Balaji Sadasivan
Singapore
“The issue is, of course, not good publicity for ASEAN. In fact, it is bad publicity for ASEAN. However, the fact that the ASEAN leaders have met and agreed to deal with the issue and ensure that we try and solve the problem at source, and the fact that ASEAN has tasked the Secretary-General to look into the issue and report to the various…”
“Thus far, the authorities here have not encountered any Rohingya refugees seeking to enter Singapore waters. Given our limited land and natural resources, Singapore is not in a position to accept persons seeking political asylum or refugee status. This has been our policy for decades.”
“I would like to conclude by noting that by resolving this dispute through third party adjudication, both countries have demonstrated our respect for international law and our commitment to settle disputes in an amicable manner.”
“Yes, we shall continue with those efforts. In fact, with the Youth Olympics and the F1, it is a great opportunity for all Singaporeans to think about their behaviour and whether they can improve it – whether they can be more polite and more gracious.”
“Sir, currently, the guideline for the Vasantham Channel is that a minimum of 75% of the programming must be in Tamil and 25% can be in other non-Tamil Indian languages. The number of hours is increasing, from 29 hours per week to 65 hours per week. But the guideline will still remain the same.”
“Sir, our branding is what we are and part of our branding is the law and order that we have and the safety that we have in our city and the fact that everybody has to comply with the law. This is part of our reputation and part of our branding, and it is not a bad part of our brand value.”
The complete record
Every one of 434 lines we hold for Balaji Sadasivan, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 8 of 9.
“Sir, Dr Neo is correct that there are quality of life issues involved in the use of HRT, and the long-term treatment of HRT should be individualised to the patient. That is why the Ministry of Health feels that individual patients must consult their doctor regarding the appropriateness of the treatment. DISABLED AND AGEING POPULATION (Transportation needs) 4. Assoc. Prof. Ngiam Tee Liang asked the Minister for Transport (a) what are the difficulties his Ministry faces in ensuring that the public transportation needs of the disabled and an increasingly ageing population in Singapore can be met, as befitting a world-class transport system, and (b) what steps his Ministry has taken and will take to overcome the difficulties.”
“Sir, I can assure the House that in 2007, we will have far more doctors entering the hospitals than we have today. As for the Harvard don's recommendation that we should have a second medical school, the Ministry of Education is studying this.”
“It means he is registered under certain conditions. I have the list of conditions.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, there is no contradiction. We recruit foreign doctors during this period because there is a shortage. But corrective measures have been taken. The intake in the university has been increased, and it takes a long time to train a doctor. So these medical students will become doctors, and they will enter and work in the hospitals in 2007. The purpose of the Schedule is to ensure that there is an even distribution of talent amongst young Singaporeans in the various careers. If the Schedule is removed, then a greater number of Singaporeans would go abroad and study medicine if they cannot get into the medical school in Singapore. However, even if a doctor is from a university that is not in the Schedule, he can come back to Singapore and, under certain conditions, get himself registered. Basically, it would be under a conditional registration and he would have to sit for an examination. So, this has served to discourage too many Singaporeans from going into medicine.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, to cover this shortfall, we have recruited doctors from the UK, Australia, New Zealand and the neighbouring countries. I had earlier given the House a list of doctors from Malaysia and Singapore.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, our Ministry is transparent and the policy is in effect.”
“We have taken steps in our hospitals to reduce and monitor the working hours of doctors. The recruitment of some of the foreign doctors will help to ease the workload of junior doctors in the hospitals. But by the year 2007, we expect the higher intake of medical students into the university to increase the supply in the hospitals, and a more permanent solution would be found at that time. Dr Lily Neo: Sir, the Minister of State said earlier that the junior doctors are also recruited from universities not scheduled in the 1993 policy. Why can the Ministry not just acknowledge this in the open and be transparent, and say that this policy is void since it is not implemented?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, a good doctor remains a good doctor, regardless of the registration category, the country they graduate from or their country of origin.”
“Sir, junior doctors must always be supervised by senior doctors, whether they are local, UK, Australian or Malaysian graduates. We expect our senior doctors to supervise junior doctors. In time, our junior doctors will become senior doctors and supervise those who are junior to them. This is the normal practice in medicine.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to assure Dr Lily Neo that these doctors are excellent doctors, and there are excellent doctors in our neighbouring countries. If some of them are recruited, these are worthwhile foreign talent to have in our country.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, from the list of universities, there are seven doctors from the University of Malaya and the University of Indonesia. When our hospitals went to recruit these doctors, they recruited the best from Malaysia and in Indonesia. The number is small, and they are working under supervision. I do not think our reputation will be in any way diminished.”
“The current registration system already allows foreign-trained specialists from medical schools, both on and off the Schedule, to work in Singapore, under conditional registration, to support the delivery and development of our clinical services. The Schedule does not prevent or hinder the entry of foreign medical talent, especially in disciplines where local specialists are in short supply. In this regard, the Schedule does not impede or conflict with the plans to develop Singapore into a biomedical research hub, as well as a regional medical service hub. Both of these developments would require the inputs of fully-qualified specialists, rather than doctors with only basic medical degrees. Expanding the Schedule will increase the number of options that Singaporeans will have to study medicine abroad, if they are unable to enter the Faculty of Medicine at NUS. Given the popularity of medicine as a career and the calibre of students seeking admission, such an increase would have significant implications on our national talent spread.”
