Gan Thiam Poh
Singapore
“Chairman, the ComLink+ Progress packages aim to support the efforts of eligible lower-income families with young children to help them achieve stability, self-reliance and social mobility.”
“Madam, our maritime sector has been a key growth engine for our economy and provide many jobs and business opportunities. In addition to being an international maritime centre, Singapore is the top bunkering port and busiest container transshipment hub in the world.”
“Chairman, in rating the quality of public transport, most commuters would consider the following factors, such as safety, affordability, connectivity, reliability, accessibility, frequency, speed and last but not least, comfort. All these factors contribute to our commuters’ experience, which many of us go through almost daily.”
“Chairman, many of my residents are appealing to have MRT stations in the proximity of their homes. Will LTA reconsider a new MRT line to support residents at Seletar, Yio Chu Kang, Fernvale at the central, north and northeast zones to the city at the south, and new Woodlands North, as well as to Changi Airport on the east and Tuas on the…”
“Chairman point-to-point (P2P) services play an important role being a convenient and, at times, essential supplement to our public transport system, by providing direct access to specific locations. Our main P2P providers are taxis and private hire vehicles (PHV).”
“Chair, our hawker centres are our national canteens and provide a wide variety of affordable food to suit more palates and budgets. We have had many popular hawker centres sited all over Singapore, which have served residents over many years.”
The complete record
Every one of 667 lines we hold for Gan Thiam Poh, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 4 of 14.
“Chairman, there were HDB flats built in advance in the past and allocated successfully. Will the Ministry consider building more such flats in the new towns ahead of their launches to support couples to get married and start their families without delay? I hope that more BTOs could be built in the Sengkang and Punggol new towns. Singles' Eligibility Age for HDB Flats”
“May I ask the Minister how many interim rental flats are there available to help first-timers, pending the completion of their BTO flats? Will there be more of such flats reserved to support first-timers and help them to settle down early? Would the Ministry consider giving priority to those with children or with children on the way? Help for Rental Flat How many households formerly living in rental flats have been helped successfully to own their flats in the last three years? Will the Ministry be reviewing its existing scheme further to help encourage tenants to own their flats? Support Housing Aspirations via Rentals”
“Chairman, can I take the two cuts together?”
“Thank you, Chairman. We can expect emission improvements from passenger cars as we require all newly-registered vehicles to be cleaner-energy models from 2030. What about lorries, buses, and coaches and other heavy-duty vehicles? What are the Ministry’s plans to reduce transport emissions? Will the Government increase the use of incentives for the use of EVs and other clean energy vehicles? Industry Standard for Electric Vehicles and Electric Vehicle Batteries With the steady increase in EV adoption and EV charging, will the Government set up a dedicated certification centre to oversee the safety and reliability of EVs and their charging points and batteries? What is the progress to set up a framework for the industry's safety standards for EVs and EV batteries permitted in Singapore? Electric Vehicle Adoption and Charging/Battery Change Would the Ministry give an update on EV adoption so far and whether the set-up of charging points and provisions for battery changes are on track? Would the Ministry encourage more private participation, including the utilities companies, as what other countries have done, to set up and offer EV fast-charging services as well as battery changing services? Incentives for Adoption of Electric Vehicles Transiting to a greener transportation sector will require quicker adoption of EVs by users. Will the Ministry consider further incentives and tax rebates to encourage the purchase and use of EVs, including commercial vehicles, such as vans, buses and coaches? How will the Ministry facilitate and expedite the electrification of our public transport fleets? Rollout of Electric Vehicle Chargers”
“Chairman, to build a low carbon future, we do need to invest in R&D projects to address our special needs and requirements. How will the Government direct its R&D funding to achieve the Singapore Green Plan outcomes? Which are the areas with the best growth and development potential and how will the Ministry support them? Progress of Green Plan”
“Chairman, Singapore’s carbon tax will be progressively increased to reach S$50 to S$80 per tonne of emissions by 2030, so that we will meet our new target of reaching net-zero by or around 2050. Would the Ministry elaborate on how the revised carbon tax levels and trajectory will support our objective of becoming a green economy? Avoid Carbon Tax Burden on Consumers We are faced with overall rising costs due to the pressures of the pandemic and other crises. In the midst of this, we have begun to transit to use more clean and alternate energy. How would the Government help to minimise the impact of the carbon tax on consumers, especially those in the middle- and lower-income groups? Expand the Coverage of Carbon Tax”
“Desalination and NEWater are two of our four sources of water supply, in addition to imported water and water catchment. The challenge with these two sources is that they require a lot of energy to process and treat the water. How would PUB improve on the energy efficiency of our water treatment to ensure its sustainability? Active, Beautiful, Clean (ABC) Waters Projects. PUB launched the Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters) Programme to harness the full potential of our waterbodies – a network of 8,000 kilometres of waterways and 17 reservoirs. Would the Ministry share if there will be any new ABC projects in the next two years? Water and Waste Capabilities”
“Chairman, may I have your permission to take two cuts?”
