Amy Khor Lean Suan
Singapore
“Sir, NEA does conduct inspections of these premises from time to time. For this particular premises, they actually did six inspections since 2021.”
“The Land Transport Authority (LTA) conducts enforcement actions against drivers who are found to have provided illegal car-pooling services. An individual who provides an illegal car-pooling service may face a fine of up to $3,000, up to six months' imprisonment, or both.”
“We will also provide the first 500 private heavy vehicle chargers co-funding of up to 50% of the charger installation cost, capped at $30,000 per charger. These measures will narrow the lifecycle cost gap between an electric and internal combustion engine heavy vehicle and spur adoption of electric heavy vehicles.”
“With regard to the extension of the lower speed limit to school zones for full day, we will work with the relevant agencies on the enhanced enforcements.”
“They will provide a certain amount of protection to the pedestrians because, as I have said, the bollards will absorb the impact of the collision from the vehicles. So, there is a protection. But ultimately, of course, road safety really depends on a multitude of factors, including road user behaviour.”
“The bollards installed at pedestrian crossings by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) are not of the K4, K8 or K12 standards stated by the Member. Bollards of these standards are typically security bollards. They are installed to protect critical infrastructure or at high security areas, such as Changi Airport, to be unyielding.”
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“My youngest daughter who is in secondary school describes the group projects and the Learning Journey programmes as "cool". The creativity of a teacher plays a large part in this reception. But the educational framework set by the Ministry provides a matrix for creativity to flourish and enrich the learning experience. Sir, the attempt to inject greater choices and diversity in learning is, in my view, a step in the right direction. As it maximises the opportunity of every individual to find his niche and develop his talent to the fullest, it is difficult to predict the type of jobs and skills that will be in demand in future, suffice to say a growing population, a maturing economy yields more varied career and lifestyle options that require a wider base of educational opportunities. Further with the premium on creativity and innovation in our workplace, we need to equip our young with a range of skill sets and the ability to apply knowledge to solve real world problems. The outcome requires teamwork and people with different skill sets and perspectives. The highly successful iPod is not just a fancy technological gimmick but also the result of smart design, aesthetic and marketing powers. Nonetheless, the number of such niche schools as well as those offering electives is still limited. I would thus like to urge the Ministry to further enrich this current dynamic educational landscape even further by injecting more learning options so as to allow even more students to benefit from them. Teacher and School Appraisal”
“Sir, I am a mother of three school-going children bound together by blood but each with a different learning style, aptitude and capacity. One is reasonably bright and who might arguably make it to the upper echelon of the educational cohort, while another is mildly dyslexic and has to work harder to keep up with his classmates. Consequently, I am delighted that our education system is now multi-faceted and, in recent years, has been redesigned to provide multiple pathways up the education ladder. As a parent, this greatly reduces my anxiety that my children's opportunity to further their education will be limited by how well they fare at various milestones, such as PSLE, "O" level and "A" level examinations. The options are now many: Through Train programme, the Sports School, Arts School and the NUS High School of Mathematics and Science as well as the many other schools that offer various advanced elective modules and the new "O" level subjects in applied discipline such as digital media at the secondary level. I have a friend who would have been greatly stressed about her son's PSLE performance, if not for the fact that she knew he had a good chance of entering the Arts School, as he was musically talented though not so academically inclined. The son is now among the first batch of students in the Arts School and in fact did reasonably well for his PSLE, probably due to the fact that he has less pressure from the mother. There are also many parents who are keen to send their children to the NUS High School of Mathematics and Science. The increasing emphasis on learning by doing projects and through the Learning Journey programme is also encouraging.”
“The biggest concern are for those who stay in private property and earn a salary above the maximum qualifying income to enjoy the full subsidy, but who may actually have many dependants and financial commitments. In practice, they may not always be better off than their compatriots staying in public housing. The question is, how compassionate and flexible would the hospital be in handling such cases? Can an independent appeals board be set up to look into such cases on appeal? For consistency, these appeals board could handle cases from all public hospitals. To allay unnecessary anxiety of the patient and his or her immediate family, the appeal should be expeditiously resolved. Additionally, as a Straits Times article suggested, a fund for bridging loan could be set up for families adversely affected by hefty medical bills and yet do not qualify for Medifund. This will allow them temporary reprieve to sort out their financial problems. There is also feedback of unsympathetic rules relating to transfer of patients from one class ward to another. Recently, a friend of mine shared that his mother-in-law who was suffering from advanced stage cancer was warded in Class C. Towards the end, they transferred her to Class A and then they were told that all their bills for non-ward charges had to be backdated based on Class A ward. The question is, why should the non-ward charges be backdated since they had, prior to the upgrade, not enjoyed any of the high class services and it was only out of convenience for the family members that they had decided to upgrade? Healthcare Financing”
“Sir, while one can discern lifestyle factors like poor diet, stress and lack of physical exercise as the causes behind sicknesses, ill health can strike anyone, male or female, young or old, rich or poor. Hence, healthcare strikes an uneasy chord with everyone. Furthermore, many baby boomers, like myself, now have aged parents who are suffering from some chronic or critical illness. Soon, I too will enter the exalted ranks of senior citizenship. I also need to worry about the state of my own health. What is the use of a long life if it is not lived healthily and what is the use of a lifelong annuity if so much of it goes towards paying medical bills. Recent changes to MediShield to reduce co-payment by patients and Medisave to cover outpatient treatment of various chronic diseases are welcome. Nonetheless, more needs to be done to further reduce co-payment by patients. We should also examine ways to allow claims for other chronic and debilitating diseases, such as dementia and Alzheimer, which strike many elderly and exact a large toll on caregivers. I understand that drugs prescribe to treat these ailments are not subsidised at all, even for Class C patients. Moreover, means testing will soon be introduced. The Health Minister's assurance that MOH will err on the side of generosity has yet to completely allay the fears of the middle-class who expect to be most affected by it. While many are relieved that they will be allowed to choose the ward class they desire and still enjoy some subsidy, albeit a reduced one for Class C and B wards, they nonetheless have concerns about the actual implementation details.”
“We will look into his suggestion with the PWCs. At the moment, it is the PWCs who provide the recycling bins.”
“I think the mantra is never say never. But, at the moment, there is no plan to build new hawker centres. But I suppose going forward, you really have to look at the demands and needs of the population.”
“Sir, yes, we do have some intelligence about outbreaks of Chikungunya in countries in the region, for instance, in Indonesia as well as even in India. Unfortunately, we cannot implement any immigration control for mosquitoes or the viruses. So I think the most effective way would still be to undertake a pre-emptive source reduction exercise, pre-emptive virus surveillance system, a laboratory-based system as what we have done, EHI together with a network of GPs, to detect any Chikungunya case or dengue case, and try and limit the transmission through intensive source reduction exercise.”
“Sir, NEA has evaluated the hawker centres when undertaking the Hawker Centre Upgrading Programme and, in fact, there are some hawker centres which are actually not viable. They have very low volume of business and this may actually have to be consolidated with other areas. At the moment, there is no plan to build more new hawker centres but we will continue with the upgrading programme of the existing hawker centres. In fact, I would like to add that, like I said earlier, the upgraded hawker centres have been very well received by the residents and many of them prefer to have upgraded hawker centres and they say that they would want to go back to the upgraded hawker centres. In fact, we work very closely with the grassroots and the advisers when we upgrade existing hawker centres.”
