Lam Pin Min
Singapore
“Mr Speaker, on behalf of the Minister for Transport, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second Time". This Bill, together with the Active Mobility (Amendment No.”
“It is timely for us to put in place a regulatory framework to ensure that active mobility devices being brought into and used in Singapore are safe. This is a key step in helping us put in place a safe and sustainable active mobility landscape in Singapore. Mr Speaker, I beg to move. [(proc text) Question proposed. (proc text)] 1.55 pm”
“Clause 6 facilitates the transfer to and vesting in the financial security provider of a seafarer's rights against a shipowner as a result of any liability arising from the shipowner's obligation to repatriate the seafarer. For example, the liability to pay the seafarer's wages and entitlements.”
“Mr Speaker, to ensure a safe and high-quality blood supply for our patients in Singapore, pre-donation interviews are conducted to screen blood donors for risk factors and blood donations are also tested for blood-borne infections. However, infections can only be detected some time after the blood donors have been infected.”
“I thank the Member for that clarification. As far as I know, not all mental conditions will be excluded from blood donation. In fact, we have checked with HSA. There is a wide spectrum of mental illnesses – from very mild mental conditions to very severe conditions.”
“I think we must be cognisant that the reason why they are inmates is because of certain things that have happened, prior to that. That actually pre-disposes them to some high-risk behaviours.”
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“Yes, I agree with Mr Murali Pillai that we do take safety as the top priority. In the definition of void decks, letter box areas and ground floor lift lobbies, as well as corridors fronting residential flats, are considered as void decks. As such, Town Councils can exercise the flexibility of imposing a ban on PMD use in those areas.”
“I would like to thank Mr Murali Pillai for the clarification. In deciding for a public area to be considered as public path, either shared or pedestrian-only paths, or for exemption under the Active Mobility Act, we do consider three key principles. One, which is, safety; second, connectivity; and third, clarity of rules. So, in the area of safety, as long as the surface paths are accessible to the public, they will, by default, be allowed for cycling and PMD use, unless there are safety concerns that cannot be effectively mitigated. The second consideration of connectivity is whether the path is critical for connectivity, for example, if the path links a large cycling path network or connects to key transport nodes and public amenities and, if they are, whether there are alternative paths available to be considered. Thirdly, in implementing these rules, we want to make sure that these areas can be clearly demarcated so that they can be exempted without causing any public confusion. Bearing in mind these three key considerations, void decks have been exempted from the Active Mobility Act because they have, first of all, multiple blind spots due to the presence of pillars and they are not critical for connectivity since cyclists and PMD users can dismount and push for the last leg of their journey at the void decks. Void decks can be easily demarcated to avoid any confusion. This approach provides the Town Councils with the flexibility to set and enforce their own rules on the usage of active mobility devices, according to their own needs. So, if the Town Council feels that void decks are areas where potential accidents can happen, then the Town Council can ban the use of PMDs in the void decks.”
“Mr Speaker, void deck spaces in Housing and Development Board (HDB) housing estates are not declared as public paths under the Active Mobility Act. Thus, Town Councils can set and enforce their own rules on the usage of personal mobility devices (PMDs) in such areas, including banning their use.”
“LTA, together with MOT, is committed to working with the Town Council of Er Dr Lee Bee Wah and we can have joint education programmes as well as enforcement actions to make sure that the hotspot that she is alluding to can be addressed in a timely manner.”
“Mr Chairman, I just want to thank Er Dr Lee Bee Wah on her supplementary questions. In fact, we have discussed this issue in previous Parliamentary Sittings. And we understand Er Dr Lee Bee Wah's concern with regard to the safety of pedestrians, especially her residents in her Town Council area. But I would also like to reiterate that the use of footpaths, including footpaths in Town Council areas, are regulated under the Active Mobility Act. And the Active Mobility Act allows pedestrians, cyclists and PMD users to use such footpaths as they are crucial for connectivity. I have explained in my speech just now that it is also important for these same rules to be applied consistently to all footpaths so that users will not be confused with different rules at different areas. For example, if you do allow a certain area in a certain Town Council to have a no cycling zone but allow cycling in other Town Councils, PMD users or cyclists may not be aware that it is not allowed and that will cause confusion. LTA will continue to work with Town Councils to assess the areas of concern and see whether we can have additional mitigating measures, such as infrastructure works or better education and engagement efforts, so that the safety concerns can be addressed. For example, if we know that there is a particular hotspot that may be prone to incidents, then we can have signages to warn PMD users, we can have signages to warn pedestrians. At the same time, we can also have CCTVs installed to enforce or to catch errant riders in those areas.”
“I would like to thank Mr Dennis Tan for the further clarification. Yes, it depends on the circumstance whereby the errant rider has gone against the active mobility regulations and requirements. But, of course, we look at the operator's efforts in educating users on safe riding behaviour and this will be taken into consideration. It will not be exactly fair to just penalise the operator if the operator has done its best to educate users with regard to safe riding behaviour. All PMD users, including users of shared-PMDs, will be penalised for flouting the active mobility regulations. Separately, for parking indiscriminately, we will impose a ban on users according to how often he breaks the rules.”
“I would like to thank Mr Dennis Tan for the two clarifications. The first is on the criteria for selecting the PMD operators. In fact, LTA will consider each application on its own merits based the following criteria. We will look at the company's track record. We look at whether they will be able to be compliant with the law and regulatory requirements, whether there are plans to educate users on safe riding behaviours and, at the same time, we also look at the overall demands for shared services and the availability of parking spaces. But having said that, we also need to take errant riders to task. An individual will actually be penalised under the existing active mobility regulations. With regard to the Member's second question on the 1996 Limitation on Liability, I remember we had just passed the Merchants Shipping amendments only in January this year, which was just two months ago. And MPA is currently looking at the implementation timeline with relevant agencies, and we will update the Member as soon as we have the details.”
“Mr Chairman, I would like to thank Mr Ang Hin Kee for his clarification. In fact, we have received similar feedback from Er Dr Lee Bee Wah, and I do empathise with the disamenities with regard to noise pollution for residents who are staying in the vicinity of Seletar Airport. CAAS is mindful of the noise generated by overflying aircraft and we have been reviewing and adopting best practices in noise abatement measures according to international standards. To the extent possible, CAAS will direct aircraft to land away from and take off towards directions to minimise flying over residential areas. This will, hopefully, reduce the amount of noise disturbances. However, for safety reasons, aircraft need to land and take off into the wind and, depending on the prevailing wind conditions, it is sometimes unavoidable for aircraft to overfly residential areas, especially those in the Yishun and Yio Chu Kang areas. At the same time, CAAS also disallows older jet aircraft that do not meet international standards on aircraft noise certification from flying into Singapore. Jet aircraft which operate to Seletar Airport are generally newer and quieter ones. Recently, based on some of the feedback from residents and from the grassroots organisations, we have since 1 January 2019 disallowed flights at Seletar Airport between 10.00 pm and 7.00 am every day, except for emergency and medical evacuation flights. This will hopefully reduce the amount of noise pollution in the evening and at night.”
