDB) assesses a household's eligibility for housing subsidy and loans based on the household's income from trade- or employment-related activities. HDB considers stipends for PhD programmes as income when assessing eligibility for HDB housing grants and loans as they typically involve work done or services rendered during the programme. The stipend is also provided continuously over several years, similar to employment income.
Review of Private Property Occupancy Cap for Units under 90 Square Metres and Restricting Rental of Non-Residential Spaces›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 114w
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written-answer-24508
Mr Fadli Fawzi55 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for National Development whether the Government has any plans to review the occupancy cap of six unrelated people for private property units smaller than 90 square metres or to restrict the rentals of rooms not designed for human occupancy, such as utility rooms, storerooms and bomb shelters and if not, why not.
Mr Chee Hong Tat59 words
[+2 sentences]The occupancy cap of six unrelated persons for private residential properties of less than 90 square metres provides flexibility for property owners to rent out their homes and cater to rental demand while balancing against disamenities to neighbours. Within this occupancy cap, the rental of spaces within a residential property are private contractual matters between the landlord and tenant.
Assessment of Restricted Beach Areas and Allowing Free Public Access to All Beaches›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 139w
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written-answer-24510
Dr Neo Kok Beng49 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for National Development (a) what are the beaches in Singapore, if any, that are not open for free public access; and (b) whether the Government will consider designating all beaches in Singapore, subject to security requirements, as public goods and making them available to the public.
Mr Chee Hong Tat90 words
[+5 sentences]Recreational beaches are open for free public access. Even when some limited areas within these beaches are tenanted to operators of dining amenities and entertainment facilities and access to those areas may be restricted, pedestrian connectivity by the general public is fully maintained along the beaches. Singaporeans, therefore, have access to a wide range of beaches across the island for recreation and leisure. A small number of beaches are not recreational in nature. These are not open for public access in view of conservation and research value or security restrictions.
Data on Applications Outcomes for First-timer Status Reinstatement Appeals in Past Five Years›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 134w
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written-answer-24511
Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye50 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for National Development (a) for each of the past five years, how many appeals has HDB received from applicants seeking to be considered as first-timer applicants where their deceased or former spouse had previously enjoyed a housing subsidy; and (b) what proportion of these appeals were successful.
Mr Chee Hong Tat84 words
[+3 sentences]There are many different scenarios in which applicants may have a former or deceased spouse who had previously enjoyed a housing subsidy. Whether the applicant is considered a first-timer depends on the circumstances of each case, such as when the first subsidised flat was bought or sold and whether the applicant was registered as an owner or occupier in the first flat. Affected applicants may approach the Housing and Development Board (HDB) for assistance, and HDB will assess each appeal on a case-by-case basis.
Expanding Community Care Apartment Assisted-living Model Eligibility Beyond Seniors to Include Special Needs Caregivers and Other Vulnerable Groups›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 197w
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written-answer-24512
Mr Cai Yinzhou56 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether HDB has assessed which groups beyond seniors could benefit from the assisted-living model that Community Care Apartments provide; (b) whether ageing caregivers of adult children with special needs have been considered among such groups; and (c) whether HDB will consider broadening eligibility to non-senior households requiring supported living.
Mr Chee Hong Tat141 words
[+6 sentences]Community Care Apartments (CCAs) are designed to help seniors with low to moderate care needs age independently in the community. Seniors who are caregivers of persons with disabilities (PwDs) are eligible to apply for CCAs. The Housing and Development Board does not have current plans to broaden CCA eligibility to other groups beyond seniors. The Government is studying how services can be organised and delivered to households with PwDs who require supported living within the community. For example, the Ministry of Social and Family Development and SG Enable are working on the Enabled Living Programme and Home Support Programme pilots, which aim to support PwDs with low to moderate support needs to live independently in their own homes. Through the pilots, the Government will learn how to better support PwDs across a range of disability needs as well as their caregivers.
Improvements to Public Consultation Process in Incorporating Public Feedback for Major Development Sites›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 610w
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written-answer-24513
Mr Cai Yinzhou64 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for National Development following public feedback from the Gillman Barracks and Maju Forest housing proposals (a) what changes have been made to how HDB and URA conduct public consultation for major development sites; (b) whether announcements of future developments will immediately precede with a consultation process; and (c) whether the Ministry will publish how public feedback has altered final development plans.
Mr Chee Hong Tat546 words
[+14 sentences]My response will also cover related questions raised by Ms Rachel Ong and Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong, for subsequent Sittings. [Please refer to "Conducting Environmental Impact Assessments at Master Planning Stage", Official Report, 9 September 2026, Vol 96, Issue 36, Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer not Answered by End of Question Time section; "Data on Environmental Impact Assessments Commissioned, Project Outcomes and Recommendations Adopted Since 2019, and Transparency and Public Participation Since 2020", Official Report, 9 September 2026, Vol 96, Issue 36, Written Answers to Questions section; "Biodiversity Studies for Tagore Forest", Official Report, 10 September 2026, Vol 96, Issue 37, Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer not Answered by End of Question Time section; "Adequacy of Ecological Corridor Width and Greater Forest Retention at Gillman Barracks Development in Light of Environmental Impact Assessment Recommendations and Biodiversity Considerations", Official Report, 10 September 2026, Vol 96, Issue 37, Written Answers to Questions section; and "Mandatory Elements of NParks Biodiversity Impact Assessment Guidelines, Justification for Deviations, Independence of Compliance Reviews and Strengthening Mandatory Requirements", Official Report, 10 September 2026, Vol 96, Issue 37, Written Answers to Questions section.] The sites at Sunset Way and Gillman Barracks are required for housing, while the proposed new western island is being studied for other strategic national needs, including in security, energy and industry. The Government engages stakeholders on land use planning at multiple stages. As part of the Long-Term Plan (LTP) Review, the Urban Redevelopment Authority consults members of the public, nature and heritage groups, industry professionals and academics when setting out the planning vision for Singapore over the next 50 to 60 years. Guided by the National Parks Board's islandwide Ecological Profiling Exercise, which was conducted in consultation with an independent scientific Advisory Panel, a conceptual Green and Blue Plan was created as part of the LTP to guide long-term development strategies, including the identification of ecological corridors to safeguard ecological connectivity. The long-term planning vision is then translated into the Master Plan to guide implementation over the next 10 to 15 years. We seek public feedback on the Master Plan through public exhibitions, and in-depth focus group discussions with a wide range of stakeholders. At the site level, proposed developments with potentially significant environmental impact are required to conduct an environmental impact assessment (EIA) to assess the magnitude of the impact and propose appropriate mitigation measures. An EIA is conducted only when a particular development proposal is being studied, as it requires up-to-date environmental baseline information, as well as conceptual development plans and scope of work. During the EIA process, agencies will carefully consider the extent of potential impact and adequacy of the proposed mitigation measures, in consultation with nature and community stakeholders. For example, in designing Berlayar Estate, the Housing and Development Board worked closely with nature groups and took in their feedback and suggestions to shape the green corridors within the site. These corridors will offer green respite and recreational areas for residents and facilitate ecological connectivity between the Southern Ridges and Labrador Nature Reserve. EIA reports, including executive summaries, are made available for public feedback. Agencies carefully consider the feedback received and may make revisions to the conceptual plans. A revised EIA report with responses to the feedback will then be published.
Dedicated Flat Allocation Quota for First-timer Families with Children Separate from Married Couples Without Children›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 177w
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written-answer-24515
Dr Neo Kok Beng47 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for National Development whether a fixed percentage of BTO flats can be specially allocated for balloting only by first-time applicant families with at least a child, instead of being included in the same priority scheme as married couples who do not yet have children.
Mr Chee Hong Tat130 words
[+4 sentences]Today, the majority of 3-room and larger flats are set aside for First-Timer (FT) families. Within this quota, FT families with at least one child enjoy additional ballot chances if they qualify for the First-Timer (Parents and Married Couples) category, as well as first priority when they apply for a 4-room or smaller Standard Build-To-Order flat under the Family and Parenthood Priority Scheme. In addition, starting from the February 2027 sales exercise, FT families with or expecting children will receive one additional ballot chance for each Singapore Citizen child aged 18 and below. This suite of measures provides FT families with children significantly improved chances of securing a new flat, without the Housing and Development Board setting aside a certain percentage of the flat supply for this group of buyers.
Data on Pet-related Disamenity Complaints in Past Three Years and Dispute Resolution Mechanisms in Private Residential Developments›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 185w
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written-answer-24516
Ms Valerie Lee68 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for National Development (a) how many complaints the authorities have received in the past three years relating to disamenities arising from pets kept in condominiums and private apartments; (b) how are these complaints disaggregated by type of pet and nature of disamenity; and (c) what avenues of recourse are available to affected neighbours where the MCST or managing agent is unable to resolve persistent disputes.
Mr Chee Hong Tat117 words
[+4 sentences]Over the past three years, the National Parks Board (NParks) received an average of about 3,000 feedback cases each year relating to pet-related disamenities islandwide. To help prevent pet-related disamenities, NParks requires all first-time cat and dog licence applicants to complete a free online course on responsible pet ownership. NParks also works with the People's Association, Town Councils, Management Corporations Strata Title (MCSTs) and their managing agents to promote responsible pet ownership among residents. Where disputes among condominium and private apartment residents cannot be resolved through MCSTs or managing agents, affected neighbours may consider community mediation, apply to the Strata Titles Boards where appropriate, or seek recourse through the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunals as a last resort.
Targeted Transport Assistance for Lower- and Middle-income Households with Recurring Caregiver Transport Costs for Frequent Outpatient Treatment›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 143w
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written-answer-24517
Miss Rachel Ong55 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Transport (a) whether the Government has studied the cumulative public transport costs incurred by caregivers accompanying family members requiring frequent outpatient treatment, such as dialysis, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or rehabilitation; and (b) if so, whether more targeted transport assistance should be considered for lower- and middle-income households facing significant recurring transport expenditure.
Mr Jeffrey Siow88 words
[+4 sentences]The Land Transport Authority currently does not directly track public transport expenses incurred by caregivers accompanying others for medical visits. Caregivers who are heavy users of public transport can purchase monthly passes to help manage their public transport expenditure. Caregivers from lower-income households also benefit from other schemes, such as the Public Transport Vouchers, in years of transport fare increases. We are sympathetic to the needs of caregivers and will continue to explore ways to help them access public transport when they accompany their family members for treatment.
Assessment of Optimal Rail Operating Licence Duration to Encourage Long-term Technology and Workforce Capability Investment›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 118w
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written-answer-24518
Mr Gabriel Lam51 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Transport (a) whether the Ministry has assessed the optimal duration of rail operating licences to encourage long-term investments in technology and workforce capabilities; (b) what factors determine licence length; and (c) whether there are plans to review the current framework in light of increasing capital investment requirements.
Mr Jeffrey Siow67 words
[+1 sentence]This question has been addressed in the written reply issued for Question No 116 for oral answer for the 8 September 2026 Parliament sitting. [Please refer to "Relative Merits of Periodically Tendering MRT Operating Licences Versus Having Dedicated Long-term Operators for MRT Lines", Official Report, 8 September 2026, Vol 96, Issue 35, Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer not Answered by End of Question Time section.]
Construction of Sheltered Walkways from St Michael's Bus Interchange to Residential Blocks at Lorong Limau and Whampoa Road to Improve Connectivity for Elderly Residents›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 83w
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written-answer-24519
Mr Shawn Loh58 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Transport whether the LTA could consider building sheltered walkways from St Michael's Bus Interchange to nearby HDB blocks at Lorong Limau and along Whampoa Rd, as part of LTA's commitment to provide pedestrians with a sheltered walk within 200 metres from bus interchanges, especially given the higher needs of the ageing population at Whampoa.
Mr Jeffrey Siow25 words
[+2 sentences]Covered linkways will be provided from St Michael's Bus Terminal to nearby Housing and Development Board blocks within 200 metres. Construction will begin by 2029.
Upgrading Earlier Silver Zones into Friendly Streets for Barrier-Free Access and Improved Sheltered Walkway Connectivity›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 87w
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written-answer-24520
Mr Shawn Loh46 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Transport whether the LTA would consider converting earlier Silver Zones, such as those at Whampoa Drive, into LTA's new Friendly Streets, so that a single initiative can cover the same standards for traffic calming measures, barrier-free access and especially sheltered walkway connectivity.
Mr Jeffrey Siow41 words
[+2 sentences]Friendly Streets were introduced in 2023 to make walking journeys safer, more convenient and comfortable for all users. We will progressively enhance Silver Zones, including at Whampoa Drive, and provide similar covered linkway connectivity as Friendly Streets in the coming years.
Data on Licensed Heavy-vehicle Parking Lot Availability, Vehicle Parking Certificate Allocation and Utilisation Rates by Region›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 165w
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written-answer-24521
Mr Mark Lee61 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Transport (a) what is the number of licensed heavy vehicle parking lots available to third-party vehicles, by region; (b) what are their Vehicle Parking Certificate allocation and actual overnight occupancy rates; and (c) whether LTA has assessed if their geographical distribution corresponds with the principal industrial and logistics areas where heavy commercial vehicles are based and deployed.
Mr Jeffrey Siow104 words
[+6 sentences]As at 1 September 2026, there are 35,712 licensed private heavy vehicle parking lots, with an overall utilisation1 rate of 99%. The breakdown by region is shown in Table 1. These numbers vary across time depending on market conditions. Heavy vehicle owners may visit the Land Transport Authority's (LTA's) OneMotoring website for the latest information on availability. Licensed heavy vehicle park operators manage the utilisation of these parking spaces, and LTA does not collect data on the overnight occupancy rates. The Government will continue to monitor the heavy vehicle parking situation and take steps to ensure the geographical distribution of supply can meet demand.
Review of Regulatory Framework for On-road Cyclists and Efforts to Enhance Road User Awareness›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 216w
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written-answer-24522
Mr Alex Yeo69 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Transport in view of the increasing number of accidents involving cyclists (a) whether the Ministry will consider (i) licensing on-road pedal cyclists and (ii) introducing a similar mandatory theory test currently required of power-assisted bicycle riders for such cyclists; and (b) whether the Ministry has plans to enhance public education efforts to raise awareness and clarity of the rules and regulations for different road users.
Mr Jeffrey Siow147 words
[+6 sentences]During the Active Mobility Advisory Panel's review of on-road safety in 2021, the panel considered the licensing of on-road cyclists of non-motorised devices but did not recommend it. Based on their review of practices in overseas jurisdictions, there was little evidence that such measures would improve road safety and deter errant cyclists. Such measures could impose regulatory and compliance burdens on a large and diverse group of cyclists, including casual users, children and elderly, which may not be proportionate to the expected safety outcomes. Nevertheless, the Government will continue to review the need to introduce mandatory licensing, a theory test or mandatory knowledge of the Highway Code for on-road cyclists of non-motorised devices. Road safety is a shared responsibility among all road users. The Land Transport Authority and the Traffic Police will continue to conduct public education campaigns and step up the promotion of safe cycling practices.
Feasibility Study Outcome and Implementation Timeline for Hougang Avenue 1 Bus Stops Near Blocks 174A to 174D›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 64w
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written-answer-24523
Ms Sylvia Lim48 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Transport (a) whether the feasibility studies by the LTA to erect a pair of bus stops along Hougang Avenue 1 in the vicinity of Blocks 174A to 174D have concluded; and (b) if so, whether the bus stops will be erected and by when.
Mr Jeffrey Siow16 words
[+2 sentences]Construction of the bus stops will begin in 2027. We thank the Member for her patience.
Enhanced Transport Support Framework for Large Families to Include COE Benefits, Fuel Vouchers and Enhanced Point-to-point Transport Support Services›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 89w
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written-answer-24524
Mr David Hoe58 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Transport whether the additional transport support for large families as announced at the 2026 National Day Rally will include (i) targeted support for private vehicle access, such as COE priority or rebates, or fuel vouchers and (ii) enhanced point-to-point transport support, such as ride-hailing or taxi credits specifically for larger vehicles and child-seat services.
Mr Jeffrey Siow31 words
[+2 sentences]As mentioned at the National Day Rally 2026, we will provide additional financial support to large families to meet a range of transport needs. We will share more details when ready.
Review of Vehicle Safety Requirements for Accessibility of Emergency Mechanical Door Releases and Recall or Inspection Actions for Electrical and Door System Failures›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 199w
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written-answer-24525
Mr Low Wu Yang Andre61 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Transport in light of recent overseas recalls of vehicles concerning inaccessible emergency mechanical door releases (a) whether LTA will review whether Singapore’s vehicle-safety requirements adequately ensure occupants can exit a vehicle after electrical or door-system failure; and (b) what recall, inspection or other safety action it will take where equivalent risks are identified in locally registered vehicles.
Mr Jeffrey Siow138 words
[+5 sentences]The Land Transport Authority regularly reviews vehicle safety requirements to keep pace with industry and technological developments, including electronic door systems. We monitor closely international safety standards, including the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Regulations on door latches and hinges which all vehicles in Singapore must comply with. We note that China has issued a recall for all vehicles with electronic door systems where the mechanical emergency releases may be difficult to locate or operate in times of emergency and we are reaching out to the Chinese authorities to better understand the basis for the recall. In the meantime, all drivers and vehicle users should familiarise themselves with the vehicles which they are using, including the location and operation of mechanical emergency door releases. Owners who have queries about their specific vehicles should contact their motor dealers.
Tracking of Standard Fitment of Active-safety Systems by Vehicle Variant in Newly Registered Passenger Cars›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 78w
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written-answer-24526
Mr Low Wu Yang Andre41 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Transport (a) whether LTA tracks, by exact vehicle variant, the standard fitment of active safety systems, including autonomous emergency braking and lane support, in newly registered passenger cars; and (b) if so, what are the data tracked.
Mr Jeffrey Siow37 words
[+1 sentence]The Land Transport Authority keeps records of vehicle models available in Singapore that are fitted with active safety features, such as emergency brake assist, blind spot assist, lane departure warning, anti-lock braking system and traction control system.
Assessment of Rental Rates for Co-Living Accommodation Pilot under SG Youth Plan and Data on Income Distribution of Age-eligible Singaporean Beneficiaries›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 89w
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written-answer-24527
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis61 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (a) whether the Ministry had assessed the reasonableness of the monthly rental rates for the discounted co-living accommodation pilot launched under the SG Youth Plan; and (b) what is the (i) 25th percentile, (ii) median and (iii) 75th percentile of incomes earned by Singaporeans within the age eligibility criteria for the co-living units.
Mr David Neo28 words
[+1 sentence]The pilot is an initiative from private sector providers and meant precisely to glean lessons on youths' needs, preferences, cost and other design considerations for flexible accommodation options.
Prioritising National Stadium Use for Major Sporting Events with Broad National Significance›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 140w
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written-answer-24528
Mr Christopher de Souza37 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth how the Government prioritises use of our National Stadium for major sporting events that are of broader significance to Singaporeans, such as high-interest football matches involving Singapore's national team.
Mr David Neo103 words
[+4 sentences]The Kallang Group makes a special effort for the National Stadium to host events of national significance and major sporting events, including high-interest football matches involving our national teams. For example, the Lions' home games in the lead-up to Singapore's historic AFC Asian Cup qualification were played at the National Stadium. For the recent ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 semi-finals match, there was insufficient time to remove the stage and other infrastructure, reinstate the stadium and install the natural grass pitch to meet international competition standards after hosting the National Day Parade five days prior. The match was therefore held at Jalan Besar Stadium.
Breakdown of Parents on Full-time Employment by Income Distribution, Gender and for those with Children Aged 21 and Below›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 116w
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written-answer-24529
Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan62 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Acting Minister for Manpower (a) what is the number of resident full-time employed (i) mothers with at least one child aged 21 years and below and (ii) fathers with at least one child aged 21 years and below; and (b) what are the 25th percentile, median and 75th percentile gross monthly incomes, inclusive of employer CPF contributions, for each group.
Ms Jasmin Lau54 words
[+2 sentences]In 2025, there were 332,000 resident full-time employed mothers, and 409,000 resident full-time employed fathers with at least one resident child aged 21 years and below1. The 25th percentile, median and 75th percentile gross monthly income from employment, inclusive of employer/platform operator Central Provident Fund contributions, for each group are shown in Table 1.
Rationale for Anonymising Employment Claims Tribunal Judgments and Legal Implications of Self-identification on Public Platforms›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 189w
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written-answer-24530
Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan57 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Acting Minister for Manpower (a) what are the reasons behind anonymising the names of parties in the published judgments of the Employment Claims Tribunal; (b) whether the parties in those cases are allowed to identify themselves publicly, including via social media; and (c) if not, what offence does it amount to if they do so.
Ms Jasmin Lau132 words
[+5 sentences]The Employment Claims Tribunal (ECT) has decided to anonymise the identities of parties in its published judgments. This takes into account the applicable legal principles and factors unique to ECT proceedings, which include the private nature of such proceedings and the sensitivity of personal information which may be disclosed. Anonymisation allows the legal principles underlying a decision to be made public to help the public, businesses and workers better understand the law, without unnecessarily exposing the identities of the parties involved in cases. Public self-identification by a party in connection with an ECT judgment does not, in itself, amount to an offence. Whether such a party might face legal consequences depends on the nature and circumstances of the disclosure and any restrictions or directions that may have been imposed by the Court.
Breakdown of ONE Pass Holders by Industry and Income Percentile in 2024 and 2025›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 109w
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written-answer-24531
Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan47 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Acting Minister for Manpower based on the total Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass (ONE Pass) holders in 2024 and 2025, what is the breakdown in numbers of these holders by (i) industry and (ii) their last drawn salary at the 25th, 50th and 75th percentiles.
Ms Jasmin Lau62 words
[+3 sentences]In 2025, the three top sectors employing Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass (ONE Pass) holders were (i) Financial and Insurance Services, (ii) Information and Communication, and (iii) Professional Services. Table 1 provides the salaries of ONE Pass holders at the 25th, 50th and 75th percentiles respectively, at the point of their ONE Pass applications. We do not track their last drawn salaries.
Allowing Prospective Employers to Check Local Employee's Eligibility Counted Towards Foreign Worker Quota Entitlements for Manpower Requirements Planning›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 262w
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written-answer-24532
Mr Shawn Loh63 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Acting Minister for Manpower with the increasing prevalence of fractional work, whether a local employee's eligibility to be counted towards foreign worker quotas, that is, whether they are already receiving CPF from two or more employers, could be disclosed to prospective employers prior to being hired, for example via the myMOM Portal, to help employers more appropriately plan their manpower requirements.
Ms Jasmin Lau199 words
[+8 sentences]A firm's foreign worker quota is calculated based on the latest three-month average number of eligible local employees in the firm. Recognising that some locals may need to work in multiple jobs across different firms, we allow each resident worker to count towards the quota of up to two firms. The number of locals working in three or more jobs is very low, at around 0.5% of resident employees in 2025. For existing employees, employers can view their local workforce count, quota entitlement and quota balance through the Work Permit Online system. Where there are any changes in employment arrangements of an existing employee that affect quota entitlement, this will be reflected in the system. For prospective employees, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) does not currently provide employers with information on whether a candidate would count towards their quota, as this involves the candidate's employment arrangements with other employers, which are personal in nature. Disclosing such information without the employee's knowledge or consent raises privacy considerations that need to be carefully weighed. Should employers require clarifications on their foreign worker quota, they may approach MOM which will work with them to clarify how their foreign worker quota was derived.
Employer Access to Local Employee Foreign Worker Quota Eligibility Status and Real-time Notification of Eligibility Changes›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 262w
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written-answer-24533
Ms Yeo Wan Ling63 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Acting Minister for Manpower (a) whether employers can be provided with an indication of whether each local employee is eligible to count towards their foreign worker quota, particularly where employees receive CPF contributions from multiple employers; (b) whether employers can be notified when such eligibility changes; and (c) how can employers accurately plan their manpower requirements without access to such information.
Ms Jasmin Lau199 words
[+8 sentences]A firm's foreign worker quota is calculated based on the latest three-month average number of eligible local employees in the firm. Recognising that some locals may need to work in multiple jobs across different firms, we allow each resident worker to count towards the quota of up to two firms. The number of locals working in three or more jobs is very low, at around 0.5% of resident employees in 2025. For existing employees, employers can view their local workforce count, quota entitlement and quota balance through the Work Permit Online system. Where there are any changes in employment arrangements of an existing employee that affect quota entitlement, this will be reflected in the system. For prospective employees, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) does not currently provide employers with information on whether a candidate would count towards their quota, as this involves the candidate's employment arrangements with other employers, which are personal in nature. Disclosing such information without the employee's knowledge or consent raises privacy considerations that need to be carefully weighed. Should employers require clarifications on their foreign worker quota, they may approach MOM, which will work with them to clarify how their foreign worker quota was derived.
Mandatory Eldercare and Childcare Training for New Migrant Domestic Workers›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 198w
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written-answer-24534
Ms Joan Pereira35 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Acting Minister for Manpower (a) whether the Ministry will consider requiring all new migrant domestic workers to attend mandatory training programmes on caregiving for elderly or the young; and (b) if not, why.
Ms Jasmin Lau163 words
[+7 sentences]The Ministry of Manpower currently has no plans to require new Migrant Domestic Workers (MDWs) to attend mandatory caregiving training, given that different households have different needs and employers are best placed to determine the skills that their MDWs need. We encourage and support employers in sending their MDWs for training to meet the care needs of their households. Agencies, like Agency for Integrated Care and SG Enable, work with training partners to offer over 240 courses covering a range of caregiving skills, including caring for infants, seniors and persons with disabilities. Home-based training is also available, thereby making training more accessible for MDWs. Employers can send their MDWs who are caregivers for eligible care recipients to caregiver training courses using the Caregivers Training Grant (CTG). The CTG was enhanced from 1 April 2024, increasing from $200 to $400 per year, per care recipient. The Government will continue to regularly review how we can further support the take-up of caregiving training among MDWs.
Assessment of Entry-level PMET Job Postings by Experience Requirements and Employment Type›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 177w
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written-answer-24535
Dr Wan Rizal75 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Acting Minister for Manpower regarding the 32,800 entry-level Professionals, Managers, Executives, and Technicians (PMET) job openings as at March 2026 (a) what criteria are used to classify a vacancy as entry-level; (b) what proportions of these openings required (i) no prior work experience, (ii) up to one year work experience and (iii) more than one year work experience, respectively; and (c) what proportions are (i) permanent positions (ii) fixed-term positions and (iii) traineeships.
Ms Jasmin Lau102 words
[+5 sentences]Entry-level Professionals, Managers, Executives and Technicians (PMET) job vacancies are defined as PMET job vacancies with a minimum offered salary of between $2,300 and $5,000. This is a proxy measure which broadly corresponds to the range of starting salaries typically observed among tertiary-educated new entrants to the workforce. Not all employers may specify their job requirements in sufficient detail to provide the precise breakdown requested. Nonetheless, nearly 80% of entry-level PMET job vacancies required three years or less of work experience. At least eight in 10 of the 32,800 vacancies were permanent positions, while the remainder comprised temporary or fixed-term contract positions.
