Ang Wei Neng
Singapore
“Thank you, Speaker, and I thank the Minister for the comprehensive reply. Can I just ask for clarification on the three incidents of Singtel disruption? It was reported by the press that they were totally unrelated. What was the preliminary investigation based on the finding of IMDA?”
“Chairman, I have two clarifications. Firstly, we are glad that the Minister has assured us that MOT is working to establish clearer criteria for distinguishing between Cat A and Cat B COE. In the meantime, I would like to seek clarification on the reduction in the supply of Category A COE.”
“I would like to seek a clarification regarding the Lift Access Housing Grant. Could the qualifying criteria be relaxed for occupants aged 70 and above, without the need for medical certification?”
“Such an outcome would run contrary to the original intent of maintaining distinct categories within the passenger car segment. As MOT has previously stated, the primary objective of Cat A COE is to preserve a portion of the vehicle quota for mass-market cars, thereby ensuring greater accessibility and affordability for the average Singapo…”
“Under NParks' pigeon management plan, efforts remain largely focused on pigeons. I urge NParks, within MND's broader human-wildlife management framework, to evolve towards a comprehensive Pest Bird Management approach, one that also addresses other urban-adapted species, such as mynas and crows, where they cause persistent disamenities to…”
“Thank you, Chair. (In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] I would like to ask Senior Minister of State Sim Ann, how would she describe Singapore's current relationship with China against the backdrop of Sino-US geopolitical tensions.”
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“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise to speak on a future that is no longer a distant sci-fi movie, but a reality knocking aggressively at our doors: AVs. Before I proceed, I would like to declare my interest as the chief executive officer of Strides Premier, a subsidiary of SMRT. As someone who has been in the transport sector for years, I have watched this space very closely. Almost 10 years ago, I took my very first AV ride with nuTonomy at One-North. It was groundbreaking for its time, but looking back, it was quite basic. If there was a simple obstacle on the road, the vehicle came to a dead halt, it could not even overtake. Fast forward to the last couple of years. I have personally tested Waymo in the US, Mobileye in Germany, Baidu Apollo Go, WeRide and Pony.ai in China. The leap in technology is staggering. These are no longer mere "experiments". They are fully mature robotaxis taking fare-paying passengers, navigating complex mega-cities daily. Globally, over 10,000 robotaxis are already deployed across the US, China, Europe and the Middle East. Meanwhile, here at home, we are also conducting localised AV trials in Punggol.”
“I thank the Deputy Prime Minister for announcing the good news to give targeted help to Singaporeans who are most affected by the Middle East crisis, especially for the escalating fuel prices. I would first like to declare my interest as head of a company that leases out taxis, limousines and private cars, before asking clarification questions. In particular, I am glad the Government is giving $200 to platform workers, such as food delivery personnel, taxi drivers and private hire drivers. But we note that this $200 is given to all platform workers regardless of their driving hours. There is a full-time driver who drives more than 400 kilometres a day, who apparently will get the same $200 as compared to those who drive part-time or do not drive. Thus, I would like to ask if MOF and MOT will consider giving additional $100 or appropriate amount to drivers who drive more than eight hours a day on average, for example? I have a second clarification question for the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF). Many Singaporeans who receive financial assistance from a social service office will face the full brunt of the price increases and inflation. I would therefore ask whether MSF would review the quantum of financial assistance provided to mitigate the expected sharp rise in food inflation in the next few months?”
“Thank you, Speaker, and I thank the Minister for the comprehensive reply. Can I just ask for clarification on the three incidents of Singtel disruption? It was reported by the press that they were totally unrelated. What was the preliminary investigation based on the finding of IMDA? Secondly, did IMDA or MDDI require Singtel to do the compensation as what they had done in service recovery or is it purely their own effort? And thirdly, will the service recovery be part of the requirement by IMDA or MDDI for other telecom companies (telcos) with similar incidents?”
“Chairman, I have two clarifications. Firstly, we are glad that the Minister has assured us that MOT is working to establish clearer criteria for distinguishing between Cat A and Cat B COE. In the meantime, I would like to seek clarification on the reduction in the supply of Category A COE. Is MOT still committed to increasing the overall COE supply by 20,000 as announced in 2024? If so, could MOT consider rebalancing the supply of Cat A and B COE, using the new allocation, at least for the next 12 months. This approach will help to moderate the price of Cat A COE while waiting for MOT's review of criteria for Cat A and Cat B COE, which Minister has said will take until the end of the year. 6.30 pm Secondly, we are pleased that MOT is also planning to enhance the renumeration and working conditions of the bus captains to attract more local residents to join the bus industry. We would like to enquire whether MOT will increase the subsidies for the public transport to ensure that these measures do not result in higher transport fares?”
