Lee Boon Yang
Singapore
“6 The other guidelines are that there must be a post office sited within 5 km of every private residential estate and within 1 km of any commercial or industrial estate. MAID LEVY CONCESSION (Applications by the disabled) 32.”
“Madam, can I quickly respond to the point on assistive technology? Certainly this is an area of interest. We cannot say that we have the capability at this juncture but we will certainly look into what is possible and work with our ICT sector.”
“Nevertheless, if the spouse of the homemaker is working, he will be eligible for WIS if he satisfies the criteria. Husbands of homemakers are further eligible for tax relief.”
“Sir, I do not think it is quite correct to say that we always expect our own artists to perform for free or do public service. There are, of course, occasions where we do seek Singapore artists and arts companies to contribute to the national causes. For instance, when we went international for Singapore Season in China.”
“Ms Sylvia Lim asked the Minister for National Development (a) what checks does the Ministry or the National Environment Agency have in place to prevent mistaken payments to hawkers who cease operations due to upgrading works at hawker centers; (b) how did the mistaken payment of $18,000 to Mdm Lee Ah Muey come about; and (c) what will the…”
“While it was also true that initially the reaction or the response of the licensing authority was that foreigners should not participate in such an event at the Speakers' Corner - because there is already an existing prohibition against any foreigners taking part in any activities at the Speakers' Corner - subsequent assessment resulted i…”
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Every one of 2,412 lines we hold for Lee Boon Yang, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 45 of 49.
“Sir, first of all, I would like to thank the hon. Member for Geylang Serai and the Member for Bo Wen for the support they have given to the Bill. The Member for Geylang Serai pointed out that public education will be necessary, not just enforcement measures. Indeed the Parks and Recreation Department will be organizing sufficient publicity, necessary publicity measure, on this aspect of illegal parking on road side- tables and open turfed spaces. Where necessary, signboards will be put up to advise the public not to use turfed areas as temporary parking spaces. Sir, I next move on to the Member for Potong Pasir. He says that the maximum fine of $2,000 is excessive. May I point out to him that this maximum fine will only be imposed by the courts. The problem of illegal parking on road side- tables and open turfed spaces is such that there must be adequate deterrents, otherwise owners of cars or drivers of these vehicles would continuously flout the law with the expectation that they may be able to get away with it. I think a sufficiently hefty deterrent is necessary, and in this case the court should have the power to impose such a fine. The Member for Potong Pasir says that it is a technical offence. "You waive it aside. It is a technical offence. Nobody gets hurt really. Even the road side- tables do not suffer any damage. After all they have concrete slabs. They are reinforced concrete." Sir, I would like to point out to him that in 1983 the Parks and Recreation Department had to spend $500,000 to returf and repair damage to turfed areas and road side-tables. Illegal parking in these areas was the major cause of such damage. The expenditure increased to $542,000 in 1984 and $690,000 in 1985.”
“In addition, I have asked SBS to brief the Member and his community leaders on future services relevant to his constituency with a view to improving bus services in general. PUBLIC TELEPHONES ALONG EXPRESSWAYS (Conversion into emergency telephones) 6. Mr Teo Chong Tee asked the Minister for National Development whether all the public telephones along expressways have been removed for the sake of road safety and whether they will be substituted by hot lines linking directly to the Police and the Fire Brigade for emergency use. The Minister for National Development (Mr S. Dhanabalan): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, emergency telephones are a necessity along expressways for motorists in distress to seek assistance. It is also a standard provision along such roads in the developed countries. In Singapore, public telephones were installed for motorists to use as emergency telephones. But motorists are using them for personal and business calls. On the average, 66 calls per day are made from each telephone. Vehicles stopping along the expressways pose a hazard to other road users. In the first six months of 1986, there were nine cases of serious accidents attributable to the use of public telephones along expressways. The Public Works Department together with the Police and Telecoms is looking into the conversion of these public telephones to emergency telephones which only allow calls for help to the Police, Fire Service and towing companies. COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO THE "TEH CHEANG WAN AFFAIR" (Statement by the Second Minister for Law)”
“Sir, the exercise to relocate tenants in rental blocks commenced in November 1986. Tenants in 369 blocks have been notified of the relocation exercise. The 369 blocks consist of 40,168 units, of which 25,059 are occupied. As at 11th March 1987, a total of 5,835 affected tenants have registered to purchase home ownership flats whereas 6,064 tenants have registered to rent another flat. Of the 11,899 cases registered, 3,467 tenants have already been allocated alternative flats, out of which 1,043 in sold flats and 2,424 in rental flats. Sir, the blocks will be demolished progressively as and when all tenants in the blocks have been rehoused. Sir, at present the HDB has not experienced any major problems in the relocation exercise as there are sufficient rental and home ownership flats to meet the demand from tenants affected by the exercise. When the land recovered under this programme reaches a sizeable parcel, it will be redeveloped. The general objective of the redevelopment, Sir, is to upgrade the old estates to approximate current standards. The land could be used to build better flats or other facilities for the old estates. YIO CHU KANG ROAD TO ANG MO KIO BUS INTERCHANGE (Direct of bus service) 5. Mr Heng Chiang Meng asked the Minister for Communications and Information whether the Singapore Bus Service (1978) Ltd will consider providing a direct bus service from Yio Chu Kang Road near Seletar Hills Estate to Ang Mo Kio Bus Interchange. The Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Communications and Information (Mr Ho Kah Leong)(for the Minister for Communications and Information): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am answering on behalf of my Minister. Sir, I have asked SBS to consider the hon. Member's suggestion.