Dennis Tan Lip Fong
Singapore
“Yes, Sir. By combining practical experience with advanced analytics, we can transform traditional operational careers in the highly productive technology-enabled professions, ensuring that more high-value decision-making and better paying jobs remain in Singapore.”
“When Singapore officers are deployed at Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, do they enjoy the same legal protections and operational autonomy as their Malaysian counterparts enjoy when stationed in Singapore?”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. Relating to one issue of co-parenting, I would like to ask will the Ministry consider granting foster parents synchronised access to the child's Health Buddy app? Currently, foster parents have no access to the app and require the cooperation of biological parents.”
“Thank you, Speaker. I thank the Minister of State for his reply. Would the Ministry consider a tiered co-payment model for private providers similar to the EIPIC-P scheme where middle-income families can pay a regulated rate for a fixed number of additional private therapy hours to supplement their child's public intervention?”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. Just one clarification for the Senior Minister of State. I thank the Government for acknowledging the gap regarding the software-driven energy degradation and for the commitment to monitor and test when necessary.”
“Yes, just a quick clarification. I thank the Minister of State for the answers and the details. The feedback I receive is pertaining, especially to making appointments, because there have been instances where foster parents experience appointments being cancelled without their knowledge, and then having to arrive at the hospital unnecessa…”
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“A National Repairability Framework requiring manufacturers to disclose the expected lifespan of their products and provide standardised repairability ratings would greatly enhance consumer protection. 6.00 pm Additionally, an independent consumer advocacy body should be set up to monitor and report cases of planned obsolescence, ensuring transparency and accountability. Transparency and access to information are key to empowering consumers to make informed choices. A mandatory repairability rating system prominently displayed on product packaging would enable consumers to compare products based on their expected longevity and ease of repair. This would help consumers avoid purchasing products with artificially short life spans, ultimately leading to more sustainable consumption habits. Additionally, public education campaigns can be launched to raise awareness about repair rights and available services, ensuring that consumers are equipped with the knowledge to extend the life of their products. Responsible businesses that already prioritise product quality, longevity and repairability would benefit from increased consumer trust and brand loyalty over businesses that rely on planned obsolescence to drive sales. By fostering a market where durability and sustainability are rewarded, we can shift industry standards towards more ethical and environmental friendly practices. Comprehensive Consumer Protection”
“A right to repair framework would address such common consumer grievances by ensuring that products are repairable and that manufacturers provide the necessary support for maintenance and longevity. In France, their anti-waste law includes measures, such as repairability indexes for electronic devices. This index requires manufacturers to assign a repairability score to their products, ranging from one to 10. France also banned intentionally shortening the lifespan of products and imposes heavy fines on companies engaging in planned obsolescence. A phone or vacuum cleaner that lasts four years instead of two would half the electronic waste across time. Sweden introduced tax incentive to make the repair of goods more affordable for consumers. Valued-Added Tax (VAT) on repair services for items, such as bicycles, shoes and clothing was halved from 25% to 12%, effectively lowering the cost of these services. Additionally, consumers can claim back from income tax half the labour cost of compliance repairs performed by technicians in their home, up to a certain limit. These measures are designed to make repairing goods more financially attractive than replacing them, thereby extending product lifespan and reducing environmental impact. By making repairs more economically viable, there is an increased demand for skilled technicians and repair services, leading to job creation and the growth of small businesses specialising in maintenance and refurbishment. By adopting similar right to repair laws, Singapore can enhance consumer rights, reduce electronic waste and foster a more resilient economy.”
“Chairman, we should consider having regulations against plan of obsolescence of products to prevent products which are designed with limited lifespan, as they increase waste, consumer costs and environmental damage. We should introduce regulations providing for the right to repair, as such laws can encourage longer product life cycles and reduce waste and carbon footprint. This is especially so as Singapore, with her limited land and resources, can ill afford an unchecked rise in e-waste, or, in fact, any waste. The disposal of electronics in landfills result in hazardous pollutants, while the constant need for new products strains our supply chains and increases reliance on raw material extraction. Addressing planned obsolescence and promoting the right to repair are crucial steps towards a secular economy and long-term sustainability. Singapore's Extended Producer Responsibility scheme holds producers accountable for e-waste disposal, but it does not cover non-electronic products, which also contribute to carbon emissions. It does not go far enough in tackling planned obsolescence or ensuring consumers can repair their devices. There are no laws penalising manufacturers for intentionally shortening product lifespans, nor do we have regulations guaranteeing access to spare parts or repair manuals. Many Singaporeans have experienced the frustration of purchasing an affordable product online, only to have it malfunction within a short time. Without access to spare parts or repair options, consumers are left with no recourse but to dispose of the faulty item and buy a replacement. This not only wastes money but also contributes to unnecessary waste.”
“I thank Minister Chee and Senior Parliamentary Secretary Baey for their answers to the issues I have raised. I would like to assure the Minister that, as a Singaporean, I would also hope that our T5 plans will succeed in ensuring that Singapore can remain as a global air hub and a regional air hub, and I assure the Minister of that. I think the Minister may have misunderstood the spirit or the thrust of my question in my Budget debate speech. Basically, in essence, I was asking how will we step up in the next few years to mitigate any increase in the aviation emissions arising from the opening of T5 with the increase in the number of flights. And I just want to make a clarification regarding what I said about Heathrow. Sir, Heathrow has set a target to hit 11% sustainable air fuel by 2030, not now. I was not talking about now, but it is 11%. I did say 10% but I could have made a mistake mixing it up with the UK government's mandate for sustainable aviation fuel to hit the target of 10% by 2030. Likewise, I think there are also other countries like Japan which is also aiming for 10% by 2030. So, I do hope and I would support Singapore's effort to continue for its mitigation efforts to deal with the aviation emissions even as we expand our airport.”
