Desmond Lee
Singapore
“The Leadership, Enrichment, Achievement, Participation and Service (LEAPS) 2.0 is a framework for recognising student participation and achievement in secondary school co-curricular programmes.”
“The Ministry of Education (MOE) is mindful of the impact that rising temperatures may have on our students, teachers and officials taking part in the National School Games. Matches are scheduled only after students have had the time to train and become progressively more heat acclimatised.”
“As shared in Parliament in March 2026, the proportion of students with special educational needs (SEN) in mainstream schools has remained stable, at around 7% of the overall student population. This stability is observed across both primary and secondary schools.”
“The Ministry recruits and assesses applicants based on merit and suitability for the teaching profession, regardless of gender. We look for individuals with a passion for teaching, a belief in the potential of every child, and who possess the values and character to make a positive difference in students' lives.”
“Over the past five years, an average of 750 teachers resigned from the Education Service annually, representing a resignation rate of around 2%.”
“MOE has also progressively strengthened open access within the Primary 1 Registration Framework through Phase 2C, which is open to students regardless of whether they have prior connections to the school. MOE had increased the number of reserved Phase 2C places from zero to 20 in 2014; and from 20 to 40 in 2022.”
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“Various Members have previously asked about the supply and demand of flats under the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme (PPHS). The PPHS provides an additional temporary housing option for households awaiting the completion of their new flats. The supply of PPHS flats is limited and depends on the availability of vacant flats. The mainstay of supply is HDB flats pending demolition, such as vacated SERS flats, that are not immediately needed for redevelopment. As at June 2021, HDB has about 840 rental flats available under PPHS. The majority of these are occupied and tenants usually stay for two years or longer. Since 2020, the supply of PPHS flats has tightened due to a shortage of construction workers to spruce up flats that have been returned to HDB before they can be let out to new tenants. Delays in BTO completion have also slowed down the return of PPHS flats to HDB. At the same time, the demand for PPHS flats has increased, likely due to delays in BTO completion, working from home and competition for open market rental from others who need to rent flats. The number of unique PPHS applicants in the last five years and the corresponding percentage of applicants who had a chance to select a PPHS flat are shown in Table 1 below. While the demand for PPHS flats has increased since 2020, about half of the applicants who were offered one or more chances to select a flat since 2020 did not turn up or did not select a flat, suggesting that not all applicants have an urgent housing need and some may have other housing options. Given the limited supply of PPHS flats, we are considering how to fine-tune allocation to give priority to families in greater need of temporary housing.”
“BCA has worked with MOM to temporarily allow new construction Work Permit Holders (WPHs) from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to obtain their skills certification in Singapore instead of at Overseas Testing Centres (OTCs) in the PRC, from 7 May 2021 until the end of this year. Thus far, about 600 new PRC workers have entered Singapore to work in our construction industry. The average net outflow of migrant workers in the construction industry from April 2020 to June 2021 was about 1,900 workers per month. The Government is working closely with the industry to mitigate the impact of the ongoing manpower crunch. In addition to facilitating the entry of new workers from PRC, MOM has been exercising greater flexibility for firms to retain their existing WPHs. It is also looking into extending the temporary flexibility granted to PRC construction WPHs to obtain their skills certification in Singapore, to workers from other sources. The construction industry has also recently adopted an Alliance for Action (AfA) approach to bring in migrant workers safely, in partnership with our agencies. This pilot comprises a tightened end-to-end process, involving protocols such as a stringent COVID-19 testing regime for workers over a 14-day period at dedicated facilities in source countries before they depart for Singapore, to minimise the risk of importing COVID-19 cases. The pilot started with a small number of migrant workers from India and we will explore scaling up the process in a sustainable manner if the pilot is successful.”
“In 2016, HDB launched the “My Smart HDB Home @ Yuhua” trial under which residents could purchase smart home applications and services, including the Elderly Monitoring System (EMS), directly from vendors of such solutions. The trial concluded in March 2018. HDB has taken in learning points from the trial in the development of the HDB Smart Enabled Home Initiative, where digital infrastructure is provided within HDB flats to support the adoption of smart home solutions such as the EMS. For example, flats at the recently completed Northshore Residences I and II are equipped with a smart distribution board for residents to better manage energy consumption within their homes and to facilitate residents’ adoption of smart home solutions, including the EMS. Various packages for sensor-based EMS are available commercially and residents who wish to install EMS can directly engage a service provider which best suits their needs. HDB does not track the total number of flats that have been installed with EMS. For residents’ convenience, HDB has included a weblink in the appointment letter issued for keys collection for residents of 2-room Flexi flats to find out more information on commercial providers who offer the EMS. Interested residents can also approach HDB’s InfoWeb for more information.”
“Under the Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP), limits are set on the proportion of flats that can be owned by households from each ethnic group. When an EIP limit for a specific ethnic group is reached, sellers from the other ethnic groups cannot sell their flats to buyers from the affected group. However, sellers from the affected ethnic group may sell their flats to buyers from any ethnic group, including the affected ethnic group. For example, when the Indian/Others block limit is reached, Chinese and Malay sellers in that block cannot sell their flats to Indian/Others buyers. However, Indian/Others flat owners can sell their flats to buyers from any ethnic group, including Indian/Others buyers. In view of the large number of HDB blocks and neighbourhoods, and the long time period involved, we have provided aggregated statistics at five-yearly intervals for the number of HDB neighbourhoods and blocks affected by the EIP limits. Please see Tables 1 and 2 for details. Until 2000, HDB accepted the voluntary surrender of flats for any reason. Flat owners who chose to surrender their flats to HDB were not required to indicate a reason for doing so and HDB did not track if surrendered flats were affected by the EIP limits. After 2000, as the resale market had become more developed and sellers had more options for sale on the resale market, HDB stopped accepting the voluntary surrender of flats that are eligible to be sold on the open market.”