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the long-term plan for Marina South envisages the expansion of the commercial core at Shenton Way and Raffles Place into Marina South to form an enlarged downtown area. The area north of the East Coast Parkway has therefore been earmarked for commercial use. The area south of the expressway will have a mix of commercial and residential uses. There will be a major park and a coastal promenade for leisure and recreational activities. An area near the major park has been earmarked as an institutional zone for civic and cultural developments. Two MRT stations will serve Marina South in the area where commercial developments are planned. In the interim, the area south of the expressway will be developed for leisure and recreational activities. URA has recently sold 11 parcels of land totalling 7.3 hectares for the development of recreational and food facilities. Adjacent to these parcels, the Parks and Recreation Department will develop a public park. These developments are targeted for completion by 1989. ATTACK ON THE PRESS BY THE MEMBER FOR POTONG PASIR (Statement by the Minister for Communications and Information)”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, as at 28th February 1987, there were 3,014 applicants on the waiting list to rent 1- and 2-room flats (976 of which were for 1-room flats and 2,038 applicants for 2-room flats). There are no applicants on the waiting list to rent 3-room flats as HDB has stopped registering such applications. Sir, only 5,960 units of vacant flats are available for letting. These flats are also required for tenants affected by relocation from existing 1- and 2-room rental flats. Therefore, public applicants have to wait for 2 1/2 to three years for allocation of a rental flat. The HDB no longer builds 2-room flats for sale under the Home Ownership Scheme because of lack of demand. The available 3-room vacant flats were built for sale in line with the Government's objective to promote full Home Ownership. Converting the 3-room home ownership flats for rental would be inconsistent with this policy. Furthermore, the monthly instalment of $142 for 20 years for a 3-room flat is comparable to the rental of a 3-room flat at $110 for a 3-room simplified flat, and not many people would want to rent such 3-room flats. Sir, there is no plan to convert these sale flats for rental. FORMER PASIR PANJANG PRIMARY SCHOOL (Development plan) 4. Encik Abbas Abu Amin asked the Minister for Education whether there is any plan to develop the area occupied by the former Pasir Panjang Primary School. The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education (Mr Tang Guan Seng) (for the Minister for Education): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am answering on behalf of my Minister. The site of the former Pasir Panjang Primary School is earmarked for school development in four to five years' time. In the meantime, the premises will be available for appropriate uses on TOL.”
“Sir, I am not quite clear about what the Member for Chua Chu Kang wants in terms of an advanced motoring school. Does he want an advanced driving training course to be made mandatory before a driving licence is issued? Is it necessary to make such advanced driving training a mandatory qualification for a driver's licence? If not, as I said in my main answer to him, the important points of vehicle control, proper driving techniques, road safety conduct, are all taught in the present safety driving school. The curriculum that is being used is being reviewed regularly. If there is any necessity to improve the curriculum or increase the type of skills that has been taught, it will be done through the present system of training.”
“So, in summing up, there is no shortage of effort to inculcate this message of road safety among all road users.”
“Mr Chairman, Sir, the Member for Potong Pasir wants to know whether our driver's training and testing is sub-standard. The answer is no, Sir. We have an excellent driver's training and testing system. We have just made improvements to the system which will enhance the training of drivers and the testing itself is made much more rigorous, as I have just said. What I meant was that there are some drivers, who after undergoing a course of training and after having passed the test, when they are on the road by themselves, choose to flout traffic regulations. It should not be taken as a suggestion that our drivers testing standard is below par. The Member for Potong Pasir also asked whether we have put in any effort to publicize road safety, whether we have any money budgetted for this purpose? My Ministry do have a budget to be used for such publicity exercises. If the Member for Potong Pasir had watched SBC last year, he would have noticed that there were a number of occasions when we broadcast road safety messages. There was a specific road safety campaign carried out in which a series of filmlets were shown advising motorists and pedestrians on the proper use and the proper conduct on the road. As I have just mentioned in my answer to the Member for Chua Chu Kang, the Traffic Police conducts public education campaigns regularly. Road safety campaigns and exhibitions are organized regularly. The Traffic Police continues to update its publication on road safety which is distributed. The Traffic Police also conducts a Road Safety Park in the East Coast Park where school children are invited to participate in road safety games which help to enhance their consciousness of road safety.”
“Traffic Police will indeed continue with the use of such equipment, for instance, breathalyser, moving radar gun and the traffic red light surveillance camera. All these equipment will help to reduce accidents and injury caused by drivers who flout traffic regulations. Sir, in conclusion, I would like to point out that the Traffic Police will spare no effort to make our roads safer for all road users. New drivers will be put through a more rigorous and comprehensive training and testing. There will be appropriate public education to improve the standard of driving in our drivers. The drivers' improvement points system will be strictly enforced to improve driving standards. For those who are caught breaking traffic rules, I urge them to heed the warnings and advice of the Traffic Police. Sir, the next time they may not be so lucky as to be caught by a policeman. An accident may well result from the next instance of inconsiderate or careless driving on the road.”
