Masagos Zulkifli B M M
Singapore
“Coordination between Early Intervention (EI) centres, families and preschools is important for the continuity of support for children with developmental needs.”
“The Taxi Subsidy Scheme supports persons with disabilities (PwDs) who are unable to take public transport, by providing means-tested subsidies to offset the cost of taxi travel to school, work and employment-related training supported by SG Enable.”
“The Skills and Salary Guidelines published by the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) guides social service agencies (SSAs) to pay their employees fair and competitive remuneration and maintain the sector's attractiveness. The Guidelines are adjusted so that salaries remain competitive with comparable roles in competing markets.”
“Staff turnover rates vary across social service agencies (SSAs). An individual's decision to leave an organisation is influenced by a myriad of factors, of which pay is only one.”
“Beyond the requirement of a structured daily programme, community-based SCFA administrators have the flexibility to offer programmes and additional enrichment activities that meet the needs of their students. MSF does not track staff salaries and turnover of SCCs in general nor those that administer SCFA.”
“Male preschool educators comprised about 1% of the early childhood workforce in each of the last five years. The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) has not issued guidelines pertaining to the rules set by preschool centres specific to the conduct of male preschool educators.”
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“Family Service Centres (FSCs) hire staff to carry out their core functions, which include case work, group work and community work. FSCs can choose whether to have dedicated staff for each function or to have some of their staff cover multiple functions, based on what they assess to be a better use of their manpower resources and what would better meet the needs of the community. We do not track the number of staff recruited by FSCs solely to do community work.”
“The staff deployment in the disability homes and day activity centres (DACs) varies based on factors, such as the operating hours, programme requirements and the needs of the clientele mix they serve. In the last three years, the average ratio of social workers to persons with disabilities (PwDs) in the disability homes and DACs hovers around 1:40. The average ratio of other programme staff to PwD ranges from 1:2 to 1:4.”
“Since its inception in 2015, Singapore Centre for Social Enterprise (raiSE) has supported Social Enterprises (SEs) through capacity-building programmes, networking platforms and provided funding of over $16 million to more than 200 SEs. As a result of these efforts, the collective revenue of raiSE's members has also grown from $179 million in 2020 to $216 million in 2022. In 2022, raiSE members employed over 1,000 individuals, which include persons with disabilities and lower-wage workers, and provided $15 million in subsidies to support the disadvantaged or build capacity for social services agencies. Social enterprises, like many other businesses, may face challenges in the current operating environment. raiSE will continue to support social enterprises to scale through its accelerator programme. To date, about $900,000 in funding has been given to 18 social enterprises, which went on to attract an additional $1.4 million in follow-on funding from private sector investors. All business owners, including social enterprises, can also visit the GoBusiness portal (gobusiness.gov.sg) for more information on other Government schemes available. For example, social enterprises can also apply for the Productivity Solutions Grant that provides financial support for business to adopt pre-scoped IT solutions, equipment and consultancy services to improve productivity.”
“Currently, parents may register their interest for infant care with a preschool, which can either confirm a place or place them on a waitlist. From the point of registration of interest, waiting time typically ranges from a few weeks to a few months as it is influenced by various factors. In particular, some parents prefer to send their children to a specific centre. If the centre is full, they may have to wait longer. In 2023, there were around 14,600 centre-based infant care places. Of these, about 10,500, or 72%, were taken up. In 2022, the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) observed that a handful of districts were experiencing tighter supply in infant care places due to factors such as COVID-19 related delays in preschool construction and higher demand for infant care from families. ECDA has worked closely with Anchor Operators in such districts to expand capacity, step up recruitment efforts and divert manpower internally so that their centres can enrol more children. By the end of 2023, the number of districts with tighter supply has fallen. ECDA is continuing with efforts to increase infant care supply and improve preschool utilisation in the remaining districts with tighter supply. ECDA is working closely with Anchor Operators to build more than 1,500 new infant care places in 2024 and will continue to ramp up supply beyond 2024.”
“Financial abuse is an emerging issue and the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) is concerned with its potential negative effects on victim-survivors and the wider community. Over the past five years, MSF’s Adult Protective Service has investigated five to 18 cases per year involving alleged financial abuse. Often, the perpetrator was an immediate family member of the victim-survivor. Cases include adult children forcing their parents to monetise assets for their benefit and withdrawing money from their parents’ bank accounts without their knowledge. Some cases also allegedly involved the use of violence, which caused physical harm or distress to the victim-survivor. There are industry guidelines for frontline professionals, such as banking staff, to help them detect signs of financial abuse when transacting with customers. Victim-survivors or their families may, in certain circumstances, be able to sue the perpetrator to recover assets lost. Depending on the facts, the perpetrator may also be liable for criminal offences. Social workers may also detect cases of financial abuse when assisting clients facing family violence. Persons facing domestic violence, including financial abuse should seek assistance from a Family Service Centre or call the National Anti-Violence and Sexual Harassment Helpline.”