“The station officer at the next stop alerted in real time could board and assess the situation. Upon confirming excessive noise, and the officer could issue an immediate warning or a small fine. A similar reporting mechanism can be implemented for buses. Third, the penalty framework must be proportionate, yet impactful. I favour showing leniency to first-time offenders with a warning or a small fine. However, their identification and details can be recorded to ensure tracking for subsequent offences, which can also lead to higher subsequent fines. Clear decibel thresholds, empowered enforcement officers, real-time reporting tools and escalating penalty structure and tools for public awareness will help strike the right balance between personal freedom and communal well-being. Public Transport Commuter Experience”
“Our public transport system should be a calm, reliable mode of travel for all Singaporeans. Yet, many commuters continue to suffer from excessive noise on trains and buses, whether it is someone playing loud videos on speakers or having disruptive phone conversations. While "Hush Hush Hannah" has raised awareness, we can still move beyond mascots, reminders and courtesy campaigns to create lasting behavioural change. We can have a structured system of personal accountability, backed by clear regulations and effective enforcement. Cities like Shanghai have already implemented bans on loud speakers and videos in their subway system, while France has begun fining passengers were using phone speakers in stations, measures that have shown promising results. First, we should establish a definitive decibel threshold, perhaps around 60 to 70 decibels, above which noise is considered disruptive. This level corresponds to normal conversation volume, giving a clear objective benchmark. Public buses and trains could be outfitted with basic sound monitoring devices that automatically alert transport staff when noise levels spike significantly. Alternatively, staff and fare inspectors could use portable meters to verify whether a passenger's device is reaching the threshold. Such technology already exists and its integration will provide evidence-based grounds for issuing warnings or fines. Second, we must empower transport staff and station officers with the legal authority and training to enforce these rules. For example, staff could perform regular checks supported by roving inspector teams that respond to commuter reports via a dedicated mobile app or hotline. If a train carriage is especially noisy, a commuter could perhaps tap an in-app report noise button.”
“I will urge LTA to balance the interest of Hougang Avenue 7 commuters, who have only one such full-day service, as opposed to various existing full-day services along Upper Serangoon Road. LTA also suggested in a reply to my appeal letter on behalf of a resident that Hougang Avenue 7 residents are within a 400-metre walk to bus services plying Upper Serangoon Road. Sadly, such a walk may not be expedient for many of our seniors, or those with mobility issues. Moreover, Bus Service 112 is a long loop service between Hougang Interchange, Hougang Avenue 7, Tampines Road, Kovan, Upper Serangoon Road, Hougang Avenues 2, 8, 9 and 10 and Hougang Street 92. I took a ride on Bus Service 112 recently in the afternoon, and it took me more than one hour and 10 minutes for the loop. I am not surprised that the nature of this long greater Hougang loop service contribute to the bunching, especially during peak times. A diversion from one of the four above mentioned buses, or better still, a direct feeder bus service alongside Bus Service 112, will provide a more direct access for residents along Hougang Avenue 7. Public Bus Services at Kaki Bukit”
“Nevertheless, resident commuters I spoke to before and after 17 February still wish for the waiting times for the rest of the day, including the evening peak times, to be reduced, as well as for a second full-day bus service to ply Hougang Avenue 7. I appeal for LTA to look into reducing waiting times at other times of the day, as well as to consider my request for an additional full-day bus service along Hougang Avenue 7. I recently appealed, on behalf of a resident, for LTA to consider diverting one of the current bus services currently travelling from Hougang Avenue 8 Punggol Park towards the Hougang Interchange via Upper Serangoon Road. LTA did not agree to this request. Sir, there are a number of bus services, such as Bus Services 74, 113, 147 and 324 which pass through Upper Serangoon Road before terminating at Hougang Interchange, three stops later. One of these buses can be diverted to travel via Hougang Avenue 7, Hougang Avenue 5, before heading to Hougang Interchange. LTA has said in a recent reply to my appeal letter on behalf of a resident that diverting could result in longer travel times and higher fares for onboard passengers, as well as affect connectivity for commuters at bus stops along Upper Serangoon Road. Respectfully, such a proposal will only add one more additional bus stop to any of the four bus services as compared with the current route along Upper Serangoon Road but will cater to serve a greater number of residents living along Hougang Avenue 7. On the other hand, there are already a number of such services plying Upper Serangoon Road before heading towards Hougang Interchange.”
“Chairman, currently, and for many years, there is only one full-day bus service, Bus Service 112 serving Hougang Avenue 7. Would the Government please consider either increasing the frequency of Bus Service 112 throughout the day or add an additional full-day bus service to serve Hougang Avenue 7. I have written appeals regarding various different residents' feedback for this bus service over the years, including frequency of services and asking for services to be increased, bus services timing on the LTA's my TransportSG app, at being inaccurate, buses not keeping to scheduling, buses bunching up and so on. Residents have also asked for an additional bus service to ply Hougang Avenue 7. Newer residents have moved into Hougang Avenue 7 in the past few years, including the large Riverfront Residences condominium from October 2023 onwards, with 1,472 units, increasing the pre-existing commuter load from residents from the Housing and Development Board (HDB) estate and other condominiums along Hougang Avenue 7. Some residents welcome the new City Direct Service 676 to the Central Business District from 2 January 2025. But there are only two services each during morning and evening peak periods. I would like to thank the LTA for agreeing to add additional trips to Bus Service 112 during morning peak hours, from 17 February 2025 onwards, as LTA had informed me in a reply to one of my appeal letters on behalf of my residents. May I seek LTA's confirmation regarding what is the expected waiting time now for the morning peak period?”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. I thank the Senior Parliamentary Secretary for his answers. The Senior Parliamentary Secretary mentioned about actions against retailers. I have two supplementary questions. One is regarding these retailers. In the past, I believe in the previous Committees of Supply or Bills, I have suggested for the Government to take action at the Customs level, when retailers import illegal AMDs. Can I ask the Senior Parliamentary Secretary to update the House on what efforts are being taken to stop the import of illegal AMDs at our border? Secondly, can I ask the Government to consider allocating more budget and resources to LTA for better enforcement efforts and better public education efforts against non-compliant AMDs? Whether in terms of fire risk or when they are in use generally in the public, for example. Because we still see that there are many non-compliant devices being used on the road, for example, those using throttle or those with weight issues and also illegal speed modification, and bearing in mind that LTA will also be requiring more resources soon as they seek to enforce the new regulations on mobility scooters.”
