K Shanmugam
Singapore
“Bank accounts are frozen when there is reason to suspect that the bank accounts are involved in illicit activities, including money laundering activities.”
“The Singapore Police Force does not track the requested data. Distinguishing artificial intelligence (AI)-generated content typically requires more detailed forensic examination which may not be necessary in every investigation and may also not be conclusive as to whether AI-generative tools were used.”
“The Building and Construction Authority’s Code on Accessibility provides baseline requirements for accessible and inclusive buildings. It stipulates a minimum width of 1.5 metres or 1.8 metres for primary accessible routes, depending on the building type.”
“The Road Traffic (Motor Vehicles, Driving Licence) Rules under the Road Traffic Act set out the scope of the medical assessment required for motorists aged 65 and above who wish to retain their driving licences.”
“When a Police report has been made, the Police will investigate to determine if a criminal offence has been committed. If there is reasonable suspicion that a case is scam-related, the Police can direct online service providers to restrict Singapore users' access to the relevant online activity under the Online Criminal Harms Act.”
“Through intelligence sharing and coordinated enforcement actions, the cross-border operation disrupted a transnational drug trafficking syndicate and downstream drug trafficking activities, with the UK arresting seven persons so far and further investigations underway.”
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“Police and HTX are developing the XENTINEL, which is a mobile vehicle platform that can be quickly deployed to detect, track and safely take down rogue drones from a long distance. Police are also exploring how to equip the next-generation FRCs with counter-drone capabilities. Let me now move from the hardware to focus on how we are transforming service delivery. ICA, for example, is bringing more of its services online. Today, residents can register or re-register for their Identification Card online. They can also update their address online, instead of visiting the ICA Building or a Police Post. ICA will be issuing more types of documents in digital form, such as birth and death certificates, and long-term passes. ICA will also introduce push notifications for all Singapore residents with registered SingPass accounts, to remind them to follow up on transactions with ICA. For example, you may receive a reminder to re-register your Identity Card on your 30th or 55th birthday. Dr Tan Wu Meng and Mr Faisal Manap spoke about not excluding those who lack IT access or are less IT-savvy from Home Team services. I entirely agree. We try to design our e-services to be simple, seamless and convenient for everyone and we will also try and assist those who need help. If they need physical channels, we will provide helpdesks, self-help kiosks, and service centres. Specifically, Dr Tan raised about Security Officer Licence. Those who want assistance can call the Police Licensing and Regulatory Department to make an appointment, or visit their service counter during office hours. For Citizenship and PR applications, those without Internet access can visit the Citizen Connect Centres (CCCs) for free access to Internet-enabled computing devices.”
“And that can be done, we think, through greater use of technology to monitor the inmates in the community and help compliance with supervision conditions. Prisons is developing a tracking device that looks like a digital watch. It is more discreet than the ankle tag that many Members might be aware of. It reduces the stigma, it boosts the supervisee's self-confidence and helps re-integration back into society. Prisons has also enhanced its digital case management system, making it easier for community partners to access case files and share updates with Prisons staff. Let me now talk a little bit about how we have been using robotics and unmanned aerial systems, or drones, in the Home Team. Mr de Souza asked how the Police seek to overcome operational constraints posed by COVID-19. The answer is greater use of technology. 6.00 pm Drones and robots were deployed for security operations at COVID-19 isolation facilities, which reduced the risk of exposure for our frontline officers. SCDF has been using robots to fight fire. At an industrial fire in Tuas in March last year, these robots tackled the most dangerous parts of the fire, with immense heat and poor visibility. The Home Team will continue to build on these capabilities. Police have, likewise, deployed drones and robots at major public events for crowd management and public safety. They will also support officers in their daily patrols. In future, you may see three SCDF officers and a robot responding to a fire on board the "Red Rhino", instead of the current four-man section. These robots are capable of pushing deeper into the seat of the fire, and can help to carry equipment and casualties. We are also enhancing our ability to deal with the threat of drones.”
“This is something we are focused on. Ms Sylvia Lim has asked about morale of ICA officers. ICA has implemented additional measures to support the ground officers. Senior commanders engage officers regularly, to gather feedback and try to address their concerns. Of course, not every single concern can be addressed but the serious engagement and attempt to solve the issues properly are important. Morale is generally okay. Let me now move to Prisons. Prisons has also made good progress with tech, in particular, what they call the “Prisons Without Guards” strategy. The vision is to have a smart prison that leverages technology to automate routine work, so that prison officers can be more focused on inmates' rehab. For that, one, they go to smart cameras and video analytics, which will assist officers in monitoring inmates' activities, movements, detect irregular behaviour such as fights and medical emergencies. Two, technology is also helping substantially with rehabilitation of inmates. They are given mobile tablets, with e-books and guiding resources to supplement their regular lessons and programmes. It allows the inmates to learn at their own pace and take greater ownership of their rehab. We are developing a mobile app for supervisees in the community, to reinforce their learning and rehab. The supervisees can use the app to access customised e-resources, keep track of their progress and look for job opportunities and community support. We also expanding community corrections. We want to allow more inmates to serve a larger part of their sentences in the community, as long as it is safe to do so, so that they are out for longer period.”