“I refer to the reply to the Member’s oral question in February 2023. [Please refer to "Social Worker Caseload at Family Service Centres", Official Report, 28 February 2023, Vol 95, Issue 88, Oral Answers to Questions section.] The average and median social worker to caseload ratio at Family Service Centres in Financial Year 2022 remains unchanged at 1:19 and 1:20 respectively.”
“The Child Development Account (CDA) interest rate should not be compared against the CPF Ordinary Account interest rate. The CDA is meant to support parents in child-raising and parents can use the monies to defray healthcare and educational costs. The CDA is thus similar to a spending account and attracts commensurate interest rates. The banks have the discretion to set the interest rates for the CDA based on their commercial considerations, while parents have the option to decide which bank to open their child’s CDA with. While we do not dictate the interest rates of the CDA, deposits in the CDA will receive a dollar-for-dollar matching from the Government, up to the Government co-matching cap.”
“The Government is committed to enhancing access to affordable and quality preschools. We have more than doubled the number of full-day preschool places in the last decade and there are now over 200,000 places, sufficient to cater to every resident child aged three and above. This is despite a fall in the number of babies born over the period. We are on track for 80% of preschool places to be Government-supported by around 2025, up from over 60% today. The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) will continue to plan for future demand for preschool places, taking into account the projected resident birth cohort. ECDA works closely with the Housing and Development Board (HDB) to develop new childcare centres in tandem with Built-To-Order (BTO) developments so that places will be built in areas where families with young children are concentrated. For older or expanding housing estates, ECDA will also work with HDB and existing operators to activate available void deck and communal spaces for centre additions and extensions if additional childcare capacity is necessary. We estimate that another 1,500 more educators will be needed to support the sector’s expansion in the coming years. To attract and retain quality early childhood educators, ECDA has reviewed salaries to ensure they correspond with educators’ contributions and professional skills. We have also announced measures to improve conditions for educators, such as for preschools to move towards a five-day week from 2025. Parents can also help make the profession more attractive by appreciating the work of the educators, and having reasonable expectations on educators, such as when to expect replies to messages sent at night.”
“Firstly, to accept that child abuse is often difficult to detect and not every child abuse case can be prevented despite our best efforts. Secondly, to not presume that when a child has been abused, the case officer must have been negligent in their duty. Thirdly, to help them bring down the incidence of child abuse by being vigilant and reporting suspected cases of abuse to the police or the National Anti-Violence and Sexual Harassment Helpline.”
“My response will also cover another related question raised by the Member on the salaries of the Child Protection Officers (CPOs), which is scheduled for the next Sitting. I invite the Member to seek clarifications, if need be. If my response has addressed the related question, it may not be necessary for the Member to proceed with the question for the next Sitting. The Child Protective Service (CPS) has taken a multi-pronged approach to improve the well-being and retention of our CPOs and to ensure that they have meaningful and fulfilling careers within the Service. Our CPOs are paid based on the civil service scheme of service. However, in recognition of the demanding nature of child protection work, our CPOs receive an additional field allowance on top of their base pay. To support the growth and wellness of CPOs, they undergo a comprehensive training programme and receive professional support on mental wellness and development through structured supervisions, coaching and peer support. To address the workload of our CPOs and help them work more efficiently, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) has implemented technological solutions, such as data analytics and robotic process automation. These tools are designed to optimise our operations. Additionally, we are reviewing the job scopes of our CPOs to ensure they focus more on their core functions of social investigation and intervention and less on administrative tasks. MSF will continue these efforts to better support our CPOs. The public, including members of this House, can also do their part to support the CPOs and other social service professionals who deal with child abuse cases.”
“The Assistive Technology Fund (ATF) provides eligible persons with disabilities with a means-tested subsidy of up to 90% of the cost of the required equipment, subject to a lifetime cap of $40,000. The median age of successful ATF applicants from 2019 to 2023, ranged from 51 to 58 years old. We will continue to help persons with disabilities with genuine needs access assistive devices.”
“There are currently eight day activity centres (DAC) funded by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) serving adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). There are over 300 clients enrolled in these DACs and about 80 referrals pending enrolment. For clients pending enrolment, some are in the process of being assessed by the centres. Where appropriate, SG Enable will guide clients to consider other DACs not specifically catering to autism, but are able to support them. There are four adult disability homes (ADH) funded by MSF serving adults with ASD. There are about 50 residents with ASD in these ADHs, which have capacity to house about 100 residents. About 20 referrals are pending enrolment, as they are being assessed or the ADH is hiring additional manpower to take in more residents. MSF regularly reviews the capacity of our funded disability services, including DACs and ADHs, to meet the needs of persons with disabilities. We will share more on our plans to better support persons with disabilities in the coming months.”
“Assoc Prof Razwana raised the idea of a new child safeguarding framework last September and I had explained that there is already a multi-layered system of safeguards. There are policies and requirements in the Early Childhood Development Centres (ECDC) Act and Regulations, as well as a Code of Practice that it issues to the preschool sector. The issue is not that there is insufficient policies or frameworks, but to ensure that this is implemented down to every early childhood educator. Hence, ECDA is focusing on strengthening the Regulations and Code of Practice. We are currently reviewing penalty provisions for errant operators with a view to enhancing them. We are also strengthening the training curriculum so that educators are better equipped to ensure child safety.”
