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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“We also want drug abusers to come forward voluntarily for rehabilitation. So, moving forward, drug abusers who voluntarily submit themselves to CNB will be considered for a shorter detention in DRC. We will do a risk analysis but, based on that, they can and will be considered for shorter detention. The abuser will still need to undergo operational and risk assessment before he or she can be considered for this. All abusers will be given two surrender opportunities in their lifetime. These are administrative under the MDA. I will now highlight the key features of this enhanced rehabilitation regime. In general, first-time drug abusers assessed to be of low risk of further abuse, will be put on the Enhanced Direct Supervision Order (EDSO). That is a non-custodial supervision order with compulsory counselling. A case manager will provide dedicated support to these persons and their families. Higher-risk first-time abusers, as well as repeat abusers, will undergo intensive, mandatory rehabilitation in the DRC, because that is a secure environment run by the Prisons. It maintains strict discipline. The interventions will be based on their assessed risk and needs of the abusers. These will include psychology-based correctional programmes. So, in order to correct it, you need to target the underlying attitudes and drug addiction issues. So, that is one: psychology-based correctional programmes. Second, we will also run family programmes, so that, in a sense, they will be taught how to have better relationships with their loved ones. Because, by and large, a significant number would have very strained relationships. We will also give them skills training and employment assistance. This is to improve their employability upon release.”
“We put those who only abused drugs in one category. For the second group, those who consume drugs and commit other offences, they will continue to be charged for their drug-consumption offences as well as the other offences. If they are liable, they will be sentenced to LT. For those who only abuse but do not have any other criminal offence, that means they only consume drugs and they admit to their drug abuse, then the general approach, regardless the number of times, would be that the Director of CNB will make the appropriate supervision or detention order, and channel them into the rehabilitation regime. So, this group of abusers may also include those who have minor consumption-related offences like possession of drug-taking utensils or possession of small quantities of drugs. If the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) agrees with CNB that there is no need to charge the drug abusers for these minor offences, then these persons will also be channelled to the rehabilitation regime. This will be conditional on the abusers admitting to their drug offences. If they deny their drug abuse despite the evidence, that means they have really not accepted the need for rehabilitation, they are likely to be charged in Court, if AGC concurs. These changes, as Members will appreciate, are quite significant. Around 50% of LT-liable abusers could now be channelled to the rehabilitation regime. That means one out of every two for those who are going into LT could now go into a pure DRC regime. And, really, to benefit as many persons as possible, CNB, with the concurrence of AGC, will generally not charge abusers who meet the criteria I have explained, from tomorrow, 16 January 2019, on the assumption that the Bill is passed today.”
“In 1998, we said, looking at the numbers and the way the problem was going, we have to go for long term, and one or two other number of significant factors then, too. Today, looking at the numbers and the profile of detainees, and looking at how we are managing, we think we can afford to take the risk and let them out from DRC into society faster, without going the long-term detention route. The answer as to where you strike the balance depends on a variety of external factors. Our view is that the situation has now changed compared to 1998. So, SPS has been studying this. Our two-year recidivism rates for LT inmates are encouraging. The recidivism rate for the 2015 cohort is 27%. That is down from 35% for the 2008 release cohort. Significant. But, unfortunately, the five-year recidivism rate for LT inmates remains high at over 60%. What that means is that within five years of their release, six out of 10 of the LT inmates will be back in prison. Addiction is a complex problem. Staying clean is ultimately dependent on a variety of factors, including the resolve of the abuser. But it is a difficult journey for the abusers. Often, they become estranged from their families, communities and the workplace. It is harder for them to reintegrate once released. A number get back into bad company, on drugs, and then they get re-arrested at various points; the cycle repeats itself over and over again. So, we have decided, let us try and distinguish between those who only consume drugs – I call them the "pure" abusers – and those who also face charges for other offences, for example, trafficking, property offences, violent offences. So, if they have abused drugs and they have committed some of these other crimes, we put them in one category.”
“The entire framework has worked to help our people keep off drugs. Education, prevention, a strong enforcement, an efficient CNB, an efficient legal framework – all have worked together. And the strong support that has been given, both in this House and outside, by the public, for the stand we have taken. At the same time, over these years, Singapore Prison Service (SPS) and the Singapore Corporation of Rehabilitative Enterprises (SCORE) have stepped up support for abusers. They include high-intensity psychology-based programmes, especially for those with a higher risk of reoffending. They were also given skills training and work programmes. In 2014, we introduced the Mandatory Aftercare Scheme. So, we target the higher-risk offenders, and they will be given compulsory structured programmes even after they are released. After their release is when they are at the highest risk. Throughout this period, the evidence that we have been collecting, we have been studying how to bring down recidivism down even further. Our assessment is that, for pure abusers, we can now afford to shift our balance quite decisively and focus more on rehabilitation as opposed to detention. We all know that long periods of detention can affect the abusers' employability after they are released. They are in for seven years, or 12 years or 13 years; when they come out, their ability to reintegrate back into society, their ability to hold down a job, there is a lesser ability. So, really, the question is, how do you strike the balance? What is the risk of allowing them into the community without long-term detention versus the consequences of keeping them in long-term detention?”