“I would also like to ask the Government, in the past five years, how many HDB flats without same-floor lift access had been provided with viable mechanical options on the adjoining staircase? I have also heard the Minister's explanation to the other MPs on 18 February this year, and I would again like to call on the Government to not just look at the issue of lift access from the angle of cost alone, something which could have been mitigated or avoided if HDB had tendered out lift upgrading projects consisting of blocks with problematic designs together with other HDB blocks with no design issues for LUP earlier. Of the remaining affected HDB units without same-floor lift access in Hougang, I hope HDB can provide an update as to which units still face technical constraints beyond the application of costly solutions and which units have not been offered LUP due to high cost alone. I hope HDB also inform residents in writing. This may also allow more in-depth study and better understanding on a stack-by-stack basis. Please also inform residents of the alternative mechanical options available and the cost involved. Please inform my Town Council so that it can convey HDB's explanation when asked by residents and it can also play a supportive role in the quest for solutions. In closing, I would like to call on the Government to consider giving same-floor lift access to all HDB flats where it is technically not impossible for access to be provided with the LUP, save for reason of cost. A greater subsidy should be given. After all, the design oversight is no fault of the flat owners, and it is a matter of equity for all HDB flat owners. Segmented Units”
“Chairman, I speak again on the issue of lift upgrading for the five blocks of HDB flats in Hougang Single Member Constituency (SMC), namely Blocks 363, 830, 831, 832 and 835, where there are still some flats which do not have same-floor lift access. I have been raising this issue in Parliament every year since 2021. While I am glad that lift upgrading was offered to 10 more HDB flats at Block 833 last year, I hope the Minister can explain what the changes in circumstances for Block 833 were which do not apply to the other five blocks. In the past year, I continued to receive feedback from affected residents on their unhappiness over the lack of same-floor lift access for the remaining five blocks. The lack of lift access is still a very real issue for some of my affected residents, especially those with mobility needs requiring assistance to access the stairs outside their units when they have to go out, not to mention risks during emergencies. I have said previously that I would feel the pain when residents told me that their parents or grandparents had to be carried when accessing the stairs next to their units. Residents also have to pay additional charges for delivery items. As for the Lift Access Housing Grant, this is still not an option for many residents with whom I have spoken to. I was previously told by the Minister for National Development that, as of January 2023, there were about 140 HDB blocks with units without same-floor lift access. May I clarify with the Minister between January 2023 and February 2025, what is the total number of such blocks where the Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP) has since been offered or made available?”
“The soil retained moisture like a giant sponge, shielding crops from extreme weather. Moreover, this technique has proven more effective per square metre than conventional mechanised farming, garnering interest from scientific institutions worldwide. Similarly, our fish farms can incorporate natural solutions like aqua plants to improve climate resilience. Aqua plants provide shade and cooling, stabilising water temperatures and prevent algae blooms by absorbing excess ammonia while producing oxygen. Importantly, they reduce the risk of hypoxia, oxygen depletion, a significant challenge during Singapore's hotter months when warmer water holds less dissolved oxygen. While technology remains crucial for precise monitoring and control, aqua plants offer a valuable low-tech complement for fish farms. However, such low-tech solutions are not necessarily low cost. Permaculture consultations are offered by local companies like GWS and Habitat Collective but require substantial investment in research, adaptation and implementation to be effective at a commercial scale. The availability of funding for these solutions will provide adequate support for adoption by farmers. In this way, Singapore can build a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector, better prepared for climate change challenges. Support Agri-food Industry”
“Madam, as we advance towards a climate-resilient urban planning model, our local farms should not be left behind. In my speech during the Second Reading of the Food Safety and Security Bill in January, I highlighted the crucial role farms play in ensuring Singapore's food security, especially with more frequent extreme weather patterns in future. We should, therefore, equip our farms with effective mitigation measures against climate change. Currently, grants under the 30-by-30 vision predominantly focus on high-tech solutions, leaving a gap in support for low-tech sustainable farming practices. While high-tech innovations have strengthened our food security, we must also recognise the potential of tried and tested low-tech methods that can enhance the resilience of our agricultural sector. Low-tech agricultural practices rooted in traditional knowledge and ecological principles offer cost-effective and sustainable ways to mitigate the effects of climate change. Many of these techniques have been successfully implemented elsewhere worldwide, and Singapore can benefit by adapting them to suit our land-scarce farmscape. A good example is the Back Halloween Farm in France, which employs permaculture to create a high use sustainable system on a small land area. Permaculture mimics natural ecosystem by fostering synergies between crops and animals. This approach includes growing different crops side by side, rotating them accordingly, and designing water channels for natural irrigation. It has proven useful against extreme weather events, despite enduring three consecutive record-breaking dry summers. The farm experienced minimal disruption by interweaving a diverse root network with dense vegetation.”
“Can I ask the Minister how long will the review or the investigation take?”
“I thank the Senior Minister Teo for his update to the House. Sir, I have three clarifications. I am not so sure whether these clarifications will be answered by the Senior Minister Teo, but I will leave him to explain. Regarding the cut that I just delivered on the regulations for AI, I heard the Senior Minister Teo referring to MDDI. Is MDDI going to reply to my cut on carbon emissions regulations for AI? That is one. In my Budget debate speech. I also asked about the concern that I have after Terminal 5 opens, when our Changi Airport flights may increase quite considerably and which will lead to an increase in aviation emissions. Yes, the Senior Minister Teo mentioned about the 1% sustainable aviation fuels. But of course, compared to some other places, for example, I believe, Heathrow, I think it is about 10%, if I am not wrong. Actually, I am just wondering, is the Senior Minister going to address that question I have? Essentially, it is how will our sustainable air hub blueprint be stepped up in the next few years to mitigate the likely increase in aviation emissions after Terminal 5 opens? That is my second clarification. My third clarification, where in my Budget debate speech, I sought the Government's update on the green transition or the transition of our petrochemicals industry. Where do we stand now in our journey, especially in light of the sale of the Shell assets in Jurong Island and Tuas last year? Related to this is actually about the manpower transition for our workers in the petrochemical industry, but I am not sure whether the Ministry of Manpower will be dealing with this.”
“This has already been recommended by the United Nations Environmental Programme and governments, including those in United States (US) and the EU, are actively discussing similar regulations. This would encourage developers to explore and adopt energy-efficient practices to reduce the carbon intensity of their products. AI developers will be pushed to use smaller task-specific AI models instead of large general-purpose models. Such regulation would also have ripple effects within the AI ecosystem. Like the sustainability reporting landscape, there will be increased demand for products and services that help support such disclosures. Data centres in Singapore may start looking at developing hardware that can more easily show AI developers their energy consumption. There will be greater innovation. Downstream businesses would also be more discerning about the AI models they adopt, taking into account their energy consumption and emissions. By being an early adopter of such regulations, Singapore can enable local AI developers and related businesses to integrate carbon conscious practices early and stay ahead as global demand for sustainable AI solutions grows. Singapore's Climate Goals”
“The demand for AI, especially generative AI, has been increasing exponentially in the past two years. With this comes a staggering increase in the energy intensity and by extension, carbon emissions intensity of AI-related activities. The Government should look into regulating the carbon footprint of the use and development of AI. To put things in perspective, just one query with ChatGPT uses up to 10 times as much energy as a Google search query, enough to power a light bulb for 20 minutes. Generating a single image using an AI model can take as much energy as fully charging a smartphone, thousands of times more energy-intensive than generating text. However, not all AI models are the same. Using large general-purpose models, such as large language models like ChatGPT can consume up to 30 times more energy than a smaller model created specifically for the task. The issue arises when companies of different sizes rush to integrate general purpose AI into their products and services, leading to such general-purpose AI models being deployed in an indiscriminate manner millions, if not billions, of times a day for tasks that users do not require the use of general-purpose AI, thereby causing emissions to add up quickly. I would like to ask the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) if there is an estimate of how Singapore's energy demand, especially for industries, may increase with a push for widespread adoption of AI. As Singapore is positioning itself to become an AI hub, as well as a data centre hub, has this been taken into consideration in the 2035 NDC commitments? The Government should start to look into developing voluntary guidelines and eventually mandating the reporting of energy consumptions by AI models.”
