Grace Fu Hai Yien
Singapore
“The Government takes a multi-pronged approach to address the disamenities from second-hand tobacco smoke. The National Environment Agency (NEA) works with Government agencies, Town Councils and community leaders to promote considerate behaviour and strengthen social norms.”
“The Government recently announced land-use changes in Lim Chu Kang to optimise our scarce land to meet our growing and evolving needs. We are at the initial planning stage and agencies are still working out the detailed development proposals.”
“Public Waste Collectors and Town Councils have trialled the collection and treatment of segregated food waste from households. However, participation rates are poor despite regular engagement and reminders.”
“The quality of incense offerings and the practice of burning incense are not regulated by law. Instead, the National Environment Agency (NEA) works with stakeholders, such as Town Councils, agencies and religious organisations, to encourage responsible burning of joss paper and incense.”
“The National Environment Agency (NEA) monitors public cleaning contractors through regular physical audits and remote monitoring, complemented by video analytics. NEA also regularly assesses the cleaning quality and outcomes of public cleaning contractors.”
“This question has been addressed in the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment’s combined answer to Question Nos 15 to 18 on the Order Paper for 7 July 2026. [Please refer to "National Recycling Rates, Plans and Targets", Official Report, 7 July 2026, Vol 96, Issue 32, Oral Answers to Questions section.]”
The complete record
Every one of 2,293 lines we hold for Grace Fu Hai Yien, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 46 of 46.
“Mr Speaker, Sir, Dr Lily Neo asked whether we are importing granite from alternative sources and whether shipments have arrived. The answer is “Yes”. When the supply of granite from Indonesia was disrupted in late February, we immediately released granite from our stockpile to make up for the supply shortfall. We have activated various alternative granite supply sources from countries in the region. These measures have helped to minimise the disruption to construction activities. Shipments of granite from the alternative sources have started to arrive in Singapore and the supply is proceeding smoothly. We will continue to work with our granite importers to maintain the flow from these sources. We will also look for more sources to ensure that the supply line is further diversified. Diversifying supply sources is part of our total approach to enhance resilience for our construction industry. The general approach adopted under this plan is this - keep all our options open, and plan for all contingencies. This is our best defence against the risk of a future supply disruption, whatever the reasons and whenever it happens. So we buy from as many different countries as possible, continue to keep a sizeable stockpile and work with the industry to switch to more sustainable methods of construction. One additional option is to tap on our local granite sources, should the need arise. Thus, it is necessary to carry out some limited quarrying to understand the issues involved in reactivating quarries, such as the preparatory works and time involved, and the mitigating measures to put in place. HDB will look into restarting one of its former quarries in Pulau Ubin.”
“Madam, as I have mentioned in my reply earlier on, we are conducting a design contest, and we hope that by giving an award to the winning contestant, it will give a very strong signal.”
“Madam, in reply to the point raised by Mdm Cynthia Phua, HDB is aware of some of the spalling concrete issues, and it is looking at a systematic repair method, and we will also study her suggestion about going into research on the cause and repair of spalling concrete.”
“As Ms Olsen has correctly pointed out, the provision of disabled and elderly-friendly built environment should focus on the needs of the users. BCA has, in collaboration with the Singapore Institute of Architects and the Handicaps Welfare Association, launched the Universal Design Award for Built Environment to recognise developers and designers for their efforts in this area. For public housing, HDB has also incorporated Universal Design features in its projects from July 2006. To ensure that barrier-free facilities being put in place are well maintained and remain functional, we will propose amending the Building Control Act to require continued compliance with the BFA requirements. This is to ensure that disabled and elderly-friendly infrastructure remains usable. BCA has mapped out a five-year plan to ensure existing buildings in key areas are accessible by 2011. For a start, BCA is working with public-sector agencies to review and improve the accessibility of their existing buildings. HDB is working with the Town Councils to make all precincts barrier-free by 2011. We have also set aside $40 million under the new Accessibility Fund to help building owners to defray some of the costs of providing basic barrier-free features in their existing buildings. This Fund will be made available from 1st April 2007. Avian Flu”
“This involves adopting alternative construction methods and materials that reduce our reliance on certain basic construction materials, and diversifying our supply sources of these materials. Madam, MND has stated in this House that the Indonesian ban on land sand export will not have a major impact on the construction industry. Recently, we have also experienced disruptions in supply of granite. These developments are a timely reminder of the importance of diversifying our supply sources and switching to sustainable construction. The industry should continue to diversify our supply sources. Going forward, the industry should switch to alternative methods and materials, including the use of steel, dry walls, glass and metal claddings. Mr Charles Chong has pointed out that concrete prices have gone up more than the anticipated increase in sand prices. Concrete price is dependent on a number of factors, including the costs of raw materials. We have urged our industry players to take a collaborative approach to mitigate the impact of rising prices for existing projects. BCA will continue to closely monitor the situation, and put in place the necessary measures to ensure construction activities could proceed without major disruption. On the topic of barrier-free accessibility, we must create an environment where our elderly can “age in place”. To achieve this, BCA has put in place measures to create a barrier-free built environment in a holistic manner. First, strengthening the BCA Code, and that is the best way to ensure the barrier-free environment is built in a cohesive way, and BCA is strengthening the Code of Barrier-Free Accessibility, so that we improve the accessibility between buildings, and from buildings to nearby facilities.”