“Sir, Dr Lily Neo refers to the MRA Schedule that came into force in 1993. The Ministry has received many requests for the MRA Schedule to be revised, in particular, to restore medical schools that were recognised prior to 1993 to the Schedule. Our position at this time is that there is no need to amend the schedule for the following reasons. The current shortage of doctors in the public sector is due to two main factors. Firstly, there was a marked reduction in the NUS medical school intake from 1991 to 1996. NUS has already increased its intake progressively from 1997 onwards. But the increase of junior doctors will only begin to enter the medical workforce from 2007 onwards. Secondly, there is a significant maldistribution of doctors between the public and private sectors. For example, while there is a shortage of junior doctors in the public sector institutions, there is a surplus of GPs. In addition, there are shortages in some specialties, due either to the rapid growth in demand or unpopularity of that specialty amongst trainees. The situation is compounded by the very long time - generally, six years - required to train a specialist. Our assessment is that an annual intake of 230-250 students into the Faculty of Medicine at NUS, supplemented by an annual intake of 50-80 foreign-trained doctors - many of whom would be returning Singaporeans - would be sufficient to meet our overall clinical service needs. Expanding the Schedule to address the present shortage will create more problems in the longer term by allowing a greater influx of foreign doctors that would continue after the manpower situation has eased.”
“From Australia, Adelaide University, 2 Malaysians; Flinders University, 1 Malaysian; University of Melbourne, 37 Malaysians; University of Monash, 5 Malaysians; University of New South Wales, 5 Malaysians; University of Queensland, 1 Malaysian; University of Sydney, 11 Malaysians; University of Tasmania, 1 Malaysian; University of Western Australia, 3 Malaysians. From Indonesia, Gadjah Mada University Indonesia, 2 Indonesians; Maranatha Christian University, Indonesia, 1 Indonesian; University of Indonesia, 1 Indonesian. From Ireland, Dublin University, 4 Malaysians; National University of Ireland, Dublin, 1 Malaysian; University College Dublin, 3 Malaysians. From Malaysia, University of Malaya, 3 Malaysians. From New Zealand, University of Otago, 3 Malaysians. From the UK, Charings Cross, 1 Malaysian; Edinburgh, 1 Indonesian; Imperial College School of Medicine, 2 Malaysians; London University, 4 Malaysians; University of Newcastle, 2 Malaysians; Nottingham University, 2 Malaysians; Queens University of Belfast, 2 Malaysians; University of Aberdeen, 1 Malaysian; University of Dundee, UK, 1 Indonesian; University of Leicester, 2 Malaysians, and University of Manchester, 1 Indonesian and 3 Malaysians.”
“As for the breakdown of universities, there are about 20 universities, and if Mr Speaker will give me the time, I will run through them as quickly as I can.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, our public hospitals have recruited an average of 33 Malaysian and two Indonesian junior doctors annually over the past three years. Among these doctors, 62% of the doctors graduated from universities in Australia and 21% from universities in UK.”
“Sir, I will not endorse any particular product. If there are any specific schemes that Members of the House have which can help people stop smoking, they may send their ideas to the Ministry. I will study them in detail. FOREIGN JUNIOR DOCTORS (Number employed in public hospitals) 6. Dr Lily Neo asked the Minister for Health if he will give the number of foreign junior doctors recruited over the past 3 years from neighbouring countries for our public hospitals with breakdown figures by nationality and university attended.”
“Sir, we will be happy to work with other Ministries on this issue. Dr Lily Neo: Will the Minister of State then endorse Nicorette patch, Nicorette stick and Nicorette sweet?”
“In general, our current subsidy rules will apply to all medication. But if there is any specific drug that we should subsidise, and if the proposal is sent to us, we will consider it.”
“My Ministry does not enforce the law with regard to smoking. This is done by the Police which is under the Ministry of Home Affairs.”
“Sir, I think both need to be done. We will work with the Police with regard to enforcement of the law. If there is any information as to where these cigarettes are sold, we will pass on the information to the Police who will enforce the law. We are also targeting on prevention. In fact, this year's mass media campaign will be on television, radio, newspapers and magazines, and we are targeting youths, especially those between 13-18 years of age. And we are using international celebrities, like Christy Turlington, a supermodel, Moby, a singer and DJ, as well as local sports celebrities, like Mark Cheng and U. K. Shyam to reach out to the youths to encourage them to stay smoke-free.”
