Melvin Yong Yik Chye
Singapore
“But with greater autonomy must come stronger support and safeguards, especially for those who may be less equipped to navigate these decisions. At CASE, we strongly believe that consumer empowerment must go hand-in-hand with consumer protection.”
“Thank you, Sir. I have three questions on the balance between punishment and rehabilitation. One, how will schools be guided to balance disciplinary action with counselling and restorative practices? I think the Minister mentioned it. Whether MOE will track recidivism rates to assess if these rehabilitation efforts are effective?”
“Sir, I thank the Minister of State for his reply, and we are heartened. The Consumer Association of Singapore (CASE) will be happy to work with MAS on consumer protection measures. For consumers, we often use GIRO when we want to so call, "set and forget", recurring payments.”
“Sir, I would like to ask the Senior Parliamentary Secretary have we done a study on the profiles of those PMETs who have been retrenched and also, what are the types of jobs that the market is looking for?”
“Unlike support for persons with disabilities, there is currently no dedicated funding mechanism to incentivise employers to provide workplace accommodations for workers returning to work after serious non-work-related illnesses or medical conditions.”
“Sir, I thank the Minister for her answers. I have two questions. First, whether IMDA currently mandates stress testing or simulation of failover systems under peak or adverse conditions and if not, whether such requirements will be introduced following IMDA's review.”
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“But with greater autonomy must come stronger support and safeguards, especially for those who may be less equipped to navigate these decisions. At CASE, we strongly believe that consumer empowerment must go hand-in-hand with consumer protection. If we get this balance right, we can ensure that this transition will benefit all Singaporeans and not just the financially savvy, but also the more vulnerable among us. Sir, with that, I support the Bill.”
“Consumers must understand that once they sell these shares, the proceeds are no longer protected within CPF and decisions taken are not easily reversed. Second, the introduction of light-touch safeguards at the point of sale. For example, when a consumer attempts to sell their shares for the first time, there could be a clear prompt or a short cooling-off period. This is not about restricting choice but about encouraging informed decision-making. Third, enhanced vigilance against scams and misselling. We urge the relevant agencies to closely monitor the situation during the transition period. There should also be strong and visible public messaging to warn consumers against unsolicited advice or high-pressure sales tactics. In addition, financial advisers should be required to exercise heightened care when recommending the liquidation of these shares, particularly for vulnerable clients. Fourth, support for consumers who may need assistance. Not all Singaporeans are comfortable navigating CDP accounts or trading platforms. Accessible help channels, including hotlines and physical touchpoints, will be important to ensure that no one is left behind. Finally, I would recommend a post-implementation review. This should examine outcomes, such as how many consumers liquidate their shares, whether there are concerning patterns among vulnerable groups and whether complaints relating to scams or misselling increase in tandem. Such a review would allow us to respond quickly and timely if unintended consequences arise. Mr Speaker, this Bill reflects a broader evolution of our system, one that places greater trust in individuals to make their own financial decisions. This is a positive development.”
“Many SDS holders are not active investors. Some may have held these shares passively for decades. For them, this change may be perceived simply as an opportunity to "unlock cash". Second, the issue of financial literacy and decision-making. Owning shares directly in the market requires a certain level of understanding – of price volatility, timing and transaction processes and costs. Not all consumers have this knowledge. In our experience at CASE, when consumers are placed in unfamiliar financial situations, they can be vulnerable and may inadvertently make sub-optimal decisions. Third, and of particular concern, is the heightened risk of scams and mis-selling. Once these shares are directly owned and easily tradable, they become a potential target. Many in this House would be familiar with salespeople who approach Singaporeans unsolicited, asking consumers to purchase a course or a product using the latest Government grants. What is there to stop bad actors who seek to persuade or pressure individuals to tap on the SDS transfers to convince these shareholders to sell their shares and channel the proceeds into unsuitable or even fraudulent investments. Bad actors could also convince unsuspecting consumers in downloading a fake trading application, and scam victims. This is not a theoretical concern. We have seen similar patterns whenever consumers gain access to newly liquid assets. Mr Speaker, these risks do not detract from the merits of the Bill. But they do call for a stronger consumer protection framework to accompany its implementation. Allow me to suggest several practical measures. First, more targeted and effective consumer education. Communications should be clear, simple and tailored to different groups, especially our seniors.”
“Mr Speaker, before I proceed, I declare my interest as President of the Consumers' Association of Singapore (CASE). Sir, the Singtel SDS scheme has served Singapore well. It was a bold initiative, introduced in 1993, that enabled ordinary Singaporeans to participate in nation-building and share in the growth of Singapore's flagship telecommunications provider. Back in 1993, the scheme was conceptualised with the CPF Board appointed as the trustee, to facilitate Singaporeans' share purchases, as many then were unfamiliar with owning shares. Today, more than 30 years on, the context has changed significantly. Singaporeans are more financially literate, markets are more accessible and the administrative structures that once made sense may no longer be necessary. In that regard, transferring ownership of these shares from the CPF Board to individual holders and integrating them into the Central Depository system, is a logical and forward-looking step. However, from a consumer protection standpoint, this Bill is not just a technical amendment. It is a significant shift in responsibility: from the system to the individual. Previously, these shares were held within a CPF-linked framework. There were built-in safeguards, including restrictions on withdrawals and a trustee structure that provided a degree of discipline. With this Bill, these safeguards are effectively removed. Singaporeans will now have full control over these assets, including the ability to liquidate them and withdraw cash freely, rather than retaining their sales proceeds in the CPF Ordinary Account. This creates exposure to new risks, which we must mitigate. Allow me to highlight three key concerns from the perspective of consumers. First, the risk of premature liquidation.”
“Thank you, Sir. I thank the Senior Minister of State for his reply. Sir, recent reports indicate that parts of Southeast Asia, including Thailand, have experienced extreme heat conditions, with the heat index level exceeding 50oC, and therefore being classified as posing serious danger to human health. So, in view of this developments, may I ask the Senior Minister of State: one, given that Singapore's current approach is based on a heat stress advisory, whether the Ministry considers this sufficiently robust and actionable, or if there are plans to introduce a more formalised alert system, with clear thresholds and corresponding response measures? Are there also plans to increase the number of sensors that we put around various parts of Singapore? My second question relates to Singapore being a highly urbanised city-state. I would like to ask whether the Ministry has assessed how the urban heat island (UHI) effect may amplify heat stress in Singapore and how this risk is currently being factored into our national heat resilience planning? And lastly, on worker protection, can the Senior Minister of State clarify whether existing heat stress guidelines for employers remain adequate in the event of a more prolonged or intense heat conditions? Because I note that current heat stress measures are focused more on outdoor workers. Will the Government consider extending more formal protections or guidance to other at-risk sectors, such as indoor, non-air-conditioned workplaces, because most of our factories are non-air-conditioned, as well as for delivery riders who spend a lot of time outdoors?”