“Chairman, will the Ministry consider setting out a designated eco-friendly smoking zone at each HDB block for smokers to visit, instead of smoking at home and common corridors? What other plans does the Ministry have to encourage residents who smoke at home to reduce the spread of their second-hand smoke in their homes and to surrounding units? Next cut. Wastewater Surveillance for COVID-19 How effective has the wastewater testing surveillance strategy been for COVID-19? Can the Ministry share if NEA intends to make this method of testing regular and routine in all areas for the long-term in order to monitor the spread of the pandemic? Next cut. Improvement to Toilets Public toilets’ cleanliness and hygiene must meet NEA standards. How does NEA ensure that these standards are maintained? What are the progress and improvement requirements for all toilets in hawker centres, markets and coffeeshops? Next cut. New Hawker Centres Hawker centres provide a wide range of delicious and affordable food to our residents in the heartlands. Will there be new hawker centres in the next two years, especially in some of the newer estates? 5.00 pm”
“The Government is still studying the use of high-quality international carbon offsets but to me, it is more important to reduce the emissions in the first place. I hope the Ministry can look into a system limiting the amount of offsets and providing incentives for the affected companies to adopt green transition processes and technology where available. Sir, I will suggest that the Government could consider allowing the businesses to use carbon credit earned to offset the carbon tax imposed. With that, I support the Motion.”
“Financial institutions (FIs) can integrate sustainability into their business by making financing dependent on the implementation of social and environmental sustainability guidelines. This means that the banks will take economic, social and environmental issues equally into account. They should avoid financing projects that are harmful for the climate on the one hand and invest in climate change mitigation and adaptation on the other hand. The Government can consider providing green finance participants with more incentives, such as tax exemption for qualified green deposits, bonds and funds. As green finance becomes increasingly mainstream, there will be a growing demand for retail products, such as green mortgages. Improved consumer awareness will give individuals greater agency in choosing these financial products. This will help stimulate demand for sustainable products. The Ministry can also establish national or industry awards for corporate sustainability evaluations to provide awareness and recognition for green companies. Lastly, regarding carbon tax. MOF had announced that they will be reviewing the carbon tax rate for 2024 which is expected to be higher than the $10-$15 range previously announced for 2030. I hope more investment be made into technology with the use of the carbon tax to reduce, eliminate, capture and convert the carbon emission to improve the environment for us and the world and such technology shall be shared with all businesses, big and small, that produces carbon and operating in Singapore. The businesses shall be encouraged to continually look into sustainable and substantive solutions to the carbon elimination or conversion from bad to good and be rewarded for their effort and positive outcome.”
“Corporates listed on the Singapore Exchange (SGX) are already required to disclose their environmental information through sustainability reporting, although as Singapore Exchange Regulation (SGX RegCo) and the Centre for Governance and Sustainability (CGS) noted, there is "ample room for improvement in the quality and depth of disclosures on quantifiable sustainability targets". Indeed, such disclosures should not be marketing-style narratives of their green philosophy and policy statements. Outcomes and evidence of Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) impact, in addition to financial performance, consistency between policies and practices and supported analyses of asset-specific ESG risks should be quantifiable, verifiable and clearly presented in plain English. All companies, not all listed ones, should have ownership of environmental management in their businesses and integrate sustainability into their business models. Would the Government consider standardised green certification for all companies? The public will be able to view which product or service providers are awarded Green Certificates. This will be helpful information for consumers and motivate other companies to reach their desired green labels or targets. Eventually, more and more enterprises will make sustainability an integral part of their businesses. Can the Government more organisational guidance and other forms of support to transition to green businesses, with courses for their staff to enrol in and linking them to relevant course enrolment websites, funding schemes and programmes? It would be good to have a standardised nationwide ESG Rating Index and methodology for companies' green evaluation.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, let me declare my interest. I work in a financial institution. We have all heard this phrase about the importance of finance – money makes the world go round. The Chinese has an even more imaginative phrase: 钱能使鬼推磨. Meaning that with the right amount of money, one can even get ghosts to work for you. For the climate change crisis, we need to use all the tools at our disposal and, perhaps, the most powerful tool is the financial tool. Appropriately structured financing can direct resources and efforts towards green projects and endeavours to mitigate climate change. As an international financial hub, Singapore will play a crucial role in ensuring financial flows from the public, private and not-for-profit sectors to our sustainable development priorities. MAS launched the Green Finance Action Plan in 2019. The actions for six identified areas include setting Environmental Risk Management Guidelines for banking, insurance and asset management, grants for green loans through grants, committing US$2 billion to a Green Investments Programme, promoting fintech innovation, and supporting climate research and training. MAS followed up with Project Greenprint in December 2020 to promote a green finance ecosystem by using technology to mobilise capital, monitor sustainability commitments and measure impact. Five months later, the Green Finance Industry Taskforce (GFIT) was set up to accelerate green finance by improving disclosures and fostering green solutions. So, what more can be done? Transparency in green finance reporting is vital.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the Gambling Duties Bill, which aims to consolidate legislation for the levy and collection of taxes on lawful bettings. I just have three questions. Would the Minister share what has been the average annual gross revenues from local and foreign visitors respectively in premium gaming and mass gaming during the pre-COVID-19 pandemic and in the past two years? What has been the average gaming revenue per local visitor and for each foreign visitor in both premium and mass gaming pre-COVID-19 and in the past two years? What about the expected completion of the two integrated resorts' extension and projected increase in revenue with the expansion and the increase in economic contribution, including all related supporting industries?”