“For consistency across the NPPA and other legislation, the Bill also introduces amendments to update the scale of fines in the NPPA, as there has not been an across-the-board review of the penalties since the Act was enacted in 1975. The maximum fine under the NPPA will generally be raised from $10,000 to $50,000. Sir, let me now touch on the other amendments to the Act. Currently, the receipt of funds from a foreign source for purposes other than commercial purposes is prohibited, so that no person can subvert our media. However, in today's networked global economy, it is not uncommon or difficult for foreign parties to register a company in Singapore or work through a local agent. Clause 4 of the Bill, therefore, amends section 11 to broaden the current definition of a "foreign source" to include foreign funds channelled through a local agent. The Minister can also declare any local incorporated company or association as a foreign source if it has any foreign directors or members. Finally, clause 13 of the Bill updates the exemption clause in section 34 to be consistent with other legislation. Sir, I beg to move. Question proposed. 6.00 pm”
“The current 3% shareholding limit is aligned to the definition of "substantial shareholding" in the Companies Act and the Banking Act, which refer to a 5% interest in voting shares. A new shareholding threshold at 12%, which mirrors that in the BA, has also been introduced. It addresses aggregated shareholdings of a person and his associates, where "associates" includes close relatives. This will address the loophole in the current Act, which does not take into account relationships between shareholders. The new sections will also address passive increases in shareholdings, and shareholders acting in concert. Legislative powers will be introduced for the Minister to direct the transfer and disposal of, and attach conditions to, excess shareholdings and impose penalties for breach of shareholding limits. The maximum penalties for contravening the shareholding provisions are, upon conviction, a fine not exceeding $50,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or both. As a deterrent to recalcitrant offenders, a further fine not exceeding $5,000 will be imposed for every day that the offence continues after conviction. Sir, let me now turn to the update of the penalty system in the NPPA. Currently, the substantive penalties for publishers consist of revoking their licences or charging them in court. These penalties are too severe for lesser offences, for example, when publications carry pictures that go beyond acceptable norms. To provide an appropriate penalty for lesser offences, clause 12 inserts new section 33A to empower the Minister to impose composition fines instead, which are out-of-court settlements for offences chargeable in court.”
“The shareholding limits should, therefore, also apply to fund managers who have the discretion to exercise voting rights of shares on behalf of the beneficial owners. To ensure that this policy intent is carried out, the Government stated in October 1999 that we would amend the NPPA ownership provisions to adopt the same definition as the ownership provisions in the Banking Act (BA), but retain the 3% figure. This is because the ownership provisions in the BA are more comprehensive, as they are based on the concept of interest in voting shares. This covers any person, other than a bare trustee, who has an interest in a share, such as fund managers like Capital. As the Singapore Broadcasting Authority Act contains ownership provisions that mirror those in the NPPA, corresponding changes would be made to the SBA Act. In preparing the Bill, we noted that as the new definition of "shareholding interest" covers more parties, retaining the original 3% figure may be too restrictive. Such a low limit could affect the fair value of the shares of a listed media company in the stock market by limiting buyers from acquiring a more substantial stake for their portfolios. Taking into account feedback from the investment community and industry players that we consulted, we decided to raise the shareholding threshold figure from 3% to 5%. This 5% figure will address our concerns about undue influence over a media company, while still providing leeway for investors to take a larger stake in a listed media company. Let me now highlight the new provisions on shareholding controls. Clause 3 of the Bill repeals section 10 and inserts new sections 10A to 10H.”
“However, since the shareholding controls in the Newspaper and Printing Presses Act (NPPA) were first introduced in 1977, there have been many changes in the investment, financing and corporate environment. Investment options, like trust funds, futures and stock options, are now common. New corporate structures involving holding, subsidiary and sister companies have also sprung up. Such changes can have an impact on the ownership and control of newspaper companies. The existing legislation does not cater adequately for these changes. It is therefore possible for some entities to exploit these grey areas to circumvent the shareholding provisions and other controls in the Act, thereby exercising undue influence over our media companies. This Bill, therefore, proposes amendments to the Newspaper and Printing Presses Act to update the shareholding controls in the Act. We are also taking this opportunity to update the penalty scheme in the NPPA and to make other revisions to the Act. I will now speak on these issues in turn. In September 1999, Capital Group Companies Incorporated (or "Capital" in short), an international fund manager, acquired more than 5% of ordinary shares in Singapore Press Holdings (SPH). Technically, Capital did not breach the 3% shareholding limit in the NPPA. This was because, as currently worded, the NPPA only applies to beneficial owners, and not nominee shareholders like Capital. However, certain nominee shareholders can vote on behalf of their clients and, therefore, can exert influence over a company. But the policy intent of the ownership limit in the NPPA is to ensure that no single person or company can exercise undue control over a newspaper company.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Singapore Plumbing Society is in support of this Bill. My Ministry has consulted them. SPS will set up an accreditation scheme similar to the current PUB registration scheme. The existing registered plumbers will be invited to join SPS and be included in the accreditation scheme. For new applicants, SPS will set up a committee to select candidates, conduct oral examinations, issue certificates and maintain a register of sanitary plumbers. SPS will use the same qualification requirements to accredit its sanitary plumbers. After the deregulation, SPS will post a list of its plumbers on the website. Members of the public who want to engage the services of a plumber can visit the SPS website. Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House. The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. - [Dr Balaji Sadasivan]. Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. NEWSPAPER AND PRINTING PRESSES (AMENDMENT) BILL Order for Second Reading read. The Acting Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts (Mr David T. E. Lim): Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." Sir, the local media play an important nation-building role in our multi-racial and multi-religious society. They need to have a deep appreciation for local sensibilities and sensitivities, and a clear sense of responsibility and commitment to Singapore. This is why we have rules on shareholding limits to ensure that no one can manipulate our local media to undermine our society.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, let me now move on to the main provisions in this Bill. The main provision of the Bill is clause 6. It repeals sections 36 and 37, and removes the requirement for registration of sanitary plumbers, hence, opening up sanitary work to other contractors. The other clauses make consequent and minor changes to the Act to effect the deregulation of the Registered Sanitary Plumbers Scheme. The deregulation will benefit house owners and developers, as they will not be restricted to engaging only registered sanitary plumbers to carry out sanitary works. The deregulation will give house owners and developers a wider choice of contractors or plumbers. This will result in lower cost for them to carry out sanitary works. Sir, I beg to move. Question proposed.”