“Mr Chairman, I just want to thank Dr Teo Ho Pin for that clarification. The cycling path for Bukit Panjang area is targeted to be completed sometime in 2021. This will be a standalone cycling path which is separate from the existing footpaths.”
“This gives LTA time to assess sandbox licensees’ ability to comply with regulatory requirements, before granting them a larger fleet size under a full licence. LTA may revoke the licence of non-compliant sandbox licensees during the licence period. PMD-sharing licensees will be subjected to PMD-specific safety requirements. These include ensuring that shared PMDs are charged only by suitable personnel in proper environments and requiring shared PMDs to be certified to the UL2272 standard. PMD-sharing licensees will also be required to procure and maintain third-party liability insurance, and to have identification stickers and tracking devices installed on devices to facilitate enforcement. I am confident that our licensing approach and regulatory requirements will allow us to start on the right footing for PMD-sharing services. Mr Chairman, we will continue to support Singaporeans’ aspirations for healthier lifestyles and safer journeys. As active mobility becomes more popular, we will continue to promote a safe path-sharing culture and ensure that device-sharing operators provide their services in a safe and responsible manner.”
“The licensing regime will help to address some of the disamenities caused by oBike's exit. For example, when oBike exited, it was difficult to locate the individual bicycles left behind which did not have location-tracking features. Under our licensing regime, licensees are required to install location tracking devices on their bicycles and prepare plans to remove their bicycles in a timely manner should they exit the market. I would like to assure Mr Yee Chia Hsing that under our licensing regime, responsible device-sharing operators will have the flexibility to grow their fleet sizes. This year, we opened a second round of licence applications for bicycle-sharing services on 4 January. This allows new operators to enter the market and gives responsible licensees that are able to manage their fleets effectively the opportunity to grow their fleets. 4.00 pm Miss Cheng Li Hui asked if PMD-sharing licensees will require users to put up deposits. Based on the licence applications we have received, no PMD-sharing licence applicant intends to require user deposits. Mr Dennis Tan and Miss Cheng Li Hui expressed concern over the operations of PMD-sharing services, and the impact of allowing PMD-sharing services at this time. I would like to assure them that we will proceed cautiously. LTA is assessing the first batch of PMD-sharing licence applications and will only license operators who are capable of managing indiscriminate parking and complying with fire safety requirements and have clear plans to educate users on proper parking, safe riding and fire safety. We will start conservatively, with new operators restricted to small fleet sizes of up to 500 PMDs under a one-year sandbox licence period.”
“We now have more than 1,000 volunteers conducting patrols and organising outreach activities in their communities to educate cyclists and PMD users on how they should adjust their behaviour to accommodate the needs of fellow path-users. In recent years, operators offering active mobility device-sharing services have emerged. This is a new, growing sector. While it offers Singaporeans better access to active mobility devices at cheap prices, it also comes with its own share of challenges. Last year, we introduced a licensing regime for bicycle-sharing operators. The regime regulates the maximum fleet size for each licensee based on responsible operator behaviour, and aligns fleet growth with parking provisions and consumer needs. In January this year, we introduced measures to ensure that users park responsibly, such as the quick response (QR) code parking system, and requiring operators to ban recalcitrant users from device-sharing services. We have stepped up the provision of bicycle parking spaces by implementing yellow boxes, especially in areas of high demand for bicycle parking. We now have more than 220,000 bicycle parking lots islandwide, with all public housing located within a five-minute walk from a public bicycle parking facility. We target to provide a total of 267,000 lots by 2020. With these efforts, we have made great strides in bringing the indiscriminate parking situation under control. The number of shared bicycle trips ending outside a designated parking location has been declining steadily, and we will continue to work with operators to reduce indiscriminate parking. Miss Cheng Li Hui asked about what we have learnt from the oBike incident. OBike's sudden exit preceded our licensing regime and deeply inconvenienced many Singaporeans.”
“We have pressed on with the Safe Riding Programme, which educates active mobility device users on safe riding practices and proper use of active mobility infrastructure. In its first year, 39,000 participants from schools, companies and the community completed the programme. We will continue to offer the programme at a fully subsidised rate until the end of 2019, so that more will be able to participate. LTA has also worked with MOM and Traffic Police to issue a joint circular to food delivery companies to encourage food delivery riders to ride safely and provide avenues for members of the public to report unsafe riding. I also agree with Ms Sun Xueling on the need to introduce guidelines to improve the safety of PMDs and reduce fire risks. As I have previously shared in this House, we will prohibit the sale of non-UL2272 certified PMDs from 1 July 2019 to reduce the risk of PMD fire incidents. We have strongly advised PMD users to purchase PMDs from reputable sources, observe fire safety standards and avoid overcharging PMD batteries or modifying their PMDs. I would like to assure Ms Sun Xueling that today, footpaths in new public estates are about 1.8 metres wide and most footpaths in public estates are at least 1.5 metres wide. We will expand footpaths where feasible. However, there are some places where this is not possible. We will, therefore, need to strive for an ethos of gracious path-sharing where cyclists, PMD users and pedestrians look out for one another's safety. Ground-up initiatives, such as the Active Mobility Patrol (AMP) scheme, will play a crucial role in harnessing the community to promote harmonious path-sharing behaviour.”
“Er Dr Lee Bee Wah also asked that Town Councils be allowed to ban bicycles and PMDs for pedestrian safety. The Active Mobility Act allows pedestrians, cyclists and PMD users to use footpaths as they are crucial for connectivity. It is important that the same rules are applied consistently to all footpaths so that users will not be confused with different rules at different areas. I thank Miss Cheng Li Hui for her suggestions to improve active mobility safety. We will continue to review our regulations to ensure the safety of all path users and will take the suggestions into account for the next review. To safeguard pedestrian safety, we will consider infrastructural improvements where necessary, such as pedestrian priority zones which employ "SLOW" markings, speed regulating strips and signages to alert cyclists and riders to slow down and look out for pedestrians. I fully agree with Miss Cheng Li Hui, Ms Sun Xueling, Er Dr Lee Bee Wah and Mr Lim Biow Chuan on the need for stronger enforcement to deter reckless riding behaviour. Indeed, we have stepped up enforcement actions. LTA's team of Active Mobility Enforcement Officers has been carrying out regular checks at hotspots, using speed guns and weighing scales to enforce speed limit and device weight requirements. Since May 2018, LTA has detected more than 3,100 active mobility offences, which include unsafe riding on paths and riding of non-compliant devices. To complement its existing enforcement efforts, LTA will implement a trial later this year to place closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at hotspots for better detection of active mobility offences. However, enforcement alone is not enough. As Mr Lim Biow Chuan has rightly pointed out, we also need to educate users on responsible behaviour.”