“I would like to ask how many of such cases of marriages of convenience have we had in the past 10 years and how many have been involved in illegal sex activities. With that, I support the Bill.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, one of the most significant changes to the Act is the introduction of the new section 95, divorce by mutual agreement of the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, or DMA, in short. I welcome this amendment which I feel will help reduce the agony and bitterness during the difficult process of divorce, since neither party will have to provide evidence of each other's faults. Hopefully, the couple can channel most of their energy and resources to moving forward or, in the case where there are children, making suitable new arrangements to care for them. I believe that this section may even be a lifesaver in preventing some couples' situations from escalating, which could, potentially, cause harm to themselves or their children. The process of separating and breaking up a family is so stressful and emotional. There had been cases in the past where one or both parties inflict physical harm on each other or their kids. This situation is to be avoided at all costs and the risk of confrontational exchanges must be minimised. There is a provision for the Registrar to have the discretion to require any couple to perform any pre-solemnisation step in person where there may be concerns, such as suspected marriages of convenience. Unfortunately, there has been quite a number of foreigners who abuse the system and marry for convenience to stay or work, sometimes illegally, in Singapore. The Ministry must continue to review our measures to deter those who want to marry for convenience. The penalties must be suitably set at levels which will be effective deterrents. Not only are such illegal partnerships undermining our institution of marriage, but they are also often linked to criminal and vice activities which damage the fabric of our society.”
“Workers in these industries may not have sufficient CPF protection and this will have a far-reaching impact on their retirement security in the future. Here, I would like to ask the Minister the following questions. First, how many workers in related industries are currently not covered by CPF? Second, how many people have insufficient minimum retirement deposits in their CPF but have homes that can be monetised with the assistance of Lease Buyback Scheme or other schemes to provide old age security? Third, how many people can continue to mortgage HDB flat or private properties to CPF to reach the minimum retirement sum? Fourth, how many people would like to make more CPF deposit or contributions personally but had been rejected? Can the Government consider allowing them to increase their deposits? Fifth, can the Government consider allowing and encouraging donations to third-party CPF accounts to promote a caring society? Sixth, can the Government provide more incentives to mothers' CPF to encourage fertility? Seventh, can the Government allow children to not ask their parents to refund payments made from their children's CPF when purchasing the HDB flat? Eighth, can parents allow their children to return education fees paid from their CPF account without any deadline?”
“Would the Ministry also share updates on the Senior Worker Support Package, which includes the Senior Employment Credit and CPF Transition Offset? As our SMEs employ so many Singaporeans, will there be additional measures to incentivise and support them in our collective effort to keep our senior employees in the workforce? Although we are improving in our drive to be more embracing of older workers, age discrimination continues to persist in some pockets of our economy. What more can be done to minimise this? Finally, I would like to conclude with my support for the Central Provident Fund (Amendment) Bill as well. Among the Tripartite Workgroup on Older Workers' recommendations is the raising of CPF contribution rates for senior workers aged above 55 to 70. This will certainly help with providing greater assurance of retirement adequacy, as will the changes to the CPF Act, which will make it easier for members to build up their CPF savings and receive retirement payouts. Deputy Speaker, in Mandarin. (In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Mr Speaker, the CPF must provide Singaporeans with a home, old age support, social safety net and protection. Under the home ownership policy, Singaporeans can purchase a HDB flat using their CPF. In addition to providing retirement payouts, CPF also allows residents to have a health insurance. Singaporeans born after Independence would have a certain amount of CPF fund to help them live through their old age. It is only the older generation that needs the Government's and their families' support to thank them for their efforts in nation building. What is worrying now is the new jobs and industries that have emerged in the new digital age.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I support the amendments to the Retirement and Re-employment Act which will pave the way for our retirement and re-employment ages to reach 65 and 70, respectively, by 2030. This will offer more protection to older workers who are able to and want to continue working, whether it is for financial reasons or to remain meaningfully engaged in the economy and community. However, some residents had shared their concerns with me about the potential impact on the CPF withdrawal age. I hope that the Ministry will continue to reassure CPF members through public education and outreach programmes that this amendment Bill will not change the CPF withdrawal age. Most of us will experience some changes to our health and stamina as we age, and this will affect the intensity and type of work which we can take up for re-employment jobs. I would like to ask the Ministry to share an update, with data and information on the numbers, percentages and gender of seniors who have been re-employed. What sectors are they in? Are they working in large corporations or SMEs, local or foreign companies? What about the nature of their work? How many of these are flexible arrangements, part-time and full-time positions? Does the Ministry have a breakdown of the salaries across sectors, occupations and genders? I appreciate the various incentive schemes to encourage companies to hire senior workers such as the Part-time Re-employment Grant and the Senior Worker Early Adopter Grant. Would the Ministry share with the House how has the response been to these programmes so far? What are the take-up rates and how many senior workers have benefited from the scheme? What is the breakdown of the various sectors and type of companies which had applied for the grants?”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, in Mandarin. (In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] I support the new regulations to reduce HFCs emitted by refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment. As mentioned by my colleague Louis Ng, I share his concerns. I am concerned too with the details concerning certified technicians who handle refrigerants. Some of these employees are not very proficient in English. This has an impact on their certification. What are the plans to help these workers? Will the Government provide free training before the test? Will the testing be difficult? Will training be arranged on a regular basis to ensure that all technicians keep up with the technological changes in this sector? (In English): Sir, not all job sites will be forbidden from carrying on with work during extended hours and on Sundays and public holidays. Construction sites beyond 150 metres of homes and noise-sensitive buildings such as hospitals are exempted. I have received quite a number of feedback regarding noise pollution from residents over the years, even though the construction sites producing the noise are some distance away. There is a continued need to improve on the noise insulation properties of new and existing flats. I urge the Ministry to continue to look into the use of technology to minimise the noise pollution from construction projects. In addition, how can we ensure that the video cameras installed by errant contractors are working well and recording without deliberate intervention? Sir, I support the Bill.”