“The project will feature a generous provision of green spaces, with the guiding design principle of harnessing wind, daylight, rainfall and greenery, wherever possible. A wide range of technologies will also be adopted to promote energy conservation, efficient use of resources, recycling, as well as to reduce maintenance cost. More details of the eco-precinct will be unveiled closer to the launch date. Second, MND has recently launched the Green Mark Incentive Scheme to encourage private-sector developers and building owners to go green. This is a $20 million incentive scheme that offers cash grants over the next three years to private buildings that achieve at least the Green Mark “Gold” award. To enhance the industry's capability in green building technology, MND is also setting aside $50 million over the next five years for the new "MND Research Fund for the Built Environment". This Research Fund was launched in January this year, with green building technology identified as a key research area. We are currently evaluating the first batch of applications received. Mdm Ho Geok Choo asked about how our buildings are adapted for the equatorial climate to improve energy efficiency. Currently, our building regulations require all air-conditioned buildings to comply with minimum energy efficiency standards. Moving forward, we are looking at mandating minimum requirements on environmental sustainability for new buildings and existing ones undergoing major retrofitting works to achieve at least the basic Green Mark standards. As we evolve a more sustainable built environment, we are also promoting sustainable construction.”
“Madam, to achieve our goal of a world-class built environment, we are adopting a three-pronged strategy. First, we will evolve a more sustainable built environment by encouraging the design and construction of green buildings. Second, we will promote sustainable construction which would enhance our resilience against supply fluctuations in basic construction materials. Third, we will push for barrier-free accessibility in our built environment to cater to the needs of our rapidly ageing population. Let me elaborate. As the physical transformation of our city is intensified, we need to ensure that development is carried out in a sustainable manner. Our buildings must be “green”, that is, they should be energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly. In 2005, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) launched the Green Mark Scheme to promote green building technologies. To-date, 33 local buildings have been Green Mark certified. I am pleased to share with Members that we are undertaking the following key initiatives to achieve wider adoption of the Green Mark scheme. First, the public sector will take the lead in adopting the Green Mark scheme. With effect from 1st April 2007, all new public-sector buildings and those undergoing major retrofitting works would have to be Green Mark certified. Since January 2007, HDB has required all new public housing to be Green Mark certified. In addition, HDB will launch its first “eco-precinct”, a new Build-to-Order (BTO) project, at the end of this month to showcase environmentally sustainable design principles and green building technology that can be deployed in future public housing projects.”
“Currently, the Government sets aside land in the new towns for commercial space development. The commercial operator is free to decide the type of eating and marketing facilities to provide, whether coffee-shops or air-conditioned food courts, wet markets or supermarkets. At the precinct level, however, HDB will ensure that basic facilities in the form of eating houses and mini-marts are provided to meet residents’ needs. Defects in HDB Flats”
“Since the RPS was announced in March 2005, HDB has offered the programme to a total of 455 shops in 44 blocks. Twenty blocks comprising 219 shops, or 48% of the shops, will be cleared. Under the present scheme, HDB will consider only these blocks where more than 50% of the tenants wish to quit. With the majority expressing desire to quit, HDB will clear the entire lot of shops. Now that we have cleared the shops in relatively large numbers, we are ready to fine-tune our programme. Henceforth, HDB will also consider blocks where at least 30% of the tenants opt to quit, while those remaining agree to regroup, where necessary. Regrouping of remaining shops is necessary to avoid interspersed vacancies and inconveniences to the residents. As with the current RPS, eligible tenants who opt to quit will receive an ex gratia payment of $60,000. Those who need to be regrouped will receive a $10,000 removal allowance. With this revision, we believe we would have reached an optimal level of shops, considering the needs of both the tenants and the residents. Therefore, we are likely to discontinue RPS after the next offering. Shop tenants who are keen to participate in the programme should take this opportunity to nominate themselves to HDB for the RPS through their Advisers. Dr Lim Wee Kiak has asked the Government to build wet markets and hawker centres in the new HDB towns. We recognise the role of wet markets and hawker centres as a focal point for community interaction. However, with the changing lifestyle of Singaporeans, the general demand for traditional wet markets and hawker centres has trended downwards over the years. Singaporeans, including the elderly, are turning to modern amenities like supermarkets for their grocery needs.”