“With the increased popularity of active mobility, Singaporeans have expressed concerns about safety on paths shared by pedestrians and PMD users. These are valid concerns. As Mr Lim Biow Chuan and Ms Sun Xueling have pointed out, active mobility accidents have increased due to the increased use of bicycles and PMDs. The number of reported off-road accidents involving active mobility users increased from 132 in 2017 to 251 in 2018. To stem this worrying trend, AMAP conducted a review of active mobility rules in 2018. The Government has since accepted their recommendations. In January, we started the registration regime for e-scooters to deter reckless riding behaviour and facilitate enforcement efforts in tracking down errant riders. To date, over 40,000 e-scooters have been registered. We also reduced the speed limit on footpaths from 15 km/h to 10 km/h in February this year. To address Mr Lim Biow Chuan's query, a slower speed gives active mobility users and pedestrians more time to react to unforeseen circumstances and reduces the risk of severe injuries should accidents occur. Last year, AMAP recommended against mandating third-party liability insurance so as to accommodate the diversity of active mobility device users and keep active mobility affordable. Nonetheless, we echo Er Dr Lee Bee Wah's sentiments on the importance of third-party liability insurance and strongly encourage users to insure themselves against third-party claims. To this end, LTA and AMAP have engaged the insurance industry and employers of large groups of active mobility users, such as food delivery companies, to spur the provision of insurance coverage. Similarly, we will require PMD-sharing licensees to procure and maintain third-party liability insurance.”
“Mr Chairman, Senior Minister of State Janil Puthucheary touched on the infrastructure improvements we have implemented to improve public transport and P2P connectivity. My speech will focus on making active mobility viable for shorter journeys and first-and-last-mile connections to transport nodes, while allowing Singaporeans to meet their aspirations for healthy living. During the recent public engagements for LTMP 2040, some participants I spoke to mentioned that they use their daily commute to squeeze in a little bit of exercise by walking and cycling. They wanted to see more options for walking and cycling between destinations. Others expressed hopes for safer path-sharing and more harmonious interactions among path users. We support these aspirations by Singaporeans and will enhance our transport system to facilitate active and healthy lifestyles and to ensure safety for all. To help more Singaporeans embrace active mobility, we will continue to enhance active mobility accessibility, while inculcating a safe and gracious path-sharing culture to address pedestrians' concerns with path-sharing. First, we are expanding active mobility options through building more cycling infrastructure. By 2030, Singapore will have a comprehensive network of off-road cycling paths in every HDB town. In addition to the existing 120 km of cycling paths it has built, LTA is constructing cycling paths in Bukit Panjang and Bishan and expanding the cycling network in Ang Mo Kio and Tampines over the next three years. LTA will also build the Geylang-City and Queenstown-City inter-town cycling routes. When completed in 2020, they will connect cyclists and PMD users directly from their homes to the city.”
“Aspiring port engineers can enroll in the Work-Learn Technical Diploma in Port Automation Technology, run by PSA and the Institute of Technical Education (ITE). It helps our students and workers acquire skillsets necessary for a highly automated port, through a combination of structured classroom teaching and on-the-job training at PSA. We have received good feedback on the Earn-and-Learn Programme (ELP) which allows fresh graduates to work and obtain an industry-recognised certification at the same time. Mr Elias Heng started his career under the ELP for Marine Engineering Officer and sailed as a Fourth Engineer with Apex Ship Management Pte Ltd. The structured on-the-job training helped him prepare for higher seafaring certifications. Upon completion of ELP, he went on to further his training and has since been promoted to a Third Engineer with Apex. Likewise, Ms Kylie Pang, a SATS customer services agent, pursued two skills-based Modular Certificates under ELP which helped her develop both soft and technical skills. This gave her a headstart in her career. She is now working towards completing the three remaining Modular Certificates to obtain a Diploma in Aviation Management from Temasek Polytechnic. This year, MPA will introduce another ELP for shore-based jobs in the ship owning, ship operating and ship broking sectors. And CAAS will enhance the course fee support to cover three additional modular certifications for the Passenger Service Agents ELP. With these enhancements, more people will benefit from ELP, just like Elias and Kylie. Mr Chairman, as we reflect on our past and chart our plans for the future, we know that a Singapore that is well-connected to the world is key to our success.”
“Last year, we welcomed new entrants into our maritime sector, such as Thenemaris and Cheng Lie Navigation. Key players already in Singapore, such as Ocean Network Express, Wilhelmsen Ship Management and Wärtsilä, have also expanded their operations here. At the same time, under the ITMs, the Government, unions and companies are working together to develop a future-ready aviation and maritime workforce. Some workers may worry about how their current jobs will be affected by technological changes and whether their skillsets will remain relevant for the future. I want to assure them that we will support them to grow and learn new skills. CAAS and SkillsFuture Singapore, in consultation with the tripartite partners, launched the Skills Framework for the Air Transport Sector last year. It informs employees of career pathways and the skills required for different jobs and provides companies with guidelines for better employee training. More aviation companies are using the framework to invest in the training and development of their employees. For example, SATS has set up a SATS Academy which introduces interesting ways of staff training, such as using virtual reality to simulate scenarios for technical ramp training. We are also better integrating studies and work. We already have several programmes that allow students and employees to work and study at the same time. One such programme is MPA’s Global Internship Award (GIA) which allows students to intern at international maritime companies, whilst still pursuing their undergraduate studies. Mr Damon Er interned at Braemar ACM Shipbroking under the GIA in 2016 when he was still studying at NTU. He received a job offer right after the internship and is now working as a dry cargo Capesize trainee broker.”
“One area is unmanned aircraft systems, more commonly referred to as drones. To support innovative uses of drones, MPA and CAAS will launch the Maritime Drone Estate near Marina South Pier. Its close proximity to an anchorage provides a conducive environment to testbed and develop drone technology for maritime applications. It will also serve as a regulatory sandbox for the development of regulatory and safety standards for maritime drone operations. The industry has already been active in this arena. For example, Wilhelmsen and Airbus are trialling the use of drones to deliver goods from shore to ship, which will increase productivity and reduce manpower needed, compared to deliveries by boats today. As we facilitate more beneficial uses of drones, we are mindful of the potential safety and security threats arising from its errant and irresponsible use, as seen from the incidents at Gatwick and Newark airports. In January, I had informed the House that we have in place measures to deal with such threats and coordinate very closely with the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Home Affairs on such efforts. To ensure that drones are operated safely, CAAS is also looking into strengthening the Unmanned Aircraft Regulatory Framework. This may include the mandatory registration of drones. Mr Chairman, our aviation and maritime investments will create rewarding career opportunities for Singaporeans. For example, Jewel Changi Airport will open up over 2,000 new retail and hospitality jobs. Businesses are participating in Workforce Singapore’s career fairs to recruit locals into these jobs. Our efforts to attract global players to grow their businesses in Singapore will also create more job and business opportunities.”