“But, currently, a renovation contractor cannot undertake any sanitary work unless he possesses the full qualifications and is registered with PUB. This has resulted in a protected market for the qualified sanitary plumbers even for works that are relatively simple and straightforward. Abolishing the registration of sanitary plumbers will open up the market for other contractors to undertake minor sanitary works and lower the cost of such services. As for the construction of sanitary pipe work in new buildings and developments, the Sewerage and Drainage Act has a provision to require the developer to engage a qualified architect or engineer to be responsible for the proper design and construction of the sanitary works. This aspect of sanitary works will continue to be regulated by PUB which will continue to conduct checks on completed sanitary works. This provision is sufficient to ensure the sanitary facilities in new buildings and developments are properly installed. There is therefore no need for PUB to continue with the registration scheme for sanitary plumbers. However, PUB has been in discussion with the Singapore Plumbing Society (SPS) on its proposed deregulation of registered sanitary plumber scheme. SPS has indicated that it will put up an accreditation scheme for qualified sanitary plumbers. This would allow qualified sanitary plumbers to be recognised and engaged for more complex sanitary piping work required for new buildings and developments. SPS will encourage existing registered sanitary plumbers to become its members. It will also take steps to promote and market their plumbers to serve the public and work with the training institutes to continue to upgrade the skills of the sanitary plumbers.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." Sir, currently, plumbers who are registered with PUB are allowed to carry out plumbing works. There are two types of plumbers, namely, sanitary plumbers and water service plumbers. Sanitary plumbers carry out sanitary works, such as the installation of sanitary fittings in toilets and laying of sanitary pipe work, while water service plumbers carry out plumbing works for the supply of drinking water. Both sanitary and water service plumbers are regulated by PUB. The Sewerage and Drainage (Amendment) Bill seeks to abolish the registration of sanitary plumbers. This deregulation, however, applies only to sanitary plumbers. Water service plumbers will continue to be regulated by PUB. Mr Speaker, Sir, the registration scheme for sanitary plumbers was started in 1976. The scheme was introduced to build up a pool of experienced and qualified sanitary plumbers. Today, there are about 550 sanitary plumbers registered with PUB. To qualify for registration, they must pass the relevant skills courses conducted by the Construction Industry Training Institute and the Institute of Technical Education. However, not all sanitary works require the skills of a fully qualified plumber to do the job. There are two aspects of works carried out by registered sanitary plumbers. One is to carry out minor sanitary works, such as changing and relocating toilet bowls. The other is the construction of the sanitary pipe work in new buildings and developments. Sir, minor sanitary works are not difficult in nature. A normal renovation contractor will have the skills to do a good job.”
“Clause 24 empowers it to issue shares and other securities to the Minister for Finance as a consequence of vesting of the property, rights and liabilities of the Government in the Agency. Clauses 32 to 38 provide for the transfer of properties, assets and liabilities of the Agency. All employees affected will also be transferred on terms no less favourable than those enjoyed by them immediately prior to their transfer. Clauses 39 to 50 cover some of the miscellaneous legal provisions, which are necessary for the effective functioning of the Agency. In particular, clause 41 empowers MSD the power, in case of emergency, to enter upon any land, with reasonable notice, to set up a meteorological observation station. Clause 50 provides for the consequential amendments to legislation to be administered by the Agency. The other provisions are standard provisions found in the Acts of other statutory boards. Sir, in closing, let me reiterate that the formation of the new statutory board will give a sharper focus to our work in ensuring a clean and sustainable environment for all. It will allow us to take advantage of the complementary expertise in the three departments to be brought together. It will also provide greater autonomy and flexibility so that the Agency can be more agile and innovative, and work even more closely and effectively with the 3P sectors. Sir, I beg to move. Question proposed.”