“To encourage more MAs to organise promotional activities, HDB will co-fund 50% of the expenditure incurred for the promotional activities, or up to $1,000 per rental shop per year and $500 per sold shop per year. Rent-free period will be granted for HDB retailers who renovate their shops while undertaking the overall upgrading and promotional activities. To qualify for the ROS, the retailers must be represented by a merchants association to ensure that there are collective efforts and a common vision for their area. They can apply for all or a combination of the above items. Besides HDB, SPRING has also enhanced its assistance for HDB retailers through the Heartland Retail Programme comprising two initiatives: firstly, SPRING will provide funding for revitalisation projects driven by the MAs, such as the engagement of consultants to develop marketing strategies. SPRING will co-fund up to 70% of the costs of manpower, equipment and professional services. Secondly, SPRING will fund individual shops to upgrade their business operations, skills and premises. SPRING will co-fund up to 70% of the upgrading cost or $10,000 per shop. We will launch these assistance measures on a pilot basis for a few clusters of shops in the later half of this year and we will provide more details of the schemes later. The Workforce Development Agency (WDA) is looking into a new Skills Upgrading Programme for individual HDB retailers to raise their service standards. 5.30 pm Meanwhile, HDB will continue with the Restructuring Programme for Shops (RPS) to assist HDB shop tenants located in areas where there is an over-supply of shops to exit the business. The aim is to reduce supply of shops judiciously so that the remaining shops will become more viable.”
“Madam, as the Members have rightly pointed out, the HDB retailers are in fact facing competition from suburban shopping malls and hypermarts. Mr Masagos has rightly focused on the role of HDB shops in meeting the needs of local residents. They add to the vibrancy of HDB communities. To enable HDB retailers to adapt to changing market conditions, HDB has progressively relaxed its policies on shop tenancy such as change of trade, subletting and assignment. However, HDB retailers must take the lead in upgrading and revitalising their shops. Miss Lee Bee Wah and Mr Masagos have called for HDB to enhance the vibrancy of HDB shops and help the retailers adapt to changing lifestyles. Where retailers are keen to improve the competitiveness of their shops, I am pleased to announce that the Government will provide assistance to them to help them upgrade. We have distributed a handout and Members may like to refer to that. HDB will be introducing a new package of measures called the Revitalisation of Shops Scheme (ROS). The ROS will be targeted at areas where the HDB retailers, whether sold or rental shops, are prepared to organise themselves and take the lead to drive the project. Under the scheme, assistance will be provided through three components, namely, upgrading of the common area; promotional activities as well as rent-free period. First, upgrading of the common area. HDB will co-fund upgrading of common areas and facilities. For rental shops, HDB and the Town Councils will pay for 100% of the upgrading cost, up to $20,000 per shop. For sold shops, HDB and the Town Councils will pay up to 50% of the upgrading cost or $10,000 per shop. The balance will be borne by the shop owners. Promotional activities organised by the local merchants associations (MAs).”
“Ms Lee Bee Wah asked for a nation-wide programme to address the problem of water seepage. MND is studying the feasibility of a more structured and systematic programme, as suggested. In conclusion, we have a vision to bring public housing to new heights in Singapore, thus providing a first-class living environment for the 80% of Singaporeans who live in HDB estates. By making our HDB heartlands distinctive, attractive and comfortable, we can make Singapore a great place to live, work and play, and the best home for every Singaporean. Housing for the Elderly”
“Certain block configurations, such as segmented blocks where a new lift shaft would benefit only two units per floor, are much more expensive to upgrade compared to a standard block with common corridors. The difference can be as large as two to three times more. It would not be fair for the residents of standard blocks to cross-subsidise the segmented blocks. We are upgrading our lifts as quickly as we can. Our original target was to complete lift upgrading by 2019 and this was just for high-rise blocks. We have brought the target for completion forward to 2014, and have included an additional 800 low-rise blocks to the number. We have correspondingly increased the budget to cater to the accelerated pace of lift upgrading, from $410 million for FY2004 precincts to $630 million for FY2006 precincts. Taking into account the capacity of the construction industry, as Ms Lee has rightly put, and the funding involved, I believe that 2014 is a realistic target. Mr Charles Chong has asked about the progress of lift upgrading in Potong Pasir. This issue has been discussed quite extensively in this House. I think the question is probably best answered by Mr Chiam at another time. In the interest of time, I will not go into that here. Mr Charles Chong has also asked about Town Councils’ maintenance of estates so that they do not degenerate into slums. My Ministry shares that concern. It is for this reason that we have required Town Councils to build up their sinking funds over the years for the essential cyclical maintenance of their estates. These works include the replacement of roofing systems, water tanks and electrical systems, and repainting of blocks. HDB has issued guidelines to Town Councils for the recommended cyclical replacement schedule for these items.”