“While SPF is provided with the power to retain the services of Police officers in times of crises, it should also be provided with an alternative for such officers to be redeployed to other appropriate services. This is because commitment and dedication are required to maintain the integrity and efficiency of operations during a crises. Officers should be able to address an appeal board for reviews of their cases. With that, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Police Force for keeping Singapore safe. 7.00 pm”
“Deputy Speaker, Sir, I strongly support the empowerment of our officers in order to achieve more efficient response to emergencies and assist people in distress. This measure will help to save lives and prevent tragedies. I have been concerned about the safety of Police officers on duty at roadblocks which are necessary to deter drink-driving, illegally-modified vehicles and associated offences. I have some questions. In the last five years, how many roadblock operations were there and how many offenders had been caught? Will the empowerment of the APFs be helpful in supporting more roadblock operations at problematic road segments? I am referring to those which many residents provide feedback about, particularly speeding and noisy modified vehicles. Would the Ministry consider allowing APFs to carry out such operations independently so as to achieve a greater deterrent effect? In addition, will the Police look into more transportable and solid barriers to minimise the risk to the lives of the Police on duty at roadblocks and to deter dash-throughs, such as by putting up impact absorbers used by contractors on highways while carrying out construction works? Will such operations be effective against motorcyclists who have more avenues to evade the roadblocks? I would also like to ask if the Police will equip all the staff and officers, including SPOs and CAOs, with cameras and recorders. The records should be kept independently for safekeeping as evidence to prevent wrongful accusations and misuse. Such information shall not be shared, unless with permission and when needed to respond to fake news and wrongful accusations. Safeguarding of these recordings is also necessary to prevent cyberattacks and manipulation that could jeopardise the safety of operations.”
“Mdm Deputy Speaker, I am supportive of the amendments. I feel that, as a society, we should have a re-think and consider accepting either the wife or the husband as a full-time homemaker looking after children and to waive the requirement of at least three months of work records. We should recognise that being a homemaker is a job in itself. Hence, the parental benefits can be given to the homemaker, that means, only one of the parents. Regarding reimbursements to employers who voluntarily grant leave to employees for parental leave, I would like to ask how much reimbursement has been given each year since the scheme was launched. Although there are caps which vary between high- and low-income groups, the costs of leave among staff do differ for employers. What has been the amounts of reimbursement for each income group? The Government recently doubled the maximum amount of dollar-for-dollar co-matching for parents' savings for the Child Development Account (CDA) for their second child, from $3,000 to $6,000. While this is good, middle- and lower-income families may not benefit as much as the higher-income groups, because they may face challenges putting in as much savings. How do we encourage parents to contribute to their children's CDAs to ensure they are not left out, especially parents who are self-employed and freelancers? What has been the number of children for each income group which benefited from the scheme? What has been the total grants for each child in each of the income groups? How many appeals has the Ministry received regarding CDAs? 4.03 pm”
“I thank the Minister for the comprehensive reply. May I know how fast can MOM expedite to screen all these non-accredited result slips that are submitted? Can MOM also elaborate whether they would review their process to pick up the cases faster?”
“I thank the Minister for the reply. I echo my colleague, Mr Desmond Choo's feedback. I believe the public will understand but because of this delay, there will likely be this gap or a backlog in demand that will build up over time for these two years. That is why I am urging HDB to consider, if possible, to increase the supply for the next two or three years, per year. This will help to address this gap and stabilise the prices.”