“We will verify travellers' identities through iris and facial images at the automated lanes instead of passports and thumbprints. ICA has conducted trials with promising results. Ms Sylvia Lim asked how is ICA managing new demands arising from COVID-19 and how foreigners are held following their release from prison if they cannot be repatriated immediately, and whether additional manpower was required. ICA has been putting in place plans and systems to cope with the new demands. The digitisation efforts began some years ago. It enabled them to cope with the new demands brought about by COVID-19. The digital services can adapt to changes to our border control rules. They are designed to enable ICA to administer relevant measures for different groups of travellers and also enables integration. For example, ICA integrated Electronic Health Declaration Cards into the SG Arrival Card platform. Second, ICA has enhanced its e-services, which will allow it to automatically process many of the applications and significantly reduce the volume of applications which have to be dealt with by ICA officers manually. As regard to the question on repatriation of foreigners, ICA will seek to repatriate them as soon as possible. But, of course, this is subject to the availability of flights and COVID-19 border control measures both here and elsewhere. Where necessary, ICA will house them temporarily in existing prisons or other ICA facilities. Some additional manpower was needed to resource new functions, but ICA has largely coped by redeploying officers to meet the new demands, like the Safe Travel Office and enforcing the Stay-Home Notice regime. When the surge of travellers comes back, there is obviously going to be substantial demand on ICA and we will have to deal with it.”
“They will make greater use of sensors and automation to help with manpower management, operational response and decision-making. Manual processes, like tracking the readiness of emergency supplies vehicles, rostering of duty personnel, will all be automated. During an emergency, an Artificial Intelligence system will send critical information – floor plans of buildings, live video feed of the site to our officers, where available – even before they arrive at the site. That will help officers assess the situation, develop a plan faster and enhance their response. Our SCDF officers will also be having smart wearables that will be integrated with the Smart Fire Station's systems, and it will allow commanders to monitor officers' physical condition during operations and training to reduce risk of injury. Fourth, our paramedics will be able to access patient data from MOH databases when responding to a 995 call. It will allow for more effective medical intervention. Moving on to ICA. Our aim is to have travellers move through automated lanes when they enter and leave Singapore. We are aiming for contactless. Some of the necessary tech has already been put in place. First, today, eligible travellers can already use what we call the Multimodal Biometric System to clear immigration by scanning their face and iris. It is more secure than fingerprint clearance and also contactless. The traditional paper-based card system has been replaced by the SG Arrival Card e-service and mobile app. That facilitates smoother immigration clearance and enhances the advanced screening of passenger info. As regard to the iris and facial images we intend to upgrade this.”
“The cars will also have video analytics tech to read number plates and automatically flag vehicles of interest. So, we will be surrounded by sensors which make people feel safer and more confident. Fourth, Police have deployed two Police Beacon prototypes at Sengkang and Punggol for a year. Police Beacons will allow members of the public to contact the Police directly during emergencies and they will come equipped with a range of tools to create deterrence and project presence. They will also have CCTV cameras. So, the situation can be assessed immediately, quickly, and they are particularly useful in more secluded locations. Beyond sensors, in terms of investigations, Police and CNB are working to sharpen the investigation capabilities with tech. One, their investigation and case management systems are being digitised, automated and streamlined, so that officers can access information and update cases on the move instead of having to go back to the office to do it, and save time on handling paperwork and admin tasks because the tool will be an integrated search tool, searching multiple databases at one go. Two, Mr Pillai asked how are the Police adapting to tackling some of the most challenging cases of scams and commercial crimes. Police are seeking to use tech again, for example, automated screening of financial transactions when investigating scams. They also have tools to quickly extract and analyse digital evidence from mobile devices, thumb drives. But I think Members will understand – in the end there is a limit to how much can be done when the scammers are overseas. Three, I will deal with the tech and our emergency responses. SCDF, for example, is building the next generation Smart Fire Stations, starting with the new Punggol Fire Station.”
“To start with we set up the Home Team Science and Technology agency HTX, in December 2019, to develop customised tech solutions for our needs, better use tech, reduce some types of work, multiply our capabilities. It has built up talent and capabilities. HTX has 14 centres of expertise in a number of areas: biometric, sense-making and robotics. It is also developing expertise in managing data centres and cloud-based technologies and a Security Operations Centre, with 24/7 monitoring will be set up. HTX will continue to upgrade its capabilities. Let me now move on to how we will use tech to transform Home Team operations. Sensor networks. Cameras. We are enhancing our frontline response through greater use of cameras. The Police have installed almost 90,000 cameras in major public locations – HDB estates, neighbourhood centres and carparks. That has been a game-changer to deter, investigate and solve crimes. As of December 2020, police cameras have assisted in solving nearly 5,000 cases; 4,900 to be precise. Surveys have shown that people feel safer with a prominent placement of police cameras in their neighbourhoods. In the next several years, I promise that many more cameras will be installed across the island subject to the budgetary situation. Next, Police have redesigned our Neighbourhood Police Centres and Police Post to include automated self-help kiosks, so people can access police services around the clock. Three, Police will roll out 300 next-generation Fast Response Cars (FRCs) by 2023; within the next two years. They will have cameras which will provide a 360-degree view of its surroundings to the Police Command Centre, and it will allow commanders at the Command Centre to assess the situation and deploy back-ups.”
“Chairman, I thank the hon Members for their comments. We continue to be one of the safest places in the world. People are confident that Home Team will carry out its mission fairly and effectively. My colleagues from my Ministry and I will try and deal with the points raised by the Members of Parliament. [Deputy Speaker (Ms Jessica Tan Soon Neo) in the Chair] Let me turn to the points that I will deal with. I will first speak about our approach to religious harmony before setting out our transformation approach.”
“The Traffic Police (TP) conducts public education to raise awareness on safe cycling. For example, TP's "Use Your RoadSense" campaign encourages cyclists to conduct pre-riding device checks. These checks include ensuring that the front and rear lights of the bicycle are operational. TP also partners the Singapore Road Safety Council, Safe Cycling Taskforce, Singapore Cycling Federation, and People's Association to raise awareness on safe cycling practices among the cycling community, including wearing reflective gear at night and ensuring that lights and reflectors on bicycles are installed in proper positions. TP conducts enforcement operations at locations such as traffic junctions near the Park Connector Network, where there is a higher concentration of cyclists who are prone to commit traffic offences such as cycling in a disorderly manner or against the flow of traffic. In these operations, enforcement action is also taken against cyclists who commit the offence of failing to display lights at the front and rear of their bicycles when cycling on roads between 7 pm and 7 am. First-time offenders may be fined up to $1,000, imprisoned for up to three months, or both. Repeat offenders may be fined up to $2,000, imprisoned for up to six months, or both.”