“Drug abusers today, arrested for the first and second time, go through rehabilitation, which is mandatory, in DRCs. We call it DRC1 and DRC2, first time and second time. It is done through orders made by the Director of the CNB under section 34 of the MDA. There is no criminal record for DRC1 and DRC2. The Long-Term Imprisonment (LT) regime was introduced in 1998. That targeted hardcore abusers, who, at that time, formed three-quarters or more than three-quarters of the abusers who were being arrested. The purpose was to punish, but also to deter their drug use because everything else has been tried, but it was not possible to keep them away from drugs. They were getting into drugs, and they were contaminating others, and the problem was spreading. So, it was to protect the public from abusers who turned to crime to feed their drug habits as well. So, third-time abusers face mandatory imprisonment of five to seven years, and three to six strokes of the cane. Fourth time and beyond: seven to 13 years in LT. In LT2, six to 12 strokes of the cane. So, from the beginning of the LT regime, together with other efforts on the enforcement side as well as the rehabilitation side, the drug situation in Singapore has improved. The number of drug abusers arrested each year: in 1996, roughly, just under 6,000 to now, slightly over 3,000 in 2017. So, you can say, it is about halved, which is, as I have said in other fora, quite a remarkable record because all things are not equal. People's ability to afford drugs has increased, the amount of drugs being produced in the region and available internationally has increased, so, all things being equal, the number of arrests should have gone up, not gone down. So, it is a testament to the way CNB has worked. But it is not just CNB.”
“So, we will expand its use. Clause 18 gives the Director of CNB the power to subject an abuser to rehabilitation and supervision based on the positive result of an hair analysis. So, if you are tested positive on hair analysis, you can be directed for rehabilitation and supervision orders. If a person fails to provide hair specimens, then he or she will face the same punishments and liabilities as a failure to provide urine specimens. So, these persons, if they intentionally refuse to provide the required specimens for testing with no reasonable excuse, then they can face charges. We are also introducing the use of oral fluid, saliva, to test for drug abuse. This is clause 15 of the Bill with a new section 31B. So, enforcement officers can require a suspected abuser to provide oral fluids for the purpose of testing. The punishment can be a maximum of two years' imprisonment, a $5,000 fine, or both, if there is a failure to provide. But the testing of oral fluids is for the purpose of immediate and effective and efficient screening of suspects, particularly in the context of a mass raid or large crowds. Officers can then prioritise individuals who require further hair or urine testing. Oral fluid tests will be an efficient method of screening; they will not be used for prosecution or emplacement on rehabilitation or supervision. So, they are screening tests. We will continue to rely on urine or hair tests for the purposes of rehabilitation orders or supervision orders. Those are the aspects in which the Act is proposed to be changed in terms of increasing the powers, enforcement powers, or adding in some new offences. Now, let me move on to the rehabilitation aspect of the Bill.”
“The new offences would carry imprisonment of up to 10 years for first-time convictions, and a mandatory minimum imprisonment of two years for subsequent convictions. Moving on to a different point, we will also mandate that parents and guardians of young drug abusers where the young drug abusers are under the Central Narcotics Bureau's (CNB’s) supervision order, the parents/guardians must attend drug counselling. Clause 19 will provide for this. At present, parents and guardians are required to attend counselling, but some parents persistently absent themselves. CNB will, even after the new legislation comes into force, understand their context, try and understand why they do not want to come, and will use these powers very sparingly. But as a last resort, if the parents and guardians refused to be involved in their children's counselling without reasonable excuse, then they can potentially be exposed to charges. When there is a young drug abuser, the impact is on that person, and on the rest of the society. It cannot be just the State's responsibility. The parents must bear some responsibility, too, and they must come in and try and help. The State provides the counselling, so they should come in and take the counselling and see how they can help their children. Next, we move to hair analysis and oral fluid testing. In 2012, we introduced hair analysis in the MDA as an alternative drug detection tool. Urine tests are able to detect only drugs that had been consumed within the week. Hair analysis goes further back; it can detect drugs which had been consumed earlier. Hair analysis now applies to the monitoring of those under supervision. The Health Sciences Authority (HSA), in its research and science, has enhanced the effectiveness and reliability of hair analysis.”
“So, this can cover a range of behaviour, from the irresponsible – like putting out or posting information on how to manufacture drugs, and if you were to put it up on social media where others can see it, to the downright malicious, like trying to teach and influence friends into taking drugs with one. We have to try and stop such behaviours. Section 11D(2) will impose a maximum imprisonment of five years or a fine of up to $10,000 or both, for first-time convictions. If there are second or subsequent convictions, there will be a mandatory minimum sentence of one year. When you criminalise with this framework, you need to provide a proper set of defences. Defences would include legitimate purposes, like administration of justice, science, medicine, education, art. So, if you did this for any purposes of any of those, then there could be exemptions. Subsidiary legislation will set out scope of authorised activities which will not be caught by the contamination offences I just spoke about, and clause 20 provides for that. Clause 3 introduces new offences. This is aimed at better protecting our children. So, if you would look at section 11B – if an adult possesses illicit drug and then, knowingly or recklessly, leave it within the reach of a child, access of a child, that would be an offence. If an adult permits a young person to consume drugs which are in the adult's possession, or does not take reasonable steps to prevent that from happening, that would also be an offence – the young person is under 21. One example: in October 2016, or two years ago, we had two young children, aged two and four; they accidentally consumed their father’s drugs, fell unconscious and they were rushed to the Accidents and Emergency (A&E) department.”