“The details of first-timer (FT) families who were unsuccessful in the Build-To-Order (BTO) exercises in the non-mature estates in 2019 and 2020 are tabulated below. These figures include applicants who may have been successful in applications outside of BTO exercises in the non-mature estates, but chose not to select a flat.”
“HDB recognises that the housing needs of first-timer applicants are more pressing and hence accords greater priority to them in their flat applications. Currently, first-timer families are given two ballot chances when HDB shortlists flat applicants to book a flat. Those who have been unsuccessful in two or more attempts for Build-To-Order (BTO) flats in the non-mature estates will be given an additional ballot chance at their subsequent application for a BTO flat in the non-mature estates. This is provided they have not been invited to select a flat for any of their earlier BTO or Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) applications. As a result, virtually all first-timer families have been successful within their first three tries for a BTO flat in the non-mature estates over the past few years. Hence, there is no need to have a new priority scheme for such first-timer applicants. HDB will continue to monitor the success rates of these applicants. To guide them in their flat application journey, flat buyers can refer to the HDB InfoWEB for information on the flat application process and related policies. If they have queries about their application status, the application procedures and policies, or require more guidance, they may contact HDB through the various channels listed on the HDB InfoWEB.”
“In September 2019, HDB updated the HDB InfoWEB to explain how we support the housing needs of Single Unwed Parents (SUPs). SUPs who are in stable employment and can afford to buy a flat can buy up to a 3-room flat in the non-mature estates from HDB, or a resale flat on the open market. Those who cannot afford to buy a flat will be considered for public rental flats. From September 2019 to June 2021: (a) HDB approved requests from about 190 SUPs to apply for a new flat under HDB’s sales exercises, of whom about two-thirds were subsequently successful in their flat applications. Of the successful applicants, half of them have booked a flat, a quarter of them did not book a flat when they were invited to do so and the remaining are waiting for their flat booking appointment; and (b) HDB approved requests from about 55 SUPs below the age of 35 to buy a resale flat, of whom half have completed their purchase. In the same period, HDB also approved about 380 applications from SUPs to rent a flat under the Public Rental Scheme. HDB will continue to review every request from SUPs holistically and render housing assistance to them in the best interest of their children.”
“The external walls of HDB blocks are common property under the Town Councils’ management and maintenance. Residents who encounter water seepage through their walls typically report such cases to their Town Council. HDB does not have information on the number of cases pending repair by each Town Council. As external walls are subject to wear and tear over time, Town Councils are advised to keep them in good condition by carrying out regular maintenance and repairs where needed. Town Councils should also take the opportunity to seal the minor wall cracks and repaint the external walls during their repairs and redecoration works cycle. Ceiling leaks may occur within HDB flats as a result of wear and tear over time. The responsibility for repairs falls jointly on the upper- and lower-floor flat owners. In most cases, ceiling leaks can be amicably resolved when flat owners exercise mutual understanding and cooperate with one another in the investigation and repairs. On a goodwill basis, HDB offers assistance under the Goodwill Repair Assistance (GRA) scheme to help upper and lower-floor owners to repair ceiling leaks. There are about 900 cases received by HDB between 2020 and March 2021 still pending repair. Due to disruptions from COVID-19, the average waiting time to complete each case under the GRA scheme has increased from one to two months, to four to six months. Some repairs have also been delayed on the request of home owners for works to be deferred till the COVID-19 situation stabilises. HDB is doing its best to continue with the necessary works under prevailing Safe Management Measures and will prioritise urgent or critical works, and assist residents wherever possible. We seek residents’ understanding on this.”
“NParks adopts a holistic, multi-pronged approach to tackle illegal wildlife feeding. For repeat offenders or those with psychiatric issues, NParks partners Town Councils, Municipal Services Office (MSO), PA, and the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) to find out their motivations and to discourage them from continuing to feed wildlife. NParks also partners the AIC to offer nature-based activities to these feeders. For example, since January 2020, NParks has engaged repeat feeders of wild birds and offered them activities such as community gardening and bird-watching to discourage them from illegal bird-feeding. In addition, the AIC offers mental health assistance to repeat offenders with underlying conditions, where appropriate. Such engagement efforts have enhanced NParks’ management of illegal wildlife feeding. Sentencing options such as the mandatory treatment order (MTO) or community work order (CWO) may not always be suitable in dealing with repeat wildlife feeders or those with psychiatric issues. For example, an MTO is only appropriate if the offender and his or her psychiatric condition are suitable for treatment and the psychiatric condition of the offender is a contributing factor to the offence. As for the CWO, it may be challenging for elderly offenders with other health or mobility conditions to perform CWO sentences. NParks will continue to review its wildlife management efforts and take a reasonable, multi-pronged approach to address issues of wildlife feeding.”
“Between June 2020 and June 2021, a monthly average of about 17,000 people visited St John's Island, which is also land-linked to Seringat Island, Lazarus Island and Kias Island. This is an increase from a monthly average of about 6,800 visitors in 2019. Agencies such as NParks and SLA have taken steps to protect our marine biodiversity and ecosystems, even as more visitors explore the Southern Islands. For example, in 2014, NParks designated the Sisters’ Islands Marine Park as a marine protected area due to the rich marine biodiversity in its waters. Within the Marine Park, some conservation and research sites are not open to the public and can only be accessed by authorised individuals for scientific research, habitat restoration and species recovery activities. NParks also has plans to develop a floating boardwalk at the Marine Park, to allow visitors to observe marine life up-close without disturbing them. NParks, in consultation with the marine community, will continue to assess the need to designate other areas around the Southern Islands as marine parks for the purposes of biodiversity conservation or scientific research, while allowing visitors to enjoy our natural spaces. NParks works with stakeholders, including the Friends of Marine Park, to organise public education and outreach programmes on marine conservation, such as seminars, workshops, guided nature walks and citizen science activities. NParks also deploys officers and installs signs around the intertidal and subtidal areas to educate visitors on how to interact responsibly with marine wildlife. NParks will continue to work with stakeholders to step up public outreach and education efforts to raise awareness about protecting our marine biodiversity.”