“At the same time, we will encourage the private sector to adopt more environmentally-friendly business practices, especially where these result in cost-savings and greater resource security. To facilitate such efforts, we will look into providing incentives where necessary, for instance, to address market barriers and failures. We will continue to take a sensible approach by adopting measures that reap effective returns and long-term benefits for our people and industries. While the Government will actively do our part, achieving environmental sustainability will require the participation of each and every Singaporean. It can be as simple as not littering, keeping our homes free from dengue, bringing our recyclables to the nearest recycling bin, and choosing water and energy-efficient appliances. I urge everyone, including Members of this House, to be more mindful in the little choices that we make in our daily lives. If we work together to sustain a better environment, quality of life, the result of our joint efforts will be enjoyed not just by ourselves but also our future generations will benefit from a Singapore that is economically vibrant and has a high quality living environment with clean air, clean land and water for all. 7.00 pm Er Lee Bee Wah: Sir, I have a clarification addressed to the Senior Parliamentary Secretary. Just now, SPS mentioned that NEA is not going to build any more new hawker centre. May I know what is the reason because a lot of residents have been asking for hawker centres as they find that the food in hawker centres is cheaper generally?”
“With these projects, we hope to bring waterfront living to the HDB heartlands, improve the quality of our living environment and enhance property values. It will also bring closer to realisation our vision of being a City of Gardens and Water, which is one of the key thrusts of Clean and Green Singapore. Sir, while the Government carries out the physical infrastructural works, the success of these projects will depend on the community. We want people to visit our waters, have fun and, in doing so, develop a sense of ownership and play their part to keep our waters clean. PUB will engage the community to encourage them to take ownership of these projects. A one-day workshop was held for the pilot project at Kolam Ayer, where the community groups brainstormed how they could sustain the project in their estate. They are now developing those ideas into community bonding projects which they will run themselves. Similar workshops will also be conducted for the other ABC Waters projects. Sir, let me conclude. I would like to thank the Members for their views and suggestions. We can all be proud that Singapore has done well to achieve the clean and healthy environment that we enjoy today. While we continue to take care of our environment, we are also moving towards our vision of becoming a city of Gardens and Water to further enhance the quality of life of all Singaporeans. Looking ahead, my Ministry will maintain a strong focus on environmental sustainability to ensure that we deliver an even higher quality environment in tandem with a growing population and economy. We will continue with efforts to develop and position Singapore as a global hub and a thought-leader for environment, water technologies and solutions.”
“I am happy to report good progress on the first three projects which will be completed this year - at Kolam Ayer, Bedok Reservoir and MacRitchie Reservoir. Singaporeans can also expect more exciting projects across the island, including those at Lower Seletar Reservoir, Jurong Lake, Pandan Reservoir, Sungei Punggol and Kallang River near Bishan Park. Let me now give a preview of some of these projects, so that after a long week and a long day, we end up on a high note, Sir. In the eastern part of Singapore, at Lower Seletar Reservoir, the rich heritage of the area will be preserved. Along the heritage bridge, visitors can take in the scenic view of the reservoir and, through story panels, learn of the interesting history of Lower Seletar Reservoir and its previous Orang Seletar settlement. This will connect the young with the past and bring back memories of the place for the older generation. In the western part of Singapore, Jurong Lake will be transformed into a family recreational attraction. Here, school children can learn how wetlands function and families can get close to the water along the boardwalks. As a connection to the loose translation of Jurong as a fish - as I understand, its local name is Ikan Julong - there will be a fishing promenade for anglers. Finally, in the central part of Singapore, Kallang River along Bishan Park will be transformed into a scenic river, which will be integrated with the adjacent park. Families can enjoy a quiet stroll along the new footbridge connecting the residential estates from both sides of Bishan Park. They can also enjoy picnics by the water while children have fun at the water play areas.”
“Sir, Dr Muhammad Faishal has asked about the new and attractive water projects that the public can look forward to. I heard Mr Christopher De Souza also touched on this during the Budget debate and had added kindly the letter "D" to his ABC. I am pleased to inform the House that the Marina Barrage, when completed, will not only increase our water supply but help to alleviate flooding in low-lying areas of the city. We can see on the screens the picture of the Marina Barrage. I hope this will warm up the House. The reservoir created will also be a lifestyle attraction offering a host of recreational possibilities. International and local sporting events, such as sailing and river regattas, will be held, adding buzz to the Marina Bay. By the third quarter this year, visitors to the Marina Barrage will be able to learn about Singapore’s water story and understand how the barrage works. This is the Visitors' Centre on the screen. They will also get to see green features in the building design, such as the turfed roof, the use of solar energy, and water and energy-efficient fittings. So, Sir, we walk the talk. Through these, we hope the public can learn more about the Marina Barrage and other projects, and how they can play a part in our water and environmental sustainability story. Sir, last year, as pointed out by Dr Muhammad Faishal, the PUB launched the ABC Waters programme to bring people closer to water so that they will better cherish this precious resource. Under the programme, our drains, canals and reservoirs will be transformed into vibrant, beautiful and clean streams, rivers and lakes, raising the quality of life of Singaporeans to an even higher level.”
“A number of major projects were clinched last year, such as Keppel’s $1.5 billion wastewater treatment contract in Qatar. In addition, under the MOU which my Ministry had signed with the Ministry of Construction in China on cooperation in urban environment and water resources, in-principle agreement was reached for SembCorp and PUB to jointly embark on a wastewater treatment and water supply demonstration project in ZhangJiaGang, China. EWI’s key strategy in growing the water industry is to nurture a vibrant research eco-system. This would provide critical technological innovation, intellectual capital and trained specialist manpower for our growing environment and water industry. The research community and Singaporeans have responded very positively to this development. Our local academic institutions have been proactive in building up their research capacity. Both NUS and NTU have established institutes that are focused on environment and water research. Internationally renowned research institutes, such as Delft Hydraulics, have likewise been attracted to set up their R&D Centres and partnerships in Singapore. Riding on this momentum, Sir, we will be launching our flagship water event, the Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) in June this year. I hope Members can pencil in their diary 23rd to 27th June, and that they could turn up. This will be a milestone for Singapore, as the Water Week will be a platform for Government officials, industry leaders and water professionals from all over the world to network and share solutions and experiences in the field of water. In the long term, we plan to grow SIWW into a leading water show in the world, which will contribute to our vision for Singapore to become a global hydro-hub.”
“If successful, this initiative will enhance Singapore’s reputation as a leader in integrated water resource management and in balancing environmental sustainability with industrial development. Sir, Mr Masagos also asked for an update on the restructuring of water charges, which was mentioned at last year's COS. I had informed the House that my Ministry would look into restructuring the used water charges into a single volumetric fee, moving towards a single price for water. We are still in the process of studying the implementation details. Our initiatives in managing our water supply and demand represent a holistic approach to water management that is increasingly recognised internationally. For its excellence in integrated water resource management, PUB was awarded the Stockholm Industry Water Award last year. We want to build upon such achievements and track record to develop Singapore as a hub for water solutions to meet global challenges. Mr Masagos asked how the water industry has grown and what the plans are to develop it further. Last year, Sir, I informed Members that we had set up the Environment and Water Industry Development Council (EWI), to spearhead our efforts to grow the water industry. I am pleased to report that EWI has made good progress in 2007. Through the investment promotion efforts by both the EDB and PUB, we have continued to attract and anchor major multinational companies and R&D centres. Black and Veatch, for example, has announced plans to expand its Singapore operations to serve as its Global Design Centre. Our home-grown companies, such as Hyflux, Keppel and SembCorp, have done us proud by expanding their businesses in key overseas markets, such as China and the Middle East.”