“The technical competencies of MSD will complement the competencies that are currently found in the ENV departments. MSD is currently a key member of the local Haze Task Force. It will also serve as ENV's delegation to ASEAN meetings on the Environment and on Haze measures. MSD also provides weather information to ENV for public health warnings, such as flooding and haze. Under the NEA, MSD will continue to fulfill its role of providing meteorological information to the aviation, maritime and military sectors. Sir, the new statutory board will be more focused, and with its more focused mission and greater administrative autonomy and flexibility, its performance will be improved. It will strengthen its partnership with the people, private and public sectors (3P sectors). We can therefore expect to see greater cooperation and collaboration between the NEA and the 3P sectors and, in this way, it will jointly promote environmental consciousness among our people, by implementing environmental programmes for the community. The autonomy and flexibility that the Agency will enjoy will allow it to be more nimble and innovative in discharging its duties. Sir, I will now highlight the main features of the Bill. Clause 5 provides for the appointment of the Board, which shall consist of a Chairman, a Deputy Chairman, and five to 12 other members. All are to be appointed by the Minister. Clauses 11 and 12 set out the functions, duties and powers of the Agency. They are essentially the same as those already undertaken by the Environmental Public Health Division, the Environmental Policy and Management Division, and the Meteorological Service Department. The financial provisions are in clauses 19 to 27. In particular, clause 23 empowers the Agency to raise loans and issue bonds.”
“The division of responsibility between policy formulation and operational implementation will allow the Ministry to focus on setting strategic policy directions and addressing key policy concerns more effectively. The NEA, on the other hand, can direct its effort towards the effective implementation and operation of policies, and in ensuring a quality living environment for Singaporeans. This delineation of focus will allow ENV to better tackle existing as well as emerging environmental challenges. Sir, under the NEA, the Environmental Policy and Management Division will continue to play a major role in protecting and sustaining our environment. It will continue to implement programmes to monitor, reduce and prevent environmental pollution. More importantly, it will also spearhead new initiatives to deliver environmental performance and enhance sustainable development. Its key goals will be to minimise waste generation and maximise recycling and resource conservation. The Environmental Public Health Division will meanwhile continue to maintain a high standard of public health through comprehensive disease surveillance, and improve measures to promote food hygiene, vector research and control, and environmental sanitation. It will also continue to play a lead role in enhancing our living environment through programmes such as the Hawker Centres Upgrading Programme (HUP) and the Clean Public Toilet Programme. Sir, the formation of the NEA will also allow us to better harness the complementary expertise in these agencies, by bringing on board the Meteorological Service Department (MSD). This will help us in areas of climate change and trans-boundary haze pollution.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." Objective Sir, the Government intends to establish a new statutory board, the National Environment Agency (NEA) by integrating the Environmental Public Health Division and the Environmental Policy and Management of the Ministry of the Environment, and the Meteorological Service Department of the Ministry of Transport. The Bill before the House provides the legislative framework for the formation of NEA. Rationale for the formation of NEA The rationale for the formation of NEA is that the scope and responsibility of the Ministry have expanded over the years. There are new environmental and public health issues facing Singapore, and these have grown both in magnitude and complexity. Our challenge is to improve our environmental performance in the short to medium terms. At the same time, it is to enhance our environmental sustainability over the long term. There are issues such as the limited land for solid waste disposal, the problem of emerging infectious diseases around the world, problems of trans-boundary pollution, energy conservation, and the growing list of international conventions on the environment that we now have to adhere to. All these have diverse policy and operational implications. Many of these issues have now become more pressing, and in the future they will become more important as our population and our economy continue to grow. Sir, the proposed restructuring will result in a leaner, more policy-focused Ministry. The processes in the Ministry will be more streamlined, and the Agency will become more operation-focused.”
“Sir, I shall be brief. First, the crow population in Singapore today is about 120,000. Second, we have a culling rate of about 60,000 crows a year. In the last three months we have culled the same number of crows as the whole of last year, and so our culling programme is extremely successful. We hope to bring down the crow population eventually to about 10,000 in Singapore. Crows do not normally attack people. They may do so only if provoked, or they perceive a threat to their nestlings. So we do not think that crow attacks are really a big problem.”
“In general, Sir, the tender system is the best and most efficient way of deciding how a project is to be done. If the contractor meets the tender specifications, then we would have no problem with it. If there is any specific problem with the contractor, Mr Zainul can bring it up with our Ministry, and we will look into it.”
“Sir, regarding the concern about new types of mosquitoes, our scientists are doing research on the various types of mosquitoes and their genetic labelling so that we can better understand how the mosquitoes spread from one region to another, and what factors allow one population to increase, while another decreases. I can assure Members of Parliament that we have no intention of creating new species of mosquitoes in our laboratories that we are going to release into the environment. That is something that we are not doing.”
“With regard to the problem of mosquitoes, because we are situated in the tropics where the weather is warm and humid, we will always have mosquitoes around us. We cannot get rid of them, but we can keep their population size down so that the impact, both as a nuisance and as a vector, will be minimised. In dealing with mosquitoes, we must realise that we are dealing with an ecological situation out there. When we reduce the population of one type of mosquito, it is possible that another species of mosquito, which previously would not be able to thrive, would now increase in numbers. There are two species of mosquitoes that bother us in Singapore, the Aedes and the Culex mosquitoes. The Aedes breeds in clean water inside and outside homes, for example, in vases, roof gutters, pots, plates and litter thrown into bushes. The Culex breeds in dirtier waters, like choked drains. 2.15 pm The only way to keep mosquito population down is to make sure they have little opportunity to breed. Using chemicals to kill the mosquitoes will not help if the sources of breeding remain present. ENV's Vector Control Team, together with pest control companies engaged by ENV, carries out daily surveillance in areas where the vector population is known to be high. We have good ground surveillance system that is linked to our geographical information system (GIS), which will tell us, on a real-time basis, where the build-up of vectors are taking place. However, ENV will need the help of everyone, from the residents, especially those who live in landed properties, to management agents, including Town Councils and, contractors doing construction work, to prevent mosquitoes from breeding within their premises.”