Outcomes of Wrongful Dismissal Claims and Review of Statutory Compensation Ceiling in Light of Wage Growth and Higher Jurisdictional Limits for Claims›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 171w
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written-answer-24536
Dr Wan Rizal70 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Acting Minister for Manpower (a) for each year since 2019, how many (i) wrongful dismissal claims were determined in favour of employees by Employment Claims Tribunals and (ii) awards reached the claim limit of $20,000, $30,000 or the prescribed ceiling of three months' pay for loss of income; and (b) whether the Ministry will review these limits given wage growth and higher jurisdictional limit for workplace discrimination claims.
Ms Jasmin Lau101 words
[+4 sentences]From 2020 to 2025, the Employment Claims Tribunals (ECT) awarded compensation in favour of employees to 623 wrongful dismissal claims, representing around 30% of total wrongful dismissal claims filed at ECT. Full year data for 2019 is unavailable, as the ECT only started hearing wrongful dismissal claims from April 2019. Over the same period, among claims where compensation was awarded, less than 9% reached their respective claim limit of $20,000 or $30,000 for union-assisted claims. The Ministry of Manpower reviews the ECT's monetary claim limits from time to time as part of our regular policy reviews, in consultation with tripartite partners.
Provision of Prorated Paid Sick Leave for Employees Serving Probation Period›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 165w
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written-answer-24537
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim26 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Acting Minister for Manpower whether the Ministry has considered providing for prorated paid sick leave for employees who are still serving their probation period.
Ms Jasmin Lau139 words
[+7 sentences]Under the Employment Act, an employee's sick leave entitlement depends on their length of service, rather than their probation period. Employees are entitled to paid outpatient sick leave and hospitalisation leave once they have served their employer for at least three months. From three months onwards, the employee's entitlement scales with their duration of service. After six months of service, the employee will get their full paid annual sick leave entitlement. This approach reflects our tripartite consensus that entitlements should be commensurate with the employment relationship as it develops and is consistent with how other employment benefits, such as annual leave, are structured. There are also employers who already exercise flexibility to grant paid sick leave during their probation period as part of good employment practices. The Ministry of Manpower and our tripartite partners will continue to encourage this.
Prohibiting Potential Employers from Requesting Personal Information Aligned with Workplace Fairness Act›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 117w
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written-answer-24538
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim39 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Acting Minister for Manpower whether the Ministry has considered, consistent with the Workplace Fairness Act when it comes into operation, making it illegal for potential employers to request age or marital status prior to a formal offer.
Ms Jasmin Lau78 words
[+4 sentences]Under the Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices, employers should only ask for information relevant to assessing an applicant's suitability for a job. This applies to requests for personal information. If such information is requested prior to the point of job offer, employers should clearly inform the applicant why the information is relevant to assessing his or her suitability. Employers which make adverse employment decisions based on protected characteristics would be in breach of the Workplace Fairness Act.
Review of Local Qualifying Salary Against Resident Worker Wages from 2016 to 2026 and Benchmarks Used›Written Answers to Questions2 turns · 111w
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written-answer-24539
Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye56 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Acting Minister for Manpower (a) for each year from 2016 to 2026, what percentile of the wage distribution of full-time resident employees did the prevailing Local Qualifying Salary (LQS) correspond to; and (b) whether the Ministry has a target or reference percentile of the resident wage distribution that it considers when reviewing the LQS.
Ms Jasmin Lau55 words
[+3 sentences]From 2016 to 2026, the Local Qualifying Salary (LQS) corresponded broadly to the sixth percentile of the wage distribution of full-time resident employees1. The Ministry of Manpower regularly reviews the LQS, taking into account multiple factors, including prevailing labour market and economic conditions. On 1 July 2026, we raised the LQS from $1,600 to $1,800.
Data on Cambodian Sand Import in Past Five Years, and Framework for Responsible Sourcing and Sand Extraction in Source Countries›Written Answers to Questions3 turns · 178w
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written-answer-24544
Ms He Ting Ru53 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether sand obtained from Cambodia is being used in any current or upcoming land reclamation projects; and (b) whether commercial entities procuring sand for such projects are required to adhere to a responsible sourcing framework that evaluates social and environmental impact at the point of extraction.
Mr Fadli Fawzi68 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for National Development (a) for each of the last five years, whether the Government has data on the (i) total dollar value and (ii) total weight of sand, respectively, imported for land reclamation and (iii) proportion which came from Cambodia; and (b) how does the Government ensure that sand imported for land reclamation does not cause ecosystem and environmental damage in the country of origin.
Mr Chee Hong Tat57 words
[+3 sentences]Sand used for current and upcoming land reclamation projects is sourced on a commercial basis and from countries where it is legally permissible to do so. We expect sand exporters to comply with the laws and regulations of the source countries. Singapore imports sand from a diverse range of countries to ensure resilience in our sand supply.
Review of Legal Framework and Enforcement Powers to Protect Marine Biodiversity in Publicly Accessible Intertidal Areas›Written Answers to Questions3 turns · 168w
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written-answer-24546
Ms Gho Sze Kee50 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether the Government has reviewed if the differing statutory protections for Singapore's publicly accessible intertidal zones remain appropriate; and (b) whether it will consider extending NParks' statutory jurisdiction to such areas, to provide a more consistent framework to better protect Singapore's marine biodiversity.
Mr Alex Yeo63 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for National Development in light of the recent intertidal marine wildlife foraging incident (a) what is the status of the Ministry’s review since 2022 in terms of strengthening protection for marine organisms under the Wildlife Act; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider extending NParks' current jurisdiction and enforcement powers, to restrict the collection of marine wildlife and preserve biodiversity.
Mr Chee Hong Tat55 words
[+3 sentences]The National Parks Board (NParks) undertakes outreach efforts, including educating the public, installing signage and engaging stakeholders, to encourage responsible behaviour in intertidal areas and reduce disturbance to marine wildlife. These measures were stepped up in 2022, which helped reduce foraging activities. NParks is currently reviewing the statutory framework for the protection of intertidal wildlife.
Public Agencies' Preparedness, Response Protocols and Exercises for AI-generated Imagery Disinformation›Written Answers to Questions3 turns · 182w
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written-answer-24547
Mr Gabriel Lam53 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information (a) whether the Government has assessed the implications of AI-generated geospatial imagery for Singapore's crisis communications and public warning systems; (b) whether existing disinformation response protocols adequately cover fabricated satellite imagery; and (c) whether new guidance will be issued to public agencies in this respect.
Mr Gabriel Lam42 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information (a) whether the Government conducts exercises involving AI-generated imagery depicting false incidents in Singapore; (b) if so, which agencies participate; and (c) what lessons have been learnt to improve responses to future AI-enabled disinformation.
Mrs Josephine Teo87 words
[+5 sentences]The Government recognises the risks posed by AI-generated images, including fabricated geospatial imagery and incidents, in crisis situations. We have targeted measures in place to address AI-generated misinformation. Existing laws and response measures against misinformation, including the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act, may apply where falsehoods are communicated against the public interest. This includes falsehoods communicated via AI-generated images. The Government regularly reviews its measures to tackle emerging misinformation threats and also ensures that its emergency preparedness measures are updated to address potential crisis situations.
Take-up Rate, Usage and Effectiveness of Anti-scam Safeguards Introduced by CPF Board›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 315w
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written-answer-na-24298
Assoc Prof Kenneth Goh58 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Acting Minister for Manpower (a) what has been the take-up rate and usage of the anti-scam safeguards introduced by CPF Board, including the (i) CPF Withdrawal Lock (ii) Trusted Contacts and (iii) CPF Safety Switch; and (b) whether CPF Board has assessed if these safeguards are reaching CPF members who are most at risk of scams.
Ms Jasmin Lau257 words
[+12 sentences]The Central Provident Fund Board (CPFB) takes a multi-pronged approach to safeguard members' CPF savings from scams. For example, all CPF withdrawals are credited directly into registered bank accounts that have been verified to belong to the member. There are also authentication and mandatory cooling periods for important transactions, such as updating registered bank accounts. Besides these safeguards which apply to all members, CPFB also empowers members to tailor the level of security to their needs through tools, like the CPF withdrawal lock, trusted contact notification service, and safety switch. Since launch in November 2023, over 25,000 members have activated the CPF withdrawal lock to set their daily online withdrawal limit to $0. Members who have not activated the withdrawal lock are subject to the default daily online withdrawal limit of $2,000. There are almost 5,000 active trusted contact appointments since its launch in February 2026, of which over 60% are by members above the age of 55. About 60 members have activated the safety switch since its launch in February 2026. The number is small as it is only meant to be activated if members suspect unauthorised access to their CPF accounts by scammers. None of the members have incurred any losses due to unauthorised access. These safeguards are complemented by active engagement of members through multiple touchpoints to raise awareness of trending scam tactics and anti-scam measures. Together, these safeguards have proven effective in minimising CPF losses arising from authorised withdrawals to a very small proportion of less than 1% of overall scam losses nationwide.
Integrating Wraparound Support into Jobseeker Support Scheme for Involuntarily Unemployed›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 134w
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written-answer-na-24301
Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan46 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Acting Minister for Manpower whether the Skills and Workforce Development Agency (SWDA) will consider integrating wraparound support in addition to monetary support for the involuntarily unemployed into the Jobseeker Support Scheme, such as childcare or caregiving support and temporary deferment of HDB housing loans.
Ms Jasmin Lau88 words
[+4 sentences]The SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme provides temporary financial support to involuntarily unemployed individuals while they actively seek employment. Jobseekers can also tap on the range of employment facilitation services and programmes offered by the Skills and Workforce Development Agency and its partners. The SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme is not intended to provide other forms of support, such as childcare, caregiving or deferment of Housing and Development Board loans. Individuals who require support in such areas may wish to visit the SupportGoWhere online portal or approach the respective agencies.
Progressive Wage Model Sectors Where Basic Wage Schedules Have Exceeded $2,600 Threshold›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 388w
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written-answer-na-24303
Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat58 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Acting Minister for Manpower (a) which Progressive Wage Model sectors have basic wage schedules that now exceed the threshold of $2,600 in Part 4 of the Employment Act; (b) how many employees have moved outside the coverage of Part 4 as a result; and (c) whether the threshold is reviewed when a wage schedule is set.
Ms Jasmin Lau330 words
[+15 sentences]Part 4 of the Employment Act provides additional protections to non-workmen who earn a basic monthly salary of $2,600 or below, and to workmen who earn a basic monthly salary of $4,500 or below. These protections include overtime pay and limits on daily working hours. Currently, the only Progressive Wage Model (PWM) sector where all job rungs are out of Part 4 coverage is the outsourced security sector. Since January 2024, outsourced PWM security officers covered under the PWM are no longer within the scope of Part 4. This was a deliberate decision by the Security Tripartite Cluster to set wages above the threshold, so that outsourced security officers can enjoy sustainable wage growth without needing to work overtime to earn more. The PWM wage schedules for all sectors can be found on the Ministry of Manpower's (MOM's) website. For all other PWM sectors, whether a worker falls under Part 4 depends on both their actual job responsibilities and whether their salary is below the relevant threshold. Because of this, MOM does not have data on the precise number of workers who have moved out of Part 4 coverage as a result of PWM wage increases. Part 4 and PWM serve complementary but distinct purposes. Part 4 protects lower-income workers who may have less bargaining power, by ensuring they have overtime pay and caps on working hours per day. The PWM, on the other hand, sets a minimum floor for wages in specific sectors, ensuring workers receive a guaranteed level of pay regardless of overtime hours. Where PWM workers' wages remain below the Part 4 thresholds, they continue to benefit from both sets of protection. Both the Part 4 thresholds and PWM wage schedules are reviewed regularly by MOM and tripartite partners. The Tripartite Workgroup on the Employment Act Review is currently reviewing Part 4 to ensure that these protections remain relevant and continue to support workers who need them the most. We will announce the outcome in due course.
Verifying Local Employees' Status So It Counts Towards Employer's Foreign Worker Quota›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 259w
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written-answer-na-24304
Ms Diana Pang Li Yen60 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Acting Minister for Manpower given that a local employee may cease to count towards an employer's foreign worker quota when receiving CPF contributions from multiple employers (a) how employers can verify an employee's status to count towards the employer's foreign worker quota; and (b) whether the Ministry will provide employers with eligibility notifications without disclosing other employment arrangements.
Ms Jasmin Lau199 words
[+8 sentences]A firm's foreign worker quota is calculated based on the latest three-month average number of eligible local employees in the firm. Recognising that some locals may need to work in multiple jobs across different firms, we allow each resident worker to count towards the quota of up to two firms. The number of locals working in three or more jobs is very low, at around 0.5% of resident employees in 2025. For existing employees, employers can view their local workforce count, quota entitlement and quota balance through the Work Permit Online system. Where there are any changes in employment arrangements of an existing employee that affect quota entitlement, this will be reflected in the system. For prospective employees, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) does not currently provide employers with information on whether a candidate would count towards their quota, as this involves the candidate's employment arrangements with other employers, which are personal in nature. Disclosing such information without the employee's knowledge or consent raises privacy considerations that need to be carefully weighed. Should employers require clarifications on their foreign worker quota, they may approach MOM which will work with them to clarify how their foreign worker quota was derived.
Protections for Workers Returning to Work After Major Illnesses›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 314w
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written-answer-na-24306
Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye55 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Acting Minister for Manpower in light of the recent Employment Claims Tribunal judgment involving a cancer survivor who resigned after difficulties obtaining suitable workplace accommodations, whether the Ministry will consider strengthening protections for workers returning to work after major illnesses, including clearer obligations on employers to provide reasonable workplace accommodations during their recovery.
Ms Jasmin Lau259 words
[+9 sentences]The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is aware of the Employment Claims Tribunals case the Member referred to. It raises a useful question about whether the current framework provides sufficient clarity to employers and employees on workplace accommodations during recovery from serious illness and whether there is scope to strengthen guidance in this area. Employers are already expected under the Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices (TAFEP) to treat employees fairly including employees with health conditions, and the upcoming Workplace Fairness Act will further strengthen protections against adverse employment decisions. MOM is working with our tripartite partners, the National Trades Union Congress and Singapore National Employers Federation, on a Tripartite Advisory on Reasonable Accommodations, which will provide guidance to employers on the provision of reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. The principles in this advisory will also be applicable to employees recovering from major illness, injury or managing chronic medical conditions. MOM intends to ensure that the advisory provides both employers and employees with a better understanding of what reasonable accommodations look like in practice and how to work through disagreements constructively. MOM is also working with the Alliance for Action on Safety and Health for Employment Longevity, which was recently launched to strengthen support for workplace safety and health, including supporting employees' return to work after a serious injury or health episode. MOM will draw on the Alliance's work to develop more structured guidance for both employers and employees. In the meantime, employees who face difficulties obtaining reasonable accommodations from their employers may approach TAFEP or MOM for assistance.
Workplace Fatalities Involving Workers being Struck by Falling Objects and Common Causes Identified›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 240w
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written-answer-na-24307
Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye54 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Acting Minister for Manpower (a) how many workplace fatalities from January to August 2026 involved workers being struck by falling objects; (b) whether the Ministry has identified any common causes or safety lapses contributing to such incidents; and (c) whether targeted measures will be introduced to strengthen the prevention of such incidents.
Ms Jasmin Lau186 words
[+8 sentences]From January to August 2026, there was one fatality in August from a worker being struck by falling objects. The contributing factors to such incidents include equipment failure, unsafe worker behaviour or work procedures and poor housekeeping practices. To address these risks, employers may refer to the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Guidelines on Safeguarding Against Falling Objects, which provide practical guidance on areas, such as conducting risk assessments, proper storage of items and the safe transfer of materials or goods. Under the WSH Act, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) already requires employers to ensure that workers are adequately trained to perform their work. The aforementioned WSH guidelines set out recommended training topics related to the prevention of and protection from falling objects. Additionally, as part of routine workplace safety inspections, MOM checks for falling object hazards, such as inadequate scaffold netting, to prevent tools, loose materials and debris from falling and injuring workers below. The WSH Council also issues advisories to encourage employers to remain vigilant and comply with existing guidelines. These advisories cover learning points from fatal incidents involving workers struck by falling objects.
Support for SMEs to Manage Manpower Gaps Arising from Expanded Childcare Leave›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 335w
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written-answer-na-24310
Ms Valerie Lee66 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Acting Minister for Manpower (a) how the Ministry will help SMEs manage manpower gaps arising from expanded childcare leave; (b) how it will ensure workloads are not disproportionately shifted to non-parent employees; and (c) what safeguards will be put in place to prevent employers from inadvertently discriminating against parents or becoming less willing to hire workers with caregiving responsibilities due to their leave entitlements.
Ms Jasmin Lau269 words
[+10 sentences]As part of the child-related leave enhancements recently announced at the National Day Rally, the Government will reimburse employers for the full duration of all child-related leave schemes. This will defray the financial costs for employers, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs), enabling them to bring in additional manpower to cover employees on leave rather than relying only on redistributing work to colleagues. Employers can also tap on the Skills and Workforce Development Agency's Enterprise Workforce Transformation Package (EWTP) to reskill their employees and redesign jobs and processes to better manage manpower gaps. Under EWTP, employers can cross-train employees to provide cover across roles, adopt flexible staffing arrangements and explore technology tools that support workforce planning and scheduling. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and tripartite partners will also provide guidance to help employers, especially SMEs, manage leave periods fairly without placing disproportionate burdens on non-parent employees. Under the Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices, employers are already required to adopt fair and merit-based employment practices, including in hiring and promotion decisions. The Workplace Fairness Act will further strengthen these protections by prohibiting adverse employment decisions based on pregnancy and caregiving responsibilities when it comes into force in end-2027. Individuals who experience such discrimination may seek assistance from the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices. MOM will work with our tripartite partners to help employers implement the leave enhancements and foster a culture of mutual support in the workplace. Ultimately, we want to build workplaces where supporting employees with caregiving responsibilities is seen as part of what it means to be a good employer and a cohesive team.
Proposed Institutional Endorsement Framework for Recruitment of Top-tier Global Talent›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 274w
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written-answer-na-24312
Ms Lee Hui Ying65 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Acting Minister for Manpower in view of efforts to attract top-tier global talent through schemes, such as the Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (a) whether the Government will study the feasibility of introducing a dedicated institutional endorsement framework, modelled on the Foreign Artistic Talent Scheme; and (b) what safeguards will be put in place to complement local talent development, and protect career opportunities.
Ms Jasmin Lau209 words
[+6 sentences]The Overseas Networks and Expertise (ONE) Pass is our pinnacle work pass for global talent, with eligibility set at a high bar to ensure it remains targeted at individuals with outstanding achievements in business, arts and culture, sports, academia and research. We have sector-specific endorsement frameworks in place, where relevant sector agencies rigorously assess candidates before endorsing them for the ONE Pass, ONE Pass (AI & Tech) or ONE Pass (Investment Management) tracks. We will continue to review whether additional or refined endorsement frameworks are needed as our talent attraction needs evolve. ONE Pass holders are expected to contribute to Singapore's broader economic and employment ecosystem, by drawing global firms, creating good jobs and supporting local talent development. On the ONE Pass (Investment Management) track, for example, the Ministry of Manpower works closely with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to ensure that endorsed talent helps grow professional opportunities for Singaporeans in financial services, supported by MAS' talent development partnerships with major financial institutions. We will continue to monitor employment outcomes in sectors with ONE Pass holders, review eligibility criteria regularly to ensure the ONE Pass scheme remains well-targeted and create structured opportunities for ONE Pass holders to contribute to local talent development, including through mentorship and knowledge transfer.
Enforcement Actions Against Sale or Supply of Cough Mixtures Misused for Intoxication›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 195w
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written-answer-na-24322
Ms Diana Pang Li Yen70 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health in each of the past five years (a) how many operations targeted the illegal sale or supply of cough mixtures misused for intoxication, including codeine or dihydrocodeine products; (b) how many prosecutions, composition fines and repeat offenders were recorded, and how many clinics, wholesalers or suppliers faced enforcement action; and (c) whether penalties for repeat offenders will be reviewed.
Mr Ong Ye Kung125 words
[+6 sentences]Between 2021 and 2025, the Health Sciences Authority conducted over 700 operations targeting the illegal sales or supply of cough preparations, seizing more than 2.2 million millilitres of cough preparations containing codeine or dihydrocodeine with an estimated street value of approximately $620,000. About 126 offenders were also caught for the illegal supply of cough preparations, of which 35 were repeated offenders. Around 46 offenders have thus far been prosecuted. There is also one case involving a registered medical practitioner for which Court proceedings commenced in 2025. Under the Health Product Act 2007, a person found to have supplied illegal health products may, upon conviction, be fined up to $50,000 or face imprisonment of up to two years, or both. Repeat offenders may face higher penalties.
Ensuring Value-for-money and Service Performance of Synapxe's Critical National Health IT Systems›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 157w
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written-answer-na-24323
Dr Haresh Singaraju62 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health given Synapxe's role as the sole national HealthTech agency (a) how value for money and service performance of critical national health IT systems are assured; (b) how Synapxe's costs and service standards are benchmarked against industry comparators; and (c) how concentration risk in national health IT infrastructure is assessed and mitigated.
Mr Ong Ye Kung95 words
[+5 sentences]Synapxe is the information technology (IT) corporate function of the public healthcare system. It is not different from banks, airlines or other major organisations having their own corporate IT function. IT is a core capability of any major organisation and should not be deemed as presenting concentration risk. That said, Synapxe benchmarks its costs and standards against other similar service providers, it is accountable to its Board – the MOH Holdings Board – and the Ministry of Health. It also works with other commercial IT vendors, including based on competitive bidding to ensure value-for-money procurement.
Eligibility and Priority Assessments for Enhanced Home Personal Care Programme›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 176w
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written-answer-na-24324
Ms Cassandra Lee72 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) whether the Ministry has information on how the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) assesses eligibility and priority for Enhanced Home Personal Care (HPC+), including whether a senior has a caregiver and, where one is present, the caregiver's health, availability, capacity to provide sustained care and need for support or a break; and (b) if so, what are the assessment criteria.
Mr Ong Ye Kung104 words
[+4 sentences]Enhanced Home Personal Care (HPC+) supports seniors who require assistance with activities of daily living and may also provide respite for their caregivers. When assessing eligibility for HPC+, the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) considers both the senior's care needs and the caregiving situation. This includes whether the senior has a caregiver, the extent of caregiver support available and the caregiver's ability and availability to provide care on a sustained basis, and whether the caregiver requires respite support. AIC conducts these assessments using the interRAI Check-Up tool, complemented by judgement to take into account the individual circumstances of the senior and caregiver where appropriate.
Likely Impact on Quality and Continuity of Care for Patients Who Travel to Johor Bahru for Healthcare Given Upcoming RTS Link›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 153w
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written-answer-na-24325
Dr Haresh Singaraju70 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) whether the Ministry has assessed the likely impact of the upcoming RTS Link on the number of residents travelling to Johor Bahru for medical care and prescription medicines; and (b) what measures are planned to safeguard continuity and safety of care for patients with chronic conditions who receive part of their care or medicines outside Singapore's healthcare system.
Mr Ong Ye Kung83 words
[+4 sentences]With greater convenience from the upcoming Johor Bahru – Singapore Rapid Transit System Link, more residents may choose to seek healthcare services or obtain medicines across the border. Overseas healthcare providers are not regulated by the Singapore Ministry of Health. Residents should therefore exercise due diligence when seeking treatment or purchasing medicines outside Singapore. It would also be advisable for them to retain and share their overseas medical records with their local healthcare providers back in Singapore, for the continuity of their care.
Possible Gaps in MediSave Coverage for Lower- and Middle-income Retirees Who Need Sustained Outpatient Care›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 213w
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written-answer-na-24328
Ms Elysa Chen68 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health beyond the recent increases to withdrawal limits for the Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP), Flexi-MediSave and outpatient scans (a) whether lower- and middle-income retirees with chronic conditions outside the remit of these specific schemes face gaps in MediSave coverage for sustained outpatient care; and (b) how the Ministry monitors affordability of outpatient healthcare services for these groups.
Mr Ong Ye Kung145 words
[+6 sentences]The Ministry of Health (MOH) has been progressively expanding outpatient MediSave use for chronic disease management, through the coverage of Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP) conditions. From 1 January 2027, MOH will further expand CDMP to include hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. The annual withdrawal limits for the MediSave Chronic and Preventive Care scheme will also be raised from $500 to $700 for patients without complex chronic conditions, and from $700 to $1,000 for patients with complex chronic conditions. We should remember that CDMP enables patients to use MediSave to co-pay for the post-subsidy portion of their medical bills. The main support for patients is still healthcare subsidy, which is up to 70% at public Specialist Outpatient Clinics and up to 75% at polyclinics, with further support for the Pioneer and Merdeka Generation cohorts. We will continue to regularly review our financing schemes to support patient affordability.
Streamlining Digital Apps of Public Healthcare Providers for Better User Experience›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 112w
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Mr Christopher de Souza47 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health in light of the myriad digital healthcare applications used by public healthcare system users, especially seniors, whether the Government will consider consolidating or streamlining these applications for a more consistent and convenient user experience across them.
Mr Ong Ye Kung65 words
[+3 sentences]Last year, the Ministry of Health announced plans to consolidate HealthHub and the three Cluster apps – Health Buddy, NHG Health and OneNUHS. The single consolidated national health app will be launched in November this year. We will continue to improve the features and user experience of our digital health apps, so that we can better support residents, including the elderly, in managing their health.
Protocols for Dealing With Risk of Heightened Irritability, Impulsivity or Aggression Among Vulnerable Groups during Heat Waves›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 185w
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Dr Choo Pei Ling61 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) whether the Heat Stress Advisory and associated public health guidance account for heightened irritability, impulsivity or aggression risk among vulnerable groups during heat waves, including psychiatric patients, dementia caregivers and frail elderly persons; and (b) whether frontline health and allied health protocols incorporate this risk during sustained hot periods.
Mr Ong Ye Kung124 words
[+5 sentences]The Heat Stress Advisory provides practical guidance for the public to plan outdoor activities based on prevailing heat stress levels and advises individuals who are more vulnerable to heat-related illness, including the elderly and those with relevant medical conditions, to exercise greater caution. The Advisory focuses on well recognised health risks, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and recommends practical measures, such as drinking more fluids, taking regular breaks and reducing prolonged outdoor activity. Agitation, irritability or impulsive behaviour can arise from many different factors. Frontline healthcare professionals are trained to assess each individual, identify and assess possible underlying causes, including environmental factors, where relevant, and provide appropriate treatment. These clinical processes apply at all times, including during sustained hot periods.
Developing Corporate Due Diligence Framework to Align Singapore-registered Firms with EU's Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 162w
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Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong55 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry (Trade) whether the Government will consider introducing a mandatory Corporate Due Diligence framework to align Singapore-registered firms with the European Union's Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive on fostering sustainable and responsible corporate behaviour to maintain our competitive edge as a transparent global trade hub.