“The four taps, if I can recap, are: (1) water from local catchments; (2) imported water; (3) NEWater; and (4) desalinated water. We will continue to maximise the water that we collect from our local catchments. By next year, three new reservoirs at Marina, Punggol and Serangoon, which are currently under construction, will be created. Together, they will increase our catchment area from half to two-thirds of Singapore’s land area. NEWater demand has been growing since its introduction in 2003. The industry values NEWater for its high quality. With the completion of our fifth and largest NEWater plant at Changi, NEWater will be able to meet 30% of our water needs by 2011, up from the current 15%. Our fourth tap is desalinated water. The Singspring desalination plant was commissioned in 2005, and can supply up to 10% of our water demand. Together, our Four National Taps will ensure a robust and sustainable supply to meet Singapore’s long-term water needs. But there are areas that we can improve. For example, currently, Jurong Island gets its water from mainland Singapore. Water demand on the island amounts to some 10% of the total demand in Singapore. This is expected to increase with further industrial growth on Jurong Island. With the high and concentrated demand on Jurong Island, there is scope to consider developing localised water supply on the island itself. There is plentiful supply of seawater for desalination, and we can also recycle the used water on the island. PUB will study the feasibility of developing water supply on Jurong Island. Should we proceed, we will ensure that there is minimal cost impact to the companies on Jurong Island.”
“We will start off with Government and commercial buildings, hotels and schools. To help promote this 10% challenge, a 10% Challenge website will be launched. It will assist users in assessing the state of water management in their premises and identify opportunities for improvement. PUB will also work with institutions, like the polytechnics, to develop a Water Efficiency Manager Course to equip inhouse facilities and operations managers with the knowledge and skills to conduct water audits and adopt waste conservation measures. PUB also plans to work with professional organisations to develop a water-efficient building design guide. PUB will work with BCA to include water-efficient building design as a criterion under the Green Mark certification for buildings. All in, the 10% challenge is a basket of initiatives to encourage and assist the non-domestic sector to reduce their water consumption. Beyond cost savings to customers, we hope to achieve a longer term change in the mindset and approach towards the design of buildings and systems that are water-efficient. Assoc. Prof. Dr Yaacob Ibrahim: Sir, before I respond to the cuts on water, I apologise to Mr Edwin Khew on one particular question under parking charges. I do not have the immediate answer, but I will ask my officers to work with MND and then we will send Mr Khew a written reply on this. Sir, Mr Masagos asked about the sufficiency of water to meet our needs. My colleague, Dr Amy Khor, has talked about our efforts to encourage Singaporeans to conserve water. On our part, the Government, through the PUB, will ensure that there is sufficient water to meet Singapore's needs. On the supply side, as noted by Mr Masagos, our Four National Taps strategy provides us with a diversified and sustainable supply of water.”
“As developers install water devices in bulk, this will hasten the take-up of water efficient devices and incentivise suppliers to bring in more models. In fact, PUB is already working with HDB to adopt the use of water-efficient products in HDB developments. The choice of dual-flush cisterns was offered in some upgrading projects and the take-up rate was high. HDB has also incorporated the use of dual-flush cisterns for their new projects. 6.45 pm The non-domestic sector is another key group of water consumers accounting for half the water consumption in Singapore. PUB currently has some initiatives to manage water demand in this sector. For example, users are encouraged to run water-efficient buildings by using water-efficient fittings and monitoring their water consumption. They are also encouraged to use NEWater in place of potable water, and to recycle water whenever possible. Last year, PUB also launched the Water Efficiency Fund to provide financial incentives to companies to take on water conservation measures and develop alternative water sources. Our experience with water-efficient building programmes suggests that there is generally scope to lower one's water consumption by about 5% to 10%. Hence, we would like to call on non-domestic users to take up a 10% challenge where we will work with them to reduce their water consumption by up to 10%, if not more. This can be achieved, for instance, by installing water-saving devices and adopting good water management practices. Taking up this challenge will also benefit the users, since reduction in water consumption means cost savings. Over the next three to five years, we will engage the different sectors to help them lower their water consumption.”
“Sir, as Mr Masagos has rightly pointed out, there is a need to encourage good water conservation habits. We recognise the importance of individual effort in water conservation and have schemes to promote this. In 2006, we launched the 10 Litre Challenge to reduce daily water consumption per capita by 10 litres. I am happy to report that 68 water volunteer groups have since been formed in 39 constituencies involving Residents Committees, voluntary welfare organisations and other organisations. These groups volunteer their time over the weekends to visit households and assist in the installation of water saving devices. We hope more Singaporeans will step forward to follow this fine example. Through our outreach and educational programmes, we have lowered our daily per capita domestic water consumption from 165 litres in 2003 to 157 litres today. We are on track to reach our target of 155 litres by 2012. In 2006, we also launched the voluntary water efficiency labelling scheme as part of the 10 Litre Challenge. To-date, more than 500 products have been labelled, from taps to shower heads to washing machines. This allows consumers to make informed choices when they make their purchases. I am pleased to inform Mr Masagos that in view of the favourable response that we have received for the voluntary scheme, the labelling scheme will be made mandatory from July 2009. For a start, taps, flushing systems and urinals must come with water efficiency labels. We will consider extending this scheme to shower heads and washing machines in the future when more water efficient models are available. From July 2009, taps, urinals and dual flush systems installed in all new developments and premises undergoing renovations must have at least one-tick water efficiency rating.”
“My Ministry will continue to adopt the combined approach of public education and sustained enforcement, to tackle the littering problem in Singapore, so as to ensure that we continue to enjoy a "clean and green" living environment. Ms Lee Bee Wah asked if there are plans to build no frills hawker centres to keep rental costs low. I would like to note that although the Government has no plan to build new hawker centres, we will maintain and upgrade existing ones, many of which have been built ages ago, so that they can continue to provide a clean and hygienic dining environment. More than 80% of respondents surveyed in 2005 felt strongly that upgraded centres were cleaner, drier and more spacious, while two-thirds indicated that they would patronise these centres more often.”
“Thus, we reached out to the residents through district-wide initiatives such as "My Environment Shines" organised jointly with the CDCs and grassroots organisations, to raise civic-mindedness and promote community ownership. At this juncture, I would also like to commend Mdm Cynthia Phua for her town council's effort to join us in the fight against littering. We are also working with MOM and employers to educate foreign workers against littering. We recognise that sustained enforcement is necessary to deal with the minority group of litterbugs who remain resistant to our educational efforts. To this end, NEA has been increasing the number of enforcement manhours in the past few years. But we agree with Mdm Cynthia Phua and Mdm Ho Geok Choo that there is more we can do to deter people from committing socially irresponsible acts such as littering and spitting. Thus, in addition to the current littering "hotspots" in town centres, NEA will step up enforcement against littering in lift lobbies, letterbox areas and void decks of HDB estates, where littering continues to be a problem. We share Mdm Ho's observation that improper dumping of bulky refuse in HDB common areas is also a concern. As the town councils continue to educate the residents on the availability of bulky waste removal services, we also encourage civic-minded residents to help us spread the message of proper bulky refuse disposal, as Mdm Ho has suggested. Singapore's image as a "clean and green city" did not happen by chance. It was achieved through years of conscientious efforts put in by the Government and the community.”