“The Singapore Centre for Social Enterprise (raiSE) is a membership body. Social enterprises are not required to be a raiSE member. The number of new social enterprises (SEs) registered with raiSE each year from FY2020 to FY2022 were around 130, 110 and 70 respectively. Based on a check with ACRA, around 60 SEs that were formerly raiSE members have deregistered and closed over the past three years, SEs are not required to provide reasons for their deregistration. I would like to add that a vibrant social enterprise ecosystem like any enterprise entails both a healthy number of entrants, as well as a healthy number of exits. This is how the talent and efforts of the ecosystem can be directed towards the most impactful interventions.”
“Any Singaporean can use My Legacy@LifeSG, to get all the necessary information for end-of-life planning. The portal covers options such as the Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), Advance Care Planning (ACP), CPF nomination, will-making, and documentation of funeral wishes. There is also information on handling post-death matters, such as how one’s estate will be distributed under the Intestate Succession Act or Muslim inheritance laws. Additionally, Singaporeans can visit one of the seven ServiceSG Centres located islandwide for guided assistance through pre-planning services such as making an LPA. Bereaved low-income families that need financial support for funeral expenses may approach our Social Service Offices (SSOs), which will direct them to relevant community support. For example, funeral companies and community partners offer pro bono funeral services to individuals and families that are unable to afford funerals. There are also charities that can support funeral services of those with no dependants or who are from low-income households. Bereaved family members of ComCare Long-Term Assistance beneficiaries may also receive support with funeral expenses from SSOs.”
“The Member is mistaken that there are two additional days of preschool closures from 2024. Previously, all preschools were allowed to close 7.5 days per year – six closure days and three half-days on the eves of selected public holidays. Starting from 2024, the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) has renamed the six closure days as Development Days and designated two days – Teachers’ Day and Children’s Day – as preschool holidays as part of the ongoing efforts to improve educators’ working conditions. In other words, there has been a net increase of 0.5 days of pre-school closure. At present, each working parent whose youngest child is below seven years old already enjoys six days of paid Childcare Leave per year. Hence, both working parents would have a total of 12 days of Childcare leave to tap on for preschool closure days, on top of their annual leave provisions. Beyond legislated leave, it is more important and sustainable for employers to provide a family-friendly work environment to help parents manage both their work and caregiving responsibilities, such as through providing flexible work arrangements. This is already happening, through the efforts of the tripartite partners, and we expect such practices to become more widespread. Following the Forward SG exercise, we continue to work closely with the Tripartite Partners to promote family-friendly workplace practices to better support working parents in their caregiving needs. With strong support at the workplaces and in the community, we will build a Singapore Made For Families.”
“This study will be done in consultation with the legal and asatizah fraternities, together with the broader Muslim community. Assoc Prof Razwana asked about the proposed enhancements to the Syariah Court’s judge-led approach for divorce cases and how the Court can connect individuals with relevant community services. I wish to clarify that the judge-led approach is actually already an existing practice of the Syariah Court. These amendments enhance the Court’s ability to apply the judge-led approach. Currently, the Court is also empowered to make child- and family-centric social support referrals where it deems appropriate, both in the course of proceedings and after the divorce is finalised. One example is to refer parties to counselling. Mr Speaker, I would like to conclude by once again thanking our Malay/Muslim community, Members who have spoken, partners for their support – for both this current and past reviews of the AMLA. I am heartened by the ideas and suggestions from our community leaders and other stakeholders during the public consultations and in this debate. We have incorporated some of these ideas in this amendment Bill and will explore others as we implement the changes with our statutory Muslim institutions and community partners. With the passing of this amendment Bill, we will further strengthen the robust and contemporary legal foundation for our statutory Muslim institutions to build our Muslim Community of Success. 7.54 pm”
“To Assoc Prof Razwana's query, I would like to assure the Member that the FJC can make orders on maintenance for a child above 21 years old if they are mentally or physically disabled. Second, on how the Court will exercise its expanded powers under the new sections 36B and 43(2). As no two cases are alike, the Court will make its determination based on the specific facts of each case on whether the legal threshold has been met. The Presidents and Registrars of the Court will do so with a view to ensuring that the rules of natural justice will also be preserved and given effect to, including dealing with the case expeditiously to protect the welfare of the child. Third, Mr Zhulkarnain had suggested that we expand the Syariah Court’s jurisdiction and powers beyond what this Bill is introducing today. Specifically, Mr Zhulkarnain suggested that the Syariah Court be empowered to make decisions on the division of matrimonial assets. He cited the 2017 case of TMO vs TMP, where the Court of Appeal allowed the appeal by the wife to seek an order from the FJC for division of her matrimonial assets. This was after the Court of Appeal confirmed that the High Court retained residual jurisdiction over matters like the division of matrimonial assets, which do not fall within the jurisdiction of the Syariah Court. Hence, there is no legal vacuum and parties to a foreign Muslim divorce can proceed to the civil courts to claim financial relief and are not left stranded without recourse. We will study carefully Mr Zhulkarnain's other suggestions for the Syariah Court, along with other feedback we received from stakeholders such as the Muslim Law Practice Committee of the Law Society of Singapore.”
