Abdullah Tarmugi
Singapore
“As I have said, in most, if not all cases, we have a multi-disciplinary team to assess. In other words, even the protector himself or herself is subject to the assessment of this team. Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House.”
“Sir, I think that is a convenient tack to say. But AMP and others must also realise that the new policy applies to all NGOs which are co-located at community buildings, and not only to AMP. TRIPARTITE COMMITTEE ON PORTABLE MEDICAL BENEFITS (Progress report) 5.”
“Sir, this is precisely what we are talking about, ie, it is not just a question about numbers per se, and I would like to refer to what Mr Noris Ong said, about having three or more children, if we can afford it. This means, as I mentioned just now in my speech too, that we do not want children to be a burden.”
“At present, Sir, the policy is we will support up to three children. Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House. The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. - [Mr Abdullah Tarmugi].”
“My Ministry will continue to look into ways of removing the obstacles couples face in having children. Sir, I beg to move. Question proposed. Dr S. Vasoo (Tanjong Pagar): Sir, we already have had eight days of long debate. I would be concise and you would be very relieved if all other speakers after me would be concise.”
“So we would leave it as it is and we only pay for working women. It is really to compensate the loss in income. He asked about the provision in the Bill on "lawfully married to the child's natural father". This is, as I said earlier, because we want to encourage child birth within wedlock and the family remains intact.”
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“Sir, the Ministry of the Environment will consider the suggestion by Dr Tan Cheng Bock. Let me now give the Ministry's response to Dr Soin and Mr Low Thia Khiang. The Ministry of the Environment empathises with the NMP on the need to ensure that any development does not degrade the environment. Indeed, before any development is allowed in Singapore, its impact on the environment is assessed by my Ministry and this applies to all development projects, especially large ones like the MRT and also public housing. The assessment is done at two levels and they are not merely done only on public health issues either. At the first level, Environment is consulted by the URA on land planning and land use matters and the Ministry advises URA on the environmental impact to be expected from the various uses the land will be zoned for. URA takes this advice into consideration in developing the Master Plan and the Development Guide Plans. At the second level, Environment is again consulted when the land already zoned for a particular use is to be allocated. Environment will assess the details of the proposed development and ensures that measures to minimise the impact on the environment are incorporated into the design. If I may, Sir, respond to Mr Low Thia Khiang. The proliferation of trade fairs all over Singapore in recent years has created a lot of problems to many residents and shopkeepers. In some estates, I am sure the Member will also recognise, the fairs are held so frequently that they are almost a permanent feature all year round. When such fairs are held too frequently and over many nights at a stretch, it becomes a nuisance. Residents have complained.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Muslim Religious Council has been providing assistance to help alleviate the drug problem amongst Muslims. Last year, MUIS spent about $200,000 towards this need. Its assistance is mainly in the provision of religious instruction and counselling in Drug Rehabilitation Centres (DRCs) in recognition of the fact that religion is important in the rehabilitative process. Currently, 27 part-time and one full-time religious teachers are engaged to provide such instruction and counselling in the DRCs. Apart from the above, MUIS also assists the drug addicts to pay for their GCE 'N', 'O' and 'A' level examination fees for those who are sitting for these examinations so that they can be better educationally qualified when they leave the DRC. It is hoped that with these qualifications, the discharged drug addicts will be able to obtain better paying jobs and gain enough confidence to kick the drug habit. MUIS will certainly continue to provide assistance for religious instruction and counselling of drug addicts and I assure the Member that this assistance will be extended to halfway houses set up by voluntary organisations. ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1ST APRIL, 1995 TO 31ST MARCH, 1996 Order read for consideration in Committee of Supply [5th Allotted Day]. [Mr Speaker in the Chair] Head S (cont.) - Resumption of Debate on Question [20th March, 1995], "That the total sum to be allocated for Head S of the Main Estimates be reduced by $100." - [Encik Othman bin Haron Eusofe]. Question again proposed. 12.41 pm”
“As at 31st December 1994, 21 companies or organisations were operating a total of 23 workplace centres. MINDEF and Jurong Town Corporation run two workplace centres each. The 23 workplace centres provide a total of 1,993 places. Its enrolment as at 31st December 1994 was 1,523 children (or 76.4%). Annex 1 (Cols. 1083 - 1084) Annex 2 - NO. OF PERMANENT RESIDENCE GRANTED UNDER THE ENTREPRENEURS SCHEME FOR THE PERIOD JAN-NOV 94(Cols. 1085 - 1086)”
“The Ministry monitors the demand for and supply of social services island-wide on a regular basis. It works closely with other Ministries and various organisations to identify the support services needed and their possible location and development. Currently, Woodlands and Marsiling areas have the following social services: - Child Care Centres - Senior Citizens Clubs - Befrienders' Service - Sheltered Home for the Aged - Nursing Homes. Between 1995 and 2000, the following new or additional social service facilities are in the pipeline for the two areas: a) an additional 10-14 child care centres; b) facilities for the disabled including residential, day care and sheltered workshop facilities; and c) facilities for the aged such as Mutual Help Groups, Day Care Centres and a sheltered home for the aged. CHILD CARE FACILITIES AT WORK PLACE 26. Dr Kanwaljit Soin asked the Acting Minister for Community Development (a) how many companies or organisations have child care facilities at their work place; and (b) how many places are available and what is the uptake rate.”