“Such an outcome would run contrary to the original intent of maintaining distinct categories within the passenger car segment. As MOT has previously stated, the primary objective of Cat A COE is to preserve a portion of the vehicle quota for mass-market cars, thereby ensuring greater accessibility and affordability for the average Singaporean car buyer. I would therefore like MOT to clarify whether there has been any shift in this policy intent and if so, the reasons for the shift. Chairman, many residents have shared with me their frustrations over the persistently high COE prices. At different stages of life, some Singaporeans may have a greater need for a car than others, such as families with young children and those caring for elderly parents, or salespersons whose livelihoods depend on mobility. I therefore hope the Ministry will continue to keep these Singaporeans in mind and ensure that our policies remain fair and balanced. Removing COE for Motorcycles”
“Chairman, I would like to declare my interest as the CEO of Strides Premier. In November 2024, then Minister for Transport, Mr Chee Hong Tat, informed this House that with the planned injection of 20,000 additional COEs over the next few years, the COE quota for Category A, B and C would continue to rise each quarter, before reaching its projected peak supply from 2026. However, the recent announcement by LTA shows that the COE quota for February to April 2026 is in fact lower than the last quarter. This marks the first decline since 2025 and appears to contradict the earlier position stated by the Ministry. I would therefore like MOT to clarify whether there has been a change in policy direction, and if so, the reasons behind this shift. In addition, we observe that the number of Cat A COEs has fallen for the February to April 2026 period, while the supply of Cat B COEs has increased compared to the previous quarter. It is therefore not surprising that in the first bidding exercise of February 2026, the price gap between a Cat A and Cat B COE narrowed sharply to $4,570, the smallest gap in 58 months, since March 2021. In the second bidding exercise of February, Cat A COE price was even higher than the Cat B COE price by $1,500. In the first bidding exercise in March, which just ended, the gap is also quite narrow between the Cat A and Cat B COE at $5,782. This convergence may also be driven by market developments, including the growing ease of tuning EVs to meet Cat A criteria, as well as the increasing presence of higher-end internal combustion engine vehicles with lower engine capacities qualifying under Cat A . If the trend of declining Cat A COE supply and rising Cat B COE supply continues, the convergence of Cat A and Cat B COE prices will persist.”
“I urge MOT to introduce a new bus service under the Bus Connectivity Enhancement Programme so that residents, students and workers can fully benefit from the JRL. Improving Rail Reliability”
“Chairman, I would like to declare that I am the CEO of Strides Premier, a subsidiary of SMRT. MRT remains the backbone of our public transport system, shaping how Singaporeans live, work and connect. Across the island, residents are eagerly waiting for the next phase of rail expansion. First, may I ask whether the Circle Line Stage 6, linking HarbourFront to Marina Bay via Keppel, Cantonment and Prince Edward Road stations will open in the second quarter of this year, as earlier announced. Residents and businesses are looking forward to the long-awaited closure of the Circle Line loop. Second, can the Minister confirm that the Thomson-East Coast Line and the Downtown Line will meet at Sungei Bedok station through Xilin and Bedok South stations in the second half of 2026, which is this year? This critical interchange will significantly strengthen network resilience and provide commuters with more reliable travel options. Chairman, in the West, anticipation for the Jurong Region Line (JRL) is especially strong. For many families in Nanyang and across Jurong, this line represents shorter commutes and better access to jobs and amenities. May I ask whether the target of opening the JRL Phase 1 by end 2027 remains on track? If the timelines are at risk, will the Ministry commit the necessary resources to keep the project on schedule so that hundreds of thousands of residents can benefit as planned? Finally, rail expansion must be matched with strong last-mile connectivity. Residents along Jurong West Street 91 live near the future Gek Poh MRT station, yet it is beyond walking distance. There is no direct bus link, including for students of Juying Secondary School.”
“Chairman, I would like to declare my interest as the CEO of Strides Premier, a company that leases out a fleet of more than 300 EVs, amongst other businesses. With nearly 45% of new car registrations in Singapore now being EVs, it is timely for us to strengthen our charging infrastructure. While the roll-out of slow chargers in HDB car parks has supported convenient overnight charging, many EV users, particularly P2P users as well as commercial drivers, require access to fast daytime charging infrastructure in the daytime so as to sustain their operations. I therefore urge LTA to spearhead the deployment of more fast chargers within the HDB estates, especially at convenient and high-traffic locations, such as near food establishments and neighbourhood centres. At the same time, the rapid growth of EVs calls for a future-ready workforce. Vehicle technicians must acquire new technical competencies to service EVs safely and effectively, supported by proper training and certification. I encourage MOT to work closely with industry partners and training institutions to support technicians through this critical transition, ensuring our automotive workforce remains skilled, relevant and prepared for Singapore's electrified transport future. Safe Cycling on Footpaths”
“I would like to seek a clarification regarding the Lift Access Housing Grant. Could the qualifying criteria be relaxed for occupants aged 70 and above, without the need for medical certification? Additionally, could HDB require new buyers of resale segmented flat to sign a letter of undertaking to indicate that they know that the flat is unlikely to qualify for LUP in the near future? The next clarification. We are excited about the 60-storey HDB flat that is near Pearl's Hill Terrace. Considering our future housing needs, I agree that we should explore more options to construct higher HDB flats. Could the Minister share which HDB towns could realistically support high-rise developments of above 50 storeys? The last clarification is about pest, wild birds. Is MND satisfied with the current resources to deal with the annual 22,000 cases on pest birds, would MND be prepared to add more resources to combat pest birds, including intensified efforts to control food waste and food for feeding of the birds?”
“Chairman, we are encouraged that HDB has cleared the BTO backlog from the COVID-19 pandemic. About 13,000 flats will reach their five-year MOP in 2026, nearly double that of last year. At the same time, HDB resale price growth has moderated to 2.9% last year, the slowest since 2019. With supply improving and price pressure easing, this is the right moment to finetune the eligibility policy so more Singaporeans can access affordable housing while keeping the market stable and fiscally responsible. First, I urge the HDB to review the BTO eligibility age for singles, with consideration to lower to 30 years old. So, 30 years old, we let the singles buy a BTO flat. Many singles today seek stability earlier, shoulder family responsibilities and want to build their own future. A home gives not just a shelter but dignity, security and a stake in the society. Second, we could update the BTO income ceiling for first-timer families. The $14,000 cap has not changed since 2019 even though nominal wages have risen by more than 25%. More young couples are now squeezed above the BTO income ceiling, yet are unable to afford private housing or executive condominiums. Raising the ceiling to $16,000 keeps public housing accessible to the broad middle group of Singaporeans, in line with economic realities. 1.00 pm Third, I hope MND can waive the 15-month wait-out period to buy a HDB 4-room or smaller resale flat after a private property owner sells the private property due to difficult life transitions such as divorce or financial strain. This provides stability without overheating demand. Chairman, when supply improves, policy needs to keep pace. Housing is not just about markets, it is about people.”