“This is more than half of the 5,300 blocks currently eligible for lift upgrading. We will maintain this pace so that all eligible blocks will have their lifts stop on every floor by 2014. Mr Charles Chong has asked for the number of blocks that are not eligible for lift upgrading. My Ministry had set a cost cap of $30,000 per benefitting unit as eligibility criterion for the LUP. The purpose of the cost cap is to maximise the LUP budget and to allow as many residents to benefit from the programme as possible. The cost cap is necessary because the cost of lift upgrading can be very expensive, and it does not make sense to provide lift upgrading at any cost. At the present juncture, there are about 200 blocks whose LUP costs exceed the cost cap. HDB will look at new technology and methods to bring down the costs so that more blocks can have their lifts upgraded. HDB has made significant progress in finding new solutions. In February last year, HDB introduced the use of machine-roomless lifts, lighter materials for lift shafts and new procurement methods to bring down the costs. This allowed 250 blocks that previously exceeded the cost cap to qualify. In November last year, we announced new lift solutions again, such as shaftless lifts, smaller lifts suitable for low-rise blocks, and reconfigured lift access for blocks with internal voids. That allowed another 520 blocks to qualify for LUP. With these solutions, 96% of HDB blocks without full lift access are eligible. HDB will continue to pursue cost-effective solutions. 4.45 pm Mr Wee Siew Kim suggested costing the blocks in the precinct on a shared basis so that the costs of the more expensive blocks can be shared with the cheaper blocks. While the intent of this approach may be good, it would not be fair.”
“Car parks will be built beneath the blocks, so that more greenery and open spaces are available at ground level. With the car park podiums integrated with the blocks, you can walk to your cars, sheltered from the elements of the weather. In addition, the estates will be integrated with transportation nodes, such that there is accessibility to buses or trains. You will also find it easy to move around your estate using integrated covered linkways in a barrier-free environment. Your flat will adopt universal design features which enable residents to age-in-place. There will be environmentally-friendly features to save water and energy. Recycling will be very convenient with centralised chutes. Your regenerated estate will also retain some of its heritage and identity that are associated with the area. One final point is this. The new generation of HDB estates will be built to encourage greater community participation and ownership. For example, you and your neighbours may collectively decide on what communal facilities to have. More spaces for interaction will also be provided to encourage social integration. The agencies are currently working together on the feasibility of the new ideas. HDB will launch a public exhibition later this year to showcase the new concepts and invite public feedback. Besides the new heartland regeneration programme, the Government remains committed to upgrading and maintaining our existing HDB estates so that they meet the needs of the residents. Let me now update Members on the progress of the Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP). The Government has committed to provide lifts stopping on every floor for eligible blocks by 2014. We have made good progress. As at January this year, we have selected around 3,000 blocks for lift upgrading.”
“My Minister has informed the House on how we have comprehensively and systematically planned for our long-term land-use needs. This includes an investment plan to sustain and upgrade the quality of our living environment so that Singapore remains a home of choice for our people. [Mdm Deputy Speaker (Ms Indranee Rajah) in the Chair] 4.36 pm With some of our flats reaching 40 to 50 years old over the coming years, it is timely for us to carry out total redevelopment of some of our HDB heartlands. The transformation of our older estates to a new generation of housing estates will raise HDB living to new heights. Given the scale and scope of such a programme, it is estimated to cost the Government about $1 billion a year when the programme is in full swing. In this new generation estate, not only will we adopt ideas on sustainable development, we will incorporate features that enhance our living experience. We will do so without compromising our commitment to maintain affordable public housing. This will not be just a HDB initiative. It will incorporate ideas and technologies from agencies, such as URA, PUB, NParks, LTA, NEA, and so on. Construction of this new-generation public housing estate in the Dawson area of Queenstown is expected to commence within three to four years. Let me give you a glimpse of what this new-generation HDB housing will be like. To begin, you will live in a park-like environment. We call this “Housing in a Park”, which mirrors our vision for Singapore as a “City in a Garden”. Looking out from your window, you will see lush greenery and landscaping, including sky gardens in neighbouring blocks. Depending on where you live, you may also enjoy water features, play areas and water-sensitive urban features.”
“Sir, I think I have answered earlier that between the three agencies - AVA, HDB and Town Councils - they receive an average of 10,000 complaints per year, which is actually 30 complaints per day. Granted, there could be people who feel passionate about this issue and probably complain more than once, I think 30 a day is probably more than what a few people could do, unless they do it on a full-time basis. As regards programmes, as I said, we have the interest of the animals at heart. AVA does quite a few programmes on public education. We will look into specific issues if the NMP feels that Town Councils have taken action that is perhaps too harsh for the cat lover. STATISTICS ON JOBS CREATED 2. Mr Siew Kum Hong asked the Minister for Manpower (a) how many of the jobs created in 2006 were taken up by Singapore citizens, permanent residents and foreigners respectively; (b) what is the Government estimates of these statistics if it does not track them for Singapore citizens and permanent residents; and (c) whether it can derive such statistics using income tax and CPF contribution data and, if so, what are these statistics.”