“Before-and-after school care programmes cater to older school-going children and have been set up by voluntary and community organisations and private operators to provide care for the children so that they do not get into mischief. The standard of care and services provided in such centres are determined by the demands and expectations of parents who use the services. Before-and-after school care programmes are set up on a voluntary basis and my Ministry does not see any need to regulate voluntary action through guidelines, rules or regulations. SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES FOR WOODLANDS AND MARSILING 25. Dr Kanwaljit Soin asked the Acting Minister for Community Development whether there are sufficient social service agencies in Woodlands and Marsiling areas and, if not, what are the future plans to remedy this.”
“The last mosque built was the Ar-Raudhah Mosque at Bukit Batok, which was completed in January 1993 at a cost of $8.1 million. From January 1993 to October 1994, the total amount collected from Singaporean Muslims under the Mosque Building Fund was $7.4 million. In the next two years, one new mosque currently under construction will be completed and another built. If the total amount collected from Singaporean Muslims is insufficient to pay for the cost of these two mosques, the Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura will assist in providing funds to meet the shortfall. More mosques will be constructed from 1997 onwards, for which plans are being prepared.”
“Over the last 3 years, 15 facilities suspected to be operating as unlicensed child care centres were brought to the attention of the Ministry. However, on inspection they were found to be mainly small playgroups, kindergartens or before and after-school care programmes. There are provisions in the Child Care Centres Act for the prosecution of operators of unlicensed child care centres. Anyone found guilty of operating an unlicensed child care centre is liable on conviction to: - a fine not exceeding $5,000; or - an imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years; or - both fine and imprisonment. All reports of unlicensed child care centres are immediately investigated by the Ministry. We will not hesitate to take action against anyone found operating a child care centre without a licence. MOSQUE-BUILDING CONTRIBUTIONS 13. Mr Low Thia Khiang asked the Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs what is the total amount of contributions collected from Singaporean Muslims since the last mosque was built and what plans he has for the contributions.”
“Sir, as I have mentioned earlier, this is a problem which involves not only the Government but also the community. So I suggest that the Member should wait patiently for the outcome of the Committee's deliberations. COMPANIES WITH GOVERNMENT SHAREHOLDING (Submission of annual reports to Parliament) 7. Mr Low Thia Khiang asked the Minister for Finance whether he will consider introducing legislation to require companies operating both locally and abroad, in which the Singapore Government has a shareholding, to submit their annual reports to Parliament for scrutiny.”
“Sir, the terms of reference cannot detail each and every problem that exists. But I am certain that the Committee will study all aspects of the problem and will certainly address the kinds of issues which the Member has mentioned.”
“I do not have them right here, but I can send the terms of reference to the Member if he wants.”
“The East Coast Park Swimming Lagoon site has been leased to a private company since April 1992. One of the conditions of the lease is that the site be developed into a recreation park. Since then, the company has been discussing its plans with the relevant authorities. The process is still going on and the company hopes to start construction work soon. As long as the lease is in force, the nature of the development will have to comply with the conditions therein. NEE SOON CENTRAL COMMUNITY CENTRE/CLUB 18. Mr Cheo Chai Chen asked the Acting Minister for Community Development where is the location of the proposed new Nee Soon Central Community Centre/Club; what is the budget for its total facilities and construction cost; and where does the budget come from.”
“Sir, as I mentioned earlier, my Ministry does not really monitor such institutions. PRIMARY ONE REGISTRATION SCHEME (Review) 17. Dr Toh Keng Kiat asked the Minister for Education whether registration for primary schools will be reviewed so as to allow children without connections greater opportunity to enter choice schools.”
“Sir, the Ministry of Community Development does not regulate or maintain a register of places of worship in Singapore. However, places of worship in Singapore can be classified under three broad categories: (1) those that are privately run: these are temples and churches which are not registered as societies or companies; (2) those that are registered charities, societies or companies: these have to submit their audited accounts to the Commissioner of Charities, the Registrar of Societies or the Registrar of Companies and Businesses; and (3) those that are managed by a statutory board: these will include all mosques which are vested with the Majlis Ugama Islam Singapore (MUIS), the two Sikh temples managed by the Central Sikh Gurdwara Board, which is a self-regulating body, and the four Hindu temples under the administration of the Hindu Endowments Board. All mosques in Singapore vested with MUIS have their accounts incorporated into MUIS' accounts which are audited by the Auditor-General. The four Hindu temples managed by the Hindu Endowments Board have separate accounts maintained by the Hindu Endowments Board. These accounts are audited by a commercial audit firm. As for the Central Sikh Gurdwara Board, it maintains the accounts of the two Sikh temples under it and their accounts are audited by a commercial audit firm. In the circumstances, I regret that I am unable to give a full answer to the Member's question. However, if there is evidence of any irregularities in the management of funds, may I suggest that this be brought to the attention of the Commissioner of Charities, the Registrar of Societies or the Registrar of Companies and Businesses as the case may be. If any offence such as criminal breach of trust is suspected, a police report should be made.”