“Notwithstanding this, physical solemnisations will continue to be the default norm and preferred mode. Our Kadi and Naib Kadi will ensure this. Mr Speaker, Assoc Prof Razwana also asked how the SYC would ensure a seamless process for clients who use its digital system. The SYC has published detailed videos and user guides, as well as set up a call centre helpdesk, to help users navigate the digital portal. SYC will continue to take in feedback to enhance the user experience. Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim raised a number of questions and suggestions regarding the SYC-related amendments. Let me address them one at a time. First, on the amendments to clarify the Syariah Court’s jurisdiction in clauses 8 and 12 of the Bill. We are amending section 35 of the AMLA to clarify that the Syariah Court’s jurisdiction includes maintenance of children on divorce or nullification of marriage, which has always been part of section 52(3) of AMLA. The Family Justice Courts, or FJC, will continue to hear child maintenance matters. This is because SYC’s jurisdiction is matrimonial in nature, limited to hearing child maintenance matters upon a dissolution of a Muslim marriage. It is common that parties already have ongoing maintenance proceedings in FJC even before the divorce proceedings are commenced in SYC. Enforcement of maintenance orders are also carried out in the FJC. It is thus more convenient for parties, as a matter of practice, for a single Court, the FJC, to hear all matters relating to maintenance of children, including the enforcement of these orders. This also prevents the possibility that two contrary maintenance orders are made by two separate Courts.”
“The first instance when they meet, assessment is already being made. The Kadi or Naib Kadi will assess if all the conditions necessary for a valid solemnisation and registration of a Muslim marriage have been met, in accordance with Muslim law and the provisions of the AMLA. Prior to the solemnisation, as mentioned just now, the Kadi or Naib Kadi will actually conduct face-to-face sessions with the couple to provide guidance as well as referrals to other relevant support. There are cybersecurity safeguards for the digital Certificate of Marriage. As with other Government agency websites and accounts, citizens can log in to view their Muslim marriage application or documents via Singpass, which has its own security safeguards. The digital Certificate of Marriage is password-protected. The QR code on the digital Certificate will also make it more convenient for parties to verify the authenticity of the document. Even as we implement the digital Certificate, the ROMM will provide a hard copy Ceremonial Certificate of Marriage for couples who wish to have it as a keepsake. I think it is important to do so. I wish to address Assoc Prof Razwana’s question about online solemnisations. Following the 2022 amendments to the AMLA, ROMM has been empowered to conduct solemnisations via remote communication technology, in addition to physical solemnisations. ROMM had consulted the Office of the Mufti to put in steps to ensure that online solemnisations will meet all the requirements of a valid Muslim marriage under Muslim law. So, again, it is subject to the approval of the Office of the Mufti. This option for online solemnisations will provide for unique situations like the COVID-19 pandemic when people were not able to meet physically.”
“MUIS will continue to provide consumers with relevant information through various channels and explore more ways to make them more accessible. Overall, this FHCB recognition scheme will help to provide Muslim businesses particularly and consumers generally with greater assurance when purchasing halal products. Let me move on to Digital Certificate of Marriage. Mr Speaker, marriage is an important and momentous occasion in the life journey of an individual. I therefore appreciate the feedback shared by Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim and Assoc Prof Razwana Begum on whether the introduction of Digital Certificates of Marriage would affect the institution of Muslim marriage and measures to prevent errors and scams. I would like to assure the House that the institution of Muslim marriage continues to be strongly upheld, even as we implement the digital Certificate of Marriage. I think Members know that today, when people are getting married, the Kadi or Naib Kadi would call them up first and meet them physically, give them advice before the solemnisation. So, there is already a process that we have put in place despite all the digitalisation of booking and certification that we have in this amendment. Therefore, the AMLA ensures that our Muslim community can deal with relevant personal matters, such as marriage, under Muslim law. Any amendments to the AMLA that involve Muslim law must draw on the advice of the Office of the Mufti, ensuring that all requirements under Muslim law are met before any changes are proposed. There will continue to be a formal religious marriage ceremony. Couples will still need to meet the requirements of a valid Muslim marriage as determined by their marriage solemniser, also known as a Kadi or Naib Kadi.”