“We have seen high visitorship to our parks and nature reserves during the COVID-19 pandemic, including nature parks adjacent to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. NParks has taken steps to mitigate ecological impact to our core nature areas. For instance, NParks has realigned trails in Bukit Timah Nature Reserve to direct human traffic away from the Reserve’s core conservation areas, allowing these areas to serve as wildlife refuges undisturbed by human activity. NParks has also installed railings along the trails to help visitors keep to designated trails. In addition, our nature reserves and many of the surrounding nature parks are closed to the public from 7.00 pm to 7.00 am daily. This protects the nocturnal rhythms of the animals from human activity. NParks will continue to expand the network of parks, including nature parks, so that more Singaporeans can enjoy nature-based recreation. This will help to spread out the demand for such recreational experiences. We would also like to remind park users to be responsible towards our flora and fauna, so that our native biodiversity can continue to thrive in our green spaces.”
“BCA’s Green Mark scheme also awards points to developments that make use of resource-efficient building designs and conserve existing buildings onsite. This approach allows us to undertake development in an environmentally responsible manner, while meeting the housing needs of Singaporeans.”
“Under the Land Titles (Strata) Act, buildings that are 10 years in age or more are required to obtain consent from 80% of owners before the collective sale can proceed. For buildings less than 10 years in age, consent is required from 90% of owners, so the threshold is higher for newer developments. Even if the required consent threshold is reached, the eventual outcome of the en bloc sale is dependent on many factors, including prevailing market conditions, developers’ demand for land, and sellers’ price expectations. As with any other land sale site, the impact of en bloc sales on property prices is also contingent on different factors, including the attributes of the site as well as market conditions. For example, the increase in dwelling units due to the intensification of an en bloc sale site could help to meet housing demand in a particular area, and may hence help to moderate property prices. Let me now move on to the environmental impact. Every development proposal goes through a robust planning evaluation process which assesses not only its potential environmental impact, but also other aspects such as traffic, public health and heritage. As part of this process, technical agencies may require more detailed studies to be conducted, before planning approval is given. To minimise the environmental impact when buildings are demolished and rebuilt, we also promote the adoption of sustainable construction practices. For example, BCA’s Code of Practice for Demolition provides guidelines for improving the recovery of waste from demolition. In 2020, over 99% of debris from demolition was recycled for further use in the Built Environment sector.”
“Since 2016, two single unwed parents have submitted applications under the PPHS and both applicants were invited to select a flat. One applicant was allocated a PPHS flat, while the other applicant did not select a flat when invited to do so.”
“The proportion of households who agreed that there were sufficient places for neighbourly interactions has remained consistently high at around 97% in the 2013 and 2018 SHS. The SHS also shows that neighbourly interactions tend to take place most commonly at public spaces within the block, with the proportions of residents meeting and interacting with their neighbours within the block in fact increasing over the past 10 years. This is consistent across blocks of different ages. Building thriving communities is an ongoing process. HDB will continue to explore new ways of designing community spaces, to meet our residents’ evolving lifestyle needs and preferences. We invite all Singaporeans to contribute ideas to shape their estates through the ongoing public engagement for the Long-Term Plan Review, or programmes such as HDB’s Lively Places Programme.”
“HDB precincts are designed with a variety of common spaces and communal amenities, and HDB has made a conscious effort to design such spaces and amenities to facilitate interactions amongst residents and promote community bonding. These communal spaces include those at the block level catering for smaller groups to meet and interact, as well as larger spaces at the precinct level for larger gatherings and events. HDB ensures that the amenities are suited for users of all generations and that they are strategically located to ensure convenience and maximise interactions among residents. The design of HDB blocks has evolved over the years and HDB continually reviews its planning norms and enhances the provision and design of communal areas within the precincts and blocks to ensure that they meet the needs of residents and facilitate community bonding. For instance, in newer blocks, HDB has introduced furnished Community Living Rooms where neighbours can meet and bond. Standalone precinct pavilions are also provided for larger social functions and community activities, such as group exercises and weddings. HDB also ensures that there are sufficient social community facilities such as childcare centres and active ageing hubs, some of which are co-located to encourage inter-generational bonding and increase interactions among residents. Beyond the block, HDB towns are provided with facilities and spaces at the town and neighbourhood level, such as markets, eating places, neighbourhood parks and community plazas. Through the Sample Household Survey (SHS) conducted every five years, HDB obtains useful data and feedback on the facilities within HDB precincts, their usage by residents and the level of interactions among neighbours, amongst other matters.”
“I thank the Member for his concern. Indeed, as I have articulated in this reply and the earlier reply, we will maintain a steady supply of BTO flats. We will certainly not drop below 17,000 for this year's supply when we go forward. And we will work closely with our contractors to address the issues that they face, including worker shortages, supply chain disruptions and also, work with fellow agencies to ensure that our construction projects, for existing projects, can get back on track, but without compromising the safety standards of the projects nor the quality of the homes that we deliver.”
“Sir, the construction industry is one of the sectors hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Disruptions from the circuit breaker last year, coupled with stringent safe management measures imposed at worksites, the tightening of border controls for workers from South Asia and supply chain disruptions impacting a availability of materials and components, have affected private and public sector projects, including the Housing and Development Board's (HDB's) Build-To-Order (BTO) projects. Many will take longer to complete. We recognise that the delays to the completion of BTO flats have caused inconvenience to flat buyers and affected many of their life plans. We seek their patience and understanding. HDB is doing its best to work with contractors and consultants to expedite the construction works as much as possible while ensuring that the project quality and safety standards are not compromised. In spite of the challenges faced, we have continued with our BTO launch plans. As I mentioned in my earlier reply, HDB is on track to launch about 17,000 BTO flats in 2021, a higher number than the 14,600 in 2019 and 16,800 flats in 2020. We will continue to monitor the market situation closely and calibrate the supply of public housing accordingly, to ensure that the flat supply remains responsive to the housing needs of the population. Going forward, we will continue to maintain a healthy and steady supply of BTO flats annually. There are no plans to reduce the number of flats to be launched for 2022, which we will announce when ready.”