“Under NParks' pigeon management plan, efforts remain largely focused on pigeons. I urge NParks, within MND's broader human-wildlife management framework, to evolve towards a comprehensive Pest Bird Management approach, one that also addresses other urban-adapted species, such as mynas and crows, where they cause persistent disamenities to residents. This requires a system-wide approach: stronger enforcement against illegal bird feeding, tighter food waste control around eateries and markets, estate-level habitat management and where necessary, science-based population control. In this respect, I welcome NParks' decision to resume shooting of crows. Chairman, I propose that MND strengthen dedicated funding and manpower for pest bird management and develop a clear national strategy with measurable outcomes to reduce cases, attacks and environmental nuisance over the next few years. Managing the Crow Population”
“Where owners of segmented flats wish to sell, HDB could study the feasibility of buy-back at market value and engage JTC or other agencies to lease out to tenants who are better able to manage walk-up access. This may help avoid a recurring cycle where future elderly residents face the same accessibility constraints. Third, on market transparency. If buy-back is not viable, HDB may wish to require clear disclosure to prospective buyers that these flats are unlikely to benefit from LUP in the foreseeable future. This ensures buyers make informed decisions and avoid unrealistic expectations. Chairman, residents in these 100 blocks are not asking for special treatment. They are asking for a fair chance to age safely and independently in their own homes, just like what majority of HDB households would now enjoy the direct lift access. I hope HDB and MND will continue to review policy options and work towards a more inclusive and age-friendly public housing system. Pest Birds Chairman, every year, MND receives about 22,000 cases of public feedback on pest birds. This is not a small number. Behind each case is a resident whose daily life has been affected. Sleepless nights from constant noise. Homes and common areas fouled by droppings and in some worrying cases, residents being attacked. In Nanyang, we have witnessed such incidents first-hand. Singaporeans support our vision of a City in Nature. But coexistence must not come at the expense of public safety, hygiene and livability. When disamenities persist, we must act more decisively. May I ask the Minister: what is the current manpower strength of the NParks team managing pest bird feedback and whether existing resources are adequate given the sustained volume of cases year after year.”
“Chairman, we note that about 100 HDB blocks are unable to benefit from the LUP, mainly because the estimated cost exceeds $200,000 per flat. While we understand the cost constraints, we hope HDB will continue to study new engineering solutions and emerging technologies to extend lift access to these remaining blocks. A significant number of affected blocks are in Nanyang and many residents continue to face daily accessibility challenges. Many households in these segmented units bought their flats more than 30 years ago, when direct lift access on every floor was not the norm. In their younger days, they were mobile and valued the added privacy due to the design of the flat. But today, as they age, climbing stairs several times a day before they can take the lift has become increasingly difficult and, for some, unsafe. This is ultimately about ageing in place, dignity and inclusive public housing. If LUP remains unfeasible for these blocks, I respectfully suggest that HDB consider several policy adjustments. First, on eligibility for lift access support. Today, households typically need medical certification that an occupier is wheelchair-bound or has serious mobility limitations. However, many seniors aged 70 and above may not yet be severely immobile, but face progressive decline and rising fall risk. We hope HDB can consider extending the Lift Access Housing Grant to households where at least one occupier is aged 70 and above, similar to the criteria to qualify for a personal mobility aid. Earlier intervention can prevent hardship, rather than respond only after mobility has significantly deteriorated. Second, on long-term housing outcomes.”
“Thank you, Chair. (In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] I would like to ask Senior Minister of State Sim Ann, how would she describe Singapore's current relationship with China against the backdrop of Sino-US geopolitical tensions. Recently we have seen many sharp criticisms targeting Singapore on the internet, especially from Chinese language videos. What impact does this have on our bilateral relations? Apart from Lianhe Zaobao's seven-minute video, how does the Government help Singaporeans guard against those AI-generated videos that seek to divide our people? (In English): Chairman, in English please. Separately, I would like to ask the Minister whether the current unrest in Mexico will affect the timeline and resolve to open the resident embassy in Mexico?”
“Chairman, over the past year, the global geopolitical landscape has become increasingly tense, from conflicts in Europe and South America to rising frictions even within our region. International institutions such as the UN and the WTO are facing growing limitations in resolving disputes. Increasingly, we see a world where power shapes outcomes and the principle of “might is right” is gaining ground. For a small and open country like Singapore, this is a sobering reality. We cannot take peace, stability, or prosperity for granted. Our survival has always depended on foresight, resilience and above all, unity. Against this backdrop, how will MFA position Singapore to navigate a more uncertain and fragmented world? How will MFA work together with MINDEF and other security agencies to strengthen our diplomatic, economic and defence resilience in the years ahead? Equally important, how will the Government rally Singaporeans to stay united, vigilant and prepared? In a more dangerous world, our greatest strength is not just our military or our economy, it is the cohesion, trust and collective resolve of our people. Technology Diplomacy”
“This foundation could fund long-term projects, research and community support to, where possible, help adults with special needs, maintain employability and stay connected with society and provide empathetic and structured care for those with special needs who cannot work. The value of a society lies not in how it treats the strong, but in how it supports the vulnerable. Let us walk along persons with special needs, not only during their childhood but throughout their entire lives. Mr Speaker, a surplus is not merely a number on a balance sheet. It represents the collective sacrifices made by workers, businesses and families during difficult times through paying taxes, adapting to GST increases and tightening their belts. Let us save prudently. Let us also spend purposefully to enhance resilience, support vulnerable groups and build a more inclusive Singapore. Fiscal strength should translate into social strength. Only in this way can the surplus truly benefit Singaporeans. 7.10 pm”
“With the Ministry of Education's continued investment, many students with special needs are able to receive structured support, life skills education and vocational training before the age of 18. These efforts have brought hope and dignity to many families. However, when these young people graduate and are unable to find or maintain employment, many quietly disappear from the system. They remain at home, gradually becoming isolated from society. Overtime, their social skills decline, their confidence weakens and their life goals gradually become unclear. Behind them are their caregivers, often aging parents. And these parents bear increasingly heavy emotional, physical and financial burdens. Currently, support for adults with special needs remains limited. Opportunities for continuous vocational training, skills retraining, or reintegrating into the workforce after experiencing setbacks are still insufficient. I witnessed this firsthand when working with family of Purple Heart in Nanyang. This is a grassroots organisation that supports persons with special needs and their caregivers. Their struggles are real. Their love is unwavering, but their resources are increasingly strained. For those who cannot work and require long term sheltered care, day activity centres or structured support, the challenges are even more severe. For these families, the issue is no longer about opportunities, but about dignity, stability and peace of mind for the future. Therefore, I hereby call upon the Government to consider allocating dedicated resources to establish a special needs foundation.”