“I would like to inform the House that a Public Cleansing Survey (PCS) commissioned by NEA last year has found that the majority of Singaporeans (some 70%) were satisfied with the state of public cleanliness. NEA, together with other agencies such as NParks, PUB, SLA, and the town councils, is responsible for the cleansing of public places. Ms Lee Bee Wah asked how we monitor drain cleansing in our estates. Drain cleansing is carried out by private cleaning contractors through performance-based contracts. In addition to a minimum cleansing frequency, contractors need to meet stipulated performance standards, stepping up their cleansing frequency if the situation on the ground warrants it. PUB conducts audit checks and imposes demerit points for unsatisfactory performance, which may translate into deductions in the payments to the contractors. Members of the public can provide feedback on any lapse in performance to PUB or NEA, who will ensure the contractors take the necessary follow-up action. Sustaining a high standard of public cleanliness, however, is not about employing an ever-increasing number of cleaners. It is also about correcting the mindset that it is acceptable to litter because someone else will clean up for us. We have been working with MOE and educational institutions to emphasise the importance of environmental ownership in our educational curriculum, so as to imbue a sense of civic-mindedness in our youths. Apart from youths, we have been targeting the anti-littering message at the nation as a whole, under the umbrella of the "Singapore, Litter-Free" campaign. We agree with Mdm Cynthia Phua that we should work with all stakeholders.”
“Sir, Singapore is not the only country that is threatened by dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases. Having built up our own defences, we are prepared and ready to help others to strengthen theirs. Dr Lim asked about cooperation within the region. We are partnering the WHO in developing the Asia Pacific regional strategic dengue control plan. The plan can be used by countries in the region as a blueprint to develop the necessary capability to keep dengue as well as other mosquito-borne diseases at bay. Singapore has offered to co-host, with the WHO, a Dengue Programme Managers Meeting for the Western-Pacific Region later this year. The meeting will serve as the platform for countries to share knowledge and develop the strategic plan. Last year, Singapore spent some $70 million to control dengue and we expect the costs to be even higher this year. This is money well spent as the economic cost of not doing anything and seeing a spike in dengue cases may be many times higher, not forgetting the loss of lives. That said, if all of us play our part to be more vigilant and take action as individuals and communities, we can reduce the amount of resources spent to tackle the negative consequences of vector-borne diseases. This ultimately translates to a reduced cost-burden for all Singaporeans. It is only through the concerted efforts of all that we can prevent vector-borne diseases from taking root in Singapore and threatening our quality of life. I therefore urge everyone to continue to do their part. Now, I turn to the topic of littering. Sustaining a high standard of public cleanliness has always been a priority for the Government.”
“Instead, EHI works closely with the hospitals and GPs under an active surveillance network to screen patients with dengue symptoms for the Chikungunya virus. This approach has proven to be effective. We were able to promptly detect the first local case of Chikungunya fever recently. NEA will continue to participate in research studies to further our understanding of emerging vector-borne diseases, some of which have yet to reach our shores. Mr Masagos Zulkifli asked about the measures that will be taken to prevent a surge of cases in 2008. This year, we will continue to focus on pre-emptive source reduction to suppress the mosquito population ahead of the warmer months, when dengue transmission is expected to intensify. We will also work with MOH to promote the early detection of dengue and Chikungunya fever, as this will allow prompt intervention to limit disease transmission. On this note, I would like to commend the good efforts that the Inter-Agency Dengue Taskforce has devoted to dengue control in the past few years. The Taskforce will continue to be an important part of Singapore's dengue control regime in the days ahead. Notwithstanding these efforts, I would like to remind the House that Government action alone will not be adequate. The public also needs to play their part to deny the vectors the place to breed. Unfortunately, we still saw an increase in the number of breeding in homes last year, compared with 2006. As an added deterrent, NEA will be increasing the penalty for first-time offenders caught with breeding in their homes from $100 to $200 with effect from 1st April this year. This increased penalty is the same as that imposed on first-time offenders for littering and smoking ban violation.”
“Sir, Singapore will continue to be susceptible to dengue transmission in the foreseeable future. Apart from being situated in a dengue endemic region, the successful vector control efforts that we have sustained over the past three decades have paradoxically contributed to a large segment of our population today having very low immunity against dengue, to the extent that it now takes only a small number of mosquitoes to sustain dengue transmission. Against this backdrop and assuming the local dengue incidence continues to follow the current natural cycle of five to seven years, we are likely to see a further increase in the incidence of dengue in the next few years. Dengue, however, is no longer the only challenge that we are facing today. Globalisation has also made Singapore more susceptible to the import of exotic vector-borne diseases from all over the world. Of these, we are particularly at risk from diseases that are transmitted by vectors already present in Singapore, such as the Chikungunya fever which is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito. The recent outbreak was the first time local transmission of the disease was reported here, although sporadic outbreaks had occurred in some parts of this region in recent years. 6.30 pm To tackle these challenges, it is important that we continue to sustain a robust vector control programme, comprising pre-emptive source reduction, education and enforcement, supported by virus surveillance and research. Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked whether EHI detected the presence of Chikungunya virus in mosquito or larva before the recent outbreak. EHI does not routinely screen local mosquitoes or larvae, as this is not a cost effective approach.”
“The Pre-school 3R training kit was launched in November 2007 with the PAP Community Foundation and the Presbyterian Community Service. In fact, we have many other programmes for both the primary and secondary schools as well as JCs, including education modules on recycling as well as public health and hygiene. For schools where the students may have different needs, such as Pathlight, NEA will be pleased to work with the teachers to develop environmental programmes for their students. Ms Denise Phua has suggested showcasing 3R efforts at Sungei Road market. Currently, the market is open to locals to peddle secondhand goods and wares. My Ministry is open to evaluating the long-term viability of any initiative which will further promote 3R efforts and which will improve the standards of cleanliness and public health for the neighbourhood. We therefore welcome Ms Denise Phua to share with us the details of her proposal which she did not manage to complete earlier. In the meantime, we will continue to work closely with Ms Phua and her community leaders to minimise any disamenities that may arise from the operation of the Sungei Road market. All these efforts will help us move closer towards having a sustainable waste management system. We will include the review of the 60% recycling target under the IMCSD framework, as raised both by Dr Lim as well as Mr Edwin Khew. Surge in Dengue Incidences in 2007”
“The NEA has been working with the HDB to pilot test separate chutes for recyclables. The pilot project, which also involves SembEnviro, is carried out at a block of HDB flats in Choa Chu Kang estate. The results have been encouraging. HDB has identified another four new blocks of flats in Sengkang to provide similar separate chutes for recyclables. HDB's eco-precinct, Treelodge@Punggol, will also have separate chutes for recyclables. These chutes will give greater convenience to residents to dispose their recyclable wastes from all floor levels. HDB will study the outcome of these pilot projects before looking into the feasibility of wide-scale implementation. NEA has also been working with the industries to promote the establishment of new recycling infrastructure. For instance, a mechanical waste sorting plant and a food waste recycling plant have been set up and they are currently being commissioned. Several establishments that generate food waste, such as the National University of Singapore, Regent Hotel and Century Square Shopping Centre, have taken the initiative to segregate and recycle their food waste. In addition, I am pleased to inform Mr Edwin Khew that a pilot scheme has been launched to collect food waste from hawker centres. As pointed out by Mdm Ho Geok Choo, education plays a key role too, besides incorporating the importance of the 3Rs – reduce, reuse, recycle – in the school curriculum, we had also launched the School Recycling Programme in 2002. This includes the provision of recycling bins in our primary and secondary schools, junior colleges, ITEs and polytechnics. And as Ms Denise Phua rightly pointed out, we have also tailored a recycling programme for younger children attending pre-schools.”