“Finally, I would like to ask the Ministry how many death registration applications are received each year to register the death of persons who are missing or whose whereabouts are unknown as a result of accidents or natural disasters. 6.59 pm”
“Madam, in Mandarin. (In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] I support the Registration of Births and Deaths Bill. Simplifying the registration process and digitalising it will bring more convenience to our people. In order to become a Smart City, it is necessary to digitalise the births and deaths registration process. This will strengthen Government agencies' capability in identification and verification to provide better services for the people. I would like to ask the Minister whether the Ministry will still keep a hard copy of the registration records just in case, for example, the electronic system fails or if data is lost. The latest technologies, such as blockchain, can prevent theft and hacking, ensuring that electronic data be stored permanently and securely. Nevertheless, I hope that the Government will consider adding an extra layer of protection to our registration records through different data retention methods. I support the new regulation proposed by the Ministry to make it mandatory for persons responsible to report births and deaths to the authorities, doctors or the Police as soon as possible. Being born in our country does not mean that the babies will automatically acquire citizenship. I would like to check if this policy will change and I would also like to ask the Minister how many foreign babies are born here each year and how many of them are granted citizenship. So far, how many newborns are not registered or abandoned by their parents each year? Does our country have institutions or facilities to accept abandoned babies?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I support the plans to digitalise and simplify the procedures for the Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). However, digital systems, records and transactions have vulnerabilities as they require electricity and Internet access. I am worried about eventualities such as power outages, system malfunctions and cyberattacks. Would the Ministry share in greater detail what measures are in place to mitigate such risks and what back-up plans are in place? Do we have foolproof back-up for all information in the databases? [Deputy Speaker (Ms Jessica Tan Soon Neo) in the Chair] The other issue is the possibility of disputes when LPAs have been changed, particularly just before the donors lose their mental capacity. In some cases, relationships among donors, donees and family members may be complicated and even acrimonious. Is there any simplified processes in place to bring about expeditious resolution for such cases? Finally, I would like to ask if there is any recourse for donors or those acting on their behalf, in the event of mismanagement by appointed donees or breach of trust, which does not require going to Court? Can some sort of insurance be arranged to protect donors? On the other hand, donees also face risks of legal suits and, hence, can they protect themselves with a form of professional indemnity insurance? I support the Bill. 5.34 pm”
“How would the Ministry ensure standard adoption and enforcement of safety measures? I have some concerns about the additional demands on our power grid and, in a way, a loss of diversification in terms of energy sourcing for vehicles. Allow me to explain. In the unfortunate event of a blackout, presently, most vehicles can continue to move around on our roads since they are powered by petrol and diesel. When most cars are powered by electricity, the impact of a blackout will be much heavier. Would the Ministry share with us how we can prevent and mitigate the impact of such an event? Finally, we have to study how we will recycle EV batteries properly. They should not be another waste to contaminate our fragile planet. What are the Ministry's plans for these batteries at the end of their life cycles?”
“Madam, I support this amendment Bill, which is necessary to prepare for the greater adoption of EVs on our roads within the next few years. I would like to firstly emphasise that although EVs will help reduce emissions that contribute to climate change and pollution, we have to be mindful that there is a price to pay for any demand for energy, including the impact upon our local and global environment. Hence, as much as possible, we should use public transport and continue to invest in a good public transportation system. I believe this will not be the only amendment Bill in view of the rapid changes and advancement of technology in the EV sector which is taking place even as we speak. While we are now looking at the installation of charging stations, there are breakthroughs in battery swapping technology, which can be done within 10 minutes or fewer, as well as fast-charging technology. Nonetheless, I agree that we cannot afford to wait to see what would be the best charging technology to adopt as we need to proceed with the installation of charging points island-wide. We need to encourage private investments in the EV charging technology and the use of the latest innovations. How would the Ministry encourage more local and foreign investments in this industry? How can we ensure more private investments which can help promote the use of EVs with fast-charging technology and the building of multiple charging points from a single source in all our public and private carparks? As the prices of EVs come down, they will provide an equally attractive, if not cheaper and cost-effective mode of transport. The eradication of carbon emissions and thus less need for maintenance are additional advantages.”
“Companies which employ riders who use active mobility devices on public paths are required to cover them with third-party liability insurance. I would like to suggest that all riders purchase insurance for themselves and to meet third-party liabilities, too. Lastly, enforcement will always be needed to ensure compliance and one of the ways is to utilise technology to tag the PABs. May I ask if the authorities plan to tap upon technology to enhance safety for all road users, especially to deal with reckless hit-and-run riders? With that, I conclude with my support for the Bill. 4.01 pm”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I welcome the proposed amendments to the Act, which will create new offences to deter irresponsible behaviour on our roads and help make them safer for all users. One of the amendments is the introduction of a mandatory theory test regime for users of PABs. I feel that this test will be very helpful. As PABs can be used on both roads and shared paths, it is prudent and necessary to ensure that the riders are thoroughly educated on safety measures, potential risks, road etiquette and regulations. They will benefit from understanding the importance of compliance, which will enhance road safety for themselves and other road users. Would the code of conduct require riders to render assistance to the other party in the event of an unfortunate accident? It has been announced that the test, comprising multiple-choice questions, will be conducted online. Will the theory test be conducted in languages other than English for non-English speaking applicants? Would the Ministry consider making oral tests available as well? In addition, will the Government require riders who had been caught flouting traffic regulations to go for refresher training? As many PABs are used by riders on delivery platforms, there is a need for these tech companies to review their reward systems, so that the riders will not be speeding to meet clients’ expectations at the expense of public safety and their own lives. The delivery charges could be based on mileages between points at a reasonable and compliant speed limit. Otherwise, tech companies could be equally liable for offences if their systems encourage excessive risk-taking at the expense of public safety.”