“We invite the Member to explain the rationale for reporting of aggregated and anonymised data on Police's use of force to Parliament. We will consider the suggestion, in the light of the reasons given. It takes time and effort to collate and provide such data, and the Singapore Police Force is already working with limited manpower – as we have explained several times. In short, the Ministry is of the view that the public knows that Police act lawfully. And those who feel that Police have acted unlawfully have been able to obtain and have obtained recourse.”
“Law enforcement officers are empowered to use force in the discharge of their duties. These will include situations which require protecting and saving lives, preventing the commission of an offence, and arresting suspects who have committed offences. Some suspects may be compliant with verbal commands by the law enforcement officers. Others may resist arrest with different degrees of violence. In such situations, the use of force may be necessary to prevent the suspect from hurting themselves or others, including the officers. Indeed, law enforcement officers put their own safety and lives on the line every time they intervene to prevent the commission of an offence, or to protect members of the public. We should give them the respect and thanks they deserve. Law enforcement officers have to evaluate the threat posed and decide on the most appropriate course of action, including the force that is needed, and the safety of all who are involved, or around. This has to be done in real time, sometimes in the blink of an eye, and without the benefit of detailed and thorough analysis of the circumstances, backed up by viewing of camera footages and other information, that an ex-post analysis would allow. The policy on the use of force is reviewed as necessary. If members of the public feel that the force used by law enforcement officers may be disproportionate to the situation, they can provide feedback to the Ministry of Home Affairs or lodge a Police report. The Ministry will investigate these complaints. If the complaints are substantiated, action will be taken against errant officers, including criminal proceedings, if a criminal offence is disclosed.”
“The Public Trustee's Office (PTO) provides a service to family members to administer the CPF monies of their loved one who has passed away without making a CPF nomination. Individuals can apply for the service online. Those who need assistance with the electronic application can be assisted in-person by e-helpers who are conversant in multiple languages and dialects at the Ministry of Law Services Centre. Those who are unable to make their way to the Services Centre, such as those with mobility difficulties, may contact the PTO. Where necessary, PTO officers can make home visits to provide assistance. The Public Trustee has to impose a fee to cover the cost of administering the un-nominated CPF monies, which includes tracing the deceased's next-of-kin, identifying all eligible beneficiaries and establishing the familial relationship between the beneficiaries and deceased. The fee is deducted from the un-nominated CPF monies. The Public Trustee can waive the fee in part or full, taking into consideration supporting documents that evidence the applicant's financial circumstances, and has done so for deserving cases. To allow their CPF monies to be distributed to preferred beneficiaries faster and without incurring fees, we strongly encourage all members to make their CPF nominations and update it as their life circumstances change. They can do so via the CPF Board's online nomination service1 or visit the CPF Service Centres, where the Customer Service Executives can help in the nomination process and act as their witnesses.”
“Since 2010, ISD has detained three individuals aged between 16 and 18; and seven individuals aged between 19 and 25; under the Internal Security Act for terrorism-related conduct. Of the three individuals aged between 16 and 18, two remain in detention, while the third individual was released on a Restriction Order (RO) after two years in detention. Of the seven individuals aged between 19 and 25, two remain in detention, while the rest have been released on RO. They were detained for periods ranging from two to six years.”
“The Criminal Legal Aid Scheme (CLAS) provides legal aid to persons who have been charged with non-capital offences, and who do not have the means to afford their own lawyers. It is administered by the Law Society Pro Bono Services (LSPBS). The Government has been co-funding CLAS since 2015 when CLAS was enhanced (Enhanced CLAS) to serve more accused persons who merit legal assistance but cannot afford it. Since the start of the enhanced CLAS in 2015, CLAS has received an average of 2,400 applications annually. All applicants receive some basic legal advice in the course of their applications being assessed. More than half, or 1,400 applicants per year on average, went on to be supported under CLAS and received full legal representation. This is more than three times the number of applicants who benefitted from full legal representation, compared to pre-2015. The details from 2014 to 2019 are provided in Table 1 below.”
“From 2018 to 2020, 38 claims relating to excessive smoke, were filed with the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunal (CDRT). Excessive smoke can be caused by activities, for example, like cigarette smoking. Of these, 25 claims were resolved without a trial, or the CDRT process. Nine cases were resolved with a consent order and 16 cases were withdrawn or discontinued. Of the remaining 13 claims: (a) three were dismissed or struck off; (b) an adjudicated order or default order was made for four cases. These are cases where the CDRT made an order after hearing the facts of the case, or granted an order in the absence of the respondent. An example of an outcome, is where respondents were ordered not to smoke along the common corridor or stairwell, and were also required to ensure that occupants of their flat abide by the same order; (c) six cases are pending. Most of the cases at the CDRT are generally concluded within six months of the filing of a claim. This typically included time taken to get parties to come to an amicable resolution.”
“Second, we regularly review our legislative framework supporting international commercial dispute resolution to ensure it remains updated, relevant and responsive to the needs of international businesses. Beyond the Singapore Convention on Mediation, we are parties to a wide network of international conventions relating to dispute resolution, including the New York Convention for the enforcement of arbitral awards, and the Hague Convention on Choice of Court Agreements for the enforcement of judgments rendered pursuant to exclusive choice of court agreements. Third, we have developed world-class infrastructure in Singapore to support dispute resolution. Maxwell Chambers was launched in 2010 as the world’s first integrated dispute resolution complex housing both international dispute resolution institution and practices, and state-of-the-art hearing facilities. In 2019, Maxwell Chambers expanded to the adjacent Maxwell Chambers Suites, tripling its previous size. Today, Maxwell Chambers is home to the highest concentration of case management offices within a facility in the world, which include the SIAC, the SIMC, the ICC, the PCA, the WIPO AMC, and the AAA-ICDR. The Ministry remains committed to strengthen and grow Singapore as an international dispute resolution hub, both regionally and internationally.”
