Ahmad Mattar
Singapore
“Sir, I would like to urge the Minister, the newly appointed panel chaired by Mr Hsuan Owyang, and certainly the people in charge of Channel 12 Pte Ltd, to look into the quality of Malay programmes on Channel 12. There is not much point in increasing the number of hours of Malay programmes on Channel 12 if quality is not there.”
“Because if SBC conducts those surveys or SBC administers the people meter, what other conclusions can we get? Finally, Sir, I would like to urge the Minister, and certainly the General Manager of SBC, to re-look into SBC's programmes.”
“Mr Chairman, Sir, Encik Ibrahim Othman has asked a number of questions on Muslim divorces. On the actual number of Muslim divorces registered in 1992, the answer is 1,002.”
“45 pm Sir, on wakaf properties, the House may want to know that the first development project comprising four units of terrace houses at Duku Road has been completed. This year, two more projects at Lorong L and Lorong G, Telok Kurau, will be launched.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I am aware of that circular. Unfortunately, my Public Health Officers have reported that despite the circular there has not been any improvement to the littering problem. Even till this morning, Sir, when we inspected Potong Pasir, littering was still evident.”
“Sir, the question has been answered and the photographs have also been labelled with the time they were taken. My point is that if the Member claims that his constituency does not have a littering problem, then there should not be any litter at any time of the day, 5.30 am regardless.”
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“Besides giving $500 to each district to help defray the expenses incurred in organising the celebrations to commemorate the Prophet's Birthday, the MUIS also assisted the district committees to obtain permission from the relevant authorities to use selected void decks in HDB estates and sports complexes for the purpose. The Education Committee of the MUIS has just completed a series of meetings with principals and management committees of eight full-time Islamic religious schools to obtain feedback regarding the management of the schools, their needs, problems encountered (if any) and to assess the employment prospects of their students. The MUIS is presently making arrangements to visit mosques and to have informal discussions with the respective mosque management committees regarding the activities of the mosques, their plans and programmes. 6.30 p.m. As regards financial assistance to Muslim organisations to enable them to continue with their good work, the MUIS has been giving annual grants to Muslim organisations whose activities are beneficial to the Muslim public. Besides giving annual grants to help pay the salaries of religious teachers in Islamic religious schools and providing allowances for religious teachers who are conducting religious classes organised by Muslim organisations, welfare homes and reformative training centres, the MUIS has also been giving financial assistance to mosques and suraus. In 1977, Sir, a total of $236,606.50 was distributed for various welfare schemes beneficial to Muslims. The Member for Bedok himself, who was the Chairman of the PERGAS Study Centre Building Committee, will recall that the MUIS contributed $70,000 towards the completion of the Centre.”
“Sir, I would have thought that a more useful approach would be for the MUIS, in addition to financial con- tributions, to associate and involve itself more closely with grassroot Muslim/Malay organisations. On this topic of involvement and association with Muslim organisations, in recent months particularly, the MUIS has been making concerted efforts to improve its rapport with Muslims and Muslim organisations in Singapore. As the Muslim religious authority advising the Government on Muslim matters, it is essential and beneficial for both the MUIS and Muslim organisations to maintain good rapport with one another. Only in this way can the MUIS be kept informed of the functions, work and opinions or problems encountered by the organisations concerned so that their views can be adequately represented to the Government. Conversely, the rapport so established will enable the MUIS to explain the relevant Government policy decisions to the Muslim public and to assist them wherever possible. To this end the MUIS has been organising various programmes and informal get-togethers to get to know the Muslim organisations better. Wherever possible and appropriate, the MUIS invites the assistance of Muslim organisations to help implement some of its projects and plans. This year, for instance, the MUIS invited Muslim leaders and organisations from 11 districts in Singapore to help organise the Awal Muharram (or the beginning of the Muslim New Year) celebrations in their respective districts. For the Prophet Muhammad's Birthday celebrations, the number of district committees organising them has also been increasing in the last few years: from six in 1975 to 13 this year.”
“Tanggung halal certificates are only issued by the MUIS to firms and manufacturers after the Department of Scientific Services of the Ministry of Science and Technology and/or SISIR have/has analysed the products and certified that they do not contain pork or any ingredient which is prohibited under Islam. Firms and manufacturers intending to classify their products as halal should apply to the MUIS for the certificates before classifying the products as halal and selling them in the market. The MUIS will not hesitate to press for prosecution under the consumers Protection Act against any firm which wilfully deceives the Muslim public into believing that its products are halal when they are not. From time to time MUIS issues statements through the mass media to clarify doubts regarding the suitability of any foodstuff for Muslim consumption. At this juncture, I would like to advise Muslim consumers to consult MUIS whenever they are in doubt with regard to the suitability of any food product. On the queries raised by the Member for Bedok, I thank him for his salutary remarks on the MUIS. But at the same time, Sir, I am not too sure what the Member for Bedok hopes to achieve. If I am not mistaken, after listening to his long speech, he wants the MUIS to channel its financial resources to other Muslim organisations in Singapore to carry out projects, while the MUIS council members themselves would sit back to formulate the policies and so on. Am I right?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, first of all, I will reply to the issue raised by the Member for Geylang Serai. The food company he was referring to in his speech was the Myojo Foods Co. (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. The Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS) and I share the concern of the Member for Geylang Serai over the sale of deceptive and misleading products in the market. This is particularly so when the consumers are misled into consuming products which are strictly prohibited under their religion. On 25th February, 1978 on discovering that pork extract was used in the making of a certain brand of instant noodles which the manufacturer classified as hela4 the MUIS immediately wrote to the company asking it to confirm that it had withdrawn all the misleading products from the market. For the benefit of non-Muslim Members of Parliament, "halal" in English means "Permissible", permissible to the Muslims, that is! The company was asked how it was authorised to use the halal label, since the MUIS, which is the Muslim religious authority in Singapore, had not granted the company a Tanggung Halal certificate. Again Tanggung halal means "guaranteed permissible", if my translation is correct. On 9th March, 1978, the company, through its lawyers informed the MUIS that it had withdrawn all the misleading products from the market in order to delete the word halal from the food packages. CASE and the Director of Food Administration, Ministry of the Environment, similarly instructed the company to withdraw the products from the market. The company was warned by the Ministry of the Environment that failure to do so would render it liable to prosecution action. I think that answers the query from the Member for Geylang Serai as to whether or not the company can be prosecuted in court.”