“Sir, new drivers will be taught the important points of vehicle control and driving conduct. Secondly, re-training is now part and parcel of traffic enforcement. Errant motorists who are identified under the drivers' improvement point system (DIPS) are required to undergo a re-training course. As an incentive, they will be given a remission from the suspension period if they successfully complete the re-training course. Thirdly, Sir, road safety education. Sir, this is a continuous process and is done through publications, the mass media, campaigns and exhibitions. Some of the publications are the Road Safety Manual, published in 1979, the Expressway Etiquette, published in 1982, and the Do's and Dont's of Expressway Motoring, published in 1983. Sir, on top of this publicity effort, road safety campaigns and exhibitions are organized once every few years to further inculcate road safety consciousness in our motoring public. Last but not least, Sir, enforcement and counselling. Since 1985 the Traffic Police have been counselling traffic offenders on the spot. These violators are told the dangers posed by their unsafe and bad driving habits. In the same year, 1985, the Traffic Police also formed the Expressway Patrol. Eight fast patrol cars are manned by specially trained officers. They were deployed to patrol the Pan-Island Expressway. Sir, an evaluation study carried out six months after the Expressway Patrol was launched showed significant improvement in road safety on the Pan-Island Expressway. Traffic Police is monitoring the situation and, if necessary, consider extending the Expressway Patrol Unit to the other expressways. Sir, the Member for Chua Chu Kang has also noted that Traffic Police have started to use new equipment, new systems, to enhance road safety.”
“Sir, I am happy to note that the Member for Chua Chu Kang has a bouquet for the Traffic Police. I am sure that all the Traffic Police officers will be very appreciative of his gesture. Sir, the Member for Chua Chu Kang is also concerned with the behaviour of the motoring public, especially on the expressways. I agree that the motoring public needs to be educated on the proper use of roads, particularly the expressways. Sir, it is unfortunate that the number of Singaporeans who after having passed their driviing test promptly forget all the lessons about good driving habits. Many of them take their passing the driving test as a freedom to go out on to the road and to drive in any way they please. Sir, in 1986 the three major offences along expressways were speeding, careless driving and road hogging. Sir, Traffic enforcement officers have been monitoring the situation along the expressways. Besides enforcement, on-the-spot counselling is carried out when traffic offences are detected. In 1986, 51,472 persons were issued with summons for offences committed on the expressways. In addition, 21,208 persons were counselled and asked to change and improve their driving habits. Sir, measures are also being taken to improve road usage on the expressways. In fact, the emphasis has been on testing, training, re-training, education and enforcement. Sir, four important measures have been introduced to educate our motorists. Firstly, a new testing system and revamped driver's training syllabus have been implemented. Since 1985 learner drivers are required to undergo circuit training and testing. And to ensure that the standard of training is high, the driving syllabus has been revamped to emphasize on road safety and an additional theory test has been introduced.”
“In the event of a malfunction of traffic lights as a result of a mechanical breakdown or as a result of floods, officers will be deployed to regulate traffic at junctions which are affected. And at the junctions that are passable to traffic, there will be officers there to guide traffic. At roads and junctions which are no longer passable to traffic as a result of floods, for instance, officers will be deployed at locations well ahead of these junctions to divert traffic. Sir, in conclusion, I wish to reiterate that the Police share the Member for Kaki Bukit's concern with traffic congestion arising from accidents or floods. The Police have worked out operation plans to deal with such problems on our roads and expressways. For these plans to work smoothly, I would urge members of the public, particularly the motoring public, to follow traffic warnings displayed on roads or broadcasts over SBC from time to time. Their cooperation can greatly minimize inconveniences and disruptions to the smooth flow of traffic.”
“Sir, it is not always possible to prevent a traffic jam from building up whenever an accident occurs especially during the peak hours. However, plans to implement a traffic surveillance and signalling system for the entire network of the expressways has already been announced by the Minister for National Development. As the Member for Kaki Bukit noted, this system should help to ease traffic congestion in the event of an accident on the expressway. Sir, the Member also wanted to know about measures that are taken by the Police to ease traffic congestion in the event of floods. Whenever it rains incessantly over the island or whenever it looks as if a flood is imminent, the Police will direct all available manpower to monitor the ground situation, especially in areas which are known to be flood prone. If the situation gets worse, warning and diversionary signs are placed at suitable locations to forewarn motorists. Policemen will be deployed to direct traffic away from the affected areas. The SBC will make frequent announcements to warn motorists to avoid the affected stretch of road. Whenever extensive floods occur during the hours of the restricted entry into the Central Business District, the Police will lift the restriction to ease traffic flow. The Traffic Police work closely with the Drainage Department of the Ministry of the Environment and the Road Division of the Public Works Department and other departments to improve the traffic diversionary scheme and advance warning system. Sir, the Traffic Police Operations Room is the coordination centre which continuously monitors traffic situations.”