“There is a range of contaminative behaviours that may not meet the current definition of trafficking or abetment, but they contribute to the spread of drug abuse. And in that way, they harm others. So, clause 3 introduces a new set of offences which targets acts of contamination. The proposed new section 11C will make it an offence if you introduce a person to a trafficker, and if you know or have reason to believe that the person intends to procure or consume drugs and the trafficker is likely to supply them. One example would be a student who offers to introduce friends to a trafficker to buy cannabis. The student himself does not take cannabis, did not take part in the transaction, but he facilitated his friend's drug consumption. We have to try and deter such conduct. Section 11D(1) will make it an offence if you were to teach, instruct, provide instructions to another person, on the carrying out of drug activities. They could be activities like consumption, cultivation, manufacturing, trafficking, importing and exporting, knowing or having reason to believe that the person intends to carry out such drug activity. Sections 11C and 11D(1) will have a mandatory minimum imprisonment sentence of two years for subsequent convictions and a maximum imprisonment of 10 years. There will be no mandatory minimum for the first conviction. Now, supposing the perpetrator has no knowledge of the recipient's intent to commit a drug activity, nevertheless, the perpetrator has still caused harm. He has spread information on the carrying out of drug activities. So, clause 3 will have a section 11D(2), which will make it an offence to disseminate or publish information on the carrying out of any of the drug activities – those which I mentioned earlier.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." Last year, there was a Parliamentary Motion filed by Mr Christopher de Souza. It was titled "Strengthening Singapore's Fight Against Drugs". A number of good observations were made. There were suggestions on how we can respond to challenges in the fight against drugs in the drug situation that we were and are facing. Several Members also made good suggestions on how we can improve our approach to rehabilitation, how we can involve families more in the rehabilitation process and how we can provide better support for abusers after they have been released. Sir, there have been changes in the operating environment, with feedback from Members and stakeholders. We have looked at these carefully and we have been analysing the situation and also looking at the evidence that we have been collecting in our dealings with abusers both in the Drug Rehabilitation Centres (DRCs) and post-release. And the current amendments arise from that set of factors. So, these amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA) have two primary focuses in broad categories. First, we will enhance our anti-drug framework. They will make some additional actions offences; they will give some greater enforcement powers. The second part of it, they will give a much greater focus on rehabilitation and move away a little bit from the philosophy of long-term detentions. Sir, if I can deal with the first point first, on the enhancement of the anti-drug framework and the increase in the enforcement powers. We will make some actions, including actions which we will categorise as contamination offences.”
“The annual number of passport applications, the proportion of online applications, and the age profiles of those who submitted non-online applications can be found in Tables 1A and 1B below. National Registration Identity Card (NRIC) applications are received mainly through the mandatory NRIC registration and re-registration exercises at age 15, 30 and 55, as well as the optional NRIC re-registration exercise for those born before 1 January 1962, that is, those above age 55 as at 1 January 2017. In addition, NRIC applications are also submitted by those who wish to change their NRIC particulars, or to replace their lost or damaged NRICs. For each of the above groups, the annual number of applications, and the proportion of online applications can be found in Table 2 below.”
“For those with no access to the Internet or who are unable to make online applications for National Registration Identity Cards (NRICs) or passports: (a) family members and friends can apply online on their behalf. (b) self-service kiosks are also available at the eLobby of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) Building, with ICA Service Ambassadors on hand to assist and guide applicants through the application process. (c) ICA can make special arrangements to assist those who are unable to make a trip to ICA due to medical reasons. For example, those who are bedridden and are required to re-register for their NRIC can request ICA to conduct the re-registration at their residence. All these measures will be available even beyond 2020.”
“Between 1 February 2017 and 31 December 2018, the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunals (CDRT) received 163 applications. Out of these, 133 claims have been disposed of, while 30 claims are still pending as of 31 December 2018. Out of the 133 claims which were disposed of, 97 claims were resolved amicably. Consent Orders were granted in 33 claims while the other 64 claims were either withdrawn or discontinued. As for the remaining 36 claims, the CDRT granted orders by default or after trial, or dismissed or struck out the applications. There have been a few instances where a respondent had failed to comply with the terms of an Order of the Tribunal. In these circumstances, and upon the application of the plaintiff, Special Directions have been issued against the respondents. A Special Direction is a direction by the Tribunal to the respondent to comply with the order that has been made against him within a specified time. Ten Special Directions were issued by CDRT in the period between 1 February 2017 and 31 December 2018. A respondent who fails to comply with a Special Direction without reasonable excuse, commits an offence. He is liable on conviction to be fined up to $5,000 or imprisoned up to three months or to both.”
“When a suspicious mail is discovered, the standard operating procedure is for SingPost to refer it to the Police and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), who will respond to assess the threat, and contain it if necessary. From 2015 to the first half of 2018, there was a single case of suspicious mail that was stopped by SingPost. In that case, which took place in 2016, a parcel containing foul-smelling liquid was detected. Police and SCDF responded and determined that there was no threat and no malicious intent. There were consequently no arrests.”
“The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had extended the retirement age for Home Affairs Uniformed Service (HUS) officers just five years ago, when it was raised from 50 to 55 years. We will continue to periodically review it, as the general retirement age increases, and Singaporeans live longer and healthier lives. When HUS officers reach the age of 55, some of them may be offered extension of service. As for those for whom we do not have posts to re-employ, MHA is investing significant effort and has put in place structures to systematically help them find new employment. We outlined these measures in a reply to a Parliamentary Question in February this year.”
“The Ministry of Law is currently studying the Hague Apostille Convention to determine the implications of Singapore signing on to it. We are consulting with domestic agencies and stakeholders to find out their concerns about the Convention. We have also engaged in discussions with representatives from the Hague Conference, as well as agencies from Contracting Parties to the Convention, about the practicalities involved in implementing the Convention.”
“This includes stepping up enforcement efforts, enhancing public education and leveraging the community to fight the UML scourge together. Footage from Police cameras have also been used to solve UML-related cases. The Police will continue to take a tough approach to clamp down on all manner of UML activities.”