“I would like to encourage the new agency to strengthen support for those returning to the workforce in three areas. First, job redesign and matching. Jobs must adapt to workers, just as workers adapt to jobs. Can the new agency work more closely with employers to redesign roles and identify suitable job opportunities? Second, skills recovery and transition. How will the new agency support targeted training and career guidance to help these workers re-enter the workforce? Third, employer support and incentives. Can the new agency consider introducing targeted support for flexible work arrangements, such as a "Flexi-Work" grant to encourage modified roles, reduced hours, or even phased return-to-work options? A phased return to work can make the difference between dropping out and staying in the workforce. More broadly, we must move from ad hoc support to a structured return-to-work system, so that workers are not left behind due to unforeseen life circumstances. Mr Speaker, this Bill lays the foundation for a more integrated and responsive workforce development system. The Labour Movement supports its intent. Success will be judged by how well we improve the lived experience of workers – whether they can move with confidence between jobs, whether skills upgrading leads to real wage progression and whether lower-wage workers see sustained improvements in their livelihoods. If we keep these outcomes at the centre of our efforts, this reform will strengthen both our workforce system and the compact between workers, employers and the Government. Mr Speaker, I support the Bill and I look forward to the Minister's clarifications on these points.”
“The passport provides workers with a consolidated record of their skills and experience, improving both transparency and portability. However, one key question is whether lower-wage workers, especially those in PWM sectors, are actively using the passport today. If not, what more can be done to raise awareness, improve accessibility and encourage adoption among this group? We must ensure that tools, like the Careers and Skills Passport, are not just used by those who are already ahead, but also by those we most want to uplift. How does the new agency plan to integrate the passport with sectoral skills frameworks, particularly in PWM sectors? And how will it support employers, especially SMEs, to use the passport more effectively in hiring and progression decisions? Stronger and more inclusive adoption can improve skills recognition and job matching outcomes. Beyond supporting workers in employment and progression, we must also ensure that those who step out of the workforce can return with confidence. Mr Speaker, as the new agency builds pathways to support individuals returning to work, this must include not only caregivers but also workers who have experienced injury or sudden illness. As I have previously highlighted in this House, returning to work after an injury or an illness is often not straightforward. Workers may face reduced capacity, loss of confidence and uncertainty about how to re-enter employment. A setback in health should not become a permanent setback in employment. At the same time, employers may be unsure how best to accommodate such workers. Recovery is not just a medical issue, it is also a workplace issue. We therefore need a more structured and coordinated approach.”
“In this regard, the Progressive Wage Model (PWM) remains a key pillar in our efforts. PWM has uplifted lower-wage workers by linking wages to skills, productivity and career progression. It has also contributed to sustained wage growth across several sectors. For PWM to remain effective, it must be supported by a well-aligned skills ecosystem. In this regard, I have three suggestions. First, I urge the new agency to align training pathways more closely with PWM job ladders, so that workers can clearly see how skills upgrading leads to wage progression. Second, I encourage continued collaboration with tripartite partners to keep sectoral skills frameworks current and responsive. Third, I call on the new agency to expand workplace-based training, enabling workers to upgrade while remaining employed. At the same time, sustained wage growth depends on continued productivity gains. Mr Speaker, I would like to ask how the new agency intends to support companies, especially SMEs in PWM sectors, to undertake job redesign and productivity improvements and better wage outcomes for our lower-wage workers. Can it provide more structured advisory support, practical tools and targeted funding to help companies adopt technology and better match skills to jobs? This will be key to ensuring that productivity keeps pace with wage increases and that PWM remains sustainable over the long term. Building on this link between skills and progression, let me turn to the Careers and Skills Passport that was introduced in 2024 and also mentioned by the Minister in his opening speech. This initiative can complement PWM, particularly in sectors where wage progression is tied to clearly defined skills ladders.”
“Mr Speaker, this Bill comes at a time when our workforce is navigating significant uncertainty, amid economic pressures and disruptive technological change. Jobs are being redesigned, new roles are emerging and existing roles are evolving at a faster pace than ever before. For many workers, especially mid-career and lower-wage workers, these changes bring both opportunity and uncertainty. In this context, the need for a more integrated and responsive workforce development system is clear. By bringing together SSG and WSG under a single Statutory Board, this Bill strengthens coherence across skills development, employment facilitation and career progression. The Labour Movement supports this direction. Mr Speaker, workers do not experience their careers in neat, distinct stages. Skills acquisition, employment and progression are closely interlinked. Bringing these functions together within a single agency can reduce fragmentation and improve coordination. For workers, this should mean a more seamless experience, where access to career guidance, training and job placements are better aligned. As this integration is implemented, it will be important to ensure that processes remain streamlined and responsive to both workers and employers. In particular, we must ensure that this more integrated system delivers for those who need it most. Mr Speaker, lower-wage workers must benefit meaningfully from this integration. They often face greater constraints in accessing training and career opportunities. The system must therefore be designed with their needs in mind. It should be accessible, adequately supported and outcome-focused, so that workers can upgrade without undue strain and see clear improvements in employment and wages.”
“Thank you, Sir. I have three questions on the balance between punishment and rehabilitation. One, how will schools be guided to balance disciplinary action with counselling and restorative practices? I think the Minister mentioned it. Whether MOE will track recidivism rates to assess if these rehabilitation efforts are effective? On cyberbullying, will MOE consider working with agencies, like IMDA and the social media platforms to enable faster take down of harmful content?”
“In this regard, I would like to ask whether the composition of our Vet Council will similarly incorporate, or formally consult, consumer or public-interest perspectives. This will help ensure that the regulatory framework is not solely profession-led, but also grounded in the needs, expectations and protection of consumers. Sir, while strengthening regulation, we must also ensure that it remains fair and proportionate. Internationally, there is increasing recognition that regulation should not only be disciplinary, but also developmental – supporting professionals to improve and maintain standards. For example, data from Canada shows that many complaints are resolved through advice, remediation or education, rather than disciplinary sanctions alone. This is particularly important in a manpower-constrained sector, where we must retain and support skilled professionals while at the same time, upholding standards. Mr Deputy Speaker, this Bill is a significant step forward in strengthening Singapore's animal health and welfare ecosystem. However, as we raise standards for veterinarians, we must also take a holistic approach, one that uplifts all members of the vet care team, strengthens workforce pipelines and local pathways and, at the same time, enhances consumer protection, transparency and trust. International experience shows that a modern vet system goes beyond regulating individuals. It builds a professional, accountable and consumer-centric ecosystem. By moving in this direction, we can develop a vet sector that is not only professionally robust, but also fair, sustainable and trusted by the public. Sir, with that, I support the Bill.”