Mr Gan Kim Yong107 words
[+4 sentences]We have no plans to introduce a corporate due diligence framework, like the European Union's Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive at the moment. We will continue to study other regimes and review our regulatory approach from time to time to ensure it remains robust and relevant while balancing the obligations on our companies. We have already introduced in phases reporting requirements for sustainability which are aligned with the International Sustainability Standards Board standards for listed and large non-listed companies. We also help companies build capabilities they need to adapt to evolving sustainability-related requirements in overseas markets through Enterprise Singapore's Enterprise Sustainability Programme and the Enterprise Development Grant.
Reviving "Sing Singapore" Festival to Build Community Spirit in Run-up to Future National Day Celebrations›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 160w
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Assoc Prof Terence Ho43 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (a) whether the Ministry will consider reviving the Sing Singapore music festival for community groups and schools to build community spirit in the run-up to future National Day celebrations; and (b) if not, why not.
Mr David Neo117 words
[+6 sentences]We agree with the Member that singing together can strengthen Singaporeans' sense of national identity. Sing Singapore was introduced in 1988 to promote national bonding through group singing of national and community songs. While the programme is no longer active, community singing has become more widespread and has taken root through various initiatives, including community-led ones by organisations ranging from the People's Association to Voices of Singapore and ArtsEverywhere@CDC programmes. The Ministry will continue to support efforts that bring Singaporeans together through songs. Citizens, ground-ups, schools and Singapore-registered organisations can tap on the SG Partnerships Fund to organise initiatives that build community spirit. They can also approach the Singapore Government Partnerships Office for advice and implementation support.
Evolving Grassroots Engagement Models to Better Engage Digitally-savvy and Diverse Population›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 253w
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Mr Darryl David31 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth what is the current strategy for evolving grassroots engagement models to better reflect the needs of a more digitally savvy and diverse population.
Mr Edwin Tong Chun Fai222 words
[+9 sentences]Mr Speaker, I am answering in my capacity as the Minister charged with the responsibility for the People's Association (PA). Our residents' interests and aspirations continually evolve. This includes a growing appreciation for digital connection as well as the use of digital platforms to engage communities. PA keeps a finger on the pulse of such developments and we continually make adjustments to the way in which digital platforms can be increasingly deployed to better engage as well as assist our residents. This includes the progressive launch of the PA Community App and the digital display panels, which allows residents to know more about their community, programmes, courses, events and volunteering opportunities. At the same time, we are also mindful that some residents are less digitally savvy and may be unable to connect on digital platforms. For these residents, we continue to find ways to engage and assist them in a manner which is appropriate, whilst at the same time taking steps to encourage them to learn about and embrace the use of technology. Beyond resident-facing engagement, PA also makes use of technology to enhance the quality of community events and improve the efficiency of our internal operations. By continually integrating smarter digital tools into our workflows, PA will be better positioned to direct our efforts and resources towards serving the community better.
Protection of Public Monies Disbursed through Arts and Heritage Grants where Recipient Organisations Subsequently Encounter Financial Difficulties›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 193w
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Mr Alex Yam51 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (a) what safeguards are in place to protect public monies disbursed through arts and heritage grants and matching funds where recipient organisations subsequently encounter financial difficulties; and (b) whether recent cases have prompted a review of financial monitoring, governance requirements and recovery mechanisms.
Mr David Neo142 words
[+9 sentences]The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, the National Arts Council (NAC) and the National Heritage Board (NHB) have put in place safeguards throughout the funding process. Before funding is awarded, NHB and NAC assess applicants' track records, governance and organisational capacity. Disbursements are subject to stipulated conditions and deliverables. Agencies engage grant recipients throughout the funding period to monitor their progress and identify issues early. Where concerns arise, NAC and NHB may withhold further disbursements. In the unlikely event that a recipient is unable to fulfil their obligations, NAC and NHB may act as provisioned under funding agreements. This includes terminating the grant and seeking recovery of monies through legal action where necessary. Agencies will pursue all reasonable avenues to recover the public funds. NAC and NHB regularly review grant administration, monitoring and recovery processes, which are subject to internal audits.
Expansion of Jalan Besar Stadium Seating Capacity to Reduce Ticket Scalping›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 72w
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Mr Fadli Fawzi43 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth whether the Government will consider expanding the seating capacity of Jalan Besar Stadium, including through the installation of a permanent stand along King George's Avenue, so as to reduce the ticket scarcity that enables scalping.
Mr David Neo29 words
[+2 sentences]SportSG and Football Association of Singapore are in the final stages of implementing plans to expand the seating capacity of Jalan Besar Stadium. We will share more details soon.
Identity-verification Requirements for Level "3" Telephone Numbers Linked to Recent Government Officials Impersonation Scams›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 245w
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Dr Hamid Razak57 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information in light of recent Government Officials Impersonation Scams involving calls from eight-digit numbers beginning with "3" (a) what identity-verification and traceability requirements apply when service providers assign Level "3" telephone numbers to customers; and (b) whether these requirements and procedures for suspending numbers linked to scams will be reviewed.
Mrs Josephine Teo188 words
[+8 sentences]The Government takes a serious view of scams, including Government Officials Impersonation Scams that misuse Singapore telephone numbers to deceive victims. The Singapore Police Force (SPF) works closely with the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and the telecommunication operators to detect and disrupt misused Singapore telephone numbers. Today, all telecommunication operators that provide voice services are required to record and verify the particulars of subscribers, including corporate subscribers, at the point of registration. These requirements, which support law enforcement agencies' investigation and enforcement efforts, apply to the provision of voice services using all Singapore telephone numbers, including series "3" numbers. Where series "3" numbers are suspected or found to be used for scams, SPF requires telecommunication operators to suspend these numbers. The Government will continue to update our anti-scam measures and safeguards, including possible enhancements to the telephony ecosystem. For series "3" numbers, IMDA is reviewing registration and authentication requirements as well as the conditions for number allocation. This is to ensure that the measures remain effective against evolving scam tactics, while considering the impact on legitimate businesses and companies that use series "3" numbers for business operations.
Assessing Media Literacy Among Singaporeans Including Ability to Identify Misinformation and Disinformation›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 88w
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Assoc Prof Terence Ho46 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information (a) whether the Government conducts regular surveys to assess media literacy among Singaporeans, particularly their ability to critically evaluate online information and to identify misinformation and disinformation; and (b) whether the findings are tracked across different age groups.
Mrs Josephine Teo42 words
[+2 sentences]The Ministry of Digital Development and Information conducts regular surveys to track Singaporeans' confidence in assessing and verifying online information. The findings, which are tracked across different age groups, help us assess and improve the effectiveness of regulatory and public education efforts.
Requesting Meta to Deploy Teenage Usage Restriction in Singapore›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 172w
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Mr Ang Wei Neng60 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information arising from the lawsuit settlement against Meta in the US recently and Meta's agreement to restrict teenagers' usage of Meta platforms, whether the Ministry will consider requesting (i) Meta to do the same in Singapore and (ii) other social media platforms to adopt similar measures to restrict access by teenagers in Singapore.
Mrs Josephine Teo112 words
[+5 sentences]We have been engaging with Meta, as well as other designated social media services, on age assurance measures and stronger safeguards to better protect children in Singapore. They are similar to safeguards which Meta has agreed to introduce for Facebook and Instagram as part of the settlement in the United States (US). Such safeguards will also apply to children aged below 18, which is aligned with Singapore's preference. While the US settlement is a useful reference point, our approach will ultimately be guided by Singapore's context and expectations of online safety. To support our specific set of requirements for platforms, we plan to introduce the necessary legislative amendments by early next year.
Encouraging GenAI Micro-drama Production by Local Artists and Content Providers Through Grants or Incentives›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 206w
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Dr Neo Kok Beng51 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information with the advent of GenAI in video productions (a) whether the Ministry has a programme or initiative to encourage GenAI micro-drama production by artists and content providers; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider introducing grants or incentives to promote such AI usage.
Mrs Josephine Teo155 words
[+7 sentences]Artificial intelligence (AI) offers opportunities for artists and content providers to experiment with new storytelling formats, lower production costs and reach new audiences. Under the National AI Impact Programme, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has curated a selection of AI x Media courses supported by the Skills and Workforce Development Agency. These courses equip media professionals to use AI, including generative AI, across media workflows – from writing and storytelling to content creation, production and editing. IMDA's Digital Content and Capability Development Programme also supports media companies in building capabilities and developing talent through experimentation with emerging technologies, production approaches and digital storytelling formats. These include AI-generated content, short-form episodic series and micro-dramas. We encourage media companies and professionals to use AI tools thoughtfully, with the same care and craft they bring to any production. Regardless of the tools used, the person must remain responsible for creative decisions and quality of the final work.
Reviewing Concerns Raised and Accommodations for SEN Students in Episode of Reported Disparities in GCE "O" Level Oral English Exam Prompts›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 185w
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Miss Rachel Ong68 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Education in light of the public feedback on the O-level English oral examination (a) whether the Ministry has reviewed factors contributing to the concerns raised, including perceived disparities between preparation prompts and the actual questions; (b) whether appropriate access accommodations were provided for candidates with special educational needs, particularly those on the autism spectrum; and (c) what refinements will be made for the examinations.
Mr Desmond Lee117 words
[+4 sentences]For national examinations, the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board approves Access Arrangements to help students with physical or learning disabilities demonstrate their knowledge and skills without compromising assessment objectives. Of the 432 candidates who reported the discrepancy in prompts, four of them were candidates with learning needs who had been granted access arrangements prior to the examinations. This included candidates on the autism spectrum. The other questions raised by the Member have been addressed during the Parliament Sitting on 5 August 2026. [Please refer to "Probe into 15 July GCE "O" Level English Oral Exam Incident, Lessons Learnt and Support for Affected Candidates", Official Report, 5 August 2026, Vol 96, Issue 34, Oral Answers to Questions section.]
Update on Mentorship Framework for Teachers›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 213w
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Mr Darryl David43 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Education (a) whether the Ministry can provide an update on its dedicated mentorship framework for teachers and other staff within the Ministry's school system; and (b) how the Ministry ensures that these mentors remain relevant and continue to add-value.
Mr Desmond Lee170 words
[+10 sentences]Teachers and other school staff have access to structured mentoring, tailored to their roles and responsibilities, to support their development. For teachers, the focus is on mentoring to teach well. More experienced teachers will serve as instructional mentors to beginning teachers in their schools, to guide them in their professional growth. Instructional mentoring is also available to experienced teachers to help them hone their craft. There is role-specific mentoring for Allied Educators and newly appointed School Admin Team officers in their respective schools. Beyond the school, there is also mentoring support organised by clusters and zones. Mentees are supported by their mentors through developmental conversations, lesson observations and on-the-job workplace learning appropriate to their roles. On top of initial training, mentors have access to ongoing professional learning, resources and peer support to keep their skills relevant. They also hone their skills through regular use and practice. For example, instructional mentors can exchange good practices and deepen their skills with peers, mentor coaches and master teachers through organised professional learning groups.
Changes to Selection and Monitoring of Student Care Operators Following February 2026 Incident Where Student Care Operator Was Terminated›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 291w
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Ms Yeo Wan Ling68 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Education (a) what changes have been made to the selection and monitoring of student care operators following the termination of a student care operator's contract in February 2026 due to contractual breaches; (b) whether safeguards governing GIRO deductions by student care operators will be strengthened; and (c) what recourse remains available to parents who have yet to recover monies that were deducted without authorisation.
Mr Desmond Lee223 words
[+11 sentences]The Ministry of Education (MOE) has enhanced its measures for managing Student Care Centre (SCC) and Kindergarten Care (KCare) operators, following the termination of Little Professors Learning Centre Pte Ltd's (LPLC's) SCC and KCare contracts in February 2026. One, MOE conducts more regular checks on the operators' financial health, to detect early signs of operators' financial difficulties. This will enable MOE to work with operators earlier if any concerns arise. Two, from December 2026, newly appointed operators will be required to provide a security deposit, which can be drawn on to mitigate financial losses in the event of operator business failures. Three, to better protect families against unauthorised GIRO deductions, operators must now clearly specify the purposes for which GIRO deductions may be made in their contracts with parents. They will only be permitted to make deductions for those stated purposes. Operators who make unauthorised deductions may have their contracts suspended or terminated. The Monetary Authority of Singapore is working with the Association of Banks in Singapore and member banks to review how safeguards for GIRO payments can be strengthened. On the recourse for parents following the LPLC termination, MOE has advised parents to seek legal recourse through the Small Claims Tribunals. Police investigations are still ongoing. MOE will continue to review our processes and strengthen our oversight of SCC and KCare operators.
Schools' Sexuality Education Curriculum's Approach to Gender-based Violence›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 132w
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Ms He Ting Ru34 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Education (a) how the Ministry ensures the Sexuality Education curriculum's approach to gender-based violence remains relevant and effective; and (b) whether any review or update of the curriculum is planned.
Mr Desmond Lee98 words
[+5 sentences]Through the character and citizenship education curriculum and sexuality education lessons, students learn the importance of respect, privacy and safety, and that any form of abuse and harassment is unacceptable. They also learn to guard against and report abuse and violence, including gender-based ones. The Ministry of Education regularly reviews its curriculum and gathers feedback from stakeholders to ensure its relevance and effectiveness. The resources are also regularly updated to address emerging issues and risks. For example, students learn how to respond appropriately to new form of online harms, such as image-based sexual abuse and technology-facilitated gender-based violence.
Proposal for Primary 1 Registration's Distance Criterion to Take Into Account Temporary Occupation Permit Date of Residence›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 418w
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Dr Choo Pei Ling61 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Education (a) whether the Ministry has reviewed whether the current Primary 1 registration framework for new residential developments should recognise the Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) date, or other evidence of actual residence, instead of the Vacant Possession Date (VPD), when determining eligibility to use a residential address for home-school distance priority; and (b) if not, why not.
Mr Desmond Lee357 words
[+17 sentences]As mentioned in an earlier Parliamentary Question in July, the Ministry of Education (MOE) regularly reviews the provision of Primary 1 places, taking into account demographic trends and upcoming housing developments. MOE ensures that there are sufficient Primary 1 places for Singaporean children at both the national and regional levels. Nevertheless, demand varies across schools depending on parents’ preferences. Some schools may be oversubscribed while neighbouring schools have vacancies. Parents who are unsuccessful in securing a place in their preferred school may participate in subsequent phase(s) they are eligible for. If a child remains unplaced after Phase 2C (Supplementary), MOE will post the child to a school within reasonable distance from home, subject to vacancies. Currently, around 98% of Singapore Citizen and Permanent Resident children obtain a place in a primary school of their choice or within 2km of their home. This has been stable over the past few years. The Primary 1 intake for this year's Primary 1 Registration Exercise was adjusted because the cohort entering Primary 1 in 2027 and in subsequent years is getting smaller. This is part of MOE's broader effort to manage the impact of falling school enrolment. If this is not done, more schools may need to be merged, and this will affect the accessibility and geographical spread of schools across Singapore. The adjustments also help to ensure that our schools have sufficient student enrolment to offer a meaningful range of learning opportunities and programmes for their students. On the use of a new property address, the Vacant Possession Date (VPD) must be within two years of the child's entry into Primary 1. The child must reside in that address for at least 30 months, starting from the time the family moves into the new address. MOE uses VPD because it is the legally binding commitment for delivery of possession by the developer, as indicated in the Sale and Purchase Agreement. MOE does not accept an expected temporary occupation permit (TOP) date, as it is an estimated date by the developer that can be subject to change depending on construction progress. We continually review our policies and will consider such feedback.
Increasing Frequency of Inspection on Trees in Dempsey Area to Detect Trees At Risk of Falling›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 265w
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Ms Hany Soh53 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Law (a) what is the frequency of checks conducted on trees located on land in the Dempsey area managed by the Singapore Land Authority (SLA); and (b) whether SLA will increase the frequency of checks on these trees to detect trees at risk of falling as early as possible.
Mr Edwin Tong Chun Fai212 words
[+10 sentences]For the areas at Dempsey directly managed by the Singapore Land Authority (SLA), trees are inspected every six months by certified arborists. They check the overall health and stability of the trees, including looking out for exposed roots and signs of decay. SLA's tree inspection regime takes reference from the National Parks Board's tree management regime, under which the frequency of tree inspections ranges from once every six to 24 months. As Dempsey is an area with significant traffic and activity, SLA has adopted the highest frequency in that range, of once every six months. SLA will continue to review whether further measures are necessary. In addition, some areas at Dempsey are managed by SLA's master tenants and tenants, who are responsible for the maintenance of the properties, including the trees within. The fallen tree incident which happened on 22 August 2026 occurred within an area managed by a tenant. Immediately after the incident, the tenant engaged a certified arborist to check on the safety and integrity of trees around the area as a precautionary measure. The checks found the trees in the area surrounding the fallen tree to be safe. Nevertheless, the tenant is working with its arborist to strengthen the inspection and maintenance regime for the trees under its charge.
Coordinated Appointments with HDB-appointed Partners and Agencies for Visits to Flats›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 159w
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Ms Cassandra Lee56 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for National Development in respect of rectification works for HDB flats (a) is there any existing framework to coordinate access to the flat by HDB-appointed parties and agencies, like the Town Council; and (b) what measures can be put in place to reduce the burden on working households to attend to repeated visits.
Mr Chee Hong Tat103 words
[+5 sentences]Flat owners are responsible for repairs within their flats. Where the Housing and Development Board (HDB) provides assistance for such repairs at residents' request, for example, under the Goodwill Repair Assistance scheme, HDB would arrange for its contractor to carry out the works. From time to time, there may be complex repairs that involve both HDB and the Town Council. Some cases may also require more than one visit for inspection, diagnosis and rectification works, which may need to be carried out across multiple days. Where possible, HDB will coordinate amongst the relevant parties to conduct joint visits to minimise inconvenience to residents.
Reducing Noise and Disruptions Caused by Public Gatherings along HDB Common Corridors›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 76w
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Ms Denise Phua Lay Peng46 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for National Development whether any measures can be taken to reduce the noise and other disruptions caused by members of the public who gather along the common corridors of HDB flats to watch fireworks displays, including those who picnic there during such events.
Mr Chee Hong Tat30 words
[+2 sentences]Common corridors of Housing and Development Board estates are publicly accessible common spaces maintained by the Town Councils. Town Councils may consider enacting relevant by-laws to address issues of disamenities.
Disturbance from Lion Dance Performances to Residents near Homes and Industrial Areas›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 51w
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Mr Jackson Lam25 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for National Development whether HDB has assessed the impact of lion dance performances on residents living near common areas or industrial areas.
Mr Chee Hong Tat26 words
[+1 sentence]The conduct of lion dance performances is subject to the requirements of the relevant authorities and landlords, depending on where and how they are carried out.
Audits by Council for Estate Agencies to Ensure Licensed Property Agents Uphold Ethical Standards and Fair Dealing Requirements›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 128w
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Mr Darryl David43 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for National Development what measures and auditing processes does the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) have in place to ensure licensed property agents consistently uphold ethical standards and fair dealing requirements when facilitating Singapore housing transactions for citizens residing abroad.
Mr Chee Hong Tat85 words
[+4 sentences]When facilitating property transactions in Singapore, property agents and agencies are required to adhere to the ethical standards and professional duties set out in the Estate Agents Act 2010 (EAA) and its subsidiary legislation. These apply regardless of whether the transacting party is present in Singapore or residing abroad. Property agents and agencies found to be in breach of these standards and duties will be subject to disciplinary actions. Those who commit offences under the EAA or its subsidiary legislation may be prosecuted in Court.
Impact of Additionally Reclaimed Land on Development of Green Spaces›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 501w
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Mr David Hoe56 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for National Development in light of the land reclamation plans announced at the 2026 National Day Rally and recent public concerns over Maju Forest and Gillman Barracks, whether (i) additional reclaimed land will affect decisions on developing existing green spaces and (ii) lessons can be drawn on engaging communities earlier in land-use planning.
Mr Chee Hong Tat445 words
[+15 sentences]My response will also cover related questions raised by Miss Rachel Ong and Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong, for subsequent Sittings. [Please refer to "Conducting Environmental Impact Assessments at Master Planning Stage", Official Report, 9 September 2026, Vol 96, Issue 36, Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer not Answered by End of Question Time section; and "Sunset Way's Maju Forest Residential Zoning History and Environmental Impact Assessment Process for Gillman Barracks and Sunset Way Sites", Official Report, 9 September 2026, Vol 96, Issue 36, Written Answers to Questions section.] The sites at Sunset Way and Gillman Barracks are required for housing, while the proposed new western island is being studied for other strategic national needs, including in security, energy and industry. The Government engages stakeholders on land use planning at multiple stages. As part of the Long-Term Plan (LTP) Review, the Urban Redevelopment Authority consults members of the public, nature and heritage groups, industry professionals and academics when setting out the planning vision for Singapore over the next 50-60 years. Guided by the National Parks Board's (NParks') islandwide Ecological Profiling Exercise, which was conducted in consultation with an independent scientific Advisory Panel, a conceptual Green and Blue Plan was created as part of the LTP to guide long-term development strategies, including the identification of ecological corridors to safeguard ecological connectivity. The long-term planning vision is then translated into the Master Plan to guide implementation over the next 10 to 15 years. We seek public feedback on the Master Plan through public exhibitions and in-depth focus group discussions with a wide range of stakeholders. At the site level, proposed developments with potentially significant environmental impact are required to conduct an environmental impact assessment (EIA) to assess the magnitude of the impact and propose appropriate mitigation measures. An EIA is conducted only when a particular development proposal is being studied, as it requires up-to-date environmental baseline information, as well as conceptual development plans and scope of work. During the EIA process, agencies will carefully consider the extent of potential impact and adequacy of the proposed mitigation measures, in consultation with nature and community stakeholders. For example, in designing Berlayar Estate, the Housing and Development Board worked closely with nature groups and took in their feedback and suggestions to shape the green corridors within the site. These corridors will offer green respite and recreational areas for residents, and facilitate ecological connectivity between the Southern Ridges and Labrador Nature Reserve. EIA reports, including executive summaries, are made available for public feedback. Agencies carefully consider the feedback received and may make revisions to the conceptual plans. A revised EIA report with responses to the feedback will then be published.
Flexibility in HDB's Minimum Occupation Period Framework for Families to Upgrade to Larger Flats when Family Size Increases›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 239w
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Mr David Hoe63 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for National Development as part of additional housing support for large families announced during the National Day Rally 2026, whether HDB will review the minimum occupation period (MOP) framework to allow greater flexibility for families whose household size has increased substantially, including waivers or shortened MOPs where they need to move from a smaller flat to a larger HDB flat.
Mr Chee Hong Tat176 words
[+8 sentences]The minimum occupation period (MOP) is in place to prioritise heavily-subsidised Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats for households with genuine housing needs and deter speculative purchases. HDB assesses appeals for MOP waivers on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the specific circumstances of the flat owners and their families, the duration of the MOP served, and other mitigating factors. Past reasons for granting such exceptions include divorce and financial and medical reasons. From 2021 to 2025, HDB approved about 800 such appeals on average each year, of which about 300 were due to divorce and 100 were due to financial or medical reasons. Where these appeals are approved, no conditions are imposed for the waiver of the MOP. Flat owners whose appeals are not approved may return their flat to HDB. This ensures fairness to the majority of flat owners, who are required to serve out the MOP before selling their flat. The Ministry of National Development and HDB will continue to review our housing policies regularly to meet the evolving needs of Singaporean households.
Revisions to Environmental Study on Long Island Development in Light of Feedback from Scientists and Nature Groups›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 152w
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Ms Sylvia Lim59 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for National Development (a) what aspects, if any, of the Draft Final Report entitled "Environmental Study for Proposed Long Island Development" released on 30 June 2026 will be revised in the light of feedback from scientists and nature groups; and (b) whether the Government will provide consultation periods of longer than four weeks for future projects.
Mr Chee Hong Tat93 words
[+4 sentences]We value the feedback from nature groups, researchers, stakeholders and members of the public to the Draft Final Report of the Environmental Study for Preparatory Works for "Long Island". The views and suggestions will be taken into consideration in the Final Report. The Final Report of the Environmental Study for Preparatory Works for "Long Island" is the first stage of the environmental studies for "Long Island", and the second stage of the environmental studies is ongoing. We will continue to engage stakeholders and the wider public in developing the plans for "Long Island".
Recourse for Cat Owners Who Missed Deadline to Apply for Cat Licences Due to Pet Animal Licensing System Downtime›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 292w
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written-answer-na-24377
Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik69 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for National Development (a) given the recent Pet Animal Licensing System maintenance downtime, whether cat owners who are affected by the system downtime and unable to apply for a cat licence will face enforcement action after the 31 August 2026 deadline; (b) whether the free licensing period will be extended; and (c) how many pet cats have been licensed under the cat licensing scheme to date.
Mr Chee Hong Tat223 words
[+9 sentences]Under the Cat Management Framework, cat owners were given a two-year transition period, from 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2026, to license their cats free-of-charge. During this period, the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) supported cat owners through islandwide free microchipping drives and through the Pet Cat Sterilisation Support (PCSS) programme, which provides free sterilisation and microchipping for lower-income households. By the end of the transition period, more than 129,000 cats had been licensed. The Pet Animal Licensing System underwent a 30-minute scheduled maintenance on 19 August 2026 for the deployment of a waiting room function, in anticipation of higher licence applications towards the end of the transition period. On 25 August 2026, the system experienced downtime for one hour and 45 minutes due to a Microsoft service power outage that affected systems across Southeast Asia. As these downtimes were limited and did not materially affect the overall licensing process, it is not necessary to extend the transition period and the free licensing arrangement further. From 1 September 2026, keeping an unlicensed cat is an offence under the Animals and Birds Act, punishable by a fine of up to $5,000. Cat owners who have not yet licensed their cats should do so promptly. Those who require financial assistance with sterilisation and microchipping may apply to AVS for support under the PCSS programme.
Notification to LPA Donee when Doneeship is Revocated›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 123w
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written-answer-na-24381
Ms Hany Soh53 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) what is the rationale for requiring a donor of the Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) to notify his donee upon the revocation of the former's LPA; and (b) why is there no corresponding need for the donor to inform his new and replacement donee.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M70 words
[+2 sentences]In the context of revocation of a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), Donees, whether original or new, are only notified about LPAs which they are party to. Donors are required to submit a notice of revocation to the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) to ensure the decision has been properly considered and notify their existing Donees so that they have an opportunity to raise any concerns about the revocation.