“In the subsequent upward revisions of public assistance rates in January 1993 and April 1994, the Consumer Price Index was used to update the consumption values to peg the public assistance rates. The public assistance rates will be reviewed in January 1995. We are in the process of conducting another survey to find out the changes in consumption values. Annex I(A) & I(B) - INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS/CONVENTIONS ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN,INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS/CONVENTIONS ON WORKERS WITH FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES (Cols. 219 - 222) Table 1 & 2 - BREAKDOWN OF OFFENDERS AGAINST PROPERTY AND PERSONS BY GENDER 1990-1993, BREAKDOWN OF OFFENDERS AGAINST PROPERTY AND PERSONS WHO ARE EX-CONVICTS 1990-1993 (Cols. 223 - 224) Table - RESIDENT SINGLE PARENT POPULATION BY MARITAL STATUS AND MONTHLY HOUSEHOLD INCOME, 1990 (Cols. 225 - 226)”
“The Committee on Destitute Families, one of the 3 Committees set up by the Advisory Council on Family and Community Life, adopted the operational definition of destitute families as those families with household income below the MHE. However, in determining the number of destitute families, the Committee noted that earnings and income statistics in Singapore, as in all countries, were subjected to under-reporting. This was particularly true for those employed in the informal sector where many destitutes were employed. Hence, the MHE (as an income measure) could not be relied upon totally to determine the number of destitute families and had to be qualified by other criteria such as: - Head of household being a single parent with dependent children and without other means of support. - Principal wage earner or family member suffering from chronic disease or physical, intellectual or mental disability and facing hardship. - Elderly person(s) or couple above the age of 60 years without other means of support. - Death of principal wage earner causing hardship to the family. The Committee estimated that the number of families likely to face destitution was between 900 and 1,300. They comprised mainly families under public assistance, those receiving assistance from community and other social organisations as well as families in rent arrears of more than 12 months. Prior to 1991, the MHE had been used to peg the rates of public assistance. In 1990, my Ministry commissioned a consultant firm to conduct a Survey on Lifestyles and Consumption Patterns of Low-income Families in June 1990 to determine the consumption values of low-income families. In March 1991, the rates of public assistance were revised upwards based on the results of the Survey.”
“Dr Kanwaljit Soin asked the Acting Minister for Community Development whether he accepts the Minimum Household Expenditure for destitute families established by the Committee on Destitute Families and whether he will be able to give the number of families which are below the Minimum Household Expenditure guidelines.”
“The Committee on Destitute Families, one of the 3 Committees set up by the Advisory Council on Family and Community Life, defined families at risk as being those families who are likely to fall into destitution should they be faced with some untoward event. Destitution can be caused by any or a combination of these conditions: (a) physical, intellectual and mental dysfunction arising from prolonged illness such as heart illness, chronic kidney diseases which impair the person's ability to secure permanent full-time employment and strain the family's financial resources. (b) socio-psychological dysfunction due to personality disorders such as delinquency or drug addiction of one parent. (c) family structure dysfunction as a result of various reasons such as death of one marriage partner, divorce or marital conflict. Based on the 1988 Annual Labour Force Survey, the Committee estimated that there are 22,140 families with an earned income below the Minimum Household Expenditure (MHE) which accounted for about 3.5% of the total households in Singapore. There are various schemes administered by Government and community organisations to assist families at risk. Such schemes include the Rent and Utilities Assistance Scheme administered by the National Council of Social Service and the Financial Assistance Scheme administered by Ministry of Education. The eligibility for assistance to these families varies according to the objectives and types of assistance provided. MINIMUM HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE FOR DESTITUTE FAMILIES 30.”
“Since the inception of the Rent and Utilities Assistance Scheme, 710 households have received assistance. Of these, 388 households have been discharged as there has been an improvement to their financial and social circumstances. The income and eligibility criteria for the Scheme are set out below:- (i) Income Criteria 1-person household : $0 - $220 pm 2-person household : $0 - $410 pm 3-person household : $0 - $540 pm 4-person household or more : $0 - $640 pm (ii) Eligibility Criteria The principal wage earner: - is a single parent with dependent children and without other means of support; - is suffering from chronic illness, or physical, or intellectual or mental disability; - is an elderly person (above 60 years) and without means of support; - has passed away, abandoned or deserted the family, or is separated from them; - is detained or imprisoned. A Review Committee set up by National Council of Social Service is responsible for approving cases for assistance under the Scheme as well as for the review and discharge of the cases. The Committee has the flexibility to take into consideration the special circumstances of the cases when assessing their suitability for approval or discharge. FAMILIES AT RISK 29. Dr Kanwaljit Soin asked the Acting Minister for Community Development (a) what is the number of families at risk; (b) what are the criteria for defining such families; and (c) if there are no well-defined criteria, whether he will have them set out.”
“The decrease in the number of PA cases was due mainly to two reasons. One was the decline in the number of single destitute persons. The other was the deletion from the Scheme of 600 cases between 1991 and 1993 as they were residing in institutions assisted under the Government Financial Assistance Scheme for Voluntary Welfare Organisations and did not require the allowance for their upkeep in such institutions. RENT AND UTILITIES ASSISTANCE SCHEME (Number of households and eligibility criteria) 28. Dr Kanwaljit Soin asked the Acting Minister for Community Development if he will give the number of households who are on the Rent and Utilities Assistance Scheme and what are the criteria for eligibility.”