“For instance, there is still a lot of paper waste, plastic waste and food waste which can be recycled but is still being sent to the incineration plants. Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked if the Ministry will provide more recycling bins to facilitate recycling. Under our National Recycling Programme, there is fortnightly door-to-door collection of recyclables for residents of both HDB and landed estates. Since August last year, one set of centralised recycling bins has been set up for every five blocks of HDB flats to provide additional recycling facilities for residents. The majority of HDB residents can now recycle waste anytime and will not need to walk more than 150 metres from their blocks to do so. Both Dr Lim and, I think, Mr Liang Eng Hwa have raised the issues of the recycling bin being misused as litter bins, and the collection of recyclables being too infrequent. We urge Singaporeans to be more responsible in the use of recycling bins. The public waste collectors have also increased their collection frequency for high usage recycling bins. Nonetheless, we will continue to work with the stakeholders, including the waste collectors and the community, to build up public awareness and proper recycling behaviour so that the bins are used and maintained properly and not misused. Last year, my Ministry announced that we were exploring the mandatory provision of recycling facilities in condominiums and private apartments. Sir, I would like to inform the House that we will proceed with this plan. Implementation will commence this year and in phases, starting with the larger condominiums and private apartments. Dr Lim also asked whether the Government would consider having separate recycling chutes for HDB flats.”
“Sir, as Mr Edwin Khew has rightly pointed out, Singapore is a small island state and does not have the land to continue building more incineration plants and landfills indefinitely for waste disposal. Last year, a total of 2.57 million tons of waste was disposed of, a decrease of about 8% from 2000. This is encouraging given that Singapore's population and economy have grown during this period. The decrease in waste volume is due largely to strategies we have put in place to ensure a sustainable waste management system. As raised by Mr Khew, this is even more pertinent as the population and the economy continue to grow with immigration and projects, like IR, and extend the lifespan of the landfill. First, we aim to minimise waste generation at source. Last year, we started a voluntary packaging agreement with the food and beverage industry. This agreement is an industry-led initiative with the objective of reducing the amount of packaging generated by the industry. This agreement has led to encouraging results. For instance, Chinatown Food Corporation has reduced the thickness of plastic packaging for its roti prata and rice ball products, saving about 8.4 tonne of packaging material a year. And the roti prata and rice ball, may I add, still taste the same as before. Similarly, Nestle Singapore has reduced the thickness of its Milo tins and will save about 9.5 tonne of material per year. Our second strategy is to promote recycling. Sir, on this note, I am pleased to inform Dr Lim Wee Kiak and the House that our overall recycling rate has actually increased to 54% in 2007, up from 40% in 2000. However we need to recycle even more in order to achieve our recycling target of 60% by 2012.”
“The Ministry of Trade and Industry will elaborate more on this topic during their COS discussion. Mr Edwin Khew also asked how climate change strategies will dovetail with the aspirations espoused in the ASEAN Declaration on Environmental Sustainability and the Singapore Declaration on Climate Change, Energy and the Environment. In November 2007, ASEAN adopted these Declarations, demonstrating the region's shared commitment towards environmental protection and conservation. Our initiatives in sustainable development will contribute towards this regional effort. The Declarations re-affirmed the need to take an effective approach to the interrelated challenges of climate change, energy security and other environmental and health issues. Leaders also called for intensification of on-going cooperation to improve energy efficiency and the use of cleaner energy, including the use of renewable and alternative sources. Singapore's drive towards energy efficiency and clean energy will enable us to play our part, and share our experiences with other countries. In addition, ASEAN Leaders agreed to encourage efforts to develop a climate change initiative to further strengthen regional cooperation in responding to climate change, and to undertake concrete actions to respond to its adverse impacts. For instance, we could share information on the vulnerabilities and impacts of climate change, and harness regional expertise for a more concerted action at the regional level. Singapore will actively pursue opportunities for collaborating with our ASEAN partners on how the region can leverage on energy efficiency initiatives and clean energy to help mitigate the impacts of climate change.”
“These community-led and industry-led initiatives are important steps in the journey to improve our energy efficiency. To further motivate Singaporeans to conserve energy, I am glad to inform Mr Seah Kian Peng, Dr Lily Neo, Ms Eunice Olsen and the House that NEA will be launching a national campaign to help households save energy through various avenues. This campaign will include teaching residents how they can save both electricity and money, by making simple changes in their daily habits like raising the air-conditioning temperature to 25 degrees and careful selection of energy-efficient appliances. Sir, our energy efficiency initiatives under E2 Singapore will promote environmental sustainability and contribute to economic growth. I urge Singaporeans to make energy-efficient choices in their daily lives, and play a role in making us an energy-efficient Singapore. Mr Edwin Khew and Ms Jessica Tan asked how we are developing Singapore into a centre for clean energy solutions. The Government is taking an active role in driving Clean Energy R&D investment and test-bedding, as part of an integrated strategy comprising technology development, cluster development and internationalisation. The Clean Energy Programme Office (CEPO), not renewable energy programme office, led by EDB and in partnership with agencies, such as NEA, has been set up to drive efforts in this area. CEPO has launched comprehensive research and test-bedding programmes on clean energy. These include $170 million from the National Research Foundation for fuel cell and solar R&D, as well as a $17 million Clean Energy Research and Test-bedding Platform (CERT), to test-bed solar photovoltaic technologies. The PUB's Marina Barrage will be among the first batch of test-bedding sites under the CERT programme.”
“Sir, every one of us can play a role to be more energy efficient and conserve energy. Simple habits can help households save electricity and do their part to address climate change. Let me give Members an example of a household in Punggol that started switching their thermostat from 22 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees in October last year. They achieved electricity savings of over 10% in the process. That is not all. In December, this energy-conscious household switched to using fans instead. This cut their electricity consumption by a further 24%, and they can potentially save over $330 every year. As evident from this example, households can achieve savings in electricity consumption and bills by making energy-efficient decisions. Yet, many people are, in effect, leaving money on the table by not doing so. 5.45 pm Sir, I am heartened that grassroots organisations and companies have been encouraging residents and businesses to adopt energy-saving actions. For example, the Marine Parade Constituency launched an initiative called "Towards a Greener Tomorrow" early this year to promote energy conservation in households. Northwest CDC launched a month-long North West Green Festival in July last year to create greater awareness of environmental issues, including energy conservation. Several companies have also participated in initiatives to save energy. Philips Electronics Singapore partnered South West CDC to sponsor energy-efficient light bulbs to be installed free of charge in 2,000 low-income households. Ricoh Asia Pacific partnered the Singapore Environment Council to launch Eco Action 2007 on World Environment Day in 2007, where 15 organisations pledged to take actions to reduce their energy consumption, saving about 8,000kWh or $1,500 in electricity bills in total.”
“There could even be some kind of reserve list for some of these BTO projects, so that a project may be triggered when it receives the requisite percentage of applications. This would be more responsive to demand than the current practice of announcing the project just before it is launched. I would also like to urge the HDB to be judicious in launching DBSS projects, so as not to detract from its key mission of providing affordable housing to the vast majority of low and middle income earners. Finally, I would like to ask the Ministry if the HDB takes into account the prices achieved for DBSS flats, like it takes into account resale flat prices in determining the prices of its new flats, and how regularly the HDB reviews the prices of its new flats for sale.”