“Mr Chairman, Sir, I thank the Member for Kaki Bukit for his observation that the Traffic Police has been doing a good job in so far as fatalities and casualties on our roads are concerned. The Member has also observed that accidents along the expressways frequently lead to severe traffic jams. He asked about the preventive measures for minimizing such traffic congestion arising from accidents, floods or the breakdown of traffic lights. Sir, the expressways are frequently patrolled by expressway patrols and mobile squads of the Traffic Police. Whenever the Police is informed of an accident along the expressway, the Traffic Police Operations Room will notify and deploy the nearest patrol car to the scene. At the scene of the accident, the officer will have to assess the situation and initiate action to minimize traffic congestion. If it is a no-injury accident, the vehicles will be moved to the side of the road. But in cases where there are injured persons still in the vehicle or where there is a need to retain the vehicles in the position of the accident to facilitate investigation, the vehicles cannot be moved. The patrol officer will also inform the Traffic Police Operations Room of the traffic situation and, if necessary, the Singapore Broadcasting Corporation will make frequent announcements advising motorists to avoid this stretch of the expressway. Sir, where a traffic jam is imminent or has already built up after an accident, the patrol officer will plan a diversionary scheme. Other traffic patrol officers on adjacent beat will be directed to divert traffic away from the affected expressway. SBC will again be informed to make frequent announcements advising motorists to use alternative routes.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, as I said, PWD is in favour of retaining the quiet environment of the neighbourhood. Therefore, unless there are unexpected changes or pressing need, it is unlikely that the Department would want to make the connection of these roads. But when the need arises, I am sure the Department will consult the Member of Parliament for that area. ADMISSION OF '0' LEVEL STUDENTS INTO TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS (Figures) 4. Dr Ow Chin Hock asked the Minister for Education, of the 'O' level students who were eligible for higher education in 1985 and 1986, how many per cent were admitted into (i) junior colleges, (ii) Pre-University centres and (iii) Polytechnics.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Public Works Department has no plan to widen Jalan Kayu as the traffic volume along the road is still low. The Public Works Department does not favour linking Seletar Road directly with Ang Mo Kio New Town. While the link would provide a convenient access for the residents in Seletar Road area to the New Town, it would also encourage extraneous traffic to use Seletar Road, and this would be detrimental to the quiet environment of the residential areas.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, these two overhead pedestrian bridges will be sited opposite Block 628 and Block 708.”
“It is undesirable that they be allowed to do so because it will lead to segregation. It has come to the notice of the Ministry that some schools have done this for reasons of administrative convenience and we have looked into this matter. We will continue to do so and to instruct principals that this should not be done in their schools.”
“Sir, a playground between Block 832 and 834 has been provided for the residents of the 500 dwelling units in this vicinity. Therefore there is no pressing need to convert the vacant site into another playground. The vacant land is reserved for future development. However, the HDB is still discussing with grassroots organization and if a need is established, the HDB is prepared to turf a part of the vacant area for temporary use as a playground. 11.32 am [Mr Deputy Speaker in the Chair] MAIN AND DEVELOPMENT ESTIMATES OF SINGAPORE FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1ST APRIL, 1987 TO 31ST MARCH, 1988 Order read for consideration in the Committee of Supply [4th Allotted Day]. [Mr Deputy Speaker in the Chair] Head L (cont.) - Resumption of Debate on Question [19th March, 1987], "That the sum to be allocated for Head L be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead LC-01-1210 of the Main Estimates." - [Dr Tan Cheng Bock.] Question again proposed. The Minister of State for Education (Dr Tay Eng Soon): Mr Chairman, Sir, at yesterday's rising of the House the Member for Chong Boon raised an important question which I would like to respond to this morning. The question he raised was this: is it the policy of the Ministry of Education to allow schools to group their students into separate classes on the basis of the second language that they are doing? The implication of that question is that students would then be grouped along racial lines. Let me say, Sir, that it is not the policy of the Ministry of Education that schools should be allowed to group students on the basis of second language. In fact, our policy is that schools, if they have to group children, may do so according to academic performance but they should not do so on a second language basis.”
“Sir, the Construction Brigade Scheme was introduced in 1981 with the objective of building up a pool of national servicemen in the Singapore Civil Defence Force capable of carrying out repairs and reconstruction work in an emergency. Under this scheme, a total of 6,500 national servicemen have received training in various construction skills. 2,700 of them are now in reserve. With the quarterly intake of 300 national servicemen into this scheme, there will be a growing pool of national servicemen and reservists with construction skills. They will enable the Singapore Civil Defence Force to carry out repair and reconstruction work in an emergency. This was proved in the Hotel New World disaster. Sir, since this scheme provides construction training for the national servicemen, it has also contributed towards our national effort to build up a core of skilled local construction workers. Of the present 2,700 construction brigade reservists, 700 of them are employed in the construction industry. INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS (Measures to reduce) 9. Encik Abbas Abu Amin asked the Minister for Labour what at the measures taken by his Ministry to further reduce industrial accidents in the construction industry; (b) what is the basis for carrying out inspection of construction work-sites by inspectors from his Ministry; and (c) how often are the inspections made.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the HDB is currently looking into the feasibility of selling its shops, including new, vacant and tenanted premises. Such a scheme will affect a large number of HDB shop tenants. HDB is therefore considering selling new shops and vacant shops first before considering sale to sitting tenants. A policy decision will be announced as soon as the present study is completed. SUBSIDY FOR STUDENTS (Particulars) 3. Dr Ow Chin Hock asked the Minister for Education, based on recurrent expenditure, what is the average subsidy per student per year for students in (i) primary schools, (ii) secondary schools, (iii) junior colleges and Pre-University centres, (iv) the Vocational and Industrial Traning Board and (v) the Polytechnics.”