“As at June 1990, there were 17,914 single parent families of which 4,197 were headed by males and 13,717 by females. The 1990 Census Table (Cols. 225 - 226) on Single Parents gives the distribution of Single Parents by income and age. Table - RESIDENT SINGLE PARENT POPULATION BY MARITAL STATUS AND MONTHLY HOUSEHOLD INCOME, 1990 (Cols. 225 - 226) PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME (Decrease in number of cases) 27. Dr Kanwaljit Soin asked the Acting Minister for Community Development why the number of recipients for Public Assistance has gone down from 3,241 in 1983 to 2,220 in 1993.”
“The two main voluntary welfare organisations (VWOs) serving the disabled, namely, the Handicaps Welfare Association and the Society for Aid to the Paralysed, have on their register a total of 495 wheelchair bound disabled persons. There is a double counting of 98 persons who are registered in both societies. The Cheshire Home has 95 wheelchair bound disabled persons. As we already have information on disabled persons who are wheelchair bound, there is no need to include such information in the Population Census. SINGLE-PARENT LOW-INCOME FAMILIES 26. Dr Kanwaljit Soin asked the Acting Minister for Community Development (a) what is the number of single-parent low-income families and (b) what is the gender breakdown by head of household.”
“Dr Kanwaljit Soin asked the Acting Minister for Community Development whether he has information on the number of disabled people confined to wheelchairs and, if not, whether he will recommend that this information be included in the next census.”
“Singapore has been hosting a few world sports events. Examples are the World Squash Team Championship in 1989, World Formula 1 Power Boat Grand Prix in 1992 and the World Water-ski Championship in 1993. The World Cup and the Olympics are prestigious and mega events. The bidding process is intense and expensive. Countries spend a few years and millions of dollars just to bid for the event, without any guarantee of success. Australia, for instance, spent six years and an estimated A$25 million just to bid for Olympics 2000. Many more millions of dollars will have to be spent after the bid has been won, to prepare for and stage the event. Organising the Soccer World Cup or the Olympics is a mammoth task. For World Cup USA, more than three million spectators watched the matches in the various stadiums over a one-month period. That is roughly the population of Singapore. From 1998, 32 countries, as against the present 24, will qualify for the Soccer World Cup finals. To complete all the matches within a 4- to 6-week period, the host country must have a minimum of eight large stadiums, each with a seating capacity of 50,000 or more. Singapore has only one stadium with more than 50,000 seats. Even if land can be found and hotels and stadiums can be built in time, there are the empty rooms and stadiums to think about after the event. There will also be demands on the public transport system and the security forces. Given the physical size of Singapore, we must be realistic and bid for events we can accommodate. Co-hosting would not be possible for most world sports events. The constitution of the International Olympic Committee, for example, does not allow the games to be jointly hosted by a number of countries. WHEELCHAIR BOUND DISABLED PERSONS (Number) 25.”
“Sir, we have been in this business for some time. Through social workers and our own network, we believe that the arrangements have not changed much in the last five years.”
“Sir, I have mentioned earlier that the child care options, ie, the preferences and the practices, have not changed significantly in the past five years. In other words, the majority of parents prefer to place their child care in the hands of their parents, grandparents or relatives.”
“Sir, while the number of dual career families in Singapore has doubled in the last 10 years, the number of child care places has increased by more than 10 times. In 1983, there were 39 child care centres with 2,326 places. As at January 1994, there were 334 child care centres with 25,471 places. And by FY 96, we hope to have 32,000 places. The rate of increase in child care places has therefore more than kept pace with the increase in the number of dual career families.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, my Ministry last conducted a survey on the existing and preferred child care arrangements of married working women in 1989. It showed that 65.2% of married working women with children aged 6 years and below placed their children with grandparents, immediate family members or relatives while only 5.6% sent their children to child care centres. Of the married working women yet to have children, 72.3% preferred child care by grandparents, immediate family members or relatives. Only 5.9% preferred child care centres. We believe these child care arrangement and preferences have not changed significantly in the last five years. My Ministry decided since 1989 to closely monitor the demand for child care places through the centres' waiting lists and vacancy positions. In January this year, child care centres provided places for 10.7% of the total population of children aged 2 years to below 7 years. This is double the rate in 1989. There are at present enough places overall to cater for mothers who want to use child care centres. Any mother who wants to send her child to a child care centre can find a place if she is not particular about the choice of centre. We find that this close monitoring, done on a quarterly basis, helps us to better plan for future child care places. There is therefore no need to carry out a survey on child care arrangements.”