“From 2013 to 2017, about 170 cases of unlicensed moneylending (UML) harassment involving the use of fire were reported to the Police. For the first eight months of this year, about 13 cases were reported. Overall, there is a steady decline in harassment involving the use of fire. There were about 20 cases in 2017, compared to about 50 in 2015. The Police have solved about 80% of the cases from 2013 till the present. This year, the Police have solved all the nine cases reported between January and July 2018; investigations into the cases reported in August are ongoing. In 2016 and 2017, the Police crippled at least 10 UML syndicates through the arrest of more than 70 persons. The Member asked if the Ministry of Home Affairs would consider increasing the punishment for crimes involving arson and illegal moneylending. There are currently no plans to do so, as the penalties are adequate. Under the Moneylenders Act, offenders found guilty of acting on behalf of an unlicensed moneylender, committing or attempting to commit any acts of harassment where there is property damage or hurt caused to another person, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years, as well as caning of not less than six and not more than 12 strokes, and shall also be liable for a fine of between $5,000 and $50,000. Repeat offenders are liable for enhanced punishments. In a recent case in November 2017, Police arrested a 29-year-old man for committing a series of UML harassment, including setting fire to two debtors' residence. He was subsequently convicted and sentenced to three years' imprisonment and 10 strokes of the cane. The Police regularly review their strategies to keep the UML situation under control.”
“The Member asked about the highest number of massage establishment (ME) licences issued within a building and a neighborhood precinct. On the former, People's Park Complex has 12 licensed MEs. The Police do not track such data on a precinct level. It would not be meaningful to look at such figures on their own or, for that matter, impose caps on the number of MEs allowed per locality. The Police assess applications to operate MEs on a case-by-case basis. They consider factors, such as the suitability of the location, whether the proposed ME will cause disamenities to the surrounding areas, as well as the characteristics of the businesses there. The Police also take into account feedback from the residents and the Advisers. The Massage Establishments Act that came into force earlier this year was introduced to reduce the disamenities from MEs. Operating hours for all MEs, other than those in designated areas, such as Orchard Road or Marina Bay, will be restricted and, in particular, they must close by 10.30 pm daily. The conditions for MEs in Housing and Development Board estates are even stricter. They must obtain a Category One licence under the Police licensing framework, obtain CaseTrust accreditation, put in a minimum capital investment of $50,000, and have a minimum floor area of 100 square metres. The Police will continue to take strict enforcement action against errant MEs. Unlicensed ME operators face a fine of up to $20,000, or five years' imprisonment, or both. Licensed ME operators who commit regulatory breaches face a fine of up to $10,000, or two years’ imprisonment, or both.”
“This framework will help individuals to control their borrowing habits and to participate in debt assistance schemes administered by voluntary welfare organisations (VWOs) which typically require self-exclusion. Third, on unlicensed moneylenders, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has announced that it will take administrative actions against work pass holders who borrow from unlicensed moneylenders. When a work pass holder is found to have borrowed from unlicensed moneylenders, MOM will inform the employer and revoke the work pass. The worker will then be repatriated and debarred from further employment in Singapore. MOM will implement this measure against borrowing from unlicensed moneylenders in 2019, after a period of education and communication. MOM will continue to step up educational efforts on money management and the risks of borrowing from moneylenders, for work pass holders and their employers. These measures will be complemented by existing support channels for work pass holders, such as VWOs, the Migrant Workers' Centre and the Centre for Domestic Employees. MinLaw, together with MOM and the Singapore Police Force, will continue to monitor the situation closely following the implementation of these measures, and will assess if more stringent measures are necessary.”
“In particular, moneylenders are prohibited from advertising their loans to members of the public via mobile text messages or emails. Moneylenders are also prohibited from conducting abusive practices, such as repeatedly "rolling over" existing loans to charge the administrative fee multiple times even though no new credit is issued; or offering split loans so that late fees can be charged multiple times a month. In view of the recent increase in foreigners borrowing from moneylenders, on 4 October 2018, the Ministry of Law (MinLaw) announced two measures to strengthen protections for FDWs and other foreigners residing in Singapore from the effects of over-borrowing. First, the Ministry will impose aggregate loan caps to limit the total amount that any foreigner residing in Singapore can borrow from licensed moneylenders. The caps were first announced for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents under the Moneylenders (Amendment) Bill in January this year: (a) individuals earning less than $20,000 a year may borrow up to $3,000; and (b) individuals earning $20,000 or more a year may borrow up to six times of monthly income. Both caps will be extended to all foreigners residing in Singapore. In addition, there will be a lower cap of $1,500 for all foreigners residing in Singapore who earn less than $10,000 annually. Second, the Ministry will introduce a self-exclusion framework for all individuals who borrow from licensed moneylenders. Both Singapore residents and foreigners may apply for self-exclusion. Licensed moneylenders will be prohibited from lending to self-excluded individuals.”
“The Registry of Moneylenders received no public feedback on foreign domestic workers (FDWs) borrowing from licensed moneylenders prior to 2017. The Registry received one case of feedback in 2017 and 38 cases of feedback in the first half of 2018. This reflects an increase in the number of FDWs who borrowed from licensed moneylenders from 1,500 in 2016, to 12,000 in 2017, and to 28,000 in the first half of 2018. The Police have observed more foreigners residing in Singapore, including FDWs, borrowing from unlicensed moneylenders. The Police have also seen an increase in reports of harassment from unlicensed moneylenders arising from FDWs who took loans or acted as guarantors. From 2008 to 2012, the Police registered no such reports, while 2013 to September 2018 saw about 460 of such reports. Any employer who is harassed by unlicensed moneylenders should report such activities to the Police. The Police adopt a tough enforcement stance against unlicensed moneylenders and anyone who assists them in perpetuating illicit activities. The Police and the Attorney-General's Chambers have prosecuted errant debt collectors who have violated the law and will continue to take strong enforcement action against such conduct. Enhancing borrower protections. There are currently several measures to protect all individuals who borrow from licensed moneylenders. For example, the Moneylenders Rules permit a licensed moneylender to charge only the following for each loan: (a) an upfront administrative fee of up to 10%; (b) interest of up to 4% per month; (c) late interest of up to 4% per month; and (d) late fees of up to $60 per month. The Registrar of Moneylenders have issued Directions to regulate moneylenders' activities.”