Actions Related to Welfare and Legal Status of Adopted Children Linked to Indonesia Baby Trafficking Syndicate›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 181w
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written-answer-na-24382
Ms Gho Sze Kee55 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Social and Family Development following the convictions in Indonesia of those involved in the baby trafficking syndicate (a) whether the Government has reviewed the status of the children in Singapore linked to the case; and (b) whether any further action is being taken in relation to their legal status or welfare.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M126 words
[+5 sentences]Singapore authorities are working with the relevant Indonesian authorities to establish the facts concerning each child in Singapore who may be linked to the Indonesian baby trafficking syndicate. This includes information concerning their birth parents, and whether any parent has come forward to seek the child's return. This information will inform the assessment of what is in the best interest of the child, which is a key consideration for the Singapore Courts when deciding the pending adoption applications. The Ministry of Social and Family Development continues to engage the affected prospective adoptive parents and work with the relevant parties to ensure that the children's care and stay arrangements in Singapore remain stable. Throughout this process, the welfare and well-being of the children remain our foremost consideration.
Eligibility of Persons with Severe Mental Health Conditions for Disability Support Schemes and Concessions›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 122w
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written-answer-na-24383
Miss Rachel Ong65 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) whether persons with severe mental health conditions whose functional limitations and caregiving needs are comparable to those of persons with disabilities are eligible for disability support schemes and concessions; (b) if so, how many applications have been received and rejected the past five years; and (c) if not, whether the Ministry will review the eligibility criteria.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M57 words
[+3 sentences]Persons with functional limitations and caregiving needs are assessed on eligibility for Government assistance schemes based their need for assistance with their activities of daily living. This is regardless of whether the person has a disability or a mental health condition. There is no readily available data on the mental health condition of applicants for these schemes.
Reasons for Separate Disability Concession and Registry Cards›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 121w
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written-answer-na-24384
Miss Rachel Ong59 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) what are the Ministry's reasons, if any, for maintaining separate disability-related cards, including the Persons with Disabilities Concession Card, Developmental Disability Registry Identity Card and CARA membership card; and (b) whether the Ministry has considered consolidating these into a single disability credential that can support multiple Government schemes and services.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M62 words
[+4 sentences]The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) has streamlined disability verification through the Disability Verification Form. Persons with disabilities need to undergo disability verification only once to access MSF disability services and selected Government schemes. There is therefore no need to use the cards mentioned as disability credentials. We also wish to clarify that CARA is intended for persons with dementia.
Child Safeguarding Measures at Institutions and Community Settings where Adults Interact with Children›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 218w
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written-answer-na-24385
Mr Alex Yam58 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Social and Family Development in light of recent serious child abuse cases (a) whether the Government will review the adequacy of child safeguarding measures across institutions and community settings where adults interact with children, including measures for early detection, reporting and intervention; and (b) whether common minimum safeguarding standards should apply across such settings.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M160 words
[+7 sentences]The Government takes the welfare and safety of children seriously. We continually review our child safeguarding measures in light of emerging risks, operational experience and incidents, to ensure that children are protected across settings where they interact with adults. Given the wide range of settings where children may interact with adults, the Government adopts a practicable and risk-proportionate approach to safeguarding. Stronger measures are applied in settings where individuals apply for roles involving sustained contact with children and young persons, if these roles are regulated by public agencies. Depending on the nature and risk profile of the setting, these may include requirements for staff to have the requisite qualifications and training, and for their backgrounds to be screened before deployment. At the same time, we recognise the importance of strengthening measures for the prevention and detection of potential harm. We are therefore considering how to better support employers and organisations that deploy staff to work with children and young persons.
Immediate and Long-term Support for Child Victims of Sexual Abuse›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 233w
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written-answer-na-24386
Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik61 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Social and Family Development in cases where children have suffered prolonged sexual abuse (a) what immediate and long-term support, including mental health care, is provided to child victims; (b) what assistance is given to affected families and caregivers, especially where parents are absent; and (c) how the Ministry ensures continuity of care as these children grow older.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M172 words
[+8 sentences]For cases occurring within the domestic setting, the Ministry of Social and Family Development works with the Police, healthcare professionals and child protection case management agencies to ensure the child's immediate safety. We assess the child's and family's needs and, where necessary, put in place and monitor appropriate interventions, including trauma-informed support for the child and assistance for caregivers. Where parents are absent or unable to care for the child, we will also assess the caregiving arrangements and support needed. For cases outside the domestic setting, the Police may, with the victim's consent, activate its victim care officers to provide psychological first aid and direct the child and family to appropriate professional or community services. While the Police can encourage them to take up such support, the Police cannot require them to do so. In both situations, the nature and duration of therapeutic support depend on the child's evolving needs. Longer-term support may be provided where difficulties persist. The child and family can also return to appropriate services if concerns arise later.
Use of Child Credits for Children under Long-term Foster Care›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 159w
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written-answer-na-24387
Dr Neo Kok Beng63 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Social and Family Development for the SG Child Support Package (a) whether the foster parents will receive the annual child credits of $2,000 for the benefit of a child under long-term care of six months or more; and (b) if not, whether the annual child credits will be deposited into the Child Development Account (CDA) of the foster child.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M96 words
[+4 sentences]The annual child credits of $2,000 will be paid to the bank account linked to the child's PayNow identification, either the child's National Registration Identity Card or birth certificate number. This may be a personal bank account in the child's name, or a joint account opened with the child's biological parent or legal guardian. Foster parents receive a monthly fostering allowance ranging from $1,100 to $1,800, which is sized to defray childcare and other out-of-pocket expenses related to caring for their foster child. In addition, foster children are eligible for childcare, student care and medical subsidies.
Capacity of Relief Staff Pool that Preschools Tap On›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 186w
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written-answer-na-24388
Dr Charlene Chen55 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Social and Family Development in view of expanded parental leave provisions (a) whether ECDA has assessed if the existing relief staff pool has sufficient capacity to meet increased short-term manpower needs across the preschool sector while maintaining required staff-child ratios; and (b) whether the pool will be expanded if demand increases.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M131 words
[+5 sentences]In October 2024, the Early Childhood Development Agency appointed two service providers to make relief staff services more accessible to preschools, helping centres manage manpower needs while enabling educators to take time-off for personal and professional needs. Since the appointment, the combined number of relief staff has grown steadily to support the sector's manpower needs, from around 800 staff in October 2024 to more than 1,900 staff as of June 2026. Over 300 preschools have since tapped on this service. Beyond the two appointed service providers, some preschools choose to maintain their own pool of relief staff and/or engage other service providers for their manpower needs. We will continue to monitor the needs of the sector closely, and work with operators and training partners on other initiatives to address manpower pressures.
Integration of Real-time Location-based Lightning Alerts into Government Apps›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 131w
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written-answer-na-24389
Mr Lee Hong Chuang47 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) whether the Ministry will enhance localised lightning early warning systems and integrate real-time location-based lightning alerts into the national apps; and (b) whether the Meteorological Service Singapore tracks "clear-sky" lightning strikes where no visible storm indicators are present.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien84 words
[+3 sentences]I thank the Member for his question. This question has been addressed in the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment's combined reply to Question Nos 32 and 33 on the Order Paper for 4 August 2026. [Please refer to "Protocols for Water-based Recreational Activities When Lightning Risk is Elevated", Official Report, 4 August 2026, Vol 96, Issue 33, Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer not Answered by End of Question Time section.] Members may refer to the Official Report for the full response.
Total Capital and Annual Operating Costs of Beverage Container Return Scheme›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 221w
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written-answer-na-24390
Mr Jackson Lam57 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) whether the Ministry can provide the total capital and annual operating costs of the Beverage Container Return Scheme, including the network of Return Right Reverse Vending Machines; and (b) whether the Ministry has assessed the comparative cost-effectiveness of centralised AI-enabled waste sorting against the current deposit return model.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien164 words
[+8 sentences]As the Return Right Beverage Container Return Scheme is currently in its transition period, our focus is on ensuring the smooth rollout of the scheme. The National Environment Agency (NEA) will review the financials and effectiveness of the scheme operator, BCRS Ltd., after the first year of implementation and will provide more information when ready. The intent of setting up a deposit return scheme is to increase the yield of clean recyclables through upstream segregation. Similar deposit return schemes have been implemented in over 50 jurisdictions. These jurisdictions have seen return rates for beverage containers increase significantly over time. The deposit return scheme also helps to reduce contamination particularly from food and liquid residues, which has been a key challenge in the downstream sorting of recyclables collected from blue bins. As a producer-led consortium operating largely on producer fees, BCRS Ltd. is incentivised to run the scheme efficiently. NEA will continue to work with BCRS Ltd. to ensure that the scheme is operated effectively.
Cross-border Intervention Arrangements for Forest Fire-suppression Efforts›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 239w
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written-answer-na-24391
Ms Joan Pereira31 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment what immediate bilateral representations or joint interventions Singapore has initiated with regional partners to assist with fire-suppression efforts in recent active hotspot clusters.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien208 words
[+5 sentences]The Member may wish to refer to the combined reply issued in Parliament on 12 February 2026, which sets out the bilateral and regional haze-mitigation measures that Singapore has in place with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states, including Malaysia and Indonesia. [Please refer to "Assessment of Transboundary Haze Episodes, and Review of Bilateral and Regional Haze-mitigation Measures", Official Report, 12 February 2026, Vol 96, Issue 17, Oral Answers to Questions section.] Further to the combined reply, in May 2026, Singapore sent a written correspondence encouraging ASEAN member states to enhance vigilance in view of the anticipated El Niño phenomenon, as well as acknowledging and appreciating the early proactive measures undertaken by member states to mitigate the risks. At the 27th Sub-Regional Ministerial Committee on Transboundary Haze Pollution, held in Bali, Indonesia in July 2026, member states also acknowledged the heightened risk posed by the El Niño phenomenon and reaffirmed their commitment to stay vigilant in the dry season. In June 2026, Singapore and Indonesia signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Environmental Cooperation, which includes cooperation on transboundary pollution among other areas. We are closely monitoring the ongoing haze situation and stand ready to further partner ASEAN member states on haze mitigation measures where necessary.
Ensuring Greenhouse Gas Accounting Captures Full Carbon Impact of Land Reclamation›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 174w
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written-answer-na-24392
Dr Charlene Chen61 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) whether Singapore's greenhouse gas accounting captures the full carbon impact of land reclamation, including (i) emissions from dredging, material transport and fill placement (ii) loss of coastal and marine carbon sinks and (iii) carbon released through disturbance of carbon-rich marine sediments; and (b) if not, whether these impacts will be progressively incorporated.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien113 words
[+5 sentences]Singapore reports its national greenhouse gas inventory in accordance with guidelines from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change under the Paris Agreement's Enhanced Transparency Framework. Singapore's national greenhouse gas inventory accounts for emissions from dredging, material transport and fill placement, as well as emissions and removals by mangroves. Emissions from other marine habitats, such as seagrass meadows, and disturbed marine sediments are not included because there are currently no clear internationally agreed reporting methodologies for them. Singapore will consider incorporating emissions from these when the necessary scientific evidence has been established and clearer internationally agreed methodologies become available. Internationally agreed methodologies are important to ensure that inventories are robust and comparable across countries.
Refund Failure Complaints from Beverage Container Return Scheme›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 228w
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written-answer-na-24393
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong44 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment since the Beverage Container Return Scheme's launch (a) how many complaints have been received regarding refund failures; (b) what is the average resolution time for such complaints; and (c) whether automated refund crediting can be considered.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien184 words
[+8 sentences]The response to this question also addresses a related Parliamentary Question on failed deposit refund transactions filed by Mr Alex Yeo for the Sitting on or after 9 September 20261. In the first five months of the Return Right Beverage Container Return Scheme, 95% of the 3.5 million transactions at the Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) were refunded on the spot. For the remaining transactions, the scheme operator, BCRS Ltd, has committed to refunding the deposits within 30 days upon receiving the information required to process the claim. The time is needed to establish the validity of the claim and reconcile transaction records while guarding against fraudulent refund requests. As the scheme was launched only a few months ago, more time had been taken on a handful of cases, even as BCRS Ltd actively improves their workflow. BCRS Ltd is required to ensure that refunds are made for all valid transactions. The National Environment Agency is closely monitoring the rates of failed transactions at RVMs and the refunds made by BCRS Ltd. We will track BCRS Ltd's detailed performance metrics as the scheme's operations stabilise.
Strengthening of Inter-agency Coordination Arrangements Following Past Haze Episodes›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 261w
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written-answer-na-24394
Mr Cai Yinzhou49 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) how inter-agency coordination arrangements have been reviewed and strengthened following past major haze episodes, such as those in 2013 and 2015; and (b) whether the Ministry will publish the key coordination lessons and protocols to support public and employer preparedness.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien212 words
[+10 sentences]The Government regularly reviews and strengthens its haze preparedness and response measures, drawing on lessons from past haze episodes. The Haze Task Force (HTF), chaired by the National Environment Agency (NEA) and comprising 28 Government agencies, coordinates inter-agency responses during haze episodes. HTF convenes annually, before the start of the dry season in June, to update its plans. HTF has been improving its preparedness and coordination efforts over the years. The updates include more timely public communications, and measures to protect and prepare employees and vulnerable groups. For example, outdoor workplace measures, such as conducting mask-fit testing for workers and reducing outdoor work where possible during a haze episode, were implemented. This advisory is publicly available on the Ministry of Manpower's website and accessible by employers at any time. With the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) entering the Unhealthy range last week on 4 September 2026, NEA has started issuing daily haze advisories. The daily haze advisory will include the 24-hour PSI forecast, which can be used by the public to plan their activities and events the next day. Members of the public and employers can refer to the NEA website, haze microsite, myENV app, NEA's social media channels, as well as news platforms for the latest updates, haze advisories and guidance.
Reducing Electricity Grid's Exposure to Global Natural Gas Price Shocks›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 474w
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written-answer-na-24395
Mr Lee Hong Chuang73 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry) (a) whether the Ministry can provide an outline on measures taken to reduce the electricity grid's exposure to global natural gas price shocks; (b) whether it can ensure that Open Electricity Market retailers honour fixed-price plans during periods of fuel price surges; and (c) whether it can strengthen safeguards against retailer exits from the market resulting in consumers reverting to higher regulated tariffs.
Dr Tan See Leng401 words
[+20 sentences]Most of our electricity is generated from imported natural gas. While we cannot insulate ourselves from global energy prices, we have taken measures to mitigate our risks and exposure. First, we will continue to diversify our gas portfolio. We currently import natural gas from diversified sources around the world, including piped gas from the region. In 2025, the Government established Singapore GasCo to centralise gas procurement for the power sector, to further enhance the reliability and security of our gas supplies. During the crisis triggered by the conflict in the Middle East, GasCo has stepped up to procure natural gas to replace disrupted gas shipments from the Strait of Hormuz and contribute to Singapore's gas resilience. Generation companies are required to provide the Energy Market Authority (EMA) with their expected gas demand and projected generation capacity. This enables EMA and GasCo to better assess and secure the power sector's gas needs. Second, we will introduce new sources into our energy mix to gradually reduce our exposure to natural gas. In the near term, we will maximise the deployment of domestic solar, while also seeking to import electricity from the region. Third, EMA requires electricity retailers to meet financial and risk management requirements, so that they can better withstand periods of market volatility and continue serving consumers. These requirements were enhanced in 2023 to require all retailers, including independent retailers, to hedge at least 80% of their contracted retail position on a 24-month forward basis and provide performance bonds for unhedged retail quantities. EMA has also introduced a temporary price cap in the wholesale electricity market, which acts as a circuit breaker during sustained periods of extreme price volatility. This cap helps retailers manage the price risks arising from gas market fluctuations. Under fixed-price plans, retailers cannot unilaterally change the electricity rate unless permitted under specific contract provisions, such as force majeure clauses. A surge in fuel price would not automatically constitute a force majeure event. Retailers are also prohibited from unilaterally terminating contracts without the consumer's consent, unless the consumer has breached the contract. If a contract is terminated prematurely because of a retailer's exit, the affected consumers can continue to buy electricity from another retailer or SP Services without any interruption to their electricity supply. EMA oversees this process to ensure an orderly transition. We consistently review our frameworks to maintain a resilient and competitive electricity market while protecting consumers.
Proportion of Vacant Industrial Land on Jurong Island and Tapping This Space Before Land Reclamation for New Western Island›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 427w
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written-answer-na-24396
Ms Valerie Lee63 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry) (a) what proportion of industrial land on Jurong Island remains vacant; and (b) in respect of the plan announced at the National Day Rally for the new western island, what considerations prevent these activities from being accommodated on existing or uncommitted Jurong Island land before undertaking substantial land reclamation for the new island.
Dr Tan See Leng364 words
[+14 sentences]My reply will also cover the question from Mr Edward Chia Bing Hui on the 10 September Sitting. [Please refer to "Alternatives to Land Reclamation for Proposed New Western Island Through Higher-density, Vertical or Underground Infrastructure, and Technical, Safety and Economic Constraints of Alternatives", Official Report, 10 September 2026, Vol 96, Issue 37, Written Answers to Questions section.] Jurong Island spans approximately 3,000 hectares, of which less than one-third remains available for development. The remaining vacant land has been earmarked to support our growth focus on specialty chemicals and sustainable materials, and to cater for new energy development, decarbonisation solutions and low-carbon data centres. Land intensification is part of how we address land scarcity in Singapore. We already work with lessees on Jurong Island to maximise the use of their plot ratios, factoring in height constraints and the nature of their operations. For the latter, the limits to land intensification range from the need for waterfront access, heavy equipment that cannot be stacked, and underground safety risks. We will continue to explore and encourage the adoption of new technologies to help overcome our physical and technical constraints, if these measures make economic sense. For example, we have been innovative in the use of our underground space. JTC developed the Jurong Rock Caverns in Jurong Island to provide storage capacity for up to 1.47 million m3 or about 9 million barrels of liquid hydrocarbons, such as crude oil. If this was built above ground, it would have required approximately 60 hectares of land or about 84 football fields. The new western island is part of our long-term planning for future national needs in security, energy and industry. We have to plan ahead to give future generations the space to meet new requirements and pursue opportunities beyond what we see and can imagine today. As part of the planning process, the Government will be conducting engineering and environmental studies, site investigations and surveys, to better understand the various development possibilities and their implications on biodiversity, hydrodynamics, marine navigation as well as existing business operations. We have also begun engaging stakeholders to gather their views, and their feedback will be carefully considered before finalising any development plans.
Strengthening Channels to Report Commuter Misconduct on Public Transport›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 179w
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written-answer-na-24397
Mr Lee Hong Chuang58 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Transport whether the Ministry will consider (i) introducing a discreet in-app reporting feature for commuter misconduct on public transport (ii) strengthening protocols that empower bus captains to enforce commuter etiquette and transit bylaws without fear of abuse and (iii) reviewing penalties for passengers who refuse to comply with the lawful instructions of bus captains.
Mr Jeffrey Siow121 words
[+5 sentences]In cases of commuter misconduct, bus captains can require uncooperative commuters to alight from buses or seek assistance from the bus operations control centre to deploy an enforcement officer. The Police will also be asked to assist if there is a risk of harm or injury, or in very egregious cases of misconduct. We amended the Bus Services Industry Act in October 2025 to regulate the conduct of commuters on public buses and at bus interchanges. Those who contravene the regulations may be convicted of an offence and may be liable for penalties. As part of shared responsibility for commuter culture, commuters can also help to remind one another and lead by example to be gracious and caring on public transport.
Proposals for Heat-mitigation and Air-purification Solutions for Open-air Bus Interchanges and Bus Stops›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 134w
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written-answer-na-24399
Ms Elysa Chen53 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Transport (a) whether LTA is studying heat-mitigation and air-purification solutions for open-air bus interchanges and stops, such as the cooling-cum-purifying systems previously trialled by ST Engineering, given rising ambient heat over the coming decade; and (b) whether such features could be incorporated into planned interchange renovation and upgrading works.
Mr Jeffrey Siow81 words
[+3 sentences]For thermal comfort at bus interchanges and bus stops, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has implemented energy-efficient cooling solutions suitable for the more open nature of our bus infrastructure, including mechanical fans at bus interchanges and green roofs at bus stops. LTA will continue to explore other solutions for our bus interchanges and bus stops, to improve comfort. As with previous trials, these solutions will only be deployed at scale if they are energy and cost efficient relative to their benefits.
Relative Merits of Periodically Tendering MRT Operating Licences Versus Having Dedicated Long-term Operators for MRT Lines›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 172w
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written-answer-na-24400
Assoc Prof Terence Ho51 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Transport whether the Ministry has assessed the relative merits of periodically tendering MRT operating licences against having dedicated long-term operators for individual MRT lines, taking into account the benefits of contestability as well as continuity in line-specific engineering and maintenance expertise, institutional knowledge and accountability for reliability.
Mr Jeffrey Siow121 words
[+5 sentences]Under the New Rail Financing Framework, the Government owns the rail operating assets and is responsible for asset replacement and upgrading. This allows the rail operators to focus on day-to-day maintenance and provision of reliable rail services. The shorter duration of the rail licences provides the asset-light operators with sufficient returns, while maintaining market contestability to incentivise good performance from operators. It also allows licence terms to be more frequently updated with new performance standards to improve commuter experience. Licence arrangements are regularly reviewed to ensure that they remain fit-for-purpose, including for continuity in engineering and maintenance expertise, institutional knowledge and accountability for reliability, as well as the increasing capital investment requirements that are shared between the Government and the operator.
Accelerating Replacement of Tactile Tiles at Pedestrian Crossings, and Extending Project to HDB and Residential Estates›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 189w
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written-answer-na-24402
Dr Neo Kok Beng48 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Transport on the replacement of tactile tiles at pedestrian crossings (a) whether the replacements can be accelerated to be completed within two years, instead of the planned four-year timeline; and (b) whether the Government would consider extending replacement works to HDB and residential estates.
Mr Jeffrey Siow141 words
[+6 sentences]All tactile tiles at pedestrian crossings as well as in Housing and Development Board (HDB) and private residential estates comply with the Building and Construction Authority's Code on Accessibility in the Built Environment to ensure that they are safe to walk on. As part of the Land and Transport Authority's (LTA's) maintenance programme, LTA is progressively upgrading tactile tiles at pedestrian crossings over a four-year period, as these tiles are directly exposed to rain and weather conditions. This will improve durability and skid resistance. LTA will prioritise areas with high footfall where feasible. LTA's programme does not apply to residential estates, which are mostly maintained by HDB or the respective town councils. The tactile tiles in these areas are mostly under shelter, such as drop-off porches and staircase landings, which are not subject to the same level of exposure and wear.
Complaints and Fines Related to Shared Bicycles Parked Outside Designated Zones›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 178w
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written-answer-na-24403
Ms Lee Hui Ying59 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Transport regarding efforts to deter indiscriminate parking of shared bicycles in public spaces (a) how many complaints relating to shared bicycles parked outside designated zones were received in (i) 2025 and (ii) 2026 to date, respectively; and (b) how many users were (i) charged the $5 penalty fee and (ii) banned as repeat offenders, respectively.
Mr Jeffrey Siow119 words
[+6 sentences]From January 2025 to July 2026, around 95% of shared bicycle trips ended at designated bicycle parking areas. This has remained stable despite growth in shared bicycle usage. About 12,000 pieces of feedback on shared bicycles parked outside designated areas were received in 2025 and 15,000 from January to July 2026, comprising about 0.1% of overall shared bicycle usage for the given period. In 2025, operators imposed about 90,000 instances of the $5 penalty fee and banned about 4,800 repeat offenders. From January to July 2026, operators imposed about 148,000 instances of the $5 penalty fee and banned around 4,800 repeat offenders. The increase in incidences of penalties and bans reflect both shared bicycle usage growth and strengthened enforcement.
Impact of Revisions to Income Tax Act and Philanthropy Tax Incentive Scheme on Family Office Giving›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 321w
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written-answer-na-24405
Assoc Prof Kenneth Goh69 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance (a) whether the Government tracks the impact that the tax incentive conditions under (i) the revised sections 13O and 13U of the Income Tax Act and (ii) the Philanthropy Tax Incentive Scheme have on family office giving; and (b) if so, what is the number of (i) family offices making qualifying donations and (ii) the aggregate amounts donated locally and overseas.
Mr Gan Kim Yong (for the Prime Minister)252 words
[+12 sentences]Single Family Offices (SFOs) in Singapore can apply for tax schemes, such as those under Sections 13O and 13U of the Income Tax Act and the Philanthropy Tax Incentive Scheme (PTIS). The PTIS was introduced in 2024 to incentivise regional giving through Singapore, by allowing 100% tax deductions on overseas donations through qualifying local intermediaries. This sits alongside the 250% tax deduction for qualifying cash donations made to local causes through approved Institutions of Public Character. These schemes do not require specific levels of philanthropic giving but set out broader criteria for SFOs to generate economic benefits for Singapore, such as through the SFO's employment. SFOs receiving these tax incentives employed more than 2,500 locals in 2025. SFOs also benefit the financial and professional services sectors in Singapore. As explained in this House on 24 September 2025, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) does not track the social contributions from SFOs in Singapore. Nevertheless, there are examples of families engaging in philanthropic activities and establishing philanthropic entities, such as the James Dyson Foundation, the Tsao Foundation and the Ishk Tolaram Foundation. The establishment of networks and intermediaries in Singapore, such as ImpactSG and Philanthropy Asia Alliance, also reflects growing interest in philanthropy among high-net-worth families in Singapore. There are currently eight approved tax incentive recipients under PTIS. These recipients have collectively channelled more than $30 million to overseas causes in 2024 and 2025 under PTIS. The Government will continue to engage SFOs in Singapore to encourage their social contributions locally and overseas.
Resignation Mechanism for Sole Ordinarily-resident Directors of Companies Unable to Find Replacements›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 268w
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written-answer-na-24407
Ms Diana Pang Li Yen66 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance (a) whether ACRA has recorded cases where a company's sole ordinarily-resident director is unable to resign because no replacement has been appointed and other directors or shareholders remain uncontactable; (b) if so, what avenues currently exist for such a director; and (c) whether ACRA will consider introducing a safeguarded resignation mechanism, subject to reasonable notice and compliance checks.
Ms Indranee Rajah202 words
[+7 sentences]The Companies Act requires each company to have at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore. This ensures that there is at least one person in Singapore whom regulators hold accountable for statutory obligations. Individuals who intend to accept such directorship appointments should be mindful of the duties of a director, and the risks when taking on such appointments, and factor this into their considerations before accepting appointment as the sole director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore. There are situations where a sole director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore is unable to resign because foreign directors and/or shareholders are unresponsive or uncontactable and hence no replacement can be appointed. In such a scenario, the sole director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore has the option to wind up the company under the Insolvency, Restructuring and Dissolution Act 2018 via application to the Court. The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) may also strike off companies that are not carrying on business, based on prescribed circumstances under section 89B of the Companies Regulations. ACRA has been consulting relevant stakeholders in the business community on the matter and will take the feedback into consideration as part of our regular reviews.
Government's Assessment of GIC's 20-year Annualised Real Return of 3.4%›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 219w
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written-answer-na-24408
Mr Ang Wei Neng71 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance (a) whether the Government is satisfied with the 20-year annualised real return of 3.4% by GIC for the period that ended on 31 March 2026; (b) whether there are current rules preventing GIC from adjusting its investment framework quickly in response to rapid market changes; and (c) how would the lower return impact funding for the Government's expenditure in the next few years.