“The rationale is clear: vet care is a complex service, and consumers need better information to make informed decisions. I would therefore like to call on AVS to consider similar measures, such as clear fee disclosures for common services, provision of estimates for higher-cost procedures and more consistent itemisation of bills. Sir, beyond pricing, another important area is informed consent. In Hong Kong, the regulatory body has introduced clearer expectations on client communication, including guidance on what should be conveyed to pet owners before treatment. This includes information on diagnosis, treatment options, risks and estimated costs. Such practices recognise that consumers should be properly informed before making decisions, especially where procedures may be complex or costly. I would therefore like to ask whether similar guidance or professional standards on informed consent will be developed here in Singapore. Sir, trust in any profession also depends on transparency in how misconduct is handled. In jurisdictions, such as Canada and Hong Kong, disciplinary outcomes and practitioner information are made publicly accessible to varying degrees, enabling consumers to make more informed choices. I would like to ask whether Singapore's framework will similarly provide a clear and accessible way for the public to verify practitioners' registration status, and access relevant disciplinary information where appropriate. In addition, Western Australia's model includes a consumer representative within its Veterinary Practice Board, helping to ensure that public-interest considerations are incorporated into regulatory decision-making.”
“While this has served us well, it may not be sufficient to meet growing demand, particularly as veterinary services become more specialised. There are also barriers in terms of cost and accessibility. Not all aspiring Singaporeans may have the means to pursue overseas education. From a workforce development perspective, we should consider whether more can be done to strengthen local pathways: whether through expanded partnerships, local clinical training opportunities, or, in the longer term, a local degree option. At the same time, we should continue to support and to develop our local pool of vet nurses and technicians, who form the backbone of our day-to-day care. A strong, well-supported workforce across all levels is essential if we are to deliver consistent, high-quality vet services. Sir, I now turn to the consumer perspective. Vet care can be a significant and sometimes, unexpected expense for households. Pet owners often have to make decisions under emotional stress, with limited information and time. This creates a situation of information asymmetry, where consumers may not always be able to fully assess treatment options or costs. In such circumstances, trust becomes critical. However, trust must be supported by systems: by transparency, accountability and fair practices. Feedback from the public has highlighted concerns about the lack of upfront price clarity, wide variations in fees and difficulty in comparing services across providers. In this regard, we should look at developments in the UK. Recent reforms there have placed strong emphasis on consumer protection, including requiring clinics to publish price lists for common treatments, disclose ownership structures and strengthen complaints and redress mechanisms.”
“They are often the first point of contact for pet owners and play a critical role in ensuring continuity of care. From a Labour Movement perspective, it is important that these workers are not treated as peripheral, but as professionals in their own right. This means having clear standards of practice, structured training and certification pathways, fair wages and working conditions and meaningful career progression. Without these, we risk a situation where demand continues to grow, but the workforce remains stretched, under-recognised and difficult to retain. If we look at developments overseas, the direction is clear. In Western Australia, veterinary nursing has been formally recognised as a regulated profession. In Hong Kong, the authorities are studying a framework to regulate veterinary nursing practitioners. Similarly, in the UK, reforms are moving towards stronger recognition and oversight of allied veterinary professionals. These developments suggest that a modern vet system does not focus only on vets, but also on the entire care team. In this regard, I am glad to note from the Minister of State's opening speech that there are plans to develop a more formal framework for vet nurses and technicians in Singapore. But the question is whether it will be done through accreditation, registration or other mechanisms. And the more important question is, when will it take place. Such a framework would not only uplift the profession but also give consumers greater assurance about the competency of the entire care team. Sir, beyond standards, we must consider the sustainability of our vet workforce. Today, the pathway to becoming a vet remains largely dependent on overseas training, such as the concurrent programme between NUS and the University of Melbourne.”
“Deputy Speaker, I rise in support of the Bill, which seeks to provide for the registration of veterinarians and the regulation of individuals practising veterinary medicine. This Bill reflects how we, as a society, value animal welfare, professional standards and consumer trust. As Singapore's pet scene evolves and grows, our vet care systems and regulatory framework must evolve in tandem. In this regard, the Bill is both timely and necessary. However, I would like to raise several questions and suggestions, particularly from the perspectives of workforce development and consumer protection and, at the same time, to draw on relevant practices from other jurisdictions. Sir, Singapore's vet landscape has changed significantly in recent years, driven largely by the rise in pet ownership. Pets today, as many Members of the House have mentioned, are no longer just companions. For many households, they are family members. With this shift has come a corresponding rise in expectations. Owners seek not only competent care, but also high standards of professionalism, communication and accountability. Many pet owners are also prepared to invest more to ensure the well-being of their animals. As a pet owner myself, I can certainly relate to this. We all want to do our best for our pets, especially when they are unwell or vulnerable. In this context, the establishment of a Veterinary Council is an important step forward. It will strengthen governance, uphold standards and enhance public confidence in vet services. Sir, while the Bill focuses on veterinarians, veterinary care is delivered by a team. Vet nurses, technicians and allied professionals are integral to diagnosis, treatment and recovery.”
“Sir, I would like to ask the Senior Parliamentary Secretary have we done a study on the profiles of those PMETs who have been retrenched and also, what are the types of jobs that the market is looking for? And whether the Ministry has any plans to improve our job matching and reskilling interventions, so that we can better align displaced PMETs with available roles in these new areas of engineering and technology? And how does the Ministry then assess the effectiveness of such efforts to date, if they already exist?”
“Sir, I thank the Minister of State for his reply, and we are heartened. The Consumer Association of Singapore (CASE) will be happy to work with MAS on consumer protection measures. For consumers, we often use GIRO when we want to so call, "set and forget", recurring payments. And therefore, we acknowledge that while there is convenience of using GIRO, it also comes with trade-off, including the possibility of fraud. Many consumers regard GIRO as a secure and convenient means of payment, and therefore, we must put in place the necessary safeguards. I want to ask whether there are existing thresholds or guidelines for banks to therefore flag anomalous GIRO deduction patterns? If not, whether MAS intends to introduce such standards for the banks? Because when we do GIRO, we forget about it and we expect that the banks protect us by monitoring certain patterns.”
“Unlike support for persons with disabilities, there is currently no dedicated funding mechanism to incentivise employers to provide workplace accommodations for workers returning to work after serious non-work-related illnesses or medical conditions. Therefore, such a time-bound scheme could help to offset productivity adjustments and accommodation costs as workers gradually regain work capacity. At the same time, we should reduce financial barriers for our workers. Allowing MediSave to be used for return-to-work-related expenses, such as assessments and evaluations of a worker's condition and fitness for work. These would ease out-of-pocket costs and support the worker's recovery. Fairness must not depend on how a worker fell ill or got injured. It must depend on our commitment to help them recover.”