“Mr Low Thia Khiang asked the Acting Minister for National Development if he will justify the priority accorded to members of Citizens' Consultative Committees, Community Centre/Club Management Committees, Residents' Committee, Women's Executive Committees and Youth Executive Committees in the purchase of existing Housing and Development Board flats offered for sale and whether the scheme favours People's Action Party appointees of these various bodies and discriminates against other purchasers.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, we encourage many helping hands in the running of social and community services, and religious groups, as has been rightly pointed out by the Member, are just one of these pairs of helping hands. All the groups mentioned by the Member for Yuhua are some of the other pairs of helping hands. But be assured that MCD will always be looking into ways of getting these and other organisations and individuals to be involved in running social and community services. MCD has been working with, and will continue to work closely with, the National Council of Social Service and organisations like the People's Association to look into areas where the resources of senior citizens, women and youth can be tapped. HDB PRIORITY ALLOCATION SCHEME FOR GRASSROOTS ORGANISATIONS (Inclusion of members of charitable and social organisations) 11. Mr Chiam See Tong asked the Acting Minister for National Development how many Housing and Development Board flats have been allocated to date under the Citizens' Consultative Committee/Community Centre (or Club) Management Committee/Residents' Committee/Women's Executive Committee/Youth Executive Committee priority allocation scheme and whether the scheme will be widened to include those who work in bona fide charitable and social organisations. HDB PRIORITY ALLOCATION SCHEME FOR GRASSROOTS ORGANISATIONS (Justification) 12.”
“There are 4 shelters for battered wives run by 3 established organisations. These are the Good Shepherd Centre run by the Catholic Welfare Services, the Whampoa Care and Elliot Road Centres run by the Anglican Welfare Council and the Pertapis Female Centre run by Pertapis. These centres are open to any woman regardless of race or religion. No needy women has been denied access to these centres. Except for the Good Shepherd Centre which has plans to expand its capacity of 25, the other centres are running below capacity. The centres run by the Anglican Welfare Council have a population of 52 against a capacity of 70. The Pertapis Centre has a population of 38 against a capacity of 60. The Government does not see a need to duplicate the good work done by these welfare organisations.”
“A better way to help low-income families is to give them financial assistance to enrol their children in child care centres located throughout the island than to provide places specifically for these families. Lower in cost must mean a lowering of the standards of care. Enabling these families to enrol in centres throughout the island also widens their choice of centres. The Government has assisted the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) and the NTUC Child Care Co-operative (NTUC) to implement a financial assistance scheme which gives additional child care subsidies to low-income families. The additional subsidies help to bring child care centre care within the reach of low-income families. The financial assistance scheme is funded by the 25th Anniversary Endowment Fund and was implemented by NTUC in May 1992 and by NCSS in September 1993. The subsidy given ranges from $50 to $100 per month per child, depending on family income. This amount is over and above the subsidy of $130 per month per child for full day care given by the Government to all eligible parents. SHELTER FOR BATTERED WIVES 18. Dr Kanwaljit Soin asked the Acting Minister for Community Development if his Ministry will consider running a secular shelter for battered wives as there is no shelter run by a non-religious organisation.”
“The Family and Women's Welfare (FWW) Section of MCD undertakes the following functions:- (i) provides information and referral services and a telephone hotline service for families and individuals in need of assistance; (ii) oversees the development of Family Service Centres and other support services for families; (iii) serves as a first point of contact for women in distress; (iv) provides assistance and support to families with relationship problems such as marital conflicts and family disputes; and (v) processes applications for Special Marriage Licences where either party is below 18 years of age as required under Section 20(2) of the Women's Charter. The FWW Section is manned by a team of 10 Welfare Officers, led by an Assistant Director and 3 Supervisors. However, individual cases referred to the Ministry are not dealt with in isolation. The Ministry adopts a family-centred approach in the management of these cases. Work with families is, therefore, also undertaken by other Sections and Branches of the Ministry. The family service functions undertaken by the other Sections of the Ministry include:- - public education on family life; - direct services to the aged, children and offenders and their families; - development, promotion and co-ordination of support services for families by voluntary welfare and community organisations; and - research and review of policies and programmes affecting the family. LOW-COST CHILDCARE 17. Dr Kanwaljit Soin asked the Acting Minister for Community Development if he will consider having more low-cost child care places for low-income families.”
“(e) Adequacy of Staff Based on the caseload and workload, the current number of officers in the FWW Section is adequate. WELFARE OFFICER GRADE GROSS SALARY RANGE Welfare Officer Grade IVA $2738.96-$4246.41 Welfare Officer Grade IV $2044.00-$3842.72 (Next promotion to Grade III) Welfare Officer Grade V (Div I) $1517.67-$2953.58 (Next promotion to Grade IVA) Welfare Officer Grade VA (Div II) $1808.94-$2871.82 Welfare Officer Grade VI $ 894.25-$2340.38 FAMILY SERVICE UNIT 16. Dr Kanwaljit Soin asked the Acting Minister for Community Development what plans his Ministry has for strengthening the Family Service Unit.”
“(a) Manpower of Family and Women's Welfare (FWW) Section The Family and Women's Welfare (FWW) Section of the Ministry of Community Development is manned by a team of 10 Welfare Officers. The team is led by an Assistant Director and 3 Supervisors. (b) Training & Qualifications of FWW Staff The Assistant Director and Supervisors hold degrees in social work or psychology. One other officer, a graduate, had training and work experience in crisis counselling before joining the Ministry. Five others are experienced officers, each of whom has 20 to 30 years of service in the field. (c) Whether FWW Staff have the right training All Welfare Officers in the Ministry have opportunities for training and skills upgrading. Orientation courses provided by the Ministry introduce officers to all facets of the Ministry. Work related generic courses provide them with the basic knowledge and essential skills for effective operation in any direct service setting. In addition, Welfare Officers are sent for specialized training courses and workshops in their area of work either locally or overseas, to enhance their skills and knowledge and to keep abreast with developments in the field. (d) Salary Scales All Welfare Officers in the Ministry, including those in the FWW Section, come under the Welfare Officers Scheme of Service. The salary scale varies from officer to officer as it is dependent on the officer's qualification, grade and years of service. The salary scales of the officers in the FWW Section range from Welfare Officer Grade VI to Welfare Officer Grade IVA. A table showing the salary scales is given below. All graduate officers are recruited at Grade V. Movement up the hierarchy is through promotion.”