“As at 28th February 1978, the Society has made refunds to 2,279 of these resigned members totalling $3,129,168.41, leaving a balance of $1,985,118,36 to be refunded to the remaining 983 resigned members. At present, the membership of the Society stands at 1,504. So it is not true to say that nobody seems to know what is happening with the Singapore Government Officers' Cooperative Housing Society. The Disbursement Accounts in respect of the Mayflower Gardens Estate actually refer to the payment made by the Singapore Government Officers' Cooperative Housing Society in the course of the development of the estate over and above the original costing and estimates. it is true that the Mayflower Gardens Association has written to the Registry to seek assistance in resolving the matter relating to the disbursement accounts. The rate of interest, as the hon. Member has rightly pointed out, would be one aspect of the matter to be looked into. As this is a complicated issue, the Registry of Cooperative Societies is conducting an investigation to identify other areas of dispute with a view to arbitrating the matter.”
“No, it is coming out soon. As for the delay in the establishment of the proposed training centre, this has already been explained. The Member for Anson can rest assured that my Ministry will always accord priority to the Registry to implement whatever plans there are for the promotion of cooperative development in Singapore. On the subject of the Singapore Government Officers' Cooperative Housing Society Ltd., the Member for Anson may wish to know that the Society has been advised by the Registry to attend to all enquiries pertaining to refunds without fail. The Registry has reason to believe that this is being done by the Society unless the letters referred to by the Member in his speech are anonymous letters. I would suggest that the Member refer specific cases to me if letters are not attended to by the Society. I shall personally see to it that each of them gets an appropriate reply from the Singapore Government Officers' Cooperative Housing Society. I certainly disagree with the Member for Anson when he said that nobody seems to know exactly what was happening in the Singapore Government Officers' Cooperative Housing Society. As a matter of fact, the Registry has been constantly monitoring the progress of refunds made to resigned members and is aware of the position and the problems of the Society. Mr Speaker, Sir, the Singapore Government Officers' Cooperative Housing Society has suffered a spate of resignations of its members since 1971. This was mainly due to the failure of the Changi housing project to get off the ground and the adverse publicity arising from a misappropriation case involving a staff. Since then, some 3,262 members have resigned from the Society requiring a total refund of $5,114,286.77.”
“With regard to the proposed Cooperative Training Centre, my Ministry has decided to shelve the project for the time being until the changes in the new cooperative legislation have been finalised. In the meantime, the Registry will continue to run courses on cooperative subjects on an ad hoc basis. On his observation that my Ministry is not granting priority for the Registry to proceed with whatever plans it has in mind, I believe the Member for Anson was probably referring to the delay in the revision of the cooperative legislation and the establishment of the proposed Cooperative Training Centre. If it is, then I must emphasise that the delay in the revision of the cooperative legislation is inevitable in view of the need to provide for a comprehensive legal framework which will not only satisfy the requirements of the existing society but also pave the way for a strong, unified cooperative movement in Singapore. The Member for Anson would probably agree with me that all this requires careful study and consideration. An hon. Member: Do not take too long.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, for the information of the Member for Anson and the House, the draft Cooperative Societies Bill prepared by the I LO expert has not been found acceptable in the present context of Singapore. Consequently, an ad hoc committee was appointed in June 1977 to study the expert's draft and to make final recommendations to my Ministry. The ad hoc committee comprised representatives from the NTUC, the Singapore National Cooperative Union and the Registry of Cooperative Societies. The ad hoc Committee has submitted their recommendations together with a revised draft Cooperative Societies Bill to my Ministry. As the Committee's recommendations and draft Bill are being studied by my Ministry at the moment, it is therefore a little premature for me to discuss the changes in the new legislation at this stage. However, I would like to assure the Member for Anson that as far as possible we will include changes that are practical to the existing cooperative societies. The Member then went on to touch on the reorganisation of the Registry of Cooperative Societies. Since its reorganisation in April 1976, the Registry of Cooperative Societies has been able to implement ad hoc training programmes for the benefit of the staff and members of cooperative societies. So far the Registry has conducted three training courses during the past two years. For example, in 1976 the Registry conducted a basic book-keeping course for 63 cooperators. In 1977 the Registry organised a similar basic book-keeping course for 31 Malay cooperators and a basic audit course for 32 internal auditors of cooperative societies. The Registry will continue to organise suitable training courses for the benefit of the cooperative movement from time to time.”
“Yes, the name of the nurse, as she would be wearing a name tag. Perhaps he could supply the details. I can certainly assure the Member that the nursing staff attached to the Singapore Fire Service will be told what is the proper priority, as he had put it just now.”
“Sir, I will answer the hon. Member for Anson first. First of all, we must get the Ministry of Labour to agree to deduct from the CPF. Once the Minister for Labour has agreed, then we can start thinking about forming the religious council. At the moment, the Joint Management Committee under his able leadership is doing marvellously well. With his able guidance, he should be able to convince the members of the Hindu Advisory Board and also members of the Hindu Endowments Board, of which he is also the Chairman, to get things done. But, anyway, I will certainly convey his wishes and, as I was also made to understand, the wishes of the two Boards, to deduct the contributions through the CPF. After I have conveyed it to the Minister for Labour, he will then have to get the concurrence of the Minister for Finance, which is the most difficult stage. So we have a lot of obstacles in front of us. 5.45 p.m. Coming to the Member for Mountbatten, he wants an assurance from me that I will take up with the NTUC the matter of relocating the Lee Kuo Chuan creche and changing its name. I can assure the Member that these two points will be raised with the NTUC when it is time to take over. As regards the query raised by the Member for Whampoa, if I am not mistaken, weight lifting is part of the training. I think they do regular daily exercises. On the particular instance which he quoted during the debate on the estimates of the Ministry of Health, the Member was indirectly involved in this case. He was in the ambulance. I remember him quoting the incident of the nurse busily chit-chatting with him, or something like that.”
“Of the 3,537 apprentices in training, 44% are under SASAR (Singapore Association of Shipbuilders and Repairers), 26% are in the Government-industry Joint Training Centres, and 17% in SIA (Singapore Airlines). TUBERCULOSIS (Particulars) 2. Mr Ivan Baptist asked the Minister for Health (i) the separate yearly breakdown figures for the last three years of persons X-rayed by the Singapore Anti-Tuberculosis Association, Government hospitals and others for the purpose of detecting tuberculosis; and (ii) the separate yearly breakdown figures for the last three years of cases of tuberculosis notified by SATA, Government hospitals and others to the Tuberculosis Control Unit.”