“By drawing inspiration from these programmes, I propose that we develop a dedicated Back-to-Work pathway that supports workers who are unable to return to their previous jobs due to illness or injury. Facilitated transition into suitable new roles will provide stricken family breadwinners with much needed assurance and hope of reskilling, that is aligned with their new health conditions. This pathway should include: targeted skills training aligned with medical capacity; career coaching and confidence rebuilding, job matching with supportive employers; and transitional employment opportunities. This will ensure that a health setback does not become a permanent setback. Finally, we must take a forward-looking step – to broaden support beyond workplace injuries. Today, support pathways are strongest for work-related injuries. But for workers recovering from serious non-work-related conditions, support remains uneven today. From the worker's perspective, there is no difference between a workplace injury and a serious illness – only the question of whether they can return to work. The impact is the same: loss of income, reduced work capacity and uncertainty about the future. In countries, like New Zealand, support is structured around recovery and work capacity – not just the cause of injury. This is a direction I hope Singapore should aspire to move towards. I therefore suggest that the Government consider introducing a time-bound wage support scheme to help employers reintegrate workers recovering from serious health conditions.”
“In Singapore, NTUC, together with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF), is developing the Tripartite Advisory on Providing Reasonable Accommodations to Persons with Disabilities. This is a positive step. I urge the Ministry to consider expanding this advisory or, perhaps, introducing a complementary one – to explicitly cover workers recovering from injuries and serious health conditions. This should include practical guidance on job redesign and phased return; workplace adjustments and assistive solutions; and managing productivity during recovery. We should also explore a shared return-to-work support model and increase awareness and access for SMEs to trained coordinators or centralised expertise. This will ensure that smaller firms are not disadvantaged in supporting their workers. Third, we must support workers who are unable to return to their previous roles. For some workers, especially after serious injury or illness, returning to the same job may no longer be possible. Without structured support, these workers risk long-term unemployment and loss of livelihood. A worker who cannot return to the same job should not be left without a future. In Canada and parts of Europe, workers are supported through vocational rehabilitation, retraining and job matching based on their work capacities, post-injury. This ensures they remain active contributors to the workforce. In Singapore, we have strong foundations. For example, SG Enable offers both job placement and job support services, which provide coaching, job matching and workplace support to help persons with disabilities enter and remain in employment. But we can go further.”
“International evidence shows that the first few weeks after an injury or illness are critical. In return-to-work, timing is everything. If we miss the window, we lose the worker. If support comes too late, workers risk drifting into long-term absence from the workforce. Today, while Singapore has return-to-work programmes, activation may not always happen early enough or consistently across sectors. This is because participation is voluntary and largely dependent on employer willingness. We should therefore strengthen early intervention by encouraging earlier referral into return-to-work support; establishing clearer expectations for employer engagement; and promoting early coordination between employers, workers, insurers and healthcare practitioners. If we act earlier, we can significantly improve outcomes for our workers. I am therefore glad that the forthcoming Alliance for Action on Safety and Health for Employment Longevity intends to explore industry-led solutions to promote return-to-work. The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) stands ready to support this effort. Second, we must strengthen employer capability, especially amongst small and medium enterprises (SMEs). SMEs employ around 70% of our local workforce today. If they are not equipped to support return-to-work, many workers will fall through the cracks. In short, if return-to-work does not work for SMEs, it does not work for Singapore. Many employers want to help but may not know how. In leading jurisdictions, employers are supported with clear frameworks, practical tools and access to return-to-work coordinators.”
“In the Netherlands, employers and injured workers have clear duties, where such workers are actively reintegrated through structured plans, medical support and suitable work arrangements. In Australia and New Zealand, return-to-work is embedded early, with work capacity assessments and coordinated rehabilitation support involving employers, insurers, public agencies and healthcare professionals to support workplace reintegration. In Ontario, Canada, nine in 10 injured workers supported by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board return to work within a year through customised support and clear employer obligations to provide suitable work and accommodations. In Germany, employers are required to offer structured reintegration processes for workers who have been absent for more than six weeks within a 12-month period. In Sweden, the Social Insurance Agency coordinates support for workers returning to employment after prolonged illness. Employers ensure workplace adaptation and plan for return-to-work, while workers who cannot return to their previous jobs are further supported by various agencies through skills training, vocational rehabilitation and job matching aligned with their work capacity. Across these systems, three principles stand out: early intervention, shared responsibility and workplace-centred solutions. Singapore has made good progress in this area. But we can and we should take the next step forward. First, we must intervene earlier and more systematically. Studies show that having structured systems in place to deliver return-to-work sooner is a strong determinant of whether a worker successfully reintegrates at their workplace to contribute productively and without feeling excluded.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, I rise to speak on a matter close to my heart – how we can do more to support our injured workers in returning to work with dignity. Sir, this is not just about recovery. It is about whether every worker gets a fair chance to stand back up after a fall. Over the years, I have spoken in this House about preventing workplace fatalities, strengthening safety culture and improving near-miss reporting. These remain critical. But while we have invested heavily in preventing injuries, we must now invest just as seriously in what happens after. Because for many workers, that is when the real struggle begins. In 2025, Singapore recorded 660 major workplace injuries. Behind each number is a worker and a family, relieved that a life was not lost, but with deep anxiety about recovery, about income and whether life can return to normal. And this challenge is not limited to workplace injuries. We are seeing more serious health conditions affecting working-age Singaporeans. A recent report highlighted rising stroke cases among those in their 30s – people who are in the prime of their working lives. Whether from injury or illness, the pattern is the same. The longer a worker stays away from work, the harder it becomes to return. Savings run down. Confidence drops. Stress builds. Recovery slows. Mr Deputy Speaker, work is more than a pay cheque. It is dignity, purpose and a sense of belonging. That is why return-to-work must be treated as a core pillar of our workforce system, not a secondary consideration. If we look at leading jurisdictions, there is a clear lesson for us. The most effective systems do not wait for full recovery. They support recovery through work.”
“Sir, I thank the Minister for her answers. I have two questions. First, whether IMDA currently mandates stress testing or simulation of failover systems under peak or adverse conditions and if not, whether such requirements will be introduced following IMDA's review. Second, even if such continuous incidents are infrequent, the impact of such disruptions on both consumers and businesses is significant, and I feel there should be greater safeguards. So, will IMDA consider introducing more stringent resilience benchmarks on the telcos?”
“Thank you, Chairman. I have three clarifications for Minister of State Goh Pei Ming, they are all related to preschools. One, given the critical importance of quality early childhood education in shaping our children's developmental outcomes, how can ECDA further strengthen the capabilities of preschools to better engage parents as active partners in their children's learning and development? Two, the Ministry of Education (MOE) has introduced a right to disconnect policy so that school teachers are not expected to respond to work matters after school hours. Given that preschool educators also face demanding workloads, could the Minister of State clarify whether ECDA has similar safeguards for our preschool educators? Three, recognising that continuous professional development is fundamental to maintaining high educational standards, what steps is ECDA taking to enable our early childhood educators to pursue meaningful professional development opportunities, for example, giving study awards or time off for the preschool educators?”