“Before-and-after school care (BASC) programmes and latchkey services for children are provided by many organisations. There are at present 49 BASC programmes in various parts of Singapore. 14 are set up by private operators, 25 by voluntary welfare organisations and 10 by the People's Association together with the PAP Community Foundation. There is a total of 2,700 places in these 49 programmes. Not all the places are taken up. There is spare capacity of about 24%. Also, not all children who attend these programmes require latchkey services. There are parents who send their children there to receive tuition. BASCs charge a fee depending on the programmes and income level of the parents. Children who attend the voluntary and community run centres and who cannot afford the fees are admitted free or at nominal rates. As BASCs are well provided by voluntary and community organisations, there are no plans for Government action in this area. FAMILY AND WOMEN'S WELFARE SECTION 15. Dr Kanwaljit Soin asked the Acting Minister for Community Development (a) how many officers are employed in the Family and Women's Welfare Section; (b) what training and qualification these officers have; (c) whether they have the right training; (d) what are their salary scales; and (e) whether the present staff strength is adequate.”
“Can I just reply to Mr Sinnakaruppan? We are indeed promoting fitness in the workplace. In fact, the SSC is also working together with the NPB and all the other companies in trying to get workers to be more exercise conscious and take part in exercises.”
“But I think it is still too early for us to assess the full impact of the plan although there is evidence to show that we are moving in the right direction. And I would suggest that we give SPEX 2000 some time to really fulfil its promises. Mr Kenneth Chen suggested that we ought to be a bit more business-minded, not commercial-minded, in our approach to sports. I agree with him. Indeed, sports ought to be managed and promoted more professionally. And it is with this in mind that a new division - the Market Development and Communication Division - has been formed under the SSC, and the main task of this division is to help the National Sports Associations to promote their sports more effectively and professionally. Professional management is likely to come about if there are full-time professional staff to manage the affairs of the NSAs. And as a start, SSC has given grants to the NSAs on the core sports and merit sports to employ full-time professional staff. The FAS, for example, has a full-time staff of 10, including a General Manager, an accountant and a marketing executive. 4.30 pm The FAS is also aware that having good soccer players help to raise the standard of the game and increase the gate collections. Last year, in fact, FAS spent about $600,000 in salaries and allowances for the national team. This is a 57% increase from what was spent in 1992.”
“On both these counts, the sports scholarships stand out well indeed because the scholars are the best athletes in the nation and the universities they attend can be deemed to be among the best in the world. Sir, I have no doubt that the sports scholarship will develop into a prestigious one in the eyes of the sports fraternity. But be that as it may, I think we should not be too concerned that our top scholars are not turning into top sportsmen. We have a small population and we must make sure that whatever talents we have are developed to their fullest potential in the areas that they are most confident in and think that they will do best. Both SSC and NSAs are confident that with SPEX 2000 in place and with increased support from people, like the Member for Cheng San GRC, the Government and the public, more champions will emerge in our midst. With regard to other Ministries' support, SPEX 2000 has also the support from other Government Ministries. For example, the Ministry of Education (MOE), and Mindef are two specific Government departments which will play an important role in the implementation of SPEX 2000 and both have indeed pledged their support. For example, in January this year, MOE and SSC jointly organised a seminar for schools on how best to achieve the goals of SPEX 2000. A joint working committee of MOE and SSC is now studying the recommendations made at the seminar. With regard to Mindef, it has, in fact, come up with the SAF Sportsmen Scheme. Under the scheme, outstanding sportsmen will be given time off for training to prepare themselves for regional and international competitions. Sir, we have made great strides in the promotion of sports and the development of champions with the launching of SPEX 2000.”
“For example, our population is small and the potential pool is, therefore, limited. And we also have different social and economic priorities to consider. But, notwithstanding these limitations, Singapore has produced champions and we are proud of them, like Zarinah Abdullah and Azman Abdullah. The MP for Cheng San GRC has also asked what are NSAs' response to SPEX 2000. I am glad to report that the plan has been very well received indeed by the NSAs, especially those which are having the core and merit sports and they were delighted with the programme and schemes that have been devised for them. In fact, SPEX 2000 was developed together with the NSAs. Their needs have, therefore, been taken care of in the plan. But, basically, what they would want is financial help and they would prefer to be left to concentrate on the identification and development of athletes, sportsmen and sportswomen. Since the launch of SPEX 2000, SSC has given out a total of $3.2 million. As you know, we have just started a few months ago. Slightly more than half of the sum of $3.2 million is for the training of athletes. Mr Chandra Das has also made reference to Mr Sia Cheong Yew's suggestion in the Straits Times about establishing a prestigious sports scholarship to "the Singapore equivalent of the Rhode scholarship to top scholars and top sportsmen." I can empathise with the sentiment behind the proposal. But a scholarship does not become prestigious simply because we say it is. Its status depends on a number of factors, among which are the quality of the scholars themselves and the quality of the universities that these scholars go to.”