“As a start, we will be rolling out the Sea Transport IDP to ship agencies and harbour craft companies. More details will be provided at the Sea Transport IDP launch. We will also continue to experiment and push the boundaries of emerging technology. The payoffs will not be immediate. Mr Pritam Singh asked about the Centre of Excellence for Air Traffic Management. The Centre of Excellence for Air Traffic Management Programme Fund of $200 million was established in 2012 and, as of now, $142 million has been committed for research and development projects in air traffic management. For example, the Centre of Excellence initiated research activities to explore a smart digital tower concept for high intensity operations at Changi Airport. This project has progressed from the laboratory to the field where we have commenced the development of a smart digital tower prototype in January 2018. Mr Pritam Singh also asked for the status of our space-based VHF communications for air traffic management. Globally, space-based VHF communications technology is still nascent and still under development. CAAS is in the design phase together with our industry partners. But it is important that we help our companies build deep capabilities today, so that they gain competitive advantages for the future. Several companies are already taking a lead in building that "innovator’s DNA" in their workforce. Singapore Airlines and Lufthansa have opened their own innovation labs in Singapore to trial new technologies. Wärtsilä, a Finnish maritime company, has also set up their Digital Acceleration Centre as part of MPA’s Living Lab initiative. We will continue to create a supportive environment and explore deeper collaborations with the industry.”
“So, with support from the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), the Singapore Airport Terminal Services (SATS), the largest ground handler at Changi, is experimenting with Autonomous Container Trailers. If successful, it would mean less physically straining jobs, and more higher-skilled jobs, such as Autonomous Vehicle Operators and Fleet Managers. We are also automating our seaport to raise productivity. Jurong Port previously used traditional forklifts and flatbed trailers to unload steel, which constitutes more than half of their handled cargo. It now deploys customised sideloaders which have helped to reduce its manpower requirement for steel unloading by 60%. Such technologies make a real difference to our port workers. One of them is Mr Haja Maidin, who has worked as a Container Equipment Specialist at PSA for the past 27 years. The automation of yard cranes at Pasir Panjang Terminal gave Mr Haja the opportunity to take on a supervisory role as a Ground Operations Controller. He also picked up new skills to use stowage planning systems. Besides investing in technology, we want to help our companies embrace technology. To support small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), in collaboration with the Infocomm Media Development Authority and Enterprise Singapore, will roll out the Sea Transport Industry Digital Plan (IDP) under the SMEs Go Digital Programme. The idea is to make going digital simple for SMEs. The IDP provides a step-by-step guide on digital technologies that SMEs can adopt at different stages of growth. SMEs can also tap on available Government co-funding when they adopt the list of digital solutions relevant for the sea transport sector for their digital journey.”
“Jewel will also open on 17 April, with aviation facilities that will improve the travel experience for passengers, such as early check-in facilities, integrated ticketing and baggage services for fly-cruise and fly-coach transfers, in addition to its array of attractions and retail and dining offerings. I am happy to hear from Mr Sitoh Yih Pin that he believes Jewel Changi Airport will be a delight for visitors and Singaporeans alike. And I guess he must be referring to popular food and beverage brands like American fastfood chain, Shake Shack, London's famed Burger and Lobster chain, the Merdeka Generation's old favourite A&W, and local delights like Violet Onn's restaurant. I had the privilege to go on a sneak preview of Jewel together with Mr Sitoh Yih Pin and my first impression was "Wow!". Indeed, it will live up to its name "Jewel" and be a world-class lifestyle destination set to inspire and entertain visitors, both local and overseas. Upgrading works on Terminal 2 will also start soon. Terminal 2 will be expanded and refreshed, with automated check-in kiosks, biometric-enabled bag drops and automated immigration gates, to offer passengers greater convenience from check-in to immigration to their flight. Harnessing technology and innovation is one of our main strategies under the Industry Transformation Maps (ITMs) for both air and sea transport. Since the ITMs were rolled out early last year, we have been working closely with the industry and unions to review systems and processes and use technology to augment human capabilities. At the airport, airside drivers drive tractors to tow baggage between terminals and aircraft. This process is strenuous.”
“At the same time, we are working with ASEAN to push for our collective interest at international platforms. For example, Singapore is now collaborating with Malaysia and Indonesia to implement a "Same Risk Area" for ballast water management, following IMO's approval of the concept. The idea is to identify areas where species would be naturally transferred without using ballast water from ships as a medium and thus regarded as having the "same risk". Ships operating in the "Same Risk Area" can then be exempted from IMO's requirement to install ballast water management systems. This makes it easier for ships operating short voyages in our region, while ensuring that we play our part in protecting the marine environment. Back home, we must continue to invest in quality infrastructure to provide the needed capacity and strengthen Singapore's global connectivity. We are currently building Tuas Terminal and developing Changi East, including the new Terminal 5 (T5). Mr Chairman, with your permission, I would like to display some photos on the LED screens. Reclamation works for Tuas Terminal are progressing well, and we are on track to commence the first phase of operations in 2021. Not only will Tuas Terminal be able to handle high container volumes and bigger vessels, but it will be a smarter port with a higher degree of automation to improve efficiency, safety and service levels. Similarly, the development of Changi East is on track and T5 is expected to commence operations around 2030. 2.00 pm Before T5 comes on stream, we will enhance our current airport infrastructure. Terminal 1’s upgrading is nearing completion.”
“We have built a reliable and densely connected network, by anchoring key shipping lines and alliances that ply the main shipping route from Asia to Europe. Together with our strong complementary feeder network to ASEAN ports, we ensure that goods manufactured in Southeast Asia can be delivered efficiently worldwide. We are also developing new and efficient maritime trade routes. The New International Land Sea Trade Corridor under the Chongqing Connectivity Initiative, also known as CCI-ILSTC, is one example. This new route helps businesses in Southeast Asia access Chinese markets more efficiently. For example, Indonesian paper pulp is traditionally shipped via bulk to Jiangsu and conveyed by barge into Chongqing. Now, they can be containerised and transported through the CCI-ILSTC, saving time and money for businesses. Mr Chairman, we must also grow our connectivity in a sustainable way. In this regard, Singapore contributes actively to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and International Maritime Organization (IMO), to play our part in strengthening international aviation and maritime systems. For example, Singapore is supportive of the IMO's efforts to address the environmental impact caused by ship emissions. We will be implementing the 0.5% sulphur emission cap and preparing our port to supply liquefied natural gas as a clean marine fuel by 2020. On the aviation front, Singapore contributed extensively to ICAO's efforts in addressing international aviation carbon dioxide emissions through the implementation of the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). This global initiative will help ICAO achieve its aspirational goal of carbon-neutral growth from 2020.”