“Mr Chairman, Sir, the Member for Punggol asked whether more ex gratia compensation for people affected by resettlement will be considered. The resettlement policy was last revised in March 1985 to give higher compensation to people who are affected. And in the revision, a 30% increase in resettlement compensation was given to squatters for their dwelling houses, farm structures and other improvements. Cash grants for farmers increased from $19,500 to $26,000. The disturbance and transport allowance increased to $3,000 per family as compared with $260 for farmers and $2,000 for families previously. For businesses in rent controlled permanent buildings, the quantum of cash grant paid in lieu of alternative accommodation also increased by 30%. The same policy also provides priority allocation for HDB flat to residential families, business premises, shopkeepers and small industries. As to whether hawker stalls could be allocated to these people, the administration of hawker policy is under the Ministry of the Environment. So resettled people will have to comply with the requirements of the Ministry of the Environment in order to be allocated a hawker stall. Sir, since the resettlement compensation has only recently been enhanced, it is not likely that there will be a review in the near future.”
“In addition to the technical assistance offered to the farms, PPD is also undertaking developmental work on artificial fish and prawn spawning. The Department is also carrying out investigation on fish diseases and disease control in marine life. Some of these developmental programmes are undertaken jointly with the private sector which would be able to commercialize the findings. To further promote the development of marine fish farming in Singapore, the Department is at present constructing a live fish market at the Punggol Fishing Port. When completed, the live fish market will provide facilities for farms to market their produce, their fish and prawns, and other marine products directly and more effectively. Sir, it is the intention of the PPD to continue to promote marine aquaculture development in the private sector in Singapore. When necessary, fiscal incentives will be made available from the EDB under its pioneer service investment allowance incentives and other financial assistance schemes.”
“Mr Chairman, Sir, the Primary Production Department has designated about 100 hectares of sea area for marine fish farming in our coastal waters. To date, 66 marine fish farms occupying about 35 hectares of sea area have been established by the private sector. Currently, there are six new applications being considered for land to set up such farms. These farms produce most of the live seafood sold in our seafood restaurants throughout Singapore. They also provide fresh and high quality fish for the wet market. In addition to the sea area that has been allocated for marine fish farming, the Department has also set aside 32 hectares of coastal land to develop the Loyang Agrotechnology Park, specifically for high technology marine aquaculture development. This agrotechnology park will be suitable for the establishment of intensive fish and prawn farming. They will also be used for fish and prawn hatcheries to produce young fish fingerlings and prawns for cultivation. Sir, the Primary Production Department and the Economic Development Board are jointly promoting investments in aquaculture projects and entrepreneurs interested in investing in such projects at the agrotechnology park could apply for tax incentives from the EDB. To support this programme of developing intensive marine aquaculture farms, the PPD is constantly providing the required technical assistance to these farms. PPD is also encouraging some of the farms to develop nurseries, both for fish and prawns, so that the farms will become less dependent on imported fish fries or young prawns. And to this end, the Department has conducted training courses in prawn breeding for 48 participants from the private sector.”
“Sir, for those areas of vacated farmlands which are not immediately required for development, the Department has a programme of tendering these out on short-term leases of about three years for farmers who want to use them to grow vegetables and other crops. And in this instance, I have replied to the Member for Punggol on Monday that about 25 hectares of vacant land in Punggol have already been tendered out for such non-pollutive farming on three-year leases. If there are similar pockets of vacated farming land available elsewhere in Singapore, where there is no immediate need to develop this land, we will consider usingthem for food production.”
“Sir, intensive farming agrotechnology parks which are being planned by the Primary Production Department are located in the Murai, Sungei Tengah, Loyang, Lim Chu Kang, Jalan Kayu and Tampines areas. About 120 hectares of land at Murai and Sungei Tengah has been developed and, as at present, 27 lots covering 77 hectares have already been taken up. Successful tenderers are now developing this land for vegetable, fish, orchid and poultry production. More land will be tendered out to develop similar high technology type of farms. The Primary Production Department will continue to provide technical assistance to these farmers to increase their productivity and to help them maximize the use of their land.”
“The Member for Whampoa should have also recalled that the same person was ingesting a part of the chicken which is normally not ingested. Yes, the Primary Production Department has a veterinary public health laboratory which carry out screening of meat to make sure that meat sold in Singapore are wholesome. The situation is being monitored regularly.”
“Sir, the problem of drug residue in food animals is best solved by educating the farmers in the proper use of drugs and hormones. This is something which the Primary Production Department has been doing ever since modern livestock farming technology was introduced in Singapore. I would say that the Department has been effective in educating our farmers in the proper use of drugs and chemicals in animal production. Whether the meat itself should be checked or not and whether farmers have free access to antibiotics, let me inform the Member that the sale of all antibiotics is regulated in Singapore. Antibiotics are not freely accessible and are not to be given to animals at the whim and fancy of the farmers. So there is really no danger of an excessive use or unregulated use of these antibiotics or hormones in our livestock. If the Member will send me a copy of the article, I will read it.”
“After the tree has been pruned, the birds will fly off to look for a new roost. As soon as the branches grow back, they will come back to the old spot. Sir, a permanent solution would be to shift the roosts away from the built-up areas. A number of measures have been tried, one of which is to broadcast distress calls. This has been found to be effective in dispersing small mynah roosts of about 4,000 to 6,000 birds. Sir, the nuisance problem caused by birds is not only peculiar to Singapore. Many other countries also face the same problem. Developed countries have not found a permanent solution to this problem. There is at present a committee comprising of representatives from the Primary Production Department, the National University of Singapore and the Parks and Recreation Department to look into this problem and to try to arrive at a more permanent and effective solution.”