“Mr Chairman, some lower-income families face layered and persistent challenges that cannot be resolved quickly even with well designed incentives. They may be coping with unstable employment, caregiving responsibilities, debt, housing constraints, or children with additional developmental needs. These challenges often interact and compound one another, even when families are making sincere efforts, attending coaching, enrolling in programmes, seeking employment or upgrading skills. Progress can be gradual and uneven. Milestones, such as clearing debt, sustaining employment, or ensuring consistent preschool attendance take time, especially when setbacks occur. In such circumstances, achievement-based progress package, though well intention may feel distant and difficult to attain. When goals seem too ambitious, families may feel discouraged despite genuine effort. This can dampen motivation and affect take up, particularly among those who already find the journey daunting. I therefore welcome this year's enhancements to ComLink+, including new payouts, smaller, but more achievable milestones and cash incentives. Recognising incremental progress and celebrating step by step gains will better support families on a realistic and dignified path towards stability and upward mobility. Could the Ministry share more details on how these new milestones will be calibrated and how the enhanced payouts will better reflect sustained efforts? How does MSF plan to strengthen the Comlink+ ecosystem, including both employers and community partners, to better recruit, support and retain beneficiaries in sustained employment?”
“Mr Chairman, accessible, affordable and quality preschools are fundamental to giving every child a strong start in life. First, accessibility means ensuring that preschool places are available and conveniently located across our neighbourhoods, so families can enrol their children without undue difficulty. Second, affordability ensures that families from all income levels can assess early childhood education without financial strain. And third, quality remains critical. A nurturing and stimulating environment supported by well-trained educators, age-appropriate curricula and safe facilities enables children's holistic development. A strong core of early childhood educators lays the foundation for our children's cognitive, social, emotional and physical growth, preparing them well for primary school and beyond. Sir, can the Ministry therefore provide an update on the progress made in strengthening the accessibility, affordability and quality of our preschool sector? At the same time, our early childhood educators are taking on increasing responsibilities. With smaller families and rising parental expectations, educators are expected to do more than ever before. This is further compounded by manpower challenges and the time required to fill vacancies. In this regard, can MSF consider expanding the roles and capabilities of learning support educators beyond special needs support, so that they can help augment and relieve pressures on our stretched early childhood workforce. Caregiving Leave Policies”
“Mr Chairman, families in Singapore face considerable pressures in our fast-paced and competitive society. Many must manage the cost of housing, education, healthcare and daily living. For lower-income households, these demands can be especially heavy. At the same time, long working hours in pursuit of job security and career progression often reduce the time parents spend with their children, placing strain on family relationships. Strong and resilient families, therefore, require sustained support. The Strengthening Families programme plays an important role through counselling, parenting workshops and family bonding activities. As family needs grow more complex, how does MSF intend to further enhance and scale up the programme to better support families facing multiple stresses? Mr Chairman, I would also like to raise a related issue. Overseas research has observed inter-generational patterns of children being born out of wedlock, often influenced by socio-economic factors. We should be mindful to prevent such cycles from taking root in Singapore. While upholding the importance of marriage and stable families, we must also ensure that children are not disadvantaged by their circumstances of birth. Currently, unwed parents do not receive the Baby Bonus cash gift, and they are not eligible for tax benefits, such as the Working Mother's Child Relief and the Parenthood Tax Rebate. These differences can have a real impact, especially for lower-income single parent households. Can MSF review how we can better support unwed parents in meeting their children's needs and whether more local research can be conducted to better understand and prevent potential inter-generational cycles? Independent Preschool Viability”
“While I welcome the enhanced dormitory standards, dormitories should be better integrated with surrounding communities, with accessible healthcare, recreation and essential amenities closer to where the workers live. Sir, workplace safety and worker welfare are not compliance exercises. They are commitments to dignity, responsibility and fairness. If we know what works, we must mandate it. If we see what harms, we must redesign it. And if we set standards, we must enforce them, because every worker deserves a safe and healthy workplace.”
“Mr Chairman, workplace safety is not a statistic, it is about lives, families and futures. I am encouraged that the workplace fatal injury rate for 2025 has fallen to 0.96 per 100,000 workers, down from 1.2 in 2024. This reflects the sustained efforts of workers, employers and the Government. But every life lost at work is one too many. Improvements must not lead to complacency. We must now take the next decisive steps. First, workplace safety and health (WSH) must evolve to reflect our ageing workforce. As retirement and re-employment ages rise, longer careers must also be safer careers. Risks such as falls, musculoskeletal disorders and fatigue cut across all industries, not just traditionally high-risk sectors. Employers must go beyond compliance. They should redesign jobs, automate hazardous tasks and eliminate risks at the source. Safer work design must become the norm, not the exception. Where safety technology has been proven to reduce accidents, adoption should not remain voluntary. In high-risk sectors, MOM should move towards mandating technologies such as anti-collision systems, video analytics to detect unsafe acts, and fatigue detection tools. If these technologies save lives, we should require their use. Government can also do more to drive change. Public procurement policies should reward companies with strong WSH records and clear investments in risk elimination and job redesign. Second, fatigue must be treated as a core safety issue. Guidelines are a good start, but guidelines alone are insufficient. MOM should strengthen safeguards on working hours and rest periods, and require employers to implement formal fatigue risk management systems. Finally, we must continue raising standards for migrant worker welfare.”
“It is a conclusion backed by ample research, both in Singapore and the rest of the world. It is true that this may be partially offset by nominal wage gains that bolster purchasing power. But it is unclear if this is the case. After all, while real incomes for the lowest percentile showed significant progress in 2024, this comes on the heel of many years of falling behind median real income growth. I believe that it is time to disproportionately raise the income threshold for the Workfare Income Supplement to $3,500, to better support those who are working hard to make ends meet but struggling under the burden of high costs. 2.15 pm Underemployment in Singapore”
“The question is not whether jobs will change, but whether lower-wage workers will benefit from the change rather than be displaced by it. I call on the Government to work very closely with tripartite partners to co-develop AI-augmented roles and to update skills frameworks, so that technology adoption translates into measurable productivity gains, better job quality and stronger wage progression particularly in PWM sectors. Mr Chairman, the question before us is simple. As Singapore advances, will our lower-wage workers advance faster? Inclusive growth does not happen by chance. It requires intent, accountability and action. Let us recommit to ensuring that the ladder of progress remains firmly within reach and that no worker is left behind. Raising Income Thresholds for Workfare Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim: Sir, in 2025, the accessible income threshold for Goods and Services Tax (GST) vouchers was revised upward, from $34,000 to $39,000. This was not the first time. It was set at $24,000 in 2012 before being consistently raised every few years. These historical revisions were due to a combination of rising cost of living as well as the GST hike. This represents an increase since 2012 of around 1.6 times. In contrast, the income thresholds for the Workfare Income Supplement have gone from $1,700 pre-2013 to $1,900 in 2013, to $2,500 in 2023, to $3,000 in 2025. This equivalent increase is around 1.75 times. While this may seem comparable, the truth is that the most recent bout of inflation hits the poorest the most. This is because the categories where prices rose the most, notably food, transport and rent, consume a disproportionate share of the incomes of those in the lower end of the distribution.”