“I thank the Member for her continued concern for more vulnerable families. We will assess each case on a case-by-case basis for their eligibility for rental housing or other forms of housing support. And I urge the Member to raise any specific cases to us for our consideration.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, indeed, we have increased the supply of BTO launches over the last few years to meet the needs of young families, including echo boomers or the children of the baby boomers. In 2019, we launched 14,600 flats. Last year, some 16,800 flats. And this year, we are on target to launch 17,000 flats. For next year, we are still looking at demand and keeping track of the property market. We will announce the figures for next year's launch soon. Having said that, we do not see that we will reduce the number of flats for launch next year. Certainly, it will be at or above 17,000 flats.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Housing and Development Board (HDB) resale flat prices registered an increase of 5% in 2020 and 6% in the first half of this year. The proportion of buyers who paid a cash-over-valuation (COV) increased from around one in five in 2020 to slightly above one in three in the first half of 2021. The majority of buyers did not have to pay any COV and the median COV has remained at zero. For flat buyers who have been affected by Build-To-Order (BTO) delays and who cancel their BTO flats to buy a resale flat due to urgent housing needs, HDB will consider waiving the forfeiture of the option fee or 5% of the flat purchase price based on an assessment of the flat buyers' specific circumstances. HDB will also consider waiving the one-year wait-out period to allow first-time families with urgent housing needs to receive housing grants if they decide to buy a resale flat. Resale flats are generally available for immediate occupation and buyers can choose from a wide range of flats, according to their preferences and budget. Eligible first-timer families can receive up to $160,000 in grants when they buy a resale flat. We will continue to monitor the market situation to ensure that it remains stable and sustainable.”
“HDB resale flat transactions are conducted on a "willing-buyer-willing-seller" basis, with prices negotiated and mutually agreed upon between flat sellers and buyers. The transacted prices of resale flats for the last 12 months are published on the HDB InfoWEB to guide potential sellers and buyers. After a resale price has been agreed upon, the flat sellers will grant an Option to Purchase (OTP) to the buyers. If the buyers wish to use their CPF savings or a housing loan to pay for the flat purchase, they will need to make a "Request for Value" to HDB. Cash-Over-Valuation (COV) arises when the resale price is higher than the market valuation of the flat, as the difference can only be paid by cash. Otherwise, there is no COV. Buyers can decide whether to exercise the OTP for the resale transaction depending on the valuation and any COV payable. Should they choose not to proceed with the transaction, buyers will forgo the option fee of between $1 and $1,000 paid to the seller. Based on resale flat transactions registered from January 2020 to April 2021, less than one in four involved a COV. Of these, about six in 10 paid a COV of not more than $20,000 while four in 10 paid a COV of more than $20,000. The details of the COV paid for the resale transactions which involved a COV for the different regions in Singapore is in Table 1.”
“Renovation works that do not affect the structural integrity of the HDB block, such as electrical and carpentry works, are not regulated by HDB. Nonetheless, as these works may also generate some noise, HDB will advise the flat owners and their contractors to adopt measures to minimise the noise generated and keep their immediate neighbours informed of the works in advance. For strata-titled developments such as condominiums, management corporations are empowered to enact by-laws to manage the development and can consider adopting similar measures to mitigate the impact of noise generated from renovation works. We empathise with residents who need to work or study from home given the COVID-19 situation, and who could, therefore, be affected by renovation noise. At the same time, new flat owners may need to renovate their flats, sometimes urgently, so that they can move into their new homes as soon as possible. In Singapore’s high density living environment, some amount of noise is inevitable and some give-and-take will be necessary. We have seen instances on the ground where contractors have adjusted the schedule for renovation works after being approached by affected residents. Residents who need assistance can approach HDB, who will help to facilitate alternatives, including providing information on the prevailing available alternative work and study spaces, such as those in community centres and commercial co-working spaces, and working with MOM to see if the resident can return to the office, subject to safe management measures. We thank Singaporeans for your efforts and patience during this period, and seek your continued understanding as we adapt to new work-life arrangements and tackle the COVID-19 pandemic together.”
“HDB regulates renovation works that may affect the structural integrity of the HDB block, such as the demolition of walls and hacking of flooring. Hacking work can only be carried out on weekdays, with only up to two approved handheld power tools in use at any point in time and must be completed within three days. Contractors that carry out these works are also required to close the doors and windows of the flat during renovations to minimise the noise generated. However, due to the nature of hacking and drilling works, there is a limit to the extent to which soundproofing can reduce noise vibrations transmitted through the walls, ceilings or floor. Renovation contractors are required to put up a Notice of Renovation Works outside the flat being renovated during the renovation period, displaying the contact details of the renovation contractor, the duration of the renovation and the dates of the hacking works. HDB does not require these contractors to paste the Notice at lift lobbies to avoid cluttering walls in the common areas though individual Town Councils can allow this. In addition, from July 2021, HDB residents will be able to receive and view Notices for upcoming flat renovation works at their blocks, that have been approved by HDB, through the OneService app. Additionally, contractors are required to inform households within a radius of two flats of the unit being renovated, including the upper and lower floor neighbours, at least three days in advance of the impending renovation works, to give the neighbours advance notice and time to make prior adjustments. Given the current situation where more residents are working and studying from home, HDB will look into the Member’s suggestion to increase the advance notice from the current three days to a week.”