“Currently, a single household and household with 8 members will get the same amount of CDC vouchers. Although it embodies the universal principle, families with more members will have higher daily expenses in food, transport and childcare. Hence, the same amount does not mean equality here. I will like to suggest that the Government distribute an extra $200 CDC vouchers to Singaporeans over 21 years old. This will more accurately reflect the needs of families, especially for middle and low-income families. At the same time, this measure will continue to promote local consumption and support neighbourhood business development. Through such arrangements, we affirm a simple yet important principle, where the nation achieves development success, the people of Singapore must tangibly feel these results in their daily lives. Fourthly, we should thoroughly resolve the issue of residents being unable to access lifts on the same floor. Currently, approximately 100 HDB blocks still do not have direct lift access to every floor due to high costs. Many residents were still mobile and valued privacy when they purchased their flats over 30 years ago. As they age and have mobility issues, they still need to climb stairs daily to access lifts, which is very arduous. I hope the Government will address this issue seriously and even if the costs are higher, we should still consider building additional lifts so that all HDB blocks can have lift access on the same floor. The civilisation of a society is reflected in how we treat our elderly. Fifth, better care for persons with special needs. Over the past decade, we have made significant progress in strengthening our special education system.”
“For students, I recommend that the Government provide free or heavily subsidised access to paid AI tools for all students from upper primary to university levels. This would enable students to learn AI knowledge more deeply and systematically. More importantly, narrow the gap between low-income and high-income families in accessing these expensive paid AI tools, thereby creating a level playing field. Such investment is not merely expenditure, but economic defence. Second, improve ageing estates that is more than 30 years old. These flats require more than cosmetic upgrades. Residents need practical improvements: covered linkways, water leakage solutions, wheelchair-friendly access, safer walkways and better first- and last-mile connectivity. I suggest that we significantly enhance funding for Community Improvement Projects Committee, the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme and Estate Upgrading Programme under the Ministry of National Development as well as first and last mile infrastructure scheme under LTA. These are not luxuries, they are dignity-enhancing investments for seniors and families. Third is to ease the cost-of-living pressures. Many families have benefitted from the CDC vouchers. The two-percentage points GST increase will yield an estimated $3 billion to $4 billion annually. This will help to offset the effect of higher cost-of-living after the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the GST increases. Prime Minister Wong announced that the Government will continue to distribute $500 CDC vouchers to Singaporean households in January 2026. The distribution of CDC vouchers not only help households deal with daily cost increases but also support heartland businesses. There is feedback that the public are concerned with the issue of fairness.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in Mandarin, please. (In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Mr Speaker, a Budget surplus of $15.1 billion is likely the largest in absolute terms since 1965. However, it is not a failure of marksmanship. It is a testament to fiscal discipline, strong revenue performance and a resilient economy. It is, in fact, a happy problem. Some argue that every dollar of surplus should be locked away in reserves. Prudence is important. But prudence must serve people and solve their current problems. Even if we were to place the entire $15.1 billion into the reserves, it would still not fully offset the roughly $40 billion drawn during COVID-19 to protect jobs and livelihoods. We built our economy by drawing on past reserves during the pandemic and that was the right decision. Now, with a surplus early in the term, we have both the responsibility and the opportunity to calibrate wisely. Given the global geopolitical tensions and economic volatility, I support setting aside about half of the surplus as strategic reserves, in the event that there might be economic crisis in the next few three or four years, so that it can be used to stimulate the economy and support Singaporeans. But the remaining half should be used in a targeted manner to enhance our people's welfare, particularly the vulnerable groups. Hence, I have the following suggestions: First, invest in AI. Artificial Intelligence will reshape industries and the speed will be faster than many workers can adapt. We should provide heavy subsidy to AI and digital training for Singaporeans earning below the median wage or blue CHAS card holders to avoid the digital divide from becoming an income divide. If we do not uplift them now, the digital divide will become an income divide.”
“Thank you, Speaker. Can I ask a supplementary question? How effective is this Wolbachia trial? Is it the main reason for the significant drop in dengue cases last year? If so, I would ask another supplementary question. Because at one point, Nanyang was considered a dengue red zone and quite a number of residents shared with me the agony of getting dengue fever. I have appealed to NEA to extend the Wolbachia trial to Nanyang, which is in Jurong West. And indeed, NEA has extended the trial to Jurong West, but stopped short of reaching Nanyang. So, I have also checked the NEA website just a while ago to confirm this, the extension of the trial. Since NEA has considered the Wolbachia trial to be effective, what is the bottleneck that is preventing NEA from expanding the Wolbachia trial faster to Nanyang and the rest of Singapore? And even by the end of this year, NEA is only covering 50% of households. So, how could NEA add more resources to expand the trial of Wolbachia faster and better?”