“Sir, at present ITB conducts three types of apprenticeship training schemes: the Integrated Apprenticeship Scheme, the On-the-Job Training Supplemented by Theoretical Instruction Scheme, and the Direct On-the-Job Training Scheme. The first scheme consists of two parts. Part I of the scheme is a full-time institutional training at a vocational institute. Part 11 consists of on-the-job training. Under the scheme, employers are encouraged to recruit apprentices well in advance in anticipation of projected manpower needs and to sponsor them through a period of full-time institutional training prior to on-the-job training. The institutional training period can either be of six months or one year duration. It is possible to tailor the training to meet the requirements of employers. After the period of institutional training, apprentices are normally put through a two-year period of on-the-job training on the shop floor. Such training on the job is to enable the apprentices to learn progressively as he works. Under the On-the-Job Training Supplemented by Theoretical Instruction Scheme, the apprentices are placed on a two-year on-the-job training supplemented by theoretical instructions provided by employers on part-time day release courses at a vocational institute. The Direct On-the-Job Training Scheme is for employers who are unable to provide theoretical instructions or release apprentices for part-time or day release courses. They are encouraged to launch this third scheme. To answer the Member's second supplementary question, there are at the moment 3,537 apprentices currently undergoing training with ITB.”
“The age groups into which the heads of these households fall are as follows: Head of household below 40 years 428 Head of household between 40 and 60 years 977 Head of household above 60 years 4,992 Total 6,397 I would like to assure the hon. Member for Changi that the Public Assistance Section of the Social Welfare Department does conduct regular reviews of the cases to determine their continued eligibility for assistance. BILLS INTRODUCED 3.29 p.m. SUPPLY BILL "to provide for the issue from the Consolidated Fund of the sums necessary to meet the estimated expenditure for the public services of Singapore for the financial year 1st April, 1978, to 31st March, 1979". recommendation of President signified; presented by the Minister for Finance (Mr Hon Sui Sen); read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. SUPPLEMENTARY SUPPLY BILL "for making Supplementary Provision for the public services for the financial year 1st April, 1977, to 31st March, 1978", recommendation of President signified; presented by the Minister for Finance (Mr Hon Sui Sen); read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament and to be printed. PENSIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL "to amend the Pensions Act (Chapter 55 of the Revised Edition)", recommendation of President signified; presented by the Minister for Finance (Mr Hon Sui Sen); read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament and to be printed. FIRST SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1ST APRIL, 1977 TO 31ST MARCH, 1978 (Paper Cmd. I of 1978) Order read for consideration in Committee of Supply [Allotted Day]. [Mr Speaker in the Chair] 3.32 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the rates of Public Assistance allowances were last revised upward by 40% in March 1976 in view of the substantial increase in the prices of essential consumer commodities since January 1973 when they were previously revised. Since March 1976, there has not been much change in the consumer price index and it is felt that any proposal for a further increase of the Public Assistance allowance rates would be difficult to justify at this time. Recipients of Public Assistance allowances are eligible for a number of other benefits besides the financial assistance itself. They are eligible for free medical treatment at Government hospitals and clinics and even the fares for transport when they seek such medical treatment. They are also considered for financial assistance from various trust funds, benevolent societies, voluntary organisations and community groups as well as the assistance they get from friends and relatives. During festive seasons, community centres and Citizens' Consultative Committees (CCCs) also distribute food parcels, cash and other gifts to Public Assistance recipients who reside in the constituencies served by these community centres and the CCCs. Public Assistance allowance is meant to provide temporary relief to those who are incapacitated and are unable to work or help themselves for one reason or other. It is not pretended that the allowances provide for the total needs of recipients. Every effort is made to discourage continued dependence on welfare aid. As at 31st December 1977, there were 6,397 households in receipt of Public Assistance.”
“Sir, since time is running out, the suggestion from the hon. Member for Changi will be noted. PUBLIC ASSISTANCE RECIPIENTS (Particulars) 17. Mr Teo Chong Tee asked the Minister for Social Affairs (a) whether the rates of public assistance can be increased to meet the present escalating cost of living, as many of the recipients consider the amount granted inadequate; (b) what was the number of recipients of public assistance as at 31st December, 1977: (c) how many of them were (i) below 40 years; (ii) between 40 and 60 years; and (iii) above 60 years of age; and (d) whether regular reviews are made to determine the continued eligibility of the recipients of such assistance.”
“Besides observing the way officers at the counters treat members of the public, an assessment of the facilities such as directional signs, cleanliness of the waiting areas, etc, available for the public, is also made. Where applicable, reports of such visits are sent to Heads of departments for corrective action to be taken. This service rendered by the Bureau is accepted by various Heads of departments who are quite appreciative of the visits conducted by the Bureau. The Bureau received 19 letters of appreciation in 1975, 19 in 1976 and nine in 1977. The Bureau received two letters from members of the public complimenting the work and conduct of civil servants in 1975, three in 1976 and four in 1977.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in 1977, the Central Complaints Bureau received 42 complaints of discourtesy and unhelpfulness against civil servants - 37 regarding discourtesy and five regarding unhelpfulness on the part of civil servants. The corresponding number of complaints in 1975 was 34 consisting of 29 on discourtesy and five on unhelpfulness and for 1976, there were 19 cases consisting of 17 on discourtesy and two on unhelpfulness. All complaints received by the Bureau are assessed and thoroughly investigated. The Bureau, while ensuring that civil servants are protected from malicious and frivolous complaints, never hesitates to take action against any civil servant who has failed to discharge his duties properly. Complaints against Police and Armed Forces personnel are referred by the Bureau to the Singapore Police Force and the Singapore Armed Forces respectively which conduct their own investigations. The Bureau monitors the outcome of such investigations to ensure that appropriate action has been taken. Of the complaints against civil servants for discourtesy and unhelpfulness received in 1975, 1976 and 1977, disciplinary action was taken against five cases in 1975, six in 1976 and nine in 1977. One case received in 1976 resulted in the dismissal of the officer. The other cases resulted in written warnings issued to the officers involved. The Bureau is presently taking disciplinary action against four cases received in 1977. As one of the measures to reduce the incidence of discourtesy in the civil service, the Bureau has, since 1974, started to deploy its officers to observe various Government and statutory bodies which have frequent dealings with the public. It conducted 1,020 visits in 1976 and 1,048 visits in 1977.”