“This includes assessing whether the FHCBs are certifying meat or poultry products from source countries approved or accredited by the Singapore Food Agency and the FHCBs are adopting ISO principles or equivalent standards in their halal certification management systems. Here is the process, amongst others. First, FHCBs will have to undergo mandatory training and assessment to ensure that they are able to comply with Singapore's halal standards and requirements. During the three-year recognition period, these FHCBs will be placed under MUIS' audit and surveillance regime. FHCBs that fail to comply with MUIS' requirements could be suspended or delisted from MUIS' recognition list and their certified products cannot be used by MUIS' halal-certified companies. To clarify Dr Syed Harun's query, the amendment is limited to the misuse of halal certificates and marks of MUIS-recognised FHCBs. This will help serve as an added incentive for FHCBs to seek MUIS' recognition. We will work with MUIS and industry partners to study the Member's suggestion on how we can further protect our Muslim consumers against the misuse of FHCB marks and certificates. MUIS will also charge a fee to FHCBs seeking MUIS' recognition, so as to defray the costs of administering this scheme, such as audit inspections. This is similar to MUIS' halal certification for local establishments. The frequency of such audits will be based on MUIS' current risk assessment framework, with a focus on meat and poultry establishments. I agree with Assoc Prof Razwana Begum on the importance of educating consumers so that they can make informed choices on halal products. Currently, the public can refer to MUIS' website on the list of recognised FHCBs.”
“This ensures that the Committee's resources will be focused on matters that require its attention and, in the long term, ensure that requests can be met in a timely manner. So, we have to clear the backlog first and to reduce the number of frivolous fatwas that have been asked all this time. Should there be complex or urgent matters to be addressed, the Committee will convene meetings more frequently to deliberate on the issues. I would like to emphasise that not all religious queries warrant a fatwa, even when you ask for one. It may not warrant a fatwa, particularly when comprehensive guidance already exists in established sources, such as the religious guidance, or irsyad, issued previously by the Office of the Mufti. I would now move to halal products. Members have also supported the establishment of a framework to recognise FHCBs. This is a positive development, given that Singapore relies heavily on imported food products, some of which would bear the marks of these FHCBs. To Mr Mohamed Sharael Taha, Mr Louis Ng, Dr Syed Harun's questions and to Mr Faisal Manap's questions, too, MUIS' recognition of FHCBs will help our halal-certified food establishments identify halal products from overseas and strengthen their halal regime. This ensures that all food products used in such establishments, including those that are imported, meet MUIS' halal certification standards. So, MUIS already has these standards and they have to meet those standards. FHCBs will then be subjected to a rigorous assessment to ensure that their halal standards are comparable with MUIS' standards, in order to be granted recognition by MUIS.”
“I would now like to turn to Mr Louis Ng's question about fatwas or religious rulings which play an important role in the life of our Muslim community and may be requested by members of the community for the purpose of Court proceedings. The issues raised to the Fatwa Committee today are increasingly complex, demanding detailed research and consultations to ensure that the opinions issued by the Committee are rigorous and sound. The amendments will allow the Committee to tap on a wider range of expertise within the asatizah fraternity to facilitate deliberations. Assoc Prof Razwana asked how MUIS selects the Fatwa Committee members, so did Mr Faisal Manap. Can someone apply to be a Fatwa Committee member? MUIS undertakes careful consideration in assessing an individual's capability and expertise and appoint them to the Fatwa Committee. So, it is by appointment. Since 1990, the Committee has appointed local religious scholars as associate members, thereby enhancing the depth of discussions and providing a training platform for those who may potentially serve as Committee members in the future. So, there is already a process to induct new, even young azatisahs, to get them to understand the fatwa process and, over time, when they qualify and have depth and a grasp of the religion to apply in context, they can be appointed to the Committee. While the Fatwa Committee seeks to address issues in a prompt and timely manner, the time taken for an opinion to be issued may vary, depending on the complexity of the issue. With the amendment, the Fatwa Committee will be empowered to decide whether there is a need to issue a fatwa based on the request received.”
“For example, ARS-registered teachers have to complete a Continuous Professional Education programme of a prescribed number of hours, to be in touch with the latest development, to be in touch with one another and also with our senior religious teachers. They cover modules, such as the Code of Ethics, Contemporary Islamic Thought and Modern and Prophetic Pedagogy. Taken together, the robust ARS-registration system, comprehensive asatizah training and the strong IECP regulatory framework seek to uphold the quality delivery of our religious education which means that, if we do this right, then our understanding of Islam, will be well-guided, moderated and also, always in touch with those who are qualified. That said, I would like to urge our Muslim community to exercise due diligence and seek religious instruction from credible sources, and, in particular, refer to our ARS-certified teachers to better guide ourselves and our children on religious matters and education. I thank Dr Syed Harun for also raising the issue of whether this amendment would affect private religious sharing, especially within the context of the family. I would like to clarify that this amendment aims to better regulate Islamic religious education in Singapore, specifically by religious schools or other individuals and entities that provide religious instruction. It is not intended to regulate the private and personal sharing of religious views and opinions between individuals, friends, family members or colleagues or, as Mr Faisal Manap puts it, zikir sessions, or sessions where you are not imparting religious instructions. So, it does not apply to all these. So, you can keep teaching your children. It is okay. Members can teach their children at home. It is alright.”