“Mr Chairman, uplifting the wages and work prospects of our lower-wage workers is fundamental to building a truly "we first" society, one where progress is shared and no worker is left behind. The Progressive Wage Model (PWM) has delivered significant gains over the past decade. Lower-wage workers saw income growth that outpaced the median. However, from 2024 to 2025, median real income growth exceeded that of lower-wage workers. This reversal, though modest, is a warning signal. If we are serious about inclusive growth, the wage growth for lower-wage workers must consistently outpace that of the median, not merely keep pace with it. The increase in the Local Qualifying Salary (LQS) is welcome. But wage mandates alone are not enough. Employers must drive business and workforce transformation so that productivity gains are built into lower-wage roles. The strength of PWM lies in linking wages to skills, responsibilities and productivity, rather than imposing a blunt wage floor. It preserves dignity and encourages progression. The Tripartite Workgroup on Lower-Wage Workers reaffirmed productivity as the foundation for sustainable wage growth. I therefore ask MOM, have we seen measurable sectoral productivity gains in PWM sectors? If not, what further interventions will be introduced? Workers must be supported to upskill and reskill to strengthen career mobility, especially as AI reshapes our economy. Access to training must become smarter and more targeted. I urge MOM to leverage AI to personalise SkillsFuture course recommendations, integrated into National Trade Union Congress' (NTUC's) AI-enabled career coach, so that workers receive clear guidance on their next skills pathway. AI will reshape every sector.”
“A nimble digital economy requires a nimble regulator. Beyond digital practices, we are also deeply concerned about the sharp rise in prepayment losses. In 2025, consumers suffered over $2.7 million in prepayment losses. This is a 40.4% increase from 2024. While many of these cases arise from certain sectors, the broader concern is this – businesses with weak financial standing continue to collect large prepayments to sustain cashflow. When such businesses fail, consumers are left bearing the losses. The risk is asymmetrical. Businesses gain immediate cashflow. Consumers bear the downside. I therefore call on the Government to introduce a mandatory cooling-off period for all businesses that collect significant prepayments. Consumers should have time – away from sales pressure – to consider their purchases carefully and to reconsider large prepaid commitments. A cooling-off period restores balance. It encourages responsible selling and gives consumers space to make rational decisions. Finally, I would like to update that the Consumer Protection Review Panel has been studying a range of issues affecting consumers, including better monitoring of unfair practices in the digital age and prepayment safeguards. Public consultations will begin on 16 March 2026. I must stress that consumer protection is not anti-business. It is pro-trust. Let us act decisively to protect that trust —”
“Mr Chairman, before I begin, I declare my interests as president of the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) as well as the co-chair of the Consumer Protection Review Panel. Sir, our consumer protection regime must move faster against errant businesses. Today, when CASE refers a business to the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCS) for breaches of the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act (or CPFTA), it can take well over two years before an injunction is granted by the Courts. In recent cases, the process has taken between 28 and 39 months from referral to Court Order. I do appreciate CCS for taking enforcement action and securing injunctions. But when enforcement takes years, consumers continue to suffer losses while cases are being processed. Errant businesses are allowed to continue their unfair practices for far too long. We can and we must do better. Today, CCS already exercises administrative powers under the Competition Act. I call on the Government to grant CCS similar administrative enforcement powers for breaches of the CPFTA. Such powers would allow CCS to act more swiftly – to issue directions, require compliance and stop harmful practices without relying solely on lengthy Court proceedings. This will free up judicial resources and, more importantly, protect our consumers earlier. This is especially critical as unfair practices evolve. We are already seeing a rise in dark patterns – deceptive online design tactics that manipulate consumers into making unintended purchases. These include hidden subscriptions, subscription traps that are difficult to cancel and AI-generated fake reviews that mislead consumers. These practices spread quickly online. Our enforcement tools must move just as quickly.”
“Thank you, Chairman. I have a clarification for Minister of State Desmond Choo. Given the importance of physical readiness for pre-enlistees, as well as NSmen, preparing for the Individual Physical Proficiency Test, and even the proposed Hyrox that you mentioned, whether SAFRA has considered extending its outreach by partnering with relevant agencies to provide or support exercise facilities and structured fitness programmes in neighbourhood parks, so as to make training more accessible and convenient for those who may not live near an existing SAFRA club? My Radin Mas constituency would be more than happy to partner with SAFRA to implement a trial in one of our neighbourhood parks. 4.45 pm”
“Mr Chairman, NS is fundamental to Singapore's defence and continued prosperity. NS is a rite of passage, where young Singaporean men will have to take on the serious responsibility of contributing to our nation’s defence. During my years serving in the Singapore Police Force and also in my earlier years doing my National Service in the SAF, I have met many national servicemen with a wide variety of skills. Through diverse vocations, ranging from logistics and engineering to cybersecurity and communications, our servicemen develop both hard and soft skills that are transferable to their civilian lives. They gain technical expertise, leadership skills and problem-solving abilities. They also learn to work under pressure, manage resources efficiently and get along with diverse teams across different backgrounds and cultures. However, Mr Chairman, I have a concern about what happens after our national servicemen complete their service. It is one thing for their commanders and superiors to recognise their growth and achievements through awards and various forms of NS-related recognition. But what is more crucial and what will affect these young men's career prospects is whether their future employers will recognise their practical skills that they have acquired during NS. We need to ensure that employers can make a more holistic assessment on their employability, one that accounts for the skills and experience that they gain during their NS. To that end, how does MINDEF intend to ensure that the skills acquired by servicemen are duly recognised? Totally Ready, for Singapore!”
“For nearly 20 years as a union member, he has done his part – working hard, providing for his family – and believing that if he persevered, things would improve. Through NTUC's Care Assistance Programmes, he received support for his children's school expenses and essential daily needs. For Mr Hussin, structured wage progression under PWM is not just a statistic. It means opportunity. It means stability. It means dignity. His story is not unique and that is precisely the point. When tripartism works, we translate policy into possibility for families like his. So, let us ensure that as Singapore rises in the age of AI, we rise together, leaving no worker behind and carrying every family forward. Sir, I support the Budget.”
“Since 2015, targeted discount schemes, such as those for Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) Blue and Orange cardholders, have delivered over $90 million in value to consumers who shop at FairPrice. Beyond daily essentials, we stepped in when families face deeper difficulties. In 2025 alone, the NTUC Care Fund supported over 47,000 lower-income union members and their families through various Care Assistance Programmes, with close to $5.5 million disbursed. These programmes support school-going children, assist families facing sudden income loss and provide relief during periods of hardship. This year, NTUC has cast a wider net by increasing the income eligibility of our Care Assistance Programmes to $4,300, aligned to the 20th percentile of gross household income in 2024. We will also strengthen support for single caregivers as well as families with younger children with special needs. The FairPrice Foundation further complements these efforts. In 2025, its community programmes delivered close to $12 million in support to over 1.2 million beneficiaries, including more than $1.6 million in fresh groceries and hot meals delivered through "A Full Plate", Singapore's largest food donation drive. But beyond support measures, the most sustainable answer to cost of living pressures remains wage growth. And that brings us back to PWM, the Local Qualifying Salary and tripartite resolve. Mr Deputy Speaker, let me conclude with the story of Mr Hussin. Mr Hussin is a cleaner and the sole breadwinner for his family. He has three children, aged 23, 20 and 11. Every day, Mr Hussin wakes before dawn to head to work. His job is physically demanding and often unseen, but he carries it out with quiet dignity.”