“The expansion of connectivity beyond ASEAN will further stimulate tourism growth. Since the signing of the ASEAN-China Air Transport Agreement in 2011, direct links have increased more than fivefold to over 500, providing more flexible and convenient travel options between China and Southeast Asia. In 2018, the number of Chinese tourists to Southeast Asia reached 25 million, up from 10 million before the Agreement. For Singapore, the number of Chinese tourists visiting Singapore grew from 1.6 million to 3.4 million. Singapore's extensive air links to China also connect Chinese passengers to the region. The Singapore/Malaysia/Thailand tour itinerary (新马泰游) is a popular one. The Singapore Tourism Board, Changi Airport Group and Royal Caribbean International also have a tripartite partnership to sail Chinese Fly-Cruise tourists from Singapore to Southeast Asia. This is why Singapore participates actively in establishing stronger links between the region and the rest of the world. There are ongoing negotiations on air transport agreements between ASEAN and the European Union, and between ASEAN and Japan. These agreements would further boost economic ties and enable the aviation industries of these countries to better tap on the Asia Pacific market. Similarly, maritime connectivity plays an important role in supporting the growing region. Over the past decade, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development has recorded a steady rise in the Liner Shipping Connectivity Index scores of ASEAN countries. This means that the region is increasingly connected to the global shipping network. Singapore will continue to play our part.”
“Senior Minister of State Janil Puthucheary will elaborate on LTMP 2040 and Senior Parliamentary Secretary Baey Yam Keng will share how we are creating an inclusive land transport system for all. Let me now turn to the first theme, Connecting Singapore to the World. This year, we mark the Singapore Bicentennial. But even before 1819, there were already records of Singapore being a thriving seaport. We were a location where East meets West and, for many centuries, an important port for trading valuable spices like pepper and nutmeg. After Independence, our Pioneers turned our location into an advantage. They built the first container terminal in Southeast Asia at Tanjong Pagar in 1972, despite the uncertainty that containerisation would even take off. Not long after, against the consultants' recommendations, they shifted our international airport from Paya Lebar to Changi, to accommodate the future expansion of the airport. Today, our buzzing seaport and Changi Airport are all part and parcel of the Singapore identity. But we cannot take what we have for granted. As Mr Sitoh Yih Pin rightly noted, there is much to be done for our air and sea hubs to remain relevant and competitive in the long term. First, aviation and maritime are international businesses. The flow of goods and people is dependent on good connectivity between different regions. A dense network of Southeast Asia nodes will enable all of us to ride on Asia's growth together. For example, since the first ASEAN Air Services Agreement was signed in 2009 to liberalise air rights for ASEAN airlines for flights within ASEAN, passenger traffic within ASEAN has grown by more than 90%. This has coincided with a period of strong growth in ASEAN tourism.”
“Mr Chairman, Members have raised good questions about MOT's work across air, sea and land transport. Together, Acting Minister for Transport Vivian Balakrishnan, Senior Minister of State Janil Puthucheary, Senior Parliamentary Secretary Baey Yam Keng and I will address the queries in three themes. First, Connecting Singapore to the World. Changi Airport and our port play an important role in making Singapore a global city and a vibrant economic hub. For this theme, I will speak on how we are strengthening connectivity with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and working with international organisations, as well as investing in our air and sea hubs. In addition to discussing domestic public transport issues, Acting Minister for Transport Vivian Balakrishnan will also address Members' questions on bilateral issues with Malaysia. Second, Cultivating Innovation and Creating Opportunities for All. Embracing technology and innovation will be key in strengthening our transport sectors and creating opportunities for Singaporeans. I will share on some technologies we are harnessing in the aviation and maritime domains. Back home, we are embracing innovative commuting options, such as private hire cars and active mobility devices. Senior Minister of State Janil Puthucheary will speak on our plans to regulate the P2P sector, and I will speak on active mobility. Third, Co-creating with Singaporeans, Bringing Singapore Together. Last year, we started work on the next LTMP to set out the vision for our land transport system in 2040. We have consulted widely to co-create a vision with Singaporeans and build a land transport system which meets the diverse needs of Singaporeans.”
“Mr Chairman, I agree with Mr Sitoh Yih Pin wholeheartedly that the work of the Transport Ministry is no child's play. It affects the lives of thousands and millions of Singaporeans on a daily basis. Speaking as a pediatric ophthalmologist, and I believe my fellow pediatric colleagues will agree that besides treating or operating on a patient who is a child, what is most important is to win the confidence and trust of the parents who put the lives and well-being of their precious ones in our hands. Similarly, as we aspire to make our public transport system world-class, we need to gain the confidence and trust of Singaporeans. For example, Singaporeans have made personal sacrifices, such as during the early closures and late openings while we step up maintenance and upgrading works for the rail system. I want to thank Singaporeans for their understanding. It is a delicate balance. We must not rest on our laurels, and we will continue to work hard at it. Mr Chairman, may I have your permission for slides to be displayed during MOT's replies to Members?”
“Mr Chairman, I would like to thank Dr Chia Shi-Lu for the supplementary question with regard to ACE. Just to give a brief background. ACE was actually set up within MOH in August 2015 as a national health technology assessment agency against the backdrop of rising healthcare costs and the need to drive clinically effective and cost-effective healthcare. Over the years, there has been a lot of good work done by ACE. Just to name some of the achievements that ACE has done, which include producing technology guidances on drugs and medical technologies. In fact, they have published almost 33 drug guidances, three medical technology guidances, as of 2 January 2019. In addition to that, ACE also produces Appropriate Care Guides (ACGs) which are targeted and concise as recommended care practices and pathways that promote appropriate prescribing behaviours. As of 2 January this year, they have already produced nine ACGs. ACE also conducts value-based pricing (VBP), in parallel with drug and medical technology evaluation. This is to ensure that the price of patented drugs or medical technologies recommended for subsidy commensurate with the drugs or medical technologies' value in Singapore's context. So, suffice to say, ACE has done a lot of good work and it has also achieved its objective of driving healthcare costs down.”