“Thank you, Speaker. It is wise to gazette 38 Oxley Road as a National Monument, because if left to free market forces, 38 Oxley Road could be redeveloped into a condominium or a commercial building that will tout it as a prestigious address as the former residence or address of our founding Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, and they can profit from this prestigious address. I would support the recommendation to remove all traces of Mr Lee and his family's private living space from the building at 38 Oxley Road to respect his wishes. I would like to clarify with the Acting Minister, what does it mean by removing all traces from the building and is the underground dining room considered part of Mr Lee's private space?”
“Thank you, Speaker. Thank you, Minister, for the comprehensive reply. Can I ask a supplementary question? If Singapore were to build a nuclear reactor for the purpose of power generation, whether it would be located in the far part of Singapore or on the offshore islands. A second supplementary question is, if we were to decide to build a nuclear plant, what is the timeframe? Does it take 10 or 15 years to build?”
“Thus, I hope the Minister could advise the various Government departments to consider tweaking such demanding clauses.”
“I thank the Minister for the reply. I would like to first declare that I am the CEO of Strides Premier, a company that from time to time participates in Government tenders. I understand that the Government departments have the duty to safeguard public money and not overpay private companies that provide services through Government contracts. At the same time, the Government also has a responsibility to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs), especially during the current climate of economic uncertainty. Thus, I hope the Minister will consider my supplementary question to remove or tweak three common clauses in Government contracts or tenders that SMEs find hard to comply with. Firstly, the clause on unlimited liability, regardless of contract value, similar to the clause required by the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) as reported in the press. Such a clause can be onerous to our SMEs and can even bankrupt them. Secondly, some other clauses in the Government contracts have limited milestone payments. Very often, Government agencies will only make the bulk of the payment at the end of the project, creating potential cash flow problems for SMEs participating in Government tenders. And thirdly, some Government tenders require contractors to make unlimited changes to design requirements without additional payment, similar to those required by SUSS. The tender document states that they will make changes and the changes will not be paid, even though, as the Minister said, what is not stated in the tender is supposed to be paid. But the tender says that it will not be paid in the first place. Any design change will cost money and someone has to pay for it. There is no free lunch.”
“Thank you, Sir. And thank you to the Minister for the comprehensive reply. When I submitted this Parliamentary Question, the 20-point peace plan was yet to be accepted by Hamas and Israel. We are glad that the plan has now been accepted and the hostages have been released. I would like to ask the Minister if Singapore would consider helping to rebuild Gaza by setting up a clinic to offer treatments to the residents of Gaza and send a medical team to Gaza right now, in the interim. And two, will the Minister also consider setting up a school, for example, in Gaza, to educate the young that have very little opportunity to access quality education? And thirdly, will Singapore consider sending a small peacekeeping team to provide logistic support to the bigger efforts led by the US? Of course, I am suggesting this when the situation is more stable.”
“Thank you, Speaker. I have asked a question on how could we prevent the undercutting of fares, because the cost of operating a taxi in Malaysia is only a fraction of the cost of operating a taxi in Singapore.”
“Yes, thank you to the Senior Minister of State. My third question is that we know the cost of operating a taxi in Malaysia is a small fraction of the cost of operating a taxi in Singapore. So, when we increase the fleet size and also liberalise the cross-border taxi services, how could we ensure that the parties will not undercut the fare?”
“Thank you, Speaker. Thank you, Senior Minister of State Sun for the comprehensive reply. Before I go on, let me declare I am the CEO of Strides Premier, a company that provides cross-border taxi service as well. I have a few supplementary questions. First of all, what is the plan that LTA has to expand the fleet of 200 cross-border taxis to more, and whether it will allow the application by a taxi driver on a monthly basis, rather than restrict it to once a year? Secondly, what is the plan to expand this cross-border taxi service to private hire cars? Because private hire cars' pricings are quite dynamic and as pointed out by the Senior Minister of State, the operating cost of driving a P2P vehicle in Johor Bahru is a small fraction of what is the cost in Singapore. So, how would MOT consider measures to prevent the undercutting of fares in this matter? And thirdly, when the Senior Minister of State says that LTA wants to increase the number of drop-off points in Malaysia and Singapore – currently, there is only one drop-off point in Johor Bahru and it is in Larkin; and in Singapore, there is one drop-off point – how many drop-off points is MOT thinking of having? Is it five? Is it 10 or is it 20?”
“My observations are meant to be constructive. Therefore, with the hope that these points will be given serious consideration, I support the Bill.”
“In this way, for those who would not be able to afford a private car, they will see a continuous improvement to the public transport system, one which will continually be safe and reliable, and that they can fully rely on for their daily commute needs. This COE-PT Fund could be used to firstly, directly offset a portion of the annual public transport fare increases decided by the PTC, easing the financial burden on every commuter. A portion of the fund could also be used for the much-needed asset renewals across the public transport ecosystem, addressing Life Cycle Management needs, especially our train systems. This will keep our systems functioning safely and reliably, well into the future. Secondly, the fund can also be used to accelerate the building of covered linkways, ensuring a more comfortable and sheltered journey from our Housing and Development Board flats to MRT stations and bus stops. Thirdly, the fund can also bolster for low-income families through enhanced Public Transport Voucher schemes. Today, for the household to qualify for Public Transport Vouchers, the monthly household income per person cannot be more than $1,800. With the COE-PT Fund, we can have more resources to allow households with orange Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) cards, that is, households with monthly income per person of not more than $2,300 to also qualify for the Public Transport Voucher. With the COE-PT Fund, even those who cannot own a car would see a tangible, direct benefit from the COE system. It would partly take the sting out of the high COE prices and demonstrate that the system is designed to support all Singaporeans. Mr Speaker, Sir, I have spoken candidly today out of a deep care for our public transport system and for the people it serves.”