“Sir, I thank Mr Zainul and Mr Low for their questions. I will begin first with the issue dealing with the dead. Sir, in land-scarce Singapore, both the living and the dead compete for available scarce land. We estimate that the cemetery at Chua Chu Kang can last up to 2064. However, as this is the only cemetery that we have, we are concerned that we need to find ways to extend the lifespan of the cemetery. I am pleased to say that we have found a solution, that we call the Modular Burial System (MBS). The MBS is a system where pre-fabricated rectangular concrete crypts are constructed, forming a grid. Each rectangular crypt is fitted with a concrete lid. When the time comes for burial, the lid for the crypt is lifted to reveal the empty chamber below. The coffin or body is then lowered into the crypt and the crypt is filled with earth. After that, the lid is put back in place before it is covered with a final layer of earth and turf. We have consulted MUIS and a few other religious organisations and they have found the MBS to be an acceptable system. The MBS makes better use of the land for burial. With the MBS, the cemetery land can last up to 2130, an extension of more than 60 years. We agree with Mr Zainul that exhumation must be done properly. We will consult MUIS and other religious and ethnic groups to ensure that cultural and religious sensitivities are taken into consideration in carrying out exhumation. Exhumation would be carried out individually, with dignity and respect. Currently, for the exhumation of Muslim graves, the agency requiring the exhumation, for example, HDB, will appoint MUIS to take charge of the exhumation. ENV will also do the same when exhumation at Chua Chu Kang cemetery commences.”
“Sir, like Mdm Ho, I am sympathetic with those facing difficulty in finding employment. ENV will not be intrusive and regulate private cooking arrangements among friends, family members or neighbours. However, everyday, many Singaporeans, foreigners and tourists eat out at public establishments with little fear of food poisoning. This is due to the vigilance of our public health inspectors and the high standards of hygiene that they ensure. From a public health point of view, ENV does not intend to allow food prepared for sale to the general public to be done in the closed environment of the home. This is to ensure public health safety.”
“This enhancement has met with more interest from the distributors of airconditioners and refrigerators than the old SGL scheme. ENV and the SEC will be extending the energy label to other appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers. Ultimately, whether the revamped Green Labelling Scheme will succeed will depend on each and every one of us. Manufacturers will respond only if there is a demand for green products. If all of us, as consumers, can make a deliberate choice to support green products, manufacturers will take the cue. This is a concrete way for all of us to demonstrate our support and do our bit for the environment. Sir, I now come to the issue which Mdm Ho brought up, about home-based small food businesses. My Ministry does not allow food intended for sale to the general public to be prepared and cooked at home for public health reasons. The concerns are that food prepared and cooked at home may not be done under strict hygiene conditions at all times, and that the persons handling food in the home may not meet our public health requirements. All persons who handle food intended for sale to the general public have to be medically screened. They also have to pass a course on food handling before they can be registered. Unlike licensed food establishments where their premises are readily open for inspection by our Environment health officers, food preparation and cooking in a residential premise are done within closed doors. This makes inspection and enforcement of public health requirements very difficult. In comparison, a licensed food shop can be inspected at any time the food shop is open for business. No licence, however, is required if a person cooks for his or her friend or neighbours. Such private arrangements are not prohibited.”
“ENV has, therefore, been emphasising awareness-building and public education to develop a more environmentally-conscious population. Changing mindsets and behaviour, however, takes time, and requires a comprehensive outreach programme that is sustained over the years. ENV has embarked on an aggressive programme to build a more environmentally-conscious population. This includes making environmental education a life-long process, organising public campaigns such as the annual Clean and Green Week in November, and sustaining the awareness through commemorating international events, such as Earth Day and World Environment Day. We are also promoting community involvement through activities organised by CDCs and grassroots organisations. In addition to these on-going programmes on education, public campaigns and community and grassroots activities, ENV has also launched the Singapore Green Labelling Scheme (SGLS) in 1992. The scheme is administered by the Singapore Environmental Council (SEC). The initial scheme, however, met with limited success. There were several reasons for this. One reason is that many consumers were not aware why a product, as labelled, is considered green. Another reason is that not many consumers were interested in green products, as they were not environmentally-conscious. Consequently, in the past, there was a low demand for green products. Hence, manufacturers were not keen to apply for the label. But ENV and SEC have since worked together to improve the scheme. One way is to provide useful information on the label that would assist consumers in making a choice. For example, the energy label for airconditioners and refrigerators was launched in April 2002. The label provides energy-efficiency information to consumers.”