“Yes, thank you. And just to keep to the extreme left lane.”
“I thank the Senior Minister of State for the reply to my question. I wanted to find out whether it is possible for the deployment of Auxiliary Police officers to help educate cyclists and motorists at this moment and pending the review and improvements to the infrastructure. I have noticed that in certain areas where cyclists like to go to, they normally cycle in a group and occupy the entire left lane. It is causing danger to themselves and also to motorists on the roads. Often, I find there are arguments as to who has the right to the lane. I agree with my colleagues who spoke earlier; I think education is key. And so, pending the review, is it possible for LTA to look at public education and enforcement, to make sure all cyclists keep in one single row —”
“A portion of the repayment will come from users of the projects who can be both local and foreign. It would be less of a burden on our future generations if more of the revenue could be generated from foreign or external parties while ensuring that the services provided fulfil all demands without conflict or competition. The Government may still need to step in to render assistance and subsidies for the less privileged users. Finally, we must consider operational and maintenance costs of infrastructure projects. It remains important that they can be self-sustaining and operationally viable. I support the Bill. 5.29 pm”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I support the Bill and the parameters set out for major infrastructure projects to be financed by borrowing, especially since these are long-term infrastructure that will benefit future generations. However, I am concerned about how we can do more to guard against burdening our future generations. After all, such borrowing needs to be serviced and repaid. We need to be mindful as we do not have natural resources for sources of revenue, unlike other nations. Therefore, our manpower capabilities and earning capacity are important. We must be able to weather economic ups and downs and future political and social developments. Such uncertainties could potentially derail projects – just as we are experiencing the disruptions to our construction sector caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In other countries, in addition to borrowing money, some governments had resorted to printing money, commercialising public services and levying taxes in order to afford development works. We are fortunate that Singapore's AAA rating enables us to borrow at favourable interest rates, particularly in the current economic environment. I am confident that using these funds to invest in our infrastructure development will stimulate future economic growth, which will enable us to service and return the borrowed money. The other options are out of the question. Printing money leads to hyperinflation. Commercialising public services will impose hardship on the lower income groups. How can we levy taxes for infrastructure projects when we are already trying so hard to minimise taxes? It is possible to partly service the loans through revenue collected from services provided by the infrastructure such as via tolls and fees.”
“What are the plans to train and upskill this group of essential workers, and how are we supporting them by tapping on technology, such as robotic delivery assistants? (In English): The Bill is comprehensive and ride on other existing legislation to counter mischief and security threats. Would the Ministry share with the House how many such cases have been detected and deterred in the past? What has the Ministry done and invested in to ensure that our system is robust against security threats? Will the Government invest more in such security measures and software development? Finally, had there been many unclaimed parcels to date, especially parcels which are the result of mischief? With that, I conclude with my support for the Bill.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I support the amendments to the Postal Services Act which will lead to the installation of a network of parcel lockers islandwide. While such lockers, also known as automated parcel machines, or APMs, may not be able to replace the role of couriers who compete by delivering right to the doorstep, they offer a convenient service to those who prefer to pick up their parcels at time slots convenient to them. With this option, they do not need to ensure that they are waiting at their residences or offices in order to receive their parcels. In addition, this arrangement will certainly help provide better service with increased productivity and efficiency. I would like to suggest that IMDA consider developing a nationwide network of pick-up and drop-off points, in short, PUDO, in collaboration with neighbourhood shops, convenience stores, retailers, petrol stations, Residents' Committee and Neighbourhood Committee and clubhouses to supplement the APM network. PUDOs, which require no installation, can be set up more flexibly and can help to cope with increased delivery volumes during peak hours when the demand for APMs is high and they get filled up quickly, such as during the Christmas season. I also hope that the Ministry will work with condominiums and private estates to enhance the out of home delivery options for them, through a combination of APM and PUDO locations. Deputy Speaker, in Mandarin. (In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Parcel lockers will alleviate the problem of manpower shortage in this sector. I would like to ask how many postmen we have and how many are currently employed by private logistic and courier companies?”