“The number of cases handled by the Legal Aid Bureau as at the end of the respective years 1975, 1976 and 1977 is as follows: 1975 1976 1977 Cases brought forward from previous year 10,986 12,554 10,051 Cases registered for the year 6,834 8,165 8,580 Total number of cases handled in the particular year 17,820 20,719 18,631 Number of cases completed in the particular year 5,266 10,668 9,682 Cases carried forward to next year 12,554 10,051 8,949 figures - APPENDIX TO ORAL ANSWER TO QUESTION NO. 1 (Cols. 203-205)”
“The comparative figures for 31st December, 1975 and 31st December, 1976 are shown in the following table: On On On 31 Dec 75 31 Dec 76 31 Dec 77 Number of Households 6,992 6,288 6,397 Number of Persons 11,036 8,769 8,801 The total number of beggars in Singapore is unknown. However, a number of such persons are apprehended by the Social Welfare Department regularly. Some of them are required to reside in Social Welfare Homes. The number of beggars accommodated in the Homes was 54 as at 31st December, 1975, 68 as at 31st December, 1976 and 75 as at 31st December, 1977. LEGAL AID BUREAU (Cases, 1975 - 77) 28. Mr Hwang Soo Jin asked the Minister for Social Affairs how many cases were handled by the Legal Aid Bureau in 1977 and what were the comparative figures for 1976 and 1975.”
“An analysis of these residents by sex and type of residential institution together with the comparative figures for 31st December, 1975 and 31st December, 1976 is given in the following table: ________________________________________________________________________________ Category Name of Home On 31 Dec 75 On 31 Dec 76 On 31 Dec 77 M F Total M F Total M F Total ________________________________________________________________________________ Aged Home Woodlands Home 461 128 589 414 127 541 412 164 576 for the Aged Destitute Bushey Park 267 -- 267 295 -- 295 286 -- 286 Persons' Home Home Woodstock Home 101 -- 101 93 -- 93 99 -- 99 Woodstock Home -- 131 131 -- 131 131 -- 139 139 (DP) Dormitories A and B Boys' Homes Singapore Boys' 121 -- 121 117 -- 117 108 -- 108 Home (A) Singapore Boys' 51 -- 51 62 -- 62 68 -- 68 Home (B) Perak House 101 -- 101 90 -- 90 95 -- 95 Bukit Batok 29 -- 29 33 -- 33 49 -- 49 Boys' Hostel Pasir Panjang 44 -- 44 28 -- 28 38 -- 38 Boys' Hostel Girls' Homes Toa Payoh -- 171 171 -- 148 148 -- 175 175 Girls' Home (Main Home) Nursery 11 10 21 3 2 5 8 6 14 Mount Emily -- 48 48 -- 59 59 -- 67 67 Girls' Home Jalan Eunos -- 28 28 -- 33 33 -- 16 16 Girls' Home Katong Girls' -- 26 26 -- 26 26 -- 28 28 Hostel Children's Telok Blangah* -- 34 34 2 37 39 2 58 60 Home Children's Home ________________________________________________________________________________ *Telok Blangah Children's Home was a Girls' Home until 10th November, 1976, when it was converted into a Home for Children without behaviour problems. 6,397 households comprising 8,801 persons were in receipt of Public Assistance as at 31st December, 1977.”
“The statistics requested by the Member for Jalan Kayu are given below: Number of Fires in Estimated Year loss of Industrial Commercial Residential properties premises premises premises 1975 122 118 428 $15,139,138 1976 67 63 179 $19,303,094 1977 107 44 597 $18,889,813 SOCIAL WELFARE HOMES, PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND BEGGARS, 1975-77 27. Mr Hwang Soo Jin asked the Minister for Social Affairs, as at 31st December, 1977, (a) how many aged and destitute persons were accommodated at the various Homes; (b) how many girls were accommodated at the various Social Welfare Homes; (c) how many boys were accommodated at the various boys' Homes; (d) how many persons were in receipt of public assistance; and (e) what was the known number of beggars; and if he will give the comparative figures as at 31st December, 1976 and 31st December, 1975. Dr Ahmad Mattar: As at 31st December, 1977, there were 1,100 aged and destitute persons, 350 girls and 358 boys residing in the various Social Welfare Homes.”
“In 1977, the Central Complaints Bureau received 592 cases. Of these, the Bureau investigated 77 cases which were complaints against civil servants. These complaints concerned discourtesy, misconduct, petty bureaucracy, unnecessary delay of service and discrimination of service. Arising from investigation by the Bureau, 10 cases resulted in disciplinary action being taken against the officers concerned. The rest of the cases received in 1977 were either complaints or requests relating to enforcement action taken or to be taken by Government departments or statutory bodies or appeals for assistance and enquiries. Where necessary, the Bureau referred the requests, appeals or enquiries to the appropriate Government departments and statutory bodies. The Bureau received 559 cases in 1976 and 695 cases in 1975. Of the cases received in these 2 years, the Bureau investigated 28 cases in 1976 and 56 cases in 1975. The cases investigated were complaints against civil servants. Action was taken against 6 cases in 1976 and 5 cases in 1975. FIRES,1975-77 26. Mr Hwang Soo Jin asked the Minister for Social Affairs if he will state (a) the number of fires in 1977 involving (i) industrial premises; (ii) commercial premises; and (iii) residential premises; and (b) the estimated economic wastage in terms of properties lost; and if he will give the comparative figures for 1976 and 1975.”
“The information pertaining to marriages, divorces, births and deaths is given below: 1975 1976 1977 Number of marriages registered: (a) Civil marriages 20,175 18,551 17,658 (b) Muslim marriages 3,233 2,946 3,163 ______ ______ ______ Total 23,408 21,497 20,821 ______ ______ ______ Number of divorces registered: (a) Civil+ 426 446 706 (b) Muslim 304 300 377 ______ ______ ______ Total 730 746 1,083 ______ ______ ______ Number of live births++ 39,948 42,783 38,840 Number of deaths++ 11,447 11,648 11,950 Number of births as percentage of total mid-year 1.78% 1.88% 1.68% population++ Number of deaths as percentage of total mid-year 0.51% 0.51% 0.52% population++ + Figures obtained from Registrar, Supreme Court. ++ Figures obtained from Chief Statistician, Statistics Department. The figures for 1977 were preliminary counts. CENTRAL COMPLAINTS BUREAU (Cases, 1975 - 77) 25. Mr Hwang Soo Jin asked the Minister for Social Affairs (a) how many cases were reported to the Central Complaints Bureau in 1977; (b) how many of them were investigated; and (c) how many cases resulted in disciplinary action being taken and if he will give the comparative figures for 1976 and 1975.”
“Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. ADJOURNMENT Resolved, "That Parliament do now adjourn to a date to be fixed." - [Mr E.W. Barker]. Adjourned accordingly at Half- past Five o'clock p.m. to a date to be fixed. Schedules - EXISTING AND PROPOSED MONTHLY FEES FOR MARKETS/HAWKER CENTRES, EXISTING AND PROPOSED FEES FOR STREET HAWKERS, MISCELLANEOUS FEES”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." The Singapore Sports Council (Amendment) Bill, 1977, seeks to repeal and re-enact section 16 of the Act which deals with pension benefits for employees of the Council. When the Singapore Sports Council was established in October 1973, pensionable Government officers who were with the National Sports Promotion Board and the National Stadium Corporation were given the option to transfer their service to the Singapore Sports Council. On their transfer, they commenced contributing to the Central Provident Fund. This Bill has provisions to safeguard any pension, gratuity, provident fund or other superannuation benefit for which such officers were eligible before their transfer to the service of the Council. Under the Bill, the Singapore Sports Council is also empowered to establish, with the approval of the Minister, schemes for the payment of pensions, gratuities, provident fund or other superannuation benefits to such employees of the Council as it may determine. When the officers retire, their gratuities, pensions and allowances will be calculated on the total service with both Government and the Council. The portion relating to the length of service with the Government will be borne by the Government. The Bill in re-enacting section 16 of the Act will place transferred officers now in the service of the Council on the same footing as ex-Government officers who have been transferred to the service of other statutory boards, as far as retirement benefits are concerned. Sir, I beg to move. 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. - [Dr Ahmad Mattar].”
“If it is established that the lack of attention or care by any organisation on certain aspects of its activities has contributed to the cause of a fire, the Fire Brigade will also inform the relevant body accordingly. REVISION OF HAWKER LICENCE FEES (Statement by the Minister for Law, the Environment and Science and Technology) 3.40 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Singapore Sports Council in its Master Plan of sports facilities had recommended the building of an indoor stadium with a seating capacity of 10,000 to 15,000. A decision has been deferred. However, the Member for Thomson will be pleased to know that consideration is being given to the building of two smaller multi-purpose indoor stadia in areas where they are likely to be fully utilised in terms of population distribution and demand. FIRE SERVICE (Monitoring of causes of fire outbreaks) 26. Encik Mansor Haji Sukaimi asked the Minister for Social Affairs whether the Fire Service undertakes regular monitoring of the causes of fire outbreaks with the view of notifying Governmental or other bodies the extent to which the activities of such bodies (or their inattention on certain aspects of their activities) had directly or indirectly contributed towards the fire outbreaks; and, if no monitoring action is being done, what measures he will take to ensure the operation of such a reporting system. Dr Ahmad Mattar: Mr Speaker, Sir, the Singapore Fire Brigade is not vested with powers of investigation and interrogation to establish the causes of fires. This function is presently carried out by the Police. However, the Fire Brigade does monitor fire outbreaks, and where causes of fires can be determined, they are categorised for statistical purposes and for departmental use. Whenever it is known that the activities of any Governmental or other bodies have contributed directly or indirectly to the cause of a fire, it is the practice of the Fire Brigade to notify the department or body concerned.”
“Therefore, can the Minister introduce legislation to control the marriages of Muslims? Dr Ahmad Mattar: Mr Speaker, Sir, as I have mentioned earlier, in line with the Government's policy of religious freedom for all, it is not advisable to force a Muslim to renounce his or her religion before marrying a non- Muslim. It would be better for the parties to such mixed religious marriages to be persuaded to register their marriage under the Muslim law. It is definitely unwise to either force a Muslim party to renounce his or her faith or to deny the couple the right to be legally married in the eyes of the law. MODERN INDOOR STADIUM (Construction) 25. Mr Ang Nam Piau asked the Minister for Social Affairs if the Government has any plan to construct a modern indoor stadium with a bigger capacity for spectators as the present Badminton Hall at Guillemard Road and Gay World Stadium are old, inadequate and outdated.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the hon. Member for Geylang Serai wants to know the number of Muslims who had contracted marriage at the Registry of Marriages instead of the Shariah Court. I believe he is referring to the Registry of Muslim Marriages and not the Shariah Court. The Statistics Department does not keep separate statistics of marriages contracted by Muslims under the civil law. This is because the number of Muslims who contract marriage under the Women's Charter is extremely small. However, statistics of Malays who contract marriages under the civil law each year show that only a small number are involved. There were: 41 out of 15,556 marriages in 1972 67 out of 22,576 marriages in 1973 66 out of 23,775 marriages in 1974 74 out of 20,175 marriages in 1975 and 86 out of 18,551 marriages in 1976. The Registrar of Marriages is not empowered by law to inquire whether either party to a mixed religious marriage involving Muslims has renounced his or her religion. So long as the couple complies with the requirements under the Charter, the Registrar is obliged to solemnize and register their marriage. This legal provision is in accord with the Government's policy for freedom of worship in the country. Haji Rahmat bin Kenap (Geylang Serai)( In Malay): Mr Speaker, Sir, from the figures given by the Minister, it seems that the number of such marriages is increasing. If such marriages continue to be contracted, I would like to point out that, firstly, in the eyes of Muslim law these marriages are not valid. The status of "husband and wife" is illegal according to Islamic law, and therefore their children are illegitimate. Secondly, there is the question of division of property. If the husband dies and since the wife is not a Muslim, problems of distribution of property can arise.”
“Sir, I agree that this is a better example.”