“Dr Chia Shi-Lu asked about the vaccination take-up rates. Childhood vaccination rates remain high. Measles and diphtheria vaccination rates, at age two, have been around 95% or higher in the last decade. The take-up of recommended vaccinations for adults has been encouraging, with more using MediSave for them. For example, MediSave used for influenza vaccinations has increased by about 60%, from about 32,000 between November 2016 and October 2017, to about 52,000 in the same period a year later. However, there is still room for improvement as the numbers represent a small proportion of the at-risk population for which vaccination is recommended. MOH will continue to educate the public on the importance and benefits of vaccination to encourage up-take but, ultimately, we should all take responsibility for our own health by going for the recommended vaccinations. Minister Gan Kim Yong mentioned that MOH has developed the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID), a 330-bed national facility designed for containment of dangerous infectious diseases. It is expected to be fully operational by May 2019. During an outbreak, NCID will centrally manage the screening, isolation and treatment of infected patients. NCID also houses public health capabilities, such as the National Public Health Laboratory, to support the detection of infectious diseases. NCID will also conduct training and research to strengthen national preparedness against outbreaks. In conclusion, my Ministry will continue to grow Singapore's healthcare capabilities while keeping costs affordable for all. We must work together as one to tackle the challenges and ensure that Singaporeans can enjoy many more years of health to come.”
“Precision medicine has been deployed in our public healthcare institutions. For example, approximately 240 Singaporean and PR children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia have benefited from personalised treatment in the past 15 years. Currently, gene-editing involving human subjects is regulated under the Human Biomedical Research Act. Research of a nature similar to that of the cited case in China is strictly controlled and cannot be conducted without the explicit approval from MOH. As precision medicine is an emerging field, we will need to carefully consider many factors, such as ethical, legal and social implications, and weigh the investments required against the potential benefits, before systematically implementing the strategy to maximise the benefit to the population. We will continue our efforts to keep our healthcare system sustainable for the long term and ensure that all Singaporeans can receive appropriate and affordable care. Beyond keeping healthcare affordable, we need to keep Singapore and Singaporeans safe from infectious diseases. MOH regularly reviews existing legislation, policies and capacity to safeguard public health and prevent the spread of infectious diseases. The Infectious Diseases (Amendment) Bill was passed in January 2019 and will come into effect in the subsequent months. Key amendments include strengthening processes for infectious disease notifications and surveillance, powers to disseminate health advisories more expediently, and enhancing powers for national public health research. In addition to enhancing legislation, we have also increased public health education and protection by providing guidance on recommended vaccinations through the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule and the National Adult Immunisation Schedule.”
“Patients are encouraged to use the benchmarks to have a conversation with their doctor on their treatment, the complexity of their condition and the fees charged. We will monitor the bills and charging practice following the release of the fee benchmarks and consider the approach for periodic updating of the fee benchmarks to ensure they remain relevant and updated. Mr Mohamed Irshad has asked about having reduced co-payment for patients with IP riders who are treated at public hospitals. Co-payment is a tenet of our healthcare financing framework that encourages prudent and appropriate use of healthcare services, both in the private as well as the public sectors. This helps to ensure that healthcare costs and health insurance premiums remain affordable and sustainable for Singaporeans in the long term. All new IP riders are required to have a co-payment of 5% or more. The co-payment amounts can be paid using MediSave, up to the applicable limits. MediFund is also available for those who require assistance with their healthcare bills. Mr Low Thia Khiang has asked for an update on precision medicine research and implementation. Work is ongoing. However, I am glad to inform Mr Low Thia Khiang that MOH's Health Regulation Group, together with the Genetic Testing Advisory Committee, introduced a Code of Practice for the Standards for the provision of clinical and laboratory genetic/genomic testing services in July 2018. The Code addresses key issues, such as the competency and training of personnel delivering the services, and the appropriateness in the ordering of genetic tests. An IT architecture is also being conceptualised to pool together, store and analyse the information from healthcare institutions in a robust and secure manner.”
“Ms Joan Pereira also asked about the Medication Assistance Fund (MAF), which was introduced to help needy patients pay for non-standard drugs which have been assessed to be clinically necessary. Since October 2018, MOH has streamlined the MAF application process such that eligible patients, with the assistance of hospital staff, can receive the MAF assistance upfront, without a separate financial assessment by the medical social worker. The public hospitals will be enhancing their systems to support this simplified process. To ensure costs are kept affordable, patients should also be informed of the estimated charges before making a decision. Mr Charles Chong has asked about the measures to empower patients to make informed decisions about private hospital fees. Since 2003, MOH has been publishing historical transacted hospital bill sizes. More conditions were covered over the years and in 2014, we further published total operation fees for common procedures to ensure transparency of healthcare charges. As shared by Minister Gan Kim Yong earlier, we have since introduced fee benchmarks in November last year for professional fees for common surgical procedures. These fee benchmarks provide a useful reference to guide private healthcare providers in charging appropriately and enable patients and payers to make more informed decisions. Both the bill size publication and fee benchmarks are available on MOH's website. Doctors should take reference from the benchmarks in setting their fees and advising their patients. They should also be prepared to explain to patients where their charges exceed the range, such as when addressing a highly complex case, or in exceptional circumstances.”
“To ensure consistency and fairness in the sentencing of disciplinary cases, a separate committee, which is the Sentencing Guidelines Committee, was also appointed by the Singapore Medical Council in January 2019 to develop guidelines on the appropriate sanctions to be meted out. My Ministry will continue to engage the medical community and carefully consider what steps are necessary to improve the medical disciplinary process. 3.45 pm Minister Gan Kim Yong highlighted the need for all of us to work together to keep our healthcare system sustainable for future generations. While MOH continues to provide subsidies, this will be unsustainable if we do not manage increases in healthcare costs. A significant part of managing such increases is to aid patients and providers to choose care which is appropriate to the patient’s medical conditions and needs. Ms Joan Pereira has asked if we can explore having more subsidies for a wider range of generic drugs. Back in 2017, to encourage the use of generic drugs, we introduced a basket of clinically and cost-effective generic drugs which can replace the more expensive branded equivalents. MOH reviews the generic drugs basket annually with the National Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee. We will also actively monitor new generic drugs from overseas, and work with the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) to introduce them locally. By volume, the usage of the generic drugs in the basket has increased from 87% in 2013 to 99% in 2017. Currently, clinically and cost-effective drugs are eligible for subsidies. When generic alternatives of these subsidised drugs become available, prescribing of generic alternatives is encouraged to provide more savings for patients.”
“A key recommendation of the Workgroup is a risk-stratified diabetic foot screening, management and escalation framework, which aims to streamline diabetic foot care services across primary and tertiary care, and provide healthcare professionals with clinical guidelines for timely and appropriate care. This framework will be progressively launched in our polyclinics and public hospitals from the second quarter of 2019. MOH will continue to closely track the rate of amputations among patients with diabetes. Aside from equipping our healthcare professionals, MOH also seeks to uphold the standards of practice and public confidence in the medical profession. The medical disciplinary process is specified in the Medical Registration Act (MRA) and aims to protect both the public and ensure fairness to the doctors. Mr Leon Perera has given some feedback and asked about the review of the medical disciplinary process. MOH is currently looking into making amendments to the MRA, which was last amended in 2010. This will include looking at the issues raised by Mr Leon Perera. In addition, as announced over the weekend, my Ministry will form a workgroup to undertake a comprehensive review of the taking of informed consent by doctors. The workgroup will also review the medical disciplinary process with a view to enhancing the regulatory framework. This ranges from the filing of complaints to the structure, composition and processes of the Complaints Committees and the Disciplinary Tribunals and the use of expert evidence. The workgroup will consult widely in evaluating the issues raised and make appropriate recommendations to the Ministry. MOH will take into consideration these recommendations from the workgroup.”