“We will continue to do so, and to position Singapore as a thought leader in the field of international dispute resolution. Our efforts are three-pronged. First, Singapore offers a comprehensive suite of commercial dispute resolution services, through our flagship international dispute resolution institutions, namely the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC), the Singapore International Mediation Centre, and the Singapore International Commercial Court (SICC). The Ministry will continue to work with these flagship institutions and support their outreach abroad. Beyond marketing and promotion activities overseas to attract parties to use their services, they also enter into collaborations with their counterparts in other countries to promote dispute resolution. They are also expanding their footprint overseas by setting up representative offices in key markets. For example, SIAC opened its first representative office outside of Asia in New York in 2020. We have also attracted reputable international organisations and institutions to set up offices in Singapore, so as to complement our offerings as a dispute resolution hub. They include the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), the World Intellectual Property Organisation Arbitration and Mediation Centre (WIPO AMC), and the American Arbitration Association International Centre for Dispute Resolution (AAA-ICDR). Singapore is also the first country to be able to host proceedings before the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) or one of its chambers outside ITLOS’ headquarters, which is an endorsement of Singapore as a neutral venue for the effective settlement of international disputes.”
“The Singapore Convention on Mediation (“Singapore Convention”), also known as the United Nations Convention on International Settlement Agreements Resulting from Mediation, entered into force on 12 September 2020. As of 9 February 2021, the Singapore Convention has 53 signatories, including the world’s two largest economies, the United States and China, and other large Asian economies such as India and South Korea. Six countries have ratified or approved the Singapore Convention, namely Singapore, Fiji, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Belarus and Ecuador. The Singapore Convention on Mediation Act and its Rules, which implement the domestic legal framework for the Singapore Convention, came into operation on the same day the Singapore Convention entered into force. The Ministry of Law will continue to encourage widespread adoption of the Singapore Convention by working with the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), countries, businesses and practitioners to promote the benefits of mediation and of the Singapore Convention. We will provide technical assistance, where needed, to assist countries to work towards signing and ratifying the Singapore Convention We successfully collaborated with UNCITRAL on the Singapore Convention Signing Ceremony and Conference in August 2019 and the virtual event to commemorate the entry into force of the Singapore Convention on Mediation in September 2020. We look forward to jointly organising the inaugural UNCITRAL Academy, a dispute resolution-focussed conference and workshop. Over the years, the Government has made significant efforts to develop Singapore as a premier international legal services and dispute resolution hub.”
“For example, RGLs with Germany, Malaysia and the Republic of Korea have been suspended for three months starting 1 February 2021. The Familial Ties Lane (FTL) facilitates the entry of individuals with familial ties to a Singapore Citizen (SC) or Permanent Resident (PR) into Singapore. This includes reuniting SCs and PRs with their foreign family members or spouses-to-be who may otherwise be stranded overseas. Non-residents may also seek entry to Singapore for compassionate reasons such as family bereavements. The FTL was implemented since 30 March 2020. Similar to the RGLs, both STVP and LTP holders can apply for entry into Singapore via the FTL. As of 31 January 2021, 16,395 STVP and LTP holders have arrived via the FTL. The breakdown by month for arriving STVP and LTP holders via RGLs and the FTL is provided in Table 2.”
“Between January 2020 and January 2021, 4.9 million Short-Term Visit Pass (STVP) holders entered Singapore, of which 4.1 million entered before April 2020. The breakdown of STVP holder arrivals by month since January 2020 is provided in Table 1. The arrival volume declined significantly following the imposition of border restrictions on 23 March 2020 on all short-term visitors entering or transiting through Singapore. Since the second half of 2020, Singapore has reopened its borders in a gradual and calibrated manner with the implementation of Safe Travel Lanes such as the Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL). The RGLs facilitate short-term essential business and official travel between Singapore and RGL counterpart countries/regions, where individuals who play important and essential roles in the Singapore economy are allowed to enter Singapore under the established health protocols. The RGLs provide businesses a means to travel to other countries for their business activities and operations. They also provide a critical avenue for key overseas personnel to continue to provide essential services to local companies, reducing the impact caused by the potential disruption in manpower supply. Without the RGLs, many businesses may be in jeopardy should Singapore lose its competitiveness as an international hub for investment, trade and talent. The first RGL was launched on 8 June 2020. In addition to STVP holders, Long-Term Pass (LTP) holders can apply for entry into Singapore via RGLs. As of 31 January 2021, 3,092 STVP and LTP holders have arrived via the RGLs. The Government closely monitors the evolving public health situation worldwide and will balance economic needs with public health considerations.”
“Members of the public can report suspicious behavior by contacting the ISD Counter-Terrorism Centre hotline (1800 – 2626473), calling 999, SMS to 7199, or use the "Report" function in the SGSecure app. The identity of the informer will be protected.”
“It is important to report suspected radicalised individuals early, so that interventions can be taken before any harm is done. Family members, colleagues or friends play an important role. They are in a good position to pick up tell-tale signs. Some of these signs include avid consumption of radical material, posting of terrorism-related material on social media, becoming withdrawn, or espousing intolerant "us versus them" viewpoints. We have been leveraging the SGSecure movement to reach out to different groups in the community, including in neighbourhoods, schools, religious organisations and workplaces, to raise awareness on the threat of terrorism, and educate them on detecting early signs of radicalisation. ISD has also been working with schools, institutes of higher learning, and community organisations to conduct counter-terrorism and counter-radicalisation outreach activities. These include workshops, talks and seminars, which aim to sensitise them to the threat of radicalisation and the need to report suspected radicalised individuals early. ISD has also worked with the Ministry of Manpower and MUIS to reach out to migrant workers. For example, advisories have been disseminated to migrant workers to urge them to watch out for signs of radicalisation. A terrorism module has been incorporated in the Settling-In Programme for foreign domestic workers, which teaches them what they should and should not do, how they can look out for tell-tale signs of radicalised individuals, and the Police hotline to call. We will continue to find ways to educate the public on radicalisation.”