“The acquisition of land is, of course, a serious matter as it affects the livelihood of people who are dislocated and required to resettle elsewhere For this reason much care is taken to ensure that land is acquired only for redevelopment purposes. The exceptions are cases where the lots remaining after acquisition are too small or isolated and are not suitable for independent development. In that case it will be better to acquire them for a harmonious integration with their surroundings. Of course, despite these precautions it sometimes happen that due to unforeseen circumstances or change in Government policy the envisaged development cannot take place Fortunately, such cases are rare. Government departments and statutory boards engaged in land acquisition and development have the duty to ensure that their acquisitions are planned with great consideration in order to prevent such cases from occurring. The Member for Nee Soon brought up the question of widening of Sembawang Road Actually I have already given him a verbal reply just now - that it is actually for a three-lane dual-carriageway and that although the existing shops are not affected there are drains to be constructed on the side of the three-lane carriageway and that the drain and the road reserve would take up something like 20 feet out of 60 feet of the shop-houses. So although it is not immediately knocked down, it will be taken over by Government for such development”
“The Member for Nee Soon suggested that perhaps bigger projects, such as roads costing over $100,000, be carried out by PWD. If there is a necessity to build such sizable rural roads in the future, the PWD could look into it provided approval of funds could be obtained from the Ministry of Finance. If more such rural projects need to be done and can be justified, perhaps a more practical approach would be to request the Ministry of Finance to allocate a bigger fund for the URSC. These proposals can be forwarded to the Ministry of Finance for consideration. The Member for Punggol brought up the question of farm roads in Punggol. Here again, the main purpose of the farm roads in Punggol is obviously to provide a reasonable access to the farm holdings. These are not meant to serve as trunk roads. Although they are similar to the standard rural road, they are, in fact, five feet wider. Unlike other laterite roads, these farm roads have been reinforced with granite crusher run at additional cost. The total length of the farm roads in Punggol farm estates is about 21,730 metres. Of course, it will be ideal if all these roads could be metalled but obviously the cost will be extremely high. Because of the limited funds and other claims and priority projects, it will be difficult to metal and upgrade these roads all the time, but perhaps progressively we can consider them. and I think my earlier answer that perhaps getting more funds for URSC is the answer. Lastly, there were comments from the Members for Aljunied and Nee Soon on sympathetic or proper consideration of usage of acquired property after acquisition.”
“Since its creation the Minister has, on the recommendation of the Preservation of Monuments Board, gazetted eight buildings, among which are mosques, temples, churches and a medical institution for preservation. The Board is now looking into the preservation of entire street blocks, including some buildings in Chinatown. The Member for Changi has brought up another point on the Primary Production Department's ability to teach hydroponics for growing vegetables. This is not a new comment, The House was informed of the PPD's efforts to publicise the method of growing vegetables at its last sitting in November, 1976, just before the Member was elected. Anyway, may I sum it up by saying that the results of the experiments conducted by the PPD on hydroponics have been widely publicised over the last two years by the press, RTS and in publications such as the PPD Bulletin and the Singapore Journal of Primary Industries. On top of that, there is an Agriculture Handbook which is being sold to farmers and members of the public at $2.50 per copy. The handbook gives a full account of the setting up of the commercial hydroponics farm. But if the Member's constituents are interested, the Department will be prepared to organise classes on hydroponics method of growing vegetables. A few Members brought up the question of the Urban and Rural Services Committee. Both the Members for Bukit Panjang and Nee Soon complained about the inadequacy of the fund of the URSC and suggested that more money should be spent on the rural sectors. Perhaps I could merely quote that out of the 1975/76 budget provision of $3,351,920, $2,351,920 have been spent on the rural areas. This amounts to 70% of the budget for URSC.”
“May I make a point of clarification? On the question of old folks finding their own "flat mates", if I may use the word, would it not be easier for them if the HDB, since the HDB knows who they are and their whereabouts, could help them to look for "flat mates", rather than asking them to look for their mates themselves. Dr Tan Eng Liang: Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the match-making role actually is being performed by the HDB. If the lonely old man seeks another old man, he can approach the Area Office and ask them whether or not there is any other old man interested in sharing a flat with him. This is actually being done all the time. I have promised the Leader of the House that I will finish my reply in half' an hour, and I think I can. The Member for Aljunied asked a question on the preservation of old buildings. I think this is an important observation. The Government is fully aware of the need to retain buildings of a historical value and architectural merit to serve as a reminder of our history and cultural heritage. Arising from this, a Preservation of Monuments Board was established in 1971 to preserve monuments of historic, traditional, archaelogical, architectural or artistic interests. The primary task of the Board is to recommend to the Minister for National Development the monuments to be preserved and placed under the protection of the Board. Members of the Board come from a very wide spectrum of our society and include representatives from the architecture and planning disciplines, development agencies, cultural and religious organisations and the business community.”
“Sir, on a point of clarification. In response to the appeal by the hon. Member for Geylang East to the Ministry of Science and Technology to use university staff in solar energy research, I would like to take this opportunity to inform him that the Faculty of Engineering is already actively engaged in solar energy research. 5.54 p.m.”
“Members know, was responsible for supplying distorted information on the political and social conditions in Singapore to justify the expulsion of the People's Action Party from the Socialist International. Sir, here I would like to correct, if I may, the hon. Member for Khe Bong G. Raman received his communist indoctrination when he was reading law in one of the Inns in London. There he met Malcolm Caldwell, Amir Dastan and Utrecht. He did not receive his university education from the University of Singapore. In another attempt which came to light last year, the Communists embarked on a scheme designed to create discontentment and despair among the Malays and to influence them towards Communism as an acceptable solution to the so-called "Malay" problems. To achieve this, the Communists adopted a strategy which included the softening of the Malay ground for Communist ideas and the diminishing of their faith in Islam. Mr Speaker, Sir, to protect the Singapore that we have built for ourselves, our children, and our children's children founded on justice and equality for all irrespective of race and religion, we must by resolute action, safeguard the interests of the nation, people, and society. Let us, as all loyal Singaporeans should do, rally behind and extend our full cooperation to the Government. 4.03 p.m.”
“The Communists would resort to whatever means available to further their ends. The change of regime in Indo-China has undoubtedly inspired them further, At the Non-Aligned Summit Conference in Sri Lanka last year, Laos backed by Vietnam openly declared its support for communist insurgency in Southeast Asia. Prince Souphanouvong, in his public attack on ASEAN at this Conference, reiterated the Laotian determination to work in solidarity with Vietnam and Cambodia " .., to contribute to the struggles to make the countries of Southeast Asia truly independent, peaceful, and non-aligned" - implying, therefore, that only those countries in Southeast Asia under Communist rule are "truly" independent or peaceful; the others are not! One has only to look around, at the escalation of Thailand's border problems with Laos and Cambodia and the recent intrusions by Khmer Rouge into Thailand in which 30 Thai civilians, including women and children, were massacred by the Cambodians, to see Souphanouvong's words dissolve in a pool of blood. In Singapore, because of our political stability, social development, and economic progress, the Communists have found it exceedingly difficult to manoeuvre. But it would be naive to believe that the Communists would not resort to other means in their efforts to grab power. Hon. Members may still recall that some time in 1976, the Government exposed a Communist plot to infiltrate and exploit top intellectuals of the upper-middle echelon. And indeed as the President pointed out, the Communists would continue to manipulate our misguided student leaders, like Tan Wah Plow, and equally misguided professionals like "Euro-red link man" G. Raman who, as hon.”