“Sir, on the first question whether AVA, HDB and Town Councils track the number of repeat complaints, at this moment, I do not have the information. I believe that they do keep a record of the people who complain but, in compiling statistics, I do not think they eliminate repeat complaints. I will check on this and, if necessary, provide an answer to the Member. As to the empirical evidence of sterilisation, some years back, in 1998, we embarked on a programme of sterilisation and release. I believe this is what the NMP is referring to. In 2003, ie, five years later, we did a review of that programme. Actually, the Town Councils found that the programme had not been effective in controlling the stray cat population. The complaints on food remains and cat waste continued and, surprisingly in some cases, they actually reported an increase in the number of complaints despite the programme to sterilise. It is for this reason that AVA thinks that it is not just an enforcement issue but also a public participation issue. Therefore, AVA is quite happy to work with the community to control the number of strays in their area. As regards Town Councils' action, I believe that the Town Councils take a very pragmatic approach. They will act on complaints. We have actually been discussing with the Town Councils of taking a balanced approach. Of course, while they would act only on complaints and when there is a complaint, they would have to show that they act on it as well. Town Councils do have a responsibility towards its residents to ensure that the place is kept clean and the environment conducive.”
“Mr Speaker, as I have mentioned, we have a stock of about 42,000 rental flats. If you look at it in proportion to our total public housing, that is roughly about 5% of our total stock. For HDB to set aside 5% for very heavily subsidised rental flats, I think that is a very reasonable proportion. Having said that, we are mindful of some of the difficulties that some needy families may be going through, particularly in view of possible stagnation of income, and that is the reason for us to embark upon construction as well as conversion programmes. We are talking about 1,000 to 2,000 units being built or converted over the next few years. PROFESSIONALS, MANAGERS, EXECUTIVES AND TECHNICIANS (PMETS) (Employment opportunities) 3. Mdm Ho Geok Choo asked the Minister for Manpower (a) how many Professionals, Managers, Executives and Technicians (PMETs) have been re-employed in the last 9 months; and (b) what efforts has the Ministry taken to create fresh employment opportunities for displaced PMETs, especially in this period of economic growth and recovery. 4. Dr Lam Pin Min asked the Minister for Manpower (a) if there are any existing schemes or future plans to assist Professionals, Managers, Executives and Technicians (PMETs) who are bankrupts and unemployed, in job placement; and (b) if there are measures in place to minimise possible discrimination against them in their bid to look for a job, both in the private and public sector.”
“Mr Speaker, we do look at rental revisions very carefully and as much as possible accommodate them by giving advance notice as well as spacing out the increase. In this case that the Member has mentioned, for income brackets of $800 to $1,500, after the revision, we are talking about a monthly rental of $110 for a 1-room flat and $150 for a 2-room flat. I believe that for someone who is earning $800 to $1,500, this would be an acceptable amount to pay. It is actually way below market rate. The subsidy is very heavy. But obviously we would apply a principle that if you have the ability to pay, you should pay according to your earning capacity. In this case, for $800 to $1,500, we have decided to raise the rental progressively. Having said that, we were very mindful of the impact on the low-income and that is the reason why we have capped those who are earning $800 and below at rentals of $30 and $60 for 1- and 2-room respectively for the time being.”
“We do look at cases on a case-by-case basis. As I said, we do exercise discretion.”
“I will take the second question first. As I have mentioned in my answer, we are planning to construct new rental flats over the next few years and we are also in the process of converting 3- and 4-room flats into 1- and 2-room rental flats. That review is done after considering the number of new applications that we have. We are receiving about 370 eligible applications on a monthly basis. We have a stock of 1,200 at the moment. We will be using up our rental stock quite quickly if we are not careful in assigning the rental flats. That is what we are doing. We are starting to construct and convert the 3- and 4-room flats into 1- and 2-room rental flats. With regard to the 30-month debarment period rule as well as having sold two flats or more, I think Members would agree with me that the rental flats are heavily subsidised. For example, for those who earn $800 a month and below, we are charging them $30 for a 1-room flat and $60 for a 2-room flat. It is highly subsidised and highly attractive, and if we do not have very strict rules, I think it will be very attractive for many to turn to rental flats as an option. We should keep rental flats to those that are really in need and therefore there are rules, for example, to stop families who have just sold and received a big proceed from their sale of flat, to rent and to look at rental housing as a first choice option. Having said that, we have exercised discretion and we have granted exceptions to cases that are really deserving.”