“To best assist single unwed parents with their housing needs, HDB reviews each application to rent a public rental flat to understand the applicant’s individual circumstances, housing options and level of family support, taking into account input from social workers, if necessary. From 2016 to 2020, HDB received 1,218 requests from single unwed parents regarding rental flats (see Table 1). Fifty-five percent of the requests were successful and the number of successful requests quadrupled from 48 in 2016 to 214 in 2020. The remaining requests included enquiries on eligibility conditions, incomplete requests and rejected requests. The common reasons why requests for a public rental flat were rejected included applicants having the means to buy a flat, having family members who can house them, or not providing the full information required for assessment. HDB will continue to review every request from single unwed parents holistically and render housing assistance to them in the best interest of their children.”
“For instance, contractors listed in the DRC are required to inform households within a radius of two flats of the unit being renovated, including the upper and lower floor neighbours, at least three days in advance of the impending renovation works. Contractors who have applied for an HDB renovation permit are also required to put up a Notice of Renovation Works outside the flat entrance during the renovation period so neighbours will know whom to contact if they face issues. To expand outreach, we have also added the notices to the OneService app. From July 2021, HDB residents will be able to receive and view notices for upcoming flat renovation works at their blocks, that have been approved by HDB, through the app. The advanced notices will allow immediate neighbours who may be affected to make alternative arrangements such as returning to office for work, if necessary, or to approach the contractors to adjust the renovation schedules for noisier works. We have seen instances where contractors or flat owners have found mutually agreeable arrangements when approached by affected residents. We empathise with residents who could be affected by renovation noise. At the same time, new flat owners will need to renovate their flats, sometimes urgently, so that they can move in as soon as possible. In Singapore’s high density living environment, some amount of give-and-take will be necessary. Therefore, we seek residents’ patience and understanding as we adapt to new work-life arrangements and tackle the COVID-19 pandemic together. HDB residents with feedback on renovation works may contact HDB’s branch service line at 1800-225-5432 or the Essential Maintenance Service Unit after office hours.”
“Certain types of renovation work, such as the demolition of walls and hacking of flooring, require a renovation permit from HDB and must be conducted by a contractor listed in the HDB Directory of Renovation Contractors (DRC). This is to ensure that the works will not damage the building structure or pose a safety risk to residents. Renovation works that will not affect the structure of the block, such as carpentry or installing light fixtures, are not regulated by HDB and do not require a permit from HDB. The number of infringements committed by renovation contractors since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic has remained largely the same as before. In 2019, there were 52 cases of infringements out of the 63,642 HDB renovation permits issued. In comparison, between the start of the circuit breaker in April 2020 and May 2021, there were 53 cases of infringements out of 76,340 permits issued. The infringements included carrying out unauthorised works in the flats, or contravening HDB’s renovation guidelines. To facilitate compliance, HDB sends circulars to remind contractors listed in the DRC about HDB’s guidelines. In addition, HDB conducts audit inspections on flats, as well as investigations based on feedback from residents on possible infringements. Errant contractors can be penalised by HDB, for instance, by the imposition of a financial penalty and/or demerit points. HDB can also debar contractors who exceed the threshold for demerit points, or who commit serious infringements. There are processes in place to help manage disamenities from renovation noise.”
“While homeowners may conduct home-based businesses in their HDB flats or private residential properties, these premises are primarily for residential use. The restriction on the number of distinct visitors to the home is intended to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission to household members, should there be a COVID-19-positive visitor. Unlike retail stores where interactions occur mainly between the staff and customers, customers of a home-based business may come into contact with household members. Thus, those operating businesses from their homes may receive up to the prevailing permissible number of visitors per day, regardless of whether these individuals are customers or guests, and regardless of the size of their home. We seek the Member’s understanding that the measures are in place to contain the spread of COVID-19 for the safety of household members, visitors and the community at large.”
“MCCY is also currently leading an inter-agency review to strengthen the Community Dispute Management Framework, which seeks to promote neighbourliness to minimise disputes and to encourage the amicable resolution of disputes via mediation. In terms of public education, HDB actively engages residents through exhibitions, volunteer networks like the Friends of Our Heartlands, and campaigns such as the recent collaboration with the Singapore Kindness Movement on the "Then How" public messaging series. The Municipal Services Office (MSO) has also just launched an ongoing study to better understand noise issues in specific feedback hotspots in HDB estates, so that we can develop new strategies to approach this issue. In addition, MSO is working with residents, grassroots organisations and community stakeholders in various Divisions across Singapore through the Love Our ’Hood Initiative to design community solutions to address neighbourly disamenities, with the next location being Pioneer. Ultimately, good communication and neighbourliness amongst residents are key to minimising neighbourhood disamenities.”
“Neighbours are encouraged to accord respect and consideration to one another, especially when more people are at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. One household’s lifestyle or habit could cause inconvenience or disturbance to another household. When disamenities occur due to human behaviour, we encourage communication between neighbours as a first step towards resolving the matter. To assist HDB residents affected by second-hand cigarette smoke from neighbouring homes, HDB works with Town Councils and NEA to advise smokers to exercise consideration for others. A Joint Advisory on Smoking in Homes will be issued to the residential unit reported to be emitting second-hand smoke, encouraging considerate behaviour and emphasising the negative impact that second-hand smoke may have on their neighbours. For residents affected by noise disturbance from neighbours, HDB will convey the feedback to the neighbours and seek their understanding to keep the noise level down. When alerted to feedback about disamenities – whether smoking or noise-related – most neighbours will cooperate and take measures to minimise the inconvenience to other residents. HDB has also put in place measures to mitigate renovation noise and its impact, given that more residents are now working or studying from home and may be affected by renovation noise. For instance, from July 2021, HDB residents will be able to view notices for upcoming flat renovation works at their blocks, that have been approved by HDB, through the OneService App. Should disputes remain intractable, residents can seek help from community leaders or the Community Mediation Centre for mediation to resolve the issue amicably. They can also file a case at the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunal as a last resort.”