“All of us – commuters, operators, Government – have to play our parts for our public transport system to work, and work well. Can we rely on technology to achieve this? Presently, transport demand is unevenly spread between peak and non-peak periods. We have apps for people to check bus schedules and arrivals. Perhaps some form of pre-booking may be helpful for operators to optimise trips, improve efficiency and cut down wastage. Commuters can be incentivised to pre-inform with discounts on fares, for example. The greater the adoption of such apps' utilisation, the better the match between operators and commuters – a win-win situation and a much more sustainable way to move around. Finally, I would like to request that we should always have a core network of bus routes, even though there will be some duplication with certain MRT routes to serve as a buffer in the event of any MRT breakdowns. This provision is to deal with the "just-in-case" situations which can potentially leave thousands of commuters without transport. The advantages of buses is that they are flexible and their routes can be easily adapted for contingencies and emergencies. Challenges Facing our Aviation Industry”
“To minimise our carbon emissions from land transport, we need to have more people using the public transport system as their preferred or default mode of travel. MRT and buses are the greenest, cleanest and most efficient people-mover. Does the Ministry have the latest updates on the usage of our MRT and buses? What are our targets for public transport utilisation, as compared to other travel modes, in five and 10 years' time respectively? What measures and incentives will MOT implement to enable Singapore to reach these targets? The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of flexi-work and work from home. Working arrangements and commuting trends has been affected significantly. How does MOT assess the impact of this new circumstance on our public transport usage in the near future and what are the plans to adapt the operations of our MRT and buses to the new norm? The Government had announced the expansion plans for our MRT network. In view of the pandemic and change in commuting patterns, will our public transport infrastructure investments still be viable and financially sustainable? What are the projections for other financial outlays, such as maintenance and replacement works, which need to be paid by the Government to keep our public transport system going? As MOT introduced new MRT lines and bus services, fares had been kept affordable. However, this also meant that fare revenues could not keep pace with cost increases. The Government has been subsidising bus and rail fares and operations heavily. What are the subsidy projections for the next few years? Government funds are finite and the subsidies cannot keep increasing. We need a system that is both affordable for all to use and is sustainable for us to run.”
“Madam, in December last year, Singapore approved the sale of Eat Just's cultured chicken. We became the first country in the world to grant regulatory approval for the sale of cell-cultured meat. Increasingly, with the growing demand for meat substitutes, we will see more novel foods for sale, such as plant-based proteins, cultured or lab-grown meat and edible farmed insects. Without the history of safe use, how can we ensure that new food production technologies, such as lab-grown meat, are safe for our consumers? In the past, we had referred to the guidelines and the experience of other nations with bigger populations. As a pioneer, we do not have such data on human consumption to depend on. How will the Ministry assure the public? Energy Efficiency in Water Treatment”
“Over the years, the Government had conducted several campaigns to encourage individuals to do their part. The encouragement include keeping premises clean and pest-free, refraining from littering, keeping toilets clean and dry and so on. I agree with many concerned citizens that we need collective action to achieve our vision of a clean Singapore, instead of a "cleaned Singapore" relying on an army of cleaners to pick up after us. We should aim for high cleanliness standards even after the pandemic is over. In what other ways and through which channels would the Ministry tap on to continue to encourage socially desirable behaviours, and foster individual and social responsibility?”
“Our efforts to honour our hawker trade had culminated in the successful inscription of our Hawker Culture on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. We must continue to support and sustain the hawker trade so that it will prosper for many more generations to come. NEA and SSG launched the Hawkers’ Development Programme last year to attract and train prospective hawkers, aspiring hawkers. I would like to ask if the programme will ensure the teaching of diverse heritage recipes and preparation methods. I support the Government’s effort to match older retiring hawkers without successors with suitable aspiring hawkers, so that they can pass on their crafts or stalls. How would the Government identify these hawkers, and what will be done to support both the retiring and aspiring hawkers during these transitions? Progress of New Hawker Centres Our hawker centres are our national canteens and provide a wide range of affordable and delicious food. They are highly desired in neighbourhoods and many residents in the newer estates request for them. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our everyday lives significantly, including our construction sector. Many building projects had to be postponed and works are being delayed. I would like to ask the Government how has COVID-19 impacted the progress of the construction of new hawker centres? Would the Ministry give an update on the new completion dates of the centres in the pipeline? I would also like to find out if the new centres will continue to come under the Socially-conscious Enterprise Hawker Centre (SEHC) model? Foster Public Hygiene One of the most important qualities of a civilised society is public hygiene. Each one of us need to step up to keep our environment clean.”
“Urban Heat Island Effect Increasingly, due to human activities, such as transportation and intense use of air-conditioning, Singapore is experiencing worsening Urban Heat Island effect, in short it is called UHI. This is generally understood to describe the air temperature difference between urban and rural areas. However, in the Singapore context, it would mean the difference between our built-up and green areas. How will Singapore's urban temperature rise as a result of global warming, and how would this exacerbate the UHI effect? How does the Government measure the extent of the UHI effect and has any research been conducted? Which sectors are the main contributors to the urban heat island effect in Singapore and what has the Government done to mitigate or reduce it? Does the Ministry have any new measures to reduce this and how can we, as individuals, contribute to this effort?”