“There are strong punishments to deter financial crimes against the elderly, which usually involve cheating. Offenders can face a jail term of up to 10 years, and a fine. The Government is also studying ways to strengthen our laws against cheating offences. The Penal Code Review Committee has made recommendations in this area, which the Government is studying. Besides having strong punishments as deterrence, the Police have also taken steps to educate the elderly. For example, the Police work with the Residents' Committees and grassroots volunteers to spread scam alert messages to residents, through community events like block parties, roadshows, festive events and Community Safety and Security Programmes (CSSPs). One such CSSP focusing on the elderly is the Silver Watch Group. Launched in 2013, the initiative aims to impart to elderly residents on crime prevention knowledge by keeping them informed of the latest crime situation and encouraging them to share the relevant advice with their peers. The Police have also worked with banks and remittance centres to identify potential victims and advise them to exercise caution when transferring money to unknown bank accounts. To increase public awareness, the Police have also put up anti-scam advisories near to automated teller machines and AXS machines. Members of the public who wish to seek scam-related advice can call the anti-scam helpline at 1800-722-6688 or visit www.scamalert.sg.”
“The most common traffic violations by heavy vehicle drivers are speeding and red-light running. Over the past five years, from 2013 to 2017, traffic violations committed by heavy vehicle drivers increased by an annualised rate of 6.7%. The Traffic Police (TP) has been conducting regular road safety talks and dialogues with heavy vehicle owners and drivers. At these events, TP shares the common causes of heavy vehicle accidents and encourages drivers to adopt good road safety practices. We will also continue to encourage drivers to refresh their driving skills. For example, SkillsFuture Singapore provides grants for drivers to attend Ministry of Manpower (MOM)-approved training programmes, such as the Crash Prevention Course, conducted by the Automobile Association of Singapore Academy. TP posts its road safety tips for heavy vehicle drivers on its online learning portal. TP and MOM are working with partners to test technological solutions that can foster safer driving. Examples include devices that can alert owners and drivers to risky behaviour, such as speeding, tailgating and sudden braking. Should these solutions prove to be effective, we will look into ways to encourage wide adoption.”
“Since the beginning of this year, there were nine traffic accidents on the Causeway within Singapore's jurisdiction that resulted in injuries or fatalities. Eight of these involved motorcycles, and one of these eight also involved a lorry and a trailer. The Traffic Police (TP) has put up signs at both checkpoints to remind all motorists entering Singapore to abide by our traffic laws and to drive safely. TP also works closely with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority to ensure safe traffic flows. For example, during periods of high traffic, Woodlands Checkpoint deploys special support teams to augment the officers already on the ground, to manage traffic. The Land Transport Authority has also put in place safety infrastructure, such as clearly demarcated lanes and arrow markings, to guide motorists on the Causeway and the Second Link. We will continue to monitor the situation and implement additional road safety measures if necessary.”
“Offences involving the use of spy or hidden cameras that insult the modesty of a person are taken seriously. Those found guilty are liable to imprisonment of up to one year, or a fine, or both. In this context, the Penal Code Review Committee (PCRC) has recommended introducing new offences specifically relating to the making, distribution, possession and accessing of voyeuristic recordings. PCRC has also recommended that offenders who make such recordings be liable to imprisonment of up to two years, or a fine, or both, and caning. This is a higher punishment than under current laws. The Government has completed its public consultation on the PCRC's recommendations and will be amending the Penal Code early next year. It is quite unworkable to try and deal with the problem by banning spy cameras and hidden cameras. Mobile phones also come with cameras, and they can also be concealed to take secret photos or videos. We will increase the penalties and add new offences to try and deter the commission of such acts.”
“The new framework allows bankrupts who pay their target contributions expeditiously to be eligible for an earlier discharge. Should any individual face difficulty paying their target monthly contributions due to extenuating circumstances, they are encouraged to inform the Official Assignee (OA). The OA who will take these circumstances into account in administering the bankruptcy. Any repayment under the bankruptcy regime also takes into account the need for the debtor to fulfil his basic necessities. The OA may reduce the monthly contributions of a bankrupt person if he can show that his personal circumstances have changed and he can no longer pay the previously agreed monthly contribution. The bankrupt person may also be eligible for an earlier discharge if the OA is satisfied that he is unable to pay his target contribution due to extenuating circumstances.”
“The bankruptcy regime is designed to balance the interests of individual debtors, creditors and the wider society. It seeks to ensure that bankrupts deal with their debts as best as possible while allowing them to make a fresh start in their financial matters after a reasonable period of time. As at end October 2018, there were 964 Singapore Citizens aged 65 and above who had been in bankruptcy for over five years1. This comprises around 6% of the overall number of bankrupts in Singapore. Most of these individuals became bankrupt before they reached 65 years of age. Of the 964 individuals, Government agencies were the petitioning creditors for 37 individuals. The agencies involved were the Housing and Development Board (HDB), Ministry of Manpower (MOM) (Controller of Work Permits), Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) (Comptroller of Income Tax) and the Land Office (the predecessor of Singapore Land Authority). Government agencies would first make several requests for payment. They will also see what other methods are possible to recover arrears. When these avenues fail, or are not feasible, then a petition for bankruptcy will be filed. Agencies not infrequently come across individuals who will not pay unless action is taken. Monies owed are taxpayers' money and agencies owe a duty to take steps to recover them. Bankrupts may be discharged after a reasonable period of time. To help rehabilitate bankrupts, the Ministry of Law (MinLaw) has implemented the differentiated discharge framework since 1 August 2016. This framework provides timeframes and goals for bankrupts to meet to be eligible for a discharge. The bankrupt’s eligibility for discharge will depend on whether he has met his Target Contribution to the bankruptcy estate.”