“The Department has put a lot more emphasis on the checking of imported fresh and frozen food, and this is especially relevant since we are going to have to import more food from external sources. While on the subject of food, I will reply to the Member for Whampoa. He referred to an article pointing out the dangers of excessive use of antibiotics and hormones in animal production. In Singapore, the Primary Production Department has always been monitoring such usage of antibiotics and hormones, if any. Antibiotics that are incorporated into animal feed have to meet with certain regulations and they are controlled by the Department. At the same time, the Department also checks all imported meat and meat products for quality and also for wholesomeness. In the case of import of live animals for slaughter in Singapore, for instance, import of live pigs, the Department actually inspects the farms in the neighbouring country in which the pigs are farmed to make sure that they measure up to our hygiene standards and will produce pork of a wholesome quality. The Member for Bo Wen asked what is being done about the nuisance that is being created by birds roosting in Ang Mo Kio New Town. Sir, officers from the Primary Production Department and the Ang Mo Kio Town Council are studying this problem of bird nuisance in Ang Mo Kio New Town. The problem is the noise created by continuous and loud chirping caused by the birds before dawn and/or just after dusk and also by the amount of droppings that are being deposited sometimes on cars parked underneath these trees. The main culprits are mynahs and starlings. These birds are attracted to the Angsana trees grown in the housing estates along the road dividers. Heavy pruning of the trees has provided temporary solutions.”
“Sir, the Member for Punggol has asked about the activities of the Primary Production Department. Primary production in Singapore consists of farming of pigs, poultry, duck, fish, vegetables and orchids. Of course, pig farming which is a pollutive form of farming has to be phased out soon. The other problem faced by the primary production sector is that farming land available for primary production has decreased rapidly over the last 10 years. This rapid reduction in available land will bring down the land available for farming to about 2,000 hectares by 1995. The Primary Production Department has therefore mapped out new strategies and programmes to develop the remaining farming land into high-density intensive farming areas where a lot more can be produced in a much smaller space. If these plans to develop agrotechnology parks can be realized, even with 2,000 hectares of land only, we would still be able to produce about 80% of our current value of primary production output. Therefore, the Department is carrying out a very important function in order to safeguard the availability of home-produced foods. The Member also touched on the question of pig farmers who are currently farming on Temporary Occupation Licences. He asked whether those who want to stop farming earlier could be allowed to do so. If there are Temporary Occupation Licence farmers who want to cease farming ahead of schedule, we will consider their appeals favourably. The Member also asked about the functions of meat inspection referring particularly to the frozen meat. The safety and wholesomeness of all foods imported into Singapore is a primary concern of the Department.”
“Sir, in drawing up this new development and building approval system, the Planning and Approval System Improvement Committee did actually consult all the relevant Government departments involved in the approval process and also professionals in the field, for instance, the Singapore Institute of Architects. Since the new scheme will be implemented in April this year, later this month the Development and Building Control Division will hold a joint seminar with the Singapore Institute of Architects to explain the changes to the property developers and building professionals.”
“Would the Member like to suggest who else should consider the appeal? Encik Othman bin Haron Eusofe: Well, you can form a committee of private individuals, or MPs, or perhaps a supervisory panel. We can think about it, but at least the procedure could be improved.”
“Sir, the Minister always considers every appeal objectively and wider interest is taken into consideration.”
“Other instances involve URA sale sites for comprehensive redevelopment where tender conditions on use and intensity are imposed by URA. Sir, although section 9(14) appears to give the Minister sweeping powers, the Minister always exercise such powers in consultation with the relevant authority. Hence, development applications involving such land are evaluated in detail by planners in the Development and Building Control Division. They will then put up the recommendations to the Minister for his decision under section 9, subsection (14). Planning criteria are followed in the evaluation of such proposal as with all private sector proposals approved by the competent authority under section 9, subsection (1) of the Planning Act.”
“Sir, the building control system in Singapore relies on qualified persons, architects and engineers, to control construction work on site. These qualified persons are accepted by and registered with the Board of Architects and the Professional Engineers Board. The qualified persons in charge of a project are required to submit quarterly progress reports as well as certificates of supervision on building completion to the building authority. However, the Development and Building Control Division will consider implementing further safeguards to ensure proper construction work. This will include measures being recommended by the Hotel New World Inquiry Commission. The Commission has already submitted its report to the President and it is being considered by the Government. Sir, the Member for Geylang Serai touched on section 9(14) of the Planning Act. Sir, this section of the Planning Act enables the Minister to give directions for any or all development applications to be referred to him for decision. The decision of the Minister shall be final and shall not be challenged in court. Sir, this is not a new provision. It has been in the Planning Act for the past 20 years. Our Planning Act is patterned along the lines of the British (Town and Country) Planning Act, which also has a similar provision. The purpose of this provision is to give power to the Minister to make expeditious decision in the public interest. Sir, the Minister has used this section to direct applications to be referred to him involving land which had previously been designated for public purposes. This includes public development projects of Ministries and statutory boards approved by the Master Plan Committee.”
“Mr Chairman, Sir, both the Member for Punggol and the Member for Bo Wen have both suggested that changes should be made to expedite the process of approving development and building control permits. Sir, with regard to alterations or additions to existing houses, normally these applications are processed by the Development and Building Control Division, and it will take three weeks for an approval to be given if the application complies with all the necessary boundary setbacks and building specifications. As the Second Report of the Business Enterprise Committee has pointed out, in April of this year a new development and building control application procedure will be implemented. This will result in a much more expeditious approval being granted for such cases. The Member for Punggol also touched on the accessibility of information to building developers and building professionals. Sir, information on land development and building is available from the Development and Building Control Branch through a legal requisition. Furthermore, the Planning Department displays the Master Plan which can also be purchased. Such information is presently manually extracted. However, the Ministry is currently in the process of implementing a system which I described yesterday as the Integrated Land Use System (ILUS). This system will capture records of all lands, buildings, estates and roads in Singapore. The system will make available a wide range of land and building information to the general public and it will minimize any delays in obtaining such information. The Member for Punggol also pointed out that there is a need to control and supervise construction work.”