“Mr Speaker, as I mentioned in my answer, we would like to provide as many needy households that are eligible for rental flats as quickly as we can and, therefore, given the very limited stock of rental flats that we have, we would prefer to have them in 1- or 2-room flat size. To have new 3-room flats at the expense of being able to build two 1-room flats, for example, obviously it is wiser to have more 1-room flats than a single larger room flat, like a 3-room flat. So, from a resource allocation perspective again, we would stick to 1- or 2-room flats because, as much as we like to provide a shelter for the needy, we would also like to encourage them to own their homes at some point in time, and comfort is a good reason to encourage them to perhaps start with acquiring a 2-room flat, for example. On the issue of management agents renting out 3-room flats, that is really for us to make better use of vacant flats. They do not come under the Public Rental Scheme.”
“Currently, HDB has about 42,000 rental flats, of which 1,200 are vacant and available for rent. Each month, 160 rental flats are returned to HDB while 370 eligible applications are received. Given the limited numbers of rental flats, we need to ensure that rental flats are allocated to only deserving cases without alternative housing options. The average waiting time for a rental flat ranges from two to six months, depending on location. Those who need rental flats urgently can participate in HDB's Daily Selection Scheme where flats are available for immediate selection and allocation on a daily basis. HDB has no plans to build 3-room rental flats, as we need to focus our limited resources on meeting the housing needs of as many needy households as possible. In addition, rental flats also need to remain small so that the rent will be affordable to the families in need. In fact, HDB plans to convert some available 3- and 4-room blocks at Boon Lay and Woodlands into about 1,000 units of 1- and 2-room rental flats. HDB will also build new 1- and 2-room rental flats in the near future starting with around 1,000 units in the next few years.”
“As he is actually eligible for a HDB concessionary loan and will have some proceeds from the sale of his repossessed flat, HDB advised him to consider buying a smaller flat. He could also consider staying with his siblings or at temporary shelters run by VWOs. He declined to take up any of these suggestions. Based on these facts, Sir, I believe you will agree with me that these two cases were homeless by choice, rather than due to circumstances beyond their control. The individuals may have spent their sale proceeds irresponsibly or decided that the other housing options are not sufficiently attractive to them. As I have stated on various occasions in this House, HDB is prepared to help genuinely needy cases to rent or buy a flat from HDB. However, such appeals need to be carefully scrutinised to ensure that our limited housing subsidies are fairly distributed to those that need them most and are not abused. Individual homeowners must understand the implications of their decision to buy and sell their flats and take personal responsibility for these decisions. Although social services may also be offered to those genuinely in need, on a temporary basis, the Government cannot repeatedly provide assistance and subsidies to bail out financially irresponsible households, as it will only encourage such behaviour and deprive deserving families of help. On its part, HDB will also provide financial counselling to help potential flat buyers better understand the long-term financial implications of their flat purchases. Starting from this year, HDB will require those applying for HDB loans to obtain a Home Loan Eligibility letter before they commit to a flat purchase. This is another measure by HDB to inculcate financial prudence and forward planning among flat buyers.”
“The $80 million is an electoral promise made by the PAP candidate, just like some of us have made our promise during the election to our residents as well, including Mr Chiam's promise to upgrade his 40 blocks with his Town Council's funds, it is in the same nature. FAMILIES LIVING IN A TENT AND LORRY 2. Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim asked the Minister for National Development in light of reports on the plight of families living in a tent and lorry, (a) what are the facts and circumstances of their inability to obtain public housing; and (b) what steps has HDB taken to resolve these cases. The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for National Development (Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman) (for the Minister for National Development): Mr Speaker, Sir, the two cases referred to by Dr Faishal were reported in the Berita Harian in late November and early December last year. Let me highlight the key facts. Both of these cases have received housing subsidies in the past. One had made substantial profits through the sale of two subsidised flats - the most recent being in March 2005. His application for a subsidised HDB rental flat was rejected because he could not meet the eligibility conditions. There were no grounds to give him any special consideration. He and his foreign wife subsequently shifted to a relative's flat. The other case had defaulted on his mortgage payments on his flat, which he had purchased from the open market with a housing grant. When the bank repossessed his flat, he applied to HDB for a subsidised rental flat. His application was also rejected because he could not meet the eligibility conditions.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the deadline of 2014 cannot be more explicit, and I do not think you can consider that vague. All HDB estates, including those under the PAP, have the deadline of 2014. I think none of us has any deadlines more specific than that.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, Mr Chiam has asked the reason for the fund not released to the Potong Pasir Town Council. I would just reiterate my point earlier on that the package was proposed by the PAP candidate and it was on the premise that, if he were elected, he would solicit Government's support for the $80 million. Since his proposal was not supported by the residents of Potong Pasir, that package no longer exists. So there is no ground for the $80 million to be released to Potong Pasir residents. Mr Chiam asked if he were to submit a plan, whether the funds would be allocated. As I have said, the Government will provide lift upgrading to all the blocks by 2014. That is a promise. If the fund that Mr Chiam is going to ask for falls into this group of flats, that is what the Government is prepared to look at.”