Mr Jeffrey Siow148 words
[+6 sentences]The Government sets the investment mandate and its risk preference to guide GIC's overall investment approach. GIC has the flexibility to determine and adjust its investment strategy within the approved risk parameters, to respond to changing market conditions and achieve its investment mandate. In view of GIC's mandate and risk profile, its long-term investment performance is reasonable and within expectations. GIC's recent returns would have limited impact on Government's expenditure. This is because the Net Investment Returns Contribution (NIRC) framework, which stipulates how the investment returns of the Reserves can be spent, is designed to ensure a steady and sustainable stream of income for the annual Budget. The Net Investment Returns (NIR), which is a component of the NIRC, is derived from the expected long-term real rate of return which the Reserves can sustain, and not the investment entities' year-on-year returns which can fluctuate due to market volatility.
Principles and Risk Parameters for GIC's Strategic Portfolio Framework›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 189w
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written-answer-na-24409
Mr Victor Lye68 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance (a) what principles and risk parameters determine the GIC's Strategic Portfolio framework; (b) whether there were different performance benchmarks in previous years and how does the current performance benchmark differ from previous benchmarks; (c) whether GIC's performance versus the return expectations of the Strategic Portfolio over five, 10- and 20-year periods will be published; and (d) if not, why not.
Mr Jeffrey Siow121 words
[+7 sentences]The Strategic Portfolio reflects the Government's long-term return expectations and risk appetite. It guides GIC's investment strategy. Under the previous New Investment Framework, the Government had set a Reference Portfolio to express its long-term risk appetite for GIC's investments. There was no expectation for GIC to outperform the Reference Portfolio as it was not a performance benchmark. However, under the refreshed investment framework, the Strategic Portfolio serves as the baseline. We expect GIC to outperform the Strategic Portfolio over the long term through active management, while operating within approved risk parameters. As GIC only recently started its transition to the refreshed investment framework on 1 April 2026, it will share more details, including its reporting approach, in its next annual report.
Impact of ONE Pass' Investment Management Track on Singaporeans' Career Progression in Asset Management Industry›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 256w
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written-answer-na-24412
Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan70 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance (a) whether the Government expects the Investment Management Track under the Overseas Networks and Expertise (ONE) Pass framework to reduce the Singaporean to foreigner ratio in top roles in the asset management industry; and (b) what assurances can be provided to the 20,000 Singaporeans in the industry that this scheme would not compromise their career progression and lead to shared economic gains.
Mr Gan Kim Yong (for the Prime Minister)186 words
[+8 sentences]The asset management industry has created good jobs for locals, which make up around 80% of the industry's total workforce of close to 25,000 as of end-2025. From 2020 to 2025, the industry saw an increase of 6,000 in local employment. Top global talent attracted under the the Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass help make Singapore more competitive and dynamic and create more good jobs. The new Investment Management track targets a small and specific group of global industry leaders, such as founders of asset management firms or senior investment professionals, who contribute significantly to business growth. They can help anchor capital and expand business opportunities in Singapore and create more good jobs for locals in the industry as well as the professional and ancillary services sectors. The Monetary Authority of Singapore is also developing local talent to assume financial sector leadership roles. We partner major financial institutions and have talent development schemes that support overseas postings and leadership programmes for Singaporean professionals. This helps Singaporean professionals to build their leadership capabilities and networks, and open more opportunities for them to progress in our financial sector.
Use of Child Credits for Developmental Experiences, Such As Sports, Hobbies and Other Interests›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 122w
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written-answer-na-24414
Mr David Hoe63 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance while retaining the flexibility of the annual child credits for families, whether the Government will consider ways to encourage or incentivise their use for children's developmental experiences, such as sports, arts, hobbies and other interests, including by building on the objectives and ecosystem developed under the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth's Curiosity Credits initiative.
Ms Indranee Rajah59 words
[+3 sentences]As part of the new Child Support Package, each child will receive $2,000 of child credits per year up to age 16. As child-raising costs and needs differ between families, the child credits are given in cash to provide parents with maximum flexibility. Parents can opt to spend the credits on developmental experiences, if they desire to do so.
Proposal for Additional Benefits for Singaporeans Aged 65 and Above›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 198w
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written-answer-na-24416
Mr Christopher de Souza39 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance whether the Government will consider providing additional benefits for Singaporeans aged 65 and above, including transport support or other concessions, to help reduce living costs and support mobility in old age.
Mr Jeffrey Siow159 words
[+8 sentences]The Government provides substantial support to help seniors with cost of living, including on transport, with more given to those with less means. These measures include the Community Development Council vouchers, additional U-Save rebates and Enhanced Cost-of-Living Special Payments for eligible households and Singaporeans. Seniors who had lower income during their working years and have less in retirement may also receive quarterly Silver Support payments. They can also access housing monetisation options, such as the Lease Buyback Scheme and Silver Housing Bonus, to supplement their retirement incomes. For transport, seniors currently enjoy concession public transport fares and monthly passes. Those with mobility needs can also receive subsidies for assistive devices through the Seniors' Mobility and Enabling Fund. Seniors who require further support can approach the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) to find out more about relevant care services and support schemes available to them. The Government will continue to review our support for seniors and strengthen it where necessary.
Adequacy of Existing Firefighting Capabilities Given Growing Electric Vehicle Population›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 133w
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written-answer-na-24417
Mr Victor Lye41 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs whether the SCDF has assessed if existing firefighting capabilities, including water supply requirements and specialist equipment, remain adequate as the national electric vehicle population continues to grow.
Mr K Shanmugam92 words
[+4 sentences]The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) regularly reviews and upgrades its firefighting capabilities to ensure that it can respond swiftly and safely to all types of fires, including those involving electric vehicles (EV). For EV fires, SCDF has a range of capabilities, including the battery fire extinguishing system. This system pierces the undercarriage of the electric vehicle and injects water directly into the battery pack, allowing firefighters to target the source of the fire more effectively. SCDF will continue to review emerging risks and explore new technologies to strengthen its firefighting operations.
Preventing Accumulation of Flammable Materials in Public Areas›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 170w
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Ms Denise Phua Lay Peng48 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs what regulatory and non-regulatory measures are in place to prevent the accumulation of flammable materials in public areas, such as along Queen Street, that may pose a fire risk to businesses, residents and visitors.
Mr K Shanmugam122 words
[+6 sentences]Fire risks in public areas can arise from unsafe practices, including the accumulation of combustible materials, such as cardboard boxes, obstruction of emergency egress routes and blocking of fire safety equipment, such as fire hosereels. When the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) encounters such cases, it adopts an escalatory enforcement approach. Abatement notices are issued for minor cases of non-compliance. Composition fines are imposed for more serious non-compliances or repeated instances. SCDF will consider prosecution for egregious breaches or where the errant party fails to rectify the fire safety non-compliance. To prevent the accumulation of items in public areas from causing disamenities, the relevant agencies may also exercise their respective regulatory powers to direct the responsible individuals to remove potentially hazardous items.
Data on Fires in Commercial, Non-residential and Residential Premises›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 301w
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Ms Denise Phua Lay Peng51 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) what is the number of fires in the last two years in (i) commercial and non-residential premises and (ii) residential premises; and (b) what preventive actions are or will be further taken to reduce fire incidents.
Mr K Shanmugam250 words
[+8 sentences]I refer the Member to the Ministry of Home Affair's combined Parliamentary Question reply on 12 January 2026, which provided statistics on residential fires in the last two years, and the measures taken to strengthen residential fire safety in Singapore. [Please refer to "Stepping Up Public Education Efforts in Light of Residential Unit Fires in 2025 and Review of Singapore’s Building, Fire and Construction Safety Codes", Official Report, 12 January 2026, Vol 96, Issue 12, Oral Answers to Questions section.] Fires at commercial, industrial and other premises totalled 1,022 in 2024 and 999 fires in 2025. To minimise fire risks, all businesses must comply with the Fire Safety Act. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) conducts inspections of commercial and industrial premises to ensure compliance with the stipulated fire safety requirements. Beyond regulations, SCDF works with the National Environment Agency and National Fire and Emergency Preparedness Council (NFEC) to reach out to various stakeholders, such as food hawkers, and raise awareness on preventing and responding to fire emergencies. The NFEC also works with industry stakeholders, including the Fire Safety Managers' Association Singapore and the Singapore Chemical Industry Council, to promote fire safety best practices among premise operators. Fire is a societal risk that affects us all, and preventing it is the responsibility of everyone – property owners, business operators, workers and members of the public alike. I urge all Singaporeans to stay vigilant, practise good fire safety habits and play our part in keeping our homes, workplaces and communities safe.
Regular Scenario-based Emergency Evacuation Drills for Wider Population›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 333w
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Ms Joan Pereira36 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs whether there are plans to roll out mandatory or regular scenario-based emergency evacuation drills for more Singaporeans that go beyond fire safety.
Mr K Shanmugam297 words
[+12 sentences]The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) has established evacuation guidelines for emergencies beyond fires, such as hazardous material incidents and natural disasters. These are published in the Civil Defence Emergency Handbook, which is available to the public. Premises that meet the specified criteria, such as public buildings with an occupant load exceeding 200 persons, are required to establish emergency response plans and conduct evacuation drills at least once a year. Beyond the requirements on premises, SCDF and the Singapore Police Force (SPF) conduct a range of engagements and scenario-based emergency preparedness exercises to strengthen community readiness for emergencies. SPF and SCDF work closely with Safety and Security Watch Group (SSWG) members, which consist of business stakeholders, to conduct security surveys, share best practices and deliver training on building safety and security awareness. Exercises are also regularly conducted with SSWG members to validate their contingency response plans and ensure their readiness in the event of emergencies. This includes Exercise Heartbeat, a counter-terrorism and emergency preparedness exercise, that is held at different locations every year and involves a range of stakeholders. The SPF and SCDF also conduct Community Resilience Day programmes which include activities that teach residents how to respond during a terror attack and other emergencies. In addition, through the SGSecure movement, MHA and the cluster leads work closely with stakeholders to conduct emergency preparedness drills for terrorist attacks in schools, workplaces, and the community. Together, these initiatives seek to equip Singaporeans with the skills and confidence to respond to a broad range of emergencies and strengthen community resilience. But in our secure environment, a lot of effort continues to be needed to have effective public education. Agencies will continue to review the scope of these exercises to ensure that more Singaporeans are prepared to respond to crises.
Safeguards to Prevent Foreign Actors from Using Singapore-based Institutions and Recruiting Former Public Officers for Covert Intelligence-gathering›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 457w
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written-answer-na-24422
Mr Yip Hon Weng64 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs in light of suspicious entities masquerading as Singapore-based think tanks and recruiting former public officers for privileged information (a) what safeguards prevent foreign actors from exploiting Singapore as a base for covert intelligence-gathering; and (b) how authorities identify, block, deregister and take action against entities suspected of facilitating such activities.
Mr K Shanmugam393 words
[+16 sentences]This reply will also address Ms Hany Soh's question for tomorrow’s Sitting, on foreign intelligence using employment as a recruitment cover and how Singaporeans can help counter this subversive threat. [Please refer to "Singapore-registered Entities Using Purported Employment as Means for Foreign Intelligence Recruitment", Official Report, 9 September 2026, Vol 96, Issue 36, Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer not Answered by End of Question Time section.] The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) takes a serious view of entities who attempt to use Singapore as a cover to obtain privileged or sensitive information through deceptive means. We will investigate any such attempts and take decisive action to neutralise the threat. We have not found any increase in Singapore-registered entities which purportedly offer employment opportunities as a means for foreign intelligence recruitment. However, we have detected an uptick in attempts by threat actors to set up websites which masquerade as Singapore-based entities, to recruit individuals to gain access to sensitive/classified information. Most of these websites are set up overseas. The Government has a range of legislative levers to guard against such threat actors. For example, the Online Criminal Harms Act (OCHA) allows authorities to deal more effectively with online activities that are criminal in nature, including offences that affect national security, national harmony and individual safety. We recently issued an Access Blocking Direction under OCHA against the Global Asia Think Tank website following an assessment arising from a Police report lodged by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Internal Security Act also allows us to act against activities that are prejudicial to Singapore’s national security and/or interests. In addition, the Official Secrets Act and the Statutory Bodies and Government Companies (Protection of Secrecy) Act criminalise the unauthorised disclosure of official documents and information by former and existing public officers. MHA monitors and acts against threats of espionage and foreign interference through various mechanisms. We are unable to disclose details of the methods used for monitoring and action for operational reasons. Both serving and former public officers, as well as others who have access to sensitive/classified information, must remain vigilant to such threats and report suspicious approaches to the relevant authorities. We will also raise awareness of these threats among the wider public. If individuals encounter a suspicious approach, they should take steps to verify if an entity is legitimate before providing further information.
Guidance for Public on Storage and Charging of Lithium-ion Batteries in Personal Mobility Devices›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 237w
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written-answer-na-24424
Ms Joan Pereira61 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether SCDF has specific safety guidelines or an advisory to guide the public on the storage and charging of lithium-ion batteries in personal mobility devices, e-bikes and power banks in HDB flats; and (b) if not, whether SCDF plans to have such guidelines or an advisory.
Mr K Shanmugam176 words
[+6 sentences]As higher voltage lithium-ion batteries become more commonplace in our everyday lives, we must recognise the potential risks they may pose if they are not used safely. Improper charging and illegal modifications, for example, may cause such batteries to overheat uncontrollably and catch fire. In 2023, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and Land Transport Authority launched the Be Device-Safe Programme to educate users of active mobility devices (AMDs) on the risk of AMD-related fires and on how to safely use and maintain these devices safely. SCDF has also worked with relevant stakeholders, such as the National Fire and Emergency Preparedness Council, Enterprise Singapore and the People's Association, to publish advisories on the safe use and charging of AMD batteries, including the risks of modifying AMDs with higher-powered or additional battery packs. Other fire safety-related guidelines have also been published and these materials are publicly available in the Civil Defence Emergency Handbook on SCDF's website. Members of the public may also refer to safety advisories on power banks available on the Consumer Product Safety Office's website.
Inspections and Enforcement Notices for Homeowners to Remove, Rectify or Mitigate Identified Fire Hazards Within Residential Units›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 200w
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written-answer-na-24427
Mr Liang Eng Hwa72 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether SCDF and relevant agencies, including HDB, will consider carrying out inspections and issuing enforcement notices requiring homeowners to remove, rectify or mitigate identified fire hazards within their units; (b) whether these agencies have adequate powers to intervene where serious fire hazards are identified within residential units; and (c) if not, whether relevant legislation can be reviewed.
Mr K Shanmugam128 words
[+5 sentences]The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) will work with relevant agencies to conduct inspections upon receiving feedback on fire hazards within residential units. Examples of such fire hazards include the storage of more than two Liquefied Petroleum Gas cylinders within the unit, and the obstruction of escape routes for the occupants and neighbouring units during emergencies. Where such fire hazards are identified, SCDF may direct the owner or occupier of the unit to address the hazard and take the necessary steps to prevent its recurrence. Failure to comply is an offence, which carries a fine of up to $10,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or both. SCDF will continue to monitor fire hazards within residential units and introduce further legislative or regulatory measures if necessary.
Automatic Primary 1 Placement for Children from Single-parent or Financially Disadvantaged Families and Standardising School Parent Volunteer Criteria›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time3 turns · 149w
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written-answer-na-24432
Ms Elysa Chen66 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Education (a) whether the ongoing review of the Primary 1 Registration Framework with the intent to strengthen open access and to support a good social mix in our schools will include consideration of granting automatic priority placement, in lieu of balloting, to children from single-parent or financially disadvantaged families who reside within a school's home-distance radius; and (b) if not, why not.
Mr Yip Hon Weng62 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Education regarding parent volunteering as a route to Phase 2B priority (a) whether the Ministry has assessed selection and admission outcomes by parents’ income, occupation and working arrangements; (b) why schools may select volunteers without common published criteria or flexible service options; and (c) whether the Ministry will standardise safeguards or reconsider linking admission priority to unpaid volunteering.
Mr Desmond Lee21 words
[+1 sentence]The Ministry of Education has been reviewing the Primary 1 Registration Framework and will share the outcome of the review soon.
Trends and Follow-up Actions from Schools' Quarterly Student Well-being Surveys›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time3 turns · 350w
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written-answer-na-24444
Ms Eileen Chong Pei Shan63 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Education (a) what specific indicators comprise the suite of mental health indicators that the Ministry tracks across the school system; and (b) based on these indicators, whether the results of the quarterly student well-being surveys show that student well-being have improved, worsened or remained unchanged since the surveys began, at (i) primary (ii) secondary and (iii) pre-university levels respectively.
Ms Eileen Chong Pei Shan58 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Education regarding students flagged as requiring support by the quarterly well-being surveys (a) what proportion of students were flagged in each of the past five years and at which school levels were these the highest; (b) whether schools are required to follow a standard follow-up protocol; and (c) who is accountable for these follow-ups.
Mr Desmond Lee229 words
[+11 sentences]I will answer these Oral Questions, and also Written Question No 46 on today's Order Paper together. The Ministry of Education (MOE) introduced online check-in sessions in 2020 to better support student well-being across primary, secondary and pre-university levels during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, MOE has provided schools with age-appropriate resources comprising student check-in surveys and activities, conducted every school term. The survey responses enable teachers to better understand their students' well-being and to provide appropriate support. This could be in the form of a conversation with the Form Teacher or further intervention when more serious concerns are raised. The survey questions are designed by MOE. A small number of questions are adapted from established instruments, but the survey is not a clinical diagnostic or screening tool. As the surveys cover a range of items, the proportion of students flagged through them should not be interpreted as overall well-being levels or prevalence of mental-health concerns. It is therefore also not a measure of whether student well-being has improved or worsened over time. School-level results are available to MOE and are considered alongside other indicators in informing MOE's support for schools. At the system level, MOE monitors youth well-being trends through a range of indicators, including local research studies, such as the Youth Epidemiology and Resilience Study, and the Institute of Mental Health's National Mental Health and Well-being Survey.
Number of Human Organ Transplants Performed in Singapore and Review of Organ Donation Consent Framework to Address Organ Shortage›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time3 turns · 503w
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Ms Kuah Boon Theng57 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) whether the Ministry has considered if there are measures that can be taken to address the issue of persistent organ shortage for transplant; and (b) whether the current organ donation consent framework, which is based on an opt-out system, has been effective or requires reassessment.
Ms Kuah Boon Theng68 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) how many human organ transplants were performed in Singapore in the last five years; (b) how many of these were (i) living and (ii) cadaveric donor transplants; and (c) what are the reasons why the number of cadaveric donor transplants have reportedly remained low in spite of our opt-out system under the Human Organ Transplant Act.
Mr Ong Ye Kung378 words
[+15 sentences]I will address Question Nos 31 and 32 together. From 2021 to 2025, there were 973 organ transplants performed in Singapore, comprising 309 living donor organ transplants and 664 deceased donor organ transplants. The gap between the demand for organs and the availability of suitable donors is a global challenge and is not unique to Singapore. With the 1987 Human Organ Transplant Act (HOTA), and widening of this coverage beyond kidney to heart, liver and cornea donation, the average number of deceased donor kidney transplants increased from five per year prior to HOTA to an average of 33 per year between 2021 and 2025. Notwithstanding, there are more patients needing organs than there are donors. One contributory factor is that only a small proportion of deaths occur under circumstances that permit organ donation. Further, some potential donors are medically unsuitable due to underlying medical conditions, such as malignancy or infection, or may not meet the criteria for brain-death certification. Therefore, the Ministry of Health (MOH) continually reviews ways to broaden access to organ donation and transplantation. In 2024, kidney donation after circulatory death was introduced as an additional pathway for deceased kidney donation, expanding the pool of potential donors and allowing next-of-kin to fulfil the deceased person's wish to donate even when brain-death criteria are not met. The National Organ Transplant Unit works closely with organ transplant programmes to identify and assess technologies, such as organ perfusion technologies, which can help preserve donor organs that would previously have been considered unsuitable for transplantation. Living donor kidney and liver transplantation also provides further opportunities for patients with end-stage kidney or liver disease to receive a transplant. MOH also supports the training of healthcare professionals to equip them with the skills to engage families sensitively and facilitate discussions on organ donation. We continue to strengthen public education and outreach efforts to raise awareness of the life-saving impact of organ donation, through initiatives, such as the annual Live On Festival. In 2025, an online portal was also launched for Singaporeans to register and check their organ donation preferences more conveniently. MOH will continue to promote public awareness, foster greater understanding and support for organ donation, and strengthen Singapore's organ donation and transplantation ecosystem so that more patients in need can benefit.
Employment Outcomes and Further Help for Fresh Graduates Who Have Completed GRIT Programmes›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time3 turns · 444w
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Mr Fadli Fawzi60 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Acting Minister for Manpower (a) why have more than half of the fresh graduates who completed the GRaduate Industry Traineeship (GRIT) programme not found employment; (b) why have only 20% of GRIT completers secured employment at their host companies; and (c) what actions are being taken to help unemployed trainees who have completed the GRIT programme secure employment.
Mr Low Wu Yang Andre54 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Acting Minister for Manpower for each of the GRIT and GRIT@Gov programmes, among trainees who completed their traineeships by 31 July 2026 and have since found employment (a) how many have entered full-time permanent employment; (b) what is their median time to employment; and (c) whether programme-specific outcomes will be published regularly.
Ms Jasmin Lau330 words
[+17 sentences]The GRaduate Industry Traineeship (GRIT) and GRIT@Gov programmes were designed to improve the employability of graduates who needed more help to find a permanent job, amidst uncertain hiring sentiments in 2025. As of July 2026, close to 600 trainees have been onboarded onto GRIT and GRIT@Gov. As the labour market remains resilient, many applicants have found full-time employment or pursued other opportunities before taking up traineeship offers. As a result, the number of unique applications for GRIT and GRIT@Gov has fallen by 85% from the initial surge at the October 2025 launch. About half of the 280 trainees who had completed their traineeships by end-July 2026 have secured employment. Among them, about four in 10 were employed by their host companies. We do not have data on a further breakdown between permanent employment and other types of employment. The employment figures cited are an early snapshot, as many trainees had completed their traineeships only recently, while others had yet to complete their traineeships. Job search takes time, and we expect employment outcomes to improve in the coming months. For trainees who have not yet secured employment following the end of their traineeships, the Skills and Workforce Development Agency will continue to reach out and provide personalised support, including career coaching and job matching. Feedback from trainees on their GRIT experience has been positive. Over 95% of trainees found their assigned tasks relevant to their role and 98% reported having sufficient supervision, reflecting the programme's emphasis on structured and meaningful work exposure. Trainees also rated their overall well-being favourably. Host companies have also responded positively, with over eight in 10 indicating they were likely or very likely to participate in GRIT again. GRIT is part of a broader suite of measures to support fresh graduates. We will continue to monitor traineeship quality and outcomes and look at how best we can support fresh graduates to find full-time employment. We will also continue to provide updates on programme outcomes at relevant junctures.
Assessing and Mitigating Environmental, Heritage and Community Impacts of Reclamation for New Western Island and Southern Islands Projects›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time6 turns · 645w
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written-answer-na-24543
Mr Sharael Taha52 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for National Development how the Government will engage environmental, heritage and community groups in planning for the consolidation of the Southern Islands, to ensure that environmental impacts and the cultural and historical significance of the islands, including their connections to communities, such as the Orang Laut, are adequately considered.
Dr Charlene Chen52 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for National Development beyond project-level Environmental Impact Assessments, (a) whether the Government will consider conducting cumulative environmental assessments where multiple reclamation, dredging or coastal development projects may affect the same marine ecosystems; and (b) whether such assessments will be published early enough to inform project design and public consultation.
Ms He Ting Ru65 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for National Development regarding the reclamation plans for a new Western Island and further works at Pulau Tekong announced at the 2026 National Day Rally (a) what environmental impact assessments will be conducted before these projects proceed; (b) what is the Government's current assessment of the likely environmental and climatological impact; and (c) what mitigation measures are planned, in particular for corals.
Ms He Ting Ru57 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for National Development regarding the planned Western Islands land reclamation (a) how Government agencies are engaging with former residents of the islands; and (b) how heritage and community considerations arising from the islands' history prior to resettlement in the 1980s will be factored into the land use and design plans for the reclaimed area.
Mr Low Wu Yang Andre57 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for National Development regarding the proposed western island development (a) which islands and surrounding waters are being considered; (b) what ecological baseline and alternatives studies will inform site selection; and (c) whether the Government will publish these studies, consult the public and identify habitats to be avoided or protected before reclamation decisions are made.
Mr Chee Hong Tat362 words
[+11 sentences]My reply will also cover the questions from Ms Lee Hui Ying, Mr Fadli Fawzi, Mr Jackson Lam, Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song, Dr Hamid Razak, Ms Cassandra Lee, Mr Cai Yinzhou, Mr Vikram Nair and Miss Rachel Ong for subsequent Sittings. [Please refer to "Environmental Impact Assessment and Mitigation Measures for Western Island and Long Island Development Plans", Official Report, 9 September 2026, Vol 96, Issue 36, Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer not Answered by End of Question Time section; and "Biodiversity Studies for Tagore Forest", Official Report, 10 September 2026, Vol 96, Issue 37, Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer not Answered by End of Question Time section.] The Government is studying plans for a new western island to meet strategic national needs, including in security, energy and industry. A project of this scale is complex and technically challenging. Details, such as the reclamation profile, land use plans, construction methods and timeline, for the new western island have not been determined. The Government recognises that the existing islands and surrounding waters are an important part of our natural biodiversity, and hold historical and cultural significance for former island communities, including the Orang Pulau and Orang Laut. We have been and will continue to engage stakeholders early, including nature groups, domain experts and descendants of former island communities and community representatives. As part of the planning process, the Government will also conduct technical studies to inform development plans, including the reclamation profile. These include feasibility studies, site investigations and surveys, as well as engineering and environmental studies, to better understand development possibilities and their preliminary impact on areas, like geology, hydrology and biodiversity. As part of environmental studies for the new western island, agencies will coordinate closely to comprehensively manage the cumulative environmental impact of projects in close proximity. When ready, the environmental study report will be made available for public feedback, and we will carefully consider inputs from stakeholders before finalising the plans. As with any development decision, the Government will need to consider many factors, such as ecological and heritage impact, as well as the needs of current and future generations, before making a final decision.
Impact of 12.5% Tariff on Singapore's Economy and Measures Taken to Pursue Exemption›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time4 turns · 927w
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Mr Ang Wei Neng66 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry (Trade) (a) what is the impact of the latest 12.5% tariff on Singapore's economy; (b) how is Singapore going to engage the US on the new tariff despite Singapore's trade surplus in favour of the US; and (c) what measures will the Government take to minimise the impact on Singaporean companies exporting to the US.