“Sir, in a nation where popping the question, "Darling, shall we go and apply for a flat now?" is taken as a default marriage proposal, housing affordability was and continues to be an issue of great public interest to Singaporeans. Over the past few months, the issue of middle income squeeze has reared itself once again. The media reported a DBSS project known as "City View" with its eye-popping $750,000 for its most expensive units. While the developer clarified that only a few units command such a price, it does the raise the question: to what extent are such examples of "public housing" truly public? But this is hardly an isolated instance. The newspapers are also replete with examples of HDB resale flats hitting new records - at Queensway, Marine Parade and elsewhere. The sky-rocketing public housing flat prices together with the long queues and over subscriptions that result each time a new batch of flats is released for sale further heightens the anxiety of potential flat buyers. The basic problem is the mismatch between demand and supply. While such dislocations may be short term and temporary, the frustrations felt, especially by newly-weds, is palpable. Besides the BTO programme and the walk-in selection exercise, I would like to urge the Minister to consider other measures to ensure smoother adjustments to the market, as well as ensure that HDB flat prices remain affordable for the low and middle income segments of the population that it is to serve. For instance, making the HDB market more transparent by releasing information about the potential supply of HDB flats, their locations and numbers, say, on an annual basis, could relieve the anxiety of potential flat buyers about inadequate supply as well as to help them to plan ahead.”
“There are also calls by businesses for the Government to look into shorter term measures to help them manage costs and remain competitive. These could include rebates on property tax for owner occupied commercial and industrial premises given the steep increases in occupancy costs, which have led to the upward revision in annual values of many of these properties. Businesses and individuals alike are also disappointed that the personal income tax rate has not been cut, although they welcome the one-off 20% rebate capped at $2,000. A cut in personal income tax besides the abolition of estate duty would help to further boost Singapore's competitiveness as a wealth management hub and an attractive place to work in. Sir, on the whole, I think that the Finance Minister has been judicious in balancing competing priorities and seeking to invest in the medium and long term future, while dealing with the immediate concerns of citizens. Sir, I am also heartened that the Finance Minister has noted in his Budget Statement that the Government will continue to monitor our competitiveness and may further lower rates on corporate and personal income tax should the situation warrant, after the amendment of the Constitution to revise the framework for drawing investment income from our reserves. Sir, I support the Budget. 2.36 pm”
“Finally, as the scheme is a complex one and many Singaporeans are still struggling to digest it, the Government would have to spare no expense in embarking on an appropriate educational campaign. The hotline set up for this purpose should preferably be manned by staff and not be an automated voice mail system that never fails to irritate the caller. In fact, CPF Board should have staff to not only explain the scheme to members but also counsel them on what might suit them best, though the choice would ultimately be theirs. It should also go out to sell the scheme to Singaporeans who are exempted in order to win more converts. Competitiveness The third and final C - Competitiveness. Most businessmen welcome the tax incentives given in Budget 2008 to promote innovation in the long term. In fact, some have told me that it is high time we adopted a more aggressive stance, lest we lose out in the economic race to the top. However, besides tax incentives, many businessmen have also called for more to be done in terms of nurturing an entire culture of innovation that permeates the entire business community, the academia and even the public sector, as well as closer collaborations among them. The SMEs would also need an extra push to embrace a culture of innovation as it is estimated that more than 70% of our SMEs do not invest in R&D at all. They have also noted that public sector officers put in charge of the drive to promote innovation and the deployment of R&D funds must themselves exemplify the motto of truly thinking out of the box when they evaluate proposals from the private sector and be receptive to untested but promising ideas, as this is what innovation is all about.”
“Chew Soon Beng, the Government could help top up the Minimum Sum of those who receive WIS in future to make it even more attractive for this group to opt in. Linking CPF LIFE to WIS would also further incentivise people to work. Another significant cohort who is likely to have insufficient CPF savings to qualify for CPF LIFE is housewives who have stopped work early. The L-Bonus together with a new separate tax relief of up to $7,000 for top-up to the family members' Minimum Sum could encourage husbands or other family members to top up their accounts so that they can join the scheme. Top-ups to the Minimum Sum could be considered in future for the group of housewives who come from low-income families and who do not have enough CPF savings to qualify for the scheme, so that more can join the scheme. This is crucial, as according to a recent MCYS survey, one in three women mid-lifers has never held a job and faces the prospect of not having enough savings for her old age. To compound this problem is the fact that women have a longer life expectancy than men and hence latest statistics show that half of the women older than 65 years are widows. Another concern about the CPF LIFE Scheme is that it currently does not take into account inflation, which will erode the real value of the payout. Hence, there have been calls for the scheme to be index linked. But I agree that complex as the scheme already is for the average man-in-the-street, indexing it to account for inflation would make the scheme even more complicated to comprehend. Nonetheless, the CPF LIFE Scheme together with the Minimum Sum ought to be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure its continuing adequacy.”
“There must be a catch, and therefore, they have been trying to figure out where the catch is! A key issue that remains is that a significant proportion of the population is presently exempted from the scheme. This comprises the one million plus CPF members who are above 50 this year, those who are of qualifying age but with less than $40,000 in their Minimum Sum and the 100,000-odd, low-wage, self-employed and casual workers with little or no CPF savings. To encourage those who are exempted from the annuity scheme to sign on, the Government has announced that it will give the special sign on bonus (L-Bonus) to those who opt in. Nonetheless, even with the one-off LIFE Bonus which ranges from $2,200 to $4,000, one wonders how many of these low-wage casual workers will eventually sign on given the experience thus far with the Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) by the very same cohort of workers. It was reported in Parliament recently that of the 160,000 such workers that first collected the one-off Workfare Bonus, only 54,000 have signed up for the subsequent WIS. Common reasons for not signing up are that they simply cannot afford to top up the Medisave or that they do not know how it works and whether they qualify. Additionally, the Finance Minister had said in his Budget Statement that those with less than $40,000 in their Minimum Sum and who choose to opt in must be willing to make a reasonable contribution to their balances and be willing to accept lower monthly payouts. So far, what this reasonable amount is has not been announced. If the amount is deemed too onerous, it would be difficult to get this group on board, and it is precisely this group that are most likely to need the CPF LIFE for their old age. As suggested by labour economist, Prof.”
“In the same vein, whilst we are now putting in commendable efforts to stem the drop-out rates at the primary level, such as through the setting up of Northlight School, more could be done to stem the attrition in secondary schools which I understand is actually higher than that at the primary school level. Though the absolute numbers may not be as large, the fact is that these drop-outs with little education and skills will likely form our low-income strata in future. CPF LIFE Response to the CPF LIFE scheme proposed by the National Longevity Insurance Committee has so far been muted. Undoubtedly, Professor Lim Pin's Committee has done a commendable job in coming up with such a comprehensive package. Nonetheless, recognising the stereotyping of Singaporeans as "complaint kings", I would like to offer four reasons for this muted response. The first would simply be because the new scheme has taken into account many of the suggestions made by the public. In fact, some have shared with me that they are actually pleasantly surprised that the Government has accepted en bloc the recommendations of the committee. A second reason could be because many of those who objected to the earlier compulsory annuity scheme, such as the low-income workers and those who have already bought annuities, are exempted under the new proposal. A third reason could be that there are those who are still "blur". Indeed, a number of residents and grassroots have told me that they think the scheme with so many options is too complex. In colloquial terms, they "liak boh kiew ", or catch no ball. Finally, there are also skeptics who tell me that they think the scheme simply sounds too good to be true with the Government even agreeing to administer it.”