“We now have plans to roll out the progressive installation of immobilisers on these hazmat vehicles that would enable SCDF to remotely activate them to stop the vehicles by shutting down the engine safely. We will implement this plan over a one-year period, starting from April this year.”
“Fifth, to further minimise the possibility of a terror attack using a hazmat vehicle within the Central Business District (CBD), vehicles that need to travel into the CBD are only allowed to enter through three designated entry points at Anson Road, Lavender Street and Newton Circus where they are checked. Sir, in addition, the GPS-based Hazmat Transport Vehicle Tracking System (HTVTS) was implemented on 1st July 2005 to track the movement and location of all local and foreign-registered hazmat vehicles transporting bulk quantities of licensable toxic or flammable materials to prevent the possibility of terror attacks using hazmat vehicles as weapons of mass destruction. These vehicles are monitored on a real-time basis round-the-clock by SCDF's Control Room to ensure that drivers comply with the prescribed requirements. Any violation such as deviation from approved routes would trigger an alarm at SCDF's monitoring console. At the same time, the horn and hazard warning lights of the errant vehicle will be activated. When the alarm is activated, the Hazmat Transport Vehicle Tracking System (HTVTS) operators will verify with the company involved to ascertain the nature of the violations, eg, transportation of hazardous cargoes outside of the regulated transportation routes or hours without prior approval from SCDF. If a violation is unable to be verified through the company concerned, the operators will activate SCDF's Enforcement Bikers and Police's Fast Response Cars, if necessary, to intercept the errant vehicle. Currently, whilst the tracking system can detect an errant hazmat vehicle, it cannot immobilise the vehicle to prevent a determined terrorist from driving it into a target.”
“Ho Peng Kee) (for the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs): Sir, the threat of terrorists using hazardous material (hazmat), such as flammable materials or hazardous chemicals, for terror attacks is real. For example, on 11th April 2002, terrorists drove a truck carrying liquefied natural gas and ignited the cargo in front of a synagogue in the Tunisian island of Djerba, killing 21 and injuring 30 tourists. Currently the use, manufacture, storage and trade of hazmat are regulated by agencies such as the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and the National Environment Agency (NEA). Companies and individuals must adhere to safety and security standards stipulated by these agencies. In addition to safeguarding the hazmat while it is in situ, ie, during storage, the protection of hazmat has been extended to its transportation to minimise the possibility of its being used as a moving terrorist weapon. A number of measures have been implemented to regulate the transportation of hazmat in Singapore. Let me set these out: First, hazmat vehicle drivers must pass security screening and a one-day emergency response course conducted by accredited institutes before they are issued with a Hazmat Transport Driver Permit (HTDP) by SCDF. Second, vehicles must either be licensed by either SCDF or NEA before they can be used to transport flammable materials or hazardous substances respectively. Third, foreign-registered vehicles transporting hazmat are checked at Tuas Checkpoint before they are allowed entry into Singapore. Fourth, hazmat drivers are required to adhere to regulated routes and transportation timings.”
“The household income ceiling for the purchase of a subsidised flat by first-time flat buyers is $8,000 per month. For extended families buying a subsidised HDB flat to stay together, they will enjoy a higher household income ceiling of $12,000 per month. The income ceiling is necessary to ensure that the Government’s limited public housing subsidies are given to those who need them more. It is already generous, as eight out of 10 Singaporean households will satisfy this income ceiling. Families whose household income exceeds the income ceiling can buy resale HDB flats. Those with monthly household income of up to $10,000 can buy a new Executive Condominium (EC) unit with an EC Housing Grant. Nonetheless, we recognise that there may be cases deserving special consideration. For example, the household income may exceed the income ceiling only marginally. Or although the household income exceeds the income ceiling, the family is in financial difficulty due to prolonged costly medical treatment needed by a family member. As it will not be possible for HDB to set a meaningful income ceiling that covers all extenuating circumstances, HDB exercises flexibility on a case-by-case basis to allow deserving cases to purchase a subsidised HDB flat. VEHICLES TRANSPORTING HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (Counter-terrorism measures) 5. Dr Teo Ho Pin asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs if he will update the House on counter-terrorism measures taken by the authorities on vehicles transporting hazardous materials on our roads. The Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs (Assoc. Prof.”
“Sir, I believe I have answered the question before. But as I have said, this is a package that was offered by the PAP candidate. As much as the package counts, I think the votes of the Potong Pasir residents equally count as well and they have turned that down. I think Mr Chiam See Tong, MP for Potong Pasir, should not forget and should respect the wishes of the majority of his constituents.”
“Mr Speaker, in this constitution and in democratic Singapore, we respect the majority. The majority has spoken in Potong Pasir. The minority has to respect that. We care for all Singaporeans. That is the reason why we are continuing with LUP in the estate, we are continuing with the barrier-free access (BFA). We have made the commitment that by 2011, Singapore will have BFA facilities. That shows that we care for the residents in Potong Pasir.”