“CAD is in consultation with AGC to review the case findings. It is inappropriate for me to comment further at this point.”
“In 2020, 15,756 cases of scams were reported to the Police. The total amount lost was $268.4 million. More than 11,190 reports involving total losses of more than $164.6 million were referred to the SPF’s Anti-Scam Centre (ASC), with the ASC successfully recovering more than $57.6 million in about 35% of these cases. The victims are of a wide range of ages; everyone is susceptible. Some age groups, however, are over-represented in particular scam types. For e-commerce scams, social media impersonation scams, loan scams, investment scams, banking-related phishing scams, credit-for-sex scams, and China official impersonation scams, young adults between the age of 20 and 39 years old were more likely to fall prey. For non-banking related phishing scams and internet love scams, adults between the age of 30 and 49 years old were more susceptible. For tech support scams, victims between the age of 40 and 69 years old formed the majority.”
“Scamalert.sg is a website operated by the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) that provides information on the latest scams and a platform for the public to share their scam experiences. Apart from the scamalert.sg website, NCPC has also been using messaging platforms to spread messages on scams. (a) For WhatsApp users, they can subscribe to the NCPC scam and crime prevention service by sending their name and email address to +65 90449916 via WhatsApp. (b) Telegram users can join the NCPC Telegram channel by searching for "NCPC ScamAlert".”
“The UADC is an anti-drug alliance that rallies support from local organisations to raise awareness of drug abuse in our society, while the A3 Network brings together passionate individuals from different walks of life to educate and empower them to advocate for a drug-free Singapore. As of December 2020, CNB has 788 A3 advocates, out of which 207 are youths, and 71 partner organisations under the UADC. In addition to PDE efforts, MHA made amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Act, or MDA, in 2019 to criminalise acts of contamination which facilitate or promote drug abuse. It is now an offence to introduce a drug trafficker to another person. It is also an offence to teach, instruct, or provide information to another person on how to cultivate, manufacture, consume, traffic, import or export drugs. MHA has also strengthened the MDA to better protect children and young persons from the harms of drugs. It is an offence for an adult who possesses illicit drugs, knowing that a child, below 16 years of age, is likely to be present in a place, to knowingly or recklessly leave drugs or drug utensils within easy access of the child. It is also an offence for an adult to permit or not take reasonable steps to prevent a young person (below 21 years old) from consuming illicit drugs in the adult’s possession. CNB will continue to strengthen our PDE efforts and enhance our laws to discourage people from taking up drugs.”
“Recently, in August 2020, the #ILiveFor campaign was launched as part of CNB’s efforts to bring the annual Anti-Drug Abuse Campaign online, in order to reach out to more people in light of the COVID-19 situation. Through a series of interactive social media posts including polls, profile features of everyday people, as well as a sticker pack and an Instagram filter game featuring light-hearted messages, the campaign takes a positive, pro-healthy lifestyle spin to encourage the audience to think about what they live for. CNB also works with partners to drive the PDE effort. One of CNB’s key partners is the National Council Against Drug Abuse, or NCADA. NCADA launched a media campaign in March 2020, built around Singapore’s first interactive film titled "HIGH", directed by local filmmaker Royston Tan. The film had garnered 165,000 unique views on its microsite by the end of the campaign in July 2020. Prior to launch, the film was screened at various Institutes of Higher Learning, reaching over 5,000 students. Each film preview was followed by a Safe Zone Discussion, an interactive platform for students to share their thoughts on the film, on drug abuse and anti-drug advocacy. CNB works with community partners to reinforce and spread the anti-drug message to youths. For instance, CNB supported the Youth Network in Nee Soon Central with its initiatives to get more youths in the constituency to lead or take part in community activities to advocate the drug-free cause, and to build a pool of youth mentors to effect positive influence on their peers. CNB and NCADA engage community partners and volunteers also through the United Against Drugs Coalition and Anti-Drug Abuse Advocacy Network, or A3 Network.”
“Preventive drug education, or PDE, is the first line of defence in CNB’s drug control approach, to get people not to take up drugs in the first place. Through its PDE initiatives, CNB aims to generate greater public awareness of the harms of drugs, encourage adoption of a drug-free lifestyle, and promote anti-drug advocacy among like-minded individuals and organisations. To inoculate youths against drug abuse, CNB works closely with MOE to incorporate PDE contents within the school syllabus. CNB also engages students through talks, sharing sessions, exhibitions, skits and the After-School Engagement, or ASE, programme. The interactive PDE skit is an effective and popular PDE programme. It focuses on the harmful consequences of drug abuse and teaches students how to lead a drug-free lifestyle. The skit also provides refusal tips through humourous, relatable themes and storylines. In 2019, 82% of primary and secondary schools had participated in at least one PDE programme. CNB works with the Singapore Armed Forces, Singapore Police Force and Singapore Civil Defence Force to engage full-time national servicemen (NSFs). For instance, PDE toolkits and message cards with bite-sized information are provided to NS commanders so that they can engage NSFs under their charge on drug issues. Learning journeys are also organised for Home Team NSFs. Such engagement sessions typically include an anti-drug talk by a CNB officer, a sharing session by an ex-abuser, and a tour of CNB’s heritage gallery. Social media is another key engagement channel. CNB regularly publishes content about drugs targeting the young on its social media platforms.”