“Mr Speaker, I thank the Senior Minister of State for her comprehensive answers. I have two supplementary questions. As the Senior Minister of State alluded, it may take time to engage a persistent hoarder. How will HDB give assurances to residents who are concerned about their own safety arising from the acts of a neighbour who is a persistent hoarder? Second, the CRU is being set up and it will go through a pilot phase in Tampines. Can I ask that the Ministry, and the Government, to try to expedite the application of the CRU to the rest of Singapore to deal with cases like hoarding and also other noise nuisance cases?”
“Very, very brief, Sir. Just now, in my earlier speech, I said that in Singapore's NDC recent submissions, we had committed to reducing our emissions to between 45 to 55 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2035. I wish to clarify that the correct figure should be between 45 to 50 million tonnes instead. That is all.”
“Yes, just a clarification on the figures.”
“No, Mr Deputy Speaker. I have a clarification regarding a point that I made earlier, just correcting the figures for my previous speech this morning.”
“Much more can be done to overcome the accessibility and affordability of local dental services by addressing the overlooked role of dental health in our healthcare system. A few experts have weighed in over the last few months. First, the subsidy framework should be expanded to holders of the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) green card, so that subsidised care may be available for all at private dental clinics under the Primary Care Partnership scheme. Second, increase the capacity of the current public dental system, which is currently overburdened. By shortening the waiting times, we may encourage regular visits and turn more patients that need urgent attention away from having to seek more expensive private dental clinics. Last but not least, in my speech during the 2022 Motion debate on Building a Healthier Singapore, I have asked for oral health to be covered in the Healthier SG programme. In his Straits Times Forum letter on 22 November 2024, the dean of the National University of Singapore dental faculty, Prof Chris Peck said that the omission of dental care from Healthier SG "needs rectification". With encouragement on prioritising prevention over corrective treatments, I hope MOH will consider this. Mr Speaker, in closing, I look forward to the replies to all the concerns I have raised.”
“Secondly, looking at the household data from the Department of Statistics, particularly, the recent key household income trends 2024, released on 13 February 2024, we have found that households with no per capita household income and those who live in properties with annual value above $21,000, which assume are private properties, make up just 3% of total household. By extension, at any one time they occupy less than 600 beds in the residential long term care sector, based on bed numbers as at end-2023. Thirdly, as I have spoken in my cost-of-living Motion speech, there may be a variety of reasons why individual owners are unable to monetise their property, and they are not the only people who are affected by the annual value. There are also family members living together who are caught by the rule. They are sharing a high annual value property to help care for each other, but they may not be able to get their relatives in the same household to pay for their unsubsidised medical expenses. For all these reasons, I hope the Government will reconsider and to remove the annual value criteria and provide the same subsidies to all household that have no income. Next, the cost of dental care in Singapore has become a concern, anecdotally, we have heard of Singaporeans crossing the border to Johor Bahru to seek cheaper treatment, a subject of the PQ in November 2024 by my colleague, MP for Sengkang, Ms He Ting Ru. For more serious conditions, they are riskier. It may be a case of paying for more expensive treatment locally or ignoring the problem that will worsen with neglect. Is it surprising that the National Adult Oral Health Survey of 2019 revealed that three-quarters of those aged between 21 and 64 in Singapore suffer from periodontal disease?”
“We are heartened to note that the Budget has stepped up quite significantly to this end and we support the raising of the maximum subsidy level to 95% for the non-residential long term care services for per capita household incomes below $1,500, to allow more people to age in place with financial support. We also welcome the maximum subsidy level of 80% for residential long-term care, which we had proposed in our manifesto. We are heartened that the qualifying income for their maximum level of subsidy has been raised to $1,500 per capita. Mr Speaker, in November 2023, during the WP Motion on the cost-of-living crisis, I spoke about removing the annual value as a method of means testing when the household income is zero. Earlier that year, the hon Member for Aljunied GRC Mr Gerald Giam, had also urged the same in a PQ. WP continues to believe that the annual value should be removed as a means testing criterion for healthcare subsidies. Firstly, healthcare affordability should not be tied to property values. They are determined outside of one's control as they are influenced mainly by the rental prices of neighbouring units. Imagine a retiree couple who have lived in their low value walk-up apartment for decades. As a result of gentrification of their estate and perhaps the work from home habits of younger people, the area is sought after. Rents rise in their area. The annual value of their flat goes above $21,000 and, just like that, they lose the entirety of the healthcare subsidies they had enjoyed. The rise of rents since COVID-19 makes this scenario more common than we know or admit.”
“I hope that SG Enable can consider how to continue to enhance public education and understanding of the disabled persons at work, so that employers, colleagues at the workplace and, indeed, all Singaporeans will have better knowledge, understanding and empathy for their colleagues with disabilities or special needs. Mr Speaker, in my Budget debate speech last two years, I had spoken on issues relating to our Active Ageing Centres, including staffing. While Active Ageing Centres are expected to reach out to many seniors in the cluster they are assigned to, given the number of seniors, there may inevitably be a shortage of resources in terms of spaces for centre activity, time as well as staff or volunteers attending the residents. This may create a situation in centres that residents may not get to participate in as many organised activities as they wish or to use the centre space as often as they would like to. I am only concerned that this will lead to loss of interest for some residents, which will be a great waste after centre staff have tried so hard to bring them to the centre. So, I hope MOH and other stakeholders can give some thought as to how centres can be given more resources so that they can take care of more residents assigned to their cluster and residents can use their centres for activities more optimally. Mr Speaker, in our 2020 manifesto, WP called for residential long-term care to be more heavily subsidised so as to relieve the out-of-pocket financial burden of social care for many families.”
“However, transiting persons with disabilities and getting employers to be PwD-ready is one thing. A suitable working environment for disabled persons will also require good understanding, empathy and support from their colleagues. And, indeed, when we talk about disability, there is a wide range. Provisions can range simply from rent for wheelchair access for the physically handicapped persons to providing assistive technology for those with sight problems and so on. For those with special needs, for example, mild autism, depending on the individuals, it may involve suitable calibration in lighting or noise or providing for task management assistance or specific communication modes at work and so on. How many of us can say we know with some details, of the workplace needs of different categories of disabled persons? I recently had conversation with some Singaporeans who are high-functioning autistic working adults, including a resident. They shared with me their life journey of struggling with their autism at their workplace, both before and after discovering, belatedly, their autism after they became adults. A person shared with me her fear of group projects causing her to do badly in school, right through to university and even at work. Another successful, highly educated and intellectual individual shared with me that he will often struggle if his superior did not provide clear instructions or guidance or understandable guidelines for certain administrative tasks, or when he had to conduct seminars or workshops. A sticking issue is the lack of understanding from colleagues of their condition and their needs at work. There is even fear of discrimination of affecting promotion or job security, preventing one from sharing about one's own condition or challenges.”