“In a "Barriers to Work" survey done for women in 2006, it was found that one of the impediments is the availability of flexible part-time work which allows women to juggle between family and work. Taking inspiration from this survey, another study could be undertaken on the obstacles employers face in offering part-time work or flexi-work hours. The results provide the data and context to help enhance and fine-tune the WOW Fund to make it more attractive for companies to offer family-friendly flexi and/or part-time work. Enhancing our financial assistance schemes for childcare, pre-school and the tertiary institutions up to the 66th percentile households will go a long way in helping, not just the low-income, but also the middle-income in coping with the escalating cost of their children's tertiary education. However, I would like to ask for the financial assistance schemes for primary, secondary, JC and ITE students to be reviewed and enhanced too. Currently, the primary, secondary, JC and ITE students do receive bursaries and scholarships. But these bursaries are given to the top 25% of the cohort for families with household incomes of $4,000 and below. Whilst many community and grassroots organisations, schools as well as ITEs, with some co-funding with the Government, do provide bursaries or financial assistance to students from low-income families who do not qualify for the MOE bursaries and scholarships, our experience suggests that not all such students are covered. Often, it is precisely such students who need help as otherwise, they may drop out of school. The Government could, for instance, increase its co-funding for the bursaries given by the CCCs to such students so that more can be assisted.”
“But what about other sectors, such as retail and the building industry? The Government must put in more policies and resources to cajole and incentivise employers in other sectors to redesign their jobs and improve the productivity of each worker and, therefore, their wages. At the same time, the Government should incentivise efforts to entice more women to return to the workforce. In fact, the key to helping low-income families cope with inflation and narrow the income gap over the long term could well lie with the women. While the labour force participation rate for women has increased over the years to 43% last year, this is still low compared to that of developed countries. Many low-income families tend to have single breadwinners and could well do with the extra income earned by the spouse. I submit that significant changes will need to be made to child-minding facilities to make it easier for women to re-enter the workplace. Besides increasing the subsidy given for children attending these facilities, to make it cheaper and worthwhile for these women to work, the opening and closing hours of these facilities may have to be stretched longer. Similar subsidies for pre-school and childcare could also be given to full-time and part-time working mothers so that more can return to some form of work. There ought also to be more after-school care facilities, preferably in the schools, so that the women can go to work with less concern for the well-being of the children. Furthermore, there should also be a concerted effort to encourage employers to offer part-time work. The proportion of part-time employment in Singapore - 6.2% as at last year - is still very low, even though this is nearly double the figure in 1997.”
“Thus, I support Budget 2008's broad stance of investing to nurture top quality human capital and businesses, while at the same time providing some relief, particularly to the low and middle-income households affected by rising cost. But - and there are always "buts" in life - there are areas in the Budget which could be improved with the aim of deepening social bonds and raising national resilience. I would like to highlight three areas. Let me refer them as the three Cs, namely, Cost, CPF LIFE and Competitiveness. Cost Inflation is estimated at 5% this year and it is expected to remain high for a while. At the same time, the income gap is the highest since 2000 with the Gini coefficient at 0.485. Hence, the lower-income households continue to be most affected by price increases. Furthermore, home ownership might not be an inflation hedge for many low- income families if they are still saddled with large outstanding mortgage loans. At my weekly meet-the-people sessions, there will be at least two to three cases of low-income families who are unable to cope with their housing loans, and/or facing foreclosures. I believe this is widespread amongst other constituencies. The Growth Dividends together with the Workfare should go some way to help them cope. But these by themselves are still unlikely to be adequate. For the majority who are still economically active, the long-term solution must be to redesign jobs into better paying ones, and upgrade their skills to take on these jobs. WDA together with our Government agencies and the NTUC have done well in redesigning the jobs and upgrading the skills required and therefore pay levels for the workers, particularly in the security and landscaping industries.”
“Sir, Singaporeans generally welcome Budget 2008 and, in particular, the package of measures, and the strong focus on education and innovation. Those in wealth management also welcome the long-awaited demise of the death tax. To quote someone, a fitting epitaph could well be - may it rest in peace. However, there are still Singaporeans who asked: "Why sokiam siep?", in Hokkien, which means stingy. "Why only $1.8 billion in hongbao when we have a $6.4 billion surplus?" But, Sir, underlying the sentiment that the Government is stingy lies the assumption that we will continue to prosper, and enjoy budget surpluses as we have done so for many years. At a student forum organised as part of the launch of the Junior REACH Ambassadors, one ITE student asked Minister Vivian Balakrishnan if Singapore might become poor again one day. Despite the evidence of wealth and conspicuous consumption all round us, this notion of future poverty is not at all inconceivable. This goes to the very heart of why our national budgets need to be far-sighted and prudent whilst meeting immediate needs. In fact, it is this far-sightedness and prudence as well as the many timely and astute policies implemented that had played a major role in bringing about such a large surplus this year. So I disagree with Mr Low Thia Khiang who said that the Government should be embarrassed with the large budget surplus. Far from it, I think we should all be happy and we should all commend the Government for doing such a good job and bringing about such a large surplus. Ensuring that there will be continued economic opportunities is also key to motivating our young to remain in Singapore and, at the same time, attracting foreign talent to our shores.”
“Sir, the National Environment Agency, SLA, LTA and SPF are already regulating the activities at that site. As I have noted earlier, the vendors are only allowed to hawk their secondhand goods within the permitted area. We have NEA officers who patrol the area on a daily basis to enforce against any illegal hawking outside the designated area or outside the operating hours as well as foreigners who are not allowed to hawk their goods. In addition, we have also, since October last year, actually put AETOS officers on-site to patrol the site and to monitor and regulate the activities around that area to ensure that the activities are carried out in a disciplined manner. Additionally, the Singapore Police Force also patrols the area to ensure that there is law and order, that there are no theft crimes as well as stolen goods being sold in that area. And LTA actually imposes traffic regulations to ensure that there is no traffic obstruction. As regards additional measures, actually the agencies are also looking into this. They are studying additional measures that can be put in place to improve the area and to minimise the disamenities to the public. So, for instance, there could be signs that we put up to list clearly the operating conditions for the sale activity within the permitted area as well as to expediently remove any abandoned goods left behind after the day's activities as well as abutting the fence, and so on, that SLA has put up. I think this would improve the situation in that area. We are also planning to actually talk to the grassroots organisations within that area, including the Member herself, to update them on the actions that have been taken.”
“Those who are work-capable will be assisted through ComCare schemes, such as the Work Support Programme, while those who are unable to work and who have no one to turn to for help can be helped through the Public Assistance Scheme. Those who are homeless and have no means of support are admitted to our welfare homes for destitute persons. There are sufficient social assistance and support in our community. Nobody needs to beg. We all have a part to play in solving this problem. We must curtail begging. It is an anti-social and illegal act. Giving money to beggars will not solve their more fundamental long-term problems. In fact, it may well make matters worse by deepening the sense of dependency and loss of dignity. It will also encourage unscrupulous people to take advantage of public generosity. Consequently, I would strongly encourage members of the public who come across beggars to inform my Ministry so that appropriate action can be taken. The public can also help the needy by volunteering and channelling donations to registered charities and Family Service Centres where there are trained personnel and social workers who provide effective assistance to people who are truly needy. Er Lee Bee Wah : Sir, I would like to ask MOS how many of these beggars have been arrested over the last one year at Orchard Road area. Of those arrested, are they Singaporeans or foreigners, and what are the actions taken? Do we bar them from entering Singapore subsequently? I urge tougher action to be taken against them as they tarnish the image of Singapore as a tourist hub.”