“Internationally, in the United Kingdom (UK) and Australia, similar systems have shown a tipping point exists. It seems that we may also have reached our tipping point. The recent Tampines bus package was awarded not to the lowest bidder, but to an operator with the highest bid, significantly higher than its competitors. While we are not privy to the award considerations, it would be worthwhile that we review the trajectory of the Bus Contracting Model and send a clear signal to the industry insofar on how the various operators should gear themselves up to service and support Singapore’s bus transport needs. Next, I would like to address the issue that weighs heavily on the minds of many Singaporeans: the high Certificate of Entitlement (COE) prices. The COE is the big elephant in the room of our transport sector. With Category A prices recently hitting record highs, the COE revenue for the Ministry in 2025 is projected to dwarf the $4.7 billion collected in 2024. To put this in perspective, the entire operating expenditure of MOT was only $2.5 billion in 2024, as compared to the COE revenue of $4.7 billion in the same year. Currently, all this substantial revenue flows into the Government’s consolidated fund. For the Singaporean who dreams of owning a car but is priced out by these sky-high COEs, this creates a painful disconnect. They see a system that generates immense revenue from a good they cannot afford, with no direct benefit to their daily commute. To bridge this gap and restore a sense of fairness, I propose the Government consider establishing a dedicated COE-PT (Public Transport) Fund. This fund could earmark a percentage of COE revenue specifically to enhance our public transport ecosystem, over and above the existing MOT operating budget.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would first like to declare my interest as the CEO of Strides Premier, a subsidiary of SMRT. In 2012, I stood in this House to speak up for our Bus Captains, to raise a concern close to my heart. At that time, we had a glaring inconsistency: if a passenger brought a dangerous item on board a bus, the Bus Captain, not the passenger, faced a penalty. Yet, for the same offence on our trains, the passenger was held accountable. This was not just a policy gap. It was a profound injustice for the hardworking men and women at the wheel. I was relieved and thankful when the Ministry moved decisively to rectify this anomaly with the advent of the Bus Contracting Model. Now, with section 42AB of the Bus Services Industry (Amendment) Bill, it is clearly the responsibility of the bus passenger not to bring dangerous items on board the bus. The Bus Contracting Model was a watershed moment because it forced a fundamental shift in perspective. With the Bus Contracting Model, LTA took direct ownership of bus service levels and the results have been transformative. Service improved significantly. Crucially, the first tender set a new and strong benchmark focused on quality and service, not just the lowest cost. However, a concerning trend has since emerged. From 2015 to 2024, almost all the bus packages have been awarded based on the lowest or second-lowest price. And the service fee per kilometre has also been a decreasing trend over the last decade. While this has driven apparent cost efficiency, even as Bus Captains' starting pay rightly rose from just over $2,000 a month in 2013 to about $4,000 a month today, we must ask: how far can we push this? There is a limit to efficiency.”
“Thank you, Speaker. I thank the Minister of State for the reply. We are glad that the Ministry of Transport (MOT) already has the policy to build covered linkways to amenities within 800 metres of MRT stations. We hope MOT could also consider building covered linkways within 800 metres of an MRT station that would link to Housing and Development Board blocks. Because there are previous examples where LTA built the linkways according to the policy but served very few residents. So, we hope that LTA or MOT can stretch the policy a bit more, so that it would benefit more residents based on the human traffic flow to MRT stations.”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. Just to clarify with the Senior Minister of State. My point is that there is no direct bus service now connecting the residents from Jurong West Streets 91 and 93, to the upcoming Gek Poh MRT station. So, when we asked LTA whether they will plan for the new bus service, they said they will wait for the new MRT station to be ready; they will plan for it then. So, my point is that, can we plan for it now, so that the new bus service can be ready, in tandem with opening of the JRL Gek Poh station.”
“I thank the Senior Minister of State for the reply. Many of our Nanyang residents do not have walkable assess to the JRL Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station, although four of the JRL stations are located in Nanyang, because three of the stations are located within the Nanyang Technological University. Will the Ministry of Transport (MOT) consider putting in additional bus services to connect my residents from Jurong West Streets 91 and 93 directly to the upcoming Gek Poh MRT station, in tandem with the opening of the new MRT station?”
“I thank the Senior Minister of State for her comprehensive answer, but I want to ask how many sold shops have HDB acquired so far and under what circumstances would HDB consider acquiring the HDB-sold flats. I ask this because I understand that some of the owners of the current HDB-sold flats often lease them out to the highest possible rent and frequently, this could result in units being leased to businesses, like spas or licensed moneylenders who can pay a higher rent. This, in turn, can lead to an undesirable business mix in the neighbourhood. Thus, I would like to ask the Senior Minister of State whether HDB would consider accelerating the acquisition of HDB-sold flats, in particular in the Nanyang division, where we have new BTO flats, but we do not have new supply of HDB shops and there is a shortage of eating houses.”
“With the right training, a driver today could become a remote controller of autonomous vehicles tomorrow; a cashier could become a digital customer service specialist; a technician could become an AI maintenance trainer. Each career transition is not an end, but a new beginning. Mr Speaker, Sir, whether it is the fight against vaping, the nuisance of pest birds, or the disruption of AI, one lesson is clear. No challenge can be solved alone. Our strength lies in people working together: the Government, the unions, the businesses and communities. With unity and courage, we can turn every challenge into opportunity, protect every worker and ensure every Singaporean has a place in the future.”