“Reasonable accommodations are essential for a person with disability in entering the workforce and attaining and maintaining employment, and this would be consistent with the requirements the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. I note that there are already state funding and subsidies for improvements to workplace, job redesign, assistive technology to aid persons with disabilities in their workplace and there is also the Enabling Employment Credit, which has just been extended to end-2028 under this Budget, and these are all beneficial for persons with disabilities in the workplace. On the other hand, knowledge and appreciation of the importance of reasonable accommodations to persons of disabilities can be instilled from young in school in both children and youth with or without disabilities. This can be specifically included in the character and citizenship education syllabus, where we have been told that the current curriculum aims to develop students to be empathetic, sensitive and respectful to all, including those with special educational needs or disabilities. Can the MOE clarify or consider whether the concept of reasonable accommodations or at least the key aspects of it are currently being taught to both children and youth, with and without disabilities, to better prepare them to foster any inclusive work environment for all when they enter working age? Mr Speaker, I hope the Enabling Masterplan 2030, with its focus on inclusive employment practices, will continue to facilitate improvements in employment experiences for persons with disabilities, getting more support for employers to provide appropriate accommodations in their workplace that can facilitate a working environment where persons with disabilities can thrive.”
“I would also like to ask about the manpower transition efforts for our workers in this industry, whether following Shell's sale or generally, what are being done to transition our workers as the industry undergoes green transition? I have asked about this previously and I hope we will get some assuring answers from MOM this time. Mr Speaker, I look forward to the Government's responses and elaborations on the concerns that I have raised, whether at the Budget debate or at the Committee of Supply. Although global geopolitics has changed dramatically over the past year, climate change is still the number one existential risk to the world and to Singapore. To be clear, the Workers' Party supports ambitious climate action, we have and will continue to back the Government on good, effective climate policy. Mr Speaker, I welcome the Prime Minister's announcement that he will provide more support for adults with disabilities. In my Budget debate speech last year, I have said that, as a society, there is a lot more that we can and should do for adults with disabilities among us. In particular, adults with serious special needs as well as their caregivers. I spoke on doing more for the care and education of adults with special needs, including post-SPED school education and training as well as doing more for their caregivers. I am therefore happy to hear that the Government is looking into the post-18 pathways for persons with disabilities, to see how more support can be given to those transiting to work, building up work readiness at the workplace. For persons with disabilities, the range of disabilities do vary a lot.”
“Can the Government explain how it took into account feedback on the NDC from the public who are key stakeholders in this climate crisis? Fifth, my understanding is that emissions from international aviation and shipping are not covered under our climate targets. Is there a timeline for when our targets will eventually cover these two sectors? In this Budget, the Government will provide $5 billion more to the Changi Airport Development Fund, some of which would go to Terminal 5, which the Prime Minister has said that when completed, will increase our airport capacity by 50%. While Singaporeans may all look forward to our air hub expanding, the 50% increase in capacity will, if it goes according to plan, mean a staggering increase in flights and, consequently, aviation emissions. What are our Government's plans of cutting aviation emissions per plane seat so that we will not inadvertently be accelerating climate change with the increase in airport capacity and flights? How will our sustainable air hub blueprint be stepped up in the next few years to mitigate the increase in aviation emissions after T5 opens? Mr Speaker, I have spoken previously on the green transition of our petrochemicals industry. Our linkages in the brown economy are still deep for now, even as we see in 2024 a significant sale by Shell of their assets in Pulau Bukom and Jurong Island. I would like to seek, once again, the Government's update on the green transition of our petrochemicals industry, where we stand now with the Shell sale and other developments in the petrochemicals industry. Are there any shifts toward green transition following the sale, which the Government is able to provide some updates?”
“A Straits Times article on 12 November 2024 reported that a number of public buses currently running on batteries have risen to 420, which is 7% of the current overall public bus fleet. I have also previously spoken on my concern for the slower electrification of our logistics vehicles, including lorries and other heavy vehicles. I welcome the Prime Minister's announcement of a new Heavy Vehicle Zero Emission Scheme and an Electric Heavy Vehicle Charger Grant, providing incentives for the purchase of heavy vehicles and co-funding of charging infrastructure. I hope these incentives will help push the needle on heavy vehicle conversion. I look forward to Ministry of Transport's elaboration of these features and other clarifications during the COS. Mr Speaker, in this Budget, about a year since its launch, the Prime Minister also doubled the Future Energy Fund to $10 billion. I would like the Government to explain how each disbursement is accelerating our energy transition as well as to give more details on the nature of projects that have been funded. Thirdly, the NDC does not explain the proportion to which novel tools, such as carbon captured utilisation and storage and carbon credits, will contribute to the downward trend in emissions after 2028. To what extent will Singapore be relying on them? Is the Government's view that such tools will be as predictable as incentivising efficiency and emission reductions through higher carbon taxes from 2028 onwards? On carbon capture, utilisation and storage, the responses to the public consultation on the NDC included concerns on the use of carbon capture and storage, which may not be fully proven and difficult to scale.”
“Mr Speaker, for my Budget debate speech this year, I will start with the issue of our ongoing efforts for green transition, as I have done in past years, followed by the issue of support for adults with disabilities before touching on a few issues relating to healthcare and support for our seniors. Mr Speaker, the Prime Minister announced in his Budget speech that Singapore submitted our new climate target, that is, Singapore's 2035 nationally determined contribution (NDC) to the United Nations Framework two weeks ago and that we have committed to reducing our emissions to between 45 and 55 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2035. The NDC is a concrete commitment we have made to the international process and I am glad that for the first time the Government has committed to a downward trajectory in the country's emissions after the plan peak in 2028. On our latest NDC, I would like to ask how much our plan is currently aligned with the Paris Agreement's 1.5 degrees warming target. If it is not aligned, how much warming is our plan consistent with, that is, is it a two-degree warming world, three-degree warming world, or so on. Second, can the Government clarify what is stopping us from bringing forward our transition even further? Is it possible to accelerate negotiations on renewable imports with our neighbours? On transport, which I often speak on in this House, I hope the Government can incentivise a faster shift towards vehicle electrification for private vehicles, as well as to expedite the electrification of our public fleets, given that it has more direct control over it.”