“Can the Member clarify what he means by "non-violent crime"? There are many offences which are serious but not violent in nature, such as sexual grooming, outrage of modesty, criminal breach of trust, and theft in dwelling. The Member may wish to note that his suggestion, prima facie, appears to be that records of such crimes should be expunged, which will in turn mean that ex-offenders could be employed in roles such as pre-school teachers or security officers, without their employers being aware of their history. The Government operates a framework, to rehabilitate and find employment for most offenders, in a safe and transparent manner. And that framework is being constantly refined. The Member can make a more detailed suggestion, if he wishes, and the Government will consider his suggestions.”
“As at 30 November 2020, there were 1,109 stateless persons living in Singapore. 76% of them are Singapore Permanent Residents (PRs), and enjoy various benefits accorded to PRs such as in healthcare, housing and education. When such persons apply for PR or Singapore Citizenship (SC), the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) evaluates every application, on a range of criteria including length of stay in Singapore, family profile, economic contributions, education qualifications, age, and family ties to Singaporeans. The ICA also takes into consideration the applicant's circumstances, including the reasons behind the person's statelessness. For example, some may have chosen to give up their foreign citizenship, while others may have lost their citizenship not of their volition, for example, deprived by their country of birth for offences committed. Others were born in Singapore but were not eligible for SC at birth as their parents were not Singapore Citizens and did not obtain citizenship for their children from their home country.”
“There were approximately 660,000 over-the-counter transactions made at the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) in 2020. The majority of these over-the-counter transactions were for the collection of physical documents such as passports and National Registration Identity Cards (NRICs). ICA has been transforming its services to provide an even more convenient and efficient experience for customers. Today, members of the public can perform a wide range of transactions with ICA through the MyICA online platform. Those who are using MyICA for the first time can learn about its features through an online tutorial, which includes step-by-step video guides in our four official languages for the online application of passports and ICs. ICA is conscious that some customers may not have access to the Internet or are unfamiliar with transacting online. Therefore, ICA’s e-Services allow family members and friends of these customers to transact with ICA on their behalf, for key services such as passport application, re-registration of IC and change of IC particulars. Those who do not have someone to assist them can visit the ICA Building, where ICA officers will guide them to submit the application online, or process the application over the counter.”
“In 2020, the Police and the National Crime Prevention Council organised the e-Delta League Tournament, which saw more than 100 youths participate in a FIFA 21 tournament online. As part of the tournament, the Police conducted a virtual Youth Workshop to share crime prevention advice, as well as to deliver anti-gang talks to the participants.”
“The Police operation between 21 December 2020 and 3 January 2021 that led to the arrest of 151 persons for being suspected members of unlawful societies was mounted as part of Police’s continuous anti-gang suppression and deterrence efforts. The secret society situation in Singapore is under control. The number of rioting and serious hurt cases with secret society connotations averaged 112 cases per year from 2016 to 2020. As for cases that involve the use of weapons such as parangs or knuckle dusters, the numbers have decreased, from 12 cases in 2016 to one case in 2020. The secret societies today are largely made up of loosely-organised street gangs, comprising mainly of younger members who flit between different gangs. From 2016 to 2020, the number of youths who were dealt with by Police for committing offences with secret society connotations remained stable at an average of 153 per year. Nonetheless, youth gangs remain a serious concern for Police. Police invest significant resources to educate and engage youths to deter them from joining secret societies and gangs. For example, Police conduct regular anti-gang talks at secondary schools. They also work with partners such as MSF, MOE and Volunteer Welfare Organisations to target at-risk youths, to try to rehabilitate them before they become entrenched in the gang mindset. One such initiative is the Streetwise Programme (SWP), a six-month long diversionary programme for wayward youths to seek assistance and counselling from social workers and Police officers. It aims to rehabilitate youths who have drifted into gangs and are involved in petty secret society activities. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, the Police are looking to enhance their anti-gang outreach efforts online.”
“The Re-Align Framework ("Framework") allows small and micro businesses that have been significantly impacted by COVID-19 to renegotiate selected types of contracts, so as to realign their contracts with the post-COVID-19 business environment. Renegotiation is the primary relief, not termination. The Framework commenced on 15 January 2021, and affected businesses have until 26 February 2021 to submit a Notice of Negotiation ("NoN") to seek relief under the Framework. As of 26 January 2021, a total of 114 NoNs have been served using the online electronic system. Affected businesses may also serve the NoNs in hardcopy on the other party or parties to the contract ("Other Party") . We are unable to track the number of hardcopy NoNs served. As of 26 January 2021, the number of NoNs served using the online electronic system for each category of contract is as detailed in Table 1 below. We do not track the square footage of the property sub-sectors covered by the Framework. Under the Framework, the service of a NoN by an affected business on the Other Party triggers a 4-week negotiation period, during which parties are encouraged to understand each other’s position, and work towards a mutually acceptable outcome. The contract may be terminated only if there is no successful negotiation. We would like to encourage contracting parties to approach the negotiations in a fair and reasonable manner, and work towards a mutually acceptable outcome, bearing in mind that COVID-19 was an event that no one could have predicted.”
“Between 20 April 2020 and 20 January 2021: (a) 1,056 notifications for relief (NFRs) were served through the electronic system for event and tourism-related contracts. We do not track the number of hardcopy NFRs which parties may have served on the contracting parties; (b) 414 applications, excluding rejected or withdrawn applications, for an assessor's determination were filed in relation to such contracts. Cases would be withdrawn if parties eventually managed to come to an agreement themselves. There were also some cases that were rejected as they were not within the scope of the framework. Based on the statistics outlined above, about 60% of the cases for which NFRs have been served were settled or resolved without the involvement of assessors. The Act seeks to provide just and fair outcomes through a simple and inexpensive mechanism, rather than abiding strictly with contractual terms. This is to ensure parties that are already impacted by COVID-19 do not stay embroiled in lengthy litigation over issues that arose materially because of the pandemic, through no fault of their own. In line with ensuring efficiency and finality, determinations are not appealable. However, a review may be conducted in limited situations. For example, an application for a subsequent determination may be made where: (a) one party did not have the opportunity to place all relevant information or evidence before the assessor; or (b) where an extension of time is required to make any payment.”