“The second way of trying to reduce the temperature within the city is to reduce the heat produced by the energy that we use, and we do this by promoting energy efficiency. This is being done under the auspices of the National Energy Efficiency Committee (NEEC). The NEEC recently introduced the energy label scheme for home appliances, such as refrigerators and airconditioners, to promote the use of more energy efficient home appliances. The scheme will extend to other appliances, such as washing machines and TVs. The NEEC is also looking at other initiatives to improve energy efficiency in the industry, building and transport sectors. 1.45 pm With regard to Concept Plan 2001 and the Singapore Green Plan 2012, the Concept Plan 2001 allows more land to be used as green spaces and for further greening of our urbanised landscape. With this increased vegetation, the heat island effect will be reduced. The Singapore Green Plan 2012 complements the Concept Plan by encouraging building designs that make use of better natural ventilation, and hence reduce the need for air-conditioning and, therefore, more efficient use of energy and less use of energy within the city. The Singapore Green Plan 2012 and the Concept Plan 2001 complement each other in our efforts to reduce the temperature within the city. Dr Teo also brought up a very important point, that of green consumerism, that each and every one of us, as a consumer, has an impact on the environment by our choice of lifestyle and the consumer products we use. While some amount of official incentives may be necessary to start off some green product programmes, they are not sustainable and cannot be a permanent solution.”
“Sir, these schemes have just started. We need to wait and see how they work out. From this experience, we also need to see what will be the long-term economic feasibility of going completely into CNG. With regard to the issue of higher temperatures in cities, that Dr Teo brought up, this urban heat island concept was attributed to an American meteorologist who pointed out that the temperature of cities is a few degrees higher than that of the surrounding areas. There are two factors that give rise to this. This urban heat island effect is, firstly, caused by the absorption and radiation of heat by man-made surfaces during the day, and the lack of vegetation to provide shade and absorb the heat in an urban environment. The second factor is the heat released into the urban atmosphere by combustion processes from vehicles and from airconditioning and other sources of energy used within the city. ENV, together with other Ministries, is working to reduce the heat island effect by tackling both causes. First, MND, BCA, URA and NParks have already implemented measures that could help to counter, or mitigate, this heat island effect. And these measures include, first, the use of lighter and cooler roofing and pavement materials that do not absorb or radiate as much heat as dark surfaces or materials; secondly, by setting up guidelines, standards and building design codes to reduce the heat trapped within buildings and to incorporate green spaces as far as practicable; thirdly, by planting roadside trees and shrubs to increase the vegetation within the city; fourthly, by provision of parks and gardens around buildings; finally, by promoting roof-top gardens and high-rise greenery under the concept of Singapore as a City in a Garden.”
“Sir, I would like to thank the Members of Parliament - Mr Iswaran, Dr Teo Ho Pin and Mdm Ho - for the very important issues they have brought up. I will first begin with the issue that Mr Iswaran brought up on air quality. If we look at air quality and look at domestic factors that affect the air quality, certainly, vehicle emissions are the most important. Of the three fuels that can power vehicles - petrol, diesel and compressed natural gas (CNG) - CNG is the cleanest, and diesel the least clean. If we compare CNG to diesel, if we use CNG, we will reduce particulate material emissions by more than 95%, and it will also reduce emissions, things like nitrate oxide, hydrocarbons and sulphur dioxide. So, ENV is taking a pro-active approach to encourage public transport companies to try out CNG buses and taxis. This is because the vehicular emissions from these vehicles are a major source of air pollution. One major initiative we have taken is to work with our industry partners in the establishment of supporting infrastructure for CNG vehicles. The cost of the first CNG vehicle refuelling station in Jurong Island was jointly funded by the gas company and ENV, under the Innovation for Environmental Sustainability (IES) Fund. ENV has also been providing funding support to help defray the higher cost of CNG buses compared to diesel buses, so that the bus companies can experiment with CNG buses and gain a better understanding of the long-term cost effectiveness of operating CNG buses versus diesel buses. ENV is focusing on public buses and taxis as the first step. If the outcome is positive from operation and environmental point of view, ENV intends to facilitate other fleet owners to try out various types of green vehicles to protect our air quality.”
“To address the increasing number of young female smokers, the Health Promotion Board will be implementing specific programmes targeted at young females. A renowned female international model will be our spokesperson in this year's media publicity programme. Participants in this year's Teens Model Contest must also be smoke-free and the winner will be our ambassador to speak on smoking issues. We hope these measures will reduce smoking in the young.”
“Healthcare workers are continually educated on the importance of practising standard precautions to minimise the potential risk of transmission of blood-borne infections, including Hepatitis C. There is an on-going public education on the risks of transmission of blood-borne infections through unprotected sexual activities and sharing of contaminated needles. We think the current measures taken are adequate to prevent the transmission of Hepatitis C virus in Singapore. However, the Ministry would continue to monitor the situation. We would welcome research on this virus by any of the big R&D companies. With regard to the specific question of whether gynaecologists should screen patients for Hepatitis C, we will leave that to the professionals involved to decide. My Ministry also shares the concern Mr Yeo Guat Kwang has on the increasing number of smokers among young Singaporeans, particularly those aged between 18 and 24 years. We recognise the importance of implementing programmes to prevent young people from taking up smoking. A study shows that it is more difficult for a person to quit smoking if he starts smoking at a young age. The National Smoking Control Campaign this year will be targeted at youths. Strategies adopted will include mass media and face-to-face education programmes. The Health Promotion Board is also working with the Ministry of Education and the community organisations to implement programmes in schools and the community to encourage youths to stay smoke-free and to assist those who smoke to quit smoking. Among the programmes that are being implemented are programmes like youth student peer leaders, programme to train teachers to conduct smoking cessation sessions, the promotion of soccer and rugby as a healthy alternative to smoking.”