“Sir, the SPEX 2000 has identified seven core sports for intensive development. This is necessary because of the financial and human resource constraints that we have. What are the criteria? Firstly, to be a core sport, it has to be included in the Asian games or the Olympic games. Secondly, our athletes must have a good chance of winning medals in these competitions. Thirdly, the National Sports Associations (NSAs) for the sport must have a good development plan to identify and train the athletes for the sport. And lastly, the sports must also have a large following and a large base to draw talent from. But the list of core sports is not static. In other words, the list could change, ie, it could be tennis today or table tennis tomorrow. But there is no regularity of how and when the list will change. So the existing core sports that do not perform up to expectation will be taken off the list and new ones will be added on if they satisfy the criteria which I mentioned above. But, more importantly, whether or not a core sport is on the list, it should not be a major concern to our outstanding athletes. Because under the plan, all deserving athletes with the potential to win medals at regional or international competitions will be given maximum help in their pursuit of excellence. With regard to developing champions, as has been mentioned by Mr Chiam, indeed an important element of SPEX 2000 is to identify and develop talent. As Mr Chiam has mentioned, we will try to widen this pool as much as we can and we will start in the schools definitely. The process of developing sports champions, however, is a very complex one because, besides training programmes and adequate funding, there are other factors and constraints to consider.”
“Sir, I entirely agree with Mr Chen that family value programmes ought to start in kindergarten. But the style and approach may be different. This is something we will be looking into. And as I mentioned earlier, we have got the CME programme in schools. Sir, all of us are human. While we may know what is the right thing to do, sometimes we forget and sometimes we overlook things that we can do to improve our family environment. Sir, the purpose of having posters, bookmarks and songs on family values is not to teach adults how to be filial. It is rather to serve as a gentle reminder to us all. Time and again, we have middle-aged couples telling us that they should have attended marriage counselling courses earlier. And now we have many people who tell us that the document on family values should have been done earlier. So it is not true to say that we should only concentrate on the young to inculcate family values and that it is useless to promote them among adults. We will have to remind ourselves of the importance of family values and the importance of practising it. Mr Kenneth Chen Koon Lap: Sir, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Sir, I would like to thank Dr Toh Keng Kiat for mentioning something which we in the MCD are also concerned with. Ageing is a national concern. And policies and programmes concerning the aged, therefore, cut across various Ministries and also the various statutory boards on the island. I would like to assure Dr Toh, however, that programmes and policies are not segmented. The National Advisory Council on the Family and the Aged (NACFA), which meets regularly and which has got various sub-committees, was formed in 1989 and it was set up with the specific purpose of identifying and monitoring issues, needs and problems concerning the family and the aged. It has representations from the various relevant Ministries. It identifies gaps and recommends policies and programmes to respective Government and other relevant bodies and, where necessary, to address these gaps. But I would get MCD to look into the recommendations which the hon. Member has suggested and will see whether any of them could be included in the programme.”
“So following the study, my Ministry refined the concept in the configuration of the FSC as well as the scope, programme and service. We are happy to announce that FSCs will be established throughout Singapore, on the basis of one FSC per population centre of 100,000 persons or more. Based on this norm, it is estimated that there will be about 24 FSCs that we will have to develop across the island. 3.30 pm Currently, there are two FSCs. Over the next five years, another 22 will be set up, 7 will be new ones and 15 will be existing social service centres which we will have to upgrade into FSCs. The Government will set aside a total of $7.3 million for capital and recurrent funding of FSCs. The Government will fund 80% of the capital expenditure and 50% of the operating expenditure of the FSCs. In addition to this, a grant will also be provided to train and equip the social workers in the FSCs with the necessary skills required to operate the FSC. And the National Council of Social Service will be coordinating the FSC scheme.”
“Sir, I would first like to respond to Mr Chay's remarks. I would like to clarify that the Rent and Utilities Assistance Scheme (RUAS) is administered not by MCD but by the National Council of Social Service. Second, as the name implies, the scheme was implemented to assist a specific target group and not for residents of purchase flats. In other words, the target group will be low-income families living in rental flats and have difficulties paying their HDB, PUB or Town Council rates. So the scheme, therefore, serves a very specific and special purpose and I do not see any necessity for it to be renamed because if it is renamed, then it is a different programme altogether and it becomes a different issue. But the Member may wish to know that families facing financial hardship due to unforeseen circumstances can apply to HDB for assistance, or they can go to other voluntary organisations, not necessarily through the RUAS scheme specifically. For example, we have had occasion to refer to NCSS cases where people have difficulty in paying their light and water rates and they have had their utilities reconnected after payment was made by voluntary welfare organisations. I would like to thank Dr Michael Lim for his support for the Family Service Centre's development programme. This has also been asked by the Member for Yuhua. The FSC concept was piloted in 1990 as a one-stop neighbourhood social service centre aimed at making welfare services more easily available to families in need. In 1992, a consultant firm was commissioned to evaluate the pilot scheme and the findings of the study did confirm that the FSCs met a community need and, indeed, it is something which ought to be encouraged.”