“As at 22 January 2021, no prosecutorial action has been taken in respect of the offences provided for under sections 13(11) and 13(12) of the Act.”
“Under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act 2020 ("Act"), parties who are unable to perform certain contractual obligations because of COVID-19 may serve a notification for relief on the other party (or parties) to the contract. Contracting parties are encouraged to continue negotiations in order to reach a mutually beneficial outcome. However, if parties are unable to agree, the Act provides a simple and inexpensive framework for an Assessor to review the case. The Assessor may make a determination to resolve the dispute between parties, without any party having to initiate court proceedings or similar legal action. In many cases, parties have been able to resolve the matter between themselves without requiring an Assessor. For most cases that were reviewed by an Assessor, parties have complied with the determination issued by the Assessor. In some cases, parties may have difficulties meeting the directions made in the determination. For example, they may need more time to refund the monies specified, because they have been impacted by COVID-19 significantly, or because time may be needed for third parties such as banks, or credit cards, to process and effect the refund. If one party does not comply with the determination, we would urge parties to first discuss, and show consideration to each other if possible. If the matter cannot be resolved amicably, the Act provides that the party in whose favour the determination was made may apply to the Court to enforce the determination in the same manner as a court judgment or order. The Act additionally provides for offences including that for failing to comply with an Assessor’s determination without reasonable excuse. Given the economic situation, such prosecution should be reserved for the most egregious type of cases.”
“The Wills Registry (the "Registry") was launched in 2001 and is a confidential registry where testators or their solicitors can deposit information on wills. With effect from 4 May 2020, the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL) took over the management of the Registry from the Public Trustee's Office (PTO). As at 31 December 2020, there were 128,931 will records deposited with the Registry. In 2014, PTO introduced an online service for the electronic submissions of will records including a one-time $50 fee to cover the costs of processing and maintaining the records in the system for up to 120 years from the testators' date of birth. The number of will records deposited annually over the past 10 years is as follows: As part of broader efforts to encourage estate planning, MinLaw is working with stakeholders to study how access to services such as the Wills Registry may be further improved.”
“The Singapore Prison Service (SPS), which administers DROs and SDOs, arranges for SPS officers to undergo regular training to update their skills and knowledge so that they are better equipped to supervise and support the offenders sentenced to DROs and SDOs, and also works with community partners, such as Family Service Centres, the National Addictions Management Service and the IMH, to facilitate the reintegration of offenders in selected cases. The Government will continue to monitor the CBS regime and ensure that it is adequately resourced.”
“Our sentencing philosophy is aimed at deterrence, prevention, retribution and rehabilitation. A fair sentencing framework is one that enables the Court to deliver the appropriate mix of these four objectives on the specific facts of each case. Community-based sentences (CBS) were introduced in 2010 to make available a wider and more sophisticated range of sentencing options, so that the Courts have more flexibility in sentencing offences and offenders traditionally considered to be on the rehabilitation end of the spectrum. In 2018, the CBS regime was expanded in a controlled manner to allow more offenders to benefit from the rehabilitative opportunities CBS offered, while balancing this with the need to deter crime. The amendments to the CBS regime came into force on 31 October 2018. The Courts decide, based on the law and the specific facts of each case, whether CBS is an appropriate sentence. There was a slight increase in the number of cases where offenders were sentenced by the State Courts to CBS for the 26-month period from 1 November 2018 to 31 December 2020, compared to those sentenced from 1 September 2016 to 31 October 2018. This is shown in Table 1. The number of each type of CBS imposed by the State Courts from 1 November 2018 to 31 December 2020, compared to those from 1 September 2016 to 31 October 2018, is set out in Table 2. The agencies which administer CBS conduct regular reviews to ensure that adequate resources are available to carry out the various types of CBS. For instance, the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), which administers MTOs, increased the number of case managers, who assist in monitoring patients’ compliance with treatments and scheduled appointments, to prepare for the amendments to the CBS regime in 2018.”
“The Land Titles Register is a public record of land ownership and all registered property transactions. It enables property ownership to be easily ascertained, in order to prevent fraudulent property transactions and other undesirable outcomes. While a title search does not require the consent of the property owner, it can only be performed using details such as the property address, lot number and title reference number. It is not possible to retrieve information on the properties an individual owns, by submitting his name or identification number on the search portal.”
“This challenge is faced by law enforcement agencies worldwide. CNB has been monitoring the developments on illicit online drug sales closely, including those of NPS. CNB has also stepped up enforcement efforts. CNB works closely with partners such as the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and courier companies. These efforts have resulted in many successful interceptions of drugs, including NPS, and drug-related paraphernalia. In 2020, CNB arrested 287 persons for buying drugs and drug-related paraphernalia online. At the same time, it is crucial that we raise public awareness about the dangers of NPS. For instance, in March 2020, CNB worked with Channel News Asia to release a podcast about the harms of NPS and cautioning against buying drugs online. In December 2020, CNB launched a 'Mythbusters' series to share about the harms of NPS on its Facebook and Instagram pages. This series will continue in Q1 2021. CNB will continue to monitor developments closely and keep up its enforcement and public education efforts.”