“Currently, there are about 4,800 vacant rental flats intended for allocation to new tenants. More than half of these flats need to be spruced up before they can be let out. Due to the severe labour crunch in the construction industry, the pace of sprucing works has slowed down. This had led to longer waiting times for rental flats. The number of approved HDB rental flat applicants on the waiting list has increased from an average of 660 in the past five years to 1,500 now. The waiting time for successful applicants to be allocated a rental flat has also increased from an average of three months in the past five years to about six months currently. Even though the number of vacant flats exceeds the number of applicants on the waiting list at the overall level, applicants need to be matched to the flat type and location that they applied for. In addition, some flat types and application zones have higher demand and a more limited supply of flats, which results in a longer waiting time. HDB is working on measures to speed up the sprucing works and to facilitate key collections as quickly as possible. For applicants with urgent housing needs, such as medical grounds or other extenuating circumstances, HDB will prioritise allocating a flat to them. In 2020, about a third of our successful rental applicants were granted priority allocation.”
“Helping families to secure their first home continues to be a key priority for MND and HDB. This is why we set aside most new flat supply for those applying to buy a home for the first-time: (a) at least 85% and 95% of the 4-room and bigger BTO flats in the non-mature estates and mature estates respectively; and (b) at least 95% of the 3-room and bigger flats offered in Sale of Balance Flats exercises. First-timer applicants also have a higher chance of getting shortlisted to select a BTO flat. They are given two ballot chances instead of one and first-timer families who have been unsuccessful in two attempts for BTO flats in the non-mature estates are given an additional ballot chance at their subsequent application for a BTO flat in the non-mature estates. As a result, virtually all applicants of BTO flats in non-mature estates have been successful within their first three tries. First-timer families with urgent housing needs also have the option of buying a resale flat and can receive up to $160,000 in housing grants. As HDB has already set aside a vast majority of its flat supply for first-timer families, there are no current plans to increase the proportions further. Nevertheless, HDB will continue to monitor the market situation closely and calibrate the supply of public housing accordingly, to ensure that the flat supply remains responsive to the housing needs of the population.”
“Resale flats are generally available for immediate occupation and buyers can choose from a wide range of flats, according to their preferences and budget. Eligible first-timer families can receive up to $160,000 in grants when they purchase a resale flat.”
“Meanwhile, flat buyers are encouraged to find alternative housing arrangements with family members, relatives or on the open market. Where they are unable to do so, first-timer applicants who are waiting for their BTO flats could apply for temporary housing under the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme (PPHS). Given the limited supply of PPHS flats, we are considering how to finetune allocation to give priority to families in greater need of temporary housing. We are also studying ways to increase the supply of temporary housing to better support affected flat buyers in need of housing. We will provide more details on these measures when ready. For low-income households with no family support and no other housing options, HDB will consider offering Interim Rental Housing (IRH) on a case-by-case basis. Today, flat buyers who cancel their flat booking will either have to forfeit their option fee or 5% of the flat purchase price, and wait out a one-year period before they can apply for subsidised housing again, whether a new flat from HDB or a resale flat with grants. These measures are in place to ensure that buyers are serious when they buy a flat and do not deprive others with urgent housing needs of the opportunity to do so. Nonetheless, HDB recognises the challenges faced by flat buyers given the COVID-19 situation and will consider waiving these forfeitures based on an assessment of the flat buyers’ specific circumstances, including for flat buyers who have been affected by BTO delays and cancel their BTO flats to buy a resale flat due to urgent housing needs. The waiver of the one-year wait out period will allow first-timer families with urgent housing needs to receive housing grants if they decide to buy a resale flat.”
“The construction industry is one of the sectors hardest-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. The circuit breaker last year, coupled with the stringent safe management measures (SMMs) imposed at worksites and the tightening of border controls for workers from South Asia have led to delays for many private and public sector projects, including HDB’s Build-to-Order (BTO) projects. As a result, most BTO projects have been delayed by about six to 12 months beyond their Estimated Completion Dates (ECD) originally indicated to buyers during project launches. The extent of the delay varies by BTO project, and depends on site-specific factors such as manpower availability, the contractor’s performance and available supply of materials. The average waiting time for BTO projects launched in 2020 was around four to five years. Generally, the waiting time for newly launched BTO projects is expected to be longer, due to longer time needed to prepare the sites, as well as ongoing requirements to comply with strict SMMs amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. HDB is closely monitoring the construction progress of all BTO projects and will work with contractors to meet the revised completion dates. HDB is also working with various agencies on mitigating measures to reduce the length of delays. This includes getting exemptions to allow less noisy construction activities to be carried out on Sundays and Public Holidays where possible. We recognise that the delays to the completion of BTO flats have caused inconvenience to flat buyers. HDB is doing its best to work with contractors and consultants to expedite construction works, while ensuring that the project quality and safety standards are not compromised.”
“For low-income households with no family support and no other housing options, HDB will consider offering Interim Rental Housing (IRH) on a case-by-case basis. We recognise the challenges faced by flat buyers given the COVID-19 situation. We will consider waiving the forfeitures arising from flat buyers who cancel their BTO flats to buy a resale flat based on an assessment of their specific circumstances. This includes first-timer families with urgent housing needs who can consider buying a resale flat instead and receive up to $160,000 in housing grants. Resale flats are generally available for immediate occupation and buyers can choose from a wide range of flats, according to their preferences and budget. We will continue to monitor the situation carefully and study ways to better support affected flat buyers in need of housing.”