“With climate change, comes more extreme weather conditions. Singapore is no exception and we are experiencing more unpredictable and intense rainfalls. Going forward, we can continue to expect more of such sudden and heavy precipitation. What are some of PUB's plans to mitigate inland floods in the face of this challenge? As we continue to develop and become more densely built up, how can we ensure that we have enough green lungs and basins to absorb the surface run-off? Do our reservoirs and catchment tanks have sufficient capacities? What upgrading and assistance measures have we implemented to protect and help residences and shophouse in older, low-lying areas? Would the Ministry provide an update on the safety measures, such as higher barricades for pavements next to drains, for the protection of pedestrians during floods? Reduce Heat Emissions Temperatures have been rising in Singapore, and our residents have been feeling it outdoors and in their homes. There are some measures that we, as individuals, can take to help reduce heat emissions. Firstly, we should reduce the use of air-conditioning and switch to fans whenever possible. Air-con cools an interior by releasing the waste heat to the outside. Adjusting the air-con to a comfortable temperature of around or just above 25 degree Celsius instead of blasting colder air, will help reduce the amount of heat that it generates to the exterior. The use of refrigeration has a similar impact on external temperatures. Reducing our demand for non-essential cold items, for example, drinks, ice-cream and desserts, is another way to help reduce heat emissions. Would the Ministry advise what more can we do to reduce heat emissions from human activities?”
“Wide Coverage of Charging Points The Government has set a target of installing 60,000 charging points islandwide by 2030. I am concerned over whether we may be overbuilding, given that the initial adoption rate of EVs may not be as high what as we hope for. As this may require extensive electrical upgrades, how will the Government reach this target? How will the Ministry ensure that the charging points are well distributed while keeping costs manageable and the final bill to the users affordable? The other worry is that EVs will be popular but potential buyers are limited by the charging points. For example, their residential estates may not have enough charging points due to existing space or electrical power output constraints. Some residents have told me that their old condominiums may have issues. Landed property owners may also have problems and need help for their estates' power distribution to be adjusted.”
“Madam, the Government has announced that from 2030, only new cleaner energy car models may be registered. Will the Ministry elaborate on how it will promote the adoption of EVs to achieve this new target? Having been used to a wide range of car models run by internal combustion engines, the EVs' range may not be diverse enough to appeal to some potential buyers who consider a list of other attributes in addition to fuel economy and safety. These include branding, design, tactile driving, feel, and so on. What if more owners decide to renew the COEs of older cars operating on internal combustion engines? There is also concerns about maintenance and repairs of EVs. Do we have the manpower training programmes in place to equip and certify a new generation of technicians? Accessibility of Electric Vehicles EVs are more expensive than vehicles utilising internal combustion engines even after factoring in the Electric Vehicle Early Adoption Incentive (EEAI) and enhanced Vehicular Emissions Scheme (VES) incentives. How will the Government make EVs more accessible to all car owners? Families with young children and the elderly may find these higher priced vehicles a burden, similarly, for those who depend on driving private vehicles for a living. I am also concerned about families with members who have special needs or disabilities who depend on private vehicles for mobility. Will the Government consider assisting them with family-friendly or disability-related rebates? How about the maintenance and repairs of EVs? Does the Government have any indicative figures of such costs and what measures will be introduced to help bring these costs to affordable levels?”
“I would like to ask the Minister what are our plans to further mitigate and reduce our carbon emissions? Trade-offs in Climate Targets”
“Madam, there are many aspects to combating climate change and promoting sustainability. Many issues need our attention and urgent action. But funds and resources are limited, and have been further strained due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Singapore needs to select and decide on our climate goals and achievable milestones. We are a small city state with a densely built urban environment and manufacturing facilities, as well as an air, maritime and financial hub. Hence, our carbon emissions are not insignificant relative to our geographical size. Yet, we are dependent on these activities to survive as we lack natural resources. How can we balance these competing demands and meet our short and long-term climate goals without compromising the quality of life for our citizens? Would the Minister elaborate on our climate initiatives and projects? What can we achieve in the short, medium and long term together with the communities in the world? Beyond mitigating our domestic emissions, how can Singapore contribute to international efforts to achieve Singapore's climate goals? Plan to Mitigate and Reduce Emissions We need a whole-of-society approach to solve the problem of carbon emissions. Firstly, how do we reduce carbon emissions from our electricity consumption from running offices and households? We also use a lot of air-conditioning in our hot and humid weather. Secondly, we are an air, maritime and logistics hub, and have an active manufacturing sector. How do we incentivise companies to make more efficient use of electricity? Thirdly, we need to encourage our people to use more public transportation to cut down on emissions from private vehicles. Emissions are also linked to our diets and lifestyles. Eating less meat and reducing waste will make a lot of difference.”
“Mr Chairman, trade is one of the most important pillars of our economy. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many of our established markets and it is timely for us to consider greater diversification. We should consider tapping into opportunities in other markets, especially those beyond Asia. Emerging economies in central and eastern Europe, the Middle East and Latin America are developing strongly with young populations. While they may not be obvious choices for our entrepreneurs, these are promising markets worth considering. How are we engaging these emerging markets beyond Asia? Would the Minister provide an update on the measures and frameworks, such as trade agreements, to support Singapore companies there? How else is the Ministry supporting local companies interested in exploring opportunities in these markets? New US Administration”