“New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) are proliferating at an unprecedented rate globally, due to the ease of modifying the chemical structures of substances to create new compounds with psychoactive effects. At least 1,000 different types of NPS have been detected worldwide as at August 2020, up from 166 at end-2009. Since 2010, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has been proactively listing NPS as controlled drugs to the First Schedule to the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA). In 2013, amendments were made to the MDA to better address NPS challenges. The temporary listing of NPS in the Fifth Schedule to the MDA was provided for, which allows the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) to seize these NPS to prevent their proliferation, while consultation with stakeholders is being carried out to determine if there are any legitimate uses for these substances. If there are none, these NPS will be listed as a controlled drug to the First Schedule to the MDA subsequently. The MDA currently has 12 generic groups and 67 individually listed NPS in the First Schedule, which covers a significant proportion of the NPS detected overseas. The abuse of NPS is on the rise. NPS has become the third most abused drug in Singapore since 2018. One key challenge in tackling the NPS problem is that traffickers and abusers switch very quickly to new forms of NPS that have yet to be listed as controlled drugs in the MDA, and thus we may not have the legal powers to prosecute such cases. MHA will be amending the MDA later this year, to better deal with the NPS problem. Given the increased internet penetration among the general population and the abundance of mobile applications that allow for encrypted communications, CNB has noted an increasing trend of illicit online drug transactions.”
“Depending on the facts of the case, scammers can be charged for one of the cheating-related offences under Sections 417 to 420 of the Penal Code, which carry maximum imprisonment terms of between 3 and 10 years. MHA’s assessment is that the penalties are adequate. The main challenge in combating scams is that most of the scammers are based overseas. We have been actively collaborating with foreign law enforcement agencies. MHA has also stepped up efforts on scam prevention through education and public awareness. We have also enhanced collaboration with industry partners such as telcos, online marketplaces, banks and remittance companies, to detect and stop scams before they happen.”
“In making their assessment, they may consider various factors, including the following: (a) The nature of the mental disorder or illness; (b) The intensity and frequency of violent episodes, whether in the past or during confinement; (c) The person’s response to treatment; (d) Whether the person shows insight into his or her own psychiatric condition; and (e) Whether the person has family and/or social support in the event of their discharge. If the principal officer and two visitors certify that the person may be discharged without danger of injuring himself or any other person, the Minister for Law may order him to be discharged. In determining whether the person is fit for discharge, the Minister will consider the two visitors' special report and the assessment of the principal officer and two visitors, and may also consider other factors such as the nature and severity of the act committed.”
“In 2018, 2019 and 2020, two accused persons found by the courts to have committed the acts alleged were acquitted by operation of Section 84 of the Penal Code (Act of person of unsound mind), and were then ordered by the Minister for Law to be confined in a psychiatric institution under Section 252(2) of the Criminal Procedure Code ("CPC"). Of these two persons, one was subsequently discharged pursuant to Section 256 of the CPC, after around two years and six months of detention. The other person has been detained for around two years and six months, as of 4 January 2021. At least once every six months, persons who are confined under Section 252 of the CPC in a psychiatric institution or prison, and persons who are in the care and custody of a relative or friend under Section 255 of the CPC, will be visited by two visitors from a psychiatric institution, to ascertain their state of mind. The visitors are persons appointed by the Minister for Health for the psychiatric institution to discharge various statutory duties, including conducting such patient evaluations. One of the two visitors must be a medical practitioner. The visitors would then make a special report to the Minister for Law on the person's state of mind. The principal officer of the psychiatric institution, who is the Chairman of its medical board, and the two visitors will also inform the Minister for Law whether the person may be discharged without danger of injuring himself or any other person.”
“Between 7 April 2020 (i.e. the start of the Circuit Breaker period) and 30 November 2020, the Family Justice Courts granted the following orders:”
“For instance, in a 2019 case, the Court of Appeal referred to and accepted the expert evidence of the chief psychologist from the Ministry of Social and Family Development that (a) only a small proportion of victims of sexual offences report the offences in a timely manner, and (b) that a victim of sexual assault cannot always be expected to provide a completely similar and full account every time the victim discloses the offence to another person. The Courts have recognised that each case should be decided on its own facts. To avoid irrelevant and distressing lines of questioning from Defence Counsel in Court, which may further traumatise victims of sexual assault, the Evidence Act was amended in 2018 and rules were put in place to prevent the Defence from asking alleged victims of sexual offences about their physical appearance or sexual behaviour (which is unrelated to the charge), without the Court’s permission. Judges may intervene to stop inappropriate arguments or lines of questioning, or reprimand Defence Counsel.”
“There are relevant training programmes organised for our judges. For instance, the Singapore Judicial College (SJC) conducted a module titled "Understanding the Psychology of Sexual Assault Victims" in 2018 and 2020 for judges. The module included relevant social science research and empirical findings from trauma and victim psychology, and covered topics including rape myths and stereotypes of sexual assault, the dynamics of sexual offending, as well as offender and victim psychology. In addition to SJC programmes, the Courts also conduct additional court-specific training programmes, from time to time. For instance, in 2017, experts from the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) conducted two talks for Supreme Court Judges titled "The psychology of victims and inconsistent testimonies" and "Neuroscience of traumatic memories". The talks covered issues such as under-reporting, late-reporting and inconsistent statements by victims of sexual offences, rape trauma syndrome and memory-trauma dynamics. In February 2021, an expert from the IMH will give a talk to the State Courts' judicial officers on the behavioural and psychological impact of sexual offences, and on common misconceptions about victim behaviour and reactions to sexual offences. When cases are heard, our courts have considered expert evidence on the psychology and behaviour of sexual assault victims.”
“And assemblies which start with the intention of being peaceful, can also turn violent, through the actions of a very small group, which take advantage of such a situation. We have seen this happen in other jurisdictions. Thus assemblies are not prevented per se, outside of Speakers' Corner. But the person(s) who wish to hold such assemblies, are required to apply for a Police permit. That will allow the Police to better assess the situation. As can be seen from the figures above, the vast majority of such applications are approved, and many of them involved more than one person.”