“I thank the Minister for his answers. I would like to ask the Minister, in respect of the disruption caused by the breakdown of the engineering vehicles on track, are the maintenance of the engineering or any other maintenance vehicles subject to the same maintenance standard as expected of passenger trains? And following this incident, will LTA look into the maintenance regime for the maintenance vehicles, because, obviously, it may impact on the operations of our passenger trains? Relating to that, will SMRT also look at better service recovery of stalled engineering vehicles along the tracks? Besides the engineering vehicle issue, I would also like to ask the Minister, beyond bridging bus services during a breakdown, how can operators and LTA improve the public communication process at affected stations with commuters during train disruptions? For example, can operators push out information on regular bus services operating near the affected stations to alleviate the demand on the bridging bus services?”
“After all, donations from foreign clan associations, business associations or foreign counterparts may provide support for local associations or business organisations that are short of funds. At the same time, donations also give foreign companies more exposure in the market. This is a mutually beneficial relationship. Of course, MHA may follow up on declared foreign entities when deemed necessary, but I hope that this will not lead to unnecessary prejudice against foreign donations themselves. (In English): My Deputy Speaker, notwithstanding my concerns and questions, I support the Bill.”
“] Mr Deputy Speaker, I support the Maintenance of Racial Harmony Bill, but I have some questions and concerns about the provisions in the Bill regarding clan associations and business associations. I declare that I am an honorary advisor to the Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan in Singapore. According to the Bill, clan associations and business associations will be required to declare details of foreign donations. The Government's aim is to reduce or prevent foreign political interference in local clan associations and business associations. I can understand this. However, I am concerned that the reporting requirements may impose unnecessary administrative burdens on these organisations, especially smaller ones. Many clan associations are already facing numerous challenges in their operations, including attracting new generations of members, maintaining the associations' operations and ensuring their continued relevance and contribution to a modern Singapore society. Therefore, the process of declaring foreign donations should not create additional administrative burdens for them. I hope that MHA will show more empathy towards smaller clan associations and business associations when implementing these new regulations. After all, many association directors and members are volunteers, and these associations have limited manpower and resources. Severe penalties on unintentional oversights will put significant pressure on these organisations. Furthermore, I also would like to ask the Minister to clarify that foreign donations themselves are not unwelcome or universally prohibited, because this is not like FICA.”
“While MHA can follow up on declared foreign entities, if it deems necessary, I hope that there will not be unnecessary stigma relating to foreign donations per se as long as there is no political interference. I would also like to know whether the financial contributions to joint projects between local clans or business organisations and their foreign counterparts come under the clauses of this Bill. If so, I am concerned that their inclusion may discourage joint projects which may be beneficial to the development of our local clans or business organisations. Mr Deputy Speaker, I will next touch on leadership restrictions imposed by this Bill on designated entities like clans and business organisations. Clauses 23 to 26 of this Bill impose basic leadership restrictions on such designated entities. The provisions require that more than half of the total number of seats on the governing body of any designated entity must be occupied or held by Singapore Citizens. For governing bodies with fewer than three seats, all of them must be occupied or held by Singapore citizens. Responsible officers of designated entities must be Singapore Citizens or Singapore PRs. Mr Deputy Speaker, I support these provisions. In fact, I will go one step further to ask that responsible offices of designated entities must be Singapore Citizens only as opposed to Singapore Citizens and PRs are effectively nationals of another country. While their support and participation in clans and business organisations should be encouraged and allowed, the leadership of such entities should remain with those with no other nationality than that of Singapore. Mr Speaker, in Mandarin, please. (In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, while the declaration of details relating to foreign donations to clans and business organisations may be a control measure to minimise or prevent foreign political interference with the local clans or business associations, I am concerned that the reporting requirements should not overly burden the management of our clan and business organisations, especially the smaller clans, which may already have their hands tied running their organisations, recruiting younger members and ensuring their continuing relevance and contributions to modern society in Singapore. I hope that MHA will also be empathetic to organisational constraints, especially in smaller clans and business associations, when regulations are introduced for easier administrative compliance. After all, many of these office-bearers and members are volunteers and staff support may be limited, especially for the smaller clans and associations. This is also bearing in mind the likely penalties which may arise from non-compliance are quite stiff. I would further like to ask the Minister to confirm for good order that the presence of foreign-based donations, whether from a foreign counterpart clan or business association or from even a foreign business entity with business interests, is in itself and unlike in FICA not prohibited and not regarded to be unwelcome. I say this because there are possibly mutual benefits from such donations if such clans and associations find it difficult to raise funds while foreign businesses may find that it is a good marketing avenue for their businesses and products.”
“Clause 18(1) requires that designated entities will generally be required to report the foreign donations and anonymous donations that they accept, subject to the regulations to be provided. Clause 18(2) sets out various matters that may be prescribed by the regulations to be included in the reports to be submitted by designated entities. They include the classes of foreign donations and anonymous donations that need not be reported. May I ask the Minister what would be the classes or types of foreign donations which designated entities will be required to be reported? Would these be categorised by a monetary limit? Clause 19(1) requires designated entities to report their foreign affiliations according to the subsidiary legislations. Clause 19(2) sets out various matters to be prescribed by the regulations which must be included in such reports by the designated entities. Clause 19(2)(b) mentions the possibility of "classes of foreign affiliations, if any, that may not be reported". May I ask the Minister what are the possible affiliations being considered by MHA at this point in time to be excluded from the reporting process and if so, what are the considerations? I would also like to ask the Minister whether MHA is presently aware of the extent to which our clan and business associations receive donations from foreign counterparts and entities, and if so, to share some details so that we can better understand the extent of such financial support such organisations are currently receiving and have a better appreciation of the likely risks that such organisations may face. It would also enable Members of Parliament to appreciate MHA's concern about the risk of foreign interference on such clans and associations, leading to MHA tabling such requirements.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, I support the Maintenance of Racial Harmony Bill. But I have some questions and concerns to the proposed provisions in this Bill relating to clans and business organisations which would be designated as race-based entities under this Bill. I declare that I am an honorary adviser of the Singapore Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan. Mr Deputy Speaker, according to MHA, clans and business associations linked to the Chinese, Malay and Indian races would be designated as race-based entities under this Bill and be subject to measures to curb possible foreign influence. It was reported that according to MHA's preliminary estimation, this Bill, once passed, will result in the designation of more than 300 such entities in Singapore. CNA reported that according to MHA, organisations that promote the interest of a racial group or subgroup are potential entry points for such influence, and that entities may be designated if their objectives and activities represent the interest of any race or issues relating to it and that "designation is deemed necessary or expedient to preempt, prevent or reduce any foreign influence that may undermine racial harmony in Singapore." Mr Deputy Speaker, while I agree that clans and business associations linked to races should be protected from foreign political influence and interference, I am concerned with the potential impact the new rules may have on our clan associations and other race-based associations whose focus may be cultural and economic and not political. Clauses 18 to 22 of this Bill provide for regulations imposing reporting obligations on designated entities.”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. I thank the Minister for his answers and I do appreciate Minister's answers on support in terms of capacity building, as well as education. I do support that. I would like to ask a supplementary question. Beyond financial assistance, is there any role that Singapore can play to provide more, perhaps, technical assistance to help with the infrastructural reconstruction, rebuilding, for example, the homes, hospitals, schools and public utilities? Because, as we can imagine, these are very dire and urgent needs on the ground at this moment.”