“Members of the public who receive unsolicited advertisement from unlicensed moneylenders (UML) in the form of SMS messages or other forms of communications should not reply to these messages. Those with information on unlicensed moneylenders can call the Police hotline at 1800-255-0000 or the National Crime Prevention Council's X Ah Long hotline at 1800-924-5664. All information given to the Police will be kept confidential. The Police take a strong stance against unlicensed moneylending activities and will not hesitate to take swift action against persons found to be engaging in them. The Police regularly conduct major operations against UML syndicates to cripple them. From 2014 to September 2018, Police have arrested more than 6,900 persons in connection with UML activities. We will also continue with public education on unlicensed moneylending. In 2017 and 2018, the third Anti-Unlicensed Moneylending media campaign was conducted. Besides educating the public on the dangers of borrowing from unlicensed moneylenders, this campaign provided advisories on how to deal with unsolicited unlicensed moneylending advertisements.”
“Since 1 April 2015, 32 liquor outlets within the Liquor Control Zone in Little India have been found supplying liquor beyond the specified trading hours or outside the licensed premises. Licensees that breach their licence conditions face fines of up to $10,000 and suspension or cancellation of their licence. The Police are also working with licensees to increase awareness of their regulatory obligations. Such efforts could include placing signages within their outlet to highlight, for example, the restriction in trading hours.”
“The Member asked if we could classify all private security guards, as well as all cleaners and waste collectors, as Public Service Workers. In general, we consider individuals as Public Service Workers for the purpose of additional protection under the Protection from Harassment Act (POHA) if their jobs serve the general public, and not just patrons of a private business or establishment. For example, cleaners in public hospitals and security guards at bus interchanges would be considered as Public Service Workers. On the other hand, cleaners in private hospitals and security guards in commercial buildings would not be considered as Public Service Workers. Notwithstanding this, there are sufficient protections under POHA for everyone. Offenders convicted under POHA for harassment can be punished with a fine of up to $5,000, or an imprisonment term of up to 12 months, or both, if the victim is a Public Service Worker or public servant. If the victim is any other member of the public, the punishment is a fine of up to $5,000, or an imprisonment term of up to six months, or both.”
“Crucially, if there is an existing LPA, family members of that individual also need not apply to the Courts to be appointed as deputies to make certain decisions on behalf of the individual if he lacks mental capacity, thereby saving expenses and time. The fee waiver for Singaporeans making an LPA has been extended to 31 August 2020, to encourage more Singaporeans to make an LPA.”
“A legal aid application for deputyship has to be made in the name of the family member seeking to be made a deputy, as deputyship proceedings in the Courts are commenced in the family member’s name. The application for legal aid should thus be assessed on the means of the applicant for deputyship. It is not possible for legal aid applications to be made for, or on behalf of, the mentally incapacitated person, and then to use that person’s means to support the legal aid application. Legal aid is provided to low-income Singaporeans who cannot afford their own lawyers. To qualify for legal aid, the family member has to pass the means test. For the past three years, about 85% of legal aid applications for deputyship matters passed the preliminary means test. We should add that the Ministry of Law intends to restructure the legal aid means test. This is intended to be achieved by the Legal Aid and Advice (Amendment) Bill which has been introduced. Instead of the applicant's disposable income, we will be seeking to use Per Capita Household Income (PCHI) to assess means. PCHI takes into account both the income of the applicant applying for deputyship and the income of the mentally incapacitated patient, if they live in the same household. We will also provide greater flexibility to provide targeted help to applicants with extenuating circumstances. Finally, Singaporeans may wish to plan ahead and make a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). One key advantage of an LPA is that an individual, who has the requisite mental capacity, is able to choose his proxy decision maker and discuss the LPA with his family so that his wishes are made known in advance.”
“Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are easy to operate. The user simply needs to turn on the machine and follow the voice prompts. Callers to the 995 Operations Centre will also be guided on performing chest compressions and applying the AED. In addition, every AED cabinet installed in Housing and Development Board blocks under the Singapore Civil Defence Force's Save-a-Life initiative comes with a quick response (QR) code that links to an online instructional video. A new sticker, with clear step-by-step instructions on how to handle suspected cardiac arrest cases, will also be affixed to the bottom left of the AED cabinet by July 2019.”
“We do not track such data. As to the number of commercial crimes reported, this has remained stable over the last three years from 2015 to 2017.”
“For traffic offences committed by cyclists, we do not track the data for power-assisted and non-power-assisted bicycles separately. Over the past 10 years, the average annual number of summonses issued against cyclists were about: (a) 40 for beating red lights; (b) 450 for disorderly riding without due regard for the safety of others on the road. This includes riding against traffic, amongst others; (c) 295 for riding in the dark without a front light or rear reflector; and (d) one for riding abreast of a motor vehicle.”
“The most commonly cited reasons for drug consumption by first-time offenders include (a) to cope with stress, (2) out of curiosity, and (3) due to peer pressure. Based on the data provided by first-time offenders admitted to Drug Rehabilitation Centres in 2017, the median monthly individual income is about S$1,600. We do not track the household income of drug offenders.”