“Sir, I do not think we can revise the PA rates before 1st April. In the first place, we hardly have enough time for that because we have to really study this situation carefully. But anyway the Government has already decided to increase the rates to PA recipients, as I mentioned earlier, by adding between 3 1/3% and 5.17% to offset the GST increases. We think this would be sufficient for the time being.”
“As I said, the $150 is an all-in payment. But if a single person has got other needs and if he could show that the $150 is not enough, we will try and assist him through other help, not necessarily in cash, from voluntary organisations.”
“And this housing will be located within the housing estates, amenities and other facilities so that they would actually be living in the community and not separate from the community. These facilities, we reckon, will house between 120 and 150 aged residents, including couples. I am happy to inform the Member that accommodation in such sheltered housing will be free or at very subsidised rates for the low-income destitute. For those who can afford, Sir, we will leave it to the private sector to provide retirement housing. If the unions, or other cooperatives, want to develop such housing arrangements for their members, they can explore the feasibility of doing so with the relevant housing authorities. Sir, it is opportune for me to stress here that in promoting sheltered housing, or retirement villages, we should not erode our policy of encouraging the family to take care of the aged and for the aged to live with their families, wherever possible. Neither should we provide an easy recourse for children to abandon their parents in such facilities, thereby eroding family togetherness and family responsibility that we cherish so much.”
“Under this pilot project, HDB will refurbish three blocks of one-room HDB flats and the grassroots organisations will each adopt a block to provide better care and support services to the aged tenants. If this pilot project is successful, this programme will be extended to other blocks, or areas, with a high concentration of the aged living alone. Sir, I would strongly encourage the aged living alone to continue to remain active in the community and to participate in the various programmes that best suit their needs either as a beneficiary or as a volunteer. With regard to retirement village, Mr Goh has spoken in support of Mr Lim Boon Heng's suggestion for the development of retirement villages for our aged who do not wish to live with their families, even if they do have families, but do not mind leaving their children. I recognise that some aged prefer to live independently in a sheltered environment where they can enjoy security and also central services. The needs and expectations of our future aged would, indeed, be different from those of today's aged. My Ministry is currently assisting the voluntary sector to provide sheltered housing facilities which are close to the concept which Mr Lim Boon Heng referred to. This would be for the destitute, or the low-income aged, who are fit and who do not have families, or are unable to live with their family members. So unlike an institution, or homes for the aged, this sheltered housing would provide dormitory-style living and they will provide shared dwellings for the aged. The residents would be allowed an independent lifestyle and access to a central support service where meals and recreation will be provided.”
“15 pm With regard to programmes for the aged, there are several in place to support the aged in the community. This is a question raised by Mr Goh Choon Kang. These programmes are designed to enable the aged to live an active social life and to develop strong bonds among themselves so that they can provide mutual support, and also between themselves and the community so that they can help each other in times of need. For example, for the lonely aged and the community, my Ministry runs the Befriender scheme. Currently we have 739 volunteers matched to about 1,500 aged. So we will expand this service and we will try and get more volunteers so that more aged can be helped and they would not be alone. Programmes which provide the aged with opportunities for recreational and social activities and for making new friends are also being done. For example, there are Senior Citizens Clubs run by PA and voluntary organisations. There are also mutual help groups run by RCs. There are keep fit and sporting activities programmes which are actively promoted by Singapore Sports Council and the People's Association. There is also a continuing education programme organised by PA and the Department of Extramural Studies. We also have a toll-free hotline counselling service operated by a voluntary organisation, that is, the Singapore Action Group for Elders (SAGE) where the aged can call in free and discuss their problems with a counsellor at the other end of the line. Sir, my Ministry will also be working closely with HDB and voluntary and grassroots organisations on a pilot project to provide a more user-friendly and supportive environment to the aged living alone in selected HDB rental flats.”
“So we do take each case by itself on its own merits and we will try and marshall all our resources and also the resources of the organisations to try and help them. The Member for Tampines GRC may wish to know that my Ministry will be reviewing the PA rates again in the next financial year. A survey will also be conducted to determine the consumption patterns of low-income families and this time the impact of GST on these families. And the revision will be based on the outcome of the survey. I am afraid we cannot do it annually because, in the first place, we have got to do surveys and carry out studies. To do it every year is not cost-effective and changes within one year will not be that wide. Of course, with GST, it is a different situation altogether but, normally, changes between one year and the other will not be that big. But I do assure the Member that I will get my officers to study his recommendations and see whether any of them could be considered and also to be adopted by my Ministry. Encik Ibrahim Othman and Mr Goh Choon Kang raised the concern about the problems of the aged, and the number dying alone in their flats. I would like to assure Members that MCD and I are very concerned about this problem. As I have mentioned earlier in my reply to Dr Vasoo, there are about 3.6% of aged living alone in our midst. Since 1990, 27 cases of aged persons, who died alone by natural causes, have been reported in the press and almost 80% of the cases reported were males and all, except two, lived in one-room HDB flats. And given today's smaller families and the increasing number of singles living on their own, there may be an increase in the number of aged living alone in the future. My Ministry will certainly monitor this trend carefully and closely. 3.”