“It helps patients initiate and sustain lifestyle changes for better disease management, prioritising what is of greatest importance to them. This is done with the support of their families, healthcare professionals, community-based providers, as well as other forms of social support. We have developed the national diabetes reference materials for patients, caregivers and the public. The first tranche of materials is largely pictorial and easy to understand. A beta version of the introductory section, which is mainly targeted at newly diagnosed patients, has been available on HealthHub since December 2018. The full set of materials will be published on HealthHub in four languages in the second half of 2019. We will also be seeking public views from mid-2019 on specific diabetes-related topics for more in-depth materials to be developed and published online for reference. Besides empowering our patients, our healthcare workers can look forward to more training and resources to improve their delivery of care. MOH will be developing a care team training framework to equip healthcare professionals, and lay volunteers in the community, with essential skills to empower their patients and caregivers more effectively. This will be developed in consultation with various stakeholders and rolled out progressively from end-2019. Last year, I shared about our high rate of diabetes-related amputations of the leg and foot. MOH formed the National Diabetic Foot Workgroup in April last year to develop a strategy to reduce such amputations.”
“By aggregating resources through PCN networks, GPs in the PCN scheme also stand to benefit from greater economies of scale. For example, NUHS PCN in the Western region has worked with major laboratory providers to provide common laboratory tests for chronic disease management at reduced prices, and facilitate the electronic collation of laboratory results for the chronic disease registry, reducing the need for GPs to manually compile these. Such systematic data collection allows PCN GPs to reflect on their professional practice and work with the PCN headquarters to implement quality improvement programmes and improve patient outcomes. Learning from the experience of PCNs, MOH will study how to help CHAS clinics better track their patients’ progress and outcomes. MOH will also continue to encourage more GPs to join CHAS, though there are always some who chose not to, such as those who prefer not to take on additional loads. At the same time, we have continued our efforts in the War on Diabetes. Mr Melvin Yong and Mr Mohamed Irshad have asked for an update on this. We should recognise that our fellow Singaporeans with diabetes do not have to journey alone; we all play a part in supporting them to better manage their condition, and avoid long-term complications from diabetes. Patient empowerment has emerged as a new paradigm that can help improve medical outcomes while lowering costs of treatment. This concept seems particularly promising in the management of chronic diseases, including diabetes. As such, the Diabetes Prevention and Care Taskforce has developed a new Patient Empowerment for Self-Care Framework which aims to empower patients to co-own their care journeys for better care outcomes.”
“Through this scheme, patients with diabetes have enhanced accessibility to various ancillary services, such as eye and foot checks. To date, more than 5,000 patients with diabetes have benefited from this. This year, there are more than 450 GP clinics participating in the PCN scheme. This number is more than 40% of CHAS GP clinics. In order to benefit more patients with chronic disease, MOH targets to have half of all CHAS GP clinics participating in the PCN scheme by 2020. (In English): Mr Chairman, let me now share a success story from United PCN. Like many Singaporeans, Mr Adrian Chia, who is 38 years old, loves food. He used to drink a 1.5-litre bottle of sweetened beverage daily, and ate fried and oily food. He was diagnosed with diabetes by his GP, Dr Kelvin Goh, who practices in a clinic under United PCN. Mr Chia took his diagnosis as a wake-up call. Working together with Dr Goh, the PCN nurse and care coordinator supported Mr Chia with managing his condition. He also received nurse counselling for his diabetes, as well as foot and eye screening checks through the PCN. Mr Chia began to take small steps, and started to exercise daily. Through much perseverance and self-motivation, he has progressed to participating in Iron Man races. He also changed his eating habits to include healthier food choices, such as oatmeal and fruits. Today, Mr Chia's condition is now under control, and may not even require diabetes medicine if he maintains his new regime. Dr Chia Shi-Lu has also asked about our efforts to support PCN clinics in tracking and monitoring patients' progress. A key feature of the PCN scheme is the provision of resources to maintain a chronic disease registry that tracks the care processes and patient outcomes.”
“Mr Chairman, with our high life expectancy, we are facing an increasing burden of chronic diseases, coupled with rising healthcare costs and emerging diseases. We need to be ready to meet these challenges. I will share more on the work we have done to keep Singaporeans healthy and safe, while keeping healthcare affordable for all. Primary care plays a crucial role as the foundation of our healthcare system. It enables good quality, comprehensive and continued care for Singaporeans near their homes. We will continue to invest in our primary care to enhance facilities, and provide more resources for our GP partners. MOH had previously announced plans to enlarge our polyclinic network from 20 currently to about 30 to 32 polyclinics by 2030. Currently, these are slated for Bukit Panjang, Eunos, Kallang, Sembawang, Khatib and Tampines North. I am pleased to inform Members that in addition to these, two more polyclinics will be developed in Serangoon and Tengah, which are expected to be operational by 2025. Minister Gan earlier shared about our primary care transformation efforts, including the PCN scheme, of which Dr Chia Shi-Lu has asked for an update. Please allow me to share more in Mandarin. (In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] In 2018, MOH launched the PCN scheme. This is part of our strategy to transform primary care. This scheme aims to support private GPs to come together to form networks with the sharing of clinical and administrative resources, and provide more holistic care for patients with chronic diseases. Last year, more than 300 GP clinics participated in this scheme to form 10 PCNs and collectively are serving more than 70,000 patients with chronic disease.”
“With your permission, Mr Chairman, may I display some slides on the screens during my speech?”
“Indeed, Mr Speaker, with the rapidly ageing population and when CHAS subsidies are extended to all Singaporeans with chronic conditions, the number of Singaporeans utilising CHAS benefits will inevitably increase. The CHAS agreement states that CHAS clinics can refer CHAS patients who require specialist care to the Specialist Outpatient Clinics (SOCs) at public hospitals as subsidised patients as long as their referrals are unnamed referrals. Such subsidised referrals can be made for any medical conditions. At the SOCs, patients receive prevailing SOC subsidies based on their per capita household income. CHAS subsidies, however, do not apply on SOC visits. This information is available to CHAS GPs through AIC's various engagement platforms, and we will continue to reach out to CHAS GPs to inform and update CHAS GPs and dental clinics on clinical and claims guidelines, especially so when there are new initiatives being rolled out.”