“Members of the public who receive unsolicited text messages from moneylenders should not reply to these messages. Those with information on unlicensed moneylenders can call the Police hotline at 1800-255-0000 or the National Crime Prevention Council's X Ah Long hotline at 1800-924-5664. All information given to the Police will be kept confidential.”
“In 2017, there were about 60 road traffic accidents involving pedestrians at zebra crossings. Three resulted in fatalities. To enhance safety, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has put in place warning signs, such as "Pedestrian Crossing Ahead", zig-zag lines and flashing beacons near the crossings, so that motorists are more alert as they approach. LTA has also installed at selected locations raised zebra crossings, which serve as speed humps for vehicles. We will also continue to educate the public on the safe use of zebra crossings. For example, as part of the "Use Your RoadSense" campaign in 2017 and 2018, the Singapore Road Safety Council launched online videos on how pedestrians should use zebra crossings. For now, we think these measures are adequate and cameras need not be deployed.”
“The Police have received several reports against Data Register Pte Ltd in 2018. The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority and law enforcement agencies are looking into the reports and consulting the Attorney-General's Chambers. In the meantime, businesses should seek legal advice if they are of the view that they had been misled or deceived into entering into contracts with Data Register.”
“The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) decides on a foreigner's right to enter into Singapore, taking into account a variety of factors, including our national interests and security, based on our own information and assessment, as well as that provided by foreign partners. We also do not, generally, confirm or deny whether a person has been blacklisted. Ms Clare Rewcastle Brown was granted entry into Singapore on 14 September 2018. She was not stopped or questioned. On 15 September 2018, Ms Brown left Singapore. When she was leaving, she was interviewed by ICA officers as part of the immigration clearance process. Our records showed that she completed her immigration clearance and interview in 16 minutes. Many travellers are subjected to additional checks or interviews as part of the immigration clearance process. Ms Brown was not denied entry into Singapore. She was allowed to enter Singapore. Members can assess for themselves how credible it is – to assume that a person had been blacklisted because she was asked some questions when she was leaving the country – when she had not been denied entry into the country in the first place.”
“PHTA also provides measures for the care of TIP victims to encourage the reporting of trafficking activities. These include mandatory in-camera Court proceedings for child victims, media gag-order for all proceedings involving sexual exploitation, and protection for informers to incentivise the reporting of TIP activity. In addition to the enactment of PHTA, Singapore acceded to the United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (UN TIP Protocol) in 2015. The UN TIP Protocol lays out international standards for the elimination of TIP, and seeks to prevent, suppress and punish TIP perpetrators while protecting victims and promoting cooperation among State Parties to meet these objectives. Singapore is fully in compliance with the Protocol. The Singapore Inter-Agency Taskforce on Trafficking in Persons (TIP Taskforce), formed in 2010 and comprising six Ministries, the Police, ICA and the Attorney-General's Chambers, actively engages various stakeholders, including Civil Society Organisations, embassies and academics, to co-develop our strategy to combat TIP. The TIP Taskforce conducted its annual stakeholder engagement session in July 2018, which was attended by over 40 stakeholders. The TIP Taskforce also regularly engages the US on TIP-related matters. We have consistently clarified the misrepresentations set out in this and previous annual reports but, regrettably, the misconceptions remain. We strongly urge the US to seek clarification and better understand Singapore's actual ground situation and approach to combat TIP and not make unsubstantiated claims.”
“On the contrary, all persons found to have been engaging in vice activities are interviewed and assessed by the Police to ascertain if they might be TIP victims. Frontline officers from MOM, SPF and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) are issued with a "TIP awareness card" containing the key elements and indicators of TIP to aid their identification of possible victims. They are then referred to specialised TIP units in MOM or SPF for follow-up investigations. Singapore takes a serious view of TIP. We have in place robust laws and processes, as well as a committed and competent law enforcement system, to ensure that we are not a destination for human traffickers. We have achieved several significant milestones in our efforts against TIP, such as the enactment of PHTA in 2015, which prescribes severe penalties for such crimes. This includes a mandatory prison sentence of up to 10 years. For first-time offenders, the Court may also impose a fine of up to S$100,000 and caning of up to six strokes. For recalcitrant offenders, the law prescribes mandatory caning of up to nine strokes. In addition to investigating and prosecuting trafficking cases under PHTA, Singapore also adopts a proactive approach to detect and deal early with cases that have the potential to become TIP cases. Our wider legal framework comprises various pieces of legislation to protect women and workers in Singapore, such as the Women's Charter and Employment of Foreign Manpower Act. Under this framework, enforcement agencies like SPF and MOM conduct regular operations to detect and deter illegal activities that may be indicative of human trafficking, such as vice activities and illegal labour. Our pre-emptive enforcement stance has helped to keep the number of TIP cases low.”
“Since the Prevention of Human Trafficking Act (PHTA) was enacted in 2015, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Singapore Police Force (SPF) have received information on and investigated 177 cases of alleged sex and labour trafficking. Eight were found to be substantiated as trafficking cases, while the other 169 were not. Of the eight trafficking cases, four cases have been concluded with four persons convicted under PHTA, fined up to $30,000, and sentenced to imprisonment terms ranging from 38 to 80 months. The remaining four cases are still undergoing Court proceedings. The United States (US) Department of State’s ranking of Singapore in Tier 2 of the 2018 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report means that, in their view, we do not fully meet the "minimum standards" for the Elimination of Trafficking in Persons under the US Trafficking Victims Protection Act 2000, but we are making "significant efforts". We do not share the US' view. Our laws are tough and fair, and our approach to human trafficking is, like our approach to any other crime, uncompromising. The report misrepresents ground realities. For example, the report alleges that "large numbers" of migrant workers experience conditions indicative of labour trafficking in Singapore but provides no statistics to back this claim. On the contrary, MOM surveyed about 1,000 foreign domestic workers in 2015 and found that approximately 97% of them were satisfied with working in Singapore, and approximately 80% said that they would recommend Singapore to their friends and relatives as a place to work. The results were similar to an earlier survey done in 2014. The report also claims that the Police did not consistently screen for trafficking indicators among women apprehended in law enforcement operations.”