“Indeed, we should give opportunities to our qualified religious teachers to be the one guiding us because they are not just qualified, they are accredited and they are well-placed to lead us whether it is in Quran reading or religious guidance and we need not go to other secondary sources, more so those from overseas. Second, any individual or organisation seeking to offer religious instruction habitually to at least 10 other individuals physically present in Singapore – that means, together, not one at a time, 10 together, up to 10, would have to register as a Muslim religious school with MUIS, under its current Islamic Education Centres and Providers, or IECP, scheme. To Mr Faisal Manap's "why 10?", this ensures that our definition of a Muslim religious school is in line with the broad understanding of what a school is defined in other legislative Acts. We are taking a leaf from other legislation to make sure that we are consistent. IECPs, therefore, must submit their school curriculum, syllabus and learning materials for verification and quality assessments. Third, the provisions will encompass both online and in-person instruction. They apply to individuals and organisations based in Singapore and who are conducting online religious classes for 10 or more individuals also physically present in the country. To Mr Louis Ng's question, these provisions will cover virtual rooms if the individuals attending the classes are physically present in Singapore. Fourth, MUIS ensures that Muslim religious schools offer quality education by conducting periodic audits on these institutions and their teachers, and this is important for our community.”
“The nature of Islamic religious education and Muslim religious schools have changed dramatically since AMLA was first enacted in 1966. In fact, we have more qualified teachers amongst us than we had before, people who went to schools overseas and are graduates of esteemed Islamic universities. Religious education also no longer takes place only in a physical school or setting but has also expanded to online platforms and channels. The AMLA, therefore, needs to be updated to reflect these changes. We need to ensure that religious teachings communicated through various platforms are appropriate for a contemporary and diverse society. Hence, we must continue to strengthen MUIS' administration of our Muslim religious schools, to preserve the high level of confidence that the community places in them. Dr Wan Rizal asked how the proposed definition of religious schools will impact Islamic religious education in Singapore. Assoc Prof Razwana Begum asked how MUIS ensures that Muslim religious schools meet quality standards, and Mr Faisal Manap asked where the 10 comes from and how do we define what makes 10. First, Islamic education in Singapore must be delivered by individuals who are certified under MUIS' Asatizah Recognition Scheme, or ARS. This applies also to Quran teachers. They are under the second level, ARS II. This will ensure that our community has access to proper religious guidance from accredited and qualified religious teachers who possess a good understanding of Islamic values and principles and who are attuned to Singapore's context.”
“I agree with Mr Sharael Taha and Assoc Prof Razwana Begum that MUIS must ensure proper governance of WMS and this is what the Bill will require MUIS to do. As with other wakaf, the WMS must be audited as a matter of public accountability and its financial statements published in MUIS' annual reports. So, they will be presented to Parliament and we can scrutinise them. The WMS will be held to stringent standards, with clear rules governing its administration. This will give the community confidence that their contributions will make a real and positive impact. The wakaf funds are primarily placed in property and low-risk investments that can reap a steady income stream whilst preserving its corpus. As an Islamic endowment fund, MUIS is guided by the Fatwa Committee and the MUIS Investment Committee to ensure that the investments are permissible and that the wakaf objectives can be met. All contributions to a wakaf, including WMS, will have their proceeds distributed in accordance with the wakaf's objectives. Therefore, the contributors will not be able to alter or direct the intent and direction of the wakaf. That is what wakaf means. One cannot change it. This ensures that wakaf are used for charitable and socio-religious purposes that it was originally intended. I thank Mr Zhulkarnian Abdul Rahim for his suggestion to set up a dispute resolution framework for wakaf. Just like other wakafs, any disputes relating to the management of WMS after a mutawalli has been appointed will be managed through the wakaf dispute resolution framework, comprising mediation and inquiry processes institutionalised by MUIS. Let me now turn to the proposal to improve the quality and delivery of Islamic religious education, which Members agreed is an important issue.”
“The mutawalli will then manage the wakaf in accordance with the rules, terms and conditions required by MUIS. The WMS is a wakaf by the community and for the community. Who will benefit the WMS benefit? In its first instance, the returns from the WMS will be used to sustain our religious institutions, develop our asatizah fraternity, and empower our Singapore Muslim community. Over the next 30 years, many of our mosques and madrasahs will face land lease renewals. The WMS will enable the community to prepare early for these growing needs by harnessing our collective resources in the here and now, instead of having to find funds to meet very sizeable requirements only when they are due. The WMS will therefore augment the existing Mosque Building and MENDAKI Fund, or MBMF, to support the large capital expenditure needed to fund the various land lease renewals, redevelopment and upgrading, as well as to develop new mosques. The WMS will also support efforts to develop and professionalise our asatizah fraternity and nurture competent religious leaders, who are able to guide the community through challenging and contemporary issues. WMS will serve as a reserve fund to support the community in moments of need, such as during severe national crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. We will take the cue from the use of our national Reserves to assess when our community can use the reserve fund and when it is critically needed to enable our religious institutions to support the community. I thank Dr Syed Harun for his suggestion on whether the community organisations serving purposes aligned to WMS will be able to tap on the fund. We will study it further in consultation with MUIS and the MUIS Council, our Malay/Muslim community organisations and the broader public.”