“But certainly the world of 1976 was a vastly different place from what it was 22 years ago. The leaders in the PAP were right in believing that a non-Communist democratic socialist party could win the hearts and minds of the masses. History has proved them right. The results of the last five General Elections in Singapore since 1959 bear testimony to this belief. They were equally right in their belief that there could be no long-term social cohesion in a multi-racial society except by building a national identity based on non-communal nationalism. Since our independence in 1965, we have all strived to ensure that Singapore survives and prospers. Our past 12 years and indeed our future prospects confirm that what makes a nation thrive is more than just the total sum of natural resources. What makes a people into a nation is a sense of common purpose and shared destiny. While much has been achieved by Singapore in the last 12 years, much more still remains to be done. We must continue to strive with enormous capacity, pragmatism, and energy to bring further improvements into the quality of human life in the Republic. Recent events in the region and in Singapore have indicated that the Communists were insidiously working for a possible take-over of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. These incidents show the extent of the danger we face from subversive activities of the Communists, We glimpsed the spread of their network, here and abroad, the machinations of their strategies, and the depth of their penetrations into every sector and racial group of our society. This chilling evidence of their presence and activity must strengthen our resolve to fight the Communist threat with every means in our power.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the Motion moved by the hon. Member for Ulu Pandan, expressing our thanks to the President for the speech he delivered on behalf of the Government at the opening of the First Session of this Parliament last week. The much-awaited 1976 General Elections have come and gone. The PAP's overwhelming victory in all the 69 constituencies has proved beyond any doubt the sophistication and growing political awareness of our people. The fantasy-peddling tactics of the opposition parties just did not work. Present-day Singaporeans are not easily beguiled by the false pretences and empty promises of the opposition parties. The disclosures of pro-communist activities in Singapore underline the need for a political leadership that is vigilant and discriminating when dealing with communist subversion. This, the people know, can be found only in the PAP Government. Now that the General Elections are over, the opposition parties have gone into hibernation once again - only to be awakened, perhaps, in 1981 by the fanfare of the next General Elections. No one hears from the rather pitiful Harbans Singh anymore! Perhaps his inglorious defeat in Tanjong Pagar by Mr Lee Kuan Yew has rendered him speechless - a defeat which was not unexpected even to his own daughter. Where is J.B. Jeyaretnam now! Silenced too, perhaps by: `Rat-catcher Fong Sip Chee Whose "good catch" on Dec 23 Led PAP to victory In the fight at Kampong Chai Chee.' Mr Speaker, Sir, it has been 22 years since the People's Action Party was founded and 17 years since the PAP was first voted into office as the Government. A great deal has happened, both inside and outside Singapore, since then. Perhaps it is still too early in the year to talk of 1977.”
“As long as there is a shortage. I am afraid it will not be so easy, if I may put it, until we have overcome the shortage. As far as I know, in these two movements, the National Cadet Corps and the National Police Cadet Corps, we are trying to build up a corps of NCO leaders at student level. Once this corps of NCO leaders at student level has been established, hopefully these NCO student leaders will overcome the shortage. When that time comes, I think resignation may be a little easier. But until then, we hope that the officers concerned would cooperate with the movements for a little longer.”
“What has happened is that, as part of their recruitment campaign, officers of the extracurricular activities centre have been to the Institute of Education to give talks and lectures to trainees in the hope that they would join the movement when they graduate from the Institute of Education and are selected to be teachers in schools. So it is not true to say that it is compulsory for the Institute of Education trainees to take up one of these movements as an activity.”
“Sir, it is time for me to relieve my Senior Minister of State who has been working very hard since 2.30 this afternoon. It is not quite correct to say that officers of uniformed movements are not allowed to resign. In 1974 and 1975 alone a total of 1 63 officers of the National Cadet Corps and the National Police Cadet Corps were allowed to resign. These movements are accorded national importance and the demand for enrolment by the pupils is overwhelming. But these movements are seriously affected by a current shortage of 350 officers. All means of encouraging more teachers to join have been tried out. Training courses are held during term time, the parade and camp allowances have been raised, promotion within the movements has been speeded up, and the organisation has been revised to raise morale, but the demands on officers are heavy. As long as there is a shortage of officers, coupled with a high demand by pupils, it is not wise to allow any and every officer to resign upon request. However, a system is now being worked out by the councils of the National Cadet Corps and the National Police Cadet Corps on how officers may be allowed to resign. On the question raised by the Member that poor response from people to join the Institute of Education is due to the move that all new recruits must undergo training in one of the uniformed groups, I am sorry to say that I have checked with the Registrar of the Institute of Education this morning and learned that there is no such policy as far as the Institute of Education is concerned.”
“Sir, when Leng Kee constituency was born in 1972, it inherited a fairly substandard community centre, As a start, I thought the Centre could serve its purpose and that I would be spared the effort of building a new one. But sometime last year we were told by the People's Association that in view of urban renewal development, the community centre has got to go. I think it has joined the fate of the five community centres of my good Friend, the Hon. Member for Telok Blangah. I have just received the estimates from the People's Association panel of architects, which show that the new Centre is going to cost $1.6 million. At present, the dollar-for-dollar contribution from the People's Association, has a ceiling of $150,000. I fully support the Hon. Member for Telok Blangah that with $150,000 you can hardly build a hut. I would therefore like the Minister to inform the House whether or not there is a possibility of the People's Association's contribution being increased to a more meaningful figure. 6.30 p.m.”
“Sir, on a point of clarification. Could the Minister of State inform the House what is the projected number of aircraft expected to land at Paya Lebar by 1985, because this has got something to do with the noise pollution aspect which he mentioned just now.”
“Sir, if I may be permitted to join the debate at this juncture. The subject raised by the Member for Aljunied is very close to my heart because there are 19 one-room blocks in Leng Kee constituency whose ventilation openings have just been closed up by the HDB. I was told by the HDB Area Office in my constituency that apart from fire hazards there are two other reasons which prompted HDB to implement this. The first is to prevent mischievous elements from throwing things into the flat. The second is to keep away peeping Toms. I agree to all the reasons put forward, but one must also realise that the moment these ventilation openings are closed up, then whatever little cross-ventilation that might have existed before would automatically be lost. I did suggest to the Board towards the end of last year whether it was possible to consider replacing the glass sheet which was used to close the opening above the door to each flat by a set of glass louvres. Sir, all of us know that if the Iouvres are adjusted to a correct angle of slope they will certainly make it more difficult for those mischievous elements to throw things inside. As far as peeping Toms are concerned, if they still insist on peeping, then with a proper adjustment of the Iouvres, what they could see will be only the ceiling and not what is going on at the floor level. I hope the Minister of State will care to comment on the cost-effectiveness of the proposal I have suggested. If he says that the glass louvres are not to be fitted because of fire hazards, perhaps he would care to comment on why Iouvres are more fire-prone than glass sheets which they have now introduced.”