“As HDB flats are primarily intended for long-term owner-occupation, we generally do not allow short-term ownership of HDB flats. Hence, HDB flat owners are required to fulfil a minimum occupation period (MOP) before they may rent out or sell their flat, or buy a private property. This safeguards HDB flats for households with genuine housing needs and deters speculative purchases of HDB flats. HDB had previously made an exception for first-timer families who had booked an uncompleted HDB flat or Executive Condominium (EC) unit, by allowing such families to buy a non-subsidised resale flat as transitional housing while waiting for their flat to be completed. These families then had to sell the non-subsidised flat once their booked HDB flat or EC unit was completed, without a need to fulfil the typical five-year MOP. Given our limited public housing supply, to better safeguard HDB flats for long-term owner-occupation, HDB stopped allowing non-subsidised resale flats to be used as transitional housing more than two years ago. Flat buyers who are waiting for their new flats and require transitional housing are encouraged to find alternative housing arrangements with family members, relatives or on the open market. Where they are unable to do so, first-timer applicants who are waiting for their BTO flats can apply for temporary housing under the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme (PPHS). Given the limited supply and high demand for PPHS flats, we are considering ways to finetune allocation to give priority to families in greater need of temporary housing. We are also studying ways to increase the supply of temporary housing to better support affected flat buyers in need of housing. We will provide more details on these measures when ready.”
“Town Councils fund their operations, including cleaning works, primarily through the Service and Conservancy Charges (S&CC) they collect from residents. This is supplemented by the annual S&CC operating grant from MND. The Town Councils have not required additional grants from MND to specifically address cleaners’ manpower costs since the introduction of the Progressive Wage Model for the cleaning industry in 2012. We have no plans to increase the grants for now, but will continue to monitor the situation on the ground. We have been encouraging Town Councils to manage their finances carefully and adopt the use of technology to reduce the reliance on manpower for cleaning, and will continue to do so.”
“Singaporeans enjoy a significant housing subsidy when they buy a new flat from HDB, or a resale flat in the open market with CPF Housing Grants. To ensure a fair allocation of our limited housing subsidies, those who buy a second subsidised flat from HDB will receive a smaller subsidy than first-timer buyers, by paying a resale levy in cash. However, if they buy a resale flat from the open market, they do not have to pay a resale levy. Second-timer buyers can use the proceeds from the sale of their first subsidised flat to pay the resale levy. To help second-timer buyers who are in need, HDB has been exercising flexibility on a case-by-case basis, such as by incorporating the resale levy into the purchase price of the second subsidised flat, so that the resale levy need not be paid upfront in cash. Those in extenuating circumstances who require assistance with their resale levy, such as households that are facing financial difficulties, can approach HDB and we will see how best to help them.”
“In 2019 and 2020, HDB received on average around 8,900 cases of feedback per month on illegal parking. HDB does not track the number of feedback specifically relating to illegal parking by delivery drivers. In estates where surface car parks are provided, motorcyclists and drivers making home deliveries may use these parking lots, which are beside the HDB blocks. In estates where multi-storey car parks are provided, HDB has also provided loading and unloading bays along the driveway or service roads for the use of those making deliveries or performing quick loading and unloading activities. We recognise that given the limited number of diners allowed for dining-in under the current Phase Three (Heightened Alert), there is likely an increase in demand for home deliveries. To help delivery riders and drivers cope with this increased demand, we have therefore temporarily extended the grace period for parking at HDB and URA car parks to 20 minutes.”
“HDB flat owners are not allowed to install CCTV cameras facing the common areas and corridors to safeguard the privacy of residents of other flats. Residents are only allowed to install CCTV cameras facing common areas and corridors, if they are facing safety issues such as harassment from unlicensed moneylenders, and such footage would aid the Police in their investigations. Permission must be sought from HDB for such installations. All requests for installation of CCTV cameras facing the common areas or corridors must be supported by a Police report. HDB does not regulate the types of CCTV cameras that can be installed. However, the CCTV camera must not face the door or windows of another flat, and the installation is only allowed for a period of six months, with the camera to be removed thereafter.”
“To promote and encourage the rehoming of shelter animals, NParks has been working closely with Animal Welfare Groups (AWGs) to support their adoption drives and to organise pet-related events. For instance, NParks launched the Pets’ Day Out series in August 2019 as a regular platform where the public can learn about responsible pet ownership and pet care through talks, workshops, and other activities. At such events, potential pet owners can interact with the animals put up for adoption by the AWGs. This is a common practice by the AWGs as part of the adoption process, to increase the likelihood of a match between the adopter and the animal. During this pandemic, NParks has worked with AWGs to develop guidelines to ensure that this practice can be carried out safely in line with prevailing safe management measures. It has also supported the AWGs in their adoption drives by organising the Pets’ Day Out event online. NParks will continue to work closely with stakeholders in its education and outreach efforts to promote responsible pet ownership.”
“The Wildlife Act aims to protect, preserve and manage our wildlife. Under the Act, additional protections are given to more vulnerable species by designating them as protected wildlife species. To determine these species, NParks considers whether a species is locally and globally threatened, by taking reference from sources such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendices and the Singapore Red Data Book. Currently, the list of protected wildlife species includes threatened native wildlife species, such as pangolins, sea turtles, and selected species of marine invertebrates like giant clams and stony corals. NParks regularly reviews, and will update the list, in consultation with academic experts and the nature community. NParks also works with stakeholders such as nature groups and the community to raise public awareness on caring for marine wildlife in their natural habitats. Beyond developing educational videos and outreach programmes, NParks deploys officers and installs signs around intertidal and subtidal areas to educate visitors on how to interact responsibly with the marine wildlife species. NParks will continue to step up its engagement and outreach efforts to promote responsible human-wildlife interactions.”