“Sir, I would just reiterate that if the MP for Potong Pasir feels that he has the ability to persuade the Government to appropriate a certain amount of funds, he should similarly do so. And we look forward to any proposal from him.”
“Sir, if I recall, the MP for Potong Pasir has promised his residents and his electorate that should he win the election, he will provide upgrading without cost. I think that is the promise that he has made. Perhaps, he should also embark on that.”
“Sir, the package that the PAP candidate has offered was offered as an entire package of the policies that the PAP Government would adopt. So this was put forward to the electorate in Potong Pasir at that time. If the entire suite of Government initiatives were adopted and thereby enabling the Government to produce the kind of surpluses that it has, then the surpluses can be shared with the residents through a programme such as LUP plus the other facilities that the candidate has offered. The electorate in Potong Pasir has obviously not supported that and, therefore, they should not stand to benefit from any surpluses that were generated from that suite of policies.”
“Sir, the $80 million upgrading package proposed for Potong Pasir estate was part of the PAP's plans for the constituency, offered by the PAP candidate. The majority of the voters in Potong Pasir did not support this plan, so the upgrading package has been shelved. But I must add that I am quite puzzled by Mr Chiam's question. He is requesting for 45% of the funds on the basis that 45% of the electorate voted for the PAP candidate, Mr Sitoh Yih Pin. Does it imply that he represents only 55% of the electorate in Potong Pasir? And if we go by that logic, does it mean that he should share his chair with Mr Sitoh, ie, 55:45 in this Parliament? And if we take the logic further, does it mean that he should also share his MP allowance with Mr Sitoh?”
“I think the track record of HDB has shown that we will continue to look for solutions. We are very mindful of the requirements of the ageing population and, therefore, it is of priority for us to look for solutions. As I have replied to Ms Lee Bee Wah, I would also suggest to Mr Zaqy to seek the advice of HDB on specific issues relating to the blocks. UPGRADING OF HDB ESTATES IN POTONG PASIR 12. Mr Chiam See Tong asked the Minister for National Development whether the Government is willing to release 45% of the $80 million promised by the Government for upgrading of HDB estates in Potong Pasir in the last election, since 45% of the voters in Potong Pasir voted for the ruling party's candidate.”
“Sir, I would like to advise Ms Lee Bee Wah to direct this question to HDB. We will look into the specific blocks in question and will work out the solution for her residents. As to the cost of LUP, I would assure the Member of Parliament that we will continue to look for cost-effective ways to handle this. We do have a large programme to handle and it is a lot more cost-effective if we can focus on blocks that are eligible under the cost guidelines. Of course, if we have to, we will review the cost guidelines over time. But at this moment, we are working very hard to continuously pursue cost-effective methods so that we can stretch the dollar under the programme.”
“Sir, our Ministry will definitely look into the request that Mr Seah has put forward.”
“With regard to the question posed by Ms Lee Bee Wah, I am confident that HDB will manage to find cost-effective solutions for these flats. And because we expect more of these remaining blocks to qualify for LUP, it is premature at this point in time to advise any residents that their flats are currently not eligible for LUP. For residents who do need to move to a flat located on a lift landing floor urgently, HDB can assist them under the "Mutual Exchange of Flats" scheme or to look for another flat that meets their needs.”
“Sir, the Lift Upgrading Programme aims to bring 100% lift access to HDB blocks built before 1990 which do not have the lift stopping on every floor. As lift upgrading can be extremely costly for some types of blocks, we introduced a cost cap of $30,000 per benefiting unit to ensure that the LUP is carried out in a cost-effective manner. For those blocks which currently exceed the cost cap, HDB has been working to bring down the cost through new lift technologies and procurement methods. My Minister informed Members at the Committee of Supply this year that an additional 250 previously-ineligible blocks had become eligible for the LUP. This was the result of HDB's introduction of new technologies, such as machine-roomless lifts (MRLs) and alternative materials for lift shaft cladding, as well as new methods of procurement. Since then, HDB has explored other lift solutions for the HDB blocks that still exceeded the LUP cost cap. I am happy to inform Members that there has been further progress. HDB will soon introduce new lift solutions, such as use of shaftless lifts, which are similar to 'bubble lifts' found in commercial complexes, and smaller types of lifts that are suitable for low-rise blocks. In addition, for blocks with internal voids which were previously expensive to retrofit with lifts due to the extensive structural works required, HDB has found a more cost-effective method of providing lift upgrading by reconfiguring the lift access to flats located within such blocks. With these new lift solutions, another 520 blocks will now be eligible for lift upgrading. As the track record has suggested, HDB will continue relentlessly to look for ways to bring down the costs further for the remaining blocks that still exceed the cost cap.”