“We encourage victims of voyeurism to make a Police report as soon as possible. It gives us a better chance of apprehending the culprit. Under our current laws, those found guilty of taking voyeuristic photos or videos are liable to imprisonment of up to one year, or a fine, or both. The Penal Code Review Committee (PCRC) has made recommendations to strengthen deterrence against voyeurism. It has recommended introducing new offences relating to the making, distribution, possession and accessing of voyeuristic recordings. PCRC has also recommended that offenders who make such recordings be liable to imprisonment of up to two years, or a fine, or both, and caning. The penalty will be enhanced if the victim is below 14 years of age. The Government has just completed its public consultation on the PCRC's recommendations and will take the public feedback into consideration when making our decisions. The number of voyeurism cases involving hidden cameras investigated by the Police has increased in the last few years. This is partly because more people are willing to step forward to report the cases. Between 2013 and 2017, the number increased from about 150 to about 230 per year. About a quarter of these cases resulted in Court prosecution.”
“The Police, Central Narcotics Bureau and Health Sciences Authority adopt a coordinated and multi-agency approach to tackle illicit activities in Geylang. This includes frequent joint patrols and enforcement operations. These efforts are augmented by the deployment of Auxiliary Police Officers, who also perform high-visibility patrols and enforce against a wide range of regulatory offences. The Police have also installed more cameras and improved the lighting in Geylang to enhance the deterrence and detection of illicit activities, especially at the back lanes. There are now close to 300 cameras in Geylang, six times more than in 2014. With these sustained efforts by the law enforcement agencies, including at Lorong 22 to Lorong 40, the crime, drug and illegal medicine situation in Geylang remains under control. We will continue our tough enforcement approach and further step up as necessary. We will also continue to work closely with the local grassroots, residents, business operators and other Government agencies.”
“Applications for Singapore Citizenship (SC) are assessed on a range of criteria. The applications are put through a few layers of checks. The same approach is adopted for appeals and subsequent applications. On the Member's second question, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) evaluates applications from foreign spouses married to Singaporeans on a range of factors, including the ability of the Singaporean sponsor to support the foreign spouse, the length of marriage, and whether they have any children from the marriage. These general factors are shared openly with the public. However, we do not share the specific criteria or grounds for rejecting applications. One, information about detailed assessment criteria can be abused to inflate an undeserving applicant's chances of success. Some people could then try and game the system. Two, those whose applications have been rejected may also use the reasons for rejection to try and arouse sentiments in other countries, with potential diplomatic implications. This is not in Singapore's interests. That said, I assure the Members that if they raise specific deserving cases to our attention, we will reassess them carefully.”
“Companies and individuals can adopt the following measures to avoid being a victim of scams that use official-looking letters or emails: first, they should exercise vigilance when dealing with unsolicited letters or emails, especially when personal banking details or payments are being sought; second, they can call the relevant authorities to ascertain the authenticity of the letter or email; and finally, they can seek scam-related advice via the Anti-Scam Helpline at 1800-722-6688 or visit www.scamalert.sg. The Police and the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) will continually review these measures. The Member also asked whether heavier penalties can be imposed. We think that the sentencing range under existing legislation is adequate. A person who is convicted of a cheating offence under section 420 of the Penal Code may be liable for imprisonment of up to 10 years. But above all, I urge Singaporeans to remain alert and vigilant against scams.”
“The transit areas of Changi Airport are gazetted as Protected Places under the Protected Areas and Protected Places Act. It is an offence for persons to misuse their boarding pass to enter the transit areas with no intention of proceeding with their journey. Persons who are found guilty of misusing their boarding pass are liable for a fine of $1,000, or imprisonment for two years, or both. From 2015 to 2017, the Police detected an average of 44 cases of boarding pass misuse each year. Most of the offenders gained entry into the transit areas to purchase goods from the duty-free shops, send off friends and relatives, or try to meet celebrities. The Police have worked with the airport community to put up signs to explicitly warn travellers that it is an offence to misuse boarding passes. These signs are displayed at airlines' check-in counters, departure entrances and immigration counters. The Police are exploring with the airlines to print the warnings on the boarding passes and to publish the warnings on the airlines' website. The Police also publicise cases of boarding pass misuse to educate the public.”
“The Police also use traditional and social media to educate the public on scams, and tailor their approach depending on the target audience. For instance, for the elderly, the Police worked with the NCPC to appoint Li Nanxing, a popular local artiste, as our Honorary Crime Prevention Ambassador. A series of television and radio commercials on scam alerts featuring Li Nanxing were produced and aired, with corresponding graphics in newspapers and posters. Recognising that some elderly may not be reached through newspapers and posters, Police Officers also conduct house visits regularly to spread crime prevention messages, and work with Residents’ Committees and grassroots volunteers to reach out to the elderly through community events like block parties and during festive events. To disrupt foreign syndicates at source, the Police share information with their foreign partners. In addition, the Police make efforts to disrupt money flows back to the foreign syndicates. Since January 2018, 22 persons have been arrested and charged in Court for acting as money mules. Of these, six have been convicted. I urge Singaporeans to remain alert and vigilant against scams. Family members and friends can prevent a person from falling victim to scams in the first place, as well as prevent any losses, if they intervene early enough.”