“Examples include the conversion of old shipyards at Tanjong Rhu into a residential area, the repurposing of two disused power station buildings in the Pasir Panjang Power District, as well as the planned rejuvenation of older estates in Sungei Kadut for new growth sectors, such as agri-food and environmental technologies. Currently, commercial spaces take up only 1% of our overall land area and the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on office and retail space demand remains to be seen. We are closely monitoring the evolving market trends and have built flexibility into our plans and strategies so that we can continue to meet the changing needs of our people. At a broader level, we invite Singaporeans to contribute their ideas and aspirations for Singapore’s land use plans as part of URA’s Long-Term Plan Review later this year.”
“We recognise that working from home, due to COVID-19, has become more prevalent. The Government is actively studying and engaging with the public, and will continue to ensure a liveable and flexible environment that can support changing needs of our residents, workers and students. We will continue to cater to changing lifestyles and needs both by exploring new designs and layouts of HDB flats, and by providing more shared amenities. For instance, HDB has introduced more greenery, play and fitness equipment to enhance the common space in our precincts and neighbourhoods. These extended common spaces encourage healthy lifestyles and community bonding. We have over 7,800 hectares of green spaces across Singapore and will add another 1,000 hectares over the next 10 to 15 years, weaved more intensively into our urban areas. The Government has also made community workspaces available within residential neighbourhoods. These include Community Living Rooms within HDB void decks, and work and study spaces within other public buildings such as community clubs and libraries. We will continue to monitor demand for these spaces, and scale them up if needed. The Member has also suggested that we convert some of our existing industrial and commercial land into parkland and recreational spaces. We seek to maximise the benefits and synergies that these spaces can offer to businesses and people. For example, many of JTC’s industrial estates, such as one-north and Jurong Innovation District, have food and beverage outlets, parks and recreational uses integrated in the estate, which also serve users in the community. When certain industrial uses are phased out, we have comprehensively redeveloped the land for other uses, or put the buildings to adaptive re-use.”
“For example, Mandai Mangrove and Mudflat, which was initially planned for factory use, is now a Nature Park, in recognition of its ecological value. For Dakota Crescent, after consulting heritage groups and carefully considering the trade-offs, we kept what was most significant about the site – a cluster of six blocks around a central courtyard and playground – while allowing the rest to be redeveloped to meet housing needs. As needs and aspirations change over time, we will continually review our plans, consult, and gather views from different segments of society, to find the appropriate balance between conservation and development, while maintaining flexibility and agility in our land-use policies and processes. This will allow us to provide a liveable and sustainable home for current and future generations of Singaporeans.”
“Despite being a land-scarce city-state, about 3,300 hectares of our land are designated as Nature Reserves, while more than 7,000 buildings have been conserved. Where possible, we seek to retain our natural capital and built heritage in a manner that allows them to continue playing a role in meeting Singaporeans’ needs. For example, the transformation of the concrete canal at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio park to a naturalised river, where wildlife such as otters, heron and egrets can now be found, is an example of how deliberate planning can enable ecological enhancement and restoration. Similarly, the Fullerton Hotel and Capitol Singapore exemplify how conservation can bring about a new lease of life for historic buildings. All development proposals are subject to a robust planning evaluation process that considers each development’s impact, for example on traffic, public health, environment, and heritage, amongst others. If the proposed development is in or near areas of significant ecological or heritage value, studies will be conducted to analyse the relative significance of the site, and possible measures or alternative methods to adopt, to mitigate any potential impact as much as possible. This allows us to weigh the trade-offs and to adjust plans as required, to sensitively integrate any new development with its surroundings. For example, after conducting an EIA and engaging nature groups, HDB redesigned the parcellation plan of its Bukit Batok Hillside Park project to preserve the catchment area surrounding a stream. We regularly review our plans to identify new sites of ecological and heritage significance to be safeguarded, taking into consideration our competing land-use demands.”
“Since 2014, HDB has therefore required buyers and sellers to first agree on the resale price, with the valuation performed after that for the purpose of determining the amount of loan and CPF savings that can be used for the flat purchase. We will continue to monitor economic and housing market conditions closely and ensure that Singaporeans have access to affordable public housing.”
“HDB resale flat transactions are conducted on a "willing-buyer-willing-seller" basis, with prices negotiated and mutually agreed upon between flat sellers and buyers. The transacted prices of resale flats for the last 12 months are published on the HDB InfoWEB to guide potential sellers and buyers. After a resale price has been agreed upon, the flat sellers will grant an Option to Purchase (OTP) to the buyers. If the buyers wish to use their CPF savings or a housing loan to pay for the flat purchase, they will need to make a "Request for Value" to HDB. Cash-Over-Valuation (COV) arises when the resale price is higher than the market valuation of the flat, as the difference can only be paid by cash . Otherwise, there is no COV. Buyers can decide whether to exercise the OTP for the resale transaction depending on the valuation and any COV payable. Should they choose not to proceed with the transaction, buyers will forgo the option fee of between $1 and $1,000 paid to the seller. The proportion of buyers who paid a COV increased from around one in five in 2020 to around one in three in 2021. This reflects the current broad-based demand for housing, including in the private housing market, supported by the low interest rate environment. Notwithstanding this, the majority of buyers did not have to pay any COV, and the median COV each year has remained at $0. The current proportion of buyers who paid a COV is significantly lower compared to the period between 2010 and 2013, which was the previous period when more transactions with COV were observed. At that time, almost all resale flat buyers paid a COV. The prevailing practice then was for sellers to obtain a valuation, and negotiate a COV with the buyers which will determine the resale price.”
“These measures are in place to ensure that buyers are serious when they buy a flat, and do not deprive others with urgent housing needs of the opportunity to do so. However, we recognise the challenges faced by flat buyers given the COVID-19 situation and will consider waiving forfeiture based on an assessment of the flat buyers’ specific circumstances. This includes flat buyers who have been affected by BTO delays and who cancel their BTO flats to buy a resale flat due to urgent housing needs.”