“Minister Grace Fu also said our local agri-food sector also depends on consumer demand for their products, that consumers can play a part by choosing to purchase local produce, which can be easily recognised by the red SG Fresh Produce logo or on dine and food businesses under the FTTRP. I strongly agree with her when she said that local produce, I quote, "Local produce is fresher, lasts longer and incurs less transport miles as it need not travel long miles or for long periods of time before reaching customers." For many years, this adage of incurring less air miles has been in our minds. Whenever my wife and I are buying groceries, we may not always be able to avoid buying foods from afar, but it does help to steer decisions to buy local products whenever they are available. Less air miles, my wife will always remind me. Mr Speaker, in closing, I hope the Government will continue to spare no efforts to achieve its 30 by 30 vision to locally produce 30% of Singapore's nutritional needs by 2030. This should complement the new MSR regime, setting up food stockpiles. Notwithstanding my questions, I support this Bill.”
“At the same time, there should be more bottom-up conversations with all stakeholders in the food sector to identify the pain points that each is facing, whether in farming, supplying or in procuring local produce. Minister Grace Fu, in a recent reply on12 November 2024 to a Parliamentary Question from my colleague, our Aljunied Member, Mr Gerald Giam, shared that the SFA has been supporting the industry in achieving greater offtake for local produce through various initiatives. She said that this included incorporating a criterion in Government procurement to give additional points to businesses who have undertaken sustainability initiatives, such as being recognised under the FTTRP for procuring locally grown produce. The additional points increase their chances of securing Government catering contracts, including those with key Government entities. I welcome these and other efforts she shared. Indeed, to support Singapore's 30 by 30 goal of producing 30% of nutritional needs locally by 2030, efforts should focus on increasing uptake of locally produced food by major institutional buyers. These institutional buyers supply food to key government entities like the Singapore Armed Forces, public hospitals, Prisons, welfare homes and senior care centres and play critical roles in scaling demand for domestic food. Incentivising these major institutional food buyers through long-term contracts, contractual requirements or price support measures can make locally sourced products more competitive, promoting the market viability of Singapore's local food producers and enhancing national food security.”
“The global norm for our agriculture policies in developed country is to provide direct ongoing subsidies for farms to meet operation expenses tied to various goals, such as maintaining soil health, improving livestock management and reducing emissions. This can be seen in the EU member countries – Japan, Canada and New Zealand. Granted that our agriculture is on a different scale compared to these countries, but a little more help to our farms and businesses, where possible, even not on the same scale, can still help to push the needle for food security. One of our residents has asked about the effectiveness of the current measure as taken by the Government. He asked that if the current Government initiatives are adequate or productive, why are local farms still struggling and, in some cases closing down? Indeed, those who are struggling or closing down, they cannot all be inefficient players. Our resident has also asked what are the additional steps which can be taken to ensure the sustainability and growth of local farms and whether there are gaps in the current approach that needs to be addressed to better support our local producers. Mr Speaker, I also urge SFA to look into assisting our agri-businesses to secure seeds, feed and fertiliser. The same issues of food security for crops will also affect the security of seeds, feed and fertiliser. Without security of supply with stable pricing, this will also affect the ability of our agri-businesses to secure their production and ultimately, supply of food to Singaporeans, not to mention the survival of their businesses. Mr Speaker, regardless of the challenges, we need to continue to push up our domestic food production.”
“While I am sure that the ACT Fund has helped some businesses, I urge the Government to also consider giving assistance beyond capital expenses. This may be for farms which are not necessarily high technology or require assistance outside of technology or capability upgrades. Labour and rental costs are always a bugbear in Singapore. Senior Minister of State Koh, in a reply to another Member of this House in August, was vehement against directly offsetting operating expenses, stating, and I quote, "It will be something quite challenging because it could well end up having the perverse effect of paying for inefficient players offset their costs to the detriment of taxpayers money as well. So, we want to fund them so that whatever they do has durability and sustainability for the longer term and fundamentally changes the way the company operates for more sustainable future." I understand this reasoning, but I still hope that the Government can do more to help our agri-businesses who are impacted by high operating expenses. Unlike other business sectors, the Government needs to find different ways to help our farms and agri-trade businesses to produce sufficiently so that they can, in turn, help Singapore to achieve the 30 by 30 vision for our food security. How can the Government do more to help our farms and businesses to supply the required products, given weather and other environmental constraints, higher production, labour and rental costs, which may make their products more expensive as compared to the same products from another country? It would not be just any type of vegetables or fish that is easy and cheaper to grow or breed in Singapore. Our farm must supply part of the common basic food choices required by our own consumers.”
“Will financial assistance, by way of grants or subsidies be given to SMEs to help them to comply with the MSR stockpile requirements? If so, what are these? Beyond financial assistance for the additional stocks required to be stockpiled by businesses under the MSR regime, will the Government also provide direct financial assistance by way of grants or subsidies, or even actual warehouse space for the additional storage space for the mandated stockpile so that businesses will not be out of pocket. It is pertinent that Government should take steps to ensure that all compliant costs will not be passed on to the ultimate consumes. Mr Speaker, I have asked in my Parliamentary Question in August last year how the Government will assist our agri-trade businesses in coping with business cost challenges as they play their part in the Government's 30 by 30 vision. Senior Minister of State Koh replied that SFA ensures that the ACT Fund remains relevant in meeting farms, business and growth needs. The Agri-food Cluster Transformation Fund is a $60 million fund in Singapore that supports local food producing companies in the agri-food sector. The Fund was established in April 2021 by the SFA to help local farms adopt advanced farming systems and technology. Senior Minister of State Koh also said that the ACT Fund encourages our farms to invest in productive and resource-efficient technologies that can help to manage resource use and consequently, operating costs. He added that the SFA introduced the Energy Efficiency Programme in 2023 under this Fund to co-fund energy efficiency audits and adoption of energy-efficient equipment and technologies to help our farms better manage their energy costs for the longer term.”