“The Ministry of Health (MOH) partners participating general practitioner (GP) and dental clinics under the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) to provide CHAS, Pioneer Generation (PG) and, in future, Merdeka Generation (MG) cardholders, with subsidised medical and dental care. MOH provides clinical and claims guidelines to all CHAS GP and dental clinics, such as on the eligibility of items for CHAS subsidies, to ensure appropriate clinical care and utilisation of subsidies. MOH regularly reviews these guidelines to ensure they remain in line with best practices. The Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) works closely with MOH to support CHAS clinics in scheme participation. To help GP and dental clinics understand the guidelines and how CHAS can help their patients, AIC conducts individualised onsite training sessions for doctors and clinic staff, and organises outreach efforts, such as regional lunchtime talks, on CHAS. AIC also publishes articles in professional newsletters, and issues regular mailers to CHAS clinics, to highlight key updates on matters of relevance to GPs, and alert them to potential practice pitfalls. CHAS clinics can also contact their AIC account managers for assistance and clarifications on the scheme.”
“Mr Speaker, as alluded to in my reply, there are already existing broad guidelines issued by SMC in their ethical code which gives some guidance to doctors on what is expected of them. With regard to whether we will come up with any specific guidance, this is an area where we will consult professional bodies to study whether it is feasible or practical to even do so. However, if the professional bodies think that there may be scope to provide some kind of guidance for certain types of injury, we will take their advice into consideration. With regard to Mr Louis Ng's other question about the duration of medical certificates, this question had also been raised in the last Parliamentary Sitting by the Member, where a question was posed to MOM about whether MOM will be studying ways to better support the injured workers. MOM has already given the reply that they are currently reviewing it and will be conducting public consultation on this issue.”
“Mr Speaker, in assessing the need for a medical certificate and its duration, both medical conditions and non-medical circumstances need to be considered. These include the type and severity of the medical condition or injury; time needed for the treatment, rehabilitation and recovery; and work requirements and workplace conditions. The circumstances vary widely among different persons, making it difficult to come up with prescriptive guidelines. The attending doctor should use his or her professional judgement, and when, in doubt, consult fellow peers on what is needed to help the patient recover from a medical condition or injury. To guide this, the Singapore Medical Council (SMC) revised the Ethical Code which came into effect in 2017. This provides broad guidelines that medical certificates must be issued to patients on proper medical grounds arrived at through good clinical assessment, and doctors must not take into consideration extraneous factors, such as who pays for the consultation, what benefits the patients may receive or what employers’ preferences may be. Also, when certifying that patients are fit to return to work but with limitations on their level of activity at work, doctors must first ensure that the patients’ work conditions allow this and, to the best of their ability, ensure that appropriate light duties are, in fact, available to the patients at their place of work. The Ministry of Health (MOH) will study if it is necessary to formulate specific guidance in particular settings and seek inputs from the professional bodies.”
“I suppose it would be similar with the other Ministries in that we would actually check against the authenticity of the certificate and, if necessary, even to verify with the institution that issued the certificate to the prospective employee.”
“Can I just check with Dr Intan Mokhtar if she is referring to prospective employees who are employed by the healthcare sector?”
“Mr Speaker, there are processes in place to ensure the integrity of the blood tests. First, the patient's identity is verified at several points: when the blood tests are ordered, when the blood is drawn, and when the blood specimens are labelled. At dispatch and receipt by the testing laboratories, the labelled specimens are checked against the identity of the patient recorded in the laboratory test request forms. For human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) tests, testing laboratories only accept patients or blood specimens with a referral from a registered medical practitioner. Hence, any direct request by employment agencies, employers or prospective employees for employment purposes would be rejected by the HIV testing laboratory. Doctors who commit fraud involving blood tests or forgery of blood test results will be dealt with sternly, including prosecution under the Penal Code. Additionally, as doctors are required to adhere to a strict code of conduct by the Singapore Medical Council (SMC), they may also be subject to disciplinary action by SMC for professional misconduct. The process checks, ethical standards to which healthcare professionals are held to and the deterrents imposed, work in tandem to safeguard against the falsification of blood tests.”
“Mr Speaker, I would like to thank Assoc Prof Walter Theseira for the supplementary questions. I think the answer to the Member's first question is correct: the remaining sums will not be available to private claims. Based on the current Parking Places Act, the purpose is as laid out in the reply that I have alluded to just now. With regard to the Member's subsequent question, we have started this licensing regime for bicycle sharing operators very recently. In fact, we have only started this for a couple of months and we are actually looking at how this will pan out. The main purpose of this licensing regime is to manage the indiscriminate parking situation that we have faced in the past. If you look at the current situation, since the implementation of this licensing regime, there has been some improvement. But we are still closely monitoring this situation. And we hope that, with time, we will be able to see whether we need to make adjustments in order to accommodate what Assoc Prof Walter Theseira has suggested.”
“Mr Speaker, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) requires applicants for full bicycle sharing licences to submit audited financial statements for review and considers their financial standing when granting licences. The licensing framework for bicycle-sharing operators focuses on regulating the indiscriminate parking of shared dockless bicycles. The licence fees which LTA collects from the operators are meant to cover regulatory costs, so that these costs are not passed on to taxpayers. The use of the security deposits is restricted to specific circumstances stated in the Parking Places Act. These are: serving as surety for an operator’s compliance with licence conditions or standards of performance, meeting any unpaid financial penalties imposed on an operator, and recovering the costs incurred by LTA in removing and disposing of bicycles, should an operator fail to do so after its licence has been cancelled. If none of these circumstances arise, LTA will not make a claim on the security deposit. While the security deposit and licence fees may not be used to repay private debts, vendors, employees, companies and consumers who are owed monies by the operators have other recourse. Companies and consumers with claims against any operator can seek redress through the civil courts, while the employees can also approach the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management for assistance to resolve their salary disputes. [(proc text) With Speaker's permission, Assoc Prof Walter Theseira asked a supplementary question to Question No 14 after Question No 15 had been dealt with. (proc text)]”
“Mr Speaker, it is an offence to ride a personal mobility device (PMD) on roads. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has focused its enforcement on roads with high traffic and areas with high public feedback. In 2018, 616 people were caught riding PMDs on roads, of which an estimated 18% were caught for riding on minor roads in private landed estates. When LTA receives feedback on obstruction on footpaths in private landed estates, LTA acts immediately to remove the item if it causes imminent danger to other path users. However, there are cases where obstruction is caused by residents. In such instances, LTA will engage the resident or work with the neighbourhood committee to remove the obstruction. Offenders who cause obstruction on public streets are liable for a fine of up to $2,000. Ultimately, it is a joint responsibility of residents and the authorities to ensure that our paths are free of litter and obstruction.”