“Mr Speaker, I thank Members who have risen in support for this Bill and I note that the Worker’s Party has done the same. This enables our statutory Muslim institutions to meet the evolving needs of our community. Let me address the issues as much as I can, as raised by the Members. I am heartened by the strong support from Members and the community to empower MUIS to establish the Wakaf Masyarakat Singapura (WMS). Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim raised several questions about the WMS and how MUIS would manage wakaf. Let me explain. The WMS is unique as it will be the first multi-asset wakaf created by MUIS where voluntary contributions from all members of the Singapore Muslim community can be received. All members, whether you are rich or poor, you can do it. These can be in the form of cash, property or CPF nominations. The WMS will be supported by collective community contributions and used for collective purposes. It is unlike traditional wakaf, which are created by individual Muslims and bequeathed for specific purposes as designated by the contributors. The WMS will also complement existing wakaf that have been created for specific causes such as education, which Assoc Prof Razwana had suggested. We want the WMS to build a sizeable corpus, such that its long-term returns can benefit the larger community and be flexible enough to meet the evolving socio-religious needs of our community over time in the future. Muslim individuals who wish to contribute to specific causes may still set up their own wakaf and enliven this wakaf spirit. As with all wakaf in Singapore, the WMS will be vested in and administered by MUIS under the AMLA. To Dr Syed Harun’s question, MUIS will appoint a mutawalli once the WMS has been vested and the corpus has been built.”
“Thank you. Sir, Ms He had asked about the number of complaints and reports made against day activity centres and long-term care facilities that were referred to the Police for further investigation in the past five years. The reply to her indicated that the number of cases referred to the Police was three. The correct number should have been five.”
“Mr Speaker, with your leave, may I correct a factual error in the written reply to Parliamentary Question for Written Answer, Question No 28, by Ms He Ting Ru for the 9 January 2024 Sitting?”
“All parents, regardless of their working status, are supported with a universal basic childcare and infant care subsidy for their Singaporean children. Working mothers receive more support for full-day childcare and infant care as they may have a greater need for care for their children while they are away at work. Applicants who are not working due to extenuating circumstances and need full-day childcare, for example, illness, seeking employment, undergoing training/skills upgrading, and those who need to care for other dependants, can apply for special approval to receive subsidy support equivalent to what a working mother applicant will receive. Today, families under the Housing and Development Board’s Public Rental Scheme or the Ministry of Social and Family Development’s ComCare schemes are also automatically eligible for maximum preschool subsidies until the next fixed point of assessment, regardless of the mother’s working status. Non-working mothers can also enrol their children in half-day kindergarten. Singaporean children enrolled in kindergartens run by the Ministry of Education or Anchor Operators may receive kindergarten subsidies, which do not depend on the mother’s working status. The Government will do more to ensure that parents can consistently afford to send their children to preschool. As stated in the Forward SG report, we will extend full childcare subsidies to all lower-income families based on their income tier. More details will be provided when ready.”
“Introduced in 2014, the School-to-Work (S2W) Transition Programme provides customised training pathways and internship opportunities to help work-capable Special Education (SPED) graduates transit into employment. Seventy-one percent of SPED graduates placed into employment through the S2W Transition Programme between FY2018 and FY2021 remained in employment as of end 2022. Based on CPF contributions, they had earned an average monthly salary of $1,100, across those who do part-time and full-time work.”
“The Ministry of Social and Family Development does not track the number of persons with disabilities using personal mobility aids for freelance delivery work. From 1 January 2023, eligible persons with disabilities, including those who do freelance delivery work, qualify for the highest Workfare Income Supplement payment tier of up to $2,800 per year, regardless of age. As announced by Prime Minister Lee at National Day Rally 2023, the Government will also be further enhancing Workfare, and more details will be announced at Budget 2024. Moves to strengthen protections for platform workers, which will be implemented from the second half of 2024, will enable platform workers, including persons with disabilities, to improve their retirement adequacy. Persons with disabilities who wish to explore other employment options can also tap on support under the Open Door Programme, to receive up to one year of job matching and customised employment support from trained job coaches, as well as subsidies to attend training courses by Enabling Academy – SG Enable’s disability learning hub. Persons with disabilities can also take up job and training opportunities created under the customised Place-and-Train programme.”
“Over the past five years, the average annual resignation rate for staff in the Child Protective Service (CPS) was around 15%, and an annual average of around 5% of CPS staff moved within the Ministry of Social and Family Development or to other public agencies.”
“From 2019 to 2023, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) received an average of about 30 service-related complaints or reports each year against day activity centres (DAC)1 and MSF-funded adult disability homes (ADH)2, sheltered homes (SH)3 and welfare homes (WH)4 . MSF investigates all complaints and reports and refers cases to the Police for further investigation when it suspects that an offence may have been committed. Of the cases in the past five years, three were referred to the Police for further investigation.”
“We generally do not collect information on clients' occupation for our social assistance schemes, as such information is not used in our assessments. However, during COVID-19, there were schemes that catered specifically to self-employed persons. Around $390 million of support was provided to about 50,000 taxi and private hire car drivers via the Special Relief Fund and COVID-19 Driver Relief Fund. About 200,000 persons received assistance under the Self-Employed Person Income Relief Scheme, which provided a payment of $9,000 each to eligible individuals. We do not have readily available data on the disbursement quantum as a proportion of applicants' income.”