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song74 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry (Trade) regarding the United States' 12.5% Section 301 forced labour tariff (a) how many direct engagements has the Minister had with the US Trade Representative since investigations were initiated in March 2026 and when were these engagements; (b) what evidence verifying local labour compliance has Singapore provided; and (c) what mechanisms are being pursued to secure an exemption from this tariff for Singapore.
Mr Victor Lye76 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry (Trade) given the section 301 tariffs imposed on Singapore (a) whether the Ministry has asked the United States Trade Representative (USTR) for the specific evidence used to conclude that Singapore’s absence of a dedicated forced-labour import prohibition burdens US commerce; and (b) what legislative, operational and enforcement benchmarks must be satisfied given that the EU was still penalised despite having enacted a forced-labour import prohibition.
Mr Gan Kim Yong711 words
[+33 sentences]The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has concluded its section 301 investigation into imports associated with forced labour. It has imposed tariffs ranging from 10% to 12.5% on all 60 economies covered by the investigation. The tariff level depends on whether an economy has introduced a prohibition on imports produced with forced labour or has committed to doing so through an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) with the United States (US). The USTR has imposed a 12.5% tariff rate on imports from Singapore because we do not have a law prohibiting the importation of goods produced with forced labour, nor an ART committing us to introduce one. Importantly, none of the 60 economies, including those that already have such prohibitions in force, received a full exemption from the tariff. About one-third of Singapore's domestic exports to the US, worth about $9.5 billion annually, are exposed to this 12.5% tariff. This is about 3% of our total domestic exports globally. In addition to optical instruments and chemical products, the other products in Singapore that are affected by the 12.5% tariff include offshore drilling and production platforms, and precious metals. Overall, the additional 2.5%, compared to the earlier 10% tariff imposed under section 122, is equivalent to an estimated 0.7 percentage point increase in Singapore's overall effective tariff rate. Throughout this investigation, Singapore has engaged USTR actively at both the political and official levels, including during the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry (Trade)'s visit to Washington DC last month. We also submitted written comments to USTR and participated in bilateral Government consultations. In these engagements, we made clear that there is no evidence that Singapore is involved in the trade of goods associated with forced labour, based on data from the US Department of Labour and Customs and Border Protection. We emphasised that our policies do not burden US commerce, as reflected in the longstanding and substantial trade surplus the US continues to enjoy with Singapore. We also explained that Singapore does not condone forced labour and maintains a comprehensive enforcement framework against such practices. Some Members asked what Singapore can do to negotiate a lower tariff with the US. We will continue engaging USTR constructively. But we also have to consider carefully what steps, if any, Singapore should take in response. Singapore is a major trading hub with goods and services trade amounting to around $2.5 trillion each year, of which $1.4 trillion is in goods. Any import prohibition would have significant implications. Businesses could face substantial compliance costs arising from supply chain due diligence, documentation and investigations, particularly where production takes place outside Singapore and beyond our jurisdiction. Such measures could also affect our broader trade relationship with other partners. As the Singapore Business Federation noted in its 24 July 2026 statement, any new regulatory requirements should be carefully studied in consultation with industry. We will continue these discussions through the Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce (SERT). In addition, we have to consider carefully what would be involved in an ART with the US. Based on the agreements that the US has concluded with other economies, such arrangements may involve commitments beyond an import prohibition, including export controls or restrictions relating to third countries. These wider implications have to be assessed carefully before Singapore decides on any course of action. Our immediate priority is to help businesses and workers adjust. We are closely monitoring a range of economic indicators, including sectoral economic performance and labour market metrics, as well as firms' outlook and expectations. We are also actively engaging businesses and the labour movement so that we can detect early signs of difficulties faced by businesses and workers if they arise. So far, the impact of the US' section 301 tariff on our economy has been muted. Nonetheless, the Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce has been working closely with our tripartite and industry partners to monitor the impact of the US tariffs and help businesses adapt. In October 2025, we launched the Business Adaptation Grant (BizAdapt) to support eligible enterprises in redesigning their business operations and strengthening supply chain resilience. At this year's Budget, we also announced higher grant support levels for schemes, such as the Market Readiness Assistance Grant, to help firms diversify and grow in overseas markets.
Training and Effectiveness of Support for School Leaders and Staff to Manage Crises›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 455w
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Dr Hamid Razak41 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Minister for Education (a) how does the Ministry ensure that school leaders and staff are adequately trained and supported to manage crises, given the range of school contexts; and (b) how is the effectiveness of this support periodically reviewed.
Mr Desmond Lee414 words
[+17 sentences]My response will also address related Oral Question filed for a subsequent Sitting. [Please refer to "Ensuring Safety, Support and Preparedness for Potential Threats at Schools for Students and Staff, and Early Intervention for At-risk Youths", Official Report, 10 September 2026, Vol 96, Issue 37, Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer not Answered by End of Question Time section.] The Ministry of Education (MOE) has structures, processes and training in place to ensure that schools are prepared to manage emergencies, crises and potential threats. Every school has a school emergency structure led by the Principal and standard operating procedures (SOPs) covering a wide range of incidents including death and serious injury, security incidents, overseas trip emergencies, health-related situations and examination-related matters. School leaders are trained to lead during crises through milestone leadership programmes, discussion of case studies and structured sessions. These develop school leaders' capability to exercise sound judgement and adapt SOPs to evolving circumstances. Schools regularly conduct workshops, scenario-based discussions, drills and exercises with the Police and the Singapore Civil Defence Force to familiarise staff and students with emergency response procedures, and strengthen coordination with emergency responders during a crisis. Every school also has a team of specially trained teachers and school counsellors, to help school staff and students cope with the psychological distress of a crisis and support their return to normalcy. MOE headquarters provides close consultation and additional trained staff where needed. We have also enhanced our infrastructure to support schools in managing incidents. All schools have been equipped with closed-circuit television systems to enhance safety and security within their premises. The cameras are installed to provide coverage across the school including critical areas, like gates, access routes and common spaces. MOE adopts a whole-school approach to facilitate the early identification and support of students who may display behaviours or signs of concern, so that risks can be addressed early and appropriate interventions put in place. School personnel are trained to look out for these students and are guided on the prompt handling of concerns. This includes providing timely intervention and counselling so that issues can be addressed, before they escalate. Students are also taught to look out for one another and to seek help from trusted adults like parents, teachers or school counsellors. MOE reviews our plans and approach regularly, drawing on feedback from schools and lessons learnt from incident management, to be relevant and effective. MOE is committed to ensuring that schools are safe for staff and students.
Ensuring Long-term Sustainability of Pioneer, Merdeka Generation and Majulah Package Funds to Prevent Top-ups from Future Budgets›Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time2 turns · 259w
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Mr Yip Hon Weng63 words
[+1 sentence]asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance following the Estimates Committee's call for greater transparency on the sustainability of the Pioneer, Merdeka Generation and Majulah Package Funds (a) whether updated planning assumptions and stress-test ranges will be published; (b) which indicators will trigger top-ups; and (c) how does the Government plan to avoid large, delayed top-ups that may fall on future Budgets.
Mr Jeffrey Siow196 words
[+10 sentences]At the inception of the Pioneer Generation (PG) Fund in 2014, $8 billion was set aside based on estimated funds required to fulfil the commitment to the PG seniors. As of 31 March 2026, the PG Fund had an estimated liability of $5.75 billion, compared with a balance of $4.84 billion. The difference has arisen mainly because healthcare costs and MediShield Life premiums have increased faster than expected. There have also been enhancements to the support provided to the PG seniors, including the CareShield Life Additional Participation Incentives, which have added modestly to the Fund’s liabilities. These estimates will inevitably change over time. We therefore closely monitor the funds' balances, estimated liabilities and utilisation trends. We do not seek to keep each fund's balance exactly matched to its estimated liabilities at any point. But the Government will make fund top-ups as needed, taking into account the size of any estimated shortfall and the overall fiscal position. This approach avoids reacting to any short-term fluctuations, while ensuring that the commitments made to our seniors remain fully funded over time. Key information on each fund, including its balance, annual inflows and outlays, is published in its financial statements.
Scams (Countermeasures) and Other Matters Bill›Second Reading Bills18 turns · 14,164w
· 78 highlighted
bill-809recorded 2026-09-09
Speaker not recorded45 words
[+2 sentences], (proc text)] . (proc text)]
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Victor Lye.
Mr Victor Lye (Ang Mo Kio)609 words
[+13 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, I support the Bill but seek proportionality when banking facilities are restricted, whether pending investigations or under the Account Disabling Order (ADO). I note the Police only freezes bank accounts when there is reasonable suspicion that the accounts involved are involved in illicit activities such as scams. While safeguards exist, I hope we can make these safeguards proportionate and consistent in the extent to which banking access can be restricted. A person whose account is frozen or disabled may apply for another bank account, but the new bank remains entitled to decline the application based on its own risk assessment. If all banks decline, what avenue does that person have to obtain basic banking facilities to receive salaries, Government payments and pay essential bills? Does the appeal to the Commissioner address this situation and if not, should there be an escalation mechanism for such cases? Some residents have sought my help after their bank accounts were frozen. Some had only one bank account. They had difficulty opening another account at the same bank or a new account at another bank. Some are not fluent in English. They could not understand the new banking terms and conditions, nor navigate digital channels to seek redress. I can understand that each bank may have legitimate risk reasons for declining the customer. But if every bank independently reaches the same conclusion, the person can effectively become excluded from basic banking services, with significant consequences for everyday life. According to the Singapore Police Force's (SPF's) 2025 Scam and Cybercrime Brief, more than 15,000 bank accounts were frozen.[+1 sentence] Scams involving self-effected transfers form the majority of reported scams. According to SPF's 2026 Mid-Year Scam and Cybercrime Brief, scams involving self-effected transfers rose to 80.8% in the first half of 2026, up from 78.8% in the same period last year.[+6 sentences] In most cases, scammers did not gain direct control of victims' accounts but manipulated victims into making monetary transactions through deception and social engineering. Presumably, there are victims whose bank accounts may be frozen. Investigations can take a while. Banking access may be cut off. Sir, I have three suggestions. First, define the minimum essential banking access for every person. Given that the facility restriction framework already preserves basic banking access, even for persons assessed to present mule-related risks, could a similar principle apply to any person who cannot obtain an account anywhere? Regardless of which anti-scam or investigative mechanism causes the restriction, can we define the basic services that should remain available, such as receiving verified salary and Government payments, paying essential bills and reasonable access to money for daily expenses?[+8 sentences] Second, set up clear resolution channels to avoid the situation when every bank says no. In this way, we ensure that every person will have at least one functioning bank account based on a minimum standard of essential banking access. Third, monitor the situation to track proportionality. I suggest that we track: one, the number of persons who become unbanked or restricted because their bank accounts are frozen; and two, how long it took for them to remove the restrictions or how long they were unbanked. Sir, the Bill creates sophisticated ways to restrict financial access. Our safeguards, similarly, should become equally sophisticated so that restricting risky banking functions does not unintentionally become exclusion from our banking system all together. We should take a broad risk-based approach and ask ourselves such questions: what banking functions create that risk and what minimum access can safely be allowed in the interim? That allows us to protect the public while allowing for essential banking and livelihoods. Sir, notwithstanding my concerns, I support the Bill.
Mr Speaker4 words
[+1 sentence]Ms Gho Sze Kee.
Ms Gho Sze Kee (Mountbatten)1581 words
[+3 sentences]Mr Speaker, I support the objectives of this Bill. Scams move quickly and we want to stop scams before losses actually happen. I agree that the authorities too must be able to intervene quicker and earlier. But as we move further upstream to keep ahead of the scammers, we find ourselves moving ahead of the traditional thresholds of proof that normally apply in the judicial process. This Bill moves us onto grounds where suspicion alone can trigger consequential action and those consequences can be serious.[+11 sentences] We live in a highly connected and digitalised society. Being denied a banking account, phone line or online services is a major handicap. For a business, it can be an outright disaster. It is therefore very important for us to look closely at the evidential threshold for suspicion, the guardrails against excesses and the safeguards around getting things wrong. There is a real potential for excesses and abuse in this Bill if we are not careful. Sir, in the conventional judicial process, we usually talk about two different thresholds of proof. The prosecution must prove its case beyond reasonable doubt in criminal cases and facts are generally proved on a balance of probabilities in civil proceedings. These differing standards reflect, among other things, the different consequences of factual error, particularly the need in criminal proceedings to minimise the risk of wrongful conviction. Clause 7 of the Bill introduces a new Part 2A into the Protection from Scams Act. It inserts new sections providing for Disclosure Orders (DOs), ADOs and Service Limitation Orders (SLOs). The wording of the new sections 6A and 6B is telling. An officer may act where he suspects or has reason to believe that a service or an account will be or has been used to commit or facilitate a scam-related offence.[+13 sentences] These are not the conventional standards of proof we ordinarily associate with the determination of civil liability or criminal guilt. They are lower, preventive standards designed to allow intervention before harm is completed. In that sense, the lower threshold is understandable. The purpose here is not to determine guilt but to prevent or disrupt scams before further loss is caused. Of course, the threshold for preventive intervention need not be the same as the threshold for establishing liability or guilt. That is not in itself unreasonable. But we must recognise that this cuts both ways. As we strive to intervene faster and earlier to prevent losses, the information that we base our decisions on is necessarily less complete and the risk of getting it wrong becomes correspondingly higher. It makes the safeguards around such powers all the more important. This is where my concern begins. Mr Speaker, I am concerned that there appears to be more provisions in this Bill that enable rather than guard against excesses in this Bill. For example, there will be two types of ADOs: an order against specific accounts and a criteria-based order against accounts that match a set of given conditions. Under subsection 6A(B) of the new section 6B, we see the disabling conditions of criteria-based ADOs. An account can be disabled if it has carried out a transaction with a specific account or, in the case of a telephone or online account, simply having communicated with the wrong person. This is concerning because it is essentially the possibility of suspicion by association alone.[+12 sentences] It is easy to think of many scenarios where this may fail. A person could have won a World Cup bet with the wrong friend and received his winnings on PayNow from the friend's account or he could have simply had some phone calls or interactions with the wrong friend. There is no way for him to know that that friend might have been a scammer or a mule. A business too could easily have legitimate transactions with an alleged scammer or mule. And one can easily imagine scenarios where a party could be both a victim and an unwitting accessory to a scam. Sir, if I may anticipate the Ministry's response to this. Yes, it is true that there are some safeguards built into the Bill such as time and extension limits to the orders. And yes, an appeal mechanism exists for both ADOs and SLOs. And I agree too that we can and indeed we should trust our Police officers to perform their duties professionally and impartially. But that is not the real concern here. My concern is primarily not the checks and the balances on the authorities, but rather the lack of checks and balances on the banks, financial institutions, telecommunications companies (telcos) and platforms that receive these orders. Let us consider the new section 6F, which sets out punishment for non-compliance with a given order, with clause 10, which gives immunity to service providers against civil and criminal liabilities in complying with orders. This, together with the new sections 9A and 9B of the Protection from Scams Act.[+1 sentence] Section 9B is of particular concern. It allows a bank, telco or platform to take action on its own initiative, without the Police having to issue an order against that specific account so long as its suspicions are drawn, even partly from information obtained from another order.[+9 sentences] Taken together, it is essentially an encouragement to unilateral action. It is clear that the Bill nudges banks, telcos and service providers to over, rather than under, action. This is yet another point in the Bill where suspicion alone is sufficient for consequential action, but with an important distinction. In this case, the discretion to act lies not with the authorities, but with private business entities. Can we ever, in all fairness, expect profit-driven private entities to act with the same fairness and impartiality that we expect of the authorities? The answer is clear to me. Such a pattern is not unfamiliar in our regulatory environment. Under the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) Notice 626, a binding directive to counter money laundering, for example, banks are required to take action when they have suspicions about a customer. Retaining the customer is the exception, rather than the default. If a bank chooses to retain a suspected customer, it has to justify that decision in writing.[+15 sentences] It does not have to justify simply letting the customer go. Sir, my point is not that this is unreasonable, but that the incentives are already tilted towards caution. It is reasonable to expect our banks, telcos and platforms to play their part in combating scams. But precisely because we ask this of them, we must be honest and recognise the stark differences between their motivations and considerations and those of the authorities. Under such a regulatory regime, Sir, if you were a bank compliance officer, the path of least resistance would be to freeze and terminate first and to ask questions later. As they say in Mandarin: "宁可杀错，不可放过". It is much easier to be safe than sorry. If a service provider decides to simply terminate a customer or refuse service, there may be little anyone can do because it simply remains, in most circumstances, within the business' prerogative to do so. Which brings us, Sir, to that big elephant in the room – the National Scams List (NSL). The NSL is an operational tool. It sits outside the Bill and does not appear at all in the Bill's text. But the DO, ADO and SLO enabled by this Bill are symbiotic with the NSL. We cannot examine one without considering the other. There are a lot of clear and obvious operational questions that come to mind when we think of the relationship between these orders and the NSL, but I shall not go over what others will have surely covered. Instead, considering what we have examined thus far, I want to ask one fundamental question. What stops the NSL from becoming a unilateral and de facto blacklist for our banks, telcos and platforms?[+7 sentences] We have already seen how there are strong incentives for them to err on the side of caution. With the NSL, we are giving them information on suspected scam enablers. What do we expect they will do with it? Will they simply do what an ADO or SLO requires them to do? Or will they use the information independently to freeze accounts, terminate relationships, refuse new accounts or deny services? When someone successfully appeals against an ADO or SLO, will service providers simply restore the position, or can they still decide that they no longer wish to provide services to that person? What are the consumer safeguards that are in place? When someone is cleared of any suspicions of wrongdoing and removed from the NSL, what stops the service providers from still erring from the side of caution and continuing to exercise their business prerogative to continue to refuse service?[+2 sentences] When an ADO or SLO lapses, what stops the consequences from continuing beyond the life of the order? In fact, what safeguards do we actually have to ensure that attracting an order, or appearing on the NSL, justified or otherwise, does not become a life sentence? These are uncomfortable questions that the Bill does not address, Mr Speaker, and there are many more. It is clear there are scant guardrails in place against excessive action by service providers.[+2 sentences] I support this Bill because I recognise the overarching importance of the fight against scams. But this is a serious shortcoming that must be addressed.
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Dr Charlene Chen.
Dr Charlene Chen (Tampines)836 words
[+10 sentences]Mr Speaker, in Mandarin, please. (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, during the Meet-the-People Sessions (MPS), from time to time, we encounter residents who have fallen victim to scams. Some were deceived by strangers, others placed their trust in friends, acquaintances or people they have only recently met. By the time they realise something is wrong and make a Police report, the money has already been moved through different accounts or even transferred overseas. The Police will do their utmost to trace the funds, but the scammers are familiar with the law enforcement methods. They use different bank accounts, telephone numbers, online platforms and intermediaries to move the funds quickly. Most distressingly, some residents lose their life savings and money lost is very difficult to recover. I therefore support this Bill so that the Police will be able to obtain information more quickly and disable accounts involved in scams. But whether these new powers can truly protect residents depends on three implementation issues. (In English): First, can we detect scams early enough? The new section 6G allows the Police to issue DOs requiring service providers to disclose information about bank, payment, digital-token, telephone and online accounts.[+18 sentences] This addresses a common difficulty. At the beginning, a scam may not look like a scam. An online platform may see messages from a suspicious profile. A telco may see calls from a particular number. One bank may see an unusual transfer. Any one of these clues may be insufficient to justify intervention. But if several victims report the same telephone number, online identity or beneficiary account, the pattern becomes clearer. My first question is therefore about detection. How will weak or inconclusive signals from different sources be brought together so that an emerging scam can be identified before the losses accumulate? Section 6G allows a DO to prescribe when information must be provided or how frequently it must be shared. Will there be common response standards across service providers? Where an initial report is inconclusive, will its identifiers still be retained and matched against subsequent reports? The test is whether the system can turn scattered warning signs into an actionable picture early enough. Second, once detected, can we disrupt the whole network? Detecting a scam and disrupting it are two different operational tasks. Information sharing helps us see the network. Account disabling must then help us break it. The new section 6B(1) allows the Police to disable a particular account. Section 6B(2) goes further by allowing accounts that meet specified disabling conditions to be disabled.[+18 sentences] This matters because scammers do not normally depend on only one account. If one beneficiary account is frozen, they may give the victim another. If one online profile is removed, they may create a new profile or move the conversation elsewhere. They may also shift the money through several mule accounts before sending it overseas. My second question is therefore about disruption: can the intervention dismantle the scammer's operating network or does it merely remove one replaceable account? The Bill allows disabling conditions to capture transaction patterns and links to specified persons or accounts. Section 9B may also allow a provider to act voluntarily against another related account. How will these powers be used to identify replacement accounts and recurring scam actors? After an account is disabled, will the authorities monitor whether the same scammer, victim or pattern reappears through another channel? The test is not simply whether one account was closed. It is whether the scam was stopped. Third, how will accuracy and effectiveness be evaluated? A conditions-based order under section 6B(2) could affect multiple accounts. If the conditions are too narrow, scammers may escape. If they are too broad, legitimate users may be affected. Sections 6D and 6E allow orders to be cancelled or varied and affected persons may appeal. But these safeguards will be meaningful only if errors are reviewed and corrected quickly. Will the Ministry set service standards for reviewing potentially wrongful disabling and restoring legitimate accounts? More broadly, I hope the Ministry will publish aggregate indicators covering the time from detection to disclosure and disabling; false-positive and restoration rates; estimated losses prevented and evidence that scammers migrated to replacement accounts or services.[+5 sentences] The number of orders issued measures enforcement activity. It does not, by itself, tell us whether residents' money was saved. Mr Speaker, in Mandarin, please. (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, this Bill provides the legal tools needed to trace and disrupt scam networks. The key next step is to ensure that different agencies can connect the clues in a timely manner; that after one account is disabled, the scam network behind it can continue to be traced and that any wrongful impact on legitimate users can be corrected quickly. For residents, what matters most is not how many orders are issued, but whether action can be taken before the money is transferred away.[+2 sentences] What we must stop is not merely the next transfer but the same scam continuing through a different account or a different platform. I support the Bill.
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Ms Elysa Chen.
Ms Elysa Chen (Bishan-Toa Payoh)1992 words
[+13 sentences]Mr Speaker, scams are an abhorrent, reprehensible crime. I hate how scammers prey on the most vulnerable. They wipe out the retirement savings of hardworking Singaporeans. They go after the lonely. They exploit the very decency that makes us who we are: our willingness to trust, to help, to believe. I hate how they keep coming back like zombies – we shut one account down and two more spring up within the hour. I hate how they hide behind others who may be less educated, those who may be deceived and even some who may be coerced. There are many heart wrenching stories in my own constituency. A senior who is now estranged from her daughter after having fallen prey to a love scam. The senior refuses to listen to her daughter, grassroots leaders, and even myself because she refuses to accept that the scammer could have been anything but sincere in his affections towards her. One of my MPS cases involves a widow whose husband died from a terminal illness, who had transferred large sums to a scammer, thinking that he was investing money to leave more for his wife and children. And I read with horror how a Police full-time national serviceman shot himself with a gun after he fell prey to a scam. He was 21 years old. Last year alone, there were 37,308 scams cases, with losses totaling $913.1 million.[+9 sentences] This Bill is a necessary response and I support it. Given its reach, I will organise my observations under three headings: fairness, gaps the Bill has not yet closed and checks on the new powers it creates. Let me begin with what I support. Like I said earlier, dealing with scammers today can feel like dealing with a horde of zombies. We can close one account but two more spring up again. But clause 7's new orders, reaching bank, payment, telecom and online accounts, in Singapore or overseas, give our officers the speed to keep pace. I likewise support clause 19, allowing AI to help issue Online Criminal Harms Act (OCHA) directions at the scale this problem now demands and clause 21's financial penalties on platforms that shirk their duties. My first concern is that the machinery built to catch scammers is not overly punitive, particularly for those who have been deceived or coerced. I would like to start with the threshold. Under the new sections 6A and 6B, a specified officer may issue an SLO for up to three years, or an ADO for up to 30 days extendable once to 60 days, whenever he suspects or has reason to believe that a person will use, or an account has been used, to facilitate a scam.[+3 sentences] This threshold is not unfamiliar – OHCA already permits the same low bar for scam-related directions. But there, the consequence is that a post comes down or a social media account falls silent online. Here, it is a bank account, phone line or credit facility – basically, what someone needs to navigate daily life, that may be switched off for far longer, even reaching into overseas services. Might reasonable suspicion, the higher bar used elsewhere in our statute book, be a better threshold that justifies the exercise of such power?[+14 sentences] Alternatively, I would ask the Minister to place on record, as the Police's own September 2025 statement on the Facility Restriction Framework did, that the intended targets are those already flagged as high-risk – persons previously dealt with for mule offences, or under investigation and showing a continued pattern of facilitating scams – not a thin, first suspicion. Next, the kind of restrictions that can be imposed. Clause 7 already permits an account disabling order to target specific functions, a transfer, a withdrawal, rather than freeze an account outright; and section 6E allows a service limitation order to be varied for continued, conditional access. Can there be clarity on how these powers will be exercised? To the extent possible, I would urge specific countermeasures be adopted rather than a blanket freeze of an account that this become the default. For instance, a daily transfer cap, well below what a scam typically demands, preserves a person's ability to pay for groceries and school fees while still blunting the syndicate's playbook, with a full freeze kept for the clearest, highest risk cases. Next, providing opportunities for review. Clauses 8 and 9 allow an appeal only to the Commissioner of Police, or an officer he designates, with no fixed time for a reply, and only for the identified person himself. What if someone was genuinely misled or coerced into handing over his account? I would like to ask for a review avenue outside the Police, or at minimum, a prescribed response time in subsidiary legislation. The same gap appears in the NSL that I understand the Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX) and the Police are developing to share information on flagged accounts with service providers. A person subject to a formal order under this Bill can appeal it; a person merely placed on this list, without being the direct subject of an Order, does not clearly have the same right, even though a bank or telcos seeing that name may simply decline to serve them on the strength of the listing alone. Who administers this list, how does a name get added and will the person even be told that their name is on this NSL? Being placed on it should carry the same rights of notice and review as a formal order. Next, the reverse presumption in the new sections 39GA to 39GC of the Miscellaneous Offences Act. I support criminalising the sale of accounts to scam syndicates, but the presumption that a person acted "for any gain" casts a wide net.[+12 sentences] Take, for example, an elderly aunty deceived into handing over her bank login for a small token payment she believed was legitimate. She would be presumed, until she proves otherwise, to have had reasonable grounds to believe her account would be misused, a presumption she may not have the ability to rebut on her own. In fairness, caning under these sections requires the prosecution to separately prove actual knowledge or intent, not merely satisfy the presumption, and this safeguard deserves to be on the record. Even so, I would ask for a minimum gain threshold before the "for any gain" limb applies, so a token sum does not sweep in those who have been deceived alongside those who are complicit. Last, the restriction of access to Singpass. Will this Bill inadvertently cut members of the public off from it? Under the Police's own Facility Restriction Framework, which came before this Bill, Singpass and Corppass access can already be restricted alongside banking and mobile line services. Singpass today is not just one more online account. It is how many of us book a doctor's appointment, apply for a flat or check our Central Provident Fund (CPF). If a person's Singpass access is switched off for months or years, while they are still merely suspected, they may find themselves locked out of the very Government services they need to sort out their affairs, appeal a decision or simply get on with life. Are there measures in place to guarantee that access to the most essential civic services – voting, healthcare and CPF matters among them – is preserved even while we disable the networks that scammers use to commit their crimes, or for the resulting inconvenience to the individual to be mitigated by way of a more contained restriction on the use of Singpass? My second concern is that for all its new powers, the Bill leaves at least three gaps where harm can still get through: one at the point of prevention; one at the point of enforcement; and one at the point of redress. The prevention gap: SPF's Annual Scam and Cybercrime Brief, published in February this year, tells us that 81.8% of last year's scam cases involved victims transferring their own money, having been deceived into doing so willingly.[+2 sentences] Disabling a mule's account after that transfer has happened does little to bring a victim's money back. Our Shared Responsibility Framework (SRF), which places duties on banks and telcos, was built for a narrower problem – unauthorised transactions, where a scammer hijacks someone's credentials – and does not reach the investment, loan or "Government official" scams that persuade a person to click "transfer" themselves. Neither, as far as I understand, does it yet place duties on digital payment token providers, even though cryptocurrency now accounts for roughly a fifth of all scam losses – some $182 million last year.[+5 sentences] As we strengthen the back end by disabling mule accounts, will the Government also widen the Framework's front-end duties to match? The enforcement gap: the new mule offences only apply to accounts on a service designated under OCHA and that list remains a limited one. This limits our ability to fight scams because syndicates are adaptable. If a designated platform is used only as a funnel, to make first contact before steering a victim toward to some unlisted platform, does the mule who supplied that first account escape these offences simply because the harm was completed elsewhere? If the mischief we are trying to stop is the supply of an account for criminal use, liability should turn on the conduct not which platform the account happens to sit on. The redress gap: clause 21's financial penalties on non-compliant platforms are welcome. But they flow to the state, not the victim.[+18 sentences] Will the Government consider a private right of civil action for scam victims against offenders and non-compliant service providers, so that a victim's recourse does not rest on the state's initiative alone? And going further, will the Government consider restitution for victims of scam harm as a result of non-compliant platforms from the monies gathered from these fines, as a form of economic redress. What I am asking for is, under the spirit of fairness and justice, can we consider redistributing the fines collected to the victims of the very scams the platforms were fined for. My third and final concern is accountability. This Bill hands the state two significant new instruments and I would ask what checks accompany each. Clause 19 lets a computer program issue OCHA directions on a responsible officer's authority. I understand the appeal of this given the volume of scam accounts our officers now face. But will a human review a batch of directions before, not only after, they are issued, so a pattern-matching algorithm does not sweep an innocent account into this net on a false positive? Clause 31 creates a new corps of Civilian Specialist Officers (CSOs), with powers of arrest, search and entry similar to a Commercial Affairs Officer. How will they be disciplined and held to account, given they sit outside the disciplinary provisions that apply to police officers? Mr Speaker, I began by saying I hate scammers, and nothing in the three concerns I have raised changes that. This Bill gives our officers real speed against a threat that regenerates faster than we can strike it down, and a speed that is worth having. But speed and fairness need not be in tension. The measures must strike at the right targets. A syndicate's account can still be disabled without a grieving widow, a deceived aunty or a frightened young man losing their life that they are trying to hold together. I have asked the Ministry to consider where the presumption falls too widely, where the gaps let harm slip through at prevention, enforcement and redress, and where new powers need new checks to match. These are not objections to the Bill's purpose, but conditions for its success – because a Bill that stops scammers only to catch the vulnerable in the same net will have solved one injustice by creating another. Mr Speaker, notwithstanding my clarifications, I support this Bill.