“I can agree that the MSR regime will, in principle, be able to provide us with short-term food supply, especially in times of crisis, when for political or environmental reasons, fresh supplies of food are suddenly cut off from Singapore. However, the devil is in the details. Besides rice, which is already subject to the current rice stockpiling scheme, what other food will be required to be maintained under the MSR regime? Would the MSR regime eventually cover a full range of food items, providing for adequate nutritional and calorific requirements for every adult and child. I heard Senior Minister of State Koh Poh Koon said in his speech just now that it will only be rice now. But what are the conditions that will enable the DG to decide on other food categories to be included under this regime? The Bill also does not explicitly specify the required levels or thresholds under the MSR regime. Given that Singapore relies heavily on imported food supply, about 90% of our food supply, the MSR must be set at a level that can sustain our population during significant disruptions. Such risks can include pandemics, geopolitical tensions, export bans and climate-related shocks. Can the Minister share with the House what are the expected levels of stockpiling required under the MSR regime? I urge the Government to give some details to give assurance to Singaporeans of the sufficiency of the MSR stockpiles in times of crisis. On the other hand, the MSR regime may impose significant burden on our food suppliers and importers. While the Bill is imposing penalties on businesses under the MSR regime, has the Government studied the financial impact the MSR regime may have on our Singapore suppliers and importers, especially our SMEs and local businesses?”
“Even rice, which is a stockpile item under the MSR in this current Bill, is highly vulnerable to climate change as it requires a high amount of water, is unable to withstand any drought and can only grow between 21°C to 37°C. Temperatures, in fact, above 35°C, can adversely affect yields. With the current global warming trajectory of 2.7°C, one cannot rule out rice yields being affected by weather changes in the coming years. Many smaller states are disproportionately affected by climate change, as compared to bigger countries who have greater means and may prioritise their own climate change interest ahead of others. In COP29, many small states were disappointed that small states receive much less funding than required – US$300 billion instead of the US$1.3 trillion required. Some progress, but arguably insufficient for the Paris goals. In this post-COVID world, the continual rise of protectionism worldwide, coupled with the lack of enforceable global frameworks, may likely see countries prioritising self-preservation and self-interest, leaving vulnerable small states like Singapore, who requires import of most of our food needs. If food-producing countries are affected by crop failures or declines brought about by climate changes, there may not be sufficient food exports and countries like Singapore will suffer by the drop in supply or even significant price increases, which will also bring financial hardship to our people. Likewise, geopolitical conflicts or tensions may also affect food production and exports, leading to similar consequences. In short, the above circumstances underlie the increased importance of food security for Singapore in an increasingly uncertain world. This Bill introduces the MSR regime.”
“Given the geopolitical economy and landscape now, more than before, we need to use to use Minister Masagos' words from five years ago to, I quote, "strengthen climate resilience and overcome our resource constraints." Mr Speaker, many felt that the recently concluded 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) have focused more on securing agreement for the carbon credit issue over the need to reduce carbon emissions. At its current pace, the world's current Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) lead to about 2.7°C warming, far from the 1.5°C Paris Agreement target. Falling short of this target for 2030 is worrying for the world and for Singapore, as climate changes are ever visible everywhere in the world with more frequent and unexpected bad weather or serious weather pattern changes, including floods, droughts and so on. One important consequence we are starting to see is how climate changes more frequently and adversely affect farming output, including aquaculture. The recent crop failures of cocoa and coffee beans worldwide leading to massive increase in prices is a good reminder of how climate changes can affect worldwide supply and pricing of staple foods. Black pod disease and extreme heat followed by heavy rain impacted cocoa yields, sending price increase from US$2,500 per tonne in March 2023 to US$10,000 a year later. Temperature rises and lack of rainfall in Brazil led to price increase of Arabica coffee beans from US$1.5 per pound in October 2023 to US$2.5 per pound in July 2024. Price of Robusta coffee beans rose from US$2.60 per kilogramme in July 2023 to US$4.68 per kilogramme a year later due to one of the worst droughts in Vietnam.”
“Mr Speaker, over the Chinese New Year period in 2019, Malaysia banned the export of four species of fish to Singapore, as well as considered limiting egg imports here to Singapore. Shortly after that, at the Committee of Supply debates in March 2019, the then Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Masagos Zulkifli, told Parliament about SFA's grow local strategy to, I quote, "reduce our reliance on imports and buffer the impact of overseas supply disruptions". The stated aim was, I quote, "to locally produce 30% of Singapore's nutritional needs by 2030". Last August, Senior Minister of State, Dr Koh Poh Koon, replied to Parliamentary Questions from myself and other Members of this House on the 30 by 30 vision, and gave some updates on our efforts to achieve the 30 by 30 vision. Among other things, he mentioned that the business climate has, since 2019, become less favourable due to factors such as COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions and inflation. He mentioned that during COVID-19 pandemic, an initial phase of reopening, our farms face a shortage of foreign workers and construction delays, and in a post pandemic period, inflation and energy price highs exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, as well as a more challenging financial environment have added to their challenges. Senior Minister of State Koh Poh Koon also said that, and I quote, "the 30 by 30 vision has always been an aspiration." While I note the challenges is mentioned, I do hope that the aspiration will not imply any buckling down from the Government's resolve to achieve its goal of locally producing 30% of Singapore's nutritional needs by 2030. It cannot be, because we need now more than before, to press on towards the goal in the next five years, in spite of the challenges.”
“Mr Speaker, food safety and security are increasingly important concerns for our country. While I welcome the introduction of this Bill, I do have some questions for the Minister and I would like to share some concerns. I welcome the change in law providing for the increased flexibility for Singaporeans to import food of all types, save for a few specific items like animal blood. For personal consumption, limited to 15 kilogrammes, doing away with existing rules, allowing Singaporeans to, say, bring home meat products from certain countries alone. I think the rule change makes good sense and allows Singaporeans to make decisions for themselves for their own personal consumption. I recall that on a constituency trip to Johor last year, a resident of mine happily bought a number of rice dumplings with pork, intending for family members to enjoy having first tried one and found them to be good. But she had to share the dumplings with fellow travellers for consumption before coming back to Singapore when she found out that she was not allowed to bring the dumplings into Singapore. Mr Speaker, notwithstanding the good efforts of SFA in promoting and enhancing food safety in recent years, we continue to read of incidents of food poisoning arising from catered food. I know the tiering and enhancing of penalties and the strengthening of food safety regulatory framework beyond increasing penalties. Can the Minister share with this House, what are the other efforts of SFA to promote best practices in the industry and minimise incidents of food poisoning? How can SFA engender a deeper appreciation of good food safety practices and ingrain a strong food safety culture among caterers and workers in the industry? I will next turn to food security.”