“Sir, there are 13 public toilets at East Coast Park of which 9 have bathing facilities. These are spread throughout the whole of the Park and are separated from one another by less than 400 metres in the popular areas. In addition, there are 11 toilets located within recreational centres in the Park. These facilities are also open to members of the public. At Changi Beach Park, there are two public toilets and both of them have bathing facilities. Sir, the Department regularly conducts surveys on the demand for such facilities and, where there is a need, more toilets with bathing facilities will be built. In the case of the East Coast Park, improvement and upgrading work will be carried out in August this year and will be completed by March 1988.”
“Mr Chairman, Sir, before the moment of inter- ruption yesterday, we were discussing the Parks and Recreation Department. I informed the House that the Department is well aware of the need to create distinguishing features in our parks and it will strive to create unique characteristics within the new parks. Sir, the Member for Paya Lebar in his speech yesterday seems to suggest that a disproportionate amount of land has been set aside for golf courses. I would like to correct that impression, Sir. At present, there are 1,005 hectares of land being used as golf courses. On the other hand, we have 1,879 hectares of land which are currently being used as public parks or public open spaces. Another 1,800 or so hectares will be developed in the future bringing to a total the amount of land that will be used for public parks and open spaces to 3,600 hectares or so. So it is not true that more land is being set aside for golf courses than for public parks. Sir, the Member also asked whether a swimming lagoon or a swimming pool could have been incorporated in the development of West Coast Park. Indeed, at the time of its conception, a swimming pool was considered for West Coast Park. However, the Ministry of the Environment was not in favour of a swimming pool or lagoon which would use sea water, basically because the water quality in that area and the amount of mud that is suspended in the water would require very expensive filtration equipment to clean the water for such a swimming pool or lagoon. Since the cost of this equipment would have been prohibitive, the proposal was dropped. The Member also pointed out that from his perception there seems to be a shortage of bathing and toilet facilities in our parks, particularly the East Coast Park.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, for the 12-month period ending 31st December 1986, a total of 1,116 small and light industrial businesses housed mostly in temporary squatter houses were affected by resettlement. Out of this, 817 cases did not take up the offer of alternative industrial premises. Sir, they will not be allowed to opt for shophouses if they wish to switch trades because in our resettlement exercises, alternative business premises are offered according to the categories of business. Shopkeepers are offered HDB shops, whereas industrial establishments are offered workshops or factories. The allocation guidelines need to be maintained because the Board cannot build more shops simply to offer to industrial resettlement cases. The number of shops in HDB estates is planned with consideration to the number of dwelling units. Otherwise, shopkeepers will suffer from poor business. GIFTED EDUCATION PROJECT (Status report) 3. Mr Yeo Choo Kok asked the Minister for Education whether he will give a status report on the Gifted Education Project.”
“In the design of parks, the Parks and Recreation Department endeavours to provide each park with special touches such as the type of furniture that are chosen, the hard landscape, the lighting, the post, the shelters, all these are made different to give each park its own identity.”
“Sir, the Member for Punggol has raised the question of park design and the type of facilities that are being provided in parks. The design of parks depends upon the location and existing condition of the site itself. There is variety in the design and facilities provided in our parks to cater to the interest of Singaporeans. For instance, the design of Pasir Ris Park, Fort Canning Park, Bukit Batok Park, Mount Faber Park Extension and East Coast Park, they are all different. Sir, Pasir Ris Park is being developed along the coast. It is near a holiday resort area. In addition to the normal park facilities, it has some special attractions, such as the one pointed out by the Member for Punggol. It is the largest public children's adventure playground. It has also a mangrove swamp with catwalks and children's cycling circuit and look-out points. The East Coast Park attractions are mainly the different recreation centres, such as the Tennis Centre with a range of sports and leisure facilities, Golf Driving Range and the Big Splash. In the case of the Fort Canning Park, when completed, it will highlight the historical and cultural features of Fort Canning Hill. It will have a Fort Canning History Centre, a Walk of History, and some other facilities for picnickers. Bukit Batok Park itself will have an even more unusual ambience. It will have a nature park with a very special feature of cliffs and reflecting pools and have a track and glades. The attraction of the Mount Faber Park Extension lies in its height, its elevation and the view. There is a terrace garden and a formal garden with a ridged promenade. There is also a hilltop physical fitness course.”