“More than that, AI adoption creates new kinds of jobs, just like the rise of social media created opportunities for content creators and influencers. Yet, we must also acknowledge the very real concern that AI may displace jobs. As tasks become streamlined, some roles will inevitably be lost and this is where our greatest challenge and our deepest responsibility lie. We must embrace technology but also ensure no one is left behind. We must not see displaced workers as collateral damage. They are our partners in this transition. Beyond the measures already introduced by the Government and our unions, I believe we can and must do more to support workers who may be displaced by generative AI adoption. Firstly, we need to strengthen lifelong learning not just as a policy, but as a culture. Workers must feel empowered, not fearful, when faced with new technology. Instead of asking, "Will AI take my job?", we should encourage them to ask, "How can I use AI to do my job better?" Secondly, let us look into community-based learning hubs. Just as we have libraries and community centres in every town, why not also create AI learning spaces, where residents, regardless of age or background, can get hands-on exposure to digital tools, guided by trainers and volunteers? This makes reskilling accessible at the heart of every neighbourhood. Thirdly, we must build stronger partnerships with industry. Companies that adopt AI should not just think about profits and productivity. They should also take responsibility to retrain their workers, so that technology uplifts people rather than leaves them behind. Finally, we should encourage and celebrate second careers. A displaced worker does not mean a discarded worker.”
“On the issue of bird control, they told me it is not under their purview and referred me to the National Parks Board (NParks). When I approached NParks, I was told that they mainly manage pigeons. For crows, they would request the Town Council to remove nests from trees. As for birds scavenging for food waste, responsibility depends on location. When the birds eat on the food waste in hawker centres, NEA steps in. If it happens at coffee shops, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) takes charge. If it happens at food courts in industrial estates, then JTC Corp is responsible – and the list goes on. So, here is my question. If NParks is the main agency responsible for pest bird management, and this is clearly an island wide issue, would it not make sense for NParks to set up a taskforce with NEA, Town Councils, HDB, JTC and other relevant partners, so that efforts can be coordinated instead of fragmented? Surely, we should not need to escalate this, the fight against bird nuisance to our Defence Minister, who is also the Coordinating Minister for Public Services, to lead the war against bird nuisance. Someone suggested we could consult ChatGPT. But, of course, ChatGPT or generative AI cannot chase away the birds for us. But it remains an important tool to help us tackle everyday challenges. During my recent trip to China, I once again saw first-hand how technology is transforming daily life, from sophisticated self-driving functions in mass-market electric cars to simple voice commands that can open curtains or switch off lights in a modest three-star hotel, technology has touched everyone's lives. What I witnessed shows us the true potential of AI. It can amplify human creativity, solve problems once thought impossible, and unlock entirely new levels of productivity.”
“And true to his word, swift and decisive action followed, powerfully backed by our dedicated Home Team officers, working closely with MOH and HSA officers. What we are seeing now is the strength of a whole-of-Government response. A united front involving MOH, Ministry of Education (MOE), Ministry of Manpower (MOM), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and MINDEF, is working to detect smuggling, and to protect our young people in schools, Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) and army camps. While I deeply wish this decisive move had come sooner to curb vaping's nasty spread, I am, nonetheless, grateful, for in matters of public health and safety, it is always better late than never. This very success, which demonstrates what we can achieve when agencies work in concert, brings me to my next point, the critical importance of seamless coordination within our Government to truly serve our people. We have come a long way since the famous "fish ball stick issue" was first raised in by then-backbencher Ms Low Yen Ling and mentioned by then-Prime Minister Mr Lee Hsien Loong during his National Day Rally in 2014. Today, Ms Low Yen Ling is a Senior Minister of State, and inter-agency coordination has undoubtedly improved. Yet, some stubborn challenges remain. Let me share an example of the challenges we face in the fight against pest birds, whether they are pigeons, mynas, or crows. Recently, Nanyang has seen more of such birds, and I believe many other parts of Singapore face the same issue. When I noticed people feeding birds, which technically counts as littering, I referred the matter to the National Environment Authority (NEA). But NEA explained that they only handle high-rise littering, such as when food is thrown from windows to feed the birds.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the Motion to thank President Tharman for his Address at the Opening of the First Session of this 15th Parliament. President Tharman's call for unity, inclusivity and resilience deeply resonates with me, because these are not abstract ideals but real challenges we see on the ground. His Address is a timely reminder that while policies set the direction, it is a collective effort of Government, businesses, unions and our communities that will determine whether every Singaporean feels supported and included in this journey. I am committed to do my part in Parliament and in my Nanyang division to help translate this vision into reality for our people. Mr Speaker, Sir, I have stood in this House on at least six occasions since 2021, to sound the alarm and plead for stronger action against the notorious rise of vaping. At that time, the burden of enforcement fell almost entirely on the shoulders of the Health Sciences Authority (HSA), an agency I believed was not sufficiently resourced to combat this growing crisis. My belief was strengthened when I saw the dangerous infiltration of illicit products like Kpods into our schools and communities, and the possible involvement of criminal syndicates in trafficking vapes and Kpods. So, it was with a profound sense of relief that I, along with many concerned Singaporeans, listened to President saying that "we must guard dangers at home, including vape". Similarly, Prime Minister Mr Lawrence Wong had earlier voiced his concerns about vaping, especially those laced with harmful substances, during the National Day Rally. He affirmed the urgent need for stronger enforcement and harsher penalties.”