“As mentioned in responses to related Parliamentary Questions in October and November 2023, case officers work with community partners to provide support for the child and the child's family for 12 months or more after the child is returned to their family. The exact duration and type of support provided for each family would depend on the case circumstances and the needs of the family. In addition to regular safety checks and monitoring, families could be referred to community agencies for case management, counselling, parenting support and may receive financial and employment assistance.”
“The Ministry of Social and Family Development regularly reviews the capacity of our funded disability services, including day activity centres and adult disability homes. We have been working with the sector to develop plans to better support adults with autism and their families, given the increase in awareness of autism and in the clarity of its diagnostic criteria. We will share more details in the coming months.”
“To prevent any unauthorised personnel from entering preschools, all preschools are required to keep their premises secured. Every preschool must have procedures in place to check and record the entry and exit of all persons. Most preschools use electronic locks at the entrance and visitors are only allowed entry after checks. Before any staff can be deployed in a preschool, including non-teaching personnel, the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) will check if they have any previous criminal offences involving children, or have been earlier barred from working in the preschool sector. Personnel assessed to pose a risk to children's safety are not allowed to be deployed in a preschool. Preschools are also expected to have their own procedures for recruiting suitable staff to work with or around children, which includes interviews and reference checks. Non-teaching staff may be deployed to assist in the care and supervision of children during arrival, dismissal and naptime. However, preschools must ensure there are measures in place to ensure the safety of children. These could include briefing non-teaching staff on appropriate child management methods and safety protocols as well as having a teaching staff present, where practicable. These measures are all part of our system of multi-layered safeguards, where ECDA, operators, centres and educators do our part to ensure children's safety in preschools.”
“In the past few years, less than 1% of cases investigated each year by the Child Protective Service involved instances where children and young persons were removed and subsequently reunified with their families more than once.”
“Children placed in out-of-home care are reunited with their families only after safety and risk concerns have been addressed. Following reunification, case officers work with community partners to do safety checks at least once a month, including through home visits, which could be announced or unannounced. The exact frequency and form of such checks would depend on the case circumstances and needs of the family. Aside from home visits, other checks may be done by case officers and community agencies, such as schools, social service agencies and healthcare institutions, to ensure the safety and well-being of the children. For example, case officers may check with school personnel on the children’s attendance and progress in school.”
“Over the last five years, the number of Child Protection Officers has increased by about 33%, to around 60 officers in 2022. Each officer handles about 40 cases at any point in time.”
“The Minimum Income Standards (MIS) study's estimates include more than the basic needs, which ComCare is meant to support. The Government issued a public statement on 14 September 2023 on the limitations of the MIS study and the Member can refer to the statement for further details.”
“A child in alternative care will be returned to their family only after safety and risk concerns have been addressed through interventions and the family has shown positive progress towards reunification.”
“Applicants apply for temporary financial assistance under ComCare Short-to-Medium Term Assistance (SMTA). If approved, they are provided SMTA for typically three to six months. Even if they obtain employment during the period of assistance, we continue to provide SMTA for the approved period. SMTA can be renewed, if the family continues to require temporary assistance even after its members obtain employment. In providing social assistance, we should remember that families have agency and are in the best position to know when they need assistance. A significant proportion of families who cease SMTA, find their feet and are self-reliant. This is testament to the strength and resilience of Singaporeans. These families do not expect the Government to continue monitoring whether they still require ComCare assistance.”
“Each year, about 2% of cases investigated by the Child Protective Service (CPS) resulted in the child being unable to return home as their families of origin were assessed to be unfit to safely care for their children. The reasons include parents’ chronic incarceration, serious mental health conditions of the parents, or their unwillingness to provide a safe environment for their child, even when professionals offer intervention and support.”
“Since the introduction of online applications for ComCare Short-to-Medium-Term Assistance (SMTA) via SupportGoWhere, about 13% of applications have been made online. The Ministry of Social and Family Development expects the proportion of applications made online to increase over time. There are several benefits to using the SMTA online application. Apart from being available 24/7, the portal taps on MyInfo to auto-populate relevant personal information, thereby reducing manual data entry. Applicants can submit relevant supporting documents directly through the portal and also track the status of their application and how much assistance they have received, without having to separately contact the Social Services Office (SSO). The system also reduces the need for further manual entry by SSO officers. Furthermore, aside from ComCare applications, the SupportGoWhere portal also enables clients to find information on other social assistance schemes offered by different agencies and check their eligibility for such schemes on a single portal, increasing clients’ access to more comprehensive and convenient support. The cost of developing the portal for SMTA online applications was about $1.5 million. We estimate that each client can save about 50 minutes through submitting an online application instead of a physical application at the SSO, and each SSO officer can save about 45 minutes in processing an online application instead of a physical application. Since the launch of the portal, we estimate that more than 10,000 and 9,000 manhours have been saved by clients and SSO officers respectively.”
“We welcome more employers to tap on support under ODP to start or expand their inclusive hiring efforts.”