“Algorithms study our past searches, purchases, and preferences, and recommend items we are most likely to need. If AI can do this for shopping, surely, we can harness it for something far more important – our workers’ careers. SkillsFuture must therefore shift from being course-centric to worker-centric. Each worker should receive tailored training recommendations aligned to their experience, their career trajectory, aspirations, and life stage. SkillsFuture can be integrated with NTUC’s AI-powered Career Coach to deliver personalised training pathways at scale – identifying skills gaps, recommending relevant courses and mapping out progression pathways. If we are serious about AI, let us use AI to empower every worker, not just those who are already digitally fluent. I will next move on to address cost of living pressures. Budget 2026 provides important cost of living support measures. I commend the Government for these efforts. The Labour Movement will also continue to do our part. Our NTUC Survey on Economic Sentiments shows that wages keeping up with cost of living remains the top concern across all age groups and income brackets. A Consumers Association of Singapore poll of over 360 Price Kaki users found that nearly 60% of respondents felt that grocery expenses increased the most in the past year, and 82% said the Cost-of-Living Special Payment and the CDC vouchers would help their households the most. Through FairPrice Group, we benchmark more than 500 key value items and offer over 3,500 house brand products to stretch household budgets without compromising quality.”
“I therefore call on the Government to raise the baseline leave entitlement for PWM workers in outsourced sectors from seven days to 10 days. This is a calibrated enhancement focused only on sectors where the contracts' churn structurally limits leave progression. By setting a higher baseline within PWM, we strengthen retention, recognise accumulated service and improve workforce stability while allowing service providers and service buyers to price this transparently into contracts in a sustainable manner. Third, we should expand PWM to more sectors. Where sectors are ready, we should move decisively. For example, in the pest management sector, NTUC has engaged the Singapore Pest Management Association and industry stakeholders. We hope to implement PWM in this sector to professionalise the industry, improve retention and build local talent pipelines. As with other PWM sectors, we will make sure to bring onboard a good representation of industry players, including service buyers, to make sure ground realities are adequately addressed. Mr Deputy Speaker, for Singapore to capitalise on AI as a strategic advantage, our workforce must be AI-ready. The Prime Minister spoke about strengthening lifelong learning through SkillsFuture. I fully agree. SkillsFuture has embedded a culture of continuous learning. But in its next phase, we must address a structural weakness. Today, there are around 500 training providers offering 9,500 courses. The rush to utilise expiring credits revealed a real challenge: choice paralysis – too many options, too little guidance. We already see how AI works in everyday life. When we shop on e-commerce platforms, products are not shown to us randomly.”
“A predictable glide path will give businesses certainty while preventing the Local Qualifying Salary from falling behind wage realities. If we believe in sustained wage uplift, we must institutionalise it. Sir, I welcome also the extension of the Progressive Wage Credit Scheme (PWCS). It helps businesses adapt to higher wages as they transform and improve productivity. However, for PWM sectors where baseline wages have already crossed $3,000, and/or wage increases are below $200, support may taper off too quickly. I therefore urge the Government to review the PWCS parameters to include all sectors and occupations under PWM and the Occupational Progressive Wages. Where industries are undergoing longer-term transformation, co-funding support should be calibrated to match their transformation timelines. If we expect employers to sustain higher wages, we must align our fiscal support with operational realities. Beyond the Local Qualifying Salary and PWCS, we must strengthen PWM itself. First, I call on the Government to extend the PWM Bonus to all PWM sectors. The PWM Bonus functions very much like an Annual Wage Supplement. It provides workers with an additional payment to cope with cost-of-living pressures. Today, it applies only to cleaning, lift and escalator, waste management, and landscaping sectors. There is no principled reason to confine it to just these sectors. Second, we must address leave entitlements in outsourced service sectors. Many workers in these sectors see their leave reset when service contracts change hands. As a result, their leave stagnates at the statutory minimum of seven days, despite years of service in the same job scope.”
“Growth must not pull away from those at the bottom. To uphold a “we first” society, we must ensure that every Singaporean progresses, regardless of where they start. The Labour Movement reaffirms our commitment to work closely with the Government and the employers to ensure that the fruits of growth are shared fairly. We must maintain momentum in PWM through our tripartite institutions, especially the National Wages Council’s Progressive Wage Guidelines. Mr Deputy Speaker, the last major tripartite review on lower-wage support was in 2021. One key recommendation was that firms employing foreign workers pay at least the Local Qualifying Salary to all their local workers. Last September, I called for the Local Qualifying Salary to be raised in this term of Government. I therefore thank the Government for responding in Budget 2026 by increasing the Local Qualifying Salary from $1,600 to $1,800. But we must examine this in context. A Local Qualifying Salary of $1,800 corresponds roughly to the 10th percentile wage in nominal terms in 2023 – some three years ago. If the Local Qualifying Salary lags too far behind actual wage distributions, adjustments will become reactive and steep. I therefore urge the Government to consider three actions. First, publish the latest nominal gross monthly wage, excluding employer CPF, of the bottom 10th percentile of resident full-time workers, so that the Local Qualifying Salary adjustments are benchmarked transparently. Second, clarify what proportion of workers at or below the 10th percentile will be covered when the Local Qualifying Salary rises to $1,800. We must ensure that the policy meaningfully reaches those it is intended to protect. Third, move towards a more regular review mechanism or an advance schedule of increases.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, I rise in support of the Budget. It positions Singapore to seize opportunities in the age of AI, strengthen our engines of growth, and build a resilient and skilled workforce. In the lead-up to this Budget, MOF released an Occasional Paper on Income Growth, Inequality and Social Mobility. The findings are significant. Over the past decade, income growth has been broad-based. Lower-income workers experienced stronger gains. Real household income per member grew by 3.1% for the bottom 20th percentile, compared with 2.9% for the median. These are not abstract statistics. They reflect deliberate policy choices. The Labour Movement is heartened because these outcomes affirm the impact of the Progressive Wage Model (PWM). Unlike a blunt, across-the-board wage floor, PWM is sector-specific, covers over 40 job roles and links wages to skills and productivity. It recognises operational realities while creating structured progression pathways for our workers. Had we not adopted PWM, we may well have followed the global pattern, where median wage growth consistently outpaces that of the lowest-paid workers. I therefore thank the Government and employers for working with the Labour Movement to make PWM work. But Mr Deputy Speaker, we must not be complacent. Recent MOM data shows that median wages are beginning to outpace those at the 20th percentile. Between 2024 and 2025, real income grew by 3.6% at the 20th percentile, but 4.1% at the median. If this trend persists, the gap will widen again. Singapore also remains some distance from the OECD benchmark, where wages at the 20th percentile are around two-thirds of the median. As our economy matures and pivots towards AI-driven growth, tripartite partners must exercise leadership.”