“Thank you, Speaker, for allowing me to ask supplementary questions. In this House, I have asked many PQs about vaping since 2021. I have some supplementary questions. The first question is more on statistics. How many vaping equipment and vaping materials have been surrendered through the "bins" and through voluntary purposes since they started programme? And secondly, how many people have come voluntarily to HSA for help, because they have already surrendered their vaping equipment and need rehabilitation? And third question, is, moving on, which Ministry or department will continue the effort against vaping? I noted that the recent HSA's annual report, in the front page, report by the Chairman, there is no mention about vaping, as I mentioned the last round in my supplementary question previously.”
“Chairman, I have two clarifications. First one is for the Minister on TCM. So, beyond acupunctures, how is TCM also being integrated with the mainstream healthcare system? Are there plans to develop specialist roles for TCM practitioners? And are there plans for the Civil Service to eventually recognise the MC issued by the TCM practitioners? The second clarification is for Minister of State Rahayu on vaping. Did HSA discover any platform in Singapore that sell vapourisers or the operators in Singapore? If so, will HSA consider prosecuting the platforms to have a deterrence effect?”
“Let us take these steps to ensure TCM is not just accepted but valued as a vital part of our healthcare ecosystem. Psychological Services I was part of the second batch of psychology students at the National University of Singapore (NUS) when the programme started in 1986. Since then, NUS has produced many esteemed psychologists who serve critical roles in MHA, MOH, the Ministry of Education (MOE), the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and the private sector. During my time in the Singapore Police Force, I helped establish the Police Psychology Unit, which has since evolved into the Home Team Psychology Division, employing numerous psychologists. Today, psychologists play a vital role in mental health – a field that is gaining increasing national attention. However, as in any profession, there are both competent and less competent practitioners. Worse, platforms like Carousell are flooded with posts claiming to provide clinical psychological counselling, many of which may not be authentic, as widely reported in the press. This is deeply concerning. Vulnerable individuals seeking help deserve to be protected from unqualified practitioners. So, to ensure high standards of professionalism and safeguards, it is time for MOH to regulate the psychology profession. Let us act now to protect those in need and uphold the integrity of this very critical field.”
“To address this, I urge MOH to collaborate closely with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), including the Police and Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB), to tighten controls on illegal imports of vaping products and enforce stricter penalties against offenders. Let us act decisively to protect our youth and public health. Traditional Chinese Medicine Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is widely accepted in Singapore, but remains outside our mainstream healthcare system. For example, TCM medical certificates (MCs) are not recognised by most employers, including the Civil Service. It is time to rethink TCM's role and take bold steps to integrate TCM more effectively in our healthcare system. Firstly, we need to build a strong pipeline of TCM physicians to meet growing demand. This requires attracting and nurturing talent through scholarships, training programmes and career development opportunities. Secondly, we must ensure high standards of practice. The TCM Practitioners Board could require physicians to treat a minimum number of patients monthly and attend periodic refresher courses. This will keep them updated on advancements in TCM and maintain quality care. Thirdly, we should recognise senior TCM physicians for their expertise. MOH and the TCM Practitioners Board could establish a framework to certify experienced practitioners, granting them higher status and potentially integrating them into the Healthier SG initiative. This recognition could pave the way for employers to accept MCs issued by these senior TCM physicians. By enhancing TCM's credibility and integration, we can boost public confidence and strengthen TCM's role in Singapore's healthcare system.”
“Many residents share their frustrations, including Nanyang residents, that the orange Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) card offers little benefit for private dental treatments while Government dental clinics face months-long waiting times. This leaves many, especially our seniors, struggling to access timely and affordable dental care. To ease the burden on Government clinics and improve accessibility, I urge MOH to extend subsidies for preventive dental procedures at private clinics. This will not only reduce waiting times but also ensure that more Singaporeans can receive the dental care they need. However, expanding subsidies raises an important question. Does Singapore have enough dentists to meet the increased demand? If not, what is MOH's plan to grow the pool of dentists? During one of my Chinese New Year visits, I met an overseas dentistry student. She highlighted that unlike medical students, dental students do not receive pre-employment grants from MOH. With an ageing population and growing demand for dental care, this is a missed opportunity to attract talent back to Singapore. 4.00 pm I urge MOH to consider offering pre-employment grants to overseas dental students from good universities abroad. This will help us build a strong pipeline of dental professionals to meet our nation's needs and ensure that every Singaporean has access to quality dental care. Vaping While we commend the Health Science Authority's (HSA's) efforts to curb vaping, it remains alarmingly widespread. We can see people vaping on our streets, in smoking areas and even in schools. A key issue is the dangerous misconception that vaping is "cool" or less harmful than smoking.”
“Chairman, I have a clarification for the Minister. The Minister announced that there will be new bus services under the Bus Enhancement Plan this year, in 2025, but none of these services will ply Jurong West. And we know the Jurong Regional Line will only come to Jurong in two to three years' time. So, I hope the Minister can add new services in Jurong West this year, especially linking the residents to essential services like polyclinics, and not have to walk 170 metres. The second question is on the upgrading of bus stops. Many existing bus stops in Jurong West are old. Some have not been painted for years. So, may I know what is LTA's plan and timeline for upgrading the bus stops in Singapore, including those in Jurong West?”
“Chairperson, we are pleased to note that one-third of new passenger cars registered in 2024 are EVs, with momentum continuing in 2025. With rising EV adoptions, will there be sufficient EV chargers across Singapore? Beyond LTA's current plan to install chargers at HDB car parks, is LTA prepared to incentivise the private sector to install more chargers, including fast chargers, at commercial buildings and private residential residences? In addition, how is EV adoption progressing for commercial vehicles, particularly heavy vehicles? Will LTA introduce more incentives to encourage EV adoption in this sector?”