“On the question of personal hearing protective equipment, I wish to stress to industries contemplating using them that they be used only as a last resort, when there is no apparent feasible means of controlling industrial noise by engineering or administrative processes. When introducing personal hearing protection devices, it is important to ensure that both management and employees have a full and thorough understanding of the aims of and the need for the programme. If hasty decisions are made or if the programme is presented to employees without adequately preparing them for participation, co-operation is difficult to achieve. My own observations, Sir, have shown that insufficient efforts, on the part of the employers, to educate employees have, in the past, led to misunderstanding of the employer's motive and objectives, to discontent and to the eventual rejection of the protection. My message to the employers is: they are under a duty to take steps by propaganda and persuasion to see that hearing protection equipment is used. Sir, the objective of safety and health legislation is to safeguard life and limb and to promote health. But the mere enactment of words on the statute book will by no means achieve this result. In the final analysis, everything depends on the actions of the individual people -both management and employees. Major reliance must be placed upon line managers or supervisors to control the day-to-day performance of the work. It is essential, therefore, that members of the line management are able to understand their legal duties and act upon them. Safety officers and specialists, Sir, have important roles to play, but they cannot be ever-present.”
“The same accident in the Australian Capital Territory would have entitled the plaintiff to a maximum claim of A$9,450 while in Queensland (Australia), he would, under the Queensland Workers' Compensation Act, be awarded a meagre A$5,330. Sir, it is also my opinion that the measurement of the hearing levels of each employee likely to be exposed to excessive noise forms an essential part of a hearing conservation programme, and should be practised by all `noisy' industries in Singapore. These tests should be carried out by a medical practitioner who is able to interpret the results in conjunction with a medical history of each individual and a knowledge of that individual's work environment. Audiometric tests should be made at the commencement of the hearing conservation programme, repeated in three months from the commencement, and thence every six months for a period of two to three years depending on the noise environment, and then annually. In this way, the success of the programme can be measured by demonstrating that no further loss of hearing is occurring in any exposed workman. These periodic tests also detect the occasional employee who is more susceptible to noise than the average person, or the employee who is receiving inadequate protection due to poor-fitting ear plugs or muffs, or failing to use the protection supplied. Tests should also be made on each new employee as part of a engagement examination at the time of engagement. Pre-existing ear disease or deafness may make it desirable to place a new employee in a less noisy environment for his own sake. Replacement examination and testing also provides opportunity to educate the new employee in the hazards associated with excessive noise exposure and to provide him with ear protectors if necessary.”
“Perhaps the stiffest penalties are to be found in the USA where non-compliance with the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act can result in fines up to US$10,000 and, indeed, in the worst case, in the possible forced closing down of a plant. And, if the plant in question falls under the Walsh-Healey Public Contracts Act, the Company in question may be denied the right to bid on US Government contracts for a period of up to three years. With some exceptions. Sir, countries that are now tackling the problem of noise-induced deafness define a noise criterion equivalent to 90dB (A) as a standard which must be met over the course of a working day if undue risk of damage to hearing is to be avoided. A notable exception is the USSR which defines a - noise criterion equivalent to 85dB (A). And, a still more remarkable exception is France which, in a decree of April 1969, stated that a noise level of 80dB (A) should not be exceeded in all factories. Provision is generally made, too, for the effects of impulsive noise. Here, the various laws existing today tend to differ considerably, but this, however, is an indication of the less than adequate state of knowledge in this area. In another action for damages, in Great Britain, for example, a certain W. Derby was awarded �27,000 against his employers, Short Brothers & Harland, for causing his instantaneous deafness. A weapon was being fired which deafened the man instantly. It was stated that if there had not been a 10% contributory negligence, the plaintiff would have been awarded �30,000.”
“It is very encouraging to see that we are joining battle before the problem reaches the proportions of a crisis. We are in a relatively early stage of noise pollution and any control imposed now is therefore very timely. Most technically well developed countries exhibit, or have exhibited for a number of years, a degree of concern towards the problem of environmental noise. In the past decade or so, an increasing number of countries have transformed their concern into concrete action, developing specific methods for controlling the problem to a sensible level. Of the arsenal of weapons at their disposal, most of them have chosen the legislative process as their prime method of control. Industrial noise has recently become a live issue in the field of compensation. For instance, in Britain in 1971 an action for damages was brought by one F. R. Berry against his employers, Stone Manganese & Marine Ltd., for their alleged failure to provide adequate protection against excessive noise in a chipping workshop. As a result of his work, Berry's hearing deteriorated gravely. The judgment was that the employers were negligent in failing to supply ear-muffs to him when he first started in the industry. The plaintiff was accordingly awarded �1,250. In this respect, Sir, I am glad to note that the amount of compensation, as detailed under the Third Schedule of the Workmen's Compensation Bill, in the case of an injury causing the loss of hearing of one ear is 30% of the compensation which would have been payable in the case of permanent total incapacity. Very few countries provide stiff penalties for non-compliance with the law. Certainly penalties do not seem to be framed in terms of criminal and civil punishments; rather fines are levied on the offender.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, noise is the symphony of the machine age and a permanent part of our life. As such, it should be controlled like an orchestra. With that note, Sir, I rise in support of the Workmen's Compensation Bill standing in the name of the Minister for Labour. I wish to specially congratulate the Honourable Minister for his wisdom and foresight to include noise-induced deafness as one of the occupational diseases listed in the Second Schedule of the Bill. This, in my view, is an appropriate complement of section 58 (Part VII) of the Factories Act (No. 6 of 1973) which states: `Where in any factory persons are employed in any process involving exposure to excessive noise or vibration which may constitute a danger to their health effective means shall as far as practicable be provided for the reduction of such noise or vibration'. I think, Sir, the time is opportune to include basic requirements on noise control in occupational safety and health legislation. There may be authoritative codes of practice on noise control, but their influence, sad to say, is unlikely to have a sufficiently rapid effect unless underpinned by legislation. Noise pollution, like air and water pollution, is largely a consequence of the man-made environment, the result of the application of technology without first considering fully the impact upon people. To the extent that it is manmade, it is not likely to go away, but will undoubtedly become more serious unless effective strategies are developed for its control. With the introduction of this Bill and the enactment of the Factories Act of 1973, Singapore, like many other industrialised and high-density urban societies, is beginning to join battle with noise.”