Mr Speaker4 words
[+1 sentence]Ms Hazlina Abdul Halim.
Ms Hazlina Abdul Halim (East Coast)2275 words
[+17 sentences]Mr Speaker, I support the Bill's intention. It allows for faster tools to detect, disrupt and deter scams. But let me make three points today: first, scam prevention efforts must be tailored to different vulnerabilities; second, platforms must share responsibility to keep their users safe; third, safeguards for account disabling and service restrictions. Mr Speaker, when we refer to "a scam victim" and "the scam" as though there is one archetype. But Members will know, through the appeals and the assistance requests that we receive, this cannot be father from the truth. Seniors may be targeted through Government-official impersonation or investment scams. Young adults may be targeted through job scams, e-commerce scams, investment scams as well as phishing. Parents may be targeted through fake messages involving their children. Small business owners, meanwhile, may be targeted through impersonation of suppliers, customers or business partners. The tactics are different because the vulnerabilities are different. And if scammers tailor their approach to their victims, our prevention efforts should also do the same. For our seniors, scams often exploit fear, authority and trust. A resident may receive a call from someone claiming to be from a Government agency or financial institution. He or she is told that their bank account has been compromised, that he or she is under investigation; or maybe, his or her money needs to be transferred immediately for protection. The scammer creates urgency. The victim is then told not to speak to anyone else. And sometimes, by the time the family finds out, the money is already gone. Last year, those aged 65 and above accounted for about 15% of scam victims.[+1 sentence] But what concerns me a little bit more is the scale of their losses. The average amount lost by an elderly victim was more than $37,000 in 2025, and rose to $42,000 in the first half of the year.[+19 sentences] Just earlier this week, my Fengshan resident Mr T was really distraught and sought help to recover $40,000 he had inadvertently paid for what he believed was a hire-purchase commitment. He was really nervous and anxious because the investigations were taking time and in the meantime, he still remains the primary caregiver and sole breadwinner in the family, and he still has responsibilities to cater to. For some seniors, the scams may wipe out their life savings – losing that $40,000 is not a financial hit, it is losing their means to living and their security. So, I ask the Minister whether we can make our anti-scam education more targeted for seniors? Instead of telling seniors just "to be careful", how do we increase efforts to show examples of what these scams look like and sounds like in their vernacular languages? What does a fake investment advertisement look like? How do we make them realise "too good to be true" is often the case is? How does an impersonation call sound like? What will a legitimate Government agency never ask them to do? On that note, I appreciate there is a lot more intentionality to have these disclosures and disclaimers, but I do believe they exist more online, where our seniors are more real life. The objective should also be to make the warning familiar before the scammer makes contact. There is also a role for families and trusted community networks. We know that some victims – or many victims – may be embarrassed to tell their children that they have been scammed. Others may be persuaded by the scammer not to speak to their family at all. Could the Government consider how do we involve trusted family members, caregivers and community partners when there are strong indicators that elderly persons may be under scam manipulation? I understand that this involves a very delicate balance. We want to protect seniors without undermining their agency and also, uplifting their dignity. But perhaps the principle should be to intervene early enough to prevent irreversible harm, but carefully enough to respect the dignity and independence of the individual. For young adults though, the approach must be different. Last year, those aged 20 to 29 accounted for almost one in five scam cases.[+10 sentences] They are not necessarily less digitally savvy. In fact, their familiarity with technology may create a different vulnerability. They look for jobs online. They buy and sell things online. The young also communicate through messaging platforms, and discover products and opportunities through social media. The same digital familiarity creates convenience but also create opportunities for scammers. So, anti-scam education should be incorporated more systematically into curriculums, career preparation programmes and perhaps, familiar youth platforms. Digital literacy cannot only mean knowing how to use technology but also knowing when not to trust what technology is showing us. Platforms must also carry responsibility, Mr Speaker. Responsibility for scams cannot rest only on individuals. Last year, online platforms were used by scammers to reach victims in around more than 84% of all scam cases.[+23 sentences] This tells us something important – the environment in which scams take place matters. A person can exercise caution. Families can look out for one another. The Government can do its best to educate the public. But if fraudulent accounts, scam advertisements and impersonation pages can be created faster than they can be detected and removed, then individual vigilance will always be fighting an uphill battle. This is why I support the Bill's strengthening of OCHA. The Bill raises the maximum financial penalty for certain non-compliance to up to $10 million for each instance. These are significant penalties. They send an important signal: protecting users from scams must be treated as a core responsibility for operating a digital platform and not simply as another cost of doing business. But I would also like to understand how these penalties will work in practice. What factors will the competent authority consider when determining the quantum of penalty? For example, will it consider the scale of exposure, duration of non-compliance, and whether the provider had previously been warned and how quickly this corrective action was taken? And how will an "instance of non-compliance" be assessed where a systemic failure affects thousands of users or pieces of scam content? Clear expectations matter. They matter not only for enforcement, but also for platforms that genuinely want to comply. I also support the SLO framework. Scams frequently rely on interconnected digital services operating at speed and across multiple channels. The ability to act against services that facilitate scam activity is therefore an important complement to existing enforcement powers. In being firm with platforms, we should also be precise about what we expect from them. It is a partnership. Mr Speaker, the proposed DOs, ADOs and SLOs will allow the authorities to act quickly against scam enablers. This is important because scammers move money and shift platforms at extraordinary speed. But speed must not come at the expense of accuracy. Under the Bill, an ADO may last for up to 30 days, with a further extension.[+38 sentences] For someone operating a business online, an account may not simply be a social media profile. It could be their livelihood. It could be how they communicate with and serve customers. It could be how they receive income. So, I ask whether there will be an expedited review mechanism for someone who believes that an account has been wrongly disabled. What would be the expected timeframe for such a review? Where an account is found to have been wrongly disabled, what steps will be taken to minimise the harm caused and to support the user? The same principle also applies to automated enforcement. Scammers can generate fraudulent accounts, websites and advertisements at a scale that humans cannot realistically review one by one. We need technology to fight technology. But the more powerful our automated systems become, the more important human accountability also becomes. If an automated system gets something wrong, who reviews this decision? How quickly can the affected party seek human review? How will the authorities ensure that these systems remain accurate, fair and within the law? The answer should not be to avoid automation. The answer should be to build responsible automation. Mr Speaker, I would also like to suggest that we think carefully about how we measure the success of the Bill. We should certainly track the number of accounts disabled, directions issued and enforcement actions taken. But these are inputs and outputs. Ultimately, it is the outcome we care about. The outcome we should care about is whether fewer Singaporeans lose their hard-earned savings, whether scam content is removed before it reaches thousands of people, and whether suspicious accounts are detected before money is transferred. Whether an elderly resident keeps their retirement savings that took decades to build, whether a young person does not lose his first month's salary to a fake job offer and whether a working professional does not lose significant capital to an investment scam, which may then have knock-on effects, including defaulted mortgages, arrears and bills. We cannot simply tell Singaporeans to be more careful. We must also make the digital environment around them safer. And this responsibility, Mr Speaker, Sir, must be shared. Mr Speaker, in Malay, please. (In Malay): Scams do not take place through just one channel or platform. Today, their methods are becoming increasingly sophisticated. For example, a scam may begin with the victim being contacted through social media, before the conversation is moved to a messaging app. The victim is then asked to transfer money to a bank account, while phone numbers registered under other people's names may also be used. As a result, the trail left by a scam may sometimes reveal only a small part of the overall picture. I therefore support the amendments that will enable the Police to obtain information more quickly and block accounts used for scam activities. In combating scams, time is critical. If each organisation acts separately, the victim's money may already have been transferred several times or moved out of Singapore. However, I would like to highlight one important point. Not all scam victims are vulnerable in the same way. Seniors are certainly a high-risk group, as I mentioned earlier in my English speech. However, we must not assume that young people are immune. Nearly 20% of scam victims are between 20 and 29 years old.[+7 sentences] Many are vulnerable to job scams, online shopping scams and phishing because they spend much of their lives online. So, what safeguards should we put in place to protect these different groups effectively? For seniors, anti-scam education needs to be more practical. It should go beyond reminders and provide more examples of how scams work – whether through advertisements or scammers impersonating government representatives, for example. For youths and young people, anti-scam education should begin earlier, from their school years, so that they are not too trusting when looking for jobs or interacting online and learn to think more critically. Mr Speaker, the responsibility for combating scams cannot be borne by any one party alone. It is a shared responsibility. Last year, more than 84% of scam cases started online. Digital platforms that fail to fulfil their responsibilities can face penalties of up to $10 million.[+7 sentences] This is not simply about punishment. It is about ensuring that user safety is a fundamental responsibility of platforms, rather than merely a cost of doing business. May I also ask the Ministry to explain the factors considered in determining the amount of the penalty, including the duration of the offence, the number of users affected and the corrective action taken? Finally, Mr Speaker, I turn to the use of automated systems to speed up action against scam content. I recognise that scammers move at the speed of technology and therefore, enforcement must be able to move just as quickly. However, it is also increasingly important to have an appeals framework in place where necessary. The same applies to ADOs. These powers are important, but I suggest an expedited review process for those who believe their accounts have been blocked incorrectly. I often receive appeals from my Fengshan residents who find themselves in difficult situations because they are unable to access their funds.[+1 sentence] At the same time, for victims who are left in dire straits by scams, where can they turn for help? Several Members of Parliament who spoke earlier offered suggestions which I support, including providing an avenue for victims to access temporary funds.[+1 sentence] Mr Speaker, effectiveness should not be measured simply by the number of accounts blocked or orders issued. True success is when scam content can be removed earlier, when fewer Singaporeans lose their hard-earned money, and when families no longer lose savings accumulated over a lifetime.[+6 sentences] Scammers will continue to change their tactics. Our laws must therefore continue to evolve – supported by more targeted education, more responsible platforms and systems that can act quickly without compromising fairness. (In English): Mr Speaker, scammers are constantly adapting. Today, it is a phone call. Tomorrow, a convincing social media advertisement, a deepfake video, a fraudulent website or even a message from someone we know. Our laws must therefore keep pace. But laws alone will not be enough, Mr Speaker, Sir. We need smarter prevention, more targeted education, greater responsibility from platforms and faster intervention.[+4 sentences] And more importantly, support to victims when a scam inadvertently takes place. Ultimately, the fight against scams is a fight to protect something very human – trust. Trust in our institutions, trust in our digital spaces, trust in the people around us, and trust that when something goes wrong, our systems will be there to protect and help Singaporeans. Mr Speaker, Sir, I support the Bill.
Mr Speaker3 words
[+1 sentence]Ms Diana Pang.
Ms Diana Pang Li Yen (Marine Parade-Braddell Heights)1547 words
[+13 sentences]Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the Scams (Countermeasures) and Other Matters Bill. Scams today are sophisticated, organised and constantly evolving. In minutes, scammers can wipe out what a family take years, decades to save – money meant for retirement, medical expenses or a child's education. The harm is not just financial. Victims often blame themselves, lose confidence in their judgement and become afraid to trust even genuine phone calls and messages. Our authorities therefore need stronger tools to intervene earlier, act faster and disrupt the network supporting this crime. I support the measures in this Bill. But stronger powers must also come with practical safeguards. At the heart of every successful scam is one objective: to move the victim's money into the hands of the criminal. Stopping the first transfer is therefore critical. But our efforts cannot end here. We must also dismantle the wider money laundering networks that make scams profitable by enabling criminal proceeds to be transferred, layered and concealed. This requires a framework that can trace and disrupt suspicious fund flows across banks, payment providers and digital asset platforms in near real time. At the same time, our law should distinguish between passive money mules and those who knowingly recruit other account holders, manage a network of accounts and professionally layer and conceal the scam proceeds.[+9 sentences] The latter are not just participants. They are key enablers of criminal enterprises and should face appropriate, severe consequences. However, in pursuing money mules, we must guard against being overzealous. Not every person whose account receives suspicious funds have the same degree of knowing or culpability. Restrictions should therefore be proportionate to the person's conduct and the risk he or she continues to pose. There should be clear avenues for affected persons to seek review, demonstrate that they were deceived and have ceased their involvement, and regain access to essential financial services where appropriate. Our response must be firm against against deliberate facilitators without permanently excluding the unwittingly vulnerable or rehabilitated into ordinary financial life. An account may be frozen, but life goes on. Life does not freeze. At my MPS in Geylang Serai, I have met residents who are unable to access their existing bank accounts or open new accounts due to scam-related transactions being performed on their accounts.[+13 sentences] One resident's account had been frozen for a prolonged period. He did not understand why and how to resolve it. Another had served his sentence for a scam-related offence and found employment. He is trying to rebuild his life and yet he cannot open a basic bank account. A bank account is not just convenient, it is essential for daily life. Singapore's moving rapidly towards digital and cashless payment. Today, we use electronic payments to buy meals, take transport, pay bills, purchase groceries and many other everyday transactions. Salaries and Government payouts are also credited directly into the bank account. In an increasingly cashless Singapore, how is someone without access to a bank account expected to live? An account may be frozen, but like what I said, life does not freeze with it. Rent and bills remain due. Children still need food and transport. A person still needs to get to work. When I previously raised this issue in this House, I was told that an affected person could apply to Court for access to funds for basic living expenses. But one resident who came and see me with this problem could not even afford a lawyer, precisely because his money was frozen.[+3 sentences] He needed money to apply for access for the money that he could not use. This can effectively cut off not only access to banking, but also access to justice. Could there be a simpler, more accessible and expedited process for people in such situations? Where it is operationally safe, could verified salaries and Government payouts be released for essential expenses?[+25 sentences] If one account is suspected of receiving scam proceeds, should a separate account used for salary and household expenses automatically be affected? Can safeguards be applied before such accounts are restricted or frozen? We must stop suspicious funds from moving, but restrictions should be calibrated to the actual risks posed, not wider or longer than necessary. Where a bank independently restricts an account, will the customer be told, as far as investigation permits, whether the restriction comes from the Police or the bank? Whom can they approach and when can they expect a review? While information sharing is vital, mistakes can also spread quickly. A resident may resolve an issue with one bank, only to find that another institution is still relying on the outdated information. If the information is found to be inaccurate, there must be a coordinated way to correct it across every institution that receives or relies on it. Banks and financial institutions must clearly distinguish between a person in an investigation, the person being charged and the person who is being convicted. These are distinct legal statuses that should not be treated as interchangeable. Any restriction imposed on an affected person's banking services should be proportionate to their circumstances, conduct and assessed risk. Longer strictions should also require regular review. SLOs may last up to three years. That is a very long time for someone trying to remain employed, support a family or rebuild a life. Will there be periodic reviews to assess whether the restriction remains necessary instead of leaving it entirely to the affected person to seek reconsideration repeatedly? When an investigation concludes or new evidence emerges, will the need for restriction be assessed promptly? When the basis no longer exists, how quickly will access be restored? Residents facing immediate hardship also need one clear point of contact. They should not be sent repeatedly from the banks to the Police, with neither side able to help to solve the problem. For those who have served their sentences, reinstating their basic banking access is also part of the process of rehabilitation. We cannot expect people to find work and rebuild their lives while denying them the means to receive a salary and participate in an increasingly cashless society. I support using technology to respond faster to scam websites, advertisements and online accounts. But automated systems can also reproduce mistakes at scale. For a small business, even a short, small, wrongful restriction on its online account can disrupt orders, revenues and customer relationships. As a small and medium enterprise (SME) owner myself, I understand how damaging this can be. When an automated direction is challenged, will there be meaningful human review of the outcome, of the evidence?[+1 sentence] Will systems be audited for recurring errors? If a flawed rule is discovered, will the authorities proactively review other cases affected by it?[+5 sentences] Technology can make enforcement faster, stronger. But clear human responsibility must remain. We can automate parts of enforcement, but we must never, ever automate accountability out of the process. I also support bringing specialised technical expertise into the Police. However, CSOs may exercise significant powers, including arrest, search and seizure. How will members of public verify that such an officer is genuine?[+13 sentences] Especially when impersonation of public officers itself is a common scam tactic. This officer should carry clear identification and residents should have a simple and independent way to verify them. No one should feel that asking for verification is being uncooperative. Technical expertise alone is not enough. I therefore hope that there will be a vigorous training, clear operational standards, effective supervision and accessible complaints process for anyone who believes that a CSO has acted improperly. These safeguards protect not only individuals but also public confidence in the system. If the CSOs are given police-like powers, the public must trust that those powers must be exercised lawfully, proportionately and accountably. Mr Speaker, Sir, scams cause enormous financial and emotional harm. They also erode trust in our financial and digital systems. They exploit speed, technology and gaps in between institutions. We must respond with equal speed and coordination. I therefore hope this framework will deliver four outcomes. First, faster tracing of scam proceeds across the financial institutions. Second, restrictions that are calibrated to allow persons to access funds needed for essential living expenses where it is safe to do so.[+12 sentences] Third, meaningful human review and prompt correction whenever computerised issued directions are imposed mistakenly or are no longer justified. Fourth, rigorous training and proper accountability for a CSO entrusted with significant powers under this Bill. To conclude, let me say this. Access to banking facilities is a privilege and not a right. This privilege carries responsibilities. It must not be abused to facilitate scams or launder their proceeds. I support this Bill for reinforcing the message and for giving our officers a tool to stop scammers quickly and follow the money effectively. Singaporeans deserve protection from malicious scams. We must therefore come down hard on these scammers and those who knowingly assist them. At the same time, we must also ensure that innocent people, victims and those who genuinely rehabilitated do not fall through cracks created by these stringent measures. A strong system must be capable, not only on imposing restrictions swiftly but also putting matters right just as swiftly when the restriction is mistaken or no longer necessary. With these observations, I support the Bill.
Mr Speaker7 words
[+1 sentence]Senior Minister of State Goh Pei Ming.
The Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs (Mr Goh Pei Ming)5191 words
[+22 sentences]Mr Speaker, I thank Members for their thoughtful questions and their strong support for this Bill. Across the House yesterday and today, there has been broad agreement that scams continue to cause serious harm in Singapore, to Singaporeans and their families, and more must be done to protect Singaporeans. Members also raised important points on how we ensure that these powers are exercised responsibly and fairly. Let me now address the key issues. There were several questions relating to ADOs, DOs and SLOs. These fall in three broad categories: one, on information exchange between the Police and service providers; two, on the issuance of, and obligations imposed by, these Orders; and three, on the safeguards to ensure speedy recourse for persons whose accounts are disabled or restricted under these orders, but who may be victims themselves and who require access to their accounts for their basic needs. First, on information exchange. Dr Charlene Chen asked how weak or inconclusive signals from different sources will be used to identify emerging scams. She also asked whether there will be common information disclosure standards across service providers, and whether information disclosed will be retained even if it was initially inconclusive. Where the Police receives weak or inconclusive scam signals, the Police will draw on information shared by service providers and its own data sources, including Police reports and ScamShield reports, to piece the whole picture together. We will work together with service providers to implement robust information disclosure standards that are operationally feasible. We will only retain information for as long as it is operationally necessary. Ms Elysa Chen asked who will administer and disseminate information to service providers on the NSL and whether an individual whose name has been shared with service providers will be notified. The Police will issue and inform service providers of ADOs, DOs and SLOs. We will not notify individuals that their details have been shared with service providers. Doing so would be counterproductive as it may prematurely inform or alert scammers and their mules that their criminal activities have been detected. Ms Diana Pang asked if the exchange information framework will strengthen our ability to track the flow of scam proceeds across financial institutions in real time. Fund tracing is critical to the recovery of scam proceeds. However, the primary purpose of the information exchange supported by this Bill is to intervene upstream to identify and disrupt scam linked accounts even before they are being used to receive scam proceeds. Meanwhile, I assure the Member that we are actively working to improve our fund tracing capabilities. Many Members may be familiar with the Anti-Scam Centre, which has co-located banks with the Police since 2019 to facilitate real time coordination in fund recovery efforts. Since March 2025, the Anti-Scam Centre has operationalised the crypto-tracing team to address the emerging threat of scam proceeds being rapidly dissipated via cryptocurrencies. In 2025, the crypto-tracing teams successfully recovered $22.8 million worth of virtual assets across 1,800 cases and helped prevent $8.8 million in losses through 360 victim interventions.[+1 sentence] Second, Ms Diana Pang and Ms Elysa Chen asked about the thresholds that will be applied before an ADO or SLO is issued. An ADO may be issued if there is suspicion or reason to believe that an account has been or will be used preparatory to, or in furtherance of, scam-related offences.[+12 sentences] SLOs may be issued if the Police suspect or have reason to believe that an identified individual or entity will use a scam-enabling service to commit or facilitate a scam-related offence. The threshold of suspicion or reason to believe strikes the right balance between enabling early intervention to prevent scams, while maintaining a sufficiently high evidentiary threshold. The Police will independently assess the facts and circumstances of every case to ensure that the legal threshold is met before issuing an order. I would like to emphasise that this is no different from assessments that the Police make today when exercising existing powers under the Criminal Procedure Code. To Ms Elysa Chen’s and Mr Fadli Fawzi's queries, SLOs will be used only against mules under investigation who are at risk of further facilitating scams, and mules who have been warned, issued composition fines, prosecuted, or convicted. Ms Diana Pang asked if individuals whose bank accounts have been disabled will know that the account was disabled pursuant to an order from the Police or voluntarily by the service provider. The Police will inform affected account holders of an ADO through appropriate channels as soon as practicable after it is issued. We are working with sector regulators to operationalise this. An appeal channel will also be made available. Mr Jackson Lam asked how quickly service providers will be expected to act against suspicious accounts flagged by an Order, and whether there will be a common standard across service providers. The turnaround time for Orders will be determined in consultation with service providers, balancing the need for swift response with operational feasibility for our industry partners. Mr Abdul Muhaimin asked why the Government decided to set the duration of an ADO at 30 days. The period of 30 days is operationally necessary for scam disruption.[+1 sentence] This includes providing enough time for the Police to assess if further action on the account is required. To be clear, ADOs can impose a requirement to disable the specified account for up to 30 days.[+15 sentences] Depending on the circumstances of the case, the Police may specify a shorter duration or cancel the ADO ahead of its expiry if it is no longer necessary. I agree with Dr Charlene Chen that merely targeting individual accounts via ADOs is insufficient to effectively dismantle a scammer’s network. The data sharing ecosystem that this Bill supports goes beyond that. When the Police issues an ADO to a service provider, the Police may also share information relating to that account with other relevant service providers. Service providers can in turn identify and review associated accounts within their own ecosystems for any scam-related activity, such as accounts which may have transacted with the disabled account. If a service provider identifies an associated account that meets the conditions specified by the Police in a DO, it is required to provide the relevant information to the Police. The Police will then assess the information, and if appropriate, share it further with other service providers for review and action. This process will continue and can continue to repeat as we map out and take down the scammers' entire ecosystem of enablers. This ‘fanning out’ process strengthens our ability to uncover and dismantle wider scam account networks beyond disabling individual accounts. Third, I will touch on the recourse available to those whose accounts were disabled or restricted. However, before that, allow me to reiterate why we need to take a firm stand on this. Members are right to ask about the risks of moving quickly against suspected scam activity and the corrective measures that will be in place. No one wants to inadvertently affect or inconvenience persons who may not have been involved in scam activity. Sir, at the same time, disrupting scams quickly and decisively is essential. In a recent case, scammers deceived a 68-year-old victim into believing that he was working remotely under the employment of a legitimate company. By the time officers engaged the victim, the victim had already transferred 80 percent, eight zero, 80 percent of his life savings, or approximately S$128,000 in cryptocurrency to the scammer. He was also on the verge of transferring another S$64,000 of borrowed funds to the scammer.[+2 sentences] The money was not recovered. Such cases remind us that scam losses are often deeply personal and can have lasting consequences for the victim and their families. On average, about S$2 million was lost to scams every day, in the first half of this year.[+12 sentences] Members would have heard and have heard similar cases when engaging your residents or within this House over yesterday and today. The orders enable us to constrict the supply of scam enablers and disable them before they can be used. This is ultimately to protect our citizens. Our task here is to intervene early while ensuring adequate safeguards against innocent accounts being affected by these orders. Ms Diana Pang rightly pointed out that even as we enhance information sharing on scam intelligence across institutions, we must correct erroneous information and inform relevant institutions of the correction quickly. We will work with service providers to operationalise this. Ms Diana Pang also asked if there will be periodic reviews to assess whether restrictions remain necessary. Mr Kenneth Poon and Mr Fadli Fawzi also asked how legislative levers will be applied to individuals who were manipulated into being scam mules. The Government takes a firm stand, a firm approach towards scam mules. Those who enable or facilitate scams will face the full force of the law. That said, we agree that penalties must be proportionate to the level of culpability. In relation to SLOs, although three years is the maximum duration allowed by law, the actual duration will depend on the individual's circumstances and assessed scam risk. First-time mules will generally face one year of restrictions, while longer durations may be warranted for repeat offenders or those assessed to pose a sustained scam risk.[+13 sentences] Let me share one example, in 2024, before the introduction of the current Facility Restriction Framework, one individual received a conditional warning after allowing her bank account to be used for the receipt and transfer of scam proceeds. After the case concluded, she then allowed her accounts with two other banks to be used in a similar manner, with one of these accounts later receiving $8,000 in proceeds from another scam victim. Placing such individuals on SLOs not only better protects the public from scams, but also prevents these individuals from being drawn further into unlawful activities by scammers and getting themselves into further trouble. Mr Gabriel Lam, Mr Jackson Lam, Dr Charlene Chen, Ms Diana Pang and Ms Hazlina Halim asked if an expedited appeal mechanism can be established where an ADO or SLO materially affects a person's livelihood, or where an innocent person's account was disabled. Ms Elysa Chen suggested having an independent appeal channel outside the Police or having a prescribed appeal response time in subsidiary legislation. A swift and decisive approach to disrupting scams networks is necessary to protect Singaporeans and at the same time, we recognise that some individuals may genuinely require and depend on these accounts affected by the Orders for their livelihoods or daily expenses. It is thus important that we assess appeals fairly and as quickly as possible. We will share more details on the appeal mechanism, including the appeal timeline before operationalisation of these Orders. This needs careful consideration as we have seen cases of scammers coaching victims on what to say to bank staff to evade detection when they transfer money to the scammer. We should similarly expect scammers to coach mules to file a successful appeal to regain access to their accounts. Mr Victor Lye, Mr Fadli Fawzi and Ms Diana Pang asked about having stronger safeguards to ensure that individuals who are subject to banking restrictions continue to have access to basic banking services for daily living. Ms Diana Pang and Mr Kenneth Poon asked if restrictions to stop suspicious transactions will still allow essential living needs to be met and if arrangements could be made for verified payments to go through while suspicious transactions are restricted. Mr Fadli Fawzi and Ms Elysa Chen suggested that as a default, these individuals should still be allowed to make basic transactions subject to a daily cap, with a full freeze reserved only for clearly high-risk cases. Ms He Ting Ru asked about the banking restrictions imposed on individuals whose accounts have been restricted under the Facility Restricted Framework. I wish to reassure the House that we will not prevent individuals from accessing funds that they genuinely need for daily living. Individuals subject to banking restrictions under SLOs may still transact personally at the bank, over the counter. We will only restrict access to self-service banking services, like Internet banking, mobile banking or ATM services, which are more prone to being exploited for scams.[+7 sentences] Incoming transactions, such as salaries and Government payouts, will continue to be processed as usual. Where the individual needs access to funds in an account disabled by an ADO, the individual may apply to the Police for access for a reasonable amount of money for daily expenses. This individual may similarly apply to the Police for access to additional amounts of money for necessary expenses, such as utilities and rental payments. Requests will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, and may be submitted and assessed independently of an appeal against the Order. We are mindful that if the individual is a scam mule, the funds within the disabled account may in fact not belong to him, but to other scam victims. Nevertheless, once the Police have assessed that the individual should be allowed access to funds, the Police will work with banks to enable this as quickly as possible. MAS is also working with banks to preserve access to basic banking services for individuals whose accounts have been closed. In 2025, major retail banks offered close to 8,300 Limited Purpose Banking Accounts (LPBAs).[+28 sentences] We will enhance this from October 2026. Going forward, the local banks will offer an LPBA or an alternative basic bank account to every affected Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident, except in very limited cases. Examples of such exclusions include individuals who are subject to financial sanctions imposed by the United Nations, have been involved in terrorism financing or refuse to cooperate with banks' customer due diligence processes. MAS will continue to monitor instances of unbanked individuals and work with banks to minimise undue financial exclusion. Ms Gho Sze Kee asked about safeguards against service providers refusing service to individuals who have appeared on the NSL, or who have been the subject of an ADO or SLO. Ms Elysa Chen and Ms Diana Pang also asked whether such individuals will have the same right of appeal as subjects of ADOs or SLOs. Members have rightly pointed out that service providers may voluntarily decide to disable the accounts of individuals whose details have been shared with them. We strongly encourage service providers to proactively act against scam accounts, without waiting to be compelled by a formal Order. We understand Members' reservations about encouraging private entities to take voluntary action. Indeed, these entities may not be held to the same fiduciary duties or public accountability that Government agencies have. But let me make two points here. First, the sharing of an individual’s information with a service provider for the purpose of crime prevention is not new. Under the Criminal Procedure Code, the Police may already freeze bank accounts or phone lines. The possibility of service providers denying service to individuals linked to such accounts or phone lines on their own accord, even after the conclusion of their case, therefore already exists. What the Bill does is to lower the threshold for sharing such information with service providers, and to act swiftly against suspected scam activity. Second, the question before us is fundamentally whether we are prepared to intervene early enough to prevent harm. If we are serious about doing this, we cannot expect the Police or Government to do this alone. Service providers are often best placed to detect suspicious activity first because they operate the platforms, systems and accounts that are being exploited by scammers. In an NSL pilot trial conducted with the banking sector, every suspicious bank account shared with participating banks led, on average, to the proactive detection of one additional suspicious account by the banks. This shows how much more we can do together if industry, too, plays a more proactive and upstream role in detecting and acting against suspected scam activities, with appropriate safeguards in place for sure. The proposed provisions in the Bill are intended to strike a careful balance between giving service providers sufficient latitude to act against scams without fear of liability, while providing guardrails to prevent abuse. For example, the protection from civil liability for voluntary actions only apply where the service provider acts in good faith and reasonable care; and for the purpose of preventing or detecting scam-related offences. This means service providers cannot act arbitrarily or with improper motive and still claim protection. Service providers also remain subject to the oversight of their respective sectoral regulators, such as MAS for financial institutions and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) for telcos. Any pattern of abuse or reckless handling of consumers' data or information may still attract regulatory scrutiny and where appropriate, enforcement action under the relevant sectoral regime. To the Members' question on appeals, if a service provider decides to disable an account on its own accord, the service provider may review and decide whether to reinstate the account. Ms Elysa Chen asked whether Singpass restrictions imposed under the Facility Restriction Framework may inadvertently lock individuals out of key Government services. I assure the Member that this is not the case. The Singpass restrictions will only be targeted at services that are at higher risk of being exploited for scams, such as opening a bank account. Services listed by the Member, namely voting, healthcare and CPF matters, remain fully accessible.[+16 sentences] Even for restricted services, individuals are not locked out entirely. It is possible to open a bank account without Singpass. Mr Gabriel Lam, Dr Charlene Chen, Ms He Ting Ru and Mr Jackson Lam asked if statistics on ADOs and SLOs, and on appeals filed against these Orders, will be published. Mr Fadli Fawzi asked if statistics on bank accounts frozen by the Police could be published. Mr Victor Lye suggested collecting data on the number of individuals who become unbanked or remain subject to banking restrictions following the Police's intervention measures, as well as the duration of such restrictions. I thank the Members for the suggestions, which we will consider. Next, on the new offences targeting misuse of online accounts. Dealing with the network of scam accounts is a crucial anti-scam strategy since these accounts are essential for scammers. Criminalising the misuse of online accounts addresses a scam modus operandi that we are already seeing in practice. In one case, a 30-year-old man came across a post on Telegram, soliciting Carousell account holders who were willing to let their accounts be used for "business purposes". Enticed by the promise of fast cash, he contacted the buyer and subsequently converted his Carousell account into a professional account, which required the completion of verification by linking his Singpass account. He also replaced the registered email address of the Carousell account and subsequently surrendered the login credentials to the buyer. The account was subsequently misused to facilitate scams. Ms Elysa Chen suggested setting a minimum gain threshold, such that the presumption will only apply if the person provided their personal information or supplied an online account in exchange for gain that exceeds this threshold. We have concerns with such an approach. Whatever gain threshold that we set, scam mules are likely to endeavour to go below it to escape liability and frustrate law enforcement efforts. The Government's view is that the presumption should apply so long as there is gain, no matter how small.[+17 sentences] Ms Chen also asked if a situation where a mule supplies an account on a designated online service to a scammer, but where the account is only used to establish contact with the victim but not for the actual commission of the scam, and would that be covered by the new offences. Section 39GA criminalises the supplying of a designated online account if the person knew or had reasonable grounds to believe that the account would be used to commit or facilitate the commission by any person of any offence. It is not necessary for the prosecution to prove that a specific offence occurred. Ms Diana Pang asked if the penalties are tiered based on the degree of the offender's involvement and if the penalties are sufficiently deterrent. The Ministry of Home Affairs' (MHA's) assessment is that the current penalties are adequately tiered and sufficiently deterrent. We enhanced the penalties in October 2025, when MHA introduced caning as a penalty for scam mules, with higher penalties for scammers and members or recruiters of scam syndicates. The Sentencing Advisory Panel has also published sentencing guidelines for scams related offences to provide clarity on the recommended sentences for scam related offenders. To send a strong deterrent signal, the guidelines recommend that custodial sentences should be the norm and lay out the aggravating factors that will warrant an uplift in sentencing. Let me now move on to the questions relating to OCHA. First, on the amendment allowing a computer program to issue OCHA directions. Ms Elysa Chen, Ms Diana Pang, Ms Hazlina Halim, Ms He Ting Ru, Mr Abdul Muhaimin and Mr Jackson Lam asked about the safeguards in place to ensure that the computer program operates accurately, fairly and according to law. The program has been trained on clear criteria for identifying scam content and tested in parallel with human supervision to ensure a high level of accuracy. Any future program that we may use will need similar levels of rigour, if not higher. Post-deployment, we will maintain oversight of the program through measures such as human intervention on low-confidence cases, audit checks on blocked websites, and periodic reviews of the program’s performance based on metrics such as precision rate, to ensure that it continues to operate as intended. Designated Officers remain responsible and accountable for the directions issued by the program. We are confident that the program will be able to continue maintaining a high level of accuracy when issuing OCHA directions. The number of reconsideration requests received for OCHA directions presently is very low. Out of over 70,000 website blocking directions issued in 2026, the Police only received six reconsideration requests.[+4 sentences] Six out of 70,000. Seeing this 70,000 number, I cannot help but be reminded of Ms Elysa Chen's zombie analogy, that when you kill one, more pop up. Therefore, we need to be able to use AI technology to be able to fight this scourge. The Government has been exploring the application of AI for scam disruption for a long time now, before this was raised in the Workers' Party manifesto in 2025. For example, the AI powered classifier for ScamShield was developed in the first quarter of 2024 and operationalised a few months later.[+4 sentences] This has helped identify scam content submitted by users with a high precision rate and gives us confidence as we explore expanding AI use cases in scam disruption in areas where speed and scale are critical. Several Members asked about the review process for appeals against any OCHA direction, including those given by a computer program. The existing appeal mechanism continues to apply. We understand OCHA directions can have a serious impact on affected individuals and businesses, and we are committed to reviewing appeals expeditiously. While the time taken for appeals depend on the nature and complexity of the appeals, the review can be expected to be completed within seven days for straightforward and unambiguous appeals.[+9 sentences] For more complex cases, a longer timeline may be required. Ms He Ting Ru asked if the Government would publicise performance indicators on directions issued by computer program in the future. I thank her for the suggestion, which we will consider. Next, I will address queries relating to enhance penalty regime for the Codes of Practice and Implementation Directives. Mr Jackson Lam asked how the Code of Practice framework deals with content generated using AI. I agree with the Member that we must take an outcome-based approach, and indeed our Codes of Practice prescribe outcomes which designated online services are required to meet. We have taken care to prescribe these outcomes in a technologically neutral manner so that they remain relevant regardless of whether a scam is conducted using AI. Mr Gabriel Lam asked how the powers under the enhanced enforcement regime will be used in practice. Ms Hazlina Halim asked about the factors that the Competent Authority will consider in deciding the quantum of the financial penalty. The decision to issue a financial penalty or direct the platform to rectify the non-compliance, as well as the quantum of financial penalty to impose, will depend on a variety of factors.[+14 sentences] This includes the nature and severity of the non-compliance, and the culpability and compliance track record of the platform. Our objective is for platforms to rectify their non-compliance, and the appropriate course of action will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Mr Gabriel Lam also asked if we have considered a shared-responsibility model where banks, telcos and online platforms each have statutory duties to prevent scams within their own ecosystems. I agree that tackling scams must be a shared responsibility. This principle underpins our anti-scam strategy and is reflected throughout this Bill. The Government, banks, telcos, online platforms and individuals all have a role to play in preventing scams and reducing harm. While the enhanced OCHA enforcement regime applies to designated online services, we already have legal powers to take enforcement action against banks and telcos if necessary, whether through criminal offences or through MAS' and IMDA's regulatory regimes. Ms Hazlina Halim asked how an instance of non-compliance will be assessed in practice. This will depend on the requirement in question. For example, if a service provider is required to meet a certain outcome, each failure to meet the outcome may be considered a separate instance. Designated online service providers should therefore rectify non-compliance as quickly as possible, to avoid new penalties arising from further instances of non-compliance. Allow me to now move to the next set of issues on Civilian Specialist Officers (CSOs). Mr Abdul Muhaimin asked where CSOs will be deployed and where CSOs will be recruited from. I thank the Member for recognising the strain that our law enforcement resources are placed under. CSOs may be recruited directly from the market, or may be seconded from other public agencies, such as the Cyber Security Agency.[+13 sentences] CSOs will be deployed to complement police resources in existing units, starting from the Cyber Command. CSOs will fall under the prevailing police command structures and will be recruited through established channels to bring in specialised civilian expertise that can augment Police's operational capabilities. Ms Elysa Chen, Mr Jackson Lam and Ms Diana Pang sought assurance on safeguards to ensure that CSOs can be entrusted with sensitive investigations. Similar to Commercial Affairs Officers today, CSOs will undergo the necessary operational and investigative training and will be carefully selected based on their suitability for investigation work and relevant technical expertise. They remain subject to the same oversight, accountability and command structures as other investigation officers. To Ms Diana Pang's further query, members of the public can identify CSOs by their warrant cards, similar to plainclothes police officers and Commercial Affairs Officers today. If unsure, members of the public may call the police hotline to verify the CSO's legitimacy. Ms He Ting Ru asked what additional prescribed information banks may be required to provide under clause 6 of the Bill. The provision allows Police to obtain necessary information to notify persons who have been issued a restriction order. These persons have been identified to be at risk of falling prey to a scam, so any prescribed information will be in service of this narrow intent of preventing harm to a potential scam victim. The wider principle of banking secrecy remains unaffected. Finally, allow me to address questions relating to other aspects of our anti-scam strategy. Mr Abdul Muhaimin asked if there are any service standards governing the lifting of accounts frozen for investigations pursuant to the Criminal Procedure Code. The duration for which an account is frozen varies from case to case depending on the duration required for investigations or court proceedings. As a safeguard, the Criminal Procedure Code requires that the police make a report of seizure to the relevant Court once the property is no longer required for investigations or court proceedings, or within one year after the date of seizure, whichever is earlier.[+6 sentences] Once the freeze is no longer required, the Police will apply to the Court for an order to lift the freeze. Banks are expected to give effect to court orders as soon as practicable upon receipt. Individuals whose bank accounts are frozen can also apply to the Courts for the release of funds to pay for basic living expenses or other essential spending. Mr Fadli Fawzi asked if the Police intend to continue using Criminal Procedure Code powers to freeze bank accounts, or if the Police will use ADOs instead. We see ADOs as complementary to Criminal Procedure Code powers. Criminal Procedure Code powers are primarily investigative in nature and are generally exercised when there is sufficient evidence linking an account to an offence. On the other hand, ADOs can be exercised at a lower threshold to allow the police to keep pace with the speed at which scam syndicates can create and replace accounts.[+10 sentences] Ms He Ting Ru asked about the average processing time for request to withdraw funds for accounts subjected to a restriction order today, and whether the Government will work with banks to develop a system that allows for graduated restrictions. To the former, request relating to funds for legitimate purposes, such as daily expenses and bills are processed quickly to minimise inconvenience to restriction order recipients. To the latter, I will refer her to MHA's response to a similar Parliamentary Question filed by Mr Kenneth Tiong for the Sitting on 4 March 2026. Recipients of restriction orders may access funds for legitimate purposes amid safeguards against further transfers to scammers. We have therefore assessed that graduated restrictions are not necessary for now. Ms Hazlina Halim and Ms He Ting Ru asked if anti-scam public education is tailored for different demographic segments such as seniors and young adults. Ms Jessica Tan also spoke about the importance of investing in public education, community outreach and digital literacy programmes. The Government has rolled out targeted public education efforts. For example, to make anti-scam public education material more elderly-friendly, the Police have published material with bite-sized messages in vernacular languages, using larger fonts and clear visuals. The Police have also worked closely with Government agencies such as the Agency for Integrated Care to deliver anti-scam public education through touch points frequented by the elderly. We even inject scam messages into getai performances and we have similar outreach efforts for other groups such as our youths. We also recently concluded the National Simulated Scams Exercise held between March and August this year, which involved the use of robo-callers to simulate calls from scammers to strengthen participants’ anti-scam resilience.[+2 sentences] We will continue to invest in anti-scam public education as a key safeguard against scams as this is what we need to do to protect our population. And a vigilant population is ultimately the most important safeguard.
Mr Speaker53 words
[+4 sentences]Senior Minister of State Goh, if I may interrupt you, and this is not a scam message. You are approaching close to 40 minutes, so if you are able to finish soon, I will let you continue. If not, I will get Leader to move a Motion. Are you able to finish soon?
Mr Goh Pei Ming6 words
[+1 sentence]I will request for an extension.
Mr Speaker2 words
[+2 sentences]Alright. Leader.
Scams (Countermeasures) and Other Matters Bill›Second Reading Bills11 turns · 1,510w
· 11 highlighted
bill-810recorded 2026-09-09
Mr Speaker7 words
[+1 sentence]Senior Minister of State, you may proceed.
Mr Goh Pei Ming778 words
[+3 sentences]Thank you. Mr Jackson Lam asked if the Bill strengthens our ability to cooperate with regional partners, and whether we will be conducting more joint operations with our counterparts following the success of Operation FRONTIER+ III. International cooperation is critical in disrupting scams and recovering assets, and I assure Members that we are working actively in this area. FRONTIER+ now covers 15 jurisdictions, with the United States and the Philippines joining earlier this year.[+20 sentences] We are encouraging more jurisdictions to join and work together on cross-border enforcement and asset recovery. The passing of this Bill also allows us to demonstrate to our international counterparts Singapore's national resolve to combat scams. Ms Elysa Chen asked if the Government will consider widening the scope of the Shared Responsibility Framework to cover more variants of scams as well as cryptocurrency platforms, whether the Government will consider a private right of civil action for scam victims against offenders and non-compliant service providers, and whether financial penalties imposed on non-compliant platforms can be redistributed to scam victims. Mr Gerald Giam suggested that the Government explore setting up an independent investigative mechanism under the Shared Responsibility Framework to complement internal bank assessments and provide a neutral dispute review for customers. Mr Giam further asked the Government to consider establishing a statutory victim compensation framework. Ms He Ting Ru also suggested a scam victim restitution fund as well as an insurance scheme to cover losses from scams. These queries fall outside the ambit of the Bill and will require an involved answer. Regardless, let me assure Members that the Government is committed to helping scam victims recover their losses wherever possible. The key challenge is one of asset recovery as scam proceeds are often dissipated quickly and it is not always possible for the Police to recover and return victims all monies lost by them. I invite Ms Chen, Ms He and Mr Giam to file separate Parliamentary Questions on their queries. Regarding expanding the Shared Responsibility Framework, a related Parliamentary Question has been filed by Dr Hamid Razak for the sitting on or after 10 September. I invite Ms Chen to look out for the response. Mr Gerald Giam also asked if there was an update on MHA's assessment of the establishment of a scam victim recovery fund following his Parliamentary Question in February 2025. There are several operational challenges that need to be carefully considered, including the co-mingling of criminal proceeds, the fact that the amount of funds recovered is but a fraction of the amount lost, and the potential for moral hazard. Mr Giam further asked the Government to study the feasibility of a standardised public anti-scam rating system by MAS and IMDA to encourage the industry to enhance security measures and consumer transparency. MAS and IMDA already work closely with the industry to enhance their anti-scam safeguards even without such a rating. Publishing such a rating also risks inadvertently exposing the weaknesses of industry players, which could be exploited by scammers. Ms Jessica Tan also suggested that the Government continue to work with industry to tap on advanced technologies to disrupt scams before they reach businesses and users. She also suggested stepping up information sharing between the Government and service providers further to allow for automated real-time alerts of suspicious behaviour, implementing pre-emptive restrictions for high-risk accounts, and mandatory rapid response protocols for service providers. These are good suggestions. The Government will indeed continue to work closely with industry to disrupt scams quickly and with precision.[+1 sentence] Mr Speaker, Sir, we have come some way in our fight against scams. But as I mentioned earlier, about $2 million of our citizens' hard-earned money is still lost to scammers every single day.[+1 sentence] We still have much to do. This Bill gives the Government the tools to enable swifter, more proactive and decisive action against scams.[+7 sentences] This builds on the comprehensive anti-scam strategy that we have developed in recent years. We are working to disrupt and counter scams on all fronts – legislation, industry and international cooperation, leveraging cutting-edge technology, public education, and the list goes on. We will leave no stone unturned. But the Government cannot do this alone. Service providers must do more to protect their platforms and their users. Individuals must remain vigilant and take responsibility for protecting themselves and those around them. The Government, industry and the public must stand together. When we do, scammers have fewer places to hide, fewer tools to exploit and fewer opportunities to cause harm. I seek Members' support on this Bill, to move decisively and reflect this House's commitment to fight scams and better protect our people.[+1 sentence] Mr Speaker, I beg to move.
Mr Speaker8 words
[+2 sentences]Any Members have any clarifications? Mr Fadli Fawzi.
Mr Fadli Fawzi (Aljunied)57 words
[+4 sentences]Thank you, Senior Minister of State, for the comprehensive reply. I just have a minor point. Can I clarify whether the people subject to SLOs can be allowed to pay their bills online? Given that many banks are reducing their counter transaction facilities, this may help facilitate legitimate bill payments by those who are subject to SLOs.
Mr Goh Pei Ming60 words
[+4 sentences]Mr Speaker, I thank the Member for his clarification. SLOs are imposed on individuals on a case-by-case basis. Depending on the circumstances of the case and what services are being restricted to the individual, he may or may not be able to do the online payments that he is talking about. It has to depend on what the case entails.
Mr Speaker2 words
[+1 sentence]Mr Giam.
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song (Aljunied)113 words
[+3 sentences]Sir, I thank the Senior Minister of State for his update on the Government's response to my proposal for a scam victim restitution fund. Does the Senior Minister of State agree that it is fundamentally unsatisfactory for any seized scam assets which are not dissipated to eventually be forfeited to the Government, simply because it is difficult to attribute proceeds to individual victims? While I acknowledge there are genuine forensic challenges in tracking co-mingled proceeds, as he mentioned just now, can the Ministry commit to developing a structured restitution mechanism so that victims who have lost their life savings do not go home empty-handed while seized criminal proceeds end up in public coffers?
Mr Goh Pei Ming361 words
[+2 sentences]Mr Speaker, in response to the Member's question, actually, he has asked this question many times in different ways. I hope the Member understands and appreciates the difficulty we have in terms of establishing such a restitution fund. One factor indeed is that amounts recovered are but a fraction of the overall amounts lost.[+4 sentences] But in terms of how the funds have been co-mingled, often times, we see multiple fund streams going into common accounts and thereafter going out to multiple accounts again. The process cycles itself and repeats a few times before it actually reaches the destination the scammers want it to be. This co-mingling makes it very difficult for us to trace and identify whose monies are where. In terms of attributing how much to return to every victim that we are talking about, it becomes very difficult for us to be equitable in this sense. The other question here is also about moral hazard. If we establish that there is a certain baseline amount – I think the Member has asked this question before, whether we are able to have a certain minimum repayment amount for every scam victim – the overall awareness and vigilance of members of the public may fall, because they will get the sense that buying the next concert ticket, they have certain protections, up to a certain amount for scam protection. I think there are many questions that we need to deal with in terms of how we can operationalise such a restitution fund. But on the Member's other point about some of the funds that we have recovered which have gone back to the Consolidated Fund for the Government, I want to put out the point that these monies do not go back to the Government's coffers and just stay there.[+2 sentences] The Government spends a huge amount of our Budget, including funds that come from this Consolidated Fund, in our efforts to develop the technologies, to develop all our workstreams to fight scams across all the various fronts that I highlighted earlier. It goes directly or indirectly back to our efforts to fight scams and prevent the next scam from taking place.
Mr Speaker2 words
[+1 sentence]Ms Gho.
Ms Gho Sze Kee46 words
[+4 sentences]I would just like make a clarification, Mr Speaker. I misspoke just now when I talked about the standard of proofs when it comes to the thresholds, on the balance of probability. It should be for civil proceedings and not criminal proceedings. Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Speaker76 words
[+3 sentences]Noted. Any other clarifications for the Senior Minister of State? No? . (proc text)]