“Sir, in response to the Member for Geylang Serai, yes, there is indeed a programme to plant more fruit trees throughout Singapore. In fact, this programme started a long time back since 1971. In the early days of the programme, fruit trees were planted in Mindef camps and schools. Later, they were planted in enclosed public grounds, such as the grounds of police stations, community centres. More recently, the HDB has intensified its fruit tree planting programme and the Member is perhaps aware of the fact that many Residents Committees are taking a very active part in this fruit tree planting programme. They are helping to look after some of the fruit trees planted in their zone. They fertilize these trees. They look after the fruits and they harvest the fruits for distribution among themselves. At present, the department is extending this programme of fruit tree planting to selected public roads. For example, Hougang Avenues 5 and 7, Tampines Avenue 4, Boon Lay Way, are some other major roads where fruit trees are being planted on the sidetable. We are evaluating the results of this programme. As to whether more fruit trees could be planted in our public parks, this can be considered. But one point we must remember is that the more fruit trees you plant in these public parks, the higher will be the maintenance. Unlike housing estates where fruit trees can be planted because the Residents Committees are keen and enthusiastic about coming forward to look after these trees and to harvest the fruits, in the park, it would mean that someone else would have to maintain these fruit trees and the fruits would have to be harvested regularly.”
“Mr Chairman, Sir, the point that the Member for Potong Pasir has brought up that if you want to attract birds you must plant trees with berries. Well, some birds eat berries and some birds eat worms. So you can have all kinds of trees and it can serve as an attraction for all kinds of birds. Birds do not have to just feed off the fruits in the trees that they nest in. Perhaps this is one of the problems that we have encountered in some of our housing estates that there are congregations of birds which do not actually feed on the trees. They feed elsewhere but they come and make their nests and create a nuisance of themselves to the residents in the area. On the point about his wanting to plant a tree in Potong Pasir, the late Minister for National Development has made it very clear, more than clear, in this House that it is not the policy for the Housing and Development Board to allow any resident to decide on his own to plant any tree that he wishes to. There has to be a certain planning in the type of trees that can be planted. You have to take into consideration the particular nature of the tree, how big an area is required for its root system. You have to consider the balance, in his own word, a balance with the neighbouring trees and shrubs that have already been planted. It is not so simple that any HDB resident can just go out to his front door step and dig a hole and say, "Here I plant my tree, and this shall be my tree. You will not move it." But if the Member for Potong Pasir is prepared to donate a tree to the Housing Board and say, "In your next tree planting programme, perhaps you want to consider planting this tree", we are prepared to consider that, if there is space available.”
“Mr Chairman, Sir, when HDB design the planting programme for each estate they will take into account the locality, the design of the block, the type of soil that is available there, the amount of land that is available and plant the appropriate kind of trees, whether it is flowering shrubs or it is just some other trees which are meant to cater for birds nesting.”
“The Department would look at the possibility of planting more colourful plants. However, many of these plants are annual plants and they require, as I mentioned earlier, very intensive care and maintenance. And in view of the high labour requirement and cost to maintain such plants, they are not very practical for our climate. Only those plants which are hardy and easy to maintain can be planted extensively in our country. As to the lack of distinction between housing estates from the park environment, this is an area that the HDB and Parks and Recreation Department are always looking into as to how to improve the identity of each estate or each neighbourhood. Perhaps with the formation of town councils, many more minds will be brought to bear on this problem.”
“Sir, the Member for Bo Wen has bemoaned the excess of green in our landscape. Perhaps it is a case of suffering from being green with envy over the luscious profusion of colours that you see on the picture postcard of scenes in the spring time sceneries in temperate countries. We must remember that we are in Singapore and Singapore is only 5A North of the Equator. We can only grow what nature decrees we can grow in this climate, unless we are prepared to pay exorbitant costs to maintain exotic and more colourful species of flowering plants. Notwithstanding that, Sir, the Parks and Recreation Department has already been planting flowering trees and shrubs along our major roads, parks and open spaces in an effort to add colour to the environment. Since 1980 the Department has planted about one million flowering shrubs and trees. Although such a large number of flowering plants have been planted, it is true that the impact of colours achieved by these plants is not as spectacular as those you would see in the temperate countries. The main reason, Sir, is that unlike temperate countries, we do not have a clear four seasons. We do not have any seasons at all. The months are the same in every respect as far as the climate is concerned. So various plants flower at different periods. They do not flower in unison, unlike plants in the temperate countries. So you would not have this dramatic impact of a profusion of colour during certain times of the year. Sir, the Department continues to introduce flowering plants from overseas for testing under our climate and environment. Where the plants are able to establish themselves, where they possess flowering characteristics, they are hardy and easy to maintain, the Department would use them extensively.”
“Sir, that is a question of opinion, whether it is too lenient or not.”
“Mr Chairman, Sir, first of all, I must thank the Member for Bukit Timah for his delightful exposition on the science of measurement. Sir, prior to 4th January 1985 the sale and purchase agreement entered into in respect of conventional housing, that is, detached, semi-detached and terrace houses, provided for no adjustment in the purchase price if the final resurveyed area, the actual area, was within a 5% margin of the area estimated in the sale agreement. If the area is found to be outside the 5% margin, any adjustment in the purchase price would have to be agreed upon between the developer and the buyer. If there is any dispute, they usually end up in court. In the case of the sale and purchase agreement of flats and condominium units signed prior to 4th January 1985, there was no provision for adjustment whatsoever. However, with effect from 4th January 1985, the prescribed sale and purchase agreement for both conventional housing and condominium flats has been revised to give the purchaser the benefit of retaining any excess area without any price adjustment. However, where there is a shortfall in area by more than 3%, the developers are required to reduce the selling price accordingly. So you can say, Sir, the revised sale and purchase agreement is in favour of the purchaser and we will monitor the situation regarding the desirability of amending this margin of error.”
“Sir, the ILUS project will also provide Government staff with tools to analyze a wider spectrum of social economic data. This improvement will help ensure optimum usage of our scarce land resources.”