“For the dengue cluster areas, we inspect every home, which means that if the owners are not at home, the officers will go back again. So, for the Bukit Batok cluster, there were four rounds of intensive source reduction exercise. In fact, some of the NEA staff said that they know how many plastic pails this particular home has got and where the pails are. Together with the grassroots as well as the Town Council, we actually did 17 rounds of house visits. BEGGARS AND TISSUE PAPER PEDDLERS IN ORCHARD ROAD (Efforts to curb activities) 8. Er Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports in light of the rising numbers of beggars and tissue paper peddlers in Orchard Road, what efforts have been taken to curb their activities. The Minister of State for Community Development, Youth and Sports (Mrs Yu-Foo Yee Shoon) (for the Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports): Mr Speaker, Sir, the number of beggars identified by MCYS and the Police has fluctuated over the last five years but is not on the rise. There were 72 such cases in 2006, compared to 91 in 2002. On average, MCYS receives about five reports a year of individuals selling tissue paper in public places. My Ministry conducts regular patrols to identify beggars and destitute persons. We also act on calls by members of the public to our 24-hour toll-free line. All calls are carefully investigated. Any person in genuine need is referred to appropriate social service agencies for help, so as to address the root cause of their problems. These agencies include the Community Development Councils, Family Service Centres, Voluntary Welfare Organisations and the grassroots organisations.”
“First, I would like to highlight that dengue is endemic and that it can happen anytime, whether it is peak or off-peak dengue season, as well as anywhere as long as we are not vigilant. In the case of dengue control within housing estates, such as in Bukit Batok, an important measure is the residents playing a part in preventing mosquito breeding in their homes. If all residents are vigilant in removing stagnant water, then such a prolonged outbreak could have been prevented. And this is especially critical in the case of the Bukit Batok cluster because the area has not been affected by dengue cluster for many years. So, the immunity of the residents is low, which means that you just need a few mosquitoes to trigger a large outbreak. Home owners' vigilance is therefore critical so as not to negate the efforts of all the other stakeholders, like the Town Council and NEA. As regards the use of ovitraps, ovitraps were, in fact, used. And because ovitraps were used and we detected breeding via the ovitraps, the NEA actually started the source reduction efforts even prior to the dengue outbreak in that area. Because of that, we detected 46 both indoor and outdoor breedings even prior to cluster surfacing.”
“Conclusion Sir, over the six years that I have been an MP, I have increasingly seen more elderly residents in their 60s and older who are asking for financial and job assistance. They often say that they have depleted their CPF, have no other savings and their children are unable to support them. In fact, under the CDCs' job database, about 10% of the employees seeking employment are aged 60 and above. Hence, I think it is timely that we take steps to start tackling these challenges now so that our children - yours and mine - and their children, are not left to shoulder the burden. No doubt, this set of measures will need to be refined over time to minimise any moral hazard and administrative failings, but it is a good start. It must also be recognised that these changes are by themselves no panacea that will solve all our ageing woes. Other aspects such as devising an affordable healthcare system for the elderly, educating Singaporeans on financial planning and promoting healthy lifestyles and family values would also have to be addressed. Sir, I support the Minister's Statement. 6.27 pm”
“I understand that this arrangement has worked well for MediShield where the private insurers are required to integrate their enhancement plans with the basic MediShield as one single product. In the same way, the CPF Board could administer the basic annuity scheme, while any enhancement to the scheme is done by private insurers. Deferment of minimum draw-down age and the re-employment legislation There is coffeeshop talk that the changes to the CPF have been made for the sole purpose of delaying payment on the CPF accounts. Many people are upset that the promise to return them what is essentially their hard earned money at a certain time by the Government keeps getting deferred. There are also those who are worried that they may end up in a catch-22 situation where they are unable to get re-employment and yet cannot draw down on their Minimum Sum. Sir, they are saying, in Hokkien, "Boh reid, boh kang", that is, "No money, no job" - an untenable double jeopardy! They have asked the Government to allow those who genuinely cannot get re-employed and need the Minimum Sum payout to start withdrawing earlier. More importantly, they feel that the Government must ensure that the re-employment legislation works before the deferment in the draw-down age starts. Many have thus suggested that the re-employment legislation should kick in earlier before 2012, to ensure its effectiveness before the draw-down age is progressively deferred from 2012. These are genuine concerns and practical difficulties on the ground that the Government should seriously consider. Indeed, I support the call to implement the re-employment legislation earlier to allay the concerns of workers.”
“However, for those who prefer to have an annuity which their next-of-kin could inherit should they pass on before the minimum payout age limit or wish to draw down earlier, they could purchase a rider, which will allow for such outcomes. Exemptions could also be given, say, for those who have already bought an annuity but on a once-off transitionary provision. All others should buy the basic annuity and any riders that may be offered under the scheme to achieve their desired outcomes. This will then minimise the moral hazard of private insurers cherry picking and where the rich, who have purchased their own annuities, can opt out anytime, thus leaving only the poor in the pool. To some extent, we already have experience of this in the ElderShield scheme, which is currently being reviewed. Unattractive payouts Some have noted, as my colleagues before me too, that the indicated payout of $250 or $300 per month is inadequate. In fact, feedback about the inadequacy of the ElderShield payouts, among others, is one of the reasons for its current revamp. Others have expressed reservations about such a scheme being run by private insurers. They feel that as private insurers are profit-oriented entities, the monthly payout would be less attractive as the insurers would have to factor in a decent profit and also take into account all costs incurred. Indeed, many people have asked that the compulsory annuity scheme be administered by the CPF Board instead of private insurers. Hence, I am pleased that the Minister agrees to address these concerns. The annuity scheme could be modelled after the MediShield concept which is implemented by the Health Ministry with private insurers.”
“They argue with great passion that CPF monies are their hard earned money and the Government has no business to dictate how they spend their own money. One of my younger residents even emailed to me pointing to those who feel that having toiled and contributed taxes when they are young, it would not be too much to ask for a handout from the State if one lives beyond 85 and has no money to live on. But this argument is flawed as the pool of funds is always finite. So there will be trade-offs - either there will be less tax money for other areas like education and health or, as the pool of octogenarians increases, the Government will have to impose higher taxes on the younger working population to support the seniors! The less well-off are often the ones that are least prepared for retirement, and it is precisely this group that will benefit most from an annuity scheme. Hence, if the system is to cater to people who are less well- off and may not be able to plan for themselves, the amount to be withheld from the Minimum Sum at the age of 65 must be as low as possible. Sir, whilst I agree that some flexibility, including opt-outs, should be injected into the system, these should be sparingly and judiciously allowed. I support an annuity scheme with limited opt-out as it ensures that it will have the largest possible risk pool and be able to enjoy the economies of scale needed to yield the lowest premium, thereby benefiting the maximum number of people. Furthermore, a basic annuity scheme with no inheritance value should you die before the payout age would be the cheapest. So for the masses, we need to aim for a "ko pih, ko chi " (cheap and good) basic annuity.”