“Mr Speaker, I thank the Minister of State for his reply. The reality on the ground is that tight scheduling and shift work patterns continue to entrench workers' fatigue. And we all know driving heavy vehicles is a very challenging task because of the vehicles' large size and unladen weight. Fatigue therefore compounds this difficulty and increases safety risks. Can the Minister of State share whether there are further plans to manage drivers' fatigue? I would also like to ask how many employers have tapped on the resources and grants available for companies to adopt vehicular safety technologies? If these technologies are proven to improve safety, but take-up rate among these companies are low, then would the Ministry consider mandating the adoption of such technology to improve vehicular safety outcomes? Perhaps we can start off with the higher risk sectors.”
“I therefore urge the Government to adopt these proposals because the lives of every worker matters. Mr Speaker, in conclusion, the Bill makes important legislative amendments to strengthen the safety of our active mobility landscape, helps reduce the risk of non-compliant devices catching fires within our homes and is timely in aiding our transition to the new ERP 2.0 system. I hope that the Government could consider my proposals to strengthen enforcement against unsafe deregistered vehicles from plying our roads and to improve the safety of workers, currently being transported at the back of lorries. Sir, notwithstanding that, I support the Bill.”
“I therefore thank the two Ministries – MOT and MHA – for working on this comprehensive Bill to make our roads and shared paths safer for everyone. However, in my view, this omnibus Bill was a missed opportunity to strengthen legislation to improve workers' safety. Sir, if you would indulge me, I would like to once again raise the plight of workers transported at the back of lorries. We have seen numerous traffic accidents involving workers being transported at the back of lorries happen over the years. More recently, an accident on 28 January 2026, that was just last week, involving a lorry along Orchard Road, resulted in 12 workers being sent to the hospital. Thankfully, there were no fatalities. Accidents like this remind us time and time again that more needs to be done to improve the safety of workers being transported at the back of lorries. NTUC and the Migrant Worker Centre have previously called for clearer restrictions on the co-mingling of workers with goods. Carrying passengers alongside goods and machinery is dangerous. When loads are not properly secured, workers face the risk of being struck or crushed during collisions or sudden braking. This is a foreseeable and preventable risk and the co-mingling of goods and passengers should be prohibited by law. Ideally, we should use proper transportation, such as buses, to transport our workers to and from their worksites. In the meantime, we should, at the very least, mandate seat belts to protect passengers from being flung out of the vehicle in the event of an accident. Sir, I have been raising these key points about workers' safety and workers' transportation over the years, and I will continue to do so at every opportunity.”
“Those with outstanding payments would be unable to transact with LTA on some essential services, such as road tax renewal, until the missed ERP charges are settled. I think this is a sound move. However, in the event where the vehicle owner fails to renew his road tax due to outstanding ERP payments, and the driver, who is an employee, is unaware of this and drives the vehicle, who would be liable for the resulting offence? Should we therefore align the current framework to also hold the vehicle owner liable, instead of the driver? Mr Speaker, the proposals under the Bill are timely in enhancing the safety of our roads and in reducing disamenities to other users who share our roads. I support the proposal to increase penalties for several road traffic offences, such as the illegal alteration of motor vehicles and taking to task those who allow illegal modifications to take place within their premises. I also support the proposal to increase penalties for keeping or using unregistered or deregistered vehicles. Absent from the stipulated vehicle inspections, these unregistered or deregistered vehicles can pose a safety risk to other road users. I would therefore like to ask how many cases did the Police investigate regarding the use of unregistered or deregistered vehicles on our roads in the past three years and how do we intend to do better enforcement to catch the users of such non-registered vehicles? Can the ERP 2.0 system be used to monitor and locate these vehicles? And if so, would the Police be able to use this system, so that they can take prompt enforcement actions? Mr Speaker, thus far, I have spoken about my support for the Bill and how I think that the measures would improve the safety of our shared paths and our roads.”
“According to a 2024 research article published in the Journal of Burn Care and Research, burn injuries related to lithium-ion batteries from PMDs can often be more severe than other types of burns, due to the thermal runway caused by such electrical fires. The British Safety Council has also issued a warning that, once a chemical reaction causes thermal runway, the lithium-ion batteries found in these PMDs could spontaneously ignite and such fires are hard to extinguish. Members may also remember the unfortunate 2021 incident, where a man died after his modified PMD burst into flames while he was inside a lift. This means that we do not need to be charging the batteries for them to catch fire. We must therefore do all we can to prevent people from possessing devices that have been illegally modified, due to the risk of devastating electrical fires that can result in the unfortunate loss of lives. Sir, I support the provisions in the Bill related to Singapore's transition to the ERP 2.0 system. I would like to ask if the Minister could provide greater clarity on when the existing ERP gantries would be removed. I note that LTA had previously said that these gantries would be progressively removed once ERP 2.0 begins and I am wondering if the Minister could provide more information on the timeline. Workers who travel extensively on our roads for their livelihoods, are rightfully concerned about the impact of distance-based congestion pricing that would be enabled by the ERP 2.0 system. I urge the Ministry to consider in its implementation the disproportionate impact that distance-based congestion pricing would have on these workers and their livelihoods. Sir, the Bill also proposes that vehicle owners, instead of drivers, will be responsible for unpaid ERP charges.”
“Mr Speaker, I stand in support of the Bill, which seeks to make amendments to various pieces of legislation to empower LTA to improve active mobility and vehicular safety and to enable the transition to the ERP 2.0 system. However, I have some questions and suggestions. Sir, firstly, I support the Bill's proposal to strengthen the regulation of PMAs. Preventing the misuse of PMAs by seemingly able-bodied individuals, tackling speeding and restricting the use of overly large devices, are good proposals by the AMAP and I am glad that the Government has adopted these recommendations. We must not compromise the safety of other path users, especially seniors and young children, when allowing AMDs to share our paths. Beyond the measures proposed, I would like to urge the Government to do more to tackle the occurrences of fires caused by these AMDs. In my Radin Mas constituency, I have seen our fair share of fires caused by PMDs. I understand that some of these fires were due to the use of unapproved PMDs, or in some cases, modifications to battery packs to improve the devices' range. In addition to endangering themselves, the owners of unapproved or illegally modified devices can cause harm to their neighbours in the event that these devices catch fire. Electrical fires can spread far more rapidly and the damage to surrounding HDB flats also tend to be more excessive. Sir, the Bill proposes to make it an offence to keep non-UL2272 certified e-scooters. I would like to ask if the same certification standard applies to all other forms of AMDs.”