“Sir, my Ministry shares Dr Lily Neo's concern about Hepatitis C because both Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C infections can cause liver cancer. The impact of Hepatitis B on the incidence of liver cancer is a greater concern as about 4% of the population are Hepatitis B carriers. The Hepatitis B Control Programme, of which immunisation is a main strategy, is in place to address this concern. Hepatitis C virus, like Hepatitis B virus, is transmitted through blood and body fluids containing the virus. Acute viral Hepatitis due to Hepatitis C virus is uncommon in Singapore. Acute viral Hepatitis, including Hepatitis C viral infections, is a notifiable disease but no case of Hepatitis C virus infections has been reported since 1993. The prevalence of antibody against Hepatitis C indicating active chronic or resolved infection in the general population is low, less than 0.5%. As no vaccine is available to protect against Hepatitis C infection, the only way to control the disease is to prevent transmission of Hepatitis C through infected blood and blood products. Sir, the Ministry has taken several measures to limit the spread of Hepatitis C. Since 1992, all blood donors are routinely screened for anti-Hepatitis C virus antibody. Those found to be positive are excluded from blood donation. Since 1994, all haemodialysis centres are required to screen dialysis patients every six months. A separate dialysis machine is to be designated for use of any patient who is found positive with Hepatitis C. All potential life and cadaveric organ donors are screened for Hepatitis C and those found to be positive will be excluded.”
“Sir, I will answer Dr Michael Lim's question first. With regard to advertising claims about curing cancer and other diseases, there is an advertising code that regulates claims with regard to curing diseases like cancer. If importers of these medications contravene this code, then action can be taken against them. With regard to Dr Ong's suggestion that research be done on traditional Chinese medicine, I personally do not have much knowledge about traditional Chinese medicine, but there is a board for traditional Chinese medicine in Singapore that has been formed and we will pass on his suggestion and encourage them to do research and collect information on traditional Chinese medicine. Dr Michael Lim also asked about forms of alternative medicine that can be practised in Singapore. Sir, we have very strict regulations on how western medicine is practised in Singapore, including most of the medications used in western medicine being placed on the Schedule List of Poisons. Nobody can prescribe these medications except a person registered with the Singapore Medical Council. However, there have been many forms of treatment that have traditionally been done. These include treatments like binding of the abdomen after pregnancy, which is quite common among the Malay population. It is not the intention of the Ministry to regulate all these practices. Our goal mainly is to ensure that there is no practice that would pose a danger to the public. I believe our current system gives the public access to the greatest number of choices that they can make and, at the same time, safeguards them.”
“On the topic of alternative medicine and Chinese traditional medicine, much of it has been extensively covered by the Minister earlier today, so I will just be very brief. MOH has started to regulate TCM, including Chinese proprietary medicine, to safeguard patients' interest and safety. The TCM Practitioners Act 2000 came into effect on 7th February 2001 with the commencement of registration of acupuncturists. This was successfully carried out in 2001. The registration of TCM physicians started on 28th February 2002, and all TCM physicians are required to be registered, as a condition to practise, by 1st January 2004. The control of TCM was carried out in three phases and completed on 1st September 2001. Sir, it will be very difficult for us to impose standards of western medicine on Chinese traditional medicine. But many of these herbs and medications have been taken for thousands of years and patients have felt better as a result of taking these medications, and very few reports of actually serious illness have been reported from taking these medications. Where there have been complications, it has been because of adulteration of these Chinese medicines. If we were to impose western standards of trials on these traditional Chinese medications, what will happen is that Singaporeans will be deprived of the ability to have these medications. So a certain balance is required in the way we deal with traditional Chinese medicines.”
“With regard to Dr Chong's concern about HIV/AIDS patients, MOH has announced in December 2000 that hospices, nursing homes and community hospitals should accept HIV/AIDS patients, and they will receive subsidies for them as for other patients. A comprehensive training programme on infection control and HIV/AIDS has been organised for step-down care staff and is on-going. This programme teaches the staff how to manage patients with infectious diseases so that the handler knows how to take precautions. Caring for HIV/AIDS patient is no different from caring for patients with other infectious disease. Universal precaution should be practised by all service providers for all patients to prevent infection. It is not medical knowledge that is lacking, but the fear of nursing these patients. The training programme will further address such psycho-social issues to reduce discrimination against HIV/AIDS patients. Currently, the number of HIV/AIDS patients requiring nursing home care is small. We feel that nursing homes should not discriminate against HIV/AIDS patients or patients with other conditions who meet MOH's admission criteria for nursing homes. We believe, with education and training, nursing home care providers and nursing staff and other caregivers can be taught to look after these patients without fear